Donna Manley is a GRI-ABR-SFR Broker for Manley Realty Services in the Houston Medical Center/Galleria area.

What was your first job in the realty industry?
My first job was working on weekends in Las Cruces, New Mexico, a small apartment community.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Silver City, N.M. At age five, I moved to El Paso, Tex., where I spent all my childhood.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
With the free time I do have, I like to get together with close friends and my family. I also enjoy hiking, exploring, listening to music, Texan tailgating, walking for relaxation and planning the next adventure!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Getting a massage and walking will do the trick!

Growing up, what did you want to be?
Always thought that I would be in the police force or private detective work. I liked the daily challenges of working with all different kinds of people, make daily decisions and no day being alike. Looking back now, I clearly understand why I chose the path of the real estate industry.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Barbara Corcoran, New York Real Estate Mogul. She started out as a waitress in New York City and is a huge self-made broker in Manhattan. Her story proves that if you are good character and honest with people always, success with come naturally. Someone I know well says, “Dream big, work hard”. I live by that rule everyday.

Where is your favorite place to hang out?
Living in the crazy, fast paced International City of Houston, I enjoy spending my time with my husband and our precious cats. We have a small place in the country about an hour away where we can do anything anything, including water sports, entertainment, barbecues, relaxation and stress-free fun!

What do you love most about the industry?
You know that old saying, “You should choose an occupation that you really like”? Well, I LOVE my job! The rewards of finding someone the perfect place to live, gives you a feeling of great accomplishment, not to mention the friendship with a another satisfied client. The rewards are endless.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
Having close to 25,000 other agents in the great city-the competition is fierce. Attention to detail is crucial, every step of the way. As I said before, the friendship/relationship continues. Have expertise and knowledge, be kind and always show empathy. This will set you aside from the others.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
For me, it is difficult keeping up with all the latest technology. Options for advertising and making sure our brand name (Manley Realty Services) is being appropriated in the right fields as the market continues to change.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
When I walk out of the house each day, ALL networking commences throughout the day. Every person I meet could be a potential client, another rule I live by everyday. Attending workshops, seminars or continue education classes are great areas to network.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I consider being married for 18 years a great accomplishment, along with finally taking the leap to start my own brokerage and creating our own real estate portfolio.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Houston has the mecca for food choices, I’m always open to try new things but favorites include Goody Company-BBQ, gourmet food trucks and Kubos-Sushi

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
Saint Anne Church.

What kind of car do you drive?
An SUV Infinity. Best versatile care ever!”

Smartphone or Paper?
Working on more smartphone now….

What is your favorite city after Houston?
The all-time best real estate history, without a doubt is New York City. Everything I love and know is there. With the exception of the weather, I love the NYC lifestyle.”

What is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Be prepared to start from the bottom and work hard. Be the difference, the rewards are very large!

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Houston Association of Realtors!

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
J. Justin Watt and Barbara Corcoran.

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