Watch their conversation below.

The topics included Johnston's illustrious career in the corporate world of New York City, later with Coca-Cola, and her eventual move and ascendancy in real estate almost two decades ago.

Originally from Michigan, she has lived in New York, Dallas, Minneapolis, and ended up in Atlanta when she joined Coca-Cola. With the latter, "I was in so many different positions. I was with the bottler for a while; operations at Coke North America, and then my last stint there was in corporate marketing. I supported our top 10 customers and it was a great experience and, especially to go into real estate, that marketing just was perfect," she says. "Honing in on project management skills, working with all different kinds of people, I think that just set me up. I've always wanted to be in business for myself, so learning those building blocks really helped me when I did eventually decide to get my real estate license and try it out."

Here are some of the questions and answers from the exclusive interview with Johnston.

Seth Semilof: Were you nervous about the change from the corporate world and having a paycheck and the 401k, to go into real estate?

Debra Johnston: I was very nervous. I did a little bit of both for a while to get my feet wet and get the basics together, figure out my marketing, and putting all the essential tools in place. The brokerage that I selected was a boutique Buckhead brokerage,e and I was one of the first agents. The broker at the time said, 'You've got to be full-time, Debra. You've got to do this.' I said I was going to do it and within four months, I did leave corporate life and went full-time and I have been full-time in real estate for that entire time, so about 17 years.

SS: Now that you're a Berkshire Hathaway,  tell us what makes going from doing flyers to this whole business being digital and social media. How has your marketing allowed you to evolve your business?

DJ: Every day, I think about how to differentiate against my competition. I also think about what is the latest technology or tools out there that I can take advantage of to expand my business. Probably four years ago, I started very heavily in videography. Doing property videos, starting out in the beginning, introducing myself, and then telling a little bit about the house and getting out of the way to let the videographer really show the best aspects of the house. That was game-changing for my business, as well as for my clients because of the exposure.

Debra Johnston

SS: How have you been able to be successful in such a competitive business and maintain such great integrity?

DJ: Again, I feel like differentiating against my competition. Trying to do the best for my clients and walking the walk. Not every deal is perfect, but I tried to always take the high road and be optimistic. Everybody's emotions run high, so just try to manage through that to get the deal done.

SS: If someone asked you about becoming getting into luxury real estate, what would you recommend for them to do to give have the best chance to be successful?

DJ: Start with building your brand. Figure out who you want to be, whom you want to market to, where you want to market to, and then focus on that.

SS: What are three predictions that you have for the real estate market over the next 12 to 21 months in Atlanta and on a nationwide basis?

DJ: This market is going to continue into next year. It's going to be very hot and I think pricing is going to go up because of the demand, and hopefully we'll get more inventory on the market.

SS: How important it is for you to always be innovative and always investing in your brand?

DJ: Number one. It is the most important thing to me, and that's why I really like partnering with you [at Haute Residence]. I just always felt that what you what you do digitally was so game-changing 10 years ago that I absolutely was going to invest with you guys.

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@bhhsgeorgia.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Chat With Haute Residence Leaders, Episode 1: Debra Johnston appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

"It was a true honor to represent this listing that was home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Designer Showhouse," said Johnston. "Harrison Design’s Modern Studio Director, Robert Tretsch III, has created an architectural masterpiece, inspired by a 1945 Atlanta Youth Symphony performance. The architectural design of this showhouse is a celebration of music starting with a design that is inspired by the slow and quiet opening pizzicato bass passage at the front entrance leading into a fortissimo blast that dramatically opens to a multi-story space with huge expanses of curtain wall on the backside visually connecting the interiors to the mature forest on both sides of the 1.19-acre property. This Modern Buckhead Masterpiece is the definition of the word BEAUTIFUL! There’s truly no comparison to the architectural precision and design of this gorgeous residence."

About the home

Robert's intention was to design a residence that is understated from the front elevation and then opens to a magnificent three-story curtain wall of glass that maximizes the views of the property and the park. Perfectly sited is a 65-foot-long pool that captures the sunlight during the day and reflects off the ceiling in the residence, like a sundial. Open rooms with views of the property surround the kitchen designed by Design Galleria.  The kitchen features a massive island by Temmer marble, the latest in Wolf and Sub Zero appliances with both gas and induction cooking and a hidden walk-in pantry. The dining room appears to float over the central open space and over the living room below. The living room captures views from the property and the shimmering pool. The space features a full bar, game room, and two wood-burning fireplaces. Dramatic staircases wrap up to the bedroom levels complete with an additional laundry.  Energy-efficient and extremely quiet with whole-house automation and sited on 1.1 acres in the best part of the west side of Buckhead in area code 30327.

Haute Residence congratulates Debra Johnston on this outstanding achievement.

