Keith Zacharie is an associate real estate broker for Urban Brokers-Keller Williams Realty in Houston.
What was your first job in the realty industry?
My first job was a leasing agent for Olympus Nelson Property Management in 1998. I transferred my licences to Morgan Personette (Heritage Texas Properties) as leasing agent for the firm. In 2004, I got my Broker license and worked with a fellow friend/owner at Mainstreet Properties. In January 2010, I had opened my own one man firm – Urban Brokers. In July 2013, I transferred my firm into the Keller Williams Brand, looking to expand my name.
Where did you grow up?
San Antonio, Texas.
What is your favorite free-time activity?
My favorite free-time activity is going to the movies with friends.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I listen to my collection of music that I have stored on my iPod.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I envisioned myself as a condo developer. I admired Donald Trump, Gerald Hines and Trammel Crow. I would collect magazines with high-rise developments (Ocean Drive Magazine and any magazine that used high-rise ad placements).
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Oprah Winfrey. I admire her success, her drive and her ability to motivate. I enjoy her “Super Soul Sunday”. It motivates and inspires me to believe I can do things if I set my mind, goals and dreams forward.
Where is your favorite place to hang out?
It used to be the now closed Borders on Kirby/West Alabama. That was the place to be for me. I would spend hours there on a Sunday. I enjoyed reading the newspaper, magazines and the latest novel that have just arrive. Now, it the Barnes and Noble in the River Oaks shopping center on Shepherd and Gray. This is now my favorite place.
What do you love most about the industry?
I enjoy helping people fulfill the dreams of ownership. I love seeing new home buyers at the closing table excited about the first purchase and owners happy about me helping them sell the home/investment.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
K E I T H – my name says it all: Knowledgeable, Experienced, Industry expert, Top producer, Honesty.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
When working with clients to find their home in a tight market where inventory is very low, or when you were in a bidding war with other agents for a property.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
I use social media to meet and network with people, specifically Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was when I received my Broker license. It took me 10 tries to get it but I never gave up. On the tenth time, I passed and when I left the testing center a woman told me, “Do well with your licenses. You’re going to make it – you never gave up.”
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
The last good movie that I saw was, Lee Daniels’s “The Butler”.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Olive Garden.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
The Williams Tower and Four Leaf Towers.
What kind of car do you drive?
2012 Honda Accord.
Smartphone or paper?
Smartphone.
What is your favorite city after Houston?
New York City.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Be determined, dedicated and disciplined – you’ll make it.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
HTC Evo and Apple iPad.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
Oren Alexander Of Douglas Elliman and Brandon Cohen of Corcoran Group – New York City real estate agents.
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