Meet Sam DeBianchi LaViola

Nationally recognized for her market expertise, Sam delivers strategic guidance backed by proven results and a deep understanding of luxury real estate.

A Realtor since 2009, Samantha (Sam) DeBianchi LaViola is a globally recognized real estate entrepreneur and brand builder with more than $500 million in closed sales. She founded DeBianchi Real Estate in 2012 and is widely regarded for her hospitality-driven approach—blending sharp market intelligence, elite negotiation skills, and an unwavering commitment to delivering highly personalized, best-in-class service to a national and international clientele.

Sam’s instinct for sales, branding, and leadership began early. Her first “business” launched in elementary school, where she famously sold toys—and occasionally her parents’ possessions—to classmates. That early hustle evolved into a powerhouse career, including becoming the first female cast member on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing franchise (Million Dollar Listing Miami). By age 25, Sam had already created a college-level course and was invited to serve as an adjunct professor, further cementing her reputation as both a practitioner and educator in business and real estate.

Today, her luxury real estate expertise and market insight make her a sought-after voice across major media, with regular appearances on CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business, Bloomberg, and CNBC World, and features in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, Money, and The Huffington Post. Her global reach includes speaking to sold-out audiences of 4,500+ at conferences from New York City to Australia.

Beyond real estate transactions, Sam is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, influencer, and thought leader with a six-figure social media following, where she shares insights on business, branding, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle. A South Florida native, Sam holds a degree in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She lives in South Florida with her husband, Tony, and their sons, Luca and Domenic.

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In the Media

Sam’s insights and expertise have been recognized by leading national publications and media outlets, where she provides commentary on market trends, real estate strategy, and industry developments.

From expert analysis to featured commentary, Sam DeBiachi LaViola continues to contribute to the national real estate conversation.

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The DeBianchi Team

Behind Sam DeBianchi LaViola is a dedicated team that helps bring her elevated real estate experience to life. Each team member contributes specialized knowledge, local insight, and client-first service to ensure every detail is handled with care. From research and marketing to logistics and client communication, the team is committed to supporting Sam’s vision and delivering the seamless, high-touch experience her clients expect.

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Interested in being part of the DeBianchi Network?

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Buying in January Could Save You $23,000—Here’s Why

By Joy Dumandan / January 12, 2026

Editorial Image of houses in the snow

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Mortgage interest rates hovering close to the 6% range are encouraging buyers to come off the sidelines, but January may have an added incentive.

Buyers who snag a 1,500-square-foot home in the first month of the year could save an average of $23,000 compared with those who purchase one in May, according to a LendingTree study.

“I’ve tracked markets for that past 15 years and my clients who get the best prices have purchased in December or January,” Matt van Winkle, real estate agent with Compass, tells Realtor.com®. “During those months, sellers who are still on the market are more motivated and usually there is less competition.”

“By purchasing in January, often buyers are still getting the previous year’s pricing,” van Winkle adds.

LendingTree analyzed 2024 home prices throughout all 12 months, and found that May was the priciest month for homebuyers—at a median of $194.20 per square foot. January’s median was 8% lower at $178.60, while February’s was 5.4% lower at $183.70.

“January is often considered one of the best times to buy because the market is quieter and buyers typically have more leverage,” Neil Brooks, president of NewDay Home, tells Realtor.com.

“Many people pause their search during the holidays and wait for the spring rush, so buyers are often competing against fewer offers. That can translate into real savings through price negotiations, seller concessions, repair credits, or help with closing costs,” Brooks says.

Buyers may be more inclined to make a purchase especially as December median home prices fell 0.6% to $399,950, according to the Realtor.com December 2025 Monthly Housing Market Trends report.

In 2025, Realtor.com data found that December closed out a slow and challenging year for the U.S. housing market. Supply is steadily improving, but demand remains soft. Active listings in December rose 12.1% year over year, but fell 8.9% month over month, as expected during December. 

When should you buy?

South Florida real estate agent Samantha LaViola, with DeBianchi Real Estate, tells Realtor.com that the right time to buy depends on a variety of factors.

“The end of November and December can be great for buyers who connect with sellers interested in getting their home sold and start with a clean slate for the new year,” LaViola explains. “The same goes with January where buyers can take advantage of the same thinking process of a seller if the property has been sitting since the previous year.”

Home inventory has dropped month to month. Active listings fell below 1 million homes for the first time since April 2025.

