SANTO DOMINGO.- Last August he went to visit his native Venezuela, after a long absence, and upon returning to the country he had mixed feelings, a mixture of emotions because upon touching Dominican soil he felt a sense of belonging that he cannot explain.
When El Inmobiliario asked Kreisky Pedroza how she feels about this half of the island, her emotional response was: “So much, so much gratitude! It’s my home now. The Dominican Republic adopted me; I’m spoiled, I can’t complain. The people around me have values, they’re hardworking, helpful, and charismatic. It’s a blessing to be in the Dominican Republic. I completely understand that feeling Dominicans abroad have because this land has everything.”.
The beautiful Venezuelan arrived in the country in 2016 as a tourist and was captivated by it. Her beloved Venezuela was going through a difficult time, and when her husband, Elpidio Baute, was offered a transfer, they didn't hesitate. "God truly blessed us by placing us in this land," she says with great satisfaction.
El Inmobiliario spoke with this successful real estate agent, Team Leader of the Elite House firm, to learn about her aspirations and life dreams.
Who is Kreisky Pedroza?
I'm a focused woman with clear goals—so clear, in fact, that I know God can change them at any moment if He so desires. It sounds confusing, but it's true. I'm as transparent as possible, I'm a champion of simplicity, and I soak up advice like a sponge.
I have several roles, but in the end, I am a human being.
Profession?
I'm an economist with a diploma in finance and several certifications that have helped me manage my emotions and attitudes as a real estate agent. I'm constantly reviewing areas for improvement and seeking out information on them. For example, public speaking, team management, active listening, and marketing—I strive to stay in a continuous learning mode.
Do you have children?
My treasure! I have a son, thank God, his name is Moisés, and 90% of my colleagues, clients, and property owners know him because he's been trained by my side. He's 11 years old and can explain a blueprint, walk around a construction site, and describe a property. He believed (before I did) that this is a wonderful profession and that I would be good at it.
For him, it's always been like a game. He enjoys every route, every visit, taking photos to the fullest; he really motivates me naturally.
Husband, Venezuelan like you?
My husband's name is Elpidio Baute, and he's also an Elitehouse broker. He's been working alongside me in the real estate sector for some time now. This business is contagious; after so much talking at home, everyone ends up with the same synergy and empathy for the industry. I'm just one example, but there are many couples, parents, and siblings working together as a team.
How did you get to Elite, how long have you been there?
I started the activity in 2018, and I felt very exposed to a scam or irregular situation, I remember that in a sale I met an agent from Elitehouse, it was a very organized and calm closing and I liked that, so in February 2019 I registered as an Associate Broker.
Had you worked at another real estate agency before?
I worked at a very small real estate agency that helped me understand the business. They were just starting out, and I completed the AEI diploma program there. I knew that in the short term I had to seek knowledge and get closer to people with experience.
What is your sales experience?
While in Venezuela, my experience was more in service than sales because I worked for a long time in the financial sector, and when I entered the real estate field, I channeled that experience. It's better to advise than to sell. Advising maintains relationships, creates bonds, and builds a circle of clients and friends that lasts over time.
How is your role as a real estate agent? Do you enjoy it, or are you there out of necessity?
I LOVE IT. I love my job and I enjoy it immensely. Today I'm a Broker, Team Leader, and Top Producer at Elitehouse. My schedule also includes being a mother, wife, homemaker, teacher, driver… and I make time for everything, because when you do what you love, it stops being work and becomes your everyday life in a lighthearted way. Obviously, some days are more challenging than others, but I inject myself with my dose of faith and action, and I keep going. That's precisely my motto: Prayer and action.
I have a wonderful team that lives by that motto and it shows in the results, in their goals, in their growth.
Being from another country, do you feel that the agents here treat you well or have you felt any misgivings at any time?
My colleagues are my partners, my family. I've never experienced rejection or complaints for being a foreigner. On the contrary, I believe there's a healthy mutual respect and admiration. The Dominican Republic and Venezuela have a long-standing relationship. I have many fellow countrymen and colleagues who experience the same thing. I think the key is to do things right from the start, maintain a positive attitude, represent our country well, and contribute to this land that has given us such tremendous opportunities.
How do you manage to be part of the leading team?
There is no magic wand, but in short I would say: maintain a good relationship with God, see how the biggest producers do it, filter behaviors and absorb the good, take action which is the same as training yourself, promote, solve problems, listen and pay attention.
What do you miss about Venezuela?
My people, the gatherings—it's just that many are no longer here. The landscapes, though, those remain untouched. I'm thinking of taking Dominican friends to visit my country; that would be wonderful. I'll do it someday. And the resilience you see there—there's an incredible capacity for problem-solving and ingenuity.
What makes the difference between your country and ours?
The distances, hahaha! They're very similar, very! It was here that I learned some singers are Dominican, but to me they're Venezuelan. I grew up with them, and their songs are a must at every party. The food, the transportation system, the people—they're all very similar. That's why I think the territorial expansion is the difference, and oil, of course, which makes the economy different.
Any advice for new agents?
Maintain your values, educate yourselves, and join a team that will save you from some pitfalls.
