Meet Joanie

Your guide to a successful real estate journey.

Meet Joanie Heighes

Joanie was born and raised in England, and moved to the US in 1981 with her husband John. Her professional background stems from the world of finance and mergers and acquisitions, in both London and New York City. In 2003, she relocated with her family to Jacksonville, Florida. These days she spends her free time traveling with her husband and visiting with her grandchildren.

Joanie brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to her customers. Her marketing expertise, market knowledge, negotiating skills, and thorough follow-up and service to her customers are best in class.

Her upbeat and positive manner ensures her real estate transactions are not only successful but enjoyable as well. Joanie is a full-time real estate professional who is available seven days a week. She attributes her growing list of satisfied customers to her diligence, honesty, and attention to detail. Joanie’s continued and constant success is derived mostly from personal referrals and her exceptional reputation. She listens carefully to her buyers and sellers to clearly understand their needs.

A Legacy of Excellence in Real Estate

With a track record marked by prestigious awards and industry accolades, Joanie stands as a testament to unwavering excellence and leadership in the Jacksonville real estate market. Each honor reflects our deep commitment to providing superior service and achieving outstanding results for every client we serve.

The year 2016 brought an unexpected challenge to Joanie Heighes, amidst her dynamic roles as a Top Producer for Watson Realty Corp, President of the Hurricane’s chapter of BNI, and a Trustee for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, she encountered a personal battle with breast cancer. This ordeal tested her strength and resilience, yet she emerged with a renewed purpose. Her experience has deeply influenced her life, leading her to lend her voice and support to the MD Anderson Jacksonville Patient Advisory Committee. Joanie now advocates for exceptional patient care, drawing from her journey to inspire and assist others facing similar battles.

Commitment Beyond Real Estate

Joanie’s dedication to the community runs as deep as her passion for real estate. Through active philanthropy, there is an investment in the vitality and growth of Jacksonville, fostering the well-being of the neighborhoods served. Belief in building more than homes; there’s a commitment to help build a thriving, supportive community for all. This commitment extends to supporting Daniel Kids, aiding nearly 5,000 local children and families facing adversity each year. Additionally, engagement with the Circle of Sisters at Rethreaded dedicates efforts to empower survivors of human trafficking with renewed hope and opportunities, reflecting a commitment to healing and transforming lives locally and globally.

Heighes, Benedict, & Arsalla

The Heighes, Benedict, & Arsalla team distinguishes itself with superior client service, innovative marketing approaches, and precise business strategies, establishing themselves as a prominent force in Northeast Florida’s real estate scene. Their commitment to ensuring seamless transactions and protecting clients from potential challenges exemplifies their leading stance in the industry.

Boasting over forty years of combined experience, they possess a broad expertise across various real estate domains, from high-end resales to groundbreaking new projects. Their global outreach and linguistic skills in English, French, and Farsi further enhance their ability to cater to a diverse clientele, affirming their reputation for excellence and reliability in the real estate market.

Our Support Team

Kaitlin Padgett

Kaitlin Padgett, our Personal Assistant, brings local insights and a fresh marketing perspective. With roots near Jacksonville and a recent marketing degree from UNF, she deeply understands our clients' preferences. Her entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrated in her photography business, highlights her keen attention to detail and organizational prowess. Her experience from her marketing and community engagement internship has broadened her skill set. Kaitlin aims to use her talents to enhance client satisfaction and advance our mission.

Joanna Pfeufer

Joanna Pfeufer has been our Transaction Coordinator since 2006, bringing a wealth of sophistication and real estate expertise to Joanie and the team. Her relocation to Jacksonville in 2004, her 14th move, deepened her understanding of real estate's complexities. This knowledge laid the groundwork for her partnership with Joanie, leading to a thriving coordinating business. Joanna’s journey from personal challenges to professional achievements highlights our brand's dedication to client success and service excellence.