Joan Osborne is a Realtor for RE/MAX Associates Northeast in Kingwood.

What was your first job in the realty industry?
In 1978, I received my License. I chose to work with a small family owned real estate office. There weren’t a lot of agents, but we had the most fantastic broker, who would go out of the way for you. We were part of RELO and I did very well right from the start with relocation buyers and sellers. I had to learn so many areas, as they always wanted to look all over Houston. From then on, I realized how helpful that was, to know most every part of Houston.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in small town of Maywood, Calif. and I grew up in Lynwood, Calif. I went through my school years all in the same area. I loved where we lived: it was so close to the beach, but not far from the mountains. When we got married, we bought a home in Lakewood, Calif., raised all four children there and then my husband got transferred to Houston. We bought a home in Kingwood, Tx.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
I love to be with my grandkids and do a little traveling. I love the beach and go every time I possibly can. Another passion I have is gardening. I love to be with people, parties, dinners and barbecue get-togethers. Best of all, we have some family close by and there is always something to do, like baseball games, dance recitals/competitions, etc. My husband and family come first!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Go shopping! Reall,y anything to take my mind off of the stress. I also like to bake, but it’s hard to enjoy if your stressed. Luckily for me, I don’t get stressed very often.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to get married and have children. As I got older I wanted to do some kind of marketing, which I did before I started in real estate. It really goes hand in hand!

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Natalie Wood, she seemed like she was down to earth. She had a career and her family and was always so poised. I would have liked to have known more about her personal life.

Where is your favorite place to hang out?
Well, with people. Maybe outdoor lunch spots with my friends. I love to go outdoor concerts. Weather permitting, the beach is number one. I lived near the beach in Calif. and never lost my love for beaches.

What do you love most about the industry?
People. My clients become my friends. I have a lot of repeat and referral business. This job is also somewhat flexible, if you have a good working partner. It makes me so happy when I have helped clients find their home. Seeing their excitement is worth all the time and effort to me.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I listen to my clients. I know many people show homes way above the amount the client states they want to stay within or in different areas than they want. I gladly show comparables for all the homes they are interested in. I treat them all like family, wanting to educate them about the homes they see and the neighborhoods, whether they’re good or bad!

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I guess I would have to say that when you get the unexpected call when you just arrive at a party. There are times when we are on our way to dinner, and I’ll have someone that needs to talk to me for a long period of time. If its important to them, I excuse myself and help my client and beg forgiveness that this call was very important to my client.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
Realtor gatherings, conventions, open houses. Not to mention garden club, social events and civic club meetings and Chamber of Commerce meetings.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I guess I would say I never had any legal issues against me. I am also very proud to have been with RE/MAX for over 30 years. Always in the top producers. My highest accomplishment is my family. My husband and I have been married close to 58 years, we have raised four children and now have five grandchildren..that’s an accomplishment not many people have.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Pappasittos.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
I love the Williams Tower in the Galleria, especially the waterfalls in front of it. I love many other buildings in Houston but don’t know the names of them. We have a beautiful skyline!

What kind of car do you drive?
I have a white Cadillac , CTS. Small space in back, but I receive many compliments on it. I actually like it because its a little sporty.

Smartphone or paper?
Smartphone as much as I can!

What is your favorite city after Houston?
Fort Worth.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Always be professional, willing to work hard. Listen to clients.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Mortgage Calculator Pro.