We had our first Inman News Facebook Chat with Samantha DeBianchi of “Million Dollar Listing Miami,” and our followers showed up and showed out with over 60 questions for Samantha to answer. Here are some highlights from today’s chat:

What’s one thing that in your opinion should be super-obvious to achieving success, but that others seem to miss? 

Hi there! Something that is super-obvious but that so many people forget in this business is PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE! Deals don’t happen overnight. Success doesn’t happen overnight. The difference between someone who’s good and someone who’s great is sticking with it and waiting it out, and not losing faith.

[Tweet “So many people in this business forget about patience and persistence.”]

What fundamentals did you master in order to cross over to luxury?

I think the most important aspect of real estate — whether it is luxury or not — is really and truly knowing your market. The inventory, the neighborhood, the surroundings — anything and everything about the area it is that you are farming. Secondly, if you want to be in the luxury market, make sure you’re hanging out with that crowd. Join their organizations, clubs, memberships. Play some golf, tennis, etc. Be in front of those people and make an impression, but always remember to be yourself!

[Tweet “If you want to be in luxury, make sure you’re hanging out w/ that crowd!”]

What type of marketing do you feel is most effective and why?

Social media is extremely effective — especially with 90 percent of buyers looking online — it’s actually how I grew my entire business. However I enjoy a mix of “old school” marketing with mailers, cold calls and door knocking as well. When it comes to marketing, you should use every angle possible.

[Tweet “When it comes to marketing, you should use every angle possible.”]

What would you say is the most valuable piece of technology you have?

My cellphone. It’s amazing what answering your phone can do. It sounds silly, but with texting and emails, agents (in my opinion) have lost a lot of business. Buyers and sellers want to hear you, and while I think technology is great, never lose that personal touch of calling someone or visiting them in person! I once received a text of a $3 million offer. Needless to say, I thought that was pretty unprofessional!

[Tweet “Never lose that personal touch of calling or visiting someone.”]

What was your biggest fear to overcome?

My biggest fear was not feeling “good enough” when I first got my license. As time went on and I learned more about real estate, inventory and doing business in general, I became a lot more confident. Education is so important to me. Never stop learning!

[Tweet “Never stop learning!”]

How do you deal with stubborn clients?

We all have stubborn clients! I give clients a three-price strategy. The first price is on the higher end (having them understand it will sit on the market a bit longer); the second price is on point with the market; and the last price is below the market. If a seller is above the highest price I give them, I tell them I am not the agent for them. If you watched “MDL,” you will know I am not a fan of overpriced listings. Overpriced listings give the seller unrealistic expectations and make you as an agent very, very frustrated! Be honest with sellers from the start and they will definitely respect you more!

[Tweet “Use a three-price strategy with stubborn sellers.”]

What do you do daily to prepare yourself to give it your very best?

Every evening I write down everything I need to do for the following day on a notepad. It’s so important to write things down. It’s amazing what you can do when you hold yourself accountable.

[Tweet “It’s amazing what you can do when you hold yourself accountable.”]

To check out the rest of Samantha’s answers, click here. Remember to see Samantha in person at Luxury Connect on October 21–22 in Beverly Hills.

 

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×