Cynthia Baer, an associate broker with Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta.

What was your first job in the realty industry?
Agent – I jumped right in full time as an individual agent.

Where did you grow up?
Although I consider Atlanta home (we first moved here in 1986), we moved a lot while growing up due to my father’s job. My love for real rstate began as a kid.  I would help my parents look for our new home in each new city and found it fun to guess the prices from one area to another.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Sit outside with a good book.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
Funny enough…a real estate agent. At various times I considered psychology, teaching and marketing. At the time, I didn’t realize being an agent incorporates all of those professions.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Prince – I’m writing this just one week after his passing. In addition to being a musical genius, he was able to remain relevant for decades. He dealt with adversity and still stayed true to himself and his music. He did all of this while encouraging other artists to be their best and giving quietly to so many organizations he cared about.

Where is your favorite place to hang out?
Fellini’s Pizza in Candler Park on a beautiful day. It never fails that we run into friends and neighbors (old and new).

What do you love most about the industry?
I love helping someone find their community. A house is nothing more than boards and nails, but it opens the door to your friends, network, neighbors and school – a true community.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
As a parent to children with a wide age range, I understand where people are today and where they may be going. Because I know what it’s like to live in a home with a newborn and a college student (even at the same time), I provide perspective on what’s helpful and necessary as families grow and change. I’ve also been highly involved in my neighborhood schools and have a strong understanding of their impact on a community. I connect people on a different level to their communities and help sellers pass their memories and life on to the next family – all while providing a high level of professional quality service and advice on a personal level.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Because my schedule is constantly changing, it’s difficult to plan ahead. There are never enough hours in the day to do all I want to do.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
My neighborhood – events, functions, meetings, etc.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Starting in real estate at the bottom of the market and being awarded Rookie of the Year by my board, the Dekalb Association of Realtors.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
“Tiger Heart: My Unexpected Adventures to Make a Difference in Darjeeling, and What I Learned About Fate, Fortitude, and Finding Family Half a World Away” by Latrell Christie. It made me think of what impact I can bring to the world. Even if it seems impossible, it just takes a seeing a problem and caring enough to help solve it. Your actions don’t have to be significant, you just need to start.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Iberian Pig in Decatur – it reminds me of an amazing trip to Spain with my husband.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta?
I love so many…but probably the Flat Iron Building on Peachtree.

What kind of car do you drive?
Lexus RX 350. It’s large enough for clients to be comfortable, small enough to zip through city streets – with great trunk space for carrying signs and such.

Smartphone or paper?
Both – although I place everything in my Galaxy Note first, I find it helpful to write things out on paper.

What is your favorite city after Atlanta?
San Francisco.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?Find a great mentor.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Not specifically real estate, but my favorite app is WunderList – it’s a super easy way to track my todos and share with others. I love the feeling of putting the checkmark next to completed activities. It’s really helped with my productivity.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
Although I have an account, I have not jumped in fully on Twitter. I’m more of a Facebook girl.