Liz Baska is an associate broker with Coldwell Banker in Atlanta

What was your first job in the realty industry? I started as a part-time receptionist for a small C21 office. I was unaware at that time that Coldwell Banker was in the process of purchasing the C21 franchise. Within a few months I was offered the office administrators job for the Coldwell Banker branch office in Peachtree Corners. After four years I went to school at night to get my real estate license. I activated my real estate license in 2006 at the height of the boom and the beginning of the bust!

Where did you grow up? I am a native Atlantan! There are not many of us left in the city. I grew up in Sandy Springs and went to St. Judes Catholic School and Ridgeview High School.

Growing up, what did you want to be? Growing up, I wanted to be a catering director. I love entertaining, and throwing parties with someone else paying the bill sounded like a dream job for me! Real estate is similar, in that I am able to “purchase” beautiful homes with someone else paying the mortgage!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I almost hate to admit it…I am a Pinterest junkie! It relaxes me to browse their website and pin things to my boards.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Barbara Bush. I think she is an everday kind of woman in an exceptional kind of life. Her grace and style have shone bright through her life, her marriage and her children’s lives. If she brought Laura Bush with her I would be doubly thrilled!

Where is your favorite place to hang out? In a cabin in the woods in the North Georgia mountains.

What do you love most about the industry? I LOVE that every day is different! Every client and each transaction has its own criteria and timelines that I help facilitate. The diversity of this keeps me on my toes and makes each day interesting and challenging.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I have had the opportunity to be a resale agent, an on-site new construction builders agent and an REO agent. This has given me a broad base of knowledge working for buyers, sellers and corporate sellers. Each of these require different skills sets, and I have been open to all opportunities and am able to see a situation from all sides.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Currently, the most difficult aspect is low inventory in the market. This effects not only my buyers, but my builders struggle with acquiring land to build out.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I am always surprised at where a new client gets my name. I have a very supportive sphere of influence. I attend Greater Atlanta Home Builder events and stay in touch with my corporate and builder contacts.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Without a doubt my three children. My greatest real estate accomplishment is to have been quite successful through the downturn of the market. I have been so fortunate to be part of a team with the vision to see opportunity where others struggled to survive.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I love the “Lord of the Rings” series.

What is your favorite restaurant? Currently Common Quarter in Marietta. It’s a great farm-to-table restaurant from the Muss and Turner guys.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The Hyatt Regency. I have loved the “spaceship” Polaris Restaurant on top since I was a kid. It used to be the tallest building downtown when I was young and is still a favorite landmark for me, even though other buildings now tower over it.

What kind of car do you drive? A Hyundai Sante Fe

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone all the way. It is amazing to me that we negotiate million-dollar homes by text message now!

What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Wilmington, N.C. It’s small, artsy and at the beach! What’s not to love?

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Answer your phone! You cannot be successful without being available.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Color Note, because I can keep passwords, check lists, anything on a post-it note format.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I don’t have a Twitter account.

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