Nationwide inventory in December was 12.5% below typical 2017–2019 levels, a similar level to each of the last several months.

“The new year can actually be a strategic time to buy,” Dan O’Brien, real estate agent with Trueblood Real Estate in Indianapolis, tells Realtor.com. “It’s still a slower time of year where listings are sitting a little longer and sellers may be more willing to negotiate, but we do start to see an uptick in the number of listings compared to the end of the year.

“So you start to see more options on the market, you could have more negotiating power, and all the spring and summer competition hasn’t popped yet.”

LaViola notes that “buyers during January have a fresh start and readiness to them.”

But once buyers and sellers get through the winter months, spring will see a surge of activity, so whether you’re buying now or later, experts advise to start planning.

“In South Florida, May can be a great time for buyers to take advantage and get properties for a discount as it’s the start of a summer slowdown,” says LaViola. “But in areas with better weather conditions or in areas with great school districts, buyers may find these properties to be pricier.”

O’Brien sees a different market in the Midwest. “May tends to be the most expensive month to buy because that’s when we see the most transactions throughout the year,” he says. “Whether you have kids or not, a lot of our selling season revolves around the school year. The weather warms up in the summer and so do home sales. When the demand and competition increase, the prices increase too.

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Realtor: 3 key signs you shouldn’t buy a home, even with falling mortgage rates

By Gabrielle Olya / Published December 11, 2025

Sam in the Kitchen

Mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest point in over a year, tempting many buyers back into the market. But before you rush to lock in a deal, one expert warns that lower rates don’t always mean it’s the right time to buy.

According to Sam DeBianchi LaViola, a Florida-based Realtor and former “Million Dollar Listing Miami” star, here are three signs you should wait.

Earning passive income doesn’t need to be difficult. You can start this week.

You Lack Job Stability or Savings

Buying a home is a major expense, so you need to be financially prepared before making the move.

“If you’re considering changing career paths or feeling unstable with job security, then buying a home may need to be on the low end of the priority list,” DeBianchi LaViola said.

“Maybe you’ve got a solid job, but you like splurging and treating yourself — are you open to changing your lifestyle in order to put more money down or money towards a mortgage payment and homeownership expenses?”

If the answer is no, now is not the right time to buy.

You Don’t Have a Financial Backup Plan

In today’s economy, your financial circumstances can change quickly. If you lost your job or lost money in a market downswing, would you still be able to afford your mortgage? If not, you should create a financial backup plan before committing to buying a home.

“Homebuying is like marriage, whereas renting is like dating,” DeBianchi LaViola said.

She recommended having six months’ worth of living expenses stashed in a high-yield savings account before even thinking about buying a home.

“These expenses include, but are not limited to, your monthly mortgage, taxes, insurance, groceries, property maintenance and your overall living expenses that keep you going,” DeBianchi LaViola said. “Nobody wants a worst-case scenario, but everyone needs to be prepared for it.”

Renting Still Makes More Financial Sense for You

Homeownership is often seen as a milestone that everyone should achieve, but the truth is that for some people, renting just makes more financial sense.

“Between a down payment of around 20% and closing costs between 2% and 5%, this can be a large out-of-pocket cost that puts you in a tight position — and this doesn’t include taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc.,” DeBianchi LaViola said. “Renting doesn’t have as many surprises, and there’s something to be said for consistency and predictability.”

Then there are factors that go beyond the finances.

“Homeownership doesn’t simply come down to whether you’re able to afford it or not,” DeBianchi LaViola said, “It also comes down to if you are truly ready to own a property and handle everything that comes with it, from the work and effort of owning a home to the expenses behind it.”

Even if you can afford to maintain a home, you may not want that extra responsibility. Bottom line: A lower mortgage rate can save you money, but only if you’re financially and personally ready for the responsibility of homeownership.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Realtor: 3 Key Signs You Shouldn’t Buy a Home, Even With Falling Mortgage Rates

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Thriving As A Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry: Sam DeBianchi LaViola Of DeBianchi Real Estate On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry

An Interview With Kelly Reeves
Sep 25, 2025

Thick skin: I think when a woman enters a male-dominated industry, there will always be an intimidation factor, and it’s necessary to have thick skin. When you’re a trailblazer, some people will fight to bring you down, and it’s important not to let them faze or bother you. Being on television and having a decent social media following means more visibility and, of course, more opinions. While many people are kind and positive, there are also those who are mean and negative. I’ve been told terrible things like I’m ugly, I’m stupid, I’m a tramp, and I’ve even been told I should go kill myself. These are awful comments to read from people I’ve never met and who don’t know me at all. I don’t let them faze me because they simply aren’t worth my time.

