EXECUTIVE AGENT MAGAZINE - ORANGE COUNTY MAY, 2021

AGENT MAGAZINE

E x e c u t i v e

Ag e n t

Dan DeForest

M a g a z i n e . O r a n g e

Executive Agent of the Month

®

EXECUTIVE

C o u n t y

E d i t i o n . M a y, 2 0 2 1

ORANGE COUNTY BRANCH 320 Commerce | Suite 100 | Irvine, CA 92602

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Cover Story Dan DeForest Executive Agent of the Month After distinguishing himself as a top producer in business-to-business sales, Dan DeForest moved into management, running a sales force of more than 100. Next, he opened his own successful company with 26 employees, before finally focusing his business acumen on real estate sales.

25 Featured Professionals

08 Sonia Chopra Nationwide Real Estate Executives 4 Executive Agent Magazine

14 Vincent Guerrera A List Estates

Content Positive Perception: Why You Should Filter the Way You See the World -Shawn Anchorg Like a Pro -Steve Cook

May, 2021

EXECUTIVE AG E N T M AG AZ I N E

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®

PRESIDENT & CEO EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Fred Arrias Wanna Sell More?

Polish That Sales Presentation!

-Linda Brakealla Pro -Steve Cook

VICE PRESIDENT GRAPHIC DESIGN Garon Arrias

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EDITOR Trudy Vanderhoff PROFESSIONAL PROFILES H.K. Wilson

Pit-Stop Of Success: The MidYear Review -Bob Corcoran Like a Pro -Steve Cook

48 Change Begins With Choice -Jim Rohn Like a Pro -Steve Cook

12 Make Greatness Your Goal!

-Chris Widenering Like a Pro -Steve Cook

22 Integrity & Character -Zig Ziglaratating Like a Pro -Steve Cook

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Herbert Clark Charlene Gates John Harris Chris Richards Ronald Taylor Crystal Widen PHOTOGRAPHY iPhotography Studio Michelle Fairless Photography EXECUTIVE AGENT MAGAZINE PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Ph: (949) 297-8323 Fax: (949) 266-8757 Fred@ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com www.ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com © Copyright 2020 Executive Agent Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Executive Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

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Executive Agent Magazine

Positive Perception: Why You Should Filter the Way You See the World

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n one of psychology’s best-known experiments, volunteers watch a video of two basketball teams—one wearing white shirts, one wearing black shirts—passing around a basketball. As they watch, the volunteers have to count the number of times the white team passes the ball. About 25 seconds into the video, a person in a gorilla suit walks straight through the action for five seconds.

Afterward, the viewers write down the number of passes and answer a series of additional questions, such as, Did you notice anything unusual in the video?

When psychologists tried this out on 200 people, 46 percent of them completely missed the gorilla. When the researchers later told them about it, many of them refused to believe they’d missed something so obvious and demanded to see the video again.

Why did so many of them fail to see it the first time around? Because they were so focused on counting passes, their neural filters had simply dumped the gorilla sighting right into the spam folder. This experiment highlights what researchers call inattentional blindness, our frequent inability to see what is often right in front of us if we’re not focusing directly on it. In essence, we tend to miss what we’re not looking for.

This selective perception is also why, when we are looking for something, we see it everywhere. You’ve probably experienced this a million times. You hear a song once, and suddenly it seems like it’s always on the radio. You buy a new style of shoe, then everyone is wearing them. Of course, nothing has actually changed in these scenarios—except your focus.

Try this little experiment. Close your eyes and think of the color red. Now open your eyes and look around the room. Is red popping out everywhere? Assuming elves didn’t repaint your furniture while your eyes were closed, your change in perception is due only to your change in focus.

Instead of creating a cognitive pattern that looks for negatives and blocks success, we need to focus on training our brains to scan the world for opportunities and fresh ideas. When our brains constantly scan for and focus on the positive, we profit from three of the most important tools available to us: happiness, gratitude and optimism.

Shawn Achor is a Harvard-trained researcher and best-selling author of The Happiness Advantage and Before Happiness. Get a daily dose of happy at Shawn’s Facebook page.

Executive Agent Magazine

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EXECUTIVE AG E N T M AG AZ I N E

Written by H. K. Wilson ®

Sonia Chopra

G

ratitude, when sincerely expressed, is the greatest reward for a job well done.

Recently, Realtor® Sonia Chopra received a text from her client that simply said: “Really, no words, Sonia.

Can’t thank you enough.”

These words of thanks were well-earned, as Sonia holds nothing back when the best interests of her clients are at stake.

