NOVEMBER 2017 N. ORANGE COUNTY

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

TERESA KARAM Executive Agent of the Month

PROFESSIONAL PROFILES Ryan Argue Plan A Real Estate

Justin Casares New American Funding

James Howorth loanDepot®

Chae “Jake” Kim Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Kevin Rankin HomeSmart Evergreen Realty

Andrew Shin Legacy Realty Partners

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NEWPORT BEACH 3501 Jamboree | Suite 200 | Newport Beach, CA 92660

Build a partnership with a direct lender that offers exceptional service.

John J. Reed Branch Manager NMLS-869516

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Jill Coss

Anthony Colacion

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Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

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Valerie Dawson

Therese Franklin

Ryan Grainer

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Argie Nastasi

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(714) 878-9934

Mark Martinez

Senior Mortgage Advisor

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Jim Thiel

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Senior Mortgage Advisor

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We offer in-house agent marketing support providing the following services: POSTCARDS | FLYERS | VIDEO | PHOTOGRAPHY Š2016 Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | | NMLS ID # 1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | AZ Mortgage Banker License #0910184 Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

Executive Agent of the Month Teresa Karam Realty ONE Group

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Professional Profiles

28 Ryan Argue Plan A Real Estate

14 Chae “Jake” Kim Kinecta Federal Credit Union 4

32 Justin Casares New American Funding

6 Kevin Rankin HomeSmart Evergreen Realty ExecutiveAgent Magazine

10 James Howorth loanDepot®

34 Andrew Shin Legacy Realty Partners

November, 2017 - N. Orange County

Editorials 16

Keys to Effective Feedback -Tony Alessandra

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A Team Is More Than A Group of People -Patricia Fripp

E XECUTIVE AGENT

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Fred Arrias Executive Publisher PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Ph: (949) 297-8323 Fax: (949) 266-8757 Fred@eamag.net www.EAMag.net

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Arthritis Foundation...............................................30 City of Hope....................................................38 Eagle Home Mortgage.....................................27 Finance of America Mortgage..........................2 iPhotography Studio...............................................25

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Live In Truth -Mark Victor Hansen

Kinecta Federal Credit Union...............................13 loanDepot®..........................................................................9 New American Funding...................................................31

PWAOR...................................................................39 The Termite Guy......................................................3

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Ticor Title Company...................................................40

How to Stay Positive on a Rainy Day -Jim Rohn

Photography: iPhotography Studio, Ian Wiant, Rob Paino Graphic Designer: Garon T. Arrias Editorial Manager: Trudy Van Writers: Haley Freeman, Shannon Hartsoe Editorial Writers: Linda Brakeall, Bill Brooks, Tamara Dorris, T Scott Gross, Chris Widener, Dirk Zeller, Zig Ziglar © Copyright 2017 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.

Doing Better than Good!

-Zig Ziglar

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E XECUTIVE AGENT Kevin Rankin TM

MAGAZINE

In Good Hands Written by Haley Freeman - Jessica Cascio Photographer

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ealtor® Kevin Rankin bought his first home when he was only 20 years old. He didn’t do it in the traditional way. Instead, he found a property with an

Kevin continued to invest in real estate. His next property was a major project, requiring demolition, design and rebuild. He again masterminded some creative financing, sought out the right professionals, and learned the nuances of project management, permitting and costing. He also developed trusted relationships with industry tradesmen that would carry him through many future projects. As an owner/ builder, Kevin marketed and sold his properties himself, developing good working relationships with escrow and lending professionals, as well.

After 30 years as a successful real estate investor, Kevin decided to put his experience to work as a licensed Realtor®. His breadth of hands-on knowledge about markets and strategies for buying, improving and selling real estate profitably is invaluable to the clients he represents. He chose to build his business with California-based agency HomeSmart Evergreen Realty, another strategic career move based upon the company’s reputation for local expertise and superlative service.

An outgoing, approachable person, most of Kevin’s clients come from his sphere of influence and talking with visitors at open houses. He uses grassroots methods to connect with people and provide them with useful information, rather than assaulting them with a high-pressure sales pitch.

assumable FHA loan in a local newspaper. He negotiated a deal with the seller in which he put $10,000 down, and the seller agreed to carry a second mortgage. That transaction opened up a new world of opportunity for Kevin.

While he maintained his career in the tech industry,

Recently, a couple visiting an open house communicated that they were still paying mortgage insurance on their current home loan. Kevin did his research, called his lender, and learned that the couple had a healthy 20 percent equity in their home and could drop their PMI. He followed up to let them know, and now they are clients.

“I’m not going for the hard sell,” Kevin says. “I enjoy connecting with people and having their best interests at heart. I’m always willing to do research. I want to be wellinformed so my clients are well-informed. I really want to help people by giving them more knowledge about the process.”

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Kevin also puts his tech background to good use in real estate. “I’m a big systems guy and a bit of a tech geek. I provide my clients with a link to the free HomeSpotter app, which I think is better than a lot of what’s out there. I like being able to give them something of value right up front.”

Kevin continues to draw upon the unique tools he acquired as an independent investor to aid his clients in their real estate objectives, whether he is helping them assess the feasibility of improving a fixer-upper, referring contractors or guiding them through the ins and outs of dealing with municipal and county regulations.

ty,” he says. “When I see a moving truck, I stop to find out what’s going on. I’m out guerrilla marketing every day.”

Buyers and sellers in Orange County are in good hands when they choose Kevin as their Realtor®. He is tenacious, knowledgeable and hard-working, and they can always count on him to have their best interests at heart. “I treat people like family, and I will find a way to help them, whatever it takes.”

This is what a recent buyer said about the value Kevin brought to his transaction: “Kevin helped me with my firsttime buyer’s experience, and needless to say, it was great!

Kevin even went beyond his normal duties as a Realtor® to find me a contractor to turn my house into a home. After the contractor finished his work, Kevin kept in touch with me after a month of closing to see how everything was, and even came to help me put my furniture together. I’d definitely recommend him to anyone looking to buy their own place in South Orange County.”