Photo credit: Ilya Zobanov, Gold Lens Photography

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@bhhsgeorgia.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post SOLD! Debra Johnston Closes Modern Architectural Masterpiece In Atlanta appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Debra Johnston presents

An exceptionally redesigned Mid Century Modern residence on a rare peninsula lot overlooking Lake Lanier. AIA Jack Davis transformed this residence with incredible finishes and an enviable copper roof. This location is at the south end of the lake and is considered the most desirable location and is very near Alpharetta and John’s Creek and 45 minutes to Buckhead. Floor to ceiling glass windows capture long range views of the lake and property. Gorgeous, wide plank Carlyle wood floors on main and stone slab flooring downstairs. Pecky cypress paneling, custom lighting and stone countertops throughout. Five large bedrooms on two levels and all but one has incredible views. Four wood burning fireplaces. Double slip, deep water dock in the cove with expansive 41 foot deck that is perfect for entertaining. Paved path to dock.  Screened porch with views. Large slab stone floors downstairs that walk out to the infinity edge heated pool. Imagine long range lake views from most every room, especially in the main living room and kitchen. This peninsula property is surrounded by 30 acres of protected Core property and very private at the end of the cul de sac. Main garage has vaulted beamed ceilings for future expansion and lower garage is perfect for the golf cart and boating supplies. Exceptional living with views from every window. Why live in the city when you can have this? Just 4 exits north of Alpharetta and the Avalon shopping district!

Address: 7860 Chestnut Hill Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Price: $2,700,000

Photo credit: Gold Lens Photography

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@bhhsgeorgia.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Debra Johnston Presents A Mid Century Modern Residence On Lake Lanier appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

What is your favorite way to network with other professionals in the real estate industry?

Alex Min, Lake Tahoe, NV: "In-person and live. Visiting the various affiliate offices has been one of my primary tools."

Bento Queiroz of The Bento Queiroz Group, Southwest Ranches/Weston, FL: "In the business field"

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, "Currently, social media, group Zoom calls and virtual happy hours."

Clara Hartree, West Vancouver, British Columbia: "Phone calls."

Claudia Llanes, Edgewater, FL: "I like attending open houses and conferences such as the Power Women Conference held every year by Biznow."

Dante DiSabato, Naples, FL: "Golf events or other charity events that are going on."

David Welles, Wellington, FL: "During COVID, the use of Zoom calls with my associates from around the country has helped establish new and lasting relationships that will lead to new business opportunities."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Social Media, particularly Instagram."

Doug Labor, Steamboat Springs, CO: "From email and online forums to picking up the phone, there are many ways to network. My favorite way is the forums. They offer a variety of topics and allow many brokers from different perspectives to give their insight and opinions."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "Virtual Events are more common. In-person events in small groups where social distances are practiced"

Elliot Bogod of Broadway Realty, Upper West Side, New York City, NY: "Zoom and webinars is a new way of life. LinkedIn is offering ways to connect with like-minded real estate professionals as well as LinkedIn groups. We started our Broadway Realty group that increased to over 700 professionals in a couple of weeks."

Ernie Carswell, West Hollywood, CA: "Price opinion invites to properties preparing to hit [the] market."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "I love the exclusive networking that Haute Residence offers to its members. It’s always refreshing to brainstorm with like-minded agents."

Jennifer Brilliant, Surfside, FL: "We don't have meetings and events in person as much anymore, so I rely heavily on email and calls with other realtors to discuss new listings, etc."

Jochen Lucke, Highlands, NC: "LeadingRE, Inman conference, one-on-one with brokers in target markets."

Karen Kenyon, Vancouver Island, British Columbia: "Private Facebook groups."

Kathleen Floryan, Jacksonville, FL: "IdealEstate, LinkedIn, various Facebook groups, Virtual Meetings, and one on one phone calls."

KC Martin, Paris, France: "While there are many online tools currently available in the market, personal contact is still the best way to build and maintain personal and professional relationships. Reaching out via phone, Zoom, or occasionally socially distanced meetings proves still that real estate is a people business built on real relationships."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "In person, but with Covid, Zoom will have to do, or phone calls.."

Krista Richman, Fort Lauderdale, FL: "Project events are an excellent way to learn about the project itself and meet new faces in the industry."

Leslie S. Modell of the Leslie S. Modell Team, Midtown East, New York City, NY: "During this period where we can't get together socially, we get on Zoom panels together, team meetings, phone calls, and send out e-blasts."

Mark Salmon,  South Tahoe, CA: "Professional social media sites."

Nilou Henderson of Henderson Ventures, Charlotte, NC: "Social media. Due to the current climate, I am utilizing social media to network with fellow agents, our community, and our clients."

Roberta Ingletto of RGI Realty, South Miami/Pinecrest, FL: "Smaller events/meetings more on a personal level."

Ryan Knowles, Bahamas: "Instagram."

Sandra Fiorenza, Miami Beach, FL: "Lunches and events."

