Vicky Lee Santana, a seasoned real estate professional, has been shaping her career around building relationships rather than just selling properties. With her journey beginning in 2004 when she earned her real estate license, Santana went on to acquire her broker's license in 2007 and launched her own brokerage two years later. In 2015, she franchised with Next Home.
Santana stands out as one of the 20 Realtors who have achieved the status of Florida Realtors Board Certified Professional. This new endorsement recognizes Realtors who have reached the highest level of their profession through leadership, education, and skill-based achievements throughout their careers.
“I’m not a salesperson,” Santana remarked. “I excel in relationships, and it’s paid off for me because people come back.” She shared experiences with clients who have engaged with her for multiple transactions, underscoring the strength of these connections.
Her approach to business is centered on more than just sales. “I’ve had investors work nonstop with us for three to five years,” she noted. For Santana, maintaining strong contact with clients is crucial; they often reach out to her first when they need assistance.
Santana's commitment extends to mentoring a small team that operates from Orlando to South Florida. Her interest in photography enhances her service offerings through in-house photography and Matterport technology.
Technology plays a significant role in organizing her business operations. Using two different CRMs—Referral Maker and KV Core—she manages client relations effectively while leveraging Apple's calendar system for seamless access across devices.
The foundation of Santana's business philosophy lies in understanding clients from the outset of their relationship. “It starts in the beginning of the relationship,” she explained, emphasizing personalized communication through various channels like phone calls and surprise visits.
Her community involvement has shifted over time from local youth sports volunteering to active participation in professional standards committees and events organized by Florida Realtors. Here, she combines fitness with real estate by coordinating Zumba sessions.
Santana attributes her ability to remember clients even after several years to thoroughness and good communication. She ensures that each client feels valued beyond being just another transaction.
In managing her busy schedule, Santana emphasizes the importance of scheduling personal time amidst work commitments. “I know I work more than 40 hours,” she mentioned humorously.
For professionals like Santana, real estate transcends property dealings; it revolves around people and relationships. Her dedication rooted in empathy and professionalism makes her both a successful broker and a trusted advisor.