Kevin is also gifted at locating off-market buying opportunities. “I’m always on the lookout for available properExecutiveAgent Magazine

Kevin Rankin HomeSmart Evergreen Realty 27802 Vista Del Lago, Ste. E2 Mission Viejo, CA 92692 Tel: 949-554-3010 Email: krankin12345@gmail.com Web: www.homesmart.com CalBRE # 02014257

A Team Is More Than A Group Of People

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hen John Amatt led the 1982 Canadian team on a successful Mount Everest Expedition, only three people reached the summit. Many climbers who were part of the team, whose lifetime ambition was to stand on top of Everest, made the conscious choice to stay in the base camp. Why? Because they knew the effort was likely to fail if everyone tried to make it. They chose to forego their individual dreams in favor of helping the team succeed..

This wasn’t John Amatt’s first time to plan an Everest expedition. Ten years earlier, with one of his friends from Norway, he had gathered a team of world- class climbers from many different countries, for the challenge. But at the last minute, he backed out. Officially, it was to get married.

“But that was just an excuse,” he said later. “I knew that, despite having the best climbers in the world, this expedition would not succeed. Everyone wanted to reach the top for their own glory or that of their country. No one seemed willing to make decisions for the good of the team.”

His fears proved founded. Not only did the team not cooperate to make it to the top, at one point these sophisticated expert climbers even indulged in a rock-throwing fight.

A “team” is not just people who work at the same time in the same place. A real team is a group of very different individuals who share a commitment to working together to achieve common goals. Most likely they are not all equal in experience, talent or education, but they are equal in one

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vitally important way, their commitment to the good of the organization. Any group of people -- your family, your workplace or your community -- gets the best results by working as a team.

I believe that all of us want to be part of something bigger than we are. Team relationships fulfill that basic need.

They are an immensely powerful force, yet they always need to be nurtured. Be sure to show each team member exactly how far reaching his or her contribution can be. The team, each member, and the larger organization will enjoy greater enthusiasm and ultimately greater success.

What makes a team? Individuals who are not equal in talent, experience or education, but equal in commitment.

It is not realistic to think we can live or work with others without some conflict, but by communicating about the differences, focusing on the common goals and not throwing verbal rocks, we will make great strides.

Patricia Fripp, CSP,CPAE is a professional speaker on Change, Teamwork, Customer Service, Promoting Business, and Communication Skills. She is the author of Get What You Want! And, a Past-President of the National Speakers Association. Copyright© 2006, Patricia Fripp.

For information about Patricia’s Keynote presentations, contact the FrogPond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@FrogPond.com http://FrogPond.com.

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E XECUTIVE AGENT

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MAGAZINE

Written by Haley Freeman

James Howorth A

ccording to James Howorth, Loan Consultant at loanDepot in Irvine, there are three essential ingredients in any successful home transaction: accessibility, communication and trust. An 18-year industry

veteran with 50 five-star Zillow reviews, James consistently delivers all three. “Buying a home is a process, not an event,” he says. “When I meet a client, my first question is, ‘How can I help serve you to make this a seamless experience?’.”

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Originally from the United Kingdom, James immigrated to the United States in his late teens. He adopted his father’s staunch work ethic and applied it to an early career in sales. But his future took a fortuitous turn when he began working in finance, first in commercial lending and then in residential mortgages.

These many years later, with his breadth of experience and a community of delighted clients to recommend him, James could choose to work with any loan company. He chooses loanDepot for its progressive approach to lending and culture of service that ensures his ability to deliver on his threefold promise of excellence. James explains, “After I heard loanDepot CEO, Anthony Hsieh, speak about the future of lending and his vision of combining the industry’s top talent with the top technology, I knew this was the company I wanted to work with. loanDepot is a leader in tech and in service. When people are making the biggest financial decision of their lives, they don’t just want to be on their smart phone trying to figure it out.

They need someone to advise them and be available to them, and they need to feel like they are a priority to the person who is guiding them.”

James is part of a vibrant group of lending professionals who are excited to be at the forefront of progress, pioneering a better way to deliver home loans. This lending revolution includes a whole suite of consumer lending products designed to help people achieve financial success - with home ownership at the core. James explains, “Our mello™ software rolled out this year with a big picture approach to products and services. We’re going above and beyond to help clients reduce liabilities to qualify for a home mortgage with products like student loan refinancing and auto refinancing. We can also offer personal loans to consolidate debt or help with closing costs after the funds are seasoned. loanDepot is disrupting the whole industry, and it would be hard for any other company to catch up now.”

As a true industry expert, James is proficient in assisting clients from first-time buyers, to investors with multiple properties, to self-employed buyers with complex qualifying scenarios. “I love to help someone go from renting to ownership and stop throwing away money on rent. Handing that client the keys and seeing them over the moon about their new home makes all the hard work worthwhile. But I also love the challenge of structuring a complex loan. When there is a lot of income analysis and review of tax returns, that’s where my expertise comes in.

It can take a lot of digging and creativity, along with the

ability to see what the obstacles will be from day one to avoid problems later.”

A recent client described how James’ expertise made the difference in her home buying experience: “James was the third lender we met with as we were looking for a home and financing over the last few months. We found him to be very responsive to our needs, very personable, and very knowledgeable. He made us feel very comfortable contacting him with any questions, and he would get back to us very quickly. He was able to get us a loan even though we had some issues that could have potentially made it very difficult. We would highly recommend James Howorth as a lender who cares.”

James’ commitment to accessibility, communication and trust also extends to his real estate partners. He is selective about working with those who share his high ethical standards, strong work ethic and promise of putting clients’ best interests before commissions. “I want my relationships with other professionals to be mutually beneficial. loanDepot has great marketing and co-branding programs to help support our partner agents.

This business can be a grind, or it can be fun and exciting.

I want to take the passion we have and translate it into successful results for them.”

In this increasingly high-tech business where the personal touch remains an indispensable component of service, James is delivering the best of both worlds. “I’ve found that the people you surround yourself with are critical to delivering quality service, and I’m fortunate to work with the best. When someone is choosing a lender, they deserve to have an expert in their corner, someone who will deliver what they promise and hold their hand all the way through.”

