Sheryl Carter is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Hyde Park

What was your first job in the realty industry? An agent with Century 21 Dabbs in Homewood.

Where did you grow up? Northern California.

What is your favorite free-time activity? Investing in stocks and reading.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Read and listen to music.

If you weren’t a real estate agent, what would you be? A business owner in the service industry.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Oprah, because she has insight into what makes people grow and has an encouraging spirit.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? In California with my family.

What do you love most about the industry? Meeting clients who are excited about purchasing their new piece of real estate, whether it is a new home, investment property or vacant land.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I’m focused on trying to listen to my clients and giving them good service in return.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Not being able to find a property that is suitable for my clients, or closing a short sale file.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Business mixers, classes, children’s school events, church activities and talking to neighbors in the neighborhood.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Staying in the business and not giving up. Learning to give back to others and not looking for anything in return.

What is your favorite restaurant? Joe’s Crab Shack.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? Oversized bungalows.

What kind of car do you drive? A Volkswagen Jetta Diesel.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? San Jose.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Learn as much as you can about real estate to educate your client.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Coldwell Banker’s app.