AJ Hinkel is a realtor and tenant at Delray Beach Executive Suites. Delray Beach has become South Florida’s hot spot and both residential and commercial real estate have become hot, hot, hot, just like eligible bachelor, AJ. Delray Beach home values have gone up 14.5% over the past year alone. Here is a short interview that Tracy Caruso, owner of DBES, conducted with Realtor, AJ Hinkel.
Tracy: Delray Beach is such a fun place and I love living here. Why do you like Delray Beach?
AJ: I like the networking opportunities in Delray. I can sit at the bar at City Oyster and I’ll always see someone that I know. It’s just a friendly place with a great nightlife.
Tracy: What do you like doing with your free time?
AJ: The cultural activities in Delray Beach are great. It’s become quite the arts community. There’s always an art fair to go to and the restaurants are excellent. I also go to the beach, boating, kayaking, and I go to the gym. I tried surfing once but that didn’t go so well (smile).
Tracy: Are you single at the moment? Who is the cute kid in the picture?
AJ: Yes, I am single and looking. I’m a single dad. The boy in the picture is my adorable son, Riley.
Tracy: Where are your favorite places to go out?
AJ: City Oyster on the Ave is my favorite. When they see me, they already have a drink poured for me. Everybody knows your name, just like Norm from “Cheers.” Now that Rocco’s Tacos has opened, I like it there as well. When it gets cooler, I go to Il Bacio and sit outside. In Pineapple Gove, I go to El Camino. They have an awesome jalapeno watermelon margarita.
Tracy: How did you get into the real estate business to begin with?
AJ: I had opened a mortgage company in Ohio and then I moved to Florida after my divorce. Times had changed and the business just wasn’t the same anymore. In 2013, I decided to get back into the real estate business. For me, this is a perfect career. I get to meet new people and there’s nothing better than being outside in the Florida air.
Tracy: AJ, what makes you different amongst the many realtors in Palm Beach County? Why should someone go to you?
AJ: The thing that’s unique about me is my strong background in finance. I was in the mortgage business for 16 years. I can help you understand your financing options and I can tell you what your options are for when you sell your property. Many people find this type of thing to be confusing. I can give you the guidance you need and it won’t cost you a cent. The biggest question anyone has when buying property is, “How am I going to pay for this?” I can help you to figure that out and take a lot of the stress out of what’s usually the biggest purchase of one’s life. Financing and exit strategy are what make me the one to go to for your real estate needs.
Tracy: What area in Delray Beach should a single person look for a home? Where should someone who has a family look for a home?
AJ: If you’re single and you can do it, live on the Ave (Atlantic Ave) for sure. You can walk everywhere. A family should look for a home on Lake Ida. Lake Ida is family oriented. If you can get a place on the lake, go for it. It’s the perfect lifestyle. You can go boating or keep a couple of jet skis. Lake Ida is amazing.
Tracy: How can people find your listings?
AJ: Look online on Zillow. You can do a search for Jack Hinkle and you’ll see my listings or just search for listings in Delray Beach.
Tracy: What else do you want people to know about you?
AJ: I get up at 5AM everyday and I work my butt off. My work ethic is incomparable. I can be reached any time of the day or night. If you call me on my cell phone at 1AM, I’ll answer. I know South Florida well and I’m a Delray Beach real estate expert.
Tracy: I’m just going to ask. Why Jack and AJ for your first name? Inquiring minds want to know.
AJ: (Laughs) My name is actually Jack A.J Hinkel. (This isn’t a spelling error. There’s no period after the J.) If you look up my real estate license, it’s under Jack which is why I have it on my business card and sometimes go by Jack. But, I’m really AJ. My dad was Jack and I wasn’t actually a junior so it’s always been AJ, as a way to differentiate myself from my dad.
Tracy: Thanks for clearing that up. What’s your astrological sign? There are lots of single women out there who might want to know. Also, what’s the deal with the empty picture frame on your bookshelf in your office?
AJ: I’m a Gemini. Isn’t Gemini the twins? You can call one of them Jack and one of them AJ. (smile) The picture frame is reserved for a picture of me with the right woman.
Well there you have it, folks. AJ is a brawny, single realtor with a great work ethic, who is just waiting for the right woman to show off in his office picture frame.
If you’re in need of a realtor, drop by AJ’s office at Delray Beach Executive Suites any time. You can meet AJ and all of our friendly tenants and find out for yourself why AJ makes DBES his business home. You can also reach out to AJ for all of your real estate needs on his cell at 561-202-4714 or email him at ajhinkel0531@gmail.com.