La Jolla, Calif. – (Nov. 5, 2007) – “I think this is a fun surprise and I’m absolutely honored!” This is how Willis Allen REALTOR® Barbara Slavin describes feeling after recently learning she has been voted one of the Best REALTORS® in the La Jolla Light’s “Best of La Jolla Readers’ Poll.”Barbara has been a REALTOR® for more than 20 years and her love of homes dates back to her childhood. “One of my father’s hobbies was looking at real estate and his passion was obviously contagious,” she said. “My parents owned second homes in Florida; a special childhood memory is cruising the inter-coastal waterways on my dad’s boat, docking at the homes built along the waterfronts, and stopping in at the local open houses.”Barbara and her brother continue the family tradition to this day. “We never hesitate to check out open houses, even on our motorcycle trips across the country,” she said. “I also go to slope-side open houses while skiing in Telluride, Colo. It’s fascinating to see how people take empty spaces, add their own design, functionality and warmth to create a home.”Barbara has owned 14 homes in her lifetime. She said she gets personal satisfaction by helping others find “the right property.” “Having clients in La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Pacific Beach, University City, Scripps Ranch, Poway, Mission Hills and Downtown always provides a total education for me – I learn something new every day and that is invigorating.”“Barbara is a consummate professional who is a master at connecting with her clients and putting them first,” said La Jolla Branch Manager Jane Dreher. “She’s the type of person who believes in the value of a handshake and face-to-face involvement. We are proud of her accomplishment and offer our congratulations.”Barbara is extremely community-minded and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary, where she has been an active member for 13 years. In addition, she is one of the five founding members of the Foundation for Women (where she was the first Board President). She is also a contributing member to the La Jolla Town Council, La Jolla Historical Society, La Jolla Music Society, The Athenaeum and San Diego Cinema Society.Barbara says, “Being involved in this community is a high priority for me. I feel unbelievably lucky to live here, and I want to help and give back in every possible way. My philosophy is each of us has a responsibility to make a difference in the world and contribute to their community,” which is certainly exemplified by her professionalism and passionate work.You can reach Barbara Slavin at 858.459.4033 x 274 or at barbaras@willisallen.com.