Reynolds Plantation Properties is pleased to announce Riezl Baker as Salesperson of the Month for April, with sales totaling over $2.6 million.  This is her second month to be acknowledged this year after receiving the recognition in February. We sat down with Riezl who shared her thoughts about the community, and what it takes to be a successful sales executive at Reynolds.

Q: What brought you to Reynolds and what have you enjoyed about lake life?

I worked for a corporate company that moved me from Houston to Atlanta 25 years ago, and that’s when I first discovered Reynolds and the lake. What attracted me to the area was not only it’s natural beauty, but the genuine hospitality of the people. Being a realtor for many years has given me the perfect vantage point to watch the community evolve and witness many milestones, including the opening of The Ritz-Carlton. It’s been fun sharing these evolution stories with many families that I worked with over the years, who now call Reynolds their home. As a property owner and member, I have also enjoyed all the amenities that Reynolds offers.

Q:  Tell us about your great month and what excites you about the future?

I have been a realtor here for 17 years and I can say that consumer confidence is at an all-time high, and there is a positive momentum in real estate right now. I’ve sold a little bit of everything last month from resale homes and homesites to company lots, and I am currently working on closing 7 sales contracts for my listings. I stay up to date with the market and recently read that home sales are up from a year ago nationally, according to the National Association of Realtors. Reynolds Lake Oconee is positioned well between our committed owners in Metlife, backed by the outstanding efforts of everyone working in our community. I am excited to continue to share this extraordinary community with others.

Q:  You recently received the “Eagle Award” for longevity and production from the local board of Realtors, and Helping Hand Award from Reynolds for your service to the community. What’s the secret to your success?

I am passionate about what I do. It’s a hard business and it takes a lot of attention to detail and commitment to service. Technology has definitely changed the industry, and I stay up to date with the latest trends in the market. Knowledge of the inventory is important, and having been a realtor for 17 years, I know the community intimately. A lot of my business comes from referrals. I recently helped a couple from California find a property, and they were introduced by owners whom I helped 15 years ago. The greatest reward is seeing them enjoy the lifestyle at Reynolds with their families. I believe that success comes with a responsibility to serve others; therefore, I am passionate about giving back to the community that has been good to my family and me.

Q: What is your typical day and how do you get everything done?     

I set my goals and choose to get things done, even if it means waking up at 4:00 a.m., which is typically when my day starts. I work on my computer for an hour, go to The Lake Club gym at 5:00 a.m., get my kids ready for school, then start my appointments for the day. There is no such thing as typical in this business because each day and each customer is different.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

“Pessimists spend their life waiting for perfection and finding imperfections in everything. Optimists commit to something imperfect and find time to perfect it”.