Shelley Sloan is a Realtor with Beacham and Company Realtors in Buckhead/Intown.
What was your first job in the realty industry? I started out as a realtor 6 years ago. I work with my mother-in-law that has been selling Buckhead real estate for 28 years.
Where did you grow up? Dalton, GA.
What is your favorite free-time activity? I’m a huge runner. I just ran the NYC marathon and can’t decide what to train for next. I also enjoy spending time with my 3 kids and playing tennis, but I’m pretty sure I’ve gotten worse each year since I started.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? My number one thing to do is either go for a run or grab a good craft beer with my hubby.
Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a teacher and I was for about 10 years. The entire time I taught, my mother-in-law tried to get me to go to work with her. I think she knew I would be good at real estate. I finally gave in after my second child and there was no looking back. I love my job! It can be stressful, but over all it’s a perfect fit for me.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I recently watched the Steve Jobs movie and my son read a kid-version of his life story, so I’m sort of obsessed with him now. However, it could be that I just like Aston Kutcher, and grabbing a beer with him would suffice. I always tell people that if I could go to lunch with God and ask him one question, it would be, “Why are there Red Ants?” I can’t figure out where they fit into the food chain and their bites are the worst. They burn, then hurt, then itch.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? You can’t beat the porch at JCT. I’m also a fan of going to the Porter in Little Five Points then hitting up a concert at Variety Playhouse. Otherwise, I love a dive bar at the beach.
What do you love most about the industry? You never know what each day brings and what suprises are around each corner! I’ve laughed until I’ve cried with my clients over the craziest things that have happened to us while showing houses. I swear, this job can be so entertaining!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I’m a a natural blonde, so it’s easy. All joking aside, I distinguish myself by a.) always saying yes to what my clients ask me to do (as long as it’s legal) in a prompt manner. My clients are busy folks like myself and I don’t waste my time or theirs. I will do whatever they need me to and do it as quickly as I can, and b.) I’m nice, and I get a deal done without getting ugly or catty.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Trying to keep everyone feeling like the deal is win-win. I do my best to try to see both sides of the transaction and to keep the Golden Rule in mind. It really makes for smoother deals and the closing table is a much more pleasant place to be. Clearly, parties are more fun than fights.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Most of my new clients are from referrals. I’m always going out to dinner with clients and friends and meeting new people. We also like to entertain at our house.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Every year since I’ve started, I’ve pretty much doubled my yearly sales total from the year before. My business just continues to grow and grow and it’s such a huge compliment to the hard work I put in!
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I’m reading The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kid. It’s truly amazing and touching, an instant classic in my opinon, and I knew it on page 5. When I read it, my heart feels tight just thinking about how horrible we treated other humans in the South during slavery. I highly recommend this novel and her first novel, The Secret Life of Bees.
What is your favorite restaurant? I think you can’t go wrong with Wistera in Inman Park. They don’t try to get too fancy and just serve good food. I’ve never had a bad meal there.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? Cherokee Town Club is absolutely gorgeous on West Paces Ferry. I prefer old to new. I grew up in a house built by my granddad in 1900.
What kind of car do you drive? VW Minivan – mom of three, enough said.
Smartphone or paper? Both. I use my iPhone calendar and a day planner as well that I always carry with me. I’m a busy working mom so I have to have as many reminders as possible!
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Birmingham. My twin sister lives there I love to visit. I think they have an amazing food scene and I love going to visit and just eating and drinking my way through the city. Also, I just love the Mountain Brook area. The old tutor houses are so lovely and I would die to have a view like they get and live in a thriving city. Lastly, they have built lots of breweries downtown that we are obsessed with. So laid back and cool and fun!
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be patient and focused, the deals will hit if you get creative.
What’s your favorite Real Estate iPhone/Android app? I use the Go FMLS app and Realtor.com app.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? My husband could answer this better than I can. He’s obessed with Twitter and gets all his news that way. I’m slowly working my way towards the bird app.
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