Name: Gina Barnabo
Job Title: Realtor-Community Sales Manager
Company: Taylor Morrison
What was your first job in the industry? Working as a buyer’s agent on The Zac Team at RE/MAX Greater Atlanta. Zac Pasmanick was the perfect mentor, who I still give so much credit to.
Where did you grow up? Ann Arbor, Michigan raised me and Atlanta, Georgia made me.
Growing up, what did you want to be? I’ve been fascinated by homes and condominiums for as long as I can remember. When I moved to Atlanta and saw the beautiful homes that lined the streets of Buckhead, I knew that becoming a Realtor was perfect for me!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Go to the gym, specifically Barry’s Bootcamp to get a good workout in! Sometimes I get an afternoon massage!
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would have to say Mauricio Umansky, the founder of The Agency. His passion for starting an innovative brokerage that grew so quickly and his knowledge of good architecture would make for great conversation. Oh, and he’s not hard on the eyes.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? Anywhere that has great people watching!
What do you love most about the industry? Being a part of building new home communities start to finish. There is a lot that comes along with building a new home and sometimes you are with your customers for over a year. In the end, it’s all worth it. I take so much pride in knowing that I helped bring together a neighborhood where happy memories for so many will be created.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I believe in setting the right expectations right from the beginning and always, always to communicate. Sometimes in the home building industry you have to give some, not so great news but as long as you are upfront, most people are understanding.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Keeping up with all of the paperwork that goes along with building a new home. Sometimes selections change along the way with the buyer and our design team. If I don’t stay on top of that, things can easily go wrong.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Maintaining relationships with the agent community has benefited me more than anything, working as onsite agent selling new homes. By having these trusted relationships, the agents know that their clients will be in good hands when working with me.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? In 2011, I was awarded top 5% in New Home Sales by the Atlanta Board of Realtors. During the downturn, this was a pretty large accomplishment.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Breakthrough. Being that I have a 12 year old son, this was a very special movie for he and I to see together.
What is your favorite restaurant? Marcel in West Midtown. The food and ambiance are everything!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The Sovereign. I was onsite next door in 2007, selling Realm Condominiums and watched the Sovereign come up start to finish. The residences interiors are just as stunning.
What kind of car do you drive? Mercedes Benz C300
Smartphone or paper? Both. Can’t live without my Iphone 8 or my 2019 Daytimer. I need the calendar reminders on my phone as well as those same reminders written down.
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Los Angeles. Again, for it’s Real Estate. Specifically, the Hollywood Hills.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Communication, Passion and Knowledge are the key to your success.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? DocuSign. While it’s not a real estate only app, I absolutely could not live without it!
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Only on Facebook, IG and LinkedIn!
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