SARAH DESAMOURS

Sarah Desamours, known as the fancy realtor with big hair, has been running the real estate scene in Miami since 2014. Originally from Montreal, Sarah proves that you can do what you love and build your empire if you just have enough persistence to succeed. With only a few years in the industry she has managed to acquire an impressive portfolio which include celebrity clients to NBA players and has won many awards for outstanding performance in her field.

How did you get your international flare ?

I was born and raised in Montreal ; spent most of my life in Brossard. My parents are Haitian and I speak four languages (French, English, Creole, Spanish). I went to JMSB in Business at Concordia University and moved to Miami five years ago, I'm a single mom to a daughter named Eva.

Why and when did you decide to get into real estate?

I've been involved in real estate my whole life because of my dad (he is an investor) and worked many years at the bank in mortgages. But when I moved to Miami, I decided to get my license and do it full time. Although I did not know anybody and had no database, I was able to become a top producer and now work for one of the biggest tech-enhanced groups on the market, Compass. I joined Compass because not only did I love their culture and focus on luxury, I was also amazed by their mission statement which is “To help everyone find their place in the world" as it completely resonates with me. I am all about quality over quantity ; there are less agents but an amazing production (we are in the top nationally). In fact, we are now a $4.4B company. What that means [for my clients] is that we can offer them more in terms of marketing, customer service and of course, technology. Concierge-like customer service is always #1 priority in my books.

What's a typical day for you ?

I wake up between 5 and 5:30 a.m every morning. The first thing I do is express gratitude. I continue my "Miracle Morning" which consists of silence (meditation), affirmations, visualization and more. I do that until about my daughter wakes up then I get her ready and take her to school. Around 9 I get right to work by either making some cold calls, visiting properties, getting my social media posts prepared (I do it in advance), answering more emails etc. I try to work out 3-5 days a week, and go to networking events/lunches at least once a week, I love socializing with other entrepreneurs! I am a single mom, so although I don't technically have a 9 to 5 job, I try to get the most done during those hours as my 4 1/2 year old is at school during that time. I then pick her up around 5, spend time with her (dinner, play etc), put her in bed at around 7:30 p.m then go back to work until 8:30-9 PM sometimes even later.

In a saturated market, how do you differentiate yourself as a broker?

Customer service! I actually pick up my phone and answer emails, Instagram messages and more when it's about real estate. Unfortunately many realtors in Miami are not customer focused and the city has a bad reputation for that. Just picking up my phone, being available and willing to meet with my clients is considered good service although for me that is the bare minimum. I’ve gotten referred a lot of clients just because of this. Before I meet with buyers, for example, I have them either meet with me either in person or on the phone for a "Buyer Consultation": This helps me see how motivated a client is to purchase. I've had a lot of clients tell me "I love your questionnaire, it's so detailed, etc". I also offer concierge service for luxury clients / high end buyers. As for sellers, I present them with a customized plan of action especially in regards to the marketing.

What advice would you give young women starting out in this industry?

Get all the education you can get, education is key. Hang out with top producers, don't hang out with agents who have sold only one house in their year. Getting a coach or a mentor is one of the best things someone can do. It doesn't have to be someone in your

field, it can be a life coach or what not - as long as they hold you accountable.

Have you noticed new trends in the market ?

I have been seeing some people go towards pre-construction homes or condos. Some people are growing tired of spending hundreds of thousands for renovations and prefer to buy a home or a condo that is turn key. Fortunately in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area there are plenty and there can even be financing for non Americans. Also, some pre construction projects may offer an EB-5 Visa (leading to the potential obtention of an American Green Card/Residency) to a certain number of buyers. This is extremely interesting for those wanting to establish themselves and their families in South Florida through real estate investments. Also, there is a large supply of condos for sale (resales) that is higher than the demand in certain areas. This means buyers have an upper hand right now and it is a good time to take advantage of the condo buying opportunities, especially since rents are still high so the return on investment can be interesting. Being from Montreal, I understand what people are looking for in Florida whether it is an investment property, a second home for the winter months or to sell their existing home in South Florida. I help clients at every price point and can help guide them every step of the way. Plus, my connections with excellent attorneys (specialized in foreign buyers), mortgage lenders and more can ensure that the transaction goes smoothly.

For more information contact Sarah Desamours directly at 305.433.1639 and by email sarah. desamours@compass.com or visit her website: WWW.SARAHDESAMOURS.COM