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.

Toni Itkin presents

Wonderful builder/developer opportunity in close-in Smyrna/Vinings. This assemblage of 1.208 acres of level land is zoned for both R-20 and RA-5, so ideal for Single Family Homes or Carriage Homes. The setting offers a hard to find skyline view of Atlanta, is steps away from the Silver Comet Trail, Playground, and St. Benedicts Church & School, is super convenient to highway access to downtown/midtown and Atlanta Airport, easy walk to shops and restaurants with Vinings Village and Buckhead just a few minutes away. Very few building opportunities left in this area with so many attributes, so don't let this slip away! Great Low Cobb County Taxes and outside City of Smyrna. Sold as an assemblage only, not as individual lots. Could accommodate 6 Carriage style homes (RA-5) or probably 4 Single Family homes (R-20).

Address: 4290 Weaver Street, Smyrna, GA 30080

Price: $1,100,000

Photo credit: Courtesy of Toni Itkin

For more information, please contact Toni Itkin at 404-229-8242 or toni@toniitkin.com

Toni Itkin is the exclusive agent representing the Vinings/East Cobb/Sandy Springs, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

The post Toni Itkin Presents A Building Opportunity In Smyrna 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.

Superb Buckhead estate, plus guest apartment w kitchen. Incredible floor plan with flawless architectural details. Newer kitchen, catering kitchen w SubZero, Wolf and Miele coffee. Honed marble counters and custom cabinetry. Tumbled travertine & new ebony hardwood floors. Living room with soaring ceilings & doors that open to an ipe wood entertaining deck. Spectacular master with 2 new bathrooms, heated floors, 2 dressing rooms, den & private screened patio. Terrace level finished. Private pool/spa, bluestone patio. New epoxy floors in massive garage. Exceptional location and set far off the street. So private and quiet. Very close to the best private and public schools in Atlanta. Excellent area for hiking and biking and minutes to the best restaurants Buckhead has to offer. The interiors feel fresh and transitional. The upstairs secondary bedrooms each have their own den. Most of the upgrades have been completed in the last 3 years including the master and master bath, kitchen, pool, all the bathrooms, floors, mudroom, garage and guest apartment. This is a fantastic opportunity to have your own private retreat on 2.3 acres in Buckhead.

Address: 4269 Harris Trail NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327

Price: $3,750,000

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 Media Photo Credit: Gold Lens Media Photo Credit: Gold Lens Media Photo Credit: Gold Lens Media Photo Credit: Gold Lens Media

The post A Flawless Atlanta Estate In Buckhead Neighborhood By Debra Johnston appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Alan Titchmarsh, the host of the popular British lifestyle gardening show Love Your Garden, calls gardening, "apart from having children, the most rewarding thing in life."

If that's true, then these homes have reaped a huge reward.

Atlanta's Secret Garden

Imagine having your own private garden retreat minutes away from all that Buckhead has to offer. If this walled peace garden isn't enough to stir the spirit, this Cates Ridge property has over 8 usable acres--including a terraced stone path that leads to a waterfall emptying into a lake.

What could have just been an outdoor shower area, has become an old world-inspired reflecting pond and meditation space in the hands of a capable landscaper. The green grass is kept just long enough to curl around the edges of the natural stepping stones. Creeping ivy grows along the red brick retaining wall, while in the foreground a large potted fern keeps everything in balance. The stone bench is angled smartly to catch the calming trickle of water off of a rock into the gently bending pond below.

Secluded garden nooks don't usually appear on properties sporting full gyms, a Fox theater, and a massive pool, but that's what makes this spot such a charmer. Property listing by Debra Johnston.

Vancouver's All Decked Out Dining Space

Canada's real estate queen Sidra Subzwari lists some magnificent properties, but what makes this home special is the very attractive angular deck.

When a deck is not built with a designer's vision--it can be an eyesore but done correctly, a deck can be both comfortable and attractive.

