Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Williams.
Hi Joy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been a licensed Realtor® since December 2012, but my journey in real estate began well before that. My professional background was in bookkeeping for small businesses, including several property investment companies. That work gave me a behind-the-scenes education in how real estate operates—the numbers, the transactions, and the moving parts that make everything come together. By the time my husband and I had bought and sold two investment properties ourselves, I knew real estate was where I wanted to focus my future. With his encouragement, I took the leap, earned my license, and stepped fully into this career.
I began my career with Elite Realty Group, where I worked from 2012 until 2018, building a solid foundation and serving customers with dedication. In November 2018, I joined Keller Williams Atlantic Partners, where I’ve been ever since. That move was pivotal—it gave me access to unmatched tools, training, and a collaborative culture that continues to support my growth today.
On a personal level, Jacksonville has been my home for nearly 25 years. I met the love of my life, Troy, here in 1999, and we married in 2001. We’ve raised our two boys—now young men—Trever (22, married to Caroline, 23) and Tyler (19), all Jacksonville natives, in the 32225 zip code. We’ve always loved this part of town with its mature trees, marshes, and stunning St. Johns River sunsets that can leave you in awe. These days, even with a busy real estate business, our greatest joy comes from weekly dinners with our boys, talking about life and goals. My husband is currently receiving treatments for stage IV rectal cancer, and our family’s strength, faith, and closeness have been what carry us through.
Real estate may be my profession, but family, community, and relationships are the heart of my story—and they’re what inspire me daily in this business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every day in this business is an opportunity to “fail forward,” so no, the road hasn’t been smooth. The path to achievement is never without its struggles, but I genuinely believe it’s the struggles that refine us, making our businesses stronger and more efficient. Failures aren’t setbacks; they’re lessons that show us where we can improve and create new growth opportunities.
When I first started, I had no routines or systems in place. I understood that customers wouldn’t just show up in droves, but I also didn’t know how to attract them effectively. In hindsight, that was a blessing, because it quickly became clear that even when I did connect with buyers and sellers, I lacked the structure to retain them—whether that was keeping in touch until they were ready or continuing the relationship after the sale.
During my time at Elite Realty, I hired a real estate coach who helped me identify and work through those growing pains. That experience opened my eyes to what I was missing. Eventually, I met with a Keller Williams team leader who showed me that KW had all the tools, systems, and resources I needed—without the extra cost of outside coaching. That was a turning point. Since making the move, I’ve leaned into their culture of growth and collaboration, and while I still “fail forward” daily, I now have the support and structure to keep learning and moving ahead.
We’ve been impressed with Joy Williams, Realtor®, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At its core, my business is about people, not just properties. I’m a Realtor® with Keller Williams Atlantic Partners Southside, and I specialize in helping families and individuals buy, sell, and invest in homes throughout Northeast Florida. Whether it’s a first-time buyer nervously stepping into the market, a growing family needing more space, or an investor searching for the right opportunity, I approach each situation with the same commitment: exceptional, personalized service.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how “Buy or Sell with Joy” has grown into more than just a tagline—it’s a promise. My business is built on relationships, and I take great pride in nurturing those connections long after the transaction is complete. I stay in touch with my customers, celebrate their milestones, and make sure they know I’m a resource for them and their families for years to come. From quarterly “Happy Mail” to significant community events like movie nights, teacher giveaways, and Halloween and Christmas events, I invest in keeping my sphere engaged and feeling appreciated.
For those who may not know me yet, I’d like them to understand that my approach is a blend of professionalism and personal touch. I don’t measure success by the number of deals I close—I measure it by the satisfaction of the people I serve. My goal is always to make the process smoother, less stressful, and maybe even fun. At the end of the day, I don’t just want to sell houses; I want to help people create homes, build wealth, and feel confident in one of the most significant decisions of their lives.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Change is the only constant in real estate, and I think we can all agree there’s always something new on the horizon. Right now, we’re already seeing shifts with insurance regulations, buyer broker representation, and appraisal guidelines—and those changes are going to continue shaping how we do business in the years ahead.
The way I look at it, change is just part of the journey. What really matters is how we adapt. If we stay flexible and open-minded, we can keep serving our customers well no matter what comes our way.
On a larger scale, the industry will continue to lean into technology, transparency, and energy-efficient housing trends. Affordability and inventory will also stay hot topics. But honestly, I try not to get too bogged down in all the national “noise.” My focus is right here in Northeast Florida—making sure my customers feel confident and supported, no matter what changes ripple through the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buyorsellwithjoy.com
- Instagram: @buyorsellwithjoy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buyorsellwithjoy
- Youtube: @buyorsellwithjoy