Raised and educated in New Delhi, India, Sonia immigrated to Washington D.C. in 1996 and later moved with her husband to New York. In time, her husband’s business interests brought them to California, where Sonia dedicated her time to raising their two

daughters. A few years ago, with her daughters coming into their teen years, Sonia decided it was time to put her university education to work and begin a professional career. She began working in operations and finance for a construction company, and her connection with the housing sector inspired her to obtain her real estate license.

Sonia joined Nationwide Real Estate Executives in Irvine, a company she chose for its superlative management, training and professional resources. “I love the atmosphere and the mentors,” Sonia says. “Our broker Tarah Walker impresses me. She is awesome to work with. She makes me keep going. I really admire her, and she has helped me tremendously. Broker Associate Ben Gomez has also been a tremendous help to me.”

Putting Clients First Sonia’s mantra is this: “Sales go up and down, but service stays forever.” With her never-give-up attitude and commitment to professional excellence, Sonia has built her real estate practice from the ground up with a focus on putting clients first. Sonia assists everyone from first-time buyers to experienced investors who wish to buy or sell a property. She also provides residential leasing services. Bilingual in English and Hindi, she enjoys working with clients from all over the world and exchanging information about culture and customs.

An excellent communicator, Sonia is vigilant about following up throughout a transaction, and she remains available 24/7 to respond to her clients’ needs. “I am proactive, and I stay on top of it,” Sonia says. “I don’t sit around waiting for things to happen. I think being a mom has helped me to have a lot of patience. I listen to what my clients have to say and try to help them find exactly what they’re looking for. I am known for staying in touch and letting them know updates about their transaction.

I take it personally, and I want every client to feel comfortable when they come to see me. I want them to trust me and feel at home. I feel a passion to assist potential homeowners and help them find the right properties. The process is all about them, and I’ll always go one extra step just to help them.”

As pandemic restrictions lessen, Sonia says she is looking forward to getting out and connecting with people face-to-face once again. “I like to meet people and get to know them. I want to feel that vibe from the other person to understand where we’re coming from, rather than just talking to them on the phone. I feel it’s very different when you can actually meet someone.”

Sonia loves the flexibility that real estate offers so she can continue to be present for her family while also taking care of her clients. She is highly motivated by having a career that allows her to achieve financial results that are

tied directly to her hard work. “I get rewarded for what I put in, and I give my clients 100 percent,” she says.

With her compassionate spirit and dedication to professional service, Sonia is helping her neighbors achieve the American Dream of home ownership. “I am here to serve Orange County and put all my clients interest first, and ensure that all their real estate needs are met in a timely manner. Finding a home for someone is not just about walls and a roof. I’ve been there myself with the excitement, the anticipation and the wait. It just feels great when you hand over that key to someone. I feel happy when I’m looking at empty homes and thinking those could be for my clients. I would do anything to find them what they’re looking for.”

Sonia Chopra Nationwide Real Estate Executives 530 Technology Drive, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618 Tel: 914-309-1569 office: 714-276-8454 Email: SoniaC@nreliving.com Web: https://soniachopra.nreliving.com/ DRE # 02108269

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Change Begins With Choice

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ny day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge.

Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.

We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.

We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, “The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves.”

We created our circumstances by our past choices.

And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.

We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.

Jim Rohn knows the secrets of success - in business and in life. He has devoted his life to a study of the fundamentals of human behavior and personal motivation that affect professional performance. He can awaken the unlimited power of achievement within you! Reproduced with permission from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine. © 2008 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved. For information contact FrogPond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@FrogPond.com; http://www.FrogPond.com.

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EXECUTIVE AG E N T M AG AZ I N E

®

Written by H. K. Wilson

Vincent Guerrera The A-List Real Estate Experience

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hen you’re making one of the biggest financial investments of your lifetime, you want to work with the best — an A-lister. Vincent Guerrera, broker/associate at boutique A List Estates in Rancho Cucamonga, brings nearly two decades of experience in real estate sales, investment and management to every transaction. A native of the area, Vincent began working in corporate sales while earning his degree in computer science from California State University, Fullerton. “In college, I realized I liked sales more than sitting behind a computer,” he recalls. “It changed my path. When I graduated, I went right into real estate. I loved it, and I’ve stayed with it.”

Applying his tireless work ethic and natural gift for connecting with people, Vincent achieved Rookie of the Year during his first year in the industry. His expertise in technology has always given his clients an edge, as he knows how to leverage tech to create exceptional results

with beautiful images and well-placed advertising across social media channels.

