Claudia Coupet is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty working in Weston, Southwest Ranches, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines and Hollywood.

What was your first job in the realty industry? My first job in the real estate business was at Palm Aire selling timeshares. I left the company to join All About Real Estate Realty and developed the love of residential real estate sales. In 2004 I joined Prudential Florida Realty, which became Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty, and I am honored to still be associated with this incredible company that has values and integrity.

Real estate is my passion. I enjoy working with people of all ages and help them find their dream home.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I love to meet people and help others. I relax by being of service to my church and my community. I have been voluntarily teaching Catechism to children since 1995, and it has been very rewarding and relaxing. I am involved in an outreach ministry where I travel to Haiti to help the less fortunate. I also love to sit by the lake in my back yard, walk on the beach… I enjoy reading, dancing and I love spending quality time with my grand children, family and friends. My hide away is a Chapel where I go for quiet moments and meditation to recharge my battery.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Queens, N.Y., and I was born in Port Au Prince, Haiti.

Growing up, what did you want to be? Growing up I wanted to be a child psychologist. I also envisioned traveling around the world and meeting people and visit beautiful homes.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be? I would love to have lunch with the Pope. I believe that the Pope has a very difficult and rewarding job. I love the wisdom and the humility that Pope Francis displays. The Pope represents the first bishop chosen by Christ, and I understand that his job is to lead us to seek God, to love Him and to serve Him. I would love to talk to him and receive a blessing.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love to hang out with my sisters at their home and laugh. I also like to meet with friends in a restaurant and catch up.

What do you love most about the industry? I love the excitement that the industry offers such as the beautiful homes to list and sell; the opportunity to network with so many professionals; and the challenge to succeed in this very competitive field. A house is probably the most expensive investment that somebody will make. I embrace the fact that I am a professional with a burning desire to help someone sell or purchase his/her home and be fully happy with the outcome of the transaction. Bottom line, it has to be win win situation for all.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I recently joined the Mike Ferry Organization (MFO), and I am determined to become a top agent. The program is simple but challenging, as it requires a new mind set and a commitment for self-improvement and dedication. I am committed to providing the highest quality service for customers’ satisfaction.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most difficult aspect of my job is working with people who cannot qualify for a loan or are afraid to make decisions. I often work long hours and sometimes I have to walk away from situations that are beyond my control.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I prospect from my sphere of influence (i.e. past clients, expired listings, FSBO) I attend various functions, as well. My hide away is a chapel where I go for quiet moments and meditation to recharge my battery.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment is bouncing back from my divorce after 28 years of marriage. I am single but happy with myself and enjoying the love of my family and grand children. I am very focused with work, and I love to be surrounded by positive and successful people.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I love to read the Bible as it is a book of wisdom and knowledge. It is the No. 1 book in my view and by far my favorite one. I often refer to it. I also like to read motivational and informative books. I have not seen a good movie in a long time.

What is your favorite restaurant? I love Thai food so my favorite restaurant is probably Moon Thai. I also like eating at a humble, small, family-owned restaurant called Atlakat. I love soups; I enjoy Pan Pa Ya at lunch time.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? Miami is known for its beautiful architectural buidings. I am impressed with the Biltmore Hotel and Viscaya.

What kind of car do you drive? I drive a Lexus.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone. It saves the trees.

What is your favorite city after Miami? I love the city of lights “Paris.”

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be a professional, have integrity, work hard and learn continuously.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? E key. It is very convenient.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I do not use Twitter much. I would probably follow the Pope, Warren Buffet, Anthony Robbins and Rei Messa.

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