This South Surrey home's deck spills into the yard like a smooth wooden landing pad. Tables and chairs outline various seating and entertainment options, from dinner under the stars to snuggling beside a warm fire. Potted perennials frame the edges in a much more pleasing and fragrant way than any railing would.

A small step up leads to French doors and the living area of the house, while one step down transitions into a stone walkway meandering into a verdant green yard.

Old Florida Charm

Few features feel more "old Florida" than the smell of seawater, tall palm trees, and white wicker rockers on wide porches. This Shell Point estate in Ruskin has all of that Floridian flavor in spades.

The grand white-washed collonades contrast pleasingly with the sun-drenched light green of the tropical plants and blue waters of Tampa Bay.

When this historic manor was originally built, its bones had to be ferried by barge across the bay and assembled using early 1900's methods. The old steeple still stands proudly above the mature trees on a lot that also features a lagoon and waterfall.

Houses like this come with their own stories, whispered in the crux of those tranquil twisting palms.

Offered by Jennifer Zales.

A Palace Garden Comes To Carmel, California

In the 17th Century, gardens in France were symbols of status. Members of the bourgeoisie class under Louis XIV used landscaping as a means of showing the world their wealth.

Offered by Carmel Realty Company, this established garden overlooking the ocean and surrounding a grand home off Mentone Road has something inspired by those formal gardens of royal Europe.

Solid stone steps and chiseled railings jutting out from behind stout hedges. A long swath of grass is cross-cut by pattern-laid stepping stones shadowed by landscaped beds cut into the naturally sloping earth.

Green, gray, and brown are the dominant hues here. The overall effect is a kingly garden--mature and refined. A manicured space carved from the wild overgrowth that plunges down the steep cliffs into the ocean below.

Home gardens can be precise or rough around the edges, contemporary or inspired by history. Their prestige is in their offerings: protection, privacy, rejuvenation, focus, and fresh air.

The post Soak In These Lush Summer Gardens And Beautiful Backyards 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.

Featured in films, this impressive, very private, award-winning Buckhead estate has a refined exterior and a sophisticated, casually elegant interior with the finest details and finishes today’s Buyer is looking for. Handsome mahogany Library, Great Room with triple sets of doors leading to Patio and Pool, a stunning Kitchen with custom cabinet finishes, two Sub Zero fridges, multiple cooling drawers, two dishwashers, two islands, Calcutta marble counters, brick-lined barrel ceiling Keeping Room leads to covered Loggia and outdoor Kitchen. Master Retreat Wing has full morning bar, Bedroom overlooking rear grounds, jaw-dropping Bath with dual heated floors, center tub, and magnificent walk-in steam shower. All Bedrooms are large and en-suite. Spacious Guest/in-law Suite has a huge living area, Bedroom, morning bar. Terrace level has a gracious entertaining area with a full bar, a deluxe theater, billiards room, mirrored gym, rec room, and office (bedroom) option. Outdoors is spectacular with infinity edge pool, spa, slide pool, parterre gardens, completely fenced with two gates on almost 2.5 acres. Elevator to all levels. Close to Chastain Park, this is truly magnificent! Three Car Garage, port-au-cochere, parking for 10+ cars, 6 Fireplaces, 6 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths.

Address: 4345 Mount Paran Parkway Atlanta, GA 30327

Price: $5,200,000

For more information, please contact Toni Itkin at 404-229-8242 or toni@toniitkin.com

Toni Itkin is the exclusive agent representing the Vinings/East Cobb/Sandy Springs, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photos courtesy of Toni Itkin 

The post Award-Winning Buckhead Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

His agent is on the line squawking into his ear about all the money he can make in the music, television and movie industries with new projects being green-lighted right in his backyard. His wife already launched her own successful cosmetics line with as many Instagram followers as the balance of her checking account.

The couple is young, charismatic, rich and ready to take over the scene.

This is not an LA story. This couple lives in Atlanta, a.k.a. “Hollywood South.”

