With a background in business, Elliman agent Alanna Buz always knew building a successful brand would take time. After 10 years building a family business she began dabbling in real estate on the side, and it quickly consumed her. “My brothers would tease me about it because without even realizing it, all I did was talk about real estate,” she said. She knew, one day, she would eventually take the plunge full-time into her new passion.
Elliman Insider sat down with Alanna to find out what made her finally make “the jump” to real estate, how’s she learned to overcome emotions along the way and why, when she’s not working, you’ll likely find her at a local bakery.
Elliman Insider: When did you know that real estate was your calling?
Alanna Buz: I knew real estate was my calling when I saw my interest in it quickly turned into a passion. I come from a business background, and know it takes endless time and effort to be truly successful.
“I went in search of a hobby and decided to get my real estate license. Fast forward to today, I fell in love with this new hobby and it began to consume my life.”
I spent 10 years growing a family business, and when working 7 days a week wasn’t enough already, I went in search of a hobby and decided to get my real estate license. Fast forward to today, I fell in love with this new hobby and it began to consume my life.
My brothers would tease me about it because without even realizing, all I did was talk about real estate! Eventually, I was at a point where I knew I had to make a decision to take this on full-time, as it was tough handling both. Sometimes I look back and wonder how I was able to juggle so much at once, but I was always able to somehow get both jobs done. I knew to truly succeed at anything you really need to be all-in and while I was, mentally, I had to take time to clear myself of distractions to really make ‘the jump’.
Eventually, the day came and I was at a crossroads, where I could not continue to ride the fence, so I took a leap of faith and decided to face my fears because I knew real estate was my calling.
Elliman Insider: Why did you choose Elliman?
AB: After extensive research, I knew Douglas Elliman was the right fit for me and I couldn’t be happier. I am constantly analyzing my business and looking for opportunities to grow and better serve my clients and knew I needed a brokerage that has the same mindset. Douglas Elliman has a strong, collaborative environment for its agents to support each other and ensure all clients have the most qualified advisors in the market.
“Douglas Elliman is passionate about delivering exceptional experiences through unmatched reach and outsized influence, this is the key to my puzzle.”
Douglas Elliman is passionate about delivering exceptional experiences through unmatched reach and outsized influence, this is the key to my puzzle. I knew what I was bringing to the table and what I needed in return and Douglas Elliman has done exactly that, if not more.
I am always ready and willing to learn new neighborhoods and knew with Douglas Elliman’s reach and resources, I can conquer any area. Douglas Elliman is able to provide me with the support and reach to better serve my clients and with hard work, the sky really is the limit.
Elliman Insider: What has been your biggest challenge as an agent and how have you overcome it?
“I’ve had to really push myself out of my comfort zone and adapt in ways I never would have thought possible.”
Real estate is a relationship business, and as much as I have always loved meeting new people, it’s the first conversation that was always a bit challenging. Now, I take the initiative to talk to strangers all the time, market myself through videos and social media. What’s helped me overcome it is having my eye on the prize as I work to achieve my goal of helping individuals and families in the buying and selling process which is one of the biggest investments in their life.
Elliman Insider: Do you live by a personal mantra or favorite saying?
Elliman Insider: Any advice for new agents?
AB: A business decision cannot be made on emotions. I have used this skill over and over again in my real estate career. It’s one of the most important things I’ve learned working alongside my siblings for many years, is to keep emotions out of business. I’ve learned to overcome emotions and make decisions based solely on business.
Elliman Insider: Where can we find you when you’re not working?
AB: When I’m not working you can most certainly find me at one of my favorite bakeries. I have been given the nickname “snacking realtor” for a reason. My love for desserts and houses go hand in hand.
What better way to explore neighborhoods than finding the nearest bakery and going from there. Being able to share all of my favorite bakeries around Long Island with my clients has been the sweetest reward. I can tell you where my favorite rainbow cookies are from, ice cream, chocolatier, breads, you name it. All while I make my way to and from clients.
Contact Alanna for all your real estate needs today.
