Elsa Cristobal is a Realtor and professional associate with Keller William Premier Properties working in Pinecrest.
What was your first job in the realty industry? I started out as an investor.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Close my eyes and take deep breaths.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Miami.
Growing up, what did you want to be? A teacher.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? God. I want to see what he thinks and why.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? The beach.
What do you love most about the industry? The ability to assist people in one of the most important investments of their life.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? By simply being myself. I don’t fuss over doing whatever everyone else does. I am a people person and do business by connecting with people – not with the computer but face to face. I care about them. Everyone is different, but being true to myself makes me a happier person and a better agent.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Dealing with other agents. The professionalism is lost. There are too many greedy agents who don’t care about their clients. They care about how much and how quickly they can make money. They have lost sight of the fact we are agents in an emotional line of work that deals with people. No returned phone calls or code of ethics makes it very difficult to do the job well.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I mostly get my clients from referrals and word of mouth. Haven’t done any business solicitation. I believe in personal connections, not networking.
What has been you greatest accomplishment? My daughter.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The movie Heaven is for Real, a heartwarming movie. And “The Magic of Believing” by Claude Bristol.
What is your favorite restaurant? Red Fish Grill.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston? The Freedom Tower.
What kind of car do you drive? A 1997 BMW convertible. You don’t need a new leased car, just one you love.
Smartphone or paper? Paper, and then my blackberry. Unfortunately, you need to be connected.
What is your favorite city after Houston? Paris.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be yourself, think positive, always follow up, answer your calls.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Don’t use any. I am a better agent without the gadgets.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Follow no one. If we would spend more time with clients, friends and colleagues, we’d get more business, make new friends and learn something new everyday. Too much time on social media and looking down makes me miss what is happening in front of me.
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