Araceli Villanueva

What was your first job in the realty industry? I became a homeowner when I was 20. From that point on, real estate has been part of my life as an investor, owner, sales agent and mortgage professional, as well for the same amount of time.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Dance salsa and get together with friends!

Where did you grow up? Mexico City until I was 18 years old. Then I moved to San Francisco, then Chicago and then Miami 15 years ago.

Growing up, what did you want to be? An actress.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be? Jesus because Im a Christian Catholic and Napoleon Hill to tell me his experiences with those genius he interviewed to make the book Think and Grow Rich a master piece!

Where is your favorite place to hang out? My house.

What do you love most about the industry? Helping people get their most precious financial investment…their home.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Im very involved in the process from beginning to end. Im a perfectionist. I have a mother’s instinct to protect my clients and serve them the best way I can.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The lack of professionalism in the industry.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I get them by referral, mostly. I have built a great reputation and that is what gets me the clients.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Becoming a mother and teaching now my son to learn the art of real estate.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.

What is your favorite restaurant? Too many to name! Love food. My favorite is Mexican, then Japanese and then everything else!

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? 1000 Museum by Zaha Hadid yet to be built!

What kind of car do you drive? GLA 2015 Mercedes Benz.

Smartphone or paper? Both.

What is your favorite city after Miami? San Francisco, Chicago, LA, Mexico City.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be focused and persevere – success comes to those who work hard!

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? eKey, GoMLS Miami.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? @Douglas Elliman.

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