Vincent is committed to providing the highest level of professional service to his clients and building relationships for the longterm. He describes his real estate practice as “client focused. Customer service is high on my list because I want to earn repeat business. I get a lot of referrals, and that is how I’ve grown my business over the years. I like to build strong relationships, and it’s always about doing what’s morally right. I treat every client like family, and if I take your listing, I’m going to sell it like it’s my home. I will get top dollar and fight for every penny, whether negotiating repairs or getting the highest sales price. I just sold a property where the last closed price was $580,000. I sold it for $700,000, with the buyer paying $80,000 over appraised value. That’s how you get your best referrals.”

Vincent’s many five-star client reviews reveal exactly why the referrals keep coming. A delighted seller said: “Vince is an exceptional agent! He did an outstanding job with selling our condo in Irvine. He was recommended to us by family, so we already knew we were getting a great person on our side, and he surpassed our expectations. From the very first meeting, Vince made us feel comfortable.

We felt reassured he was committed to the project and had our best interest in mind. He is personable, trustworthy and was there every step of the way going the extra mile. He was a strong negotiator and kept the process moving along. I could not have done this without him. I understand the importance of having a great agent, and we are so pleased to have had Vince represent us in our sale experience. We trusted him, and it paid off. If you’re looking for a Realtor®, we recommend Vince Guerrera.”

Vincent’s people-centered, ethical approach to real estate has made him successful no matter what market trends are doing. He thrived in real estate sales during the down cycle of the late 2000s, and he has personally succeeded as a real estate entrepreneur. “I sold bank owned homes for Freddie Mac during the down market, selling over 100 homes per year with one other agent. It gave me great insight into how the banks work. I also do my own investments. I purchase, repair and flip, and I maintain rental properties. I own homes in several states.

As a result, I understand all those aspects of real estate.

I mostly work with residential homeowners, but being a landlord allows me to help people find great investment properties as well.”

One of the things Vincent values most about his real estate career is the flexibility it allows him to be a family

man. He and his fiancé, Kristi, each have a daughter, and making time for their girls is a top priority in life. Vincent is a PTA dad who dedicates significant time and resources to his daughter’s school, whether he is tutoring students or sponsoring events. His Winter Wonderlands of years past have been nothing short of magical, with real snow, a camel and reindeer! Another fun fact about Vincent: he is a twin. “We are fraternal, but we look identical. Leo also does real estate on the side and helps me out sometimes. I think growing up with a twin created competition that also contributes to my sales success.”

At A List Estates, Vincent enjoys the freedom to tailor each client’s experience to fit their needs and preferences.

He gives each client the personal attention they deserve, preferring to review and explain documents page by page, rather than sending them out via email for e-signature. His clients also benefit with the trusted relationships he has developed with vendors who can save them money and make their transactions run smoothly. “I want people to know that I will always work hard for them and treat their transaction like it is my own.”

Vincent Guerrera, Broker Associate A List Estates 8780 19th St. Suite 221 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701 Tel: 909.322.2724 Email: youragentvince@gmail.com DRE # 01436337

Wanna Sell More? Polish That Sales Presentation!

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ales people ( in general ) hate to prepare presentations. They say: “I don’t want to sound canned!” “How can I do a standard presentation? The customers are all different!”

While all of that is very true, it is also true that the top 20% of all salespeople (the ones who are making 80% of all the sales!) USE prepared presentations! They know a secret the average salesperson doesn’t know. You can’t perfect an ad lib!

We all have perfected certain little pieces of our presentations; good illustrations, funny or touching stories.

What if your whole presentation was that good? How much would you be selling this month?

Start to develop a system today: Gather all your promotional pieces, brochures, trade articles and statistics in one file. Keep a pile of index cards with you and every time you have a good idea, remember a good story or think of a new way of explaining the features and benefits of your product, write it down! One idea per card.

When you have dumped your brain on the cards, arrange them logically and you are on your way to a dynamite prepared presentation that will give you consistently wonderful results!

The next step is to actually say it out loud into a tape recorder and then listen to it. Would you buy your product if you heard that presentation? What else needs to be included? Read ads, listen to the info-mercials (they are MASTERS at selling!) Keep refining and polishing that presentation till you are happy and proud of it and it does the job!

When you are finally comfortable with your presentation, (which DOES change every time but the elements are always the same) you will be free to concentrate on the prospect and turn him into a client! Remember: Powerful Presentations Produce Powerful Results!

Linda Brakeall is the author of Unlocking The Secrets of Successful Women in Business, and has trained 36,000 people in 27 states in sales, marketing, presentations, and communications since 1992. She has authored 99 magazine articles on sales, marketing, selecting salespeople, managing sales teams and communications.

