Jackie Lee Sylvester is a broker associate with Keller Williams Realty working in Plantation.

What was your first job in the realty industry? Rental/relocation specialist.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I go for a run in the park or at the beach.

Where did you grow up? Coral Springs, Fla.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A journalist, actress and writer.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?  Oprah Winfrey. She has always been an inspiration to me both personally and professionally. I even stayed out of trouble as a teen by sometimes asking myself “What would Oprah do?”.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love the beaches here and also the waterfront restaurants. So, on any given day you can catch me hanging out on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Newport Beach, South Beach or any of the sushi spots and steakhouses that line them.

What do you love most about the industry? The opportunity to help someone transition into a new life is what I love most. The industry is full of ups and downs but no matter what, everybody has to make a change at some point in their life. Being able to be such a big part of someone’s transition, whether by selling, renting out or helping them buy a new property, is very spiritually rewarding.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am the broker who puts communication first. Before I became a broker I was in business management for call centers. In that industry I learned just how important it is to always pick up the phone. So now, I make it a point to be available to my clients, as well as any potential clients or buyers. One phone call could mean the difference between a sold sign in the yard and an expired listing!

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Every client has different needs and every sale presents new learning opportunities. So in order to keep every transaction on track and prevent them from falling apart, it’s important to setup systems and hire the best support staff you can.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? At least once a month I attend a real estate business networking event to get to know my fellow agents, which works out great when it comes to negotiating contracts. As for new clients, I normally keep in contact with my previous clients for new business. I also attend community events in the cities where I sell so neighbors are familiar with me and my office.

What has been you greatest accomplishment? Earlier this year, a gentleman was newly divorced and had a huge, waterfront home in a gated community that he wasn’t happy in any longer. He dreamed of moving into a smaller home closer to the beach and the downtown Fort Lauderdale lifestyle. Many of his neighbors’ homes were on the market for months without selling, so he was weary. Well, he put his trust in me and I got the home under contract in less than a month. It sold for $10k over appraised value and we didn’t even put a sign in the yard. That meant a lot to me because he was so unhappy with the memories left in the old house. Now he is happier than ever!

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “The ONE Thing” by Gary Keller. A fantastic book.

What is your favorite restaurant? J. Alexander’s. Everything on the menu is delicious!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?  The Vizcaya. This museum is the epitome of beauty to me and actually, once the date is confirmed, I will be married there in a few months!

What kind of car do you drive? BMW 3 Series.

Smartphone or paper? Both! Smartphone for business, paper for getting creative.

What is your favorite city after Miami? Chicago. I’m a mid-western girl at heart.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?  Never be afraid to ask questions and learn something new.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? I love the Realtor.com app.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I use Instagram a lot more than Twitter…And I like to follow creative non-celebrities but that might change in the coming months.

Do you want to be featured in our Agent Snapshot? Fill out our questionnaire, and you’ll be featured too!