Josephine Barnes is a real estate consultant with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene working in Sugar Land and Richmond.

What was your first job in the realty industry? Leasing agent.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Step away from what I am working on, regroup and then start again.

Where did you grow up? Los Angeles, Calif.

Growing up, what did you want to be? An FBI agent.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Oprah. I greatly admire her strength, ambition and leadership.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Outdoors, for sure. Memorial or Oyster Creek Park.

What do you love most about the industry? I love that you get from it as much as you’re wiling to give. I give 100 percent.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am assertive without being overly aggressive. I take the time to really understand my clients’ expectations.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Getting started.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I host open houses regularly and am very active in my farm area.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? My first seller side transaction. There were several unforeseen obstacles that we worked through to get the job done. We were very pleased with the results.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?  I am not a big movie person. One of the most valuable books I’ve read is “The 48 Laws of Power.”

What is your favorite restaurant? Houston’s.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston? The Chapel of St. Basil.

What kind of car do you drive? Jeep Wrangler.

Smartphone or paper? Both.

What is your favorite city after Houston? Los Angeles.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be persistent. Develop your own plan and stick with it.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Har.com.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Bill Gates, a true humanitarian.

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