You can find out more about Linda and what she can do for you at http://www.lindabrakeall.com.

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Executive Agent Magazine 17

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Integrity & Character “If standard of living is your major objective, quality of life almost never improves, but if quality of life is your number one objective, your standard of living almost always improves.”

“With integrity you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt. With fear and guilt removed you are free to be and do your best.”

“If people like you they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you they’ll do business with you.”

“When I discipline myself to eat properly, live morally, exercise regularly, grow mentally and spiritually, and not put any drugs or alcohol in my body, I have given myself the freedom to be at my best, perform at my best, and reap all the rewards that go along with it.”

“Ability can take you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to his or her commitment to excellence, regardless of his or her chosen field of endeavor.”

“Keep your thinking right and your business will be right.”

“When a company or an individual compromises one time, whether it’s on price or principle, the next compromise is right around the corner.”

“What you do off the job is the determining factor in how far you will go on the job.”

“You build a successful career, regardless of your field of endeavor, by the dozens of little things you do on and off the job.”

“When we do more than we are paid to do, eventually we will be paid more for what we do.”

“What comes out of your mouth is determined by what goes into your mind.”

“You can get everything money will buy without a lick of character, but you can’t get any of the things money won’t buy —happiness, joy, peace of mind, winning relationships, etc., without character.”

Zig Ziglar is a beloved author and America’s motivator. He is the author of 25 books and offers training and consulting to organizations all across the globe. To learn more about Zig and his business visit his website at www.ziglar.com.

“When you exercise your freedom to express yourself at the lowest level, you ultimately condemn yourself to live at that level.”

Executive Agent Magazine 19

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M ake Greatness Your Goal!

I

f greatness is your goal, whether in your business life, your personal relationships or your own personal growth, here are some guidelines to get you on your way. Greatness is possible! You can achieve the goals you set for yourself and you can make a difference in your own life and those who live and work around you! Set greatness as your goal! Here’s how: Identify greatness for yourself. While there are some basic generalities that most people would consider great, there are broader definitions of greatness, ones that each individual sets for him or herself. For example, most people would consider Mother Theresa great while only some would consider Donald Trump great. Helping humanity is a broad generality while building a real estate fortune isn’t. So what you need to first do is ask, “What does greatness look like for this company, organization, family or for myself?” From there you can develop values and a mission statement etc. But if you don’t first identify it, you’ll never reach it.

Maximize targeted end results. As Covey says, “begin with the end in mind.” What end results do you want. Be specific. Come up with all of them. Maximize them. Leave no stone uncovered. Set out for yourself all of the goals or end results you must hit in order to reach greatness. Write them down, memorize them and distribute them broadly (if doing this for a group). Maximize your targeted end results!

Make distinction your endeavor. What is the endeavor of the great? Usually it is to distinguish themselves from the average. They seek to rise above the rest by the quality of their product or service. Everything goes toward the goal of making themselves distinct from the run of the mill. That is their mission. And in doing so, they make themselves great!

Map your effort thoroughly. The three most important words in real estate are “location, location, location.” In reaching a goal, the three most important words are “plan, plan, plan.” Okay, “execute” and “persevere” work too, but go with me here! Too many people wish they would achieve something but never write down a plan for getting there. When I want to go on a long trip I don’t just wish to get there. I plan on how to get there. I get a map, I figure out distances, times etc. Map out your goal thoroughly.

This will help you achieve greatness.

Regularly take time for regeneration. Achieving greatness

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is hard! You will care more, work harder, and take more lumps and setbacks than the rest. So you will need to take time to regenerate so you can fight again another day. Your body needs rest. Your mind needs rest. Your emotions need rest. Your spirit needs rest. I firmly believe that a person who rests well can do more in less time than the one works without setting aside time for regeneration. You may be able to reach goals without rest, but somewhere along the line, you will fall harder and longer if you aren’t regularly regenerating yourself.

So take your vacation time this year!

Have a strict evaluation process. Every plan and goal needs an evaluation tool. And it should be a strict evaluation process. This is how you objectively decide whether or not you are proceeding toward your goal.

If you have the right evaluation tool and you look six months into it and you aren’t hitting the goals, perhaps you need to change the goal or the way you are going after it. The evaluation process is not to be underestimated in its importance!

Take somebody else with you. True greatness is not individual. The one who becomes great spreads the reward of greatness around. Incorporate many people into the plan and let them eat of the fruit of success. I live in an area that has literally thousands of millionaires created by a company that had a vision of greatness. And while yes, they experience the reward, the rewards then go out many levels through the whole community, from businesses that support our community to non-profit groups, churches, and schools. True greatness blesses those many levels away.

