Remax, Miami, Florida
How did you get involved with real estate?
I was 17 years old, and a part-time real estate agent was trying to sell the property where my mother and I lived, but she wasn’t really engaged in the job. One evening, she was busy at work and asked me to show the place. I walked the people through this very nondescript house like it was a beautiful mansion. I highlighted basic things with enthusiasm like the wall-to-wall closets and told them how much I loved the house. This prospective buyer said that they were interested in three houses, and even though our house might not have been the best one, they chose it—because of my energy. The agent who got the sale planted the seed, saying I should look for a job in real estate. At the time, I was working in a pizza shop, and there was a guy who would come in who was a top producer for Century 21, and he asked me what career I was going into. I told him I was going to go to nursing school, and he said, “But didn’t you say you wanted to do real estate?” I said, “Oh, that’s just part-time.” And he laughed. “Part-time?! Real estate is all the time. Come see me and we’ll get you set up.” I got my license within two years, and the rest is history.
When did you start your CRS education?
Even though I had earned several designations, I hadn’t heard about the CRS until I attended an RRC awards dinner. I sat next to Kim Knapp, and I asked her to tell me more about the Council. She explained how the RRC focuses on education, professionalism and growth and has an incredible network. She showed me the website and all of the qualifications, and I was so blown away. I thought, “Oh, my gosh, I have to get this.” Better still, I was already qualified for this. If I had known about the CRS earlier, I could have advanced myself so much more quickly. That’s why I became so very passionate about it once I knew.
How are you involved with RRC now?
I started shouting from the rooftops about the benefits of the CRS Designation and the amazing education taught by successful agents—to my local association board members and within my office. I was encouraging everybody: This is what you need to strive for; this is the ultimate badge of honor. At that dinner with Kim Knapp, they presented a Rising Star Award, and I thought to myself, “I want to get that.” And then this year I got the Rising Star Award. It’s just such a vote of confidence that they see me as the future and that I am achieving the goals I set out for myself. Currently, I am the RRC area director for Miami, Florida, and Vice Chair for the RRC Next Generation Committee, and we are always talking about how we can put the CRS Designation on the map for the people who don’t know about it yet.
What is your favorite approach to marketing your business?
Over the course of the last eight years, I’ve been very intentional about building my Google business page and gathering reviews. For that to work, I’ve put a lot of effort and energy into creating a five-star experience for my clients. Throughout the process, I go above and beyond for them, and when they ask how they can thank me, I’ll say, “Write me a review when we get to the finish line.” People who’ve had great experiences write about it, and potential clients can Google the address I just sold and fact-check that the reviews are coming from real sellers and buyers. Four years ago, I started local service ads using those reviews to build Google trust. As a result, if you search for real estate agents in Miami, Pinecrest, Coral Gables or Kendall, my name will come up first 40% of the time, or among the top three. My phone rings all the time, and I have had tremendous success because of it.
Dania Diaz, CRS, earned her CRS Designation in 2023. She can be reached at daniadiaz@remax.net or 305-444-7111.