James Howorth loanDepot® 2855 Michelle Drive, Suite 190 Irvine, CA 92606 Tel: 949-346-3738 - 949-584-7946 Email: JHoworth@loandepot.com Web: https://www.loanDepot.com/jhoworth NMLS ID 296010

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Rates, terms, and availability of programs are subject to change without notice. loanDepot.com, LLC NMLS ID 174457. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act CRMLA 4131040.

Live In Truth

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ometimes things just don’t work out the way we plan them.

If you’ve been lying to yourself, avoiding the truth of your life, it’s time to come clean.

Most people want more than they already have, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We all deserve to have the best in life. Just make sure that while you’re working toward your dreams, you don’t ignore the truth about where you are in your life right now.

You don’t have to get it perfect – you just have to get it going. Babies don’t walk the first time they try, but eventually they do.

The key to opening the door to your most-desired, future life is to acknowledge where you are presently – right at this very moment.

Some of us don’t want to face the truth. We’re afraid of what might happen if we really know where we are personally, professionally, financially and spiritually. But, to move forward, toward the life we really want, we have to know where we stand. We have to take inventory of our lives. (See “This Week’s Action Step” below.)

Some people are even more afraid of what others might think if they really knew the truth about us. But forget about them right now. The most important person to be truthful with is yourself, because, when it comes down to it, you are the most important person in your life. If you’re not honest with YOU, you won’t be able to be honest with anyone else.

In closing I’d like to offer an exercise to complete in the week ahead: • Get honest with yourself.

• Forget about your goals for a minute, and concentrate on getting really honest with your present situation.

• The truth about any situation is not what you want it to be. It isn’t what it should be. It isn’t what it would have been. The truth is what it is. No amount of sugar coating will make it anything different.

Take inventory of your present truth in these categories: • • • • •

Your physical self Your spiritual self Your financial self Your professional self Your personal self

Ask yourself these three questions for each category: For example: Maybe your plan was to own your own home, be the president of your own company and have a million plus in the bank by the time you were 30 years old.

You take a look around and realize that 30 has come and gone, you’re renting a house and are living paycheck to paycheck, working at a job you don’t enjoy.

Sure, you want more. You wish your old plan had materialized. But it didn’t. You can’t keep looking back, wallowing in what could have been. What you can do is create a new plan, then take one goal at a time and make it happen.

1. How do I perceive this area of my life?

2. How would I describe this area of my life, if I were being completely honest, to myself?

3. Are numbers 1 and 2 identical? (If they are, you are being honest with yourself. If they aren’t, it’s time to begin making them the same.)

Mark Victor Hansen, “that Chicken Soup for the Soul guy®”, inspires NEW VISION that generates innovation, productivity and profitability. markvictorhansen.com.

Copyright(c) 2003, Mark Victor Hansen. All rights reserved.

For information about Mark’s Keynote Presentations, contact the Frog Pond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@frogpond.com; http://www.frogpond.com.

Maybe your new first goal is to change jobs or start your own business. You have unique skills no one else has – use them to create a career you love. Then, after you take that first step, you can move forward to create your dream life, goal by goal.

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ExecutiveAgent Magazine

We’ve got feet all over the streets of OC. Hello neighbor! Tired of the big banks? Experience the difference of having a trusted credit union in your lending corner. Partner with us and see how your business will benefit.

Pair your clients with one of our experienced team members.

Erik Jenner, NMLS# 38025 Manager Mortgage Loan Sales direct: 949.253.5337 | cell: 949.293.1237 Erik.Jenner@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/ejenner Andy DeLuca

George Deekrich

Debbie Grant

Jake Kim

Mary Van Dorn

Tracy Williams

Corey Schumacher

Eldin Serrano

NMLS# 440903 Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant tel: 310.297.4528 | cell: 949.291.7189 Andrew.DeLuca@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/adeluca

NMLS# 644587 Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant tel: 949.726.2394 | cell: 949.413.8669 Debra.Grant@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/dgrant

NMLS# 1034211 Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 949.275.8838 Mary.VanDorn@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/mvandorn

NMLS# 491690 Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 949.306.1304 Corey.Schumacher@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/cschumacher

NMLS# 194556 Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant tel: 310.643.1353 | cell: 949.293.7359 George.Deekrich@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/gdeekrich

NMLS# 346847 Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 714.679.3710 Chae.Kim@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/ckim

NMLS# 762891 Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant tel: 949.253.5350 | cell: 714.333.5932 Tracy.Williams@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/twilliams

NMLS# 287457 Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant tel: 424.634.0384 | cell: 714.476.4373 Eldin.Serrano@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/eserrano

Visit www.kinecta.org/home-loans for info.

All loans are subject to credit approval. NMLS #407870. Intended for mortgage professionals only and not for consumer use.

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E XECUTIVE AGENT

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Chae “Jake” Kim A Mission of Service Written By Haley Freeman

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he people at Kinecta Federal Credit Union have a mission: “To be the preferred and most trusted life-long financial partner in the com-

munities we serve.”

When Chae “Jake” Kim entered the mortgage industry nearly 20 years ago, he had a similar motivation.

“Meeting different people, getting to know them and helping them achieve a goal is something I find very appealing,” Jake says. “I’ve worked with different banks and lending institutions, but when I found Kinecta Federal Credit Union and they said they put clients first, they really meant it. Achieving that mission statement makes my job very simple. From the minute of an initial consultation, I tell my clients that, and once I put their interests first, everything else falls into place.”

Jake’s comprehensive industry experience spans real estate sales, wholesale lending and retail loan processing. His ability to see the transaction from many different perspectives helps him fulfill the expectations of all parties and get loans to closing seamlessly and on time.

“Being familiar with the processing and operations side means I can explain what is happening to the client while guiding the loan through the process. I have an expectation of what needs to be done, and I understand how to coordinate our team with title and escrow to make sure we close quickly.”

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His real estate partners have come to trust Jake’s consistency and reliability, and they put confidence in his loan pre-approvals. “I have never had a loan fall out because a pre-approval was not done correctly,” he says. “Once I have a client, I will take care of them, and it’s one less thing for the Realtor® to worry about.”