Learn to party! Party? Yes! What good is greatness if you can’t enjoy it? And not just the final destination but also the entire journey. Be sure to stop along the way and relish in your movement. Celebrate small and large victories. This keeps the sprit high and the big mo rolling!

Spend the money, buy the food and blow up the balloons – it’s time to celebrate!

Chris Widener is the President of Made For Success. He teaches leaders how to become Extraordinary Leaders.

Chris’ speaking and consulting services have challenged the best to become optimists, to pursue excellence relentlessly, and to dream big dreams. Copyright© 2007, Chris Widener. All rights reserved. For information about Chris’ speaking and consulting services, contact the FrogPond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@ FrogPond.com; http://www.FrogPond.com.

Executive Agent Magazine 23

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Executive Agent of the Month

EXECUTIVE AGENT MAGAZINE

Dan DeForest Executive Agent of the Month

®

Written by H. K. Wilson - Photography by Ian Wiant

A

fter distinguishing himself as a top producer in business-to-business sales, Dan DeForest moved into management, running a sales force of more than 100. Next, he opened his own successful company with 26 employees, before finally focusing his business acumen on real estate sales. “Real estate fit all my criteria,” Dan says, “the fun, the challenges, helping people and negotiating a good deal for them. I love the intricacies of the process from start to finish.”

Dan enjoys helping people buy a home, and no transaction is too small to merit his best service. “No matter how much someone can afford, I don’t want them to be afraid to come on in and let me help them. I don’t just go after million-dollar properties. Somebody recently wanted a

$90,000 mobile home. I got them in, wrote the letters, did the work, and we closed the deal. I was so happy for them. If I say I’m going to help someone, then I’m going to do it. They can count on me. I believe I’ve gotta want it more than anybody else in the transaction, and I want it for them. I never worry about what percentage I’m gonna make. I believe that in sales, if you do a good job, the rest will take care of itself.”

Dan is reliable, relatable and likes to get results. Not only will he work hard to make sure his clients are satisfied right to the end of a transaction, he is there for them after the close of escrow. If his clients call months or years later, they will find that he is responsive and ready to help with a trusted referral or a solution to their problem.

Creating Winning Results Preferring to keep his head down and do the work, Dan isn’t much for boasting about his accomplishments, but his clients are happy to do it for him. His many five-star reviews tell the story of a guy who works tirelessly for his clients with good humor, professionalism and compassion.

One buyer said: “Dan DeForest is an excellent Realtor®. I was searching when it was a seller’s market, and he worked swiftly to put in the offer and counter offers and to get the deposit check to escrow in case any other offers came in during the meantime. He leads you through the whole process, and he follows up on everything right away. He is a

man of his word — he followed through with everything that he promised he would do. If I ever need to sell or buy in the future, I will definitely work with Dan again. I am so happy with my purchase, and I highly recommend Dan without any reservations.”

“I think the future depends on how you’ve done your past,” Dan says. “When you’ve treated someone right in the past, they remember you. People want to help people who help them.”

Dan has the highest praise for the professionals he works with at First Team Real Estate in Tustin, who help him to consistently deliver world-class service. “I’m very happy with this place. We have a great manager, Elizabeth Meyers, and I can always count on my transaction coordinator, Alicia Wright. I’m surrounded by some of the best Realtors® out there. They are creative, and we learn from each other. We have a hard-working crew over here, and they are very knowledgeable. When you surround yourself with successful people, you

become successful yourself.”

Since graduating with his bachelor’s degree in history from University of California, Irvine, Dan has remained a lifelong learner, taking lessons from such personal development giants as Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar. “As I learned more about personal finance, I learned not just to be a great speaker, but a good listener. It’s helped me a lot during my career, learning to listen to what people truly want. Asking the right questions really helps.”

Being adaptable is essential to longterm success in real estate, and Dan says he’s “an old dog willing to learn new tricks.” He has recently begun producing videos to market himself and his listings. “I think you always have to look to yourself and ask if you are changing and trying to become better. I’m willing to get uncomfortable with myself so that I have more to give my clients.”

Outside of real estate, Dan is a husband and father of three. He describes his wife Jennifer as a “great mom who works hard to take care of the family in addition to working for Medtronic. She pushes me and tells me, ‘You can do it.’ She’s really smart. I’m lucky there.”

