Davidson Realty Agent Spotlight: Mirtha Barzaga

Mirtha Barzaga, our Davidson Realty Agent Spotlight this month is no stranger to the spotlight.  Mirtha is frequently recognized for her strong sales track record.  In fact, Mirtha is our Top Producer for September 2012 and Top Lister for the Third Quarter 2012.  She has developed a specialty in new home construction and was recently instrumental in negotiating a multi-lot purchase in the King & Bear for a national homebuilder. We caught up with Mirtha recently to chat with her about her successful real estate career and busy life in Heritage Landing.

Q: Mirtha, you are one of Davidson Realty’s most consistent top performers.  What’s your secret? I believe my success in real estate stems from my sincere interest in serving homebuyers and sellers.  I care about people and I work hard to meet their needs and I always go the extra mile.

Q: How are you finding the real estate market lately?  It has picked up.  Desirable homes are moving more quickly, inventory is tighter and prices are ticking up.  I do a lot of new home construction sales which have really been improving, especially when people see they can often buy new for nominally more than a distressed or short sale property.  After I worked with a national homebuilder on the purchase of several lots in the King & Bear, the division is the best performer for the company this year.

Q: You’re credited with kicking off the Davidson Realty mentoring program.  How did that come about? A past customer and friend wanted to follow in my footsteps as a Realtor and I thought she would be great with the right training. She joined Davidson Realty and for the first three to four months, she joined me on showings, listing appointments, inspections, appraisals and closings.  She did so well that Sherry and I talked about duplicating the experience for all new agents who joined the company. Now several of us experienced Realtors mentor new agents as part of the company’s official Mentoring Program.  Right now I’m mentoring four agents and my goal is that they each become as successful or even more successful than me.

Q: Tell us about the milestone you recently celebrated.  My five-year anniversary at Davidson Realty and in the real estate business in St. Augustine and Jacksonville!  I hosted a customer appreciation event at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village.  More than 50 customers, business associates and friends joined us for the elegant cocktail party which we’ve decided to make an annual event!

Q: Tell us about life in Heritage Landing.  It’s busy!  I’m raising my grandchildren, aged 12, 13 and 14, and I chose Heritage Landing when I moved here six years ago because it seemed an ideal family neighborhood and the schools are top-notch.  The kids love it here – there’s so much to do, the neighbors are wonderful and we’re very active in the community, the schools and its events.  A typical day starts at 5:30 am to get the kids off to school.  I’m in the office by 8:30 to check emails, and then off to appointments, showings and meetings.  I pick up the kids from school in the afternoon and get them started on homework, then back to the office to take care of paperwork before heading back home to make dinner. 

Q: Wow! Do you have time for any hobbies?  There really isn’t much time because when I’m not working, I spend as much time as possible with my grandkids.  I enjoy traveling, a good play or the ballet but I figure I’ll have plenty time for that after they leave for college.

Q: Mirtha, most people don’t know about your life before real estate.  I was born in Cuba and came to the U.S. as a child.  I raised my family in New Jersey where, for 10 years, I owned and ran a large construction company.  Then I started a successful event planning company which I ran for another 10 years.  After I sold that company, I moved to Miami to be closer to my children and worked for one of the biggest flower importers in the country.  I like to stay busy!