Alexandra Peters-Rutten is an international estate agent who, for One Sotheby’s International Realty, covers the Bal Harbour, Bay Harbour, Miami Beach, Keystone, Belle Meade Island, Bay Point and Morningside markets.

What was your first job in the realty industry? Writing copy on areas and buildings for the Condo Company real estate website, which I later ended up working for. It was a great way to learn.

Where did you grow up? The daughter of a diplomat, I grew up between the United States and Europe, mostly Germany and New York.

What is your favorite free-time activity? I love the arts and recently volunteered to be on the executive committee of the New World Symphony, which I am extremely excited about. Bringing classical music to a younger generation is something I am very passionate about.

I also collect French Art Deco and enjoy playing tennis. That being said, my favorite free-time activity is spending time with my 12-year old daughter. Being a busy, working single mom, time spent with her is the free-time I cherish most.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I am a firm believer in transcendental meditation, or a nice glass of red wine.

Growing up, what did you want to be? As so many little girls, I always wanted to be a famous actress. However, as my father was highly involved with the press, and I was always intrigued with the power of the media; I studied communications and wanted to be a foreign correspondent.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I have been fortunate to have had lunch with so many interesting people in my profession, of which many have been extremely inspiring, motivating and memorable. Some well-known, others not, but all have taught me something.

I would love to have lunch with Barbara Walters. I admire her greatly, plus she went to Miami Beach High and could tell me what Miami was like back then.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? On the Amalfi Coast in Italy, or my balcony looking at Indian Creek Island.

What do you love most about the industry? The versatility and international range of the people you meet. That no real estate transaction is ever the same. That you keep learning.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? To continue to be successful in real estate and get through the ups and downs of this industry, one has to be honest, knowledgeable, passionate, able to adapt to new trends and think out of the box. I feel I have those qualities and they reflect in the many referrals I continue to get from past happy customers.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Not having a crystal ball.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?  Life! It is important to be present in this profession and to make connections. Know who your are, be who you are and you will attract clients in any situation.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Besides motherhood, surviving the ups and downs of the Miami real estate market and still going strong.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I am in a book club, so there are so many I could mention. Most recently, I very much enjoyed Steve Jobs’ book, which is filled with wisdom and life experiences that touched me. I also recently watched Searching for Sugarman, which was a mind-boggling, true story.

What is your favorite restaurant? I have many friends in the business, so I have to be a bit biased: Michael’s Genuine, The Federal, Sugarcane and Makoto are my top picks.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? It has not been built yet. I feel the Zaha Hadid’s 1000 Museum will be absolutely spectacular and unmatched in downtown Miami’s skyline.

What kind of car do you drive? A creme-colored Lexus SUV with beige leather interior.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone AND Paper.

What is your favorite city after Miami? New York City.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Know your market. Make friends – yes, even other agents. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and stay educated.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? I could not live without Dropbox. The ONE Sotheby’s Realty App is an amazing tool when you are out with clients as well.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Wall Street Journal Real Estate, South Florida Business Journal, The Huffington Post and The Dalai Lama.

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