We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria Pappas and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Victoria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After over ten years working as a lawyer in “big law,” I decided to start my own law firm handling projects for a select group of clients. I realized that the work I was also doing as a realtor part-time brought out my passion for real estate and helping others. This year, I took a huge leap of faith and went from realtor to real estate broker and started my own real estate brokerage firm, VIP Florida Realty. The main reason I have embarked on this new path is because I love every single aspect of real estate from buying, selling, managing, leasing, etc. It’s my company, and I am the decision maker and choose my own schedule. Mentoring new agents is also deeply gratifying in knowing I’m making a positive difference in someone’s life. As a veteran attorney representing clients in real estate transactions, I bring a unique protection and guidance that is virtually non-existent in other Florida real estate brokerages, which I believe sets my brokerage apart. Clients can feel secure and confident given my knowledge and experience in dealing with even the most challenging circumstances in a real estate matter. All of the above lead me in this new path of starting my own Real Estate Brokerage, and I am excited for all the great things to come.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
VIP Florida Realty is a professional real estate brokerage serving buyers and sellers of property in South Florida. The brokerage is comprised of a close group of talented realtors, led by me. My path started when I received my law degree from Nova Southeastern University. I’ve also been in the real estate industry for over 15 years in various roles from lawyer to realtor. The brokerage offers a distinctive skill-set given my experience for both clients and realtors who work with me that it rare to find. VIP Florida Realty realtors are treated like family and have access to me at their will. We have a strong focus on South Florida, which is known as one of the most vibrant niche markets with its spectacular cityscapes and coastal views and also serve clients in the Tampa Bay area. We offer both in person and virtual services and can help people buy a home without even stepping foot in the state until they are ready. Knowledge and experience in Florida Real Estate Laws, negotiating skills, drafting and reviewing contracts, locating, marketing and managing both residential and commercial real estate, are areas of focus. In this competitive field, hard work, aptitude, and savoir faire can make all the difference. We strive to help clients with their needs by ensuring sophisticated pricing, innovative marketing, immense knowledge, and quality marketing while making all Buyers and Sellers feel like VIPs.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I’d like to say that a week is not enough. I would highly recommend they come back again and again because to truly experience the melting pot that is South Florida takes time. The following itinerary assumes I have the week off to properly host my best friends. I would likely have my guests stay in a luxury AirBnb like those offered by Jatina Group or possibly a highly rated beachside hotel in Miami Beach. On Monday, I would do some shopping and check out Sawgrass Mall and Aventura Mall and get some time in by the pool or beach. Breakfast at Peter Pan Diner in Fort Lauderdale, Lunch at Cvi.Che 105 in Aventura, and dinner at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant in Dania Beach. We could end the night with some drinks, ice cream at Auba & Ramsa and casino action at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Tuesday morning could be a longer beach day with paddle boarding followed by brunch at Rusty Pelican. Dinner could be at Poseidon Greek Boutique Seafood Restaurant followed by drinks at the Setai. Wednesday morning we could do an art walk at Wynwood and visit the art walls. After a quick bite at Nostimo, we could then go bike riding on Ocean Drive in South Beach followed by a swim. That evening could be dinner and dancing at Kiki on the River. Thursday, we could explore Little Haiti or Little Havana for Cuban coffee, a walk down Calle Ocho, and then go jet-skiing. Dinner could be at Prime 112 or Zuma. Friday we can charter a small private yacht for a few hours and explore the Miami Bay or maybe even a Key like Islamorada and swim in sand bars. Sexy Fish would be a good spot to meet for dinner later in the evening. Friday can be spent pool side at home in the morning with Uber Eats options. We can later take a walk down Lincoln Road Mall and meet up for dinner at Cote or Crazy About You. Are guests in the mood for Liv or E11even? On Saturday morning, we could have coffee at the Dior Café and explore the Miami Design District and Midtown. I might even have some showings scheduled for my guests who now want to own property in Miami because they love it so much. I’d then visit Vizcaya, luch at Calista, coffee at Crema Gourmet and suggest dinner later at Santorini or Estiatorio Milos. On Sunday we have coffee and breakfast at Rosetta Bakery followed by a drive to MIA just in time for guests to catch their flight back to their reality. Next time they visit, we could explore Palm Beach, The Everglades, Key West, and so on because the list is endless. There is always fun to be had and things to see and do in South Florida.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I had to give a Shotout to anyone, I would choose my humble husband and rock, Nikolas. He too has his own business, and is living proof that hard work and dedication brings about positive results. He also treats his employees with such kindness and respect and is truly an admirable “boss” all around. He encouraged me to pursue my dream of working for myself. We have three children, and we are the best team with giving them 100% of what they need while also getting our work completed seamlessly and in a top quality manner. His support and encouragement has been paramount, and I am beyond thankful to have him by my side.
Website: www.vipfloridarealty.com
Instagram: @lawyerandagent
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-j-pappas-esq-56626a6/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VIPFloridaRealty
Youtube: @vipfloridarealty1689
Other: IG @vipfloridarealty