As one of Atlanta's top luxury agents, Debra continues to surpass client expectations as demonstrated in her sales volume performance for over 19 years. Debra uniquely differentiates herself as a leader by utilizing her proprietary, cutting-edge marketing strategy to provide her listings mass exposure through a distinctive and unique complementary blend of press marketing, search engine optimization, and technology coupled with superb video production and photography. The result is maximum exposure for her client's homes, featuring them on high-authority channels like Yahoo Finance, Reuters, Bloomberg, FOX, ABC, NBC, and more.
Her genuine enthusiasm for real estate, professionalism, and confidentiality as well as providing top customer service set her apart. Debra delivers uncompromising professionalism and ultimately a positive experience for her clients as Buyers and Sellers in the Atlanta luxury real estate market. With a record 2021 sales volume of over $70 million and $50M in 2022, she continues to surpass the luxury real estate competition in Atlanta while delivering exceptional service each and every time.
Here, she discusses her real estate journey and her biggest success.
439 Blackland Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 - $10,500,000
Why did you choose Real Estate?
I chose real estate because I had the desire to be in business for myself and I love architecture and design.
What was your journey to where you are today?
My journey began in management consulting and then in corporate America. I learned so much about business, marketing, and project management but felt I needed to do something beyond my comfort level. I chose to get my license and test the waters. Now, 19 years later, I am still learning and striving to be the very best in luxury real estate. My journey required me to change brokerages when I needed to stretch further; five times to be exact. Today, I am very happy to be a part of a network of the top brokers in the United States and beyond.
What is one of your favorite client stories?
One of my favorite stories is the time I represented a very powerful businessman whom I truly respect and assisted in selling his home. He always made me feel that I was guiding him through the process all the way to the closing table. In the 11th hour, and at the closing table, he decided that he did not want to close the deal. I excused myself from the table and called him and texted him multiple times. He finally answered and said that he did not feel like closing and hung up the phone. Somehow, I convinced him to get in his Mercedes and come to the closing. He finally did and it all worked out.
What is your biggest success story to date?
I have many success stories but the biggest and my highest sale was for a property that I had listed for a couple of years. In marketing my properties, besides doing videos, I try to cross-brand for more exposure. One lucky day Conde Nast called and asked if I would like to be on camera to highlight this property. The interiors were carefully selected to feel like the West. Turns out that the buyer saw the video and contents and purchased the entire property including the contents for $15,500,000.
What makes your market unique?
Our market is ever-changing in Atlanta. We are a growing city with more people moving here which is keeping our market stable and inventory low.
For more information, please contact Debra Johnston at 404-312-1959 or debra.johnston@cbrealty.com
Debra Johnston is one of the exclusive agents representing the Atlanta, Georgia real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.
