Lesly Nicole Santiago – Living the NAHREP 10 Discipline #2

Meet Lesley Nicole Santiago: A Humble Powerhouse and True Leader

The Rotary Club of Miami is home to many dedicated individuals, and Lesley Nicole Santiago stands out as someone deeply committed to her profession and her community. This week, she is being recognized for Living the NAHREP 10 Superstar for Discipline #2 “Be in the Top 10% of Your Profession”—because being good is not good enough.

True success comes from striving for excellence, making an impact, and elevating those around you.

Success is measured in many ways, but Lesley’s influence is undeniable. At a recent event, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the respect she commands within her professional and community circles. Her colleagues hold her in high regard—Joshua Mendez praised her dedication and work ethic at Banesco, while Diane Landsberg, the current President of the Rotary Club of Miami, repeatedly encouraged her to become the next club president. Time and time again, people turned to Lesley for guidance and insight, recognizing her as the go-to person for knowledge and leadership.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lesley’s passion for service is evident in everything she does. In the short time I have known her, I have seen her work with purpose and intention, always striving to create meaningful change. Recently, in collaboration with Banesco and NAHREP South Florida, she has committed to supporting homeownership and fostering generational wealth within the Hispanic community. Her leadership and dedication will undoubtedly help strengthen the partnership between these organizations.

It is essential to highlight and celebrate professionals like Lesley—individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference. As a father to two young women in college and a husband who values equality, I believe that recognizing and uplifting strong female leaders is key to building a more inclusive and equitable future.

As a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, I am proud to honor Lesley Nicole Santiago for embodying these principles and serving as a shining example of excellence and service. Her impact is real, and her dedication is inspiring.

Bravo, Lesley! Keep leading with passion and purpose—because being good is not good enough!

Find out more about The NAHREP 10 Disciplines.

Are you looking to incorporate wealth disciplines in your life? Contact Mark Pinilla for more information.

Leadership #Excellence #NAHREP10 #RotaryClubMiami #WomenInBusiness #CommunityImpact #GenerationalWealth #HispanicLeadership #SuccessMindset #ServiceAboveSelf #ProfessionalGrowth #EmpoweredWomen #BeTheTop10 #LeadWithPurpose #LesleyNicoleSantiago #MarkPinilla

Legal Issues in Real Estate Leasing: Brokers Must Step Up

The Florida real estate industry has faced increasing legal scrutiny regarding how realtors draft lease agreements. Many brokers have encountered lawsuits, contract disputes, and regulatory violations due to improperly written leases. The issue isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about professionalism, accountability, and ensuring that clients are protected.

Common Legal Issues in Lease Drafting

Unauthorized Practice of Law – Florida law prohibits realtors from drafting legal documents beyond pre-approved lease agreements. Realtors who overstep these boundaries expose themselves and their brokers to legal liability.
Ambiguous or Incomplete Terms – Poorly written leases often fail to clearly define responsibilities for repairs, deposits, and lease durations, leading to tenant-landlord disputes.
Failure to Adhere to State and Local Laws – Lease agreements must comply with Florida’s landlord-tenant statutes. Realtors unaware of these laws risk drafting unenforceable contracts.
Misrepresentation and Fraud Risks – Some realtors inadvertently include misleading terms or fail to disclose critical details, resulting in lawsuits or complaints.

The Call for Greater Professionalism

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) emphasizes professionalism as a core value, specifically in Discipline #2: Be in the Top 10% of Your Profession Because Being Good is Not Good Enough. This discipline challenges realtors to go beyond the basics and master the legal and ethical aspects of their profession.

To meet this standard, brokers must:

Provide ongoing legal training to ensure realtors understand the boundaries of lease drafting.
Encourage the use of standard lease templates approved by the Florida Association of Realtors and legal professionals.
Promote collaboration with real estate attorneys for complex lease negotiations.
Hold realtors accountable for compliance to protect both clients and the brokerage firm.

How Mark Pinilla Can Help

Mark Pinilla is a top-producing property manager with Keyes Property Management and trainer with nearly 30 years of real estate and property management experience. He supports over 1,000 REALTORS® at The Keyes Company, providing expert guidance on lease agreements, landlord-tenant laws, and compliance best practices. Mark also offers a specialized course, Understanding the Florida Lease Agreement, helping agents enhance their leasing knowledge.

For expert guidance on lease compliance, contact Mark Pinilla today.

Call to Action: Raising the Bar in Real Estate

Real estate professionals must step up their game. Brokers should implement stricter training, compliance checks, and ethical standards to mitigate legal risks. The industry’s reputation—and clients’ trust—depends on a commitment to professionalism and continuous learning.

Are you ready to challenge your team to uphold higher standards? The future of Florida real estate depends on it.

#RealEstateLaw #FloridaRealtors #LeaseCompliance #NAHREP #ProfessionalismInRealEstate #BrokerEthics

The Power of Planning: Transform Your Follow-Ups into Success

Success in business and life doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by planning. As Rick Guerrero, a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, emphasizes, preparation is everything. He starts each week by creating a call log every Sunday, setting the foundation for intentional and productive interactions. His approach mirrors NAHREP Discipline #2: Be in the top 10% of your profession by taking your craft seriously and working toward mastery. Learn more about the NAHREP 10 Disciplines here.

Sara Mendez Rodriguez, CEO of Titan Title & Chairperson for the Hispanic Wealth Project, suggests a themed call log to ensure balance and variety. For example:

Monday: VIPs
Wednesday: Focus on hot leads.
Friday: Reach out to business partners.
Weekend: Dedicate time to friends, family, and birthday celebrations.

Download Mark’s Call Log

Why Following Up Matters

According to statistics, 70% of buyers and sellers choose a real estate agent based on referrals from friends and family. This underscores the importance of maintaining personal and professional connections. Planning calls with intention, as suggested by Rick and Sara, ensures you never miss an opportunity to nurture these relationships.

Real Estate Insights for Relationships

To add his personal touch to the call log, Mark Pinilla, a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, added the weekend column. Birthdays and family milestones aren’t just personal—they can be professional goldmines. Studies show that buyers and sellers often prefer working with someone they know and trust. By incorporating these touchpoints into your weekend calls, you position yourself as their go-to expert when the time comes.

Action Plan with Mark Pinilla

For those looking to maximize their wealth-building strategy, contact Mark Pinill a, a trusted resource for investment properties and real estate expertise. Waiting is not in your best interest—contact Mark here.

Category: Professionalism