SHAWNA CARUTHERS, THE SANDDOLLAR GIRL
REALTOR, South Padre Island

Born and raised in sunny San Diego, California I have always enjoyed Coastal Living.

So, how did I end up on the South Texas coast? Here is a brief tale of my adventures that lead me to my unique beach location and becoming a “Sanddollar girl”.

My real estate career actually started in 1995 with property management work in La Jolla, Ca. I discovered then that I enjoyed working with people and took pleasure knowing that I was making other people happy. Just when I reached the level of Top Sales bracket and was getting ready for promotion, my husband of thirteen years was required to relocate due to his job with the government. That was 1998 and our new destination was Brownsville, Texas. As we entered that formerly distant city for the first time, I  asked my husband, “Where the heck are you taking me?” At the time it seemed quite a shock and change of lifestyle; big city pace meets small town, but the laid back friendliness helped reduce the discomfort of adjusting to our new life. 

So, as a part of my new life, I began selling and designing print ads. That position ended after two and a half years.  Not long after, my youngest child was born on 9-11-01, entering the world in a time of chaos and disbelief. Four days later our South Padre Island community was hit with its own tragedy: a barge struck the bridge which connects Port Isabel and South Padre Island. A major was damaged due to event and a large portion collapsed. Several months passed before the causway reconstruction was complete. During that time of obstacles and upheaval our businesses were affected. Without the bridge, the whole community was affected. During that time of change and transition, I chose  to pursue what I’ve always wanted and knew I would succeed in, becoming a REALTOR.

During the time thereafter, I also realized how much I missed working. Since my my first born was growing older and I had more time, I accepted a position as Advertising Consultant for a local newspaper. There, I developed a loyal list of clients in my local area as well as Mexico. As result, I was invited to attend a few of the Chamber business meetings.

The contacts and experience I gained helped me to become the REALTOR I chose to be. I have enjoyed this major choice I made immensely. Recognized by Century 21, I have sold over $6.4 million for 2005 which ranks me in the TOP 3 for highest sales in Rio Grande Valley. I am also rated # 48 of some 2400 agents in the South Texas/ South Louisiana region.  I am proud to be  a member of Century 21's Master's Program for top producers.

I am a Rotarian of our local Port Isabel Rotary Club and also affiliated with other charitable foundations such as Monica’s House, Toys 4 Tots, our local Walk for Women, and I partook in Challenge Day (High school troubles).

Whether you are a first time home buyer, contractor, developer, investor, or just searching for your vacation dream home, I will “go the extra mile” to help you with your real estate needs by using my contributions of personal marketing (shawnacaruthers.com), old fashioned networking, continuing education, all founded on my upstanding code of ethics.

As with any business transaction, it is so important that you have faith and trust in the person you are dealing with. Each experience is as special as a SandDollar.