Miguel Salvat is a real estate consultant with Keller Williams working in Miami.
What was your first job in the realty industry? I worked in a sales office for a developer in Pensacola, Fla. The project was called Jasmine Park. Although it was at a time when the market was crashing, the experience propelled me in to jump head first into the industry as an agent.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? At the present time, stress is what drives me the most. As agents we are here to solve problems and get properties sold in the shortest amount of time for the highest value. That can be stressful but working under pressure is key to survival in this business.
Where did you grow up? Coral Gables, Fla.
Growing up, what did you want to be? I always dreamed of filling in my father’s shoes and inheriting his publishing house and retail bookstore, Libreria y Ediciones Universal. But with the dawn of electronic media, the business shifted to such a degree that it was better for my father to retire and reap the benefits of his 50 years in an industry he pioneered.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I really enjoy lunches with my father. He has such a rich history having come from Cuba with just the shirt on his back and having fought against the Castro regime both physically and later mentally with his publishing house, which grew to be the largest of its genre in the world. He truly encompasses the image of the immigrant that came here to create the “American Dream.”
Where is your favorite place to hang out?
The closing table.
What do you love most about the industry? The fact that every transaction is so unique and if you keep an open mind you can create a wealth of knowledge. Sometimes something as small as the sale of a Cabana on the beach can turn into the sale of a multi-million dollar home.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Cutting edge service and technology with a dab of persistence! While many traditional methods will never expire it’s always important to be a step ahead, and educated on the latest trends in the market
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Clocking out. This business is very consuming. Let’s face it, real estate is around us everywhere and it’s difficult sometimes for me to shut it down and just have a good time with the family. It goes without saying that my beautiful wife is a very patient woman.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Most of my business is referral based, and many of my new clients come from past clients. Other clients have started by something as simple as a call and ended up being lifelong friends. But just about anywhere is an opportunity for new clientele. Whether it be at a gala or the coffee counter at Larios, if you’re talking real estate, be aware that I’m listening.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? In business, every year is full of new accomplishments. When I started in 2008 I received the Rookie of the Year award, and every year since my sole focus has been to push the limits. I often think about when my office manager, Julio Sanchez, would warn me that I was going to slam into my “ceiling.” My response was that we would build a second floor and then sell it for more!
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “The One Thing” by Gary Keller.
What is your favorite restaurant? Cafe Vialetto’s in Coral Gables.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? In conversation with my friend, Manny Varas from MV Construction, we both agree the Santa Maria Building is architecturally stunning.
What kind of car do you drive? Cadillac.
Smartphone or paper? Both. The smartphone allows me to take shortcuts all the time and save paper, but there’s a time and a place for everything. When ideas are flowing, I have to put them down with ink
What is your favorite city after Miami? I really enjoyed the time we spent in the Malolo Islands of Fiji at the Liku Liku Resort.
In 10 words or less, what’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Perseverance with a dash of education and a whole lot of humility.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? The GoConnect app has been a great resource for keeping my listings organized and contract dates in order
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Donald Trump is the most entertaining person I follow on Twitter.
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