Michael Proffit is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Professionals working in Ft. Lauderdale.
What was your first job in the realty industry? After many years in the medical field working with insurance authorizations and coding, I entered into the real estate industry by joining Keller Williams Realty Professionals in Ft. Lauderdale.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? When I am stressed, I actually like to take advantage of the beautiful weather here in South Florida by frequenting our many wonderful beaches, exploring area attractions and, of course, attending the many food and wine festivals that our area has to offer.
Where did you grow up? I spent most of my childhood in Columbus, Ohio, where much of my family still resides. Later as a teen, we moved to Florida. I immediately fell in love with our beautiful Sunshine State and have since called it home.
Growing up, what did you want to be? I always thought that I would be a country music entertainer. Only I found out that I have severe stage fright when I had the opportunity to perform on stage with Louise Mandrell. Since then I have resorted to filling my passion at home with friends singing karaoke.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be? You asked for a well-known figure, but my father passed away when I was only 4 years old and he is the only person I think of when asked a question like this.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? Being a grandfather of seven beautiful grandchildren, it is anywhere I can spend time making memories with them.
What do you love most about the industry? What I love most about real estate is why I came into the industry. It is being able to aid families find the perfect home to share their life and make wonderful memories with their family.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I think that comes from my years in the medical industry helping patients with their finances through some of the hardest times of their life. I still see myself in that role. Only now, I have the ability to work one on one with them to ensure their future happiness in owning a part of the American Dream.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? When I see first time home buyers being led down the wrong path and taken advantage of by unscrupulous business practices.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? In many of the places I go to relax. You would not believe how often you can meet future home owners by just sharing what you do at a local event or relaxing at the beach.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? It may come as a surprise that my greatest accomplishment is not in the business world. It was my joy in raising two wonderful sons as a single father.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? It is very hard for me to narrow that down. I am an extreme movie fan. I have spent many hours watching classic black and white movies, which I love. But I am also a bit of a geek in that I like all of the super hero movies, as well.
What is your favorite restaurant? I do like a good Mexican restaurant, but I could spend night after night on Las Olas Blvd dining at the many great restaurants where I can enjoy dining outside, watching people walking around and enjoying their nights.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? That is easy for me to answer. I love the Art Deco district of South Beach, Miami. The intricate details to these beautiful buildings are always catching my eye as I frequent the area.
What kind of car do you drive? A Ford Mustang convertible. What else would I drive but a convertible in the beautiful weather we have here in south Florida?
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone.
What is your favorite city after Miami? New York City. I enjoy the same energy and high paced atmosphere of both.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Treat your clients as if they were your family.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? SoFlo MLS, because of the convenience of being able to utilize it wherever I am and immediately help someone start their home search.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Agents in other parts of the country so that I can keep up to date on current trends and their individual area market performance.
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