Name: Alma Betancourt

Title: Broker Associate

Company: Horizon Real Estate in downtown Doral

What was your first job in the realty industry? I was a sales associate for the same firm. My sister has been my broker ever since I started in real estate.

Where did you grow up? I was born in Cuba but left it when I was two years old and was raised in Caracas, Venezuela. The political situation over there forced me to migrate again. Can you imagine? I had to leave two countries for the same reason with 30 years of separation.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A model…LOL. Which I got to do for a while, and then I realized I didn’t like that life. Back then I wasn’t sure what I liked. I guess that is the reason I have one associates degree, two bachelor’s degrees, and one masters…. and they are not related to each other.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Going to the beach just to sit there watching, listening and smelling the ocean makes me feel better.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I changed that just a few months ago. I like politics, arts and history, so it is no secret that my list to answer that question would be extremely long, but lately – and after all the opposition he’s encountered – I would loooove to have lunch with President Trump.

He is a figure to look up to, business-wise, and not only is he the President of the United States, but he has been the most attacked president ever, and I would like to know how does it feel to be so loved and so hated the same time. How does all this affect his performance? But I would love an honest conversation where he can tell me how this really affects him, not the politically correct version.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? So many great places in Miami to have a chat or a get together. Sugar in Brickell, for example, is one of my favorite places. But I have many.

What do you love most about the industry? The hectic lifestyle. I don’t like to be bored, and there is nothing boring about real estate.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Formally, I would have to say that my leadership skills are clearly visible, but on top of that, my deep sexy voice makes it impossible not to notice me wherever I go. …I’m serious. You can ask around.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Dealing with buyers. Buyers are not loyal to Realtors (not at the beginning) and the fact that they can be working with more than one agent at the same time, and lie to all of them, makes the job really hard. I had a case once – an international buyer asked me to help her. I did everything and went above the call of duty for her in order to sell a new construction property. I was waiting for her to come to Miami and close the deal. She did…with a Realtor friend. Of course, you can tell the ethics of that Realtor were not in the right place, either.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Every event organized by different organizations. Associations, Chambers of Commerce, etc.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? I’m being completely honest when I say: the friends I have made.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I’m reading “Inferno” (it’s taking me forever and I used to be an avid reader), and I forgot about the movie.

What is your favorite restaurant? Any seriously good Peruvian restaurant. I love Peruvian food. It is so tasty, rich, and colorful.

I met a Peruvian lady once. She was not a chef but a regular housewife. She told me she could cook a Peruvian dish every day for one year and she would not repeat even one dish. Simply amazing and delicious.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? Cielito Lindo (Miami-Dade County Courthouse).
That building always catches my eye when I’m downtown. The fact that it has been around for almost 100 years is fascinating enough, but being Cuban-born, and knowing how Miami-Dade County Courthouse is a landmark for Miami’s Cuban exile community makes it even more important for me.

Did you know that we, Cubans, were the ones who nicknamed the building as “Cielito Lindo (Pretty Sky)”? Imagine…we were running from communism and looking for freedom. When Cubans arrived in Miami back in the ’60s they were concentrated in the courthouse to establish their status in this country. An open sky of liberty was open again for them…. beautiful sky…pretty sky…”Cielito Lindo”

What kind of car do you drive? A Lexus. I like luxury cars, not for the luxury itself, but for the comfort and all the gadgets. I love gadgets.

Smartphone or paper? Both. I’m a visual person. I write everything down in agendas or notebooks, but the reality is that I have to transfer everything to my electronic devices to be on top of my game.

What is your favorite city after Miami? Atlanta, GA. with no doubts. Don’t ask me why. I just really like it.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? The hustle is real, but it is totally worth it.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Definitely Go MLS Miami!

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Anything that captures my interest is worth the following.