Scott Goshorn, Brentwood, CA: "Events and masterminds."

Tim Fenton of Blue Zone Realty International, Costa Rica: "I prefer to communicate in live time, either on zoom or on the phone. So much emotion is lost in text or email."

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post How To Network In The Real Estate Industry appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Read below for how they see their areas' price activity in real estate.

Alex Min, Lake Tahoe, NV: "Up 30% at a minimum in the last six months."

Alison Melton of The Melton Group, Hilton Head Island/Bluffton, SC: "On average, we are +30% from last year and sales volume is +64% for residential homes."

Bento Queiroz of The Bento Queiroz Group, Southwest Ranches/Weston, FL: "Inventory is shrinking and therefore prices are steadily increasing."

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, "Median list prices in Boca Raton are up 34.7% from last year in single-family homes."

Catherine Burgess of The Burgess Group, Boulder, CO: "Our area has appreciated substantially since last year."

Clara Hartree, West Vancouver, British Columbia: "[On] average, 10% [up]."

Claudia Llanes, Edgewater, FL: "Prices have increased due to the low single-family home inventory that's currently available."

Dante DiSabato, Naples, FL: "Prices are slightly increased but not as much as you think they would [have]. There is just a lack of inventory and prices will rise here shortly."

David Welles, Wellington, FL: "Prices are up approximately 10-12%."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Going up and continue, estimated 5%."

Doug Labor, Steamboat Springs, CO: "Residential prices in the Steamboat Springs area are up an average of 11% from last year."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "Increased."

Elliot Bogod of Broadway Realty, Upper West Side, New York City, NY: "Manhattan is the only area not increase will be remembered as years of opportunity in residential real estate. Prices are expected to stabilize before the end of the year and increase after the pandemic is over."

Ernie Carswell, West Hollywood, CA: "Prices are generally up 5-7% for properties under $6 million."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "Our market has 1/3 the inventory that we had last year, which is driving our average sales price up across the board."

Jennifer Brilliant, Surfside, FL: "Prices for houses are higher this year. Prices for condos are about the same."

Karen Kenyon, Vancouver Island, British Columbia: "Significantly higher and still trending upwards due to low inventory."

Kathleen Floryan, Jacksonville, FL: "Up."

KC Martin, Paris, France: "Prices are generally holding or up, depending on the area. Buyers are looking to make moves in real estate now with interest rates low, Covid uncertainty, and looking to diversify their investment portfolios, which includes real property."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "We have seen prices, in some areas, climb, and in other areas [stay] steady."

Krista Richman, Fort Lauderdale, FL: "Prices are going up, inventory is going down!"

Laura Livaudais, Asheville/Western North Carolina: "Simply put - the prices are higher. The average list price ($397,829) was 20% higher while the average sales price ($390,696) was 23% higher. You can readily see from those prices that Asheville maintains its status as “recognizably affordable.”

Mark Salmon,  South Tahoe, CA: "50% higher."

Nilou Henderson of Henderson Ventures, Charlotte, NC: "Steadily increasing. Some areas have seen an increase of almost 20% in the last year. I expect the increases to remain as inventory remains low."

Leslie S. Modell of the Leslie S. Modell Team, Midtown East, New York City, NY: "The prices I would say, on the luxury side (over $3 million), are off about 10-20%."

Roberta Ingletto of RGI Realty, South Miami/Pinecrest, FL: "Maybe 20% higher. It's crazy how demand has gone up - first homes, now condo sales are picking up as well."

Ryan Knowles, Bahamas: "Similar [to last year]."

Sandra Fiorenza, Miami Beach, FL: "Home prices have increased by 30%. The number of listings has decreased by 50% and inventory is very small."

Scott Goshorn, Brentwood, CA: "Up. However, the market was on fire about this time last year... then Covid threw a bucket of cold water on it."

Tim Fenton of Blue Zone Realty International, Costa Rica: "Prices are up approximately 11%."

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Real Estate Prices Are Up In U.S. Markets And Abroad appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Alison Melton of The Melton Group, Hilton Head Island/Bluffton, SC: "ZOOM, FaceTime, WhatsApp, virtual showings are all the rage!"

Bento Queiroz of The Bento Queiroz Group, Southwest Ranches/Weston, FL: "Instagram for sure!"

Brian Pearl of the Pearl Antonacci Group, "Zoom and Matterport."

Catherine Burgess of The Burgess Group, Boulder, CO: "Apple Watch, and a weekly newsletter"

Clara Hartree, West Vancouver, British Columbia: "Instagram."

Claudia Llanes, Edgewater, FL: "I'm definitely using Instagram a lot more in order to strengthen my brand presence digitally. This has helped me generate leads at a volume I did not think was possible."

Dante DiSabato, Naples, FL: "More online signing and contract forms. Not enough time in the day to write out the contract and scan for signature. this just streamlines the process to get a contract out fast in an ever-changing market."