Jake has distinguished himself as a top producer throughout his career, and since joining Kinecta Federal Credit Union in 2011, he has been recognized with multiple platinum awards. He humbly attributes a portion of the credit for his accomplishments to the Kinecta’s culture of collegiality and support.

“We don’t view each other as competitions here.

We’re all friends, and we pool our resources to make sure the client gets what they need. It goes along with my philosophy about life, too. I believe that people are genuinely, inherently good. We just need to remind each other and say it to each other.”

While Kinecta is one of the highest volume mortgage lenders as a credit union in Los Angeles and Orange counties, the company is still nimble enough to close loans efficiently while providing borrowers with individual service. “We have a lot of diverse loan programs with competitive rates. We also have portfolio loans, which allow us to consider borrowers with special circumstances. If I need an exception on a transaction, I can literally pick up the phone and talk directly to the person who is making the loan decision to explain the situation and ask to make a decision based on the client’s needs. I’ve never worked at another company where that could happen. We are in the business of building relationships, not just loans.”

“With 20 years’ experience, I will either have the information or know where to find it,” he says. “And I feel like part of the family when clients send me Christmas cards or pictures of their families or new babies. It’s a great feeling to know you have made a difference in someone’s life.”

Jake’s many repeat and referral clients are a testament to his lifelong mission of service.

“What sets us apart from the competition is that we are people who care. We put our members first. A loan is not just a number. There is an individual or a family behind that loan. After I’ve met someone and helped them with their mortgage, I want to know they are in a better financial situation than before their transaction with me.”

Chae “Jake” Kim Kinecta Federal Credit Union 1040 E. Imperial Highway, Suite F3 Brea, CA 92821 Tel: 714-679-3710 Email: chae.kim@kinecta.org Email: ckim@kinecta.org Web: http://www.kinecta.org/ckim NMLS ID 346847

Jake’s mission of service continues long after a loan has closed. He remains in touch with his clients and is always available to answer questions about their home, even those not related to their mortgage.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Keys to Effective Feedback

E

ffective communication between two people is not easy. You really have to practice to make it work.

Through the effective use of feedback skills, you can create a good communications climate. The following general guidelines will help you use your feedback skills more effectively.

• Give And Get Definitions.

The interpretation of words or phrases may vary from person to person, group to group, region to region, or society to society. When people believe or assume that words are used for one and only one meaning, they create situations in which they think they understand others but really do not. The words you use in everyday conversations almost inevitably have multiple meanings. In fact, the 500 most commonly used words in our language have more than 14,000 dictionary definitions. For instance, according to Webster, a person is considered ‘fast’ when she can run rather quickly. However, when one is tied down and cannot move at all, she is also considered ‘fast.’ ‘Fast’ also relates to periods of not eating, a ship’s mooring line, a race track in good running condition, and a person who hangs around with the ‘wrong’ crowd of people. In addition, photographic film is ‘fast’ when it is sensitive to light. On the other hand, bacteria are ‘fast’ when they are insensitive to antiseptics. The abundance of meanings of even “simple” words makes it hazardous to assume to understand the intent of a message without verifying and clarifying that message.

• Don’t Assume.

Do not assume anything in communications. If you do, you stand a good chance of being incorrect. Don’t assume that you and the other person are talking about the same thing. Don’t assume that the words and phrases you are both using are automatically being understood.

The classic phrase of people who make assumptions is: “I know exactly what you mean.” People who usually use that statement without ever using feedback techniques to determine exactly what the other person means are leaping into a communication quagmire. Use more feedback and fewer assumptions, and you’ll be happier and more accurate in your interpersonal communications.

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• Ask Questions.

A good rule of thumb is: “When in doubt, check it out.”

One of the best ways to check it out is through the effective use of questioning skills. Clarifying questions, expansion questions, direction questions, fact-finding questions, feeling-finding questions, and open questions can be used freely during conversation to test for feedback.

• Speak the Same Language.

Abstain from using words that can easily be misinterpreted or mistranslated, especially technical terms and company jargon. These terms, which are so familiar to you, may be totally foreign to the people with whom you talk. Simplify your language and your technical terms so that everyone can understand you, even when you think the other person knows what the terms mean.

• Stay Tuned In. Constantly be on the lookout for and recognize those nonverbal signals that indicate that your line of approach is causing the other person to become uncomfortable and lose interest. When this happens, change your approach and your message accordingly. Observe the other person.

Be sensitive to the feelings they are experiencing during your interaction; above all else, respond to those feelings appropriately.

Dr. Tony Alessandra, CSP, CPAE has authored 13 books, recorded over 50 audio and video programs, and delivered over 2,000 keynote speeches since 1976. Dr. Tony Alessandra is recognized by Meetings and Conventions Magazine as, “one of America’s most electrifying speakers.”

Copyright© 2004, Tony Alessandra. All rights reserved.

For information about Tony’s keynote presentations, contact the Frog Pond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@frogpond.com; http://www.frogpond.com.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Written By Dr. Tony Alessandra

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EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

Nomination Form Nominate a fellow REALTORÂŽ 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.

I Nominate: Name_______________________________ Company___________________________ Address____________________________ _____________________________________ City, State, Zip_____________________ _____________________________________ Phone______________________________ Email_______________________________ Submitted By: Fax/Email nomination to: Executive Agent Magazine PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Fax: 949.266.8757 Email: Info@eamag.net Tel: 949.297.8323

Name_______________________________ Company___________________________ Phone______________________________ Email_______________________________

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Cover Story

TERESA KARAM Executive Agent of the Month

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

TERESA KARAM “Outstanding, Efficient, Caring” Written by Haley Freeman - Photography by Ian Wiant

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our Realtor® for Life. Organized, efficient and hardworking; Proactive and knowledgeable; Caring, considerate and passionate about what she does.

Sound like someone you’d like to meet? This is Realtor®

Teresa Karam at Realty ONE Group in Mission Viejo. She loves working in her home community of Orange County, and she is excited about helping her clients find the perfect home while building wealth through real estate.

