Nancy Iliffe is a Realtor with Shelton and Stewart Real Estate working in Coral Gables.
What was your first job in the realty industry? I purchased a beach shack in Pacific Grove, Calif. when I was 20. I cleaned, painted, planted and staged it without knowing anything about real estate. I didn’t even tell my family until six months later when I sold it for a profit. I was hooked!
Once I had my California real estate license, I needed a listing. I talked my parents into putting their house on the market but I really don’t think they believed I could or would sell it. I found a buyer during my open house and my mom cried so hard I had to find the buyer another house.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I love to shop for fresh ingredients at gourmet markets and cook for family and friends.
Where did you grow up? Monterey, Calif.
Growing up, what did you want to be?A Hollywood movie star!
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Norman Rockwell, because he preserved American culture and lifestyle on canvas in the early and mid 20th century. His paintings tell the story of America
from World War I through the turbulent 60s.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love being at home with family, going to the movies and exploring different neighborhood restaurants all over Miami.
What do you love most about the industry?Just when you think you have seen it all, something totally new and challenging appears. There are no limits to your potential if you are willing to work
hard and the atmosphere and energy of selling in Miami is electric!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am confident in my experience over the last 38 years. I think I am at my best now, and I try to learn something new about the real estate business every day.
Years of “relationship building” have paid off. I only compete with myself and I am careful to make sure I know and understand the product I am selling. I encourage and try to work by referral
and this has worked well for me.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Changing economies here and worldwide, keeping up with fast pace of technology, government intervention and regulations for lenders, and time management are challenges we face every day. You must work full time to be at the top of your game.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? We belong to a local golf and social club, and I have met wonderful friends who have referred me at my church. I live in a condo townhouse and we love to entertain our neighbors, friends and clients in our home whenever possible. I network with other agents at Master Brokers Forum events in Dade County, and I am proud to serve on the advisory board of that prestigious organization.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Without question I am proudest of my family, who are not only supportive but really fun to be with. Our four daughters have brought us great joy and
we are happiest when we are spending time celebrating anything and everything.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The last book I read was “The Girl on The Train,” but one of my recent favorites was “New York: The Novel” by Edward Rutheford.
What is your favorite restaurant? Michael’s Genuine in the Miami design district anytime; Il Gabbiano in downtown Miami for special occasions; and Hillstone in Coral Gables for casual good food and meeting friends.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts by Cesar Pelli.
What kind of car do you drive?Lexus. White is my color of choice in Miami.
Smartphone or paper? iPhone 6 Plus.
What is your favorite city after Miami? Carmel, Calif.
What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Focus on learning the market. Visit every open house and study all listings in your area of expertise. Be able to tell your friends about what is selling, what has sold and what is new on the market. Be ready to discuss real estate with confidence and don’t hesitate to let friends, family and acquaintances know you are professional and in the business full time. When you sell something, make sure you let everyone in the neighborhood and in your sphere of influence know.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Go MLS Miami and realtor.com.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I am a bit of a political junkie. I am currently following several political candidates.
Do you want to be featured in our Agent Snapshot? Fill out our questionnaire, and you’ll be featured too!