Florida Agent Buzz Thomas Helps Hearing-Impaired Clients by Speaking Their Language

Jerry “Buzz” Thomas is one of several thousands of agents working in Northeast Florida’s real estate markets. But the Ponte Vedra Beach-based agent for Douglas Elliman has a skill that he estimates only three other real estate agents in the region can offer: he knows American Sign Language (ASL).

A 14-year industry veteran who just celebrated his one-year anniversary with Elliman (“I wish I’d moved here sooner!”), Thomas recently posted a video on Instagram in which he expressed (in ASL, with voiceover accompaniment) the deep joy and gratification he’s found in helping deaf and hearing-impaired clients to navigate their real estate journeys. And since April 15 is not only Tax Day but also National ASL Day, Elliman Insider spoke with him about how he came to learn ASL, the role it has played in his real estate business, and what he would like his peers in the industry to understand about working with those who are hearing-impaired.

How did you come to learn ASL and become a translator? 

It started as a group of friends wanting to do volunteer work in the deaf community. We started taking night classes to learn. Also, my father was hard of hearing, so that was a motivator.

My skills developed over the next few years. Someone suggested I apply for a job at a video interpreting company. I was hired on the spot and ended up working there for nine years.

Tell me about your first experience using ASL in the course of your work as an agent? 

My first experience was working with the sweetest hearing-impaired couple who wanted to purchase a new construction home. While they were extremely capable, English was literally a second language for them. So, things like contract verbiage, design selections and inspections could be very challenging.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires government agencies and businesses to provide an interpreter, but most business are either unaware of that or unwilling to provide one. This is where I was of benefit to the buyer and the builder. It was a great experience for all of us.

Apart from the everyday challenges that hearing-impaired people face, are there any specific obstacles for those who are trying to buy, sell or rent a property?

Two things come to mind. First, contract language can be difficult enough for hearing people to grasp. Imagine you had a basic understanding of Spanish and someone presented you with a contract written in Spanish for one of the largest purchases of your life. Intimidating, right? Many hearing-impaired clients just cross their fingers and sign a contract hoping things will be fine.

The other thing is that buying, selling and renting require detailed interaction and communication so that there are no misunderstandings regarding terms, disclosures, etc. That communication can be very tough for someone who's hearing-impaired.

How has your experience working with hearing-impaired clients impacted the way you approach your work generally? 

I realize how limited the deaf community is in terms of their options for real estate agents. It motivates me to make myself available to hearing-impaired clients, no matter how busy I may be.

I am one of maybe four in all of Northeast Florida who can speak their language. There are two deaf realtors in St. Augustine, the historic city that's just south of us, and the fourth one is actually a story I'm really proud of.

Several years back, I helped a hearing-impaired individual and his wife, who is hearing, to purchase several properties for short-term rental. Afterward, I encouraged him to get his own real estate license. He did and came to work with my previous brokerage. He’s since stepped back to focus on investing and now owns some 33 short-term rental properties. He's incredible—very experienced and savvy. I’ll sometimes refer a deaf person to him if they would prefer having a deaf realtor.

What do you want your colleagues and peers in the industry to understand about working with hearing-impaired clients or the importance of accessibility? 

My hope is that hearing-impaired clients are viewed no differently than clients who speak Spanish or Russian. They aren't lesser than; they simply speak a language that most people don’t know. I also hope that their need for accessibility is both understood and supported. Without it, they are placed at a disadvantage. With it, they can thrive.

I also want my colleagues at Douglas Elliman to know that I can be a resource if they have any questions about working with hearing-impaired clients. If you’re an agent in another market, and you have a deaf client, and I certainly invite you to call me. I’ll be happy to get on a video call, help interpret, and do my best to steer you both in the right direction.