December 2017

December 2017

Top 10

Ways to give back

Get SMART

about goal setting

Shannon Pyatt also featured: Allen Brodetsky Bill Fooks

Cold snap—

Tips for winter home listings

contents

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professionals 8

The perks of mentoring young professionals

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Top 10 Ways to give back

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Get SMART about goal setting

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t featured cover agent

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Shannon Pyatt q featured agent

Allen Brodetsky

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q featured agent

Bill Fooks

buyers&sellers 4

4 Must-ask questions when buying a home

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Cold snap — Tips for winter home listings

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A warm welcome — Prepare your home for holiday guests

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4 Must-ask questions

when buying a home

Buying a home is the investment of a lifetime. To safeguard this investment, you’ll need to do your homework and go beyond the standard, surface-level questions that only get you so far. To understand a home’s true viability, you’ll need to arm yourself with all the facts, history, and records available. That way, you’ll be able to uncover any hidden costs or possible pitfalls that await. So, where do you begin?

For starters, consider the four questions below, inspiring you to think slightly outside-the-box when it comes to researching and assessing your future home’s potential.

What’s the cost of the average monthly utility bill? As you make your list of must-have home 4

features, you’re probably crunching numbers for your budget planning. This is a wise move, but don’t overlook the smaller details. A properly insulated home with weather-proofed windows and doors can make all the difference in your bottom line during a harsh winter. The same is true for steamy summers that will test the durability and efficiency of your cooling unit.

Pay particular attention to these features and inquire with the current owners about what they pay in monthly utility bills. While you may have a budget in mind for your mortgage, a drafty home with old insulation can rack up your monthly pay-out. Get a clear idea of what the power rates are in the area and compare them to your potential home’s energy tallies.

Also, consider how much any standard maintenance Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

If you put in the legwork now, you’ll land a home that satisfies your budget, matches your vision, and will be the place you make memories to last a lifetime. projected value is a smart figure to account for when making a savvy purchase offer.

Have there been any prior pipe or sewer problems? The Insurance Information Institute reports that broken pipes make up nearly 22% of all home insurance losses. This means that pipe and sewer issues are not only common, but they’re expensive. Be sure to ask sellers for a history of any pipe or sewer back-up problems, but you shouldn’t stop there. Hire