What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
In the 1990s, I worked for a buy here, pay here car lot and did auto repossessions.
Where did you grow up?
Kerrville, Texas in the Hill country
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to write novels or be a journalist.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I love the water. So anywhere on a river, lake or the ocean is my happy place.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Barbara Corcoran. Obviously she’s a smart and successful business woman, but her social media shows another side of her. She’s not afraid to show her true honest self and I think I could learn a lot from her.
What is Dallas-Fort Worth’s best-kept secret?
I don’t think it’s just one place. I think it’s the diversity of the whole Metroplex. We have everything! The food, the music and sports.
What do you love most about the industry?
The people! It’s all about the people! And the fact that every transaction is different and there’s always something to learn.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I believe in working relational, not transactional. I am there for my clients before, during and after the sale. I even have client parties at my own home.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Trying not to get too emotionally involved.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Relationships! Dig deeper not wider!
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Embarrassingly enough, I am a reality TV junkie! And I do especially love the real estate shows.
What’s your favorite meal in Dallas-Fort Worth?
That is really a toughie! My husband is a great cook so it’s hard for me to eat out. But I do love the smoked steak from H3 in Fort Worth.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Dallas-Fort Worth?
I love the courthouse in Weatherford, but I also like the diversity of the buildings in downtown Fort Worth. The mix of modern and historical is very interesting.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I opened the door to show a client the backyard and a pet pig ran in! I had no idea it was out in the yard.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
Although I’m an extrovert, I have never sang karaoke and rarely dance in public. I’m very shy when it comes to this!
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Anything by the water! But I especially love Isla Mujeres in Mexico.
What is your favorite city after Dallas-Fort Worth?
Last spring we went on a Mediterranean cruise. One of my favorite stops was Sicily, where we went to a city called Taormina. We were only there for a very short time, but I’m itching to go back and explore every single street.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
It’s not easy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
I really appreciate the ease that ZOCCAM has brought to delivering the earnest and option money. But I like any app that has a good net sheet calculator.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
There are so many! I like to follow realtors from around the country to see how the market’s doing all over. But I also like to follow decorators to keep up with the trends.
What are your social media handles?
Facebook: Starla Karlis-Realtor
Instagram: @starkarlistxrealtor