This self-motivated young professional entered the work world at only 15 years old. Just a few years later, she was introduced to real estate, and she moved to Las Vegas, where she was mentored by a Century 21 broker who specialized in assisting investors.

Teresa took her mentor’s advice to heart and began investing in real estate herself. In a short time, she had built her own investment portfolio and was looking forward to a rewarding future.

Then, the market tumbled, and Teresa took a step back to reexamine her career path and approach to real estate investment. She returned to the industry in 2015 and joined forces with veteran OC Realtor® Michael Cambra, who reignited her passion for real estate and gave her the guidance to succeed in a fresh market. “A friend introduced me to Michael, and was bragging about his amazing start to the first quarter,” Teresa says. “I mean, this guy had done over 500 transactions in his career, so I knew I was on the right track. From the day we met, we just naturally hit it off. He was nice enough to let me share his private office space and offered me a portion of his internet leads to work on. He also allowed me to sit at all of his open houses, most which were selling in the first week or two. I immediately began generating clients and putting deals together with him. It was a nice set up, as I was able to brand myself and generate my own business from other avenues while having the ability to work directly with him. Michael is a huge part of the reason I am successful. He has given me the accountability I need and sets the example of what a true hard-working and dedicated Realtor® should be like. This motivates me to always want to do better and work even harder. He’s been a support to me every step of the way, and it gives me confidence to know I have someone with his experience behind me.”

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Michael’s mentorship combined with Teresa’s irrepressible energy and determination helped earn her the number five spot in her office last year. And she shows no signs of slowing. This year, she was recognized as a Five Star Agent

by Orange Coast Magazine. Teresa continues to work with Michael Cambra and Ivan Miletich as part of the NVision team, a company that has a long track record, expertise and an awesome reputation for adding value to real estate in

need of upgrading/repairs; while also branding herself and building her own thriving book of business. “It’s a good mix, since we all do our own thing, but help each other out. Michael and Ivan do a lot of real estate investment, remodels, and flips, so I’ve been able to learn that aspect of the business from them. As well as being able to add value for my clients and to pass that knowledge to them to maximize their investment.”

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One of the benefits of working with a team is that it frees Teresa to pursue another of her passions -- travel.

“I’d rather work through weekends and then take a couple weeks off somewhere on an island,” she says. “I never have to worry, because I know my team will take care of my clients while I’m away. My favorite place so far has been Costa Rica. I love everything about it: the people, the weather, the rainforest, the ocean and the slower lifestyle.

When I’m at home, I enjoy live entertainment, time with my close friends and family, red wine, food and, of course, lots of time with Bailey my dog! She has brought so much patience, love and compassion to me that I can’t imagine life without her. We go to the beach and dog parks as often as possible, and I’m always sneaking her into my office on those long days. I also love the gym, weight training and hot yoga. I love staying fit and taking good care of my body, mind, and soul.”

Teresa’s direct and diligent approach to real estate results in transparency with her clients. “I go through the process with my clients before we ever get to the transaction, so they know what to expect one step at a time. I want to keep the stress for them as low as possible by taking charge. I tell

them ahead of time what they will need to do, and what I am going to do for them. Just having a roadmap for the transaction reduces stress and gives them confidence that they are in good hands.”

Persistence is another of Teresa’s key attributes. She adopts her clients’ goals and works tirelessly until they are achieved. She is available and responsive at all times, ensuring that she never misses an opportunity to follow through, and clients can always reach her with questions.

A seller commented on Teresa’s professionalism: “From the moment we met Teresa, we were impressed with her. She is sharp, knowledgeable and knows what she is doing. We worked with Teresa to sell our home she proposed her proven method of how to get our house sold. Four days and two open houses later, we had multiple offers coming in at and above listing price. Along with that, we had neighbors seeking us out to share how impressed they were with our Realtor®. I can’t say enough great things about Teresa. If you need to sell your home or are looking to buy, Teresa is the agent for you.”

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As a lifetime resident of Orange County, Teresa’s knowledge of the area is unparalleled. “I’ve made it my business to learn South County inside and out,” she says, “and I know North County because I grew up there. I know all the housing tracts in South OC, and without going to the MLS, I can tell you the average sales price and where there is inventory. Local knowledge of schools, tax rates and HOAs is critical to giving good service. I take pride in being a professional. If there is something I don’t know, I’ll do the research and find out. I want to know, too. I learn something new with every transaction, and it’s one of the things I love about real estate.”

A recent buyer confirmed Teresa’s command of the market. She said, “Teresa helped immensely in the search for my first home. She is very knowledgeable about the South OC area and market, quick to communicate with and spent the time to help me find what I was really

looking for. She provided great, honest feedback and was very helpful throughout the entire process. I am very grateful for Teresa and all of her hard work.”

Teresa maintains a personal touch in her business, whether she is writing handwritten notes to prospects and clients, sending them referrals for their businesses, or staying in touch on Facebook. “I go see my clients all the time. I love to take a bottle of wine and see what they’ve done with their home since they bought it.”

Real estate is the perfect career for this upbeat, outgoing young lady with a passion for creating millionaires. “I own property, so I practice what I preach. It’s so exciting to help someone become a homeowner and build financial wealth. When I say I want to be someone’s Realtor® for life, I mean it. I’m doing what I love, and I’m here for the long run.”

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TERESA KARAM Realty ONE Group 27401 Los Altos # 100, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Tel: 714-300-9005 - Email: TeresaKaram13@gmail.com Web: www.tskrealtygroup.com – www.nvisionrealestate.com CalBRE # 01973116 ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Doing Better than Good!

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eople frequently ask me, “How can I know when I am doing better than good?” I thought about that question and came up with 15 ways to measure yourself. Take a look and see what you think: 1. You are doing better than good when you clearly understand that failure is an event, not a person; that yesterday ended last night, and today is your brand new day.

2. You are doing better than good when you have made friends with your past, are focused on the present, and optimistic about your future.

3. You are doing better than good when you know that success (a win) doesn’t make you, and failure (a loss) doesn’t break you.