Dan is optimistic about the real estate market as rates remain low, vaccines are being distributed and people are beginning to feel more comfortable about moving. “When people are facing challenges, I’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen for them. I like the challenge, and for me, winning is getting the results my client wants. I bring experience to closing a transaction and can move smoothly through difficult contingency sales. No matter the situation, my goal is to create the best outcome for my client.”

Dan DeForest First Team Real Estate 17240 17th St. Tustin, CA 92780 Tel: 714.362.7192 Email: dandeforest@firstteam.com Web: https://dandeforest.firstteam.com DRE # 02003121

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Bluff-Top Estate 322 W Avenida Gaviota, San Clemente, California Capturing whitewater ocean views from nearly every vantage point, this expansive bluff-top estate offers unparalleled privacy & state-of-the-art construction in one of San Clementes most coveted locations. Built in 2008 on a 27k sq ft lot, the ICF-constructed James Glover masterpiece blends Spanish revival architecture (complete with Santa Barbara smooth plaster and 100% mud roof!) with ultra-modern functionality. The great room & chefs kitchen transition through a collapsible 16 Albertini doors to a generous sunset view deck. Custom features includewalnut woodwork, teak Albertini windows & exterior doors and Yucatan limestone flooring. A floating spiral staircase leads to 2 ensuite bedrooms, game room, custom raw-wood bar & outdoor shower downstairs. Upstairs a penthouse master, office/ flex space, library, 2 ensuite bedrooms & an 800 sq ft bonus room which offers potential for separate living quarters with a private entrance and deck. Whether youre hosting lavish events, relaxing on the roof deck or blufftop fire pit, or playing games on your private peninsula shaped yard, there are dozens of settings to take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. $8,450,000

Bree Hughes DRE # 01440050

Douglas Elliman Real Estate 28202 Cabot Road, Suite 510 Laguna Niguel, Ca. 92677 Tel: 949.556.2094 Bree.Hughes@elliman.com https://breehughesteam.com Executive Agent Magazine 33

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Pelican Ridge Estate 5 Seahaven, Newport Coast, California Perfectly situated in the prestigious guard gated community of Pelican Ridge Estates, Newport Coast, awaits this pristine home sitting on a gated lot boasting nearly 14,250 Sq.Ft with a double entrance circular drive leading to this breathtaking Estate with ocean, city lights and magnificent mountain-top views from nearly every room. High ceilings with meticulously crafted crown molding, crystal chandeliers and stone floors are throughout this stunning 4 bedroom, 7 bathroom estate with 5,654 Sq.Ft. of living space and a 4 car attached garage.

Offered at $6,295,000

Lee Ann Canaday

DRE # 00560041

Broker/Realtor/Owner Canaday Group | RE/MAX Fine Homes Tel: 949.249.2424 LeeAnn@CanadayGroup.com CanadayGroup.com Executive Agent Magazine 35

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Architectural beauty LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA An extraordinary opportunity to own a premier property on the ocean side in North Laguna. White water and Catalina views, just moments to the sand at Crescent Bay! This architectural beauty features an upstairs open concept spacious great room with American Walnut floors and large wood sash windows with natural light looking out to beautiful expansive ocean views. The master suite also enjoys stunning, romantic sunsets; located on the same floor as the great room, large gourmet kitchen with high end appliances and oversized dining room. This is an entertainer’s home with a downstairs theatre room with electric shades and projection screen, plus two additional bedrooms with en-suite baths. Located at the end of a quiet cul-de sac on a flat lot this property’s special features include a sparkling salt water pool, spa, firepit, sauna, built-in barbecue area and outdoor shower perfect after a day at the beach. All bedrooms include custom built in’s and all bathrooms including steam showers. There is attention to every detail with a dumb waiter, central vac-system and an elevator! The downstairs areas opens up to a second family room, beautiful fireplace and the wet bar is the ideal with the pool and spa right thru the sliding doors for indoor outdoor living. Last, but not least this home has a roof top deck with 360 degree views of the coastline during the day and the city light views of hills of Laguna Beach at night! This is a spectacular home! Virtual Tour: 1565ViaMajorca.com Offered at $4,699,000

Shauna Covington DRE # 00991380 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

949.412.8088 direct shauna@shaunacovington.com http://shaunacovington.com Executive Agent Magazine 37

Trophy Property 438 Bent St, Laguna Beach, California World class “Trophy Property” on a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Laguna Village. A rare combination of many elements: Near new construction with all modern luxury features; Blue Pacific panoramic coastal views with year round Catalina sunsets; Functions as a Multi Generational Home with separate living areas and that delightful two minute stroll to the heart of Laguna Village, shops, restaurants, Pageant Of The Masters, galleries with all the energy and activities of Main Beach Laguna. Only the highest level of construction materials, designer finishes, and architectural considerations were used while creating this masterpiece. Neutral color palette throughout, gourmet state-of-the-art kitchen with oversized Italian porcelain island, walk-in pantry, technical beamed ceilings, and custom cabinetry. Huge sliding glass French doors create seamless indoor/ outdoor living environments with privacy hedges, 1000+ Square feet of multiple decks/patios where one can take in panoramic ocean and Village views from all levels. Practical features include a private elevator for maximum convenience, iron clad security gated entry, and a provision for 6 car parking for visitors, guests and entertaining.