How Atlanta became “Y’allywood”

What started a few years ago as tax incentives for filmmakers to help ease the bloat of Hollywood production budgets has become a complete rival industry. Movies and television reportedly brought in $9 billion in revenue to the state last year with over 300 productions currently being made.

photo by FilmHubATL

Georgia locations can be dressed up to look like anywhere–mountains to the coast. The staffing, crew and catering companies rival anywhere in the world, and there are enough great restaurants and nightlife to keep industry types happy after work.

Black Panther and the last two Avengers movies wrapped here. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and Will Smith's, Gemini Man are starting to film now.

Donald Glover's dramedy Atlanta, arguably the smartest thing on television, will be returning for another season. "I’m not making a TV show, I am making an experience," Glover told The Guardian in June.

Anyone who's seen Glover's twisted vision knows that Atlanta itself plays a major role in making the show must-watch TV. "I dare somebody to go to Atlanta and not have a good time," says Brian Tyree Henry, one of the stars of the FX hit show.

Atlanta Real Estate Market Soars

Buckhead listing offered by Debra Johnston

All of this star power is having a ripple effect on the real estate market. Several market reports show that housing price gains have nearly doubled the national average last year. Rents in the most desirable areas are outpacing even historically high places like San Francisco.

JLL’s market research has found that in the last 10 years, nearly $4 billion in completed real estate investment has been made in downtown Atlanta and another $4 billion worth of development is under construction or in the planning stage.

People in the entertainment industry want the perfect place to live, work and play. Atlanta city planners are willing to give it to them.

Buckhead, Atlanta Offers Luxury in all Forms

One affluent area in the ATL that blends uptown chic with charm is Buckhead.

Debra Johnston, an Atlanta luxury real estate specialist with Berkshire Hathaway, says, "My clients from LA love the quality of life here in Buckhead, with excellent restaurants and shopping and the gorgeous tree-lined neighborhoods right in the heart of Atlanta."

The Shops at Buckhead offer six city blocks of designer style. Tom Ford, HERMÈS, Canali, Jimmy Choo, and Dior are among the high-end lines that can be procured here.

Atlanta Is Tops For Home Design Shops

courtesy of ADAC

Whether homeowners are on the hunt for antiques, mid-century modern, or the latest contemporary craze, Atlanta offers prime shopping for home design fanatics as well. Everything from high-end boutiques to mega-store showrooms can be found within the city's limits. The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) is an interior designer's dream. It offers more than 60 showrooms across 550,000 square feet of space. Visitors are encouraged to explore and engage with top designers.

Atlanta Dining and Drinks

STK in Atlanta

Park 75 inside the Four Seasons Atlanta is the place where industry insiders are often spotted dining on the cuisine that's described as contemporary American with a Continental flair. The food and cocktails are good, but it's the discreet staff and strict no paparazzi policy that keep calling celebrities back.

Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks mixed work and play at Meehan's Public House downtown while making the movie, Sully. Liam Hemsworth has been seen raising a pint at their Atlantic Station location after a day on set.

Mick Jagger munches on the home-made chips at Buckhead Diner, while Hollywood royalty like Denzel Washington enjoys the chic lounge and modern eats served up at STK Atlanta.

With stunning estates, booming business, and a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shops that cater to a high-end clientele–Atlanta seems poised to hold the crown as Hollywood South for years to come.

The post Haute Market: Atlanta Is Now Hollywood South appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Meander through the magical paths and explore the beautiful landscape specimens.

It sits way back off the road and is walking distance to The Westminster Schools and Brandon and super easy access to I-75, downtown Atlanta and the International Airport.

Don't miss this opportunity to make this very, very special property yours!

Address: 1435 W Wesley Road Nw, Atlanta, GA 30327

Price: $995,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4

View the listing here.

For more information contact Toni Itkin at 404-229-8242 or  toni@toniitkin.com.

Toni Itkin is the exclusive agent representing the Vinings/East Cobb/Sandy Springs, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Images courtesy of Toni Itkin

The post Enchanting Buckhead Property Offering Secluded But Urban Lifestyle appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.