4. You are doing better than good when you are filled with faith, hope and love; and live without anger, greed, guilt, envy or thoughts of revenge.

5. You are doing better than good when you are mature enough to delay gratification and shift your focus from your rights to your responsibilities.

6. You are doing better than good when you know that failure to stand for what is morally right is the prelude to being the victim of what is criminally wrong.

7. You are doing better than good when you are secure in who you are, so you are at peace with God and in fellowship with man.

8. You are doing better than good when you have made friends of your adversaries, and have gained the love and respect of those who know you best.

9.

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stand that others can give you pleasure, but genuine happiness comes when you do things for others.

10. You are doing better than good when you are pleasant to the grouch, courteous to the rude, and generous to the needy.

11. You are doing better than good when you love the unlovable, give hope to the hopeless, friendship to the friendless, and encouragement to the discouraged.

12. You are doing better than good when you can look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion, and up with gratitude.

13. You are doing better than good when you know that “he who would be the greatest among you must become the servant of all.”

14. You are doing better than good when you recognize, confess, develop and use your God-given physical, mental and spiritual abilities to the glory of God and for the benefit of mankind.

15. You are doing better than good when you stand in front of the Creator of the universe and He says to you, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Think over each one of these 15 ideas and see how you can incorporate them into your life so that you truly are better than good!

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.

You are doing better than good when you under-

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yan Argue, Broker/Owner of Plan A Real Estate in Mission Viejo, is looking for people with great hearts and great passion.

A top-producing agent with 17-plus years of comprehensive industry experience, Ryan opened his doors with a plan for transforming the business of real estate.

“I wanted to create a real estate office that was more dynamic and forward-thinking than what was traditional by offering coaching and mentorship to agents,” he says.

“I wanted to offer a completely new real estate experience that puts the agent first and helps them achieve the goals they’ve dreamed of hitting.”

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A CLEAR PLAN OF ACTION Written by Haley Freeman

After earning his degree in marketing from Sonoma State University, Ryan began his industry career at E-LOAN. As a preferred lender for what was then ZipRealty (now part of Coldwell Banker), he developed strong Realtor® relationships and a clear understanding of their needs and expectations. When Ryan decided to move into real estate sales, one agent in particular had a profound impact on the course of his career, Kathleen Almendarez. “We partnered for a while in 2011, and she was instrumental in building my career. She and I worked together for two years, and she really did this to help open doors for me as I was getting started.”

listing appointments and door-knocking. “A lot of things in real estate make agents feel like an island. It’s nice to have an accountability partner and someone to learn from.”

He continues, “In 2013, I went off on my own, and I’ve been extremely blessed. I had this BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) that became the premise for Plan A. I love mentoring and supporting people, probably because of what Kathleen did for me. I wanted to pay that forward for other agents by sharing everything I’ve been given.

I’m giving it all away, at no cost, to help further their careers. It’s all about them.”

Ryan strives for an office environment that fosters a free flow of ideas. He recently asked all of his agents to provide two quotes that inspire and motivate them, and he has reserved a large wall in the office to display the quotes. Ryan’s contribution? “Wayne Gretzky said, ‘You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.’ I think that statement connects well with what we’re trying to do here. Agents often have tasks they’re great at, and other things they’re fearful about doing. I want to take the fear out of it by coming alongside them and doing it together, helping them take the shots they’d otherwise give up. To me, that’s what it means to be a mentor.”

As a producing owner/agent, Ryan closed a staggering 68 transactions last year. He accomplished this solo production with the help of “the world’s greatest assistant, Rita Sobin. I could not do what I do without her. She is instrumental in supporting me, and she goes way above the call of duty every day. We have a process that helps us stay efficient and deliver great customer service.”

With a diverse group of professionals of varying ages and levels of experience, Ryan is always looking for more people with a desire to both grow and contribute to their peers. “My ideal agent is someone who wants to take their business to the next level. I want to help them create a sustainable, long-term business that is systemized and predictable.”

With production numbers like these, Ryan has a wealth of practical wisdom to share with his team. His methods are current and relevant, based upon his real-world experiences and first-hand understanding of present real estate trends. “I provide one-on-one coaching every week, and agents have a time with me set aside to work on their business. I also do a weekly training on topics like farming, business building and networking strategies. We had a listing presentation training where I showed agents in our office my listing presentation. So many agents don’t want to show anyone else their sales presentation, but we have no secrets. Our office culture is open and collaborative, with everyone sharing ideas and practices. Ours is a culture of synergy.”

Ryan also leads by example, going into the field with his agents and participating in activities like open houses,

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Ryan Argue – Broker/Owner Plan A Real Estate 26522 La Alameda, Ste. 190 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Tel: 949.385.0394 Email: Ryan@planarealestate.com Web: www.PlanARealEstate.com CalBRE # 01892077

Jolly for a Reason Become a Champion of Yes Join the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run! On December 3rd, 2017, you and your real estate team can become a Champion of Yes when you join the Arthritis Foundation’s annual Jingle Bell Run at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Hundreds of your neighbors from Orange County and the Inland Empire will unite in this fun, holiday-themed 5K run with a goal of raising $150,000 to help cure America’s number one cause of disability.

This is a chance to wear wacky costumes, capture fun photos and create memories with your friends, family and coworkers, all while generating goodwill in your community. Participants, sponsors and volunteers are welcome right up to the day of the event.

This year, the Arthritis Foundation of Orange County & Inland Empire is honoring these local champions who are raising awareness and funds to conquer arthritis: • Corporate Honoree, Robert A. Freeman, Esq., is the President and CEO of OC Kick-boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (OCKMMA) in Irvine. Dedicated to empowering people through the timeless practice of martial arts, Robert and his fight team are “On the Mat Together” with the Arthritis Foundation.

• Adult Honoree, Chikayo Rattee was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2008. The indomitable Chikayo has turned her pain and adversity into strength, working at Mission Heritage Medical Group and spending time with her grandson.

• Youth Honoree, Amelia Sheldon, was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in 2011.

