Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Schemmel’s illustrious career at Schemmel Group, his growth of knowledge and expertise in the Sarasota, Florida area, and his ascendancy in the real estate market.

Comprehensive knowledge of the Sarasota area real estate market, strong business skills, and an affinity for luxury properties have established Joel among the top 1% of Realtors® in the Sarasota area. Joel and his team at the Schemmel Group have set several sales records in addition to being the top producing team within the Sotheby’s affiliate in Sarasota every year since 2008.

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Schemmel.

Seth Semilof: Going back to that first year, what made you successful? What made you stay in the business and not quit?

Joel Schemmel: I had to make the leap of faith into the business. many people coming into the real estate world it is cushy job and easy to break through and be successful, but it was harder than any of my other careers before. We had no connections to anybody here in Sarasota, so it was certainly a reality check for us to how to grow  the business. I thought with my background as an attorney and accountant people would be flocking. You really have to start from zero and build up your business. I made good relationships with a couple experienced agents and they let me take their listings, have open houses at those listings, even advertising a little bit from my perspective, so that is really how I started.

SS: A broker brought up how they built their business by basically going to all the open houses. Is that how you started your business?

JS: The reality is, of course, when you did an open house, you would think you would pick up a buyer, but my additional strategy was to meet all the neighbors and really establish myself as a as a source of information in that neighborhood; somebody you go to. It was definitely a twofold strategy.

SS: How did you get your first sale and how long did it take?

JS: The biggest challenge right is you start your initiatives and unless you stick with them for a good amount of time, I mean doing direct mail, which we did a lot of back then, you do it for three months, it was a waste of money, you have to do it for a year to produce your property, your first tangible transaction out of it. It is going into this business with your eyes open, that it is a year or two of investment, from my perspective, to get things rolling. It can be very lucrative, but it is a humble beginning.

SS: How did you evolve your business to where it is right now? How long did it take you to get that first trophy property?

JS: The way I approached it was to really focus on my neighborhood, to build a track record, so I became the expert in the neighborhood where I lived and built from there. You are building that base and that is the beauty of it. Once you get it going, it builds on itself to a certain extent, but I did not get into the million plus properties right away. It took a couple years.

SS: What advice do you have if someone's watching this that in a career they're not happy and they want to get into real estate? What advice would you give them?

JS: You have to approach it like a business, so it is not going to be instantly gratifying like it may be perceived from the outside. It does take some time to build up, so be ready to invest money, if you can, but your time. You have to be self motivated. Anybody can be successful in this business, but you do have to dig in and be very persistent. We have always taken the approach that we add value to our clients. Determine your strategy or your niche to add value because that will be what people gravitate towards.

For more information, please contact Joel Schemmel at 941-587-4894 or joel.schemmel@premiersir.com

Joel Schemmel is the exclusive agent the Sarasota, Florida estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Chat with Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 6: Joel Schemmel appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Offering one of the area’s most coveted lifestyles, this tropical sanctuary, known as Aquadisia, consists of almost 4 acres on the Gulf of Mexico in the coveted Sanderling Club on Siesta Key. With 528 feet of direct beachfront, one of the most significant on the entire Gulf Coast, this estate exudes privacy, tranquility, and relaxation from the moment one enters the amazing grounds.

Meticulously renovated, paying tribute to the original Guy Peterson structure and the majestic site, Aquadisia is a stunning modern muse. The sophisticated use of glass, water, quartz, hardwood, and shell stonework together to create a modern, warm and refined beach residence. Extensive planning and attention to detail have resulted in mesmerizing grounds including a grove of Royal palms, a reflecting pool and a labyrinth surrounded by exotic bamboo. The culmination is the perfect backdrop for indulgent relaxation or lavish entertaining both inside and out.

There are also many opportunities for expansion of the existing home or construction of a second home creating perhaps one of the most significant compounds in all of Florida. This property is truly extraordinary on its own, but as part of the Sanderling Club, it offers a guard gated entrance, beach clubhouse, tennis courts, beach cabanas, playground and dockage on the bayside of the island. Total square footage, bedroom and bathroom count includes additional parcel known as the “Pool House” located at 7711 Sanderling Road with 150 feet of water frontage on Heron Lagoon.

Price: $11,900,000

Address: 7712 & 7660 Sanderling Road, Sarasota, FL 34242

For more information please contact Joel Schemmel at 941.587.4894 or joel.schemmel@premiersir.com

Joel Schemmel is the exclusive agent representing the Sarasota, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Watch the video here:

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There are very few options to own a piece of Sarasota History. Particularly a piece of history that has been meticulously curated by its current owner to preserve history and at the same create a transition from yesterday to today.

