We recently connected with Anna Buono and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Being a successful real estate agent requires a blend of patience, skill, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. One of the most important qualities is patience. Buying or selling a home is often one of the most significant financial decisions a person will make, and it’s fraught with emotions, stress, and uncertainty. As an agent, I must be the calm in the storm, guiding my clients with understanding and empathy as they navigate this major milestone in their lives. Patience allows me to build trust and confidence with clients who may be hesitant or overwhelmed.
Listening skills are another cornerstone of success in real estate. While it’s tempting to share knowledge or advice right away, it’s far more important to listen first. When I actively listen, I gain a deeper understanding of what my clients truly need, what they hope to achieve, and even what they fear. This helps me tailor my approach, avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring their goals are met. Missing key details because I wasn’t fully listening can lead to mistakes that impact my clients’ satisfaction and trust in me.
From the very beginning, I have treated real estate not as just a job, but as my career and my passion. While some may see it as a way to earn a paycheck, I see it as a calling to help people through one of the most significant moments in their lives. This mindset drives me to give 100% to every transaction, every client, and every opportunity to grow.
Risk-taking is also an essential part of growing a real estate business. Whether it’s investing in marketing strategies, exploring new ways to connect with clients, or stepping into unfamiliar markets, taking calculated risks helps me adapt to an ever-changing industry. Without risks, I might remain stagnant, missing opportunities to expand and improve.
Gratitude is a quality I strive to carry with me daily. I am deeply grateful for the clients who trust me to guide them through such a pivotal moment in their lives, for the colleagues and mentors who have supported me, and for the chance to do work I love. Gratitude keeps me grounded and motivated, especially during challenging times.
Dedication to lifelong learning has been a driving force in my career. After 22 years in the industry, I still attend seminars, take courses, and read everything I can about market trends, negotiation techniques, and emerging technologies. Staying educated ensures I’m always equipped to provide the best possible service to my clients and remain competitive in the industry.
Finally, grit is non-negotiable in this business. Real estate comes with its fair share of challenges, from deals falling through to facing rejection and criticism. While it’s sometimes hard not to take these things personally, resilience is key. Success in real estate requires the ability to shake off negativity, stay focused, and keep pushing forward. Without grit, it would be impossible to sustain the level of effort and determination required to thrive in this demanding field.
In addition to these traits, adaptability, strong communication, and a genuine desire to help people are equally important. Real estate isn’t just about selling houses; it’s about building relationships, solving problems, and making a difference in people’s lives. When these qualities come together, they create the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career.
Anna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a lifetime resident of CT, 35+ year North Haven townie and with over two decades as a Realtor, I’m proud to serve my community as a dedicated real estate professional committed to helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. I take the time to truly *listen* to what my clients need and wish for, aiming to make their experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an experienced seller, or just looking to learn more about the market, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Specializing in high-impact marketing, I’m highly skilled at positioning sellers’ properties to attract competitive offers, ensuring my clients achieve the highest and best possible outcome. From targeted digital campaigns to custom marketing strategies, I create maximum exposure to help your property stand out.
My commitment to you doesn’t end at closing. Long after you’ve moved in, I’ll remain a resource for all your home-related needs-whether you need a trusted contractor referral, insights on town matters, or information on local schools. And if I don’t have the answer, I’ll go the extra mile to find it for you. I love to keep my clients guessing about what type of event I’ll host next or what gift they’ll receive in the mail long after the sale.
My certifications reflect my dedication to professionalism and excellence. As a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), I’m part of an elite 3% of REALTORS® who meet stringent education and experience requirements to deliver top-notch service. As a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), I’ve received advanced training in legal, regulatory, and sales practices, which I use daily to serve my clients’ best interests.
A proud mom of two boys and a graduate of UConn (Go Huskies!), I’m fluent in Italian, which pairs well with my last name, “Buono” I am honored to receive feedback from clients who describe me as knowledgeable, calm, and dedicated, always going above and beyond to make their buying or selling experience as seamless as possible. From first-time home buyers who found reassurance in my guidance to families navigating complex sales, my clients’ satisfaction is the highest reward.
When you’re ready to begin your real estate journey, I’m just a call, text, or email away!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building my reputation within the market has been rooted in a combination of genuine care for my clients, dedication to their needs, and a commitment to excellence throughout the process. First and foremost, I make it a priority to truly listen to and understand my clients’ unique circumstances, whether they’re first-time buyers or experienced sellers. Taking the time to learn their “must-haves” and “won’t-haves” ensures I can focus on finding the best options for them, while accommodating their schedules and respecting their pace.
Clear and consistent communication has also been instrumental. I strive to always be responsive, whether it’s returning calls promptly, providing updates, or answering questions, no matter how big or small. This has helped me build trust and foster a sense of reassurance during what can be an overwhelming process.
Advocating for my clients and guiding them through the complexities of real estate is another key factor. Many have expressed appreciation for how I explain every step, ensuring they are well-informed and confident in their decisions. From navigating competitive markets to handling challenging negotiations or timelines, I am relentless in supporting my clients’ best interests.
My approach is always rooted in patience, positivity, and professionalism. I never rush my clients or pressure them into decisions. Instead, I focus on empowering them with knowledge—whether that’s pointing out potential issues in a home, highlighting its strengths, or offering insight on market trends. Clients have often commented on how this approach made their experience feel seamless, even during a turbulent market.
Finally, I believe my genuine passion for helping people sets me apart. Real estate isn’t just a job to me—it’s a career and a calling. My clients know they are more than just transactions; I care about their long-term happiness and satisfaction. It’s this personal connection, paired with my knowledge and professionalism, that has inspired many of my clients to recommend me to their friends and family. Building relationships and maintaining a reputation of trust and dedication has been the foundation of my success.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of nurturing relationships, leveraging authenticity on social media, and building trust through reviews. I focus on staying connected with what I call my “Forever Clients”—because to me, no one is a “past client.” These are people I’ve had the privilege to help in buying or selling their homes, and I prioritize maintaining those relationships long after the transaction is complete. Whether it’s checking in, sharing updates, or being a resource for their real estate needs, I work hard to stay top of mind. This dedication to connection often leads to referrals, as satisfied clients naturally want to share their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues.
Social media has also been a powerful tool for growth, not because I aim to present a perfect image, but because I focus on being real. I embrace authenticity, even if it means I might look a little silly in a photo or stumble over my words in a video. People appreciate the real me—someone who is approachable, relatable, and passionate about what I do. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, market updates, or even the occasional lighthearted moment helps me connect with people on a personal level and build trust before we even meet in person.
Another cornerstone of my strategy is ensuring I receive reviews from my clients. In today’s digital age, reviews are often the first touchpoint for potential clients searching for a top realtor. I encourage clients to share their experiences because I know that reading an authentic review can be the deciding factor for someone to pick up the phone and call me. These testimonials not only validate the work I do but also reflect the level of care and commitment I bring to every transaction.
By combining these approaches—cultivating meaningful relationships, showing up authentically on social media, and using the power of client reviews—I’ve been able to grow my clientele organically and sustainably. It’s not about trying to reach everyone; it’s about building genuine connections that create lasting trust and loyalty.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.realtorannab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtorannab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealtorAnnaB/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-buono-realtor/
