Nirka Burns is a Realtor with One Sotheby’s International Realty in Miami.
Where was your first job in the realty industry? Prudential Tropical Realty in Tampa.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in a restored coffee hacienda in a colonial town on the southeast side of Caracas, Venezuela. It is the place where all the locals go during the weekends to relax and have some coffee and biscuits at the Bolivar central square or drinks at very nice, open-air places. Many also go to one of their very high quality restaurants.
What is your favorite free-time activity? I love to ride horses. I practiced show jumping for a while in Caracas, but now I do it just for fun.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Run in Brickell Key; there is a sense of calmness I get when I’m by the water, and running clears my mind, so the combination of the two is perfect for any stress.
Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a lawyer ,so I obtained my bachelor of science in law science. After working for 10 years at a very demanding law firm, I realized that sitting at a desk all day was not my thing. I value my freedom and love to interact with people all the time.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Meryl Streep because she always seems to know something we don’t, and I find it amusing.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love to hang out at the Continuum South Beach. I basically gravitate towards the beach, and South of Fifth is my favorite spot.
What do you love most about the industry? The friendship I have developed with most of my clients and the satisfaction I get after closing a deal and making my clients happy.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I’m always on top of the market, I remain educated and I am an avid communicator who has an innate ability to understand my clients’ needs.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Lately, the lack of inventory. I get very frustrated when I don’t have enough options to offer my clients.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? My husband owns a wine distribution company so I attend a lot of wine events around town, and I’m also a member of Trump National Doral Golf Club and attend its events as well.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? I have one great accomplishment that wraps several major accomplishments: I have created the life I always wanted to live.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I recently re-read “The Great Gatsby” and I fell in love all over again.
What is your favorite restaurant? I have several because I enjoy exploring new restaurants, but among my favorites are Zuma for their yellow tail roll and Michael’s Genuine for their wine list and Chef Schwartz’s farm-to-table approach.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? The Miami Tower. I can see it from my living room and I get very excited when it changes color based on a theme.
What kind of car do you drive? I love Volkswagen, so I can’t seem to break away. Last year I bought a night blue CC and I love it.
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone – save a tree!
What is your favorite city after Miami? That would be London, for its history, architecture and theater scene.
What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be respectful of your clients and fellow agents. Don’t be afraid to ask what you don’t know.