Robin Ives is a Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sothebys Realty in Roswell
What was your first job in the realty industry? Renovating historic homes (my own!) led me to get my license and the rest is history! Realized that anything to do with a home – decorating, renovating, selling, renting – had always been a strong interest for me, so left my job at The Weather Channel to pursue this career.
Where did you grow up? Lincolnshire (Lake Forest), Illinois. A Chicago suburb. I’ve been in Atlanta since 1990, and raised my two children here!
Growing up, what did you want to be? Anything with media. Reporter, advertiser, speaker, producer, magazine editor. Funny, but being successful in real estate involves most skills that these professions require!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Hang with my grandchildren (ages one and three) who just relocated from Virginia to East Cobb. They bring everything in life to the simplest form. When they aren’t available, I hit the tennis courts. Or, on those crazy real estate days, sit with a glass of wine by my pool and throw the ball to my Labradors. Again, getting back to simplicity and what’s important in life.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would love a dinner party with a table for 4. Joining me would be Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Henry Kissinger. All strong individuals, with stories to share, from three different backgrounds, but all made a difference in how I looked at myself and the world we live in. My question to all three would be, “Did you EVER doubt yourself?”
Where is your favorite place to hang out? For people watching and meeting, Canton Street in Roswell. After living here so long, I know so many of the restaurant owners and servers, and run into many of my neighbors and friends. If I need, R & R, my second home in Steamboat, Colorado. Although there are activities galore, including skiing, biking and hiking, I’m happy with a cup of coffee looking out at the mountains. Total peace.
What do you love most about the industry? The new friends I have met through the industry. It’s amazing how many realtor friends I have, as well as so many clients that have become friends for life! Of course, we all run into personalities that are out polar opposites, but I’ve been lucky to have the positive outnumber the negative.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Outside of the marketing tools at my disposal, which I feel are better than most, my sense of humor and the ability it gives me to deflect naysayers. “It’s never over til it’s over” has been a mantra of mine, surprising many of my clients who think a deal is dead in the water.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Trying to meet every business demand and fit every client appointment into each day, and shutting off the phone and internet for family.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Luckily, I lead a very busy life, and am involved in a number of organizations and charities, so my networking isn’t purposeful but my involvement does bring me leads and clients.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Of course my two children! But outside of that,
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Nothing will ever surpass this story for me.
What is your favorite restaurant? Currently, it’s the new Saint Cecilia in Buckhead. Fabulous!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? How can you not love the King and Queen buildings? So exciting when they were built as the gateway to the northern suburbs!
What kind of car do you drive? Mercedes E320. Totally worth the price for the lack of issues it has and safety it offers on the Atlanta highways.
Smartphone or paper? Paper. Always sticky notes. And lists.
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Nashville! Newly discovered and I can’t get enough of the music!
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be prepared for the downturns as they will happen!
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? SITEGEIST. This app pulls up all sorts of data from wherever you are, including average temperature, average age of residents, nearby restaurants, etc.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Josh Groban for his quirky sense of humor and Matthew Ferrara for his real estate insights.
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