Melissa Azabache shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Melissa, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I like to start my day an hour before the rest of my family wakes up. That early morning walk gives me a chance to clear my head and set the tone for the day. In a profession like real estate, where the pace is fast and communication is constant, having that quiet, uninterrupted time is everything for me. It allows me to plan, center myself, and enter the day ready to navigate whatever comes my way. After my walk, I shower and get ready, then I wake up my family and we all have breakfast together. It’s a simple routine, but it sets a positive, intentional tone for the day before the bustle of work and life kicks in.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a licensed Realtor® based in Boca Raton, Florida, and I’ve been proudly helping clients buy, sell, and rent homes here for nearly a decade. I started my career at what was then Exit Realty Mizner, which has since become Keyes Boca East. I’ve been with the same office the entire time. That kind of longevity is rare in real estate, but it says a lot about the people I work with. The support, professionalism, and sense of community at my office has kept me grounded and growing, and even after giving in to interviews with other brokers over the years, I’ve never found another brokerage that compares.
I’ve worked on everything from $800 rentals to multi-million-dollar listings as I’ve developed professionally over the years, and I love that variety. Every client and every deal tells a different story and I have enjoyed making long time friends over the years with clients. Boca’s market can shift quickly, and I’ve seen both its peaks and valleys firsthand. My goal is to help clients move through those changes with confidence and clarity.
Outside of real estate, I stay active in the community as a presidency member of a organization that brings charity and service to local causes, and I have also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader and youth soccer coach. I can get by in Spanish and enjoy connecting with clients from different cultures which is something that’s such a natural part of living and working in South Florida.
I’m also a mom and love spending time with family. You can find me volunteering and substituting at their schools whenever I get the chance. For me, real estate has always been about people, relationships, trust, and helping others find not just a house, but a home. Staying active in my community with all ages, cultures, and stages of life helps me keep a pulse on how to meet the needs of my clients.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks bonds between people most often is misunderstanding. When we choose not to approach a situation with grace and curiosity, when we stop listening to each other or start assuming instead of communicating trust begins to fade. Sometimes it’s a simple miscommunication; other times, trust is lost when someone approaches a relationship with self-serving intentions or when they cause harm to others.
What restores those bonds is empathy, accountability, honesty, and service. When we take the time to understand someone’s perspective, or simply show up and serve, we rebuild connection. I really believe that when you serve others, you love others. Service naturally brings compassion and understanding back into relationships.
In real estate, I see this every day. Buying or selling a home is deeply emotional, and people need to feel supported, heard, and cared for. My work is about so much more than contracts or closings, it’s about connecting with people and helping them navigate major life transitions with patience, respect, and genuine care. Being a Realtor means being a great listener; it’s not always about the transaction. I genuinely care about my clients, and if you look at my reviews or talk to the people I’ve worked with, you’ll hear testimony after testimony of that connection and trust.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been times I’ve felt stretched thin during the moments when the market was slow, when deals get difficult, or when I was trying to balance being a wife, mom, a community volunteer, and a full-time Realtor. Real estate can be unpredictable, and it’s easy to question yourself when things aren’t going smoothly whether that be in a slow market or a tough deal.
But I’ve never truly come close to giving up. Whenever I’ve hit those low points, something always reminds me why I do this. Usually a client who’s just closed on their first home, someone who tells me how supported they felt through the process, a referral from a past client that’s excited to work with me. That connection re-energizes me every time.
I’ve learned that success in this business isn’t just about sales; it’s about consistency, integrity, and heart. I may get discouraged like anyone else, but I believe that when you focus on serving others, purpose always outweighs pressure.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is very much the real me. What people see professionally, someone who’s kind, patient, and dedicated, is exactly who I am in my everyday life. I genuinely care about people, and that doesn’t switch off when the workday ends. At the same time, I’m driven, strategic, and confident when it comes to life and real estate. After many years in the field, I’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and I know how to get things done for my clients. And when I don’t have the answer, I know exactly who to ask. Just like in life, success in real estate comes down to having a strong, trusted team. Over the years, I’ve built solid business relationships with people in many fields related to real estate that I can rely on for insight and support.
That said, I do believe in bringing my best self to my work. In real estate, people trust you with one of the biggest decisions of their lives, so it’s important to stay calm, positive, and professional, even when things get stressful. This is the real me operating with intention.
The same values that guide me as a mom, a wife, and a community volunteer are the ones that guide how I show up for my clients. What you see publicly is really just me putting those values into practice.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I absolutely believe in giving my best, even when no one is watching or praising me. For me, it’s not about recognition; it’s about integrity and doing right by the people I serve. I wouldn’t be happy with myself if I weren’t giving my best for my clients. Every interaction, every decision matters, and I want every client to feel valued and supported, even in ways that might go unnoticed. I would hope any professional I hire would be giving me their best as well.
In real estate, that mindset is essential. Some of the most important moments like carefully guiding someone through a tough negotiation, researching every detail to find the perfect home, navigating the unexpected, or simply being there to listen doesn’t always make the headlines. But those are the moments that build trust and lasting relationships. Giving my all consistently, without expectation of praise, is what defines success for me both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AzabacheProperties.com
