Liz Hochberger is a real estate sales associate with Century 21 Shawmut Properties working in Weston.

What was your first job in the realty industry? My first job was as a sales associate at Century 21 Shawmut Properties.

Where did you grow up? Freeport, Long Island, N.Y. and then Honolulu, Hawaii.

Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a lawyer.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I play Words With Friends to relax.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would have lunch with Lafcadio Hearn. He was an English teacher in Japan in 1890 and is famous for writing a book of Japanese ghost stories. I would love to know what Japan was like back then!!

Where is your favorite place to hang out? The beach…either Waimea Bay, Waikiki or Rockport.

What do you love most about the industry? I love helping families relocate. I can remember what it’s like to get settled into a new city, and I love to make the process easier for people.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am fluent in Japanese and lived overseas in Asia for 18 years before settling in Weston. I can really relate to anyone moving here from overseas.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most difficult aspect of working in real estate is keeping self-motivated. Anyone who owns their own business needs to keep moving forward and finding new clients.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I belong to various groups such as the Weston Council on Aging and the Asian Real Estate Association of America. I also like to attend alumni events from my alma marter, Skidmore College.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment has been living in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia while keeping my sense of humor and family in tact. Our three daughters were born in Tokyo and our son was born in Hong Kong.
We’re all happy and healthy!!

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I just finished “In the Heart of the Sea,” which was about the tragedy of the whaling ship the Essex.

What is your favorite restaurant? Oga (Japanese Restaurant) on route 9 in Natick is my favorite restaurant.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? I like the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. It is inviting and always has people buzzing about.

What kind of car do you drive? I drive a Subaru Tribeca.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone.

What is your favorite city after Boston? Tokyo.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be patient and stay the course, success will come.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? dot loop.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Jamie Oliver, Julian Edelman and Matt Siegel.
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