In the United States, fields such as Aircraft piloting, Agriculture, Architecture, Construction, Finance, and Information technology, are still male-dominated industries. For a woman who is working in a male-dominated environment, what exactly does it take to thrive and succeed? In this interview series, we are talking to successful women who work in a Male-Dominated Industry who can share their stories and experiences about navigating work and life as strong women in a male-dominated industry. As a part of this series, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sam DeBianchi LaViola.

Sam DeBianchi LaViola is a dynamic, powerhouse entrepreneur and real estate mogul with a career spanning over a decade and more than $500 million in sales. Her sales ingenuity was displayed on Million Dollar Listing Miami, where she made history as the franchise’s first female realtor. In 2012, she founded DeBianchi Real Estate and built a team known for providing world-class service to a diverse, global clientele. Sam is also a savvy investor with a proven track record in purchasing, renting, and flipping properties. With over 100,000 loyal social media followers, she has built a strong personal brand, engaging audiences with insightful content on real estate, business strategy, personal development, and entrepreneurship. Sam is a sought-after keynote speaker who has addressed global audiences of up to 5,000 on topics ranging from real estate to entrepreneurship. 

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?

Ever since first grade, I’ve had a business. Back then, I sold my toys and some of my parents’ possessions, like figurines and colorful notepads. Every year after that, I had a different business. From baking cookies to washing cars to landscaping, I’ve done it all. Hustling was my life. On weekends, my dad and I would go to garage sales, where I learned firsthand the art of negotiating, understanding the value of things, and recognizing how some people see value where others do not. I have always loved dealmaking, and when I finally got my real estate license, I knew I wanted to create my own unique path in the industry.

Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?

Interestingly, my parents always urged me to get my real estate license because ‘it’s always good to have.’ But in the same breath, they’d also say real estate agents were snakes, vultures, and con artists, which put me off and made me procrastinate getting my license. Before real estate, I was managing nightclubs and teaching a college course on Nightclub Management as an adjunct professor. I knew nightlife wasn’t the profession I wanted to stay in, nor did it offer much longevity career-wise. I was at a bit of a crossroads, and I decided it was the right time to get my real estate license.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

In 2012, after three years of having a real estate license, I wanted to take my business to the next level. I had three specific goals in mind:

  1. I wanted to have a real estate column in my local newspaper. I felt it would showcase me as an expert in my field while keeping me connected to my community.
  2. I wanted to be a ‘talking head’ on national television and discuss the housing market, since I knew my stuff, had an MBA, and felt qualified to discuss my industry (plus, the exposure would be amazing).
  3. I wanted to be on a real estate reality show, like Million Dollar Listing.

I consulted with a number of professionals I trusted about these three goals that I was determined to make my reality. All of them tore me apart, claiming they were simply giving me a reality check by telling me each goal was impossible. Instead of letting the naysayers get to me, I used their doubts to fuel my fire tenfold. I personally reached out to the editor of the newspaper and sold him on my idea of writing a column. Before he could give me the official ‘yes,’ he first had to ask everyone who advertised with the paper. Within a week, I had the column. Everyone was happier paying to advertise and get a small square with their name and info on it. No one wanted to write 500 words and put in the work that gave me a half-page in the real estate section. It was then I learned that hard work pays off, but identifying a void and providing a solution in someone’s business (in this case, the newspaper) is most important.

I knew that I wanted to be on national TV, but I wasn’t sure how to set myself up for success in that capacity or exactly what it all entailed. I researched who I knew who could potentially help me in this endeavor, and after going through a long list of contacts, I realized a friend of mine was speaking on a variety of news channels. I reached out to him for help, and he happily connected me with a media trainer who helped me get ‘TV ready.’ After getting booked once and doing a great job, I was consistently asked to appear on stations like FOX Business and CNBC. I learned the power of asking and never being afraid to do so. If I was told no, I would ask someone else, and continue asking until I got the help I needed. People sometimes forget to simply ask for what they want. In my case, I asked my friend if he could connect me to the right people to accomplish my goal — and he did.

