Tried. Trusted. True. Eileen Bedinghaus has stood the test of time in real estate. She started 34 years ago and still holds the same passion for real estate as she did when she started.

Originally from Hollywood, Florida, Eileen moved to St. Pete in 1979. She has seen downtown St. Pete evolve over the years. When she moved to St. Pete as a teenager, she recalls portions of downtown scheduled for demolition.

She worked as a legal assistant for an attorney and a consultant at Vinoy Place before launching full-time in real estate. Through over three decades of real estate, Eileen has seen the city change and become the vibrant city it is today.

“I feel like I was part of the transformation,” says Eileen. She is married to her husband, an architect. Eileen says, “I feel like we are a thread in the fabric of St. Petersburg’s success.”  

As Eileen says, “I get giddy for my city.”

Eileen has been with RE/MAX for 13 years. Prior to that, she worked with other brokerages, initially starting with Carl Lambright before working with the Dolphin Sales Office and the Tidewater Beach Club in her early days. She returned to Lambright’s office before transitioning to RE/MAX. Eileen averages $10 million sales each year.

Over the last three decades, she has learned time-tested methods for success.

“Use a business plan, always. Use a Buyer Brokerage agreement as much as you use a listing agreement,” advises Eileen.

 

Determined to be the best REALTOR® possible, Eileen has a commitment to never stop learning and listening.  She points out, “Thirty-four years in this business and I still attend seminars because if you think you know it all, you don't. There is always something new and better happening in this amazing business.”

 

Eileen also stresses the importance of being on a team, which is important for work-life balance. “If you aren't on a team, find someone in your office to partner with so you can take time off and have downtime,” she explains.  “This business can overwhelm you, but only if YOU let it. You don't have to build a huge team to make great money.  Find a dedicated assistant (one who has zero interest in becoming an agent is best for retention) and take it from there.” 

 

“This career has given me so many friends and 'framilies.'  Recently I worked with the THIRD generation of a family!  It was so wonderful,” says Eileen.

Helping people is part of her nature for Eileen, who has built her business through referrals.  “I'm a caretaker,” she says.

The recession was one of the most difficult times of her career.  People were losing their homes. While many people were victims of their own mistakes, the most difficult ones were the families who did nothing wrong. 

“I remember sitting with one couple in particular,” says Eileen. “The husband had been let go due to ‘downsizing' and couldn't find another job.  His wife could work due to health issues. Their family was in such a horrible position. And when the husband fought back tears, mine flowed.  I did the best I could for that couple and I’m happy to say they are doing fine now.”

When Eileen isn’t working, she likes spending time with her “amazing husband” of almost 40 years, Jim. They are blessed with two grown children and dozens of “bonus” children and grandchildren.

Eileen explains, “Jim and I had a Bible study in our home for five years for younger adults who weren’t married, ages 19-26. Now they call me Mama and Papa Jim and Grammy.”

In her free time, Eileen enjoys babysitting, cooking, and the visual and performing arts. An outdoor enthusiast, Eileen also likes spending time outside.  

“I just love kids – all ages, shapes, and sizes,” Eileen smiles.

“Both my husband and I are from equally large families (of nine children). Back in 2012, my husband and I became foster parents, which we did for about 7 years,” says Eileen. They raised three brothers.

 

“We met a foster mom, Nicole Marchman, in 2013 who was the foster mom for these boys.  She was an amazing woman. A product of the foster care system herself, she endured physical, sexual and emotional abuse.  Her parents lost their parental rights and she was officially ‘orphaned’ at the age of 8.  No one ever adopted her. She has two sisters (twins) who, at the age of 19, she gained custody of and raised them.  She was a fighter. She had her master’s degree, interned with our US Congressional committee on Foster Care and Adoption, became a Foster Mom in her mid-20s after her sisters were adults and on their own.  We bonded immediately with Nicole and we became ‘mom and dad’ to Nicole and ‘grandma and grandpa’ to the three boys she was fostering.  Then, in 2015, the boys' parents lost their rights.  Nicole decided to adopt them, even as a single woman. The boys moved in with her on March 1, 2016, the boys moved into their new home with Nicole and boy oh boy, was there a celebration!”

 

On March 31, 2016, just a few weeks after the celebration, Nicole called Eileen and said she wasn't feeling very well and asked if we could take the boys for a few days.  After going to Tampa General, she was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.

 

“She was only 34 years old.  She was given three to six months to live.  And we were all devastated.  With no family and no way to take care of herself, we invited her to move in with us,” says Eileen.

 

Although Nicole fought with all her might, she passed away on January 28, 2016. 

 

The boys were orphaned again.  Eileen says, “My husband and I had no real ‘rights’ as it related to the boys.  Fortunately, the people with ECA (Eckerd Community Alternatives, the foster care system) were pretty flexible.  We were able to maintain contact, and with God's grace and help, we were instrumental in finding them a forever home, where they are now.  We continue to be involved in their lives.”  

 

Nicole also introduced Eileen to one of her friends, Tina Levene, who currently works for the Department of Juvenile Justice. Eileen is currently the Chairman on her Board of Directors for a new school she will be opening for high school students with addiction issues called Recovery School. 

 

Eileen concludes, “I got into this business because I was tired of someone else making great money off of my intellect and hard work.  And it's been much more rewarding than I ever imagined.  I still love what I do and look forward to it every day.  I am blessed beyond anything I deserve and I am sincerely grateful.”