Thato Manyoga is a Realtor associate with Coldwell Banker, as well as the president of Biscayne Realty Company working in Miami. 

What was your first job in the realty industry:  Real estate sales associate with Coldwell Banker.

Where did you grow up? I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and lived in NYC, NJ, and Miami Beach!

What is your favorite free-time activity?

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I like to be active when I am stressed. I enjoy working out or going to beach and enjoying the water. Miami has so much to offer there is a stress reliever for everyone.

Growing up, what did you want to be? Growing up I always wanted to be a business owner and build a name brand. So far I am fortunate to be in an industry where I can live my dream.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? If I could have lunch with a well-known figure my first choice would be the late Nelson Mandela (former president of South Africa). He is such an interesting person that I would be appreciative to learn from.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? On my free time I like to hang out at different restaurants or music venues. If there both at the same place that would be even better!

What do you love most about the industry? I love meeting new people and helping them find their next home. It is an exciting process to start a house hunt and finally see the buyer get the keys to their new property. Sometimes this can be an emotional life event for many buyers.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I think when people meet me they can feel the energy that I bring to my work. I genuinely show how much I love real estate and try give my clients a full concierge experience that is very personal to their needs.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most difficult aspect of my job is to determine all the hurdles that may occur in a transaction and try to simplify the entire process for both buyers and sellers. I try to make buying and selling real estate as easy as possible.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I try to meet clients everywhere I go from the grocery store to any entertainment venue. Everyone is a potential client or referral so I treat everyone with as much respect as possible.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Transitioning from the financial services industry to real estate. Getting a real estate license was the best business decision I ever made.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The last good book I read was the “Art of Selling”. I can’t remember the last good movie I saw, but I am a fan of a good action movie.

What is your favorite restaurant? Prime 112 South Beach!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? My favorite building in Miami is The Moore Building. The lobby is amazing and it is located at 4040 NE Second Ave. Design District
Miami, FL 33137.

What kind of car do you drive? Audi TT and VW CC. I really enjoying driving sports cars, but also need a practical sedan to take out clients.

Smartphone or paper?  I really enjoy the new wave of technology and the access I have any where (ok well mostly anywhere) in the World to connect with clients.

What is your favorite city after Miami? After Miami my favorite city is Cape Town, South Africa. It has some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Someone new in the industry should not get overwhelmed, but enjoy the process. After all we spend over 80% of our life in the process of reaching our goal 20% enjoying the fruits of our labor.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Go MLS, Zip Realty, and DOTLOOP.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? My favorite people to follow on Twitter are the stars of Million Dollar Listing Franchise, and any real estate Moguls.