Offered at $6,125,000 38 Executive Agent Magazine

Shaun Hurley

DRE # 00870450

Broker, MBA First Team Real Estate 32451 Golden Lantern Suite 210 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Tel: 949.463.4663 shaunhurleyhomes@gmail.com shaunhwy1@aol.com www.ShaunHurleyHomes.com Executive Agent Magazine 39

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Turtle Rock Crest 2 Kepler, Irvine, California Offered at $2,800,000 and located at the top of Turtle Rock Crest allowing full city light views from the Pacific Ocean to Mount Baldy. They don’t come any better than this! Walk in your new front door and experience those views instantly.

Luxury remodeled 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath with over 3100 square feet. This high-end remodel features everything new throughout and all top of the line. Provenza wood flooring, 6-inch baseboards, all new led ceiling lights, new Anderson windows, custom cabinets in kitchen/baths/linen area, and custom shaker interior doors. This chefs kitchen overlooks the family room, breakfast nook, and the entire city light view and includes a center island, premium quartz counters, Italian Forno gas range with center burner, bosch dishwasher, and breakfast bar. The LaCantina multi-slide patio door opens up the backyard allowing access to the new built-in cooking center featuring a Solaire Infrared BBQ by Rasmussen and refrigerator. Enjoy a glass of wine at your new gas glass firepit on a raised deck to better capture the views.

Janice Konkol DRE # 00815860 First Team Real Estate

Cell: (714)624-3052 jkonkol@msn.com www.JaniceKonkol.com Executive Agent Magazine 41

33800 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, Ca. 90265 Offered At: $44,500,000 | MLS#:21-706706 Beds: 4 | Baths: 5 | 1.9 Acres

Chris Cortazzo DRE # 01190363 COMPASS Tel: 310.457.3995 chris@chriscortazzo.com https://chriscortazzo.com

Twin Oak Ranch 2667 Via De Los Ranchos, Los Olivos, CA 93427 Welcome to Twin Oak Ranch, an extraordinarily private and secluded ranch just minutes to Los Olivos, nestled within a grassy valley abundant with wildlife. The Italian Villa is timeless and blends seamlessly with Santa Ynez Valley’s natural landscape, totaling 249 acres of sanctuary. No expense was spared with the residence, natural stone from Turkey, reclaimed hardwood and handmade furniture imported from Columbia, a half ton front door, and an Italian plum tree highlight just a few of the unique features of this compound. The property also includes a horseman’s barn with training facilities and an upstairs apartment looking down into the foaling stalls. Twin Oak provides ultimate seclusion within arm’s reach of wineries, fine restaurants, a farmer’s market, great schools, shopping, airports, and a lively equestrian community. Plan a low key family picnic on the gorgeous grounds or entertain on a grand scale at the residence, Twin Oak has it all.

Offered at $14,480,000 44 Executive Agent Magazine

Bob Hurwitz

Jake Hurwitz

DRE # 00526195

DRE # 01960423

Hurwitz James Company

Hurwitz James Company

Tel: 310.477.8865

Email: Bob@thehjc.com

Tel: 310.477.8865 Email: Jake@thehjc.com

Executive Agent Magazine 45

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Craftsman Masterpiece SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA Situated on a walk street, steps from the beach and Shutters Hotel, this 3 bedroom Craftsman with 2 bedroom guest house is a rare offering. There are ocean views, gracious public rooms, a cook’s kitchen and wood floors. Spacious outdoor porches are augmented by professionally designed gardens surrounding the house. 12 Seaview Terrace, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Visit us at www.12SeaviewTerrace.com Offered at $6,950,000

Sue Kohl

DRE # 00560679

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties Tel: 310.720.3400 suekohl@gmail.com www.SueKohl.com Executive Agent Magazine 47

Pit-Stop of Success: The Mid-Year Review

I

cies between the estimated and actual figures and correct problems as needed. I typically ask clients to send us their profit and loss statements every month because they are such a good management device.

