Patti Davila

By Patti Davila

Like many of the world’s citizens, the last two and a half years have been tough for me, to say the least. My husband Jozay and I lost work and we lost a family member in this COVID-19 era. We were forced to postpone our careers as musicians who traveled the globe performing both on land and at sea. However, thanks to a positive mindset and strong work ethic that began when I was 14, my fluency in three languages, and a music and business degree from NYU, I was able to seek out and find a new career that helps me bring joy to people’s lives. I chose real estate, thanks in large part to my uncle, who showed me early on the many advantages of owning property.

By working with a leader like Christine Hansen, our company’s broker and advocate, I found a culture and a family that has helped me improve the lives of my clients, the communities where I live and work, and the overall economy in southern Florida.

Having been in the business for about a year now, I’ve branded myself as the #singingagent. A great deal of my early success as a sales professional is the result of three things that I learned from being on stage at music venues worldwide: rehearsal, practice, and performance.

In real estate, rehearsal is born from being relentless in perfecting the skills necessary to deliver extraordinary experiences to home buyers, home sellers, and investors. I spent hours and days on the company and brand’s comprehensive learning and coaching offerings. I was told early on about the real estate adage, “The more you learn, the more you earn.” So, I gave 121% and went above and beyond to gain as much knowledge as I possibly could.

Practice began with the knowledge learned from rehearsal. I began calling everybody I knew. Not only did I earn a few listings, but I also turned away a couple of sellers after I learned were not the right fit. For example, one client wouldn’t lower his price even though I presented him with a comprehensive market analysis and three written offers at that true market value. Finally, in full transparency, I had to tell him that I couldn’t work with him anymore, but I wanted to leave the relationship (the audience) feeling good about our experience, so I wished him the very best in selling his house. He has called me since, reinforcing the fact that I did leave it on the best terms possible for us both. That feels right.

As a performer, whether it’s in music or real estate, you cannot let your environment dictate the outcome. I’m accustomed to overcoming microphone, sound, and theatrical shortcomings. In real estate, I learned early on how to deliver the very best performance in every unique situation. A sister of a friend (and a fan of my music) referred me to a colleague who needed to sell his home. The seller’s home was dark and musty; basically a hoarder’s house. With empathy and transparency, I asked for his permission to clear the cutter, open a few windows, and create a more welcoming atmosphere. What he said next I will never forget, “My spouse died because of COVID. This was our dream home. I can’t go in there.” Together, holding hands, we went in, but he wanted to clean it up by himself.

Four days later, everything was clean, and belongings placed in the garage. I brought in a painter, a cleaning service, and even an antiques dealer who made offers on some of the items from the home. After some additional quick fixes, I brought in a photographer and then we listed the home and it sold 48 hours later.

When you’re on the road as a musician, things can get a bit complicated, whether it’s the food, the hotel, or the venue. But as the old saying goes, “The show must go on.” It’s the only way. It is the same with real estate.

 

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I always wanted to be a famous rock singer. The confidence I learned from being on global stages is the same confidence I’m using for my real estate performances today. I rehearse and know that I will make mistakes. Practice is not a race; it’s a marathon of learning, coaching, and always staying abreast of the markets and clients that you serve.

And the performance—that’s the best part—because the result is helping people buy, sell, or invest in real estate and achieve their desired outcomes by delivering memorable experiences. It’s the face-to-face, personalized, unique relationships and ongoing connections that provide this #singingagent with a standing ovation every time I make a difference in people’s lives, the communities where I live and work, and the overall economy in southern Florida.