After getting my real estate column and TV exposure, there was only one item left on the list to cross off — getting a reality show position. Around 2012, I saw an ad on Facebook mentioning that a hit real estate reality show was coming to several cities including Miami. I applied and was immediately told ‘no’ because I wasn’t luxurious enough, I didn’t have the sales, and I didn’t have the typical qualities they always looked for. Instead of accepting ‘no’ as an answer, I thought long and hard about how I could stand out. Rather than giving them what they expected, I gave them something entirely different. I created a PowerPoint presentation explaining why I should be on the show. I outlined what made me unique: I had my own brokerage, I was already a figure on television, and I spent my commission money doing crazy things like cage diving with great whites in South Africa. Soon after my submission, I received a call saying the PowerPoint I sent was absolutely hilarious (which was NOT my intention) and that they wanted me in the next round of picks. I ended up getting the position and became the first female ever on the Million Dollar Listing franchise. The lesson? Always be yourself and show people how you shine.

I am one of the most persistent people you’ll ever meet, especially when it comes to my goals. While many goals can seem lofty or unreachable, I believe there’s a way to break even the craziest ideas down to their simplest form, giving you a sort of guide to connect the dots and execute your vision and plan.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Heart. I am very passionate about what I do, and I take things personally. I truly want to help people achieve their goals of buying and selling a home. I don’t see my clients as a number or a transaction. People say to separate business and personal life, but real estate is the biggest investment most people will ever make in their lifetime, and I play a vital role in that process. My clients don’t simply look to me for real estate advice, but also for overall guidance in their current life and future, and I like to be there every step of the way.

Hard Work. There is a difference between wanting success and putting in the work to be successful. I am not afraid to put in the work on anything I set my mind to. When I had a vision and mission to get myself on Million Dollar Listing, I could have easily been deterred by every single person telling me it wasn’t going to happen — including the first person I spoke with at casting. But instead of letting this bring me down, it pushed me to work harder to prove myself and get what I wanted.

Hustle. I will do whatever it takes to make things happen. One of my clients was considering a preconstruction property but wasn’t sure about the view. To give him absolute confidence in his purchase, I chartered a helicopter and had us lowered to the exact level of his potential condo so he could see the view for himself.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you help articulate a few of the biggest obstacles or challenges you’ve had to overcome while working in a male-dominated industry?

Growing up, no one ever told me I would face challenges as a woman in business. I think that naïveté shaped who I am. I didn’t see barriers because I never knew they existed — my parents just always stressed to work hard and try my best at everything I did. However, when I became the GM of a nightclub at 22, I started to realize things were different. When I was firm, I was a ‘bitch.’ When a man was firm, he was ‘strong.’ I developed thick skin in that business because I knew that to do my job well, I had to hold my ground. But doing so also led to some nastiness behind my back. That experience taught me that people are going to talk either way, so you might as well stay true to yourself.

When it comes to real estate, I’m aware that some buyers and sellers simply want to work with a man. For whatever reason, they feel a man is a better fit. Instead of spending time and energy trying to change their mind or ‘win them over,’ I simply move on to the next client. I believe I am interviewing the client just as much as they are interviewing me, and I want to make sure we’re a good match for doing business together. I am not afraid to turn business down. Over the past few years, I’ve easily turned down $75 million worth of buyers and sellers simply because I didn’t see a good working relationship. By not taking on the wrong people, I free myself up for the right ones.

Being a female entrepreneur and owning my brokerage sets me apart from most brokerages in South Florida. It’s impossible to be everything to everyone. Instead, I focus on staying true to myself rather than worrying about what the competition is doing.

Can you share a few of the things you have done to gain acceptance among your male peers and the general work community? What did your female co-workers do? Can you share some stories or examples?

As competitive as I am, I think it’s more important to work collaboratively. I support both male and female real estate agents by going to their broker opens and showing up. A simple gesture of support can go a long way and level the playing field. I also believe in the importance of positive relationships with work peers. I don’t have to like everyone, but that shouldn’t change who I am as a person — someone who follows through on what I say and shows up when it counts.

What do you think male-oriented organizations can do to enhance their recruiting efforts to attract more women?

I believe what you put out is what you’ll get back. Including women on social media, the website, speaking panels, and in the overall branding of the organization will be beneficial and attract more women.

Sam in the Kitchen

Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry?”

