You have been honored with many awards. Which award do you treasure most and why? The Horatio Alger Award, which I was honored to receive in 2005 in Washington, D.C., was very gratifying because the award is dedicated to the belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles.
What qualities do you look for when hiring a real estate professional? Of the upmost importance for a real estate professional are a service-minded personality, good ethics, putting clients first and the ability to communicate effectively.
Do you have a favorite anecdote that depicts your age? My favorite is from when I was 94 years old. One of our associates called and wanted my help with a fabulous home that was not yet on the market, but that she thought might be getting ready to be listed. She knew that I knew the owners, their parents and their grandparents. So, I made the call, and the housekeeper answered and said that the lady of the house was not in. I asked her if she would please have her call Ebby Halliday when she returned. She said, "Well, whom should she ask for?" and I said Ebby Halliday, to which she replied, "Lord, is she still alive?"
What is your fondest memory from childhood? I have very fond memories of having a pony. In fact, as a child, I really wanted to be a circus rider.
Do you have a favorite book? I have always been a voracious reader. Even when I attended a one-room schoolhouse, reading was a passion. I have read so many books – it's hard to choose just one. My advice is, regardless of your age, read, read, read – always keep learning.
Favorite sports teams? My favorite sports teams are definitely the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Cowboys.
What are your pet peeves? Smoking, fibbing and non-ethical people.
For which attributes do you want to be remembered? Maurice Acers, my husband and the love of my life, kept a sign on his desk that read: "Do something for someone every day." I have tried to observe this simple message. I hope I'm remembered as someone who cared for her fellow man and left the world a better place than I found it.
Who have been your mentors, and how have they helped you, by advice or example, on the road to your extraordinary success? I have been very fortunate. When faced with challenges or opportunities for growth, I often sought the counsel of successful people and industry leaders. So many of them, whether by advice or example, contributed to whatever success I achieved. As Roger Staubach said in the foreword to my book, we were both blessed with great teams.
Looking back over seven decades as a real estate professional, what advice can you offer to the young professionals of today? Real estate is a great profession. Get with a good company with a great reputation in the community, and one that offers great education and marketing.
