Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the west side of Chicago with the mid to latter part of my youth and young adulthood being in the Austin area of Chicago.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up I wanted to be a teacher, lawyer and nurse. I think all those things equated to me wanting to be a change agent and be successful at the same time. Change agent, meaning someone who would be a helpmate to others and be able to help open doors for others in some capacity. Today, I help others build generational wealth through real estate, and it’s a full-circle fulfillment for me.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Honestly, I’m still practicing finding new and different ways to address stress. But currently, I have adapted breathing exercises and mental breaks of inviting good thoughts and visuals to help me relax; like the sound of water, fresh air, a walk along a quiet beach. It truly helps me.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
If I could meet any well-known figure right now at this point of my life and career I would have to say Tyler Perry. Why? Because he is one of many that truly started from the bottom, took his dream, passion, hard work and determination to become who he is today. It’s an inspiration when you know and envision the stories of others that had dreams like you that have flourished into a reality.
What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
I think Chicago’s best kept secret is me! The Diamond Realtor, A Cut Above The Rest. I service all! The other best-kept secret is my platform as a TV host with the Emmy-nominated American Dream TV. My role as a TV host allows me to not only shine the light on real estate but also shine the light on people, places, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, businesses, etc., that represent Chicago.
What do you love most about the industry?
What I love most about the industry is the people.I love to interact with people, I love getting to meet new and different people, learning from other people about other people. But I think the icing on the cake, for me, is being able to help people change their financial lives.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
One way that I distinguish myself from the crowd of other agents is conducting an actual interview/onboarding process with my clients before doing anything else. It’s important to make sure that we are both a good fit for each other before conducting business with each other. Once we have mutually decided that we will make great business partners, they are now my client, and I am their Realtor.
Currently, my clients receive a seven-day getaway vacation as a closing gift. I provide this phenomenal gift to my clients because I believe that creating memories outside of the home is just as important as inside the home, and I want that very first memory outside of their new home to be compliments of me, The Diamond Realtor.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I believe the most difficult aspect of my job is when a potential buyer is not quite ready to secure their new home.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
The best advice I can give anyone about generating new leads is to remember customer service and relationships are priceless. Attending any and all networking events when possible can and will generate new leads because you’re building relationships.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I think my greatest accomplishment is landing the TV host role on American Dream TV.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Honestly, I think my binging is probably still all related to my business.
What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
My favorite meal in Chicago is all over Chicago. I’m a foodie. I love to try different things, different restaurants, and let’s face it, we’re in Chicago, where you have many, many options, so how can anyone narrow it down to one? I know I can’t.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
My favorite building in Chicago is the Water Tower.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
The weirdest thing that ever happened to me on the job was being attacked by a cat, who kept trying to bite me. It was the weirdest thing because I’ve never known a cat to just, out the blue, start biting someone for no reason.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I think one thing people are surprised to learn about me is that I love to dance.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
My favorite vacation spot is probably anywhere a cruise ship will take me. I think it’s the best way to get the biggest return on your investment because all your food is included. They have activities available on the cruise ship, and you get to port and visit different areas during one vacation.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Go in understanding that this is your business. Own it!
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
My favorite real estate app is homes.com.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
My favorite people to follow on social media are wealthcareheroes, Miranda Tate AZ, Jose Alvarado – yoursocialmediaguy
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: camille_ thediamond_ realtor
Facebook: Camille Harris (The Diamond Realtor)
Tiktok: Camille The DiamondRealtor @camilleharris1993
YouTube: Camille “The DiamondRealtor” Harris @camillethediamondrealtorha1718