What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I worked in Manhattan in the fashion and entertainment industries. It was interesting and exciting. I traveled to some beautiful locations and met a lot of wonderfully creative people.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. People always look at me with sympathy when I say Pittsburgh, LOL. Actually, it was a beautiful and fabulous place to grow up with the four seasons, rolling hills, lots of bike riding, ice skating and outdoor activities, and at that time, exciting sports teams. Most of the people were so hospitable and everyone looked out for each other.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
When I was very young I wanted to be a ballet dancer and as I got older I wanted to be a surgeon. Life happily took me other directions.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Exercise is the best de-stressor for me. I love a high intensity cardio session. Also, there is nothing like a run or brisk long walk on the beach to de-stress. There are definitely added benefits to being in nature and being on the water. To relax I love reading historical fiction and articles on bio hacking and functional medicine.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
It’s a toss up between Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela for obvious reasons.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
I think a lot of people would be surprised to know there are beautiful horse ranches in South Florida.
What do you love most about the industry?
I feel so fortunate to work in a market that attracts buyers from all over the world. I have met so many interesting, accomplished, inspiring people from so many different countries. One of my very bests friends is from Milan. I met her first as a client.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
When a buyer passes on a property or waits too long to pull the trigger and then an opportunity like that doesn’t come back around.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
For every single client, do your very best. The best new leads are referrals from people who have worked with you and value your professionalism and market knowledge.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I just finished reading “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese. A beautifully written, epic novel that swept me into another world and time. I highly, highly recommend it.
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
Lately I have been loving Contessa by Major Food Group in the Miami Design District.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
We have some real gems going up such as Villa Miami. As for existing buildings, the 1000 Museum by Zaha Hadid is spectacular, as is the Monad Terrace by Jean Nouvel, both Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architects.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
When I first started real estate, I was showing a lovely, elderly couple apartments. I opened the door and we walked in on a totally naked couple engaged in shall we say…adult activities. They didn’t even notice us at first! I think we were more embarrassed than they were.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m fascinated by science, especially the biological sciences. I can really geek out on research and PubMed.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
I have been having a love affair with Italy for many years. It’s the off-the-beaten-path small towns that enchant me, from the medieval villages to the quaint seaside towns. The country is so diverse and there is so much to explore!
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Do more than everyone else!
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: @LisaVmiami
Facebook: @lisa.vanwagenen.1