It takes a certain kind of drive to be a real estate agent, and drive is something that Diana Staley has plenty of. After earning a business administration degree, the Colombia native headed to the Big Apple and built several businesses from the ground up, including government contractor, providing services to the national and international educational institutions, and owning restaurants and fashion boutiques.

But Staley was soon in search of warmer weather, and the multicultural city of San Antonio captured her heart. She's been a Realtor for the past 12 years, regularly earning over 40 million dollars in sales per year. Staley's also found that her interest in and knowledge of different cultures (she's traveled to more than 20 countries so far) has helped her understand the unique challenges faced by military families who are often called to relocate.

Though her specialty with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty is assisting military families relocate, she also holds a designation in New Home Construction (NHC) and is an Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS).

Family and her teenager daughter occupies the first place in her life, but Staley also makes time for reading and her dancing club where she practices salsa, bachata, cha cha, cumbia, and the tango.

We chatted with Staley to find out more about her work and what drives her.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Diana Staley: On the surface, real estate is a such a simple thing: help a client buy or sell a house. But there is a lot more fun to it than that, including meeting people, families, pets — everyone with amazing stories that they are willing to share. I think that helping someone complete all the steps of selling or buying a house with confidence and a happy outcome is my main focus, but the relationships are something that fulfills me. Creating strong relationships through a service well done is my passion.

CM: What's one piece of advice you'd give to people looking for their dream home?

DS: There is a home out there waiting for you, and if we can't find it then I can help you build a custom home just for you.

CM: And advice to those who are selling?

DS: Do not let the stress of selling a home overtake your emotions. Continue on with your normal activities, because I will take care of every step of the transaction.

CM: Sum up San Antonio in three words.

DS: Family-oriented town.

CM: What do you consider your "special skill"?

DS: I'm able to capture my clients' words and convert them into pictures, then transform those pictures into a house.

CM: What's one thing people might not know about you?

DS: I truly think natural, organic, and sustainable living is the way to go, so I have an organic vegetable garden, collect rain water for my garden irrigation, and all my cleaning products are environmentally friendly.

---

See Diana Staley's latest listings here, or contact her at 210-510-8202 or diana.staley@kupersir.com.