Heart and Sold: How to Survive and Build a Recession-Proof Business (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Tales from the residential real estate trenches are complete with attempted tear-jerking from former model Fitzgerald. The author took a running start at selling real estate after leaving behind a violent ex-husband in New York and arriving in L.A. with her infant daughter in tow, with few belongings, no education and no job prospects. After a rocky start, she's grown to be one of the most successful agents for Coldwell Banker. Fitzgerald runs through frustratingly general advice on ambition, leadership, building rapport among would-be clients, navigating a bewildering industry and looking the part of a successful businesswoman. Though Fitzgerald strives for practical advice with cheerful chapter wrapup lessons, interviews with inspirational professionals and practice sales scripts, the advice is disorganized and vague, and the personal-story prose off-putting and melodramatic (My fairy-tale husband and life had shattered on the marble floor like a fallen mirror—razor-sharp shards of glass lacerating my hopes, my dreams, and my heart). Would-be realtors seeking advice would be best off looking elsewhere, as this book tries too hard to be both a memoir and a how-to guide, and thus falls short at both. (Mar.)
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Review

"Heart and Sold is inspirational for any woman -- or anyone -- struggling to build a business of their own. Valerie's personal triumphs will make you feel like you can do anything." -- Leeza Gibbons --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Atria; Original edition (May 19, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416542922
• ISBN-13: 978-1416542926
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,986 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Become a Better Realtor and a Better Human, May 17, 2009

By	Lisa Loeffler - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Heart and Sold will help you become a better realtor, a better entrepreneur, a better human. A must read!

It will teach you how to communicate with clients, get organized and stay on time - all signature attributes you need to build a successful career in any business.

I couldn't put down the first 35 pages of the book as I witnessed Valerie's bio and back story unfold from 25 years ago to today as she continues to rock the Los Angeles real estate world.

This book has also helped me become a better listener to my clients and become someone they can deeply trust. I've witnessed a profound change in my attitude and I think I've become more positive...not only at work, but with my family and friends.

Thanks Valerie. I can't wait to read your next book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm sold to "Heart & Sold", What a find!, May 19, 2009

By	HGK "laboss" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This book will make you cry, laugh and inspire from page one. Once you start reading it, you cannot help but to finish the entire book. Valerie's candid sharing of her own life, filled with challenges and how to overcome them will encourage and inspire all ages. Whether you are in real estate or any other profession, "Heart & Sold" will motivate you to strive for the best and to believe in your dreams. A must read for any profession! Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and helpful for real estate, May 18, 2009

By	H. Han (Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Heart and Sold is an quick, interesting and useful read. If you need to improve your business or want to learn more about the industry, Valerie does a great job of giving you an overview. She imparts her success and experience through tips, anecdotes, interviews and resources. I enjoyed reading the more personal parts aspects of her story because not only is it motivational, but it also helps bring the advice to life. I think those in real estate that are concerned about growing their business and managing their life will find this book extremely valuable.