If you said B, congratulations. Now, how often should you check how you’re doing on the road of real estate -your business plan?

3. Track where your business is coming from. Take a few minutes to jot down exactly what parts of your marketing plan are working and which are not. Don’t hesitate to shift funds from a mediocre medium to one that’s working better for you.

know you Realtors® do a lot of driving so here’s a driver’s ed question for you: When you’re driving, how often should you check your rear-view mirror?

A. Once every three minutes. B. Once every five to seven seconds. C. Once every 10 minutes. D. Never. You should always watch the road in front of you.

If you just said, ‘What plan?’ keep reading. You have some work to do.

Believe it or not, 2021 is officially half over. This halfway mark is a great time to stop and check how you’re doing in your business. Stop and take a look in the proverbial real estate rearview mirror. After all, if you don’t know how far you’ve come, you don’t know how much farther you have to go.

Think of it as a strategic pit stop. And these pit stops are just as important as your end-of-the-year assessments.

Why? Because if you’re veering off track, it’s best to catch it early before you hit a tree or something worse.

But what do you do in a mid-year pit stop? I’ve shared a few tips that might help you make sure you’re still on the road to success for 2021.

1. Check your sales numbers. How are your sales figures looking compared to last year at this time? If they’re less, identify what’s happening to cause that trend. I have a sales tracker I like to use with my clients. Shoot me an e-mail at Article@CorcoranCoaching.com and I’ll send it to you free of charge.

2. Review your profit and loss statements. The profit and loss statement can be a valuable planning and a management tool because it can help you estimate expected monthly and yearly income (based on reasonable predictions of monthly sales, costs, and expenses). Record your estimates on one copy of the profit and loss statement. As actual numbers come in, record them on a second copy of the statement. Then compare the two pages to find discrepan-

48 Executive Agent Magazine

4. Commit to be more focused on dollar-productive activities. If you’re not making headway toward your goals, look at how much of your day is spent on what I call the four dollar-productive activities: listing, selling, negotiating and prospecting. If you’re spending time outside of these four tasks, you may not reach your 2021 goals. Adjust your schedule and get help so that you can concentrate on these items. Don’t rule out getting an assistant. It doesn’t have to be a huge expense. Hire a part-time assistant just to give it a test run. You might find, like many of my clients, that you’ll soon want a fulltime assistant.

Let me hear from you. Have you spent time with this question of what is success to you? Do you have a clear definition of success that feels right to you? Do you feel you’re making progress toward that definition? Please send any comments or questions you have to Article@ CorcoranCoaching.com or http://www.facebook.com/ CorcoranCoaching.

Bob Corcoran is a nationally recognized speaker who is founder and president of Corcoran Consulting Inc. (CorcoranCoaching.com), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into the broker’s or agent’s existing practice. © 2011, Bob Corcoran. All rights reserved. For more information about this article or author, contact Susie@FrogPond.com. For the most current local Housing Trends, go to http://www.

HousingTrendseNewsletter.com.

Executive Agent Magazine 49

Nomination Form Nominate a fellow REALTOR® to be featured in one of our feature stories; on the cover as Executive Agent of the Month, or as a special feature story. All candidates must be nominated by a real estate professional. The selection process includes a questionnaire, personal interview, reference check and final approval by the Advisory Council. Candidates are evaluated based upon professionalism, length of service and uniqueness of story, as well as industry and community involvement.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE

TO NOMINATE? I Nominate: Name____________________________________________________________________ Company________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________________________________ Email____________________________________________________________________ Submitted By: Name____________________________________________________________________ Company________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________________________________ Email____________________________________________________________________ Fax/Email nomination to: Executive Agent Magazine PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Fax: 949.266.8757 Email: Fred@ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com Tel: 949.297.8323

Our bone marrow transplant reunion is now standing room only.

Each year, City of Hope invites bone marrow transplant recipients and their families to attend the “Celebration of Life” event. It’s a joyous time during which survivors of blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma embrace their health, their life and each other. It began more than 35 years ago when City of Hope created what is now one of the largest and most successful bone marrow transplant programs in the world. In fact, we’ve completed over 11,000 transplants and, according to national reports, our outcomes are among the best in the nation. The goal of curing cancer isn’t just something we work at. It’s what we live for.

If you have cancer, make us your first call. Or ask your doctor for a referral. We accept most insurance.

800-826-HOPE

COH-0726_BMT_Hem_fp_4c_ExecAgt.indd 1

WE LIVE TO CURE CANCER. Science saving lives. cityofhope.org/bmt

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