Before we talk about how the property at 2530 Prospect was both preserved and transformed, let us talk about its history. During the 1930s and 1940s, the Repensky-Loyal family of circus performers lived in the home. At the time, homes were few and far between making the area perfect for practicing routines for upcoming Ringling Circus shows. Rumors are that elephants used to be commonplace in the neighborhood together with horses, knife throwing and flaming arrows. Mr. Ringling was said to visit often!

The residence includes architectural influences of the California Mediterranean movement and Spanish Colonial Revival beautifully intertwined with a rich circus performer's history and contained within the walls of a beautifully landscaped estate parcel in Arlington Park Sarasota. Is it 1925 or 2020? The 2,000 square foot 1925 custom built residence with artisan molded and tooled stucco over Oneco fire brick exterior walls are uniquely preserved showcasing original Saltillo flooring with handmade inserts, original Georgian pine floors with inlays and uniquely crafted fireplace. The 2005 addition is a seamless extension of the original home creating the perfect environment for combining today's modern comforts with historical flair. Included in the expansion is a 700 square foot great room with 17-foot ceilings, an oversized master suite, game room, and a workshop. New and old are brought together by a 15x30 pool together with an oversized pool deck featuring 18x18 porcelain tiles.

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

What is my favorite part of the house? The true interlinking of old and new. The pinnacle being the original side entry to the house being preserved as the entrance to the addition and great room. You literally walk out to a covered portico that serves and the transition to the newer part of the home complete with original detailing and original exterior walls of the home.

Another extraordinary aspect of the property is the sheer size of the lot. It makes up three original platted lots and is surrounded on three sides by a privacy stucco finished wall. The original corner monuments of the estate have been preserved and serve as markets for the enormity of the property.

Ultimately, to make a property desirable beyond its history, size and finishes what else do we need? How about location, location, location? This estate property has all three. First and foremost, you are literally a couple of minutes from downtown Sarasota’s shopping dining and cultural district. Second, you are in a quaint community of both new and old homes. Finally, you are in the Arlington Park Neighborhood that has come alive in recent years. One of the great features is the Park itself which features an aquatic center, dog park, playground, exercise area, nature trails, and butterfly garden. This is the type of environment the master-planned communities are trying to recreate all around Florida. Here the city and community have worked together to create this inclusive environment.

So, if you want to see old and new both in your home and in your neighborhood, 2530 Prospect Street in Arlington Park Sarasota should be on your list.

The post Joel Schemmel Discusses The Perfect Historic Sarasota Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Location, history and style. Love the uniqueness, look and craftsmanship of a historic home but need something more representative of today’s modern lifestyle? Look no further than this stunning East of the Trail estate. Sited on an oversized lot in the dynamic Arlington Park Neighborhood, this walled and gated 1925 Mediterranean Revival home is just minutes from downtown Sarasota and all the shopping, dining and cultural activities it has to offer. Beautifully updated and impeccably maintained the original residence features 9-foot ceilings, original Georgian hard pine flooring, Saltillo tile flooring and a hand-crafted ceramic tile faced custom fireplace wall. The kitchen is a chef’s dream and boasts original white wood cabinetry accented by stunning granite countertops and Kitchen-Aid Architect Series stainless steel appliances.

The 2005 addition flows seamlessly into the main home and includes a stunning family room with 17-foot ceilings, a game room, a laundry room/catering kitchen and a fully outfitted workshop. Designed for the utmost privacy, the Master Suite encompasses the entire second floor and features a huge custom organized master closet and a beautiful master bathroom including wall to wall Sinai Gold Marble, Swirlaway two-person Jacuzzi and large shower. The outdoor space boasts a cathedral style lanai, porcelain tile decking, a large rectangular solar heated pool, and extensive gardens and landscaping integrating the entire estate including the adjacent potentially buildable lot.