David Welles, Wellington, FL: "Zoom calls with clients for updates and referrals and Matterport for my significant listings."

Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA: "Mostly analytical tools that were not previously available."

Doug Labor, Steamboat Springs, CO: "Facetime. With our market so active, and it being a resort/retirement area, buyers need to jump on a listing as soon as possible, and the quickest way to get the property seen is by Facetime."

Elisa Linton, Humble/Kingwood (Houston metro area), TX: "CRM."

Elliot Bogod of Broadway Realty, Upper West Side, New York City, NY: "We use our smartphones to access apps to post updates and changes to listings."

Ernie Carswell of Carswell and Associates, West Hollywood, CA: "Zoom changed our world; Google Mapping."

Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ: "Every listing now has a virtual iGuide tour and we are doing more and more personal video tours as well."

Joyce Rey, Beverly Hills, CA: "I would say I use Instagram, YouTube, and publish articles on my blog a lot more often than [in] previous years. Instagram and YouTube are truly two of the top channels for promoting our listings/business!"

Karen Kenyon, Vancouver Island, British Columbia: "Facebook Business page and Instagram."

KC Martin of Sotheby’s International Realty, Paris, France: "My cell phones (plural) are probably my greatest asset in the market today. Staying connected real-time via online meetings, phone calls, video calls, apps, text, and email keeps me in touch and informed and up to date daily."

Kelly Ringer-Radetich, Redwood City, CA: "Active Pipe."

Krista Richman, Fort Lauderdale, FL: "We have been using Zoom for years to connect with international buyers. Now, we use it for our American buyers as well."

Leslie S. Modell of the Leslie S. Modell Team, Midtown East, New York City, NY: "Zoom, Microsoft teams, and digital staging."

Roberta Ingletto of RGI Realty, South Miami/Pinecrest, FL: "Zoom meetings, FaceTime to show properties; social media in general."

Ryan Knowles, Bahamas: "Zoom and WhatsApp."

Sandra Fiorenza, Miami Beach, FL: "Mostly Instagram."

Scott Goshorn, Brentwood, CA: "YouTube marketing."

Tim Fenton of Blue Zone Realty International, Costa Rica: "Definitely Zoom and other video conferencing tools."

For more, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post What Are The Preferred Real Estate Tech Tools For Professionals? appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Debra Johnston presents

Incredible builder's custom residence on 48+ acres of private property! Gated privacy with gorgeous rolling hills views surrounding the estate. In equestrian country and close to biking, hiking, walking trails, and the horse park. One mile from the Cherokee Run Golf Club. Enjoy this builder's custom residence with pool and spa, grills, sports court, and outdoor fire pit. Open floor plan with gorgeous rolling hills views from every window. All windows and doors were upgraded with Anderson windows last year. Open kitchen and sunny breakfast room open to patios.

Owner's suite on main with doors out to the patio and spa. Incredible home theater and game room. Theatre seats 10 with surround sound. New architectural roof installed in 2017. Lifetime Helmut Gutter Guard. High ceilings, wall-to-wall windows and incredible sunsets. Speakers featured throughout the interior and outdoor spaces of the home. Four car garage.

Address: 2219 Costley Mill Road NE, Conyers, Georgia 30013

Price: $1,550,000

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@bhhsgeorgia.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

The post Debra Johnston Presents A Custom Conyers 48-Acre Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Debra Johnston presents

This residence has all of the relaxing elements of a retreat and is situated on 2.4+ private acres and lives like a dream. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle environment complete with newly finished tennis courts, pool, spa, and pool house with kitchen and bath. A golfer's paradise with putting greens, 2 tees, sandtrap and more! Understated and exceptional quality, this elegant Elan smart home has large, open rooms that overlook the property. The new gourmet kitchen features honed marble countertops, custom cabinetry, Sub Zero and a La Cornue Grand Palais range. The oversized living room overlooks the entire property and has a stone fireplace, full bar and wine room. The screened patio overlooks the pool and is perfect for evenings outdoors. The private owner’s suite is on the main level with private deck overlooking the practice greens and property. Four additional bedroom suites upstairs with new custom cabinetry and closets. This completely private retreat is excellent for large events and has plenty of parking on the property. The terrace level guest apartment has a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath and opens to the pool. The residence has a generator, all new systems and security. An incredible opportunity situated in a highly desirable estate neighborhood at the end of a cul-de-sac and perfectly located, close to the best schools, restaurants and shopping in Atlanta.

Address: 75 Finch Forest Trail, Sandy Springs, GA 30327

Price: $3,500,000

For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@bhhsgeorgia.com

Debra Johnston is the exclusive agent representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

Photo Credit: Gold Lens Photography

The post An Elegant Estate In Sandy Springs By Debra Johnston appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.