Every real estate transaction comes with a life story, and Realtor Margaret Vinson is dedicated to helping tell them. This native Houstonian is the No. 10 top producing agent and recipient of the Circle of Excellence award from Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty, and she strives to not just get her clients the best possible outcome, but to also give them an overwhelmingly positive experience.

Prior to her real estate career, Vinson spent 25 years in executive-level marketing roles in the investments industry. A degree in marketing from Texas Tech University and an MBA in finance from the University of Houston bolstered her experience. Now her blend of corporate professionalism and background of marketing, financial, and negotiating expertise has resulted in her being ranked in the top one percent of all Houston Realtors.

Giving back to the community is a high priority for Vinson, who supports WestUniversityMoms.com, Braeswood Place Moms Club, Mark Twain Elementary, St. Vincent de Paul, and Second Baptist School. She's also on the advisory board for the Council on Recovery, and is the Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday.

"Small businesses help shape the culture of the neighborhood and have strong influence on home values," she says. "As a Neighborhood Champion, I leverage my marketing talents to give back to the community."

We chatted with Vinson to find out more about her work and what drives her.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Margaret Vinson: People's stories for why they are buying or selling are all different, but no matter the story the change is a big deal to my clients. It is a true honor to help people turn the page to a new chapter in their life story.

CM: What's one piece of advice you'd give to people looking for their dream home?

MV: Dream big while keeping focused on top priorities. Rarely does a house meet 100 percent of a buyer's wish list. If a house meets the high-priority items, it may be a great home since the less important items can likely be changed over time or prior to moving in. Also make sure that dream house is in your budget. I want people excited about their new home and if they spend too much time looking at houses beyond their price point, it makes it harder to be excited about those they can afford.

CM: And advice to those who are selling?

MV: Initial pricing and maximum exposure are critical elements to selling quickly at the highest price. Ensure you hire an agent who's knowledgeable in the market and ask questions until you are confident and comfortable with the pricing.

Houston is an international city, so it is important to hire an agent who can offer true global exposure. I never know if the buyer is coming from next door or across the globe, so I want to make sure I reach them wherever they are. The global presence of Sotheby's makes it easy for my listings to get local, national, and global exposure.

CM: Sum up Houston in three words.

MV: Friendly, vibrant, home.

CM: What do you consider your "special skill"?

MV: My brain is both analytical and creative. I became aware of this unique blend in college when I obtained a degree in marketing but then went on to get an MBA in finance. This unique skill set is ideal for real estate, as it allows me to use my analytical skills for pricing and marketing analytics while also being highly creative with my marketing efforts.

CM: What's one thing people might not know about you?

MV: I'm a huge believer in the power of positive thinking. When I take action while showing up in a positive way for my clients, family, and friends, everything works out better. I even make my clients do their "best good vibes dance" each time a buyer wants to do a showing.

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See Margaret Vinson's latest listings here or contact her at 713-806-2633.