Amanda DiVito

Young and driven

Calling herself single, young and "obligation-free," Amanda Divito acknowledges her narrow focus: real estate.

Blame it on the family. Amanda is the daughter of seasoned real estate professional Joe Divito (her mother, Sue, also holds a broker's license). At 24, Divito has been in real estate half her life.

Under Joe's tutelage, the youngest DiVito child was groomed for a future in real estate. As a youngster, she spent hours at her father's side -- answering phones, filing paperwork and observing the work of the man who would become her mentor and business partner.

Today, Amanda works alongside her father and partners as a broker associate for the Divito Dream Makers at Re/Max Alliance in Arvada.

Despite all the "in-house" training, DiVito had not intended to become a REALTOR. Instead, she was headed to the bright lights and glamour of New York after earning a degree in fashion merchandising from Colorado State University. Completing college in only three-and-a-half years, DiVito was working as an intern at an advertising agency when she also embarked on a "crash course" in real estate.

Earning her license in 2003, she spent three months under her dad's mentorship. "I was like a sponge, following him around, absorbing, listening, taking it all in. My dad was not throwing leads at me," she explains. "I just hit the ground running."

The goal: Sell five houses her first year.

The result: She closed 40 deals this year.

"I'm a very driven person. I keep a daily plan. I work on a schedule. I've very regimented," she explains, adding: "I'm a walking, talking Joe DiVito."

Amanda is the youngest director on the JCAR Board, and the youngest REALTOR at Re/Max Alliance. Still, she is quick to dismiss the age gap, deflecting the issue by noting how young professionals can reach success.

"Get a mentor," she advises. "People in this business are dying to share their ideas. There are people out there running successful businesses that would be thrilled to share their knowledge."

She also encourages REALTORS -- of all ages -- to get involved in the community.

Along with serving on the JCAR Board of Directors, DiVito is on the Government Affairs Committee and is a first year board member for the Builder-Realty Council.

She is especially interested in affordable housing and the 470 beltway loop through Jefferson County.

As a REALTOR and JCAR Director, DiVito carries a family legacy as well as her own business goals. For one less driven, the burden could be heavy.

"I'm keeping my mouth shut and my ears open," she says. "I'm really learning so much."

Did you know?

Family Night is nearly every night for the DiVitos. Amanda, along with her two older brothers and their families, and parents Sue and Joe DiVito, enjoy dinner together three to four nights a week.

Favorite Restaurant (in Jefferson County): DiCicco's Italian restaurant in Olde Town Arvada.

Home sweet home: Amanda was born and raised in Arvada, and purchased her own home in old Arvada. "The people who come here never leave," she jokes.

* * *