Thick skin: I think when a woman enters a male-dominated industry, there will always be an intimidation factor, and it’s necessary to have thick skin. When you’re a trailblazer, some people will fight to bring you down, and it’s important not to let them faze or bother you. Being on television and having a decent social media following means more visibility and, of course, more opinions. While many people are kind and positive, there are also those who are mean and negative. I’ve been told terrible things like I’m ugly, I’m stupid, I’m a tramp, and I’ve even been told I should go kill myself. These are awful comments to read from people I’ve never met and who don’t know me at all. I don’t let them faze me because they simply aren’t worth my time.

Adaptability: Most successful women are extremely adaptable and fluid in what they do while still maintaining their integrity. They’re able to multitask, interchange roles, and find their place in the moment they are needed. If you can identify a void in your industry and adapt to create your own way, you’ll become invaluable.

Tenacity: Persistence gets you places, and commitment keeps you there. I cannot tell you how many times I was told ‘no’ or how many obstacles and barriers were thrown in my path, but I remained persistent and committed to accomplishing my goals, using every single ‘no’ as fuel to fire me up and create my path to success. Every major business achievement I’ve had started from a place of ‘no.’ Whether it was creating a college course (Nightclub Management, HFT3271) at a top hospitality university, pitching the idea for a real estate column to a major local newspaper, or trying to be on television, I was always told ‘no.’ I’m tenacious as hell and fully committed to my goals and vision for what I want in life.

Confidence: Confidence directly affects success. If you’re not confident, you will abandon ideas and goals. Without confidence, you’ll remain stuck in the same position and experience a ‘failure to launch.’ Confidence isn’t about ‘faking it ’till you make it,’ but rather truly and deeply believing in yourself. When I had the ‘crazy’ idea of throwing myself into the mix as the first female on the male-dominated Million Dollar Listing franchise, it wasn’t my sales or experience that got me the role (because I didn’t really have that). It was my confidence in myself and my abilities. I knew I didn’t fit the mold and was incredibly different from everyone else on the show. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as leverage, and through my confidence, I was able to emphasize other unique aspects of myself — owning my own brokerage, speaking on national TV about the housing market, and having a real estate column in an established newspaper — which ultimately got the deal done. Confidence is your overall presence: how you want to be perceived. With the right presence comes the ability to command attention rather than demand it, which allows you to thrive in business.

Foresight: The ability to see ahead and understand when and how to position yourself for the best possible outcome. I’ve always tried to anticipate trends, whether related to a real estate transaction or building my business for long-term success. Timing is everything, and having a calculated approach increases the likelihood of achieving success.

If you had a close woman friend who came to you with a choice of entering a field that is male-dominated or female-dominated, what would you advise her? Would you advise a woman friend to start a career in a field or industry that’s traditionally been mostly men? Can you explain what you mean?

I would advise my female friend to enter the field she wants to be in. If it happens to be male-dominated, I would tell her to be the change. I think once we put in our minds that there’s a barrier or obstacle, it becomes a reality — so why allow that to exist? If you want to enter an industry, do it. If you want a specific job or role, go for it. The job or role only had males in the past? Go for it anyway. The only person in your way is yourself.

When I wanted the role of being the first female on Million Dollar Listing, I was told multiple times by multiple people that I would never get it. I could have easily agreed with everyone and just given up, but instead, my scrappiness kicked in, and I figured out a way to stand out and get what I wanted.

Just because we don’t get an invitation doesn’t mean we’re not invited.

Have you seen things change for women working in male-dominated industries, over the past ten years? How do you anticipate that it might improve in the future? Can you please explain what you mean?

It’s interesting — I’ve noticed women coming out of the woodwork and no longer holding back like they once did. I’m seeing more and more women in high-level positions being featured front and center in organizations. Ten years ago, being a strong female was something to hide. We were always told we’re too much, too strong, too confident, too smart, too outspoken — all things I was told ten years ago. Now, these traits are accepted and even celebrated. Instead of describing myself as an ‘A-type’ personality, I now refer to it as a ‘strong personality’ — something I am proud of and refuse to change. Women should not only be comfortable saying they’re strong, but also confident in expressing themselves this way. I believe the future for women is brighter than ever.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

