Zelda Heller is a top producing agent with Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. in the Washington, D.C. metro.

Zelda Heller is a top-producing agent with Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. in the Washington, D.C. metro. 

Describe your job — where are you located, what types of properties do you work with, what types of clients do you work with?

My office is in downtown Bethesda and I also service the D.C., Chevy Chase and Potomac markets. I sell houses, condos and buildable lots in all price ranges and represent everyone from first-time to seasoned homebuyers. My specialty is in luxury homes and condos.

Where did you start?

Actually with the same great company I’m with now – Long and Foster in 1989. When I started, I was at their Foxhall office on New Mexico Avenue in Washington, D.C.

Did you imagine when you were younger that you’d be a top producer?

I was always ambitious and determined – I wanted to be among the best whatever I did.

What sets you apart?

My easy interaction with people – I think that a real estate transaction is a big deal so if you can put people at ease and really listen to them, you’ll be in a better position to help them achieve their goals.

How did you get there?

By working tirelessly and being focused.

Are you part of a team or are you doing it solo?

I recently joined Jamie Coley and Leigh Reed to form the Heller Coley Reed team. Privately we call ourselves the Three Musketeers.

What does your admin support team look like, or do you have one?

We have a team of four very hard workers who keep all the plates spinning.

Who are your heroes?

My granddaughter who courageously overcame cancer 6 years ago and is now completing her Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge.

What is the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning? What’s the last thing you do before you leave?

When I first get to work, I instruct my staff for the day and review all the previous day’s transactions and new listings from data in the MLS. And, before I leave I check that all of our to-do list has been completed and also draft a list for the next day.

What’s the first thing you do when you’re off work for the day?

Ha! I’m not familiar with this concept. When is this off-work period that you speak of?

What’s your favorite place to unwind?

My patio at my home. I live at Quarry Springs, a new condo development that is built inside of an actual quarry. So, it’s very serene and beautiful.

What areas of your business do you pay personal attention to? What have you outsourced?

I am intrigued by the condo development throughout the U.S. – people giving up their big homes for the ease and convenience of 1-level living. I want to master that condo business. I often refer out or partner on sales of the larger homes that clients need to sell in order to move into a new condo.

What do you think is the biggest barrier to success in today’s real estate industry?

There are so many agents who think they can sell real estate part time and make money. A successful career comes from laser focus and dedicated hard work.

How do you deal with stress?

By taking a moment to step back and be grateful for all I and my family have.

If you could change anything about your career path, would you? Why or why not?

I would change nothing – I love what I do.

Are you a top producer who would like to participate in Inman Local’s profile series? Contact local@inman.com.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×