Heart & Sold: How to Survive and Thrive in Real Estate [Paperback]

Valerie Fitzgerald (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 19, 2009

Heart and Sold is an insightful journey through the emotional and tangible challenges of regaining one's personal power while building and maintaining a successful business -- regardless of the country's economic situation. Valerie Fitzgerald, one of the country's leading real estate agents, candidly recounts her personal journey from unemployed single parent to entrepreneur, philanthropist, and renowned corporate executive.

From beginners just getting started in residential real estate to seasoned agents -- or anyone in business looking to take their game to the next level -- this step-by-step guide teaches readers the art of selling. With her personal touch, Fitzgerald shows readers how to manage clients with style, choose the right company and the best mentor, establish a stellar reputation in their field, develop a daily schedule for running a home office, and maintain a successful attitude every day. With all of her tools at their fingertips, readers will also soon be shooting for the stars. Heart and Sold shares the mind-set of a respected businesswoman who gracefully balances the demands of an empire with the intimacy of her family, and is a model for working and living that can be applied to any desire or discipline.

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

"Through her absorbing stories and life experiences Valerie gives advice to anyone looking for a new beginning in their life or business. A great read." -- Larry King

"After reading this book, you will feel that you too can accomplish anything your heart desires." -- Vanna White

"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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books; 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 (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #515,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 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

Format:Paperback

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!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and Inspiring! May 13, 2009

By Carole Downing

Format:Paperback

Heart and Sold is a truly inspiring read. I would recommend this for anyone, whether you have been in the real estate business for years or just thinking about entering it. Valerie's honest and candid rendition of her life and business experiences will not only bring a smile to your face but encourage you immensely.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Read! April 7, 2009

By Jeanna Zelin

Format:Paperback

Valerie Fitzgerald's Heart and Sold: How to Survive and Build a Recession-Proof Business reminds us that truly anything is possible. From Manhattan model to single Mother and now real estate agent to the celebrities, Valerie's new book inspires and guides us step-by-step on how to realize our own success in business and in life.