Patricia Noriega Vela is a real estate sales executive with Grand Floridian Estate Realty and an in-house sales agent for Krystal Tower working in Edgewater.

What was your first job in the realty industry? Real estate agent started with Beachfront Realty.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I enjoy a glass of good wine and good conversation.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Peru and went to study in Germany where I obtained a Masters Degree international marketing and worked some years, then went to Brazil to work for about two years. I came to Florida 14 years ago.

Growing up, what did you want to be? I always wanted to be independent and manage my time. I dreamed of traveling the world, which I am still doing. There are so many places to visit and so much to learn from other places and cultures that there is never enough. It is a lifetime process.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? There would be two people, unfortunately both gone: Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. They’re both people who showed with their lives what it takes to remain strong and fight with dignity for their dreams and values. They are inspirational people to me.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Well, I love food, and I have my little hidden places that I enjoy to go over and over again.

What do you love most about the industry? I love that there is no routine, every day is different – new challenges, new situations. Especially in Miami, I love that the market is booming and the city is going through a transformation that we have the luck to be part of, not only on the residential side but also commercially and culturally.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My professional background and my knowledge of other languages and cultures are my big assets. I actually speak five languages: English, German, Spanish and Portuguese fluently, and I speak French very well.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most difficult aspect of this job is to work with unprofessional agents, because we are responsible in the eyes our clients, which includes what we get from our Realtor partners.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I go to networking events like an exhibition, launch of a book or the presentation of a film. I also meet new clients through existing clients. Their reference is the best source of new clients once they are satisfied with your professional service.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The last good book I read is “Thrive” from Alana Huffington; it should be a must read for all modern executives. I identify myself totally with what she says. In a few words, she questions what it really is to be successful in life, according to the values of the society we live in. But there is a lot more in the book that is really worth reading.

What is your favorite restaurant? I like very much going to Cvi.che 105, a Peruvian restaurant in Downtown. But I also like a small gem in Sunny Isles called Yakko San, a sushi restaurant that has wonderful food and is always busy.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? My favorite building is the Paramount, in East Edgewater. High ceilings, nice design, it has wonderful amenities and the pools are like being in a resort – beautiful.

What kind of car do you drive? I drive an SUV – Mazda CX 5 – very practical

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone!! I am always working on the go!

What is your favorite city after Miami? I love Rome. You can enjoy walking the whole city, it has so much flair, art, good food, good wine, beautiful people.

23. In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Starting is very hard, remain strong if you really want this.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? The GO MLS Miami, I used it all the time!

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I keep it simple, actually a friend of mine that always posts positive thoughts for the day ☺

Do you want to be featured in our Agent Snapshot? Fill out our questionnaire, and you’ll be featured too!