Margaret Zamanian is a Realtor with Better Homes and Garden Real Estate Gary Greene in Katy.
What was your first job in the realty industry?
I received my licenses in 2007 and started my real estate career with Weichert Realtors in Katy.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Dalzell, Illinois, 90 miles southwest of Chicago.
What is your favorite free-time activity?
Traveling to off-the-beaten-path places, road trips and guided tours.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Taking a time-out to go to the theatre is relaxing. Otherwise, a few minutes with a good cup of coffee and a travel magazine can be very relaxing.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I had thoughts of becoming a stewardess when I was young, but back in those days, I would not have passed the height requirements.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be?
Julio Iglesias, simply because I love his singing voice.
Where is your favorite place to hang out?
La Madeliene in Katy.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love meeting and assisting homebuyers and home sellers. It is interesting to meet such fascinating people from all walks of life. To find my clients the right home or the right buyer is very rewarding. Clients become friends.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
That is hard to do when there are so many agents in the real estate business. I can distinguish myself by my patience when working with buyers and sellers throughout the transactions; my listening to what my clients really need; and my negotiation skills to achieve what is best for my clients.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Working through foreclosures and short sales can be difficult because of the length of the process, the condition of some of the homes and the requirements of various lenders.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
Social networking sites, such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Networking is 24/7 when I meet people through friends, family and other contacts made through our broker events and various builder events for Realtors.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Starting a business in real estate in Katy after living in Saudi Arabia for five years and Bahrain for two years. Before that time, my career was in executive administration.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Orleans Seafood Kitchen in Katy. It reminds me of the good times and the Cajun food I learned to love when I lived just west of New Orleans.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
Pennzoil Place.
What kind of car do you drive?
Toyota Highlander.
Smartphone or paper?
Smartphone.
What is your favorite city after Houston?
New Orleans, where the good times continue to roll long after Katrina.
What is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Associate with a broker that has a well-known career development program.
What’s your favorite Real Estate iPhone/ Blackberry app?
The apps that I use constantly are the HAR app and the showing service (CSS) for appointments. These apps give me the latest information and fastest appointment service.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
CNN Breaking News, Fox26, various tweets for local news, travel, real estate, Houston and Katy area.
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