Joanna Gaines. I think she is the epitome of a strong, well-rounded female and someone I relate to. She created a successful brand and empire, all while being a mother and wife. The most admirable part is that she makes it look effortless, even though we know it’s far from reality.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About The Interviewer: Kelly Reeves is a published writer, copy editor, speaker, and certified entrepreneurship and personal growth coach. She is passionate about working with entrepreneurs and executives over 50 to help them discover their life’s purpose, unlock their full potential, and thrive in the second half of life. As an award-winning public relations professional with multi-industry knowledge Kelly worked with global brands, startups and media personalities including the Tony Hawk Foundation, Barrett-Jackson, Targus, Kingston, WD, and Howard Stern. Kelly successfully launched a variety of consumer electronics and B2B brands and executed highly successful PR and social media campaigns. With an average track record of generating more than 50 million media impressions on a monthly basis, she placed clients in leading media outlets such as InStyle, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNet, TechCrunch, AllThingsD and Mashable; and landed spots on high profile programs such as Extra, the Today Show, ABC News, CNN and Good Morning America. She also played an integral role in helping clients increase sales revenue by over 350%. Her community service includes mentoring students in the Masters of Entrepreneurship Program at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine. She also mentors students in the College of Communications at California State University, Fullerton. Kelly serves as the Co-Founder and President of Paw Prints in the Sand Animal Rescue, a 501c3 animal welfare organization where she oversees the operations, donor relations, and marketing and PR strategy.

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Samantha DeBianchi LaViola said she learned the art of negotiation while watching her dad shop at garage sales when she was a child. (Chris Headshots)

Four questions to an agent: Garage sales and playground deals gone wrong
Samantha DeBianchi LaViola of TV’s ‘Million Dollar Lising Miami’ got an early start in sales

By Khristopher J. Brooks /

Samantha DeBianchi LaViola scored her first valuable lesson in business as a second grader growing up in South Florida.

She was selling her toys and trinkets to classmates to earn money to spend at garage sales. Her hustle was going well for a while — until one of her classmates blabbed about her enterprise to a teacher. LaViola said she still remembers the day her young company crumbled within hours.

“We were all at recess and I was sitting at the hopscotch field, and I see my parents and teachers talking far away at the door,” she said in an interview.

The teacher told LaViola’s parents about their daughter’s entrepreneurial activities, and they arrived at school to dish out her punishment.

But being caught wasn’t the most shameful part, LaViola said.

“I had to give everyone’s money back,” she said, and they got to keep her stuff.

‘I just didn’t have many friends that understood my brain’

Looking back, LaViola said, that day on the playground she realized, “I have to be picky about my clientele.”

Her father gave a master class in negotiation

Long before LaViola became a real estate agent and a TV personality, she learned a second pivotal lesson while spending time with her father.

LaViola’s dad took her to garage sales on weekends, and she watched him haggle. LaViola said listening to her dad became a master class in negotiation.

“I learned you never pay sticker price, and you always negotiate,” she said. “I always enjoyed negotiating. You feel like you’ve won something. You bought it for what you wanted instead of what that seller demanded.”

LaViola’s business mind carried her into college, where she graduated with a communications degree from Florida Atlantic University. After college, she began working the door at nightclubs across South Florida. She eventually became a manager.

LaViola said working in nightclubs taught her how to create an environment where people would be comfortable and happy spending money. But by age 25, LaViola found herself physically and emotionally burned out. Her parents urged her to switch careers and join the real estate industry.

LaViola said it took her four tries to pass the real estate exam, but she finally earned her license and has been happy ever since.

Four questions

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

For people moving to Florida, what should they know about the Sunshine State?

“It’s a state that has something for everyone. You can find your world, your group — find everything that you’re looking for — whether it’s sports or the arts. It’s a melting pot. The west coast — like Naples and Fort Myers — is completely different than the east coast. That’s the quieter side of the state.”

What’s the main difference between selling luxury homes to high-income buyers and selling to the typical American?

“Luxury buyers tend to be more interested in how certain fixtures and appliances were manufactured, but they are also more likely to purchase a home that’s not going to be their primary residence. It’s really understanding the materials used. Understanding the craftsmanship. For these clients, it might be their third, fourth or fifth home. It might just be a vacation home. Other than that, there’s not much of a difference. They want prompt responses. They expect you to make things happen quickly and for you to accommodate their schedule.”

What made you finally realize that you wanted to leave nightclub work and go into real estate?

“I worked 24-7. I worked 20-hour days many, many days. All the operations are during the day, and then you’re running it at night.”

What skills, if any, were transferable from working at nightclubs to selling real estate?

“In nightclubs, you have to be very creative and really quick in problem solving and know how to stand out. It’s marketing and PR. The same thing goes into real estate. Why is someone buying your property instead of your neighbors? It’s all about the show and all about how it’s presented.”