What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I was in adult foster care and teen foster care. I was a direct support professional and assisted in everyday living needs. I love helping others and it’s part of the reason I started real estate to build the connections, community and funds for my own group home facility.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up here in the Valley. Born and raised born in Glendale and grew up in Peoria, then moved to Buckeye, then to Phoenix, then to Prescott and now I’m back in Buckeye!

Growing up, what did you want to be?
As a child I wanted to be my own boss and help people who were suffering. I’ve always wanted to have my own group home.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I take hot showers, clean my house and read for hours when I have the time!

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
What I wouldn’t give to be in the same room as Michio Kaku and Neil deGrasse Tyson. I would have the time of my life talking to them. I’ve always been fascinated by astrophysics, but definitely not smart enough to be an astrophysicist.

What is Phoenix’s best-kept secret?
It’s not really a secret, but the food and the diversity you can find all over the Valley. The best restaurants I’ve ever had have been hidden in areas out of sight. I am a firm believer that smaller businesses have some of the best dining experiences.

What do you love most about the industry?
The people. You get to converse with some very intelligent people and learn so much if you’re willing to listen.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I don’t think it’s something I have to worry about. My mission and goals speak for themselves, and meeting people in person and getting to talk face to face is always better than what you see online.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Haha, I can’t say … but making sure to stay true to my values and beliefs is what is most important to me. Sometimes you run into entities who don’t have humanity on their list of priorities and that can be difficult to proceed with. But I believe with great commitment and compassion it can be overcome.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Having multiple lead-generating sources. As a new agent, being on a good team. Not being afraid to tap into your sphere of influence — sometimes those conversations can be awkward, but with some practice it is beneficial. Not being afraid to have a social media presence. Stepping in front of a camera and speaking with confidence can be scary, but I think it’s a good way to build a platform that shows prospects who you are and what you do.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I don’t watch TV, but I’m Gen Z so of course I doom scroll on TikTok. And I love anime — I’m a huge manga and Manhwa nerd.

What’s your favorite meal in Phoenix?
It’s definitely Manna Grill Korean BBQ in Peoria or Cooper’s Hawk in Avondale. Those are my go-to for any celebration or when I’m feeling like I need to overeat.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Phoenix?
The Orpheum Theatre or The Rosson House Museum.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Getting calls from weird people after they see my social media posts. That really is bizarre.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I’m really good at cooking, I’m just so busy nobody ever gets to eat my food!

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
I love Newport Beach, California, or the warm waters in Corpus Christi, Texas. It’s much more fun to catch waves that don’t turn your lips blue!

What is your favorite city after Phoenix?
I’ve always adored the red landscapes of Sedona and the gorgeous properties and architecture there. The green trees make such a beautiful contrast to the red mountains.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Don’t give up. Keep working hard and grind everyday and you will see success.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Zillow of course!

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
My colleagues and my team pages! Seeing what everyone is doing and hyping each other up. Seeing the content people put hard work into and feeling inspired.

What are your social media handles?
TikTok: @Victoriamariemezzanotte
Insta: @Victoriamariemezzanotte
Facebook: Victoria-Marie Mezzanotte
LinkedIn: Victoria-Marie Mezzanotte