Interview

magnifyingGlass Interview with Vicki:

1Q:Why real estate?

“From steel trading (another story!) to hotel sales & marketing, I slid into the luxury residential real estate market. Leasing corporate hotel space globally …and working in a multinational environment was right up my alley. Selling residential homes and condos is more personal, and rewarding.

2Q. You’ve lived in California, Europe, NY and Miami?

“I’ve dabbled in real estate for decades. My first personal investment was a disheveled condo on New York’s Upper East Side when I was in my twenties (with the first two nickels we could rub together). Working with Regent International Hotels and (what’s now) Westin Hotels was the jumping-off point.”

3Q: You speak Italian?

”I studied for a year at Stanford in Florence. It was ’sink or swim’. Having an Italian language base opened the door to working with International Investors, and living in Europe gave me an understanding as to the intricate differences between property ownership in the States, and elsewhere.”

4Q: What makes you successful?

”Perspective… Persistence and hard work. I set the bar high. I won’t tolerate mediocrity in myself or in others. I expect a lot. A good network and affiliation with professionals (attorneys, lenders, title companies…) goes a long way. I’m hands-on and involved with every aspect.”

5Q: What gives? You’re one of the few not crying the blues!

“Historically, real estate has been a worthwhile investment. The market is cyclical, and we’re in a very normal cycle. Those buying now will be cheering as the market turns upward. ”

6Q. What is a Comparative Market Analysis? ”I don’t create the market, but by sharing information, buyers and sellers can make informed decisions. A comparative market analysis shows “sold”, “currently for sale”, “pending sales”, provides pricing guidelines, and gives an idea as to how many ’real’ buyers there are. I shoot from the hip. A positive mindset, determination, and readily-available information make for a good ‘fit’.”

7Q. Your website is jam-packed with resources and info!

“Over 90 percent of homebuyers, at some point along the way, research their purchase through the internet. Reliable resources are essential to buyers and sellers. The real estate market and available technology change constantly. Providing information is a way for me to stay on top of the market, and a resource for buyers and sellers to rely on.”

8Q: Rumor has it that you’ve pulled together some rather creative deals.

“Thinking outside the box has always been my ‘forte’. Even in the crux of the fray, it’s important to realize that buyers and sellers are headed for the same finish line. Sometimes the participants can loose sight of the big picture. With real estate, there’s almost always a way to make it all ‘happen’ and fit together. The art of negotiation is just that, an art. I listen.”

9Q. Your first year in real estate… in one of the worst markets ever, you were in the top 2% of realtors nationally. How?

”What I didn’t do was prioritize, which in theory, should have backfired. An estate donated to the University of Miami, pied-a terre or luxury waterfront property …I treated them the same (regardless of value). Intriguingly, that philosophy worked.”

10Q. Partnering with your daughter, bringing her into the business what’s probably in the worst market Miami has seen, well, is there a pattern here?

“Alexandra is off and running. Armed with technical savvy and a fresh approach, and results-driven, she is a huge asset. Her strong connection to the University of Miami (having graduated from there) has already given her a bevvy of contacts and connections.”

11Q. Why EWM?

“Owned by Warren Buffett, and affiliated with HomeServices Lending & Wells Fargo, EWM is solid, and provides a great support system. In today’s financial climate that’s paramount to success. Being surrounded by competant, like-minded individuals, is key.”

12Q: The name “Miami Real Estate Cafe” is catchy

“Anywhere in the world, “Miami” connotates paradise (sun, sand, water). Who doesn’t want to live here? The local ”Cafe”… is where you go for the inside scoop … and “The Miami Real Estate Cafe” is where some of the best finds are scooped-up before they are ever publicly available or widely known!”

13Q “Slip into something comfortable”: Suggestive?

“Lifestyle… Comfort… and Trust. There’s nothing more personal, intimate or important than the purchase or sale of a home. Lifestyle choices, wants, needs, financial ramifications, time considerations, all come into play. We listen. We find buyers for homes, and homes for buyers.”

14Q. Somehow, I don’t get any sales hype from you

“Nobody wants to be “sold” something.”

15Q: Is it true you worked for Leona Helmsley, the ‘Queen of Mean’?

“Eye opening… and it inspired me to treat each home (regardless of value) with the same care and respect. I remember my journey… buying my first “piece of Manhattan”, small and dilapidated…. and before that, renting a “closet” (with a window in it) in Italy… and independence.”

16Q: Working with corporate relocations, the University of Miami, investors, developers and new construction: Have a favorite?

“Whichever phase of life swings the door open again: Downsizing, outgrowing, vacation homes or investments,… my favorite is the people!”

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Interview

Luxury Real Estate Consultants:
Alexandra & Vicki Restivo

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Interview

Luxury Real Estate Consultants: Alexandra & Vicki Restivo

Featured Property

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Luxury Real Estate Consultants:
Alexandra & Vicki Restivo