What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? I was a journalist at CNN

Where did you grow up? San Juan, Puerto Rico

Growing up, what did you want to be? A pilot, an astronaut then a journalist ha!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Go for a run, swim or bike or have a glass of wine.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Victor Frankl – author of “a man’s search for meaning” – He endured a lot during his stay at nazi concentration camps and yet it was through his mindset and determination that he survived the Holocaust.

What is Atlanta’s best-kept secret? It’s a secret! ha! but if i must tell you is probably the different trails that lead to the Chattahoochee River and River tubing areas.

What do you love most about the industry? Serving others and negotiating

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I create a detailed strategy for every client I meet that needs my help. I take the time to ask a lot of questions (the journalist in me) to determine what are their short- and long-term goals as well as their specific needs and wants. I am never selling but only facilitating and consulting in a process of future wealth building.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Keeping everyone happy while emotions run high as it is residential real estate.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Create long lasting relationships not over selling but being honest and professional. Going deeper in relationships with the people that trust you and want to work with you as they will become your advocates.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? Triathlons, Ironman books, running magazines, podcasts, real estate books.

What’s your favorite meal in Atlanta? Rumi’s Kitchen in Sandy Springs and Jimmy Z’s Kitchen on Windy Hill

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The Flat Iron City Building in Downtown Atlanta

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? Showing a home to a buyer and the seller opens the door (as I am opening the door with the supra key) almost completely naked and wet just out of the shower. Also walking into a listing and seller was laying in sofa asleep with a McDonalds burger in hand. I thought she was dead or had a heart attack, so my clients and I left to call the listing agent to make sure she was alive. I had to walk in again to make sure she was breathing, since I’d called the listing agent many times, and she didn’t answer. Turned out the seller had been on a red-eye flight and had fallen asleep and forgot our showing. My clients purchased this home a year later.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? That I find time to train for Ironman triathlon races with 7-year-old twins, while running a very busy residential sales business.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why? Puerto Rico – The Caribbean and I am an island girl. Heat, sun, beach and a good Pina Colada and fresh seafood makes it all better.

What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Smyrna – where I have lived since 2007. So much going on in such a little town – very diverse town, great restaurants close to the Truist Park and everything else. The new Midtown with a small town feel. If outside of Atlanta I would say Redondo Beach California where I lived and sold real estate for three years (2009-2012).

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Build long lasting relationships, be honest and keep emotions away from the transaction.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? My Compass App

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? @IamTabitha Brown – She is a vegan guru with great attitude, positive message and amazing recipes. @ElevationChurch – Great message from the pastor.