Lisa Dempsey is a sales manager for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene in Lake Houston.

What was your first job in the realty industry?
My first job was as an agent. I worked with a variety of buyers and sellers as clients. I became Rookie of the Year my first year of sales.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kingwood, Texas where I live and work now. I am also raising my family here. It has been very exciting to see our community grow over the years.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
Spending time outdoors rejuvenates me. Geocaching, fishing, biking and exploring new places are all activities I love.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Cooking for my family and having that time to laugh together while we share the meal is my favorite de-stresser.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
I went to the University of Texas to study English Literature. I was inspired by my teachers and I love books, history and sharing what I know with others.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
I’d love to meet Carol Burnett, Bette Midler, or Julie Andrews. These women are smart, funny and so talented. I am sure they could all share wonderful stories about their experiences overcoming obstacles and being able to live their dreams.

Where is your favorite place to hang out?
My backyard with friends is my favorite hang out.

What do you love most about the industry?
Home is a central part of our everyday lives. I get to solve problems and overcome new obstacles each day to help my agents and their clients with their home sale or home purchase. Finding new ways to help my agents grow their business so they can help more people is my favorite part of my job though.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
Experience, negotiation skills, and market knowledge are invaluable but being able to ask the right questions is the key. Finding out how someone wants to live and engaging them in a conversation so I am sure that I understand what their true desire is makes a difference.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Agents are often “stuck in the middle” of situations that arise in a transaction as a result of a third party action. For example, when a loan processor falls behind and delays a closing, trying to keep everyone calm and focused on the goal of closing without major drama is difficult.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
Many agents get started in this career because it can provide a flexible schedule. I say that means you can work everywhere all the time! It doesn’t matter where I am, I talk to people about how and where they want to live all the time.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I have had many wonderful opportunities to own and manage real estate offices. I am most proud of my team at BHG Gary Greene right now. We have been through tremendous growth over the last twelve months and the results are really significant.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
Great by Choice by Jim Collins & Morten T. Hansen.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Eddie V’s is one of my favorites, but this is Houston and we have so many great places to choose from.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
The Menil Collection and Sculpture Gardens.

What kind of car do you drive?
A fun to drive BMW 128i Convertible.

Smartphone or Paper?
Smartphone.

What is your favorite city after Houston?
Chicago or NYC.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Ask questions. Your choice of Broker matters. Sell lifestyles.

What’s your favorite Real Estate iPhone/ Blackberry app?
I love Cards. It is not real estate specific, but I use it to create personalized notes for agents, friends, and clients. I also like Videolicious for creating quick professional video tours.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
Stephan Swanepoel, Any Chorew and Desiree Savoy.

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