Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Zavala.
Diana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been a Central Texas resident for more than twenty five years, and during that time I have managed businesses for myself and for others. My professional life began in the restaurant industry, where I spent over twenty years building a successful career that included operations, multi unit management, director level leadership, training and development, and even becoming an owner operator of my own restaurants.
Although I always loved the restaurant industry, especially the way food brings people together to share moments with family and friends, I began to feel a deeper calling. I wanted to keep my entrepreneurial spirit alive, but I also wanted to do something that felt more meaningful. I realized that the impact I wanted to make was not just in creating memorable meals, but in helping people build stable and lasting futures.
That realization led me to real estate. It felt like the perfect combination of everything I valued. I could continue to run my own business and maintain the creativity and independence that come with entrepreneurship. At the same time, I could make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether someone is searching for their first home, exploring investment opportunities, or navigating anything in between, I feel driven to guide them.
I truly believe that many more people could become homeowners if they understood that it is within reach. Helping people see what is possible and walking with them through the process is what inspires me today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I entered real estate a little over a year ago, the road was far from smooth. The current market has been challenging for many agents. Recent industry data shows that nearly half of real estate agents sold either zero or only one home in the past year, and close to seventy percent sold five or fewer. These numbers show how difficult the landscape has been, and they also highlight how proud I am to say that I have far exceeded those averages. In a market where many agents struggled, I have established myself as a strong performer in my first full year.
On top of the market challenges, I made a major personal transition. I left a career where I had spent more than twenty years and felt completely confident. The restaurant industry was where I built my identity, my skill set, and my success. I worked my way through operations, leadership, multi unit management, and ownership. Walking away from something I had mastered was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Starting over at the age of forty five brought a lot of fear and uncertainty, and I had to rebuild my entire professional foundation from the ground up.
Even with those challenges, I am proud of what I have achieved. Every transaction this year has added to my experience and confirmed that this is the right path for me. The early success I have had in a tough market has strengthened my confidence and motivates me to continue growing.
I have been fortunate to have a strong support system around me. Friends, family, and mentors, encouraged me throughout this transition and reminded me that real growth often begins outside of our comfort zones. The struggles I faced this past year did not slow me down. They pushed me forward and made me even more optimistic about the future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Diana Zavala – Realtor | Realty of America ?
I am an independent Real Estate Consultant with Realty of America, and I specialize in residential real estate and investment properties. My work includes helping clients purchase, sell, and build wealth through real estate, and I am also expanding my own investment portfolio through property acquisitions and renovations. Beginning in 2026, we will be growing further into commercial opportunities as my business continues to evolve.
What sets me apart is the way I bring my professional background into this industry. After more than twenty years in the restaurant world and nearly a decade in adult learning, training, and development, I developed a deep understanding of how to teach, guide, and support people through complex decisions. I apply that experience to real estate by making client education the foundation of my brand. I break down each step of the buying or selling process so clients feel informed, confident, and fully prepared.
I also serve many clients who have specific needs. For example, I have several clients who speak little or no English. While I do not claim to be perfectly fluent in Spanish or other languages, I have a strong team that helps ensure my clients receive the same high level of clarity, care, and communication. Helping clients achieve their version of the American dream, especially when they are uncertain about how to begin, is something I value deeply.
What I want readers to know about my business is simple. When people understand the process, they feel empowered. My mission is to make real estate accessible and achievable for anyone ready to take that next step, whether that means buying a home, investing for the future, or exploring new opportunities in a changing market.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead to 2026, I am focused on several exciting areas of growth. I am actively expanding my investment portfolio and continuing to work with other investors who want to build wealth through real estate. Guiding people through investment strategy has become one of my favorite parts of this business, and I am looking forward to taking that even further.
I also plan to stretch into the commercial space. I had exposure to commercial operations during my years as a restaurant owner, and I believe that experience gives me a unique perspective that will translate well into commercial real estate. It is a direction I am genuinely excited about as my business continues to evolve.
Another major focus for the future is helping grow Realty of America by recruiting like-minded agents who truly care about the community and the people they serve. I want to collaborate with professionals who share the same values of education, service, and genuine care. Being part of a growing brokerage is energizing, and I am looking forward to playing a role in shaping that growth.
Overall, my plans revolve around expansion, both personally and professionally, and continuing to build a business that makes a meaningful impact on the clients and communities I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agent.realtyofamerica.com/website/diana-zavala#contact_section
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diana.zavala.98/
