About Bert Summerville

Bert Summerville-Kain left a teaching career that took her to Colorado and New York to join her friend and real estate broker at her firm in Franklin, Tennessee. That was more than 30 years ago; today, a career she described as "a world of wonderful possibilities" has led to her helping people find their dream spot along the coast of 30A.

Bert earned a bachelor's degree in biology and secondary education and taught high school for several years, earning the "Professional Business Woman Award." After she made the move to Tennessee, she excelled in real estate while also raising three children, earning a place among the top 10 percent of NAR members in Nashville year after year and earning "Rookie of the Year" honors. In 1998, she opted to make the Destin area home, saying, "I knew that the love I had of the water combined with the knowledge and success I possessed marketing properties would make this area the perfect place for me to begin a new phase of my life."

A NAR member on 30A for the past 15 years and a member of Scenic Sotheby's International Realty since 2007, Bert said real estate, for her, is all about the deal. She works in all of 30A's planned communities with clients who like to be within walking distance of the beach, shops and restaurants. She added that it makes her feel good to find a property that meets her clients' criteria and when there are issues to resolve, she gets it done.

Bert approaches sales and marketing with diligence, both representing buyers and sellers. She has a hands-on approach to reaching new clients, sending personal letters, postcards and brochures to potential sellers. In her mind, she said, communication "is primo." She lives by one of her favorite quotes: "You only have one chance to make a first impression."

In addition to her real estate career, Bert channeled her love of design and art into another entrepreneurial pursuit– owning her own boutique in Seaside. Here, she works with local artists to help showcase and sell their art.