Are you looking to invest in real estate? Do you have a career goal in become a licensed real estate agent?  Well we have the scoop on everything you need to know with VH1’s “Love and Listings” Samantha Barretto!

• Why did you choose your profession? 

Every wealthy person I encountered shared with me that they invested in real estate so I knew I wanted to learn and understand how the industry worked. I started my career flipping houses with a group of investors in Las Vegas, and when I moved to Los Angeles 2 years later, I fell in love with high end luxury market. So, I got my real estate license and became a full time luxury realtor.

• What is the favorite part of your job?

The relationships I make. Some clients have turned into life-long friends.

• What is the most difficult part of your job?

Balance. There are so many moving parts to a real estate transaction and when you have multiple deals going on at once there are a handful of clients, vendors, team members, etc needing your attention and calling you at all hours of the day, so at times it can be hard to have a work life balance.

• Who is your mentor (if any)?

I worked with a top producing agent for 3 years. When I first got started, she was the only agent in my office who was closing over $10 million deals consistently so I kept reaching out to her to ask if she needed any help. She liked my persistence and took me under as a mentee. I closed over $100 million with her.

• Best piece of advice for someone pursuing your field?

Patience and Consistency. Your first deal is not going to happen over night. Focus on lead generating and prospecting – host open houses, attend networking events, post on social media anything that has to do with real estate – build a database of future clients and stay connected with them.

• If you have not chosen this profession would have you chosen instead?

A teacher. I love teaching.

• Favorite designer?

I shop at Marciano a lot! I feel professional and sexy wearing their clothes. And it is good quality material.

• Favorite makeup brand?

Bare Minerals – I was blessed with good skin so the lighter the make-up the better for me.

• Favorite hair care?

I am still trying out different products. I haven’t found one that I absolutely love.

• Favorite skin brand?

All natural coconut oil! I put coconut oil on my face and body every night when I get out the shower and it leaves my skin glowing and soft.

• If you could only choose 5 items to put in your purse everyday, what would they be?

Cell phone, chapstick, wallet, notebook, pen

• Free plug:)– Anything you would like our readers to know that you are supporting, selling or creating?

I support several non-profits for education including The Leela Project, The Mona Foundation, and Hope 4 Kids. Please google all 3 organizations and learn how to support. It is important for us as a community to help one another.

Education (Schools Attended)

Bachelor Degree in Mass Communications at Arizona State University

Certifications or Licenses?

California Real Estate License