Amelia triumphs over her pain daily and works selflessly to help other children with JRA and other childhood diseases feel better about their circumstances.

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes, helping to conquer everyday battles with life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.

Register today for the Jingle Bell Run and learn more about the event by visiting www.JBR.org/OCIE or contacting Candice Henry at 949-585-0201.

Jeff Moore Branch Manager San Clemente

Dusty lloyd Branch Manager Mission Viejo

Tom Briggs Branch Manager Huntington Beach

Brian Keranen Branch Manager Newport Beach

Eli Fairfield Regional Manager VP, LA West and OC

Brenda Dintino Branch Manager Irvine - North

Rob Briggs Branch Manager Huntington Beach

Daniel Perez Branch Manager Anaheim

Christopher Paliska Branch Manager Anaheim

Matthew Moore Sales Manager San Clemente

NMLS #324123

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PARTNER WITH US

ELI.FAIRFIELD@NAFINC.COM

(310) 227-3359

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#1 ranking among independent non-bank lenders is based on 2016 overall combined purchase volume for southern California counties. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. NMLS ID#6606. Š New American Funding. New American and New American Funding are registered trademarks of Broker Solutions Inc. dba New American Funding. All Rights Reserved. Corporate Office is located at 14511 Myford Road, Suite 100, Tustin CA 92780. Phone (800) 450-2010. 6/2017

E XECUTIVE AGENT

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Justin Casares

Written by Haley Freeman

J

ustin Casares has dedicated his entire career to excellence in mortgage lending. He meets every day with enthusiasm because being a Loan Consultant at New American Funding is more than just a job; he says he is in the business of changing lives.

Justin grew up in Orange County and, after high school, took his first job doing clerical work for a mortgage company. “I was very young, and at the time, I really had no idea what a home loan was,” he laughingly recalls.

It wasn’t long before he met industry powerhouse Brenda Dintino, a caring mentor who recognized Justin’s innate talent and was eager to help him develop a lucrative, lifetime mortgage career. “I’ve been in the industry for 18 years now, and I’ve worked with Brenda for 15 of those years. As I grew professionally, she was always willing to elevate me to new roles.”

Justin moved up the ranks, spending several years as

a loan processor, mastering the fundamentals that help make him an outstanding professional today. He is widely known for his ability to construct bulletproof loan files, giving him a distinct edge on the competition. “I’m able to draw on the best of both worlds,” he says. “Knowing how to structure a loan, how to calculate income correctly, and how to package a loan cleanly really helps when it goes to the underwriter. I have a reputation for submitting complete files, and they move through underwriting without delays or getting kicked back to me. I’ve learned that what you get at the end is directly related to what you put in up front.”

His meticulous attention to detail ensures that homebuyers receive more than flimsy pre-approvals; clients receive fully underwritten approvals, allowing them to place an offer on a home with complete confidence.

Further, the superior tools and systems at New American Funding make it possible for Justin to close purchase transactions in record time.

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The Power to Change Lives “Most of my business is purchase transactions, and I understand that being able to close quickly can make or break a buyer’s offer being accepted. When I get a buyer approved, I take it a step further and work harder than most. I call the listing agent to introduce myself and let them know we have a full approval, and we are prepared to close in as few as 14 days. Reputation is key in this business. When a real estate agent has my approval letter, I want them to see my name and New American Funding’s, and remember that they’ve had a positive experience with us before.”

Justin is passionate about turning renters into buyers. In a market where home prices are soaring and ownership seems out of reach for many, he is ready to implement down payment assistance programs that level the playing field for worthy buyers. His dedication to client education goes hand-in-hand with his expertise in these niche programs. “Down payment assistance programs are more work for the Loan Consultant, so a lot of lenders just pass these transactions by. But I treat every client the same, whether they are buying a home for $150,000 or $1 million-plus. I especially love helping someone who has a good employment history but is just not making a lot of money to stop throwing money away on rent and build wealth for their family.”

Seventy-seven five-star Zillow reviews prove that Justin is truly changing lives. One recent client called him an “amazing Loan Consultant to work with, very knowledgeable, extremely efficient and easy to talk to. I very much enjoyed my experience with Justin. He not only got me a loan approval when all of the other companies had already told me no and/or had given up on working on my account, he got it done with in a week! I not only had the pre-approval, but I had the DU approval, as well.”

Justin also stands out among his peers. He is a member of the New American Funding President’s Council, placing him among the company’s top 2 percent of Loan Consultants nationwide. He is also recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) as one of the Top 250 lending professionals in the country.

to work for New American Funding someday. No doubt, it is due to Justin’s example as a local hero who wakes up each morning and dons his super suit to become a champion of the American Dream. “A loan isn’t just a piece of paper to me. Everyone is a human being with a story and a unique situation. Becoming a homeowner can literally change someone’s life. I am 100 percent dedicated to making it a reality.”

“I couldn’t do what I do, day in and day out without my beautiful wife of 12 years, Vanessa. She takes care of everything on the home front so I can focus on my work at the office” Justin Casares New American Funding 14511 Myford Road, Suite 200 Tustin, CA 92780 Tel: 949.208.8942 Cell: 949.230.1880 Email: Justin.Casares@nafinc.com Web: www.newamericanagent.com/justincasares NMLS ID 331372

A busy father of three, Justin says all his children aspire

Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, NMLS #6606. Corporate Office 14511 Myford Road, Suite 100, Tustin CA 92780. Phone (800) 450-2010. 11/2017.

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Written by Haley Freeman

Andrew Shin

A

fter graduating from Troy High School in Fullerton, Andrew Shin served in the United States Army, where he trained as a 91 Bravo Medic. After his military service, he returned home and began college with a goal of going on to medical school. But during his journey, another path opened up for him. “I had a lot of friends in mortgage and real estate,” Andrew says, “and they encouraged me to start doing something on the side.”