Address: 2530 Prospect Street, Sarasota, FL 34239

Price: $1,390,000

For more information please contact Joel Schemmel at 941.587.4894 or joel.schemmel@premiersir.com

Joel Schemmel is the exclusive agent representing the Sarasota, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

The post Joel Schemmel Presents An Impeccable Sarasota Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Inspired Coastal Design. Located in the private gated enclave of Oyster Bay Landings, this amazing waterfront residence combines unique architecture and incredible interior design to create a stunning yet comfortable and functional home. Set on a protected basin with direct access to Sarasota Bay, the home is strategically positioned to maximize privacy and water views from inside and out. Understated elegance resonates through the use of fine finishes and exquisitely detailed millwork highlighted by walnut hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, unique ceiling appointments, custom-designed built-ins, and natural stone countertops. Completely open to the family room, the kitchen is stunning and the true heart of the home featuring a solid red birch 6-inch thick custom butcher block island with a large marble gathering table. Entertaining is a breeze with multiple formal and informal spaces including a lofted game room and a walk-in 750 bottle wine room. The main level master suite is a private retreat while the upper level offers 3 beautifully designed guest suites. Heated saltwater swimming pool and spa, summer kitchen, multiple outdoor seating areas, and large back yard provide plenty of recreation space. The docks can accommodate 2 boats and are equipped with power, water, and 7,500 lb. lift. A home gym, a 6 plus car garage, and a workshop are the icing on the cake. All this in an amazing west of trail location near The Field Club, Siesta Key, Southside Village, and Downtown Sarasota.

Address: 1441 Rebecca Lane, Sarasota, FL 34231

Price: $4,650,000

For more information please contact Joel Schemmel at 941.587.4894 or joel.schemmel@premiersir.com

Joel Schemmel is the exclusive agent representing the Sarasota, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

The post Joel Schemmel Presents A Stunning Sarasota Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Located on a large private lot in the sought-after neighborhood of Lido Shores, The Pavilion House is an exquisite display of Mid-Century Modern Design elements and their purposeful integration with the surrounding tropical landscape. Designed by William Rupp, one of the original members of the Sarasota School of Architecture, and renovated by Seibert Architects, this home embodies the Modernist style in its use of expansive walls of glass, clean lines, functional design, and open floor plan. The understated front façade of the home is highlighted by bright red double doors that open to the captivating interior courtyard. Shell stone paver pathways and river rock edging accent the outdoor space and provide just the right accent to the black river stone walls of the lap pool. Once inside, one is struck by the sense of space and the delicate balance between indoor and outdoor living creating greater depth to each area. The galley kitchen, at the center home, is open to both the living and dining room. The master bedroom features three walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, custom organized master closet and his and her bathrooms with a shared shower. There are two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Lido Shores, located just minutes from St. Armand’s Circle, Longboat Key, and Downtown Sarasota, is home to some of the area’s most significant waterfront estates and iconic modern architecture creating a unique neighborhood with a vast history. Lido Shores homeowners have deeded beach access to a private beach park.

Address: 1155 Center Place, Sarasota, FL 34236

Price: $2,400,000

For more information please contact Joel Schemmel at 941.587.4894 or joel.schemmel@premiersir.com

Joel Schemmel is the exclusive agent representing the Sarasota, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

The post Joel Schemmel Presents A Beautiful Sarasota Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Gracefully sited on one-acre in a private enclave on world-famous Siesta Key, this one-of-a-kind Bayfront estate boasts a casual elegance reminiscent of a home in The Hamptons yet refined for today’s modern Florida lifestyle. The sprawling residence features a vast open outdoor living space including a stunning infinity edge pool, spa, covered state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen and lounge area, multiple terraces and a dock with boat lift. Rich ebony stained maple floors, impressive millwork, custom cabinetry and unique marble, granite and onyx highlight the interior finishes and work together to make this home truly special. The impressive kitchen, at the center of the home, features professional appliances, walk-in pantry, four dishwashers, three sinks and a dining alcove overlooking the pool area and tranquil bay waters beyond. There is plenty of room for entertaining in the living room, dining room, game room or media room, all located on the main living level. The spa-like master suite includes a terrace, domed seating area and marble finished his and her bathrooms joined by a steam shower. There are four additional bedroom suites, including an in-law suite with sitting room, as well as his and her offices and a craft room. An oversized three-car garage, portico, two laundry rooms, elevator, roof-top deck and smart home automation complete this amazing home. All this within walking distance to Siesta Key beach and minutes to the village with quick access on and off the island via the south bridge.

Address: 6629 Peacock Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242

Price: $8,400,000

For more information please contact Joel Schemmel at 941.587.4894 or joel.schemmel@premiersir.com

Joel Schemmel is the exclusive agent representing the Sarasota, FL real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby's International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby's International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby's International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby's International Realty Photo Credit: Premier Sotheby's International Realty

The post Joel Schemmel Presents A Graceful Sarasota Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.