What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? My very first job was at Baskin Robbins scooping ice cream when I was 16 years old.
Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Los Angeles.
Growing up, what did you want to be? I have always been an animal lover – I wanted to be a veterinarian.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I have very little downtime to relax. The only way that I can relieve stress, is working out with my 6 AM CrossFit crew at Move Lift Live in Brickell. It’s also the hardest thing I do all day and I really enjoy it. Once my workout is done, I never have to think about it again until the following morning.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would have loved the opportunity to meet Luther Vandross. When you listen to his music, you can’t help but pause and enjoy his buttery voice. His vocals are pure medicine to my soul.
Where is Miami’s best-kept secret? Miami’s best kept secret is a small Italian restaurant called Soya e Pomodoro in Downtown Miami. If you are looking for delicious food with an ambience unlike anything you’re accustomed to in Miami, this is the place to go. Take your significant other for a date night and I guarantee you they won’t be disappointed.
What do you love most about the industry? I really enjoy helping people build wealth through homeownership.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most difficult part of all of our profession is dealing with Realtors’ egos We all have to remember that we are a team. We need to stay laser-focused on always doing what is in the best interest of the consumers we represent.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Your database is your golden ticket. I would immediately start working to grow your database and not be afraid to ask for help. Ask your friends, family, baristas, neighbors and everyone you know to refer you to someone who is looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in real estate. According to the National Association of Realtors, only 13 percent of all new agents succeed in real estate within the first five years in the industry. Don’t be the other 87 percent that doesn’t make it in this business.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? The Handmaid’s Tale NARCOS POSE Our Planet THE MIND OF AARON HERNANDEZ House of Cards Game of Thrones Schitt’s Creek Sense8 Succession. I also love a good Law and Order Marathon.
What’s your favorite meal in Miami? I recently went to NAOE on Brickell Key for date night with my husband. The experience from the moment you enter to the moment you exit is top notch. Chef Kevin Cory’s food is simply delectable.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? We have many beautiful buildings in Miami, but none compare to the Icon Brickell, designed by Philippe Starck and Arquitectonica.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? I can’t say that I find anything weird in this business anymore. When you earn your clients’ trust, they often forget to pick up their most valuable and intimate belongings (use your imagination on this one). The number one rule that I have learned in my 6 years in real estate is to always be the first one to show up. Your job is to make sure the buyer can envision themselves in the home from the moment they step foot through the door.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? I’m a first-generation kid born to a Guatemalan Mother and Mexican Father who moved to the states to live the American Dream. I’m the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother. Although I’m the only family member that lives in Miami, I get to see my nieces and nephews grow up with the help of FaceTime. My motto has always been and continues to be “family above all.”
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why? I recently went to Mexico City and was impressed by its proximity to Miami, the hospitality, the culture, the safety, the cleanliness of the city and above all, how affordable it is to visit. I fell in love with the city and the people, so much so that I would consider purchasing a small condo in Polanco.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Don’t be a secret agent and always think safety first.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? I really enjoy following @MiamiYPN.