Name: Lila Lopez

Title: Realtor

Company: RE/MAX

What was your first job in the realty industry? Loan Officer

Where did you grow up? Los Angeles, CA

Growing up, what did you want to be? U.S. Supreme Court Justice

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I love long bike rides and have taken up golf.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? John Wayne would be my selection. I met him when I was about 13 years old at a Los Angeles supermarket, and was so incredibly impressed with humble nature. He stated that he was no better than anyone else, just better recognized than your average person.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love going on to the Rickenbacker Causeway with a comfy chair and watch as the sun sets, just a nice peaceful view.

What do you love most about the industry? Whether working with buyers or sellers, there is nothing more satisfying than being able to assist them with their real estate needs. Each family has different circumstances, some come with lots of joy , while others are a matter of finding some sort of relief. Receiving the heartfelt thank you from clients that have sought my assistance and knowing that I have helped them with the end result that was needed.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? With over 20 years of experience I have found ways to be of assistance to my clients to where I am seen not just as their realtor but a member of their family. The easiest way to please a client is to answer/respond to phone calls and other means of messages. Making myself available and responsive to their needs in a timely manner. This is something so simple, yet overlooked by so many.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? There are so many components and steps in the process of assisting buyers and sellers, and getting the coordination with others in the transaction can be the most difficult part. The key in any transaction is proper communication with all the parties, and at times that is where things can get a bit frustrating. But with persistence and follow through, the job does get done.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Attending community events, such as school performances, chambers of commerce events, or even just the local eatery. People are always willing to engage in conversations, and when I have my name tag on, it does open the door to lots of conversations. The key is to seen as receptive to others to engage in a conversation.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? My great accomplishment has been to raise three amazing kids that are flourishing in their own right.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The Last Man by Vince Flynn, the last book fully written by this author. He unfortunately passed away in 2013. The series of books has continued with a new author, they are good, but not quite the same.

What is your favorite restaurant? So many good restaurants in Miami. A new favorite has to be Saffron, and Indian restaurant in Pinecrest, with great food and staff.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? Being of Cuban decent, I would have to select the Freedom Tower in downtown for the history that it represents to my family.

What kind of car do you drive? I drive a midsized SUV, back to being the soccer mom to my stepkids.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone

What is your favorite city after Miami? Boston, MA

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? You must have the ability to truly listen to your clients.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Realtor.com