Posted on October 2, 2012 by Miller and Smith Blog Team
Meet Debbie Paschal, Community Sales Manager for Miller & Smith at The Orchard at New Market. Recently, we sat down with Debbie to ask her a few questions. Well, seven questions to be exact. It’s part of our new interview series called 7Qs with Miller & Smith. It’s our chance to shine the spotlight on our amazing employees and help you get to know them a little better. So without further ado, here’s Debbie‚
1. What is your best memory of the home you grew up in?
My fondest memories of my childhood home always took place in any room that my mother was in. She always had a way of making every room in the house feel warm and cozy. Our family room was the best! It was filled with family photos, books and comfy furniture. We used to have family competitions playing Atari Table Tennis ‚ ugh, I’ve dated myself!I loved coming home from school and heading straight to the family room to tell my parents about my day.
2. In your own home, what is the room you spend the most time in?
In my own home, I really enjoy my Great Room. I have a couch with lots of pillows and a homemade blanket that my Grandmother made for me ‚ we all fight over it. My Great room is two stories with lots of windows ‚ always bright and cheerful! I have 5 kids ‚ we all watch TV, play Wii and board games.
3. Who would you rather have assist in your home: Zoila from Flipping Out, Rosie from The Jetsons’ or Alice from The Brady Bunch and why?
I would love to have Zoila in my home! She is awesome! I would certainly treat her better than Jeff Lewis! She is so patient and honest. I think Zoila needs her own show! Maybe we can start a new Reality Show at my house!
4. If you could live in any home, whether it be one you’ve actually toured or one you’ve seen in a movie, what would it look and live like?
I have always loved the beach house in the movie, Somethings Gotta Give. I love all the French doors and transoms, soft colors and comfortable furniture. The kitchen is to die for! I’m also a huge fan of being right on the beach! One day‚ I hope!
5. What is the interior design trend you hope to never see again? Some of our worst memories are gold bathroom fixtures, plaid furniture, toilet rugs and carpeted walls.
I think one of the worst interior design features I have ever seen and hope it never returns is seeing the color mauve on plumbing fixtures, tile and carpet and paint!
6. Explain your most memorable connection or moment with a homebuyer.
This question was a tough one for me. I truly feel that each and every buyer is so very special and I have connected with every single one of them. They all have different reasons they come in to purchase a new home. I think the one that stands out in my mind the most was a couple that was competing with an in-law to have the better house and upgrades. They always felt like the underdog in the family and were nervous about making good interior selections. I helped them put it all together and when settlement rolled around, you could just see their faces beaming with pride as they saw their home for the first time. Needless to say, their relative was quite impressed. These folks still keep in touch with me and send me pictures of their children. They still love their home and thank me every time I hear from them! Pretty cool and so rewarding!
7. What is your favorite way to celebrate a sale?
After I have helped someone purchase a new home and seeing their excitement, I experience great satisfaction in knowing I facilitated that! There is also, nothing better than walking into the Corporate Office with a contract in my hand! I celebrate on the ride home with some loud classic rock music, and then, I call my Dad and let him know he doesn’t have to worry about me, I’m making it! He loves that!
We had so much fun getting to know Debbie we asked her one more question. Think of it as a bonus question cause it comes with photos‚ What is your favorite feature about your Cortland model?
My favorite feature is a toss-up between the HUGE kitchen island and the Loft. The ten ft. kitchen island, a Signature Miller & Smith feature, is something everyone can see themselves using on a daily basis. Even in my own my own home, it doesn’t matter how fancy my dining room is, everyone who visits, wants to be a part of the action in the kitchen and will congregate around the island to chat or have a bite to eat. I love that there is plenty of room to set up a buffet or have a central meeting place in the home to sit and enjoy the open concept of the home. I also love the Loft! This feature is so unique and unexpected. It is not typically seen in the average house. I love that it can be a flexible space to use for a casual media center or office space.
Many thanks to Debbie Paschal for taking the time to answer our questions. If you have some questions of your own for Debbie, she’d be happy to answer them. New homesites have just been released so feel free to stop by her model or give her a call today at (301) 882-7592.