Zelda Heller is a top-producing agent with Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. in the Washington, D.C. metro.
Describe your job — where are you located, what types of properties do you work with, what types of clients do you work with?
My office is in downtown Bethesda and I also service the D.C., Chevy Chase and Potomac markets. I sell houses, condos and buildable lots in all price ranges and represent everyone from first-time to seasoned homebuyers. My specialty is in luxury homes and condos.
Where did you start?
Actually with the same great company I’m with now – Long and Foster in 1989. When I started, I was at their Foxhall office on New Mexico Avenue in Washington, D.C.
Did you imagine when you were younger that you’d be a top producer?
I was always ambitious and determined – I wanted to be among the best whatever I did.
What sets you apart?
My easy interaction with people – I think that a real estate transaction is a big deal so if you can put people at ease and really listen to them, you’ll be in a better position to help them achieve their goals.
How did you get there?
By working tirelessly and being focused.
Are you part of a team or are you doing it solo?
I recently joined Jamie Coley and Leigh Reed to form the Heller Coley Reed team. Privately we call ourselves the Three Musketeers.
What does your admin support team look like, or do you have one?
We have a team of four very hard workers who keep all the plates spinning.
Who are your heroes?
My granddaughter who courageously overcame cancer 6 years ago and is now completing her Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge.
What is the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning? What’s the last thing you do before you leave?
When I first get to work, I instruct my staff for the day and review all the previous day’s transactions and new listings from data in the MLS. And, before I leave I check that all of our to-do list has been completed and also draft a list for the next day.
What’s the first thing you do when you’re off work for the day?
Ha! I’m not familiar with this concept. When is this off-work period that you speak of?
What’s your favorite place to unwind?
My patio at my home. I live at Quarry Springs, a new condo development that is built inside of an actual quarry. So, it’s very serene and beautiful.
What areas of your business do you pay personal attention to? What have you outsourced?
I am intrigued by the condo development throughout the U.S. – people giving up their big homes for the ease and convenience of 1-level living. I want to master that condo business. I often refer out or partner on sales of the larger homes that clients need to sell in order to move into a new condo.
What do you think is the biggest barrier to success in today’s real estate industry?
There are so many agents who think they can sell real estate part time and make money. A successful career comes from laser focus and dedicated hard work.
How do you deal with stress?
By taking a moment to step back and be grateful for all I and my family have.
If you could change anything about your career path, would you? Why or why not?
I would change nothing – I love what I do.
Are you a top producer who would like to participate in Inman Local’s profile series? Contact local@inman.com.
