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

Exquisite compound on 2.76 private acres in the heart of Tuxedo Park. Designed by famed Palm Beach architect, Jeffery W. Smith. Custom built by master Atlanta builder, Jon Berndsen. Architectural details abound this sprawling estate that is surrounded by lush gardens and private outdoor area with plenty of room for tennis courts. The majority of the living spaces open out to the pool and grounds. All main living spaces are bright and open, with sunlight flooding through arched entryways. Exceptional details, quality and rare 12' ceilings on main.  Massive owner's suite on main that have spectacular views of the property and pool. Imagine marble bathrooms, morning kitchen, separate dressing room and private lounge spaces. Upstairs are 3 spacious bedroom suites with private patios overlooking the pool, bathrooms and walk-in closets. Common area upstairs with spacious balcony overlooking the motor court. Terrace level includes: theater, bar, gym, and wine cellar. The East wing of the estate features a guest house attached to the main house with full living room, kitchen, and living space. Additional apartment on main is private with separate entrance. Meticulous grounds feature formal gardens, heated private pool and limestone patio. Large side yard with ideal space for a tennis and sports court. The possibilities are endless with the outdoor spaces surrounding the compound. Timeless architecture and details make this estate truly one of a kind in the best location in Buckhead in Tuxedo Park. Wired throughout and generator. Minutes to the best restaurants, private schools and shopping Atlanta has to offer.

Address: 439 Blackland Road NW Atlanta, GA 30342

Price: $10,500,000

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: GoldLens Photography Photo Credit: GoldLens Photography Photo Credit: GoldLens Photography Photo Credit: GoldLens Photography Photo Credit: GoldLens Photography Photo Credit: GoldLens Photography Photo Credit: GoldLens Photography

The post An Exquisite Compound In Atlanta By Debra Johnston appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Magnificently sited gated estate on 2 private acres in Buckhead, was custom built by Beecham Builders and architecturally designed as a 19th Century Tuscan Villa replica by renowned architecture firm, Harrison Design. This smart home, energy efficient residence is timeless and exudes the best in quality. Elevator, generator, Elan smart home. Ludowici tile roof, 14" thick exterior walls, hard coat stucco. Priced at appraised value, this property is impossible to replicate. Travertine and hardwood floors. 12' ceilings w dining, living spaces flanked with fireplaces. The view through the rotunda and outdoors of the pool and waterfalls is spectacular. The outdoor dining loggia wraps around the back of the house to the outdoor kitchen and fireplace for spectacular entertaining. The aggregate motor court and drive has a sports court and plenty of parking with a four car garage and a complete guest apartment. The private master suite has double french doors out to the pool and property. The his/her master bath with stone and dual dressing rooms that include an oversized morning kitchen and additional laundry. The gourmet kitchen has floor to ceiling windows and doors that look out to the pool and is open to the family room. This is an exceptional floor plan. Enjoy 4 oversized bedroom suites and a full laundry center upstairs and also on the main. The terrace level has at least 12' ceilings with a full sized gym with steam shower, wine cellar and 2 daylight entertaining areas with fireplace and full bar. Located in an highly desirable estate neighborhood in Buckhead with large lots and beautiful green space. Very close to the best schools in Atlanta. This property feels like a resort and lives like a dream.

Address: 4875 Jett Road, Atlanta, GA 30327

Price: $5,400,000

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

The post A Magnificent Tuscan Home In Atlanta By Debra Johnston appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Enjoy a quiet cul de sac in an estate neighborhood in Buckhead. This custom built gated residence by architects Pak Heydt has an open floor plan that opens to a gorgeous pool on 2.36 acres. Herringbone inlay hardwoods with large scale rooms and 5 fireplaces in the house. Exceptionally designed kitchen that opens to a vaulted family room with doors out to the pool. Central living room, library, and separate dining room. Master on main with two dressing rooms, bathrooms, and study. Fully finished terrace with two more daylight bedrooms. Elevator shaft. Plenty of yard space all around the house with 4 car garage.

Address: 1250 E Beechwood Hills Court, Atlanta GA 30327

Price: $2,500,000

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.

Photos courtesy of Debra Johnston 

The post SOLD: Luxuriant Buckhead Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.