Name: Raquel Lavender
Job Title: Associate Broker/REALTOR
Company: Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners
What was your first job in the industry? Sales Agent at a small real estate firm
Where did you grow up? Venezuela
Growing up, what did you want to be? Commercial Airline Pilot
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Watch a funny TV show or comedy drama movie
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Martin Luther King Jr. Everything that he stood for regarding equality and the need to learn to live together, his Dream speech, it gives me chills every time I hear it as if it was the first time. He inspires me to want to do more for my community.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? Home or at a quiet Caribbean Beach.
What do you love most about the industry? The ability to meet people, not just clients but also peers and other business owners. I feel enriched when I learn from others, the way they conduct business, their cultural backgrounds, traditions, etc. etc. etc.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am bilingual English/Spanish, I am learning based so I am always studying to make sure I am representing my clients to the best of my ability and knowledge. I believe in “Service above Self” which is the Rotary motto. When I give advise to my clients I put myself in their position and do what is best for them regardless of how that will impact me and my financial gain. I also work with my clients with the premiss that we will have a lifelong business relationship. Many become close friends so I basically don’t go chasing after one paycheck, I like building relationships for a lifetime.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Finding unscrupulous people along the way, both on the client side and the professional arena. I build my business on a foundation of honesty and I don’t like working with people when I am not able to build trust.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I do quite a bit of business networking with Chambers of Commerce, Diversity Organizations, for example the Japanese America Society of GA. I also attend workshops and business conferences not related to real estate, that way I am always meeting people that either can do business with me or can refer others.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Besides raising two amazing children, I was honored to be the President of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Atlanta Chapter and we as a Board were able to take our local Chapter to be recognized as Chapter of the Year for our performance in 2018, which was my leadership year.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The Green Book (movie) and “Leadership Gold” by John C Maxwell (book)
What is your favorite restaurant? I don’t have one particular favorite, I like all types of food.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The Bank of America building in downtown.
What kind of car do you drive? Honda Accord
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone for sure.
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? San Diego in the U.S. and Tokyo, Japan
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be kinder than necessary, live simply, love generously, and care deeply.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Kelle
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I don’t have anyone special, I very seldom check twitter.
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