Name: Thomas M. Hughes
Title: Realtor
Company: Kismet Real Estate Group
What was your first job in the realty industry? My first job was as an agent. I took my test and hit the ground running with over a million dollars in sales in less than three months.
Where did you grow up? Dawsonville, GA, back when it was nothing like it is today. The outlet mall was the only thing around when I was there!
Growing up, what did you want to be? I always wanted to be a real estate agent. Some of my fondest memories are driving around with my grandmother looking at houses for sale and new construction subdivisions!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I grab a murder mystery novel and dive deep into it. I also like to doodle floor plans, anything from townhomes to commercial structures.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Frank Lloyd Wright. I find his architecture so fascinating and would love to hear about his inspirations and ideas on floor plans.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? Stoney River Steakhouse, I love to go to the bar, grab something to eat, relax, read a book, browse FMLS.
What do you love most about the industry? I love meeting people. There are so many interesting people out there you come across and getting to make deep connections with them is so amazing.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I focus on marketing and being client centric. It is always about my clients and I like to be sure to know what is going on with them and how I can help them with the stress of buying and selling.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Making sure you stay strong to your clients. Not only is it stressful running your own real estate business, but a great agent takes on the stress of their clients. It can be very emotionally draining. So it is important to keep yourself surrounded with amazing people and positive influences.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Open Houses… Sounds cliche, but I get to meet so many people at them. I started out hosting other agents in my office opens, and now make sure to let other agents host my opens. I rotate around my listings to make sure I do opens for each one, but in the weeks I am at another house hosting, I try to choose an ambitious agent who will really take advantage of it to be there.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? I am so proud I was able to form Kismet Real Estate Group. The knowledge and business skills I have learned since becoming an agent have culminated into this company. I love being able to take my marketing ideas and push them into a brand I am proud of. I am affiliated with an amazing brokerage that really supports my vision for my team and company.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink. It is a book about the employees left at one of the hospitals in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and the ordeal they went through.
What is your favorite restaurant? Melting Pot, Joey D’s Oak Room, Stoney River, Cowtippers
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? 1180 Peachtree! I love the way the top looks, it is very visually striking, especially at night!
What kind of car do you drive? Ford Flex, it is an amazing Real Estate Car. Great for hauling people, supplies, and as a mobile office.
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone. That way it syncs to everything!
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Savannah. I love the architecture and the river. They have amazing shops and restaurants.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Make sure to network and make friends with everyone
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? eKey, as it gets me into listings! Besides that I love the DotLoop app as I can make changes to contracts on the go and get them to my clients and other agents quickly.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Tru Rating, its a company my wife works for and I love to see what they are up to, also NPR and WABE News to keep up with what is going on.