Barb Zarantonello

THE ART OF REAL ESTATE

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

Photos taken at Cranbrook Custom Homes, The Heights in Rochester

Barb Zarantonello’s journey to real estate success has been filled with a broad range of life experiences. Her years of working as an artist and personal trainer were the catalysts to becoming a one-ofa-kind agent to her clients. Her positive approach to life and the desire to make the most of every day were key factors that led her to becoming a rising star.

As a Canadian native, Barb grew up in Oshawa, Ontario. After college, she worked in the Toronto area as an artist doing technical illustrations and house portraits. In 1994, Barb moved her art business to Michigan, where she would hand-deliver flyers to real estate offices, hoping to generate interest in her house portrait creations. “Over the years, I’ve been hired to draw hundreds of homes,” Barb said. “A lot of my work has been for real estate agents or builders. At the time, it never occurred to me that 23 years later, I would be going to those same offices as an agent myself.”

In addition to her illustration work, Barb has been a personal trainer for 22 years. She still trains a few of her early-morning clients; however, four year ago, Barb felt it was time for a change. “I’ve always enjoyed being self-employed, and I thrive when I’m working one-on-one with clients,” Barb explained. “So when I finally decided to take the plunge into real estate, it immediately felt like home!”

For Barb, what made real estate so attractive was the opportunity to help others navigate through a major life event. “Each transaction brings new excitement and energy, and I enjoy the relationship that’s formed in the process,” she said. “I am passionate about everything I do, and with real estate, I definitely feel I’m in the right place.”

Having a design and photography background has been a great advantage to Barb, especially when she’s helping her sellers prepare and stage their home. “It’s important to detail each home before listing it, so it shows at its absolute best,” she said. “For buyers, it’s equally rewarding when I’m helping them search for a new home. A true relationship is built during the house-hunting process. Nothing’s better than seeing my clients smile when they step into a home they love or handing them the keys at the closing table.”

Growing up, Barb learned the importance of having a strong work ethic from her parents, and like her parents, she has always given 100% in everything she does. “My parents were both very hardworking,” Barb explained. “My mother in particular was a bundle of energy – I definitely inherited that from her.”

Since launching her real estate career and joining Real Living Kee Realty four years ago, Barb has maintained a consistent five-star rating among her clients and earned top sales and awards within the industry. She has been recognized by Real Living Kee Realty as “2017 Rookie of the Year” and by Real Living Real Estate as “2018 National Rising Star.” She also earned the Real Living Real Estate “2020 Diamond Medallion” sales award. Barb has a career volume of over $24 million and is an active member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®.

Without hesitation, Barb said her favorite part of her workday is client interaction. “It’s wonderful meeting so many different types of people,” she said. “We start as strangers, then clients and soon, we become friends. As a real estate agent, it’s an honor to be a part of one of the biggest financial transactions of my clients’ lives.”

Coming from a business that was very structured and scheduled, Barb initially found the unpredictability of the real estate world to be a bit of a challenge. “I still try to build structure into my day, but I quickly adapted to — and now really enjoy — the ups and downs and crazy unknowns that come with each day,” she said.

In her free time, Barb enjoys traveling, gardening and gathering with friends; however, her artwork is still a big part of her life. “Most of my commissions are for house portraits and pet portraits,” she said. Additionally, with each real estate closing, Barb makes a donation to Big Family of Michigan, a nonprofit organization that supports and serves the needs of foster children as well as abused and institutionalized children. Barb and her husband Bob have a blended family with five children — Danielle, Jeff, Joey, Jordan and Alexandra — ranging in ages 23-31. Barb is also a proud military mom. Her son Jeff is a Marine veteran who served three tours in Afghanistan from 2009-2013.

Barb and her husband Bob have a blended family with five children — Danielle, Jeff, Joey, Jordan and Alexandra — ranging in ages 23-31. Barb is also a proud military mom. Her son Jeff is a Marine veteran who served three tours in Afghanistan from 2009-2013.

It’s in Barb’s DNA to do her personal best in both her professional and personal life. Having integrity, being loyal and working hard to achieve her goals are just a few of her many strengths that have led her to a happy and content life. “I would not be able to feel successful if I didn’t put in my best effort,” she shared. “I want to be remembered as a person who went above and beyond for others. The ultimate goal for me is to provide each client with impeccable service, excellent communications and an overall great experience.”

Rising Star: Barb Zarantonello