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☀️It's Official! I'm an Island Girl! ☀️

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Sand 'n Sea Properties TREC #547752

As I write this, I keep humming the Elton John song in my head. AI tells me that an Island Girl is:  An "island girl" literally means a female who lives on, was born on, or has a deep cultural connection to an island. It often evokes a relaxed lifestyle tied to the ocean, beaches, and tropical cultures, but the phrase also refers to a famous pop song. 

I've always been drawn to the water, especially coastal water. The beach has been calling me for years. My husband and noticed that most of our vacations are all centered around beaches. So, when we had the opportunity to move to the beach, we made the decision to just do it.

Many of you here in the Rain knew of the impending move, yet I had not shared the news officially. So, here it is! I am an Island Girl! And this also meant a big move for my real estate brokerage and business.

I considered all business possibilities. Bring my own brokerage to the Island? Join another company? Retire - NO!

Sand 'n Sea Properties has been on the island for 52 years. This company is deeply rooted in Galveston and is very well respected. We had this company managing our home down here until we decided to move into the house.

When I was approached to consider becoming the broker, I did my research and made the decision to move forward with the offer. I have always preferred a boutique brokerage model, and this one certainly fit that category. 

Stay tuned as I continue to update and write about island living. But for now, I must go and walk the beach! LIV2DAY!

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Comments(14)

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Kelly McGovern
Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA
Working with Kelly is a good move

I was an island girl for a while - Hilton Head Island, SC!  It was a long time ago, but it was a great experience.  

Aug 10, 2026 05:14 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Hilton Head is gorgeous. I can see why you had a great experience there.

Aug 10, 2026 06:16 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, LLC ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
Educating. Encouraging. Serving.

Good evening Dr. Paula McDonald ,

Yay!! Congratulations Island Girl! I'm sure you are going to love it and I know you'll be a great broker for Sand 'n Sea Properties! A perfect fit!

Aug 10, 2026 05:15 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Dorie. I appreciate your support more than you know.

Aug 10, 2026 06:16 PM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Congratulations, Island Girl! Sun, Water and Sand are afun to have around! 

Aug 10, 2026 07:56 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Steffy. I have always been drawn to the ocean.

Aug 11, 2026 06:43 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Alrighty then Doc. The next update post we will see YOU in the picture on the beach.

Aug 10, 2026 08:19 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Well, here you go, Jeff!

Aug 11, 2026 06:45 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA

Hey Paula,
Paula, I am SO happy for you and your family! I can absolutely picture you embracing life as an official "Island Girl."  What an exciting new chapter, not only getting to live where the beach has been calling you, but finding a wonderful opportunity to continue doing what you love with a brokerage that has such deep roots in the community. It sounds like the stars and the tides aligned perfectly!

Congratulations, Island Girl! 

Aug 11, 2026 03:58 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

OK, Carol. Now, you need to come down to the Texas coast. Would love to see you.

Aug 11, 2026 06:46 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Congratulations on the move and new business. Best wishes!

Aug 11, 2026 05:15 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you so much, Kat.

 

Aug 11, 2026 06:46 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
Embracing island living and taking the helm at Sand 'n Sea Properties is such an exciting new chapter, Dr. Paula McDonald. Wishing you all the best in your wonderful new coastal adventure!
Aug 11, 2026 05:19 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Gwen. It's been an exciting time.

 

Aug 11, 2026 06:46 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Congratulations, Paula, and wishing you much success and happiness in your new life as an Island Girl and your new brokerage. 

Aug 11, 2026 05:52 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Nina. It's a new chapter.

Aug 11, 2026 06:47 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Congratulations, Paula, and best wishes for continued success.

Have an outstanding August!

Aug 11, 2026 06:22 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Roy. Hope you are doing well.

Aug 11, 2026 06:47 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I am so happy for you and your family!  It sounds like a great offer that you accepted!

Aug 11, 2026 06:47 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Since my family lives in Houston I have been to Galveston a lot (that reminds me of a Glen Campbell song). I have always been drawn to the beach. I grew up an Islander (Long Island near Huntington Bay). I always need to feel the sand between my toes. 

Aug 11, 2026 07:06 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Paula, WOO HOO, enjoy your new digs!   Having always lived in land-locked states, I live within two blocks of the ocean, so fun!

Aug 11, 2026 09:54 AM
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

I have been an Island Girl for 40 years now here on Cocoa Beach and love the laid back lifestyle. Back in the day, I lived in Houston and spent a little bit of time in Galveston but I'm sure it's changed a lot since then.

 

Aug 14, 2026 12:08 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Congratulaions Dr. Paula McDonald  or should i say Island Girl! Sounds like a wonderful move in every way!!  

Aug 20, 2026 12:10 AM