Jill Penman is a Realtor with One Sotheby’s International Realty and principal of the Jill Penman Group in Miami.
What was your first job in the realty industry? I worked as a buyer’s agent on a real estate team at Coldwell Banker for four years and did everything from hanging a sign on a house to hosting two open houses every single Sunday in turn for leads, since this was not a paid salaried job.
Where did you grow up? In chilly Buffalo, New York, where the winters last almost two seasons! Home of the chicken wings and Sponge Candy!
What is your favorite free-time activity? I love to spend time with my four children, who range from ages 2-11, and I also love to cook for my family. My free time is consumed with real estate; I love it so much it doesn’t seem like work!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I like to spend time with my children and enjoy the outdoor area at home, whether it’s hanging out on our covered patio reading or sitting in the Jacuzzi. I also cook when I am stressed since it frees my mind and allows me to concentrate on something fun.
Growing up, what did you want to be? A child psychologist. I kind of am since I have four kids of my own!
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? It would be Joan of Arc to understand what motivated her and where she gained her remarkable mental and physical courage in a man’s world.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? I visit Soho Beach House located at 4385 Collins Ave. on Miami Beach and have lunch at the pool and grab a massage at Cowshed, which is an amazing spa right on property.
What do you love most about the industry? I love the people who you meet, the different types of architecture in Miami and, most of the all, the constant spontaneity real estate brings on a daily basis. You never know who is going to call you to view an amazing waterfront property or who wants to sell, and each time it is exciting and invigorating!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My response time for my customers’ needs is impeccable. I also have a wealth of intimate knowledge, whether it has to do with appraisals, inspections, financing, insurance or title defects.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Finding inventory for a specific client when it just doesn’t exist.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I work with referrals through clients and also network wherever I go, sometimes in my children’s schools or in a boutique buying a pair of shoes. Since real estate is so entrenched in my daily world, someone will hear me on the phone or see me on my computer when I am getting my hair cut and ask me all about the industry.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? My success with my 10-year-plus real estate career and bearing four healthy, gorgeous blue-eyed blonde children. Also, successfully buying and selling my own personal family’s homes as our first residences in Coconut Grove.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “Hunger Games” and “Frozen”. I don’t have much time to watch movies, and when I do, it is probably a kid movie!
What is your favorite restaurant? Cecconi’s at Soho. Sushi is my favorite go-to all the time; Matsuri or Mr. Yum are both great local Coral Gables spots. For fresh fried fish, I like Garcia’s or Casablanca’s on the Miami River, and I go to Sea Salt and Pepper first for a drink!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) in Museum Park. Pérez Art Museum Miami is the modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
What kind of car do you drive? Land Rover. I am a huge fan of Range Rover and have driven them for the last 10 years.
Smartphone or paper? Both. Sometimes I need to feel and see it and write notes; I was born in 1973, not ’93!
What is your favorite city after Miami? L.A. I love how the vibe of California is so different from Miami or New York, yet I could see myself living there, and I really appreciate the culture, climate and local attractions.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Treat it like you just opened up a small business.
What’s your favorite Real Estate iPhone/Android app? DocuSign. I send contracts to clients to execute on the fly and they can do it on their iPhone when buckling their seat belt on a plane ready to takeoff.
What are your favorite accounts to follow on Twitter? Sotheby’s realty offices all over the world.