While earning his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, Andrew began training as a real estate appraiser. His mentor, Ruth Li, provided him with a

well-rounded industry education. “I have to give a lot of praise to my mentor. She’s not just an appraiser, but also a real estate broker and investor. She was an engineer before she became an appraiser, and she was very methodical in her work. She basically taught me everything I know about appraisals and sales. I was always impressed by how professional she was and how she kept herself knowledgeable about the market. As people get settled in the industry, they get comfortable. I learned from her how important it is to always keep learning. I can never say I know enough. I’m always taking more classes and learning as much as possible. She instilled that in me.”

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As Andrew perfected his skills as an appraiser, he observed that many Realtors® were not providing the level of service their clients deserved. “In my interactions, I found that many agents did not seem to have the best interests of their clients at heart. The client was just another number, and it was more about quantity than quality.”

Andrew saw an opportunity to serve a need, and he joined Legacy Realty Partners in Brea. Broker/owner Danny Gomes is a fellow veteran who has established a real estate practice based on eight core values Andrew shares: Integrity; Service; Character; Professionalism; Culture; Respect; Teamwork; and Trust. As part of Danny’s team, Andrew is now helping clients buy and sell property, while also maintaining his status as a licensed appraiser.

Andrew’s appraisal expertise gives him an understanding of markets throughout Southern California that few Realtors® possess. His ability to evaluate the pros and cons of a property translate into added value for his real estate clients, as he can give sellers realistic advice about how to price a home for sale and buyers an edge when making a purchase offer.

One client reported: “My wife and I just bought our first home, all thanks to Andrew Shin! We met Andrew at an open house, and from the very beginning he was honest and straightforward with us. Andrew never presented a house to us that did not meet our needs and/or was out of our price range. He was also available to answer any questions that popped up, even if it was after hours. We are truly appreciative that he drove out to personally show us each house. His experience as an appraiser definitely helped us make our final decision. In addition to

helping us select a home, Andrew also helped us secure financing. He worked closely with our lender to make sure that nothing slipped through the cracks, and in the end was able to help us save a ton of money on closing costs. Furthermore Andrew even assisted us with some of the upgrades we did on the home after closing. Overall Andrew went above and beyond to make the home buying experience as simple as possible. I can honestly say that my wife and I would not be homeowners if not for Andrew. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking to purchase a home.”

Andrew’s high standard of service is driven by his passion for helping others. He is both relatable and reliable, and he backs up these points of character with hard work and comprehensive real estate knowledge. “A big part of the American Dream is owning a home and raising a family. If I can help someone check off one of those boxes, I feel I’m doing a great service.”

Andrew Shin Legacy Realty Partners 135 S. State College Blvd., Suite 675 Brea, CA 92821 Tel: 714-624-3565 Email: Andrew@LegacyRealEstateCA.com Web: www.remaxlegacyca.com CalBRE # 01986267

A Passion to Serve ExecutiveAgent Magazine

How to Stay Positive on a Rainy Day

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t the foundation of carrying your own weather is the ability to pause between stimulus and response.

We are never without choice. That doesn’t mean things don’t happen outside of our control, or that our choices can’t be severely limited. As immortalized in the words of Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

A colleague once shared the story of a memorable professor he’d had as an undergrad. Every day, this short and somewhat rotund man would walk across the college campus, coffee in hand, seemingly incapable of being in anything but a good mood. He would greet students warmly, often stopping to talk with them about their day and was one of the most popular professors on campus.

One morning a spring thunderstorm broke over the school and, having misplaced his umbrella, the professor still took his usual walk to class. When he arrived, he remained as cheerful as ever as the students peeled off their various layers of wet gear, somewhat annoyed at the unexpected downpour. One student, noticing the professor’s everpleasant disposition but soaked shirt, remarked, “Hey Chuck, aren’t you at all bothered by the rain?” Chuck smiled in response.

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“Sure, but I benefit from my lack of height—it takes longer for the rain to reach me.”

Not a single person on the campus had any control over the weather. Most reacted to the unwelcomed moisture by allowing their moods or the external nature of the storm negatively affect them.

They complained about the sudden drop in temperature or that they got a bit wet. They allowed the darkening clouds to dictate their mood, longing for the sun to make an appearance and lift their spirits. It’s easy to feel like a victim with such thoughts, surrendering to the belief that we’re helplessly subject to the external world. And when others are the source of our dismay and helplessness, it’s easy to cast blame, level accusations and adopt a victim mindset and language.

The professor made a different choice. Rather than react to the weather outside, he carried his own. He looked inward instead of outward. This happy teacher decided how he was going to think and feel based on what he valued, regardless of whatever storm happened to break.

This choice is a defining characteristic between those who choose to carry their own weather and those who don’t— reacting to the external world as a victim or staying true to what you ultimately value. In the case of our short-statured professor, he valued the opportunity to come to class

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and do what he loved, to create a positive environment where his students could learn, and to plant educational seeds that might bear fruit for years to come. What was a little rain compared to that?

The esteemed Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, well known for his early radio and TV work, expressed it this way: “Each of us makes his own weather—determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits.”

At the foundation of carrying your own weather is the ability to pause between stimulus and response. The earliest humans learned “fight or flight” as a way of reacting to potentially life-threatening situations. Fast-forward to the modern world. For most of us, the challenge of daily survival is no longer the standard. Our stresses now come in different, less life-threatening forms. Yet, external stimuli naturally cause us to react quickly, and sometimes inappropriately.

Carrying one’s weather can express itself in many ways: from the simple choice to keep a pleasant or professional disposition, to not allowing the events around us to spin the needle of our moral compass. But at the heart of it is always a choice, and that power can never be surrendered unless we allow it.

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. Copyright© 2006, Jim Rohn. All right reserved. For information about Jim’s keynote presentations and seminars, contact the FrogPond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@ FrogPond.com http://FrogPond.com.

Thankfully, we have more than just the reactive part of our brain to work with. As human beings, we share the unique trait of self-awareness—the ability to see and evaluate our own thoughts. It gives us the capability to pause, step back and see ourselves along with the paradigms we adopt and use. In effect, it gives us the freedom to choose our response proactively.

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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

11/25/13 6:02 PM

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS THE BEST GOLF EVENT TO DATE!

For more information on the PWR Charity Foundation, please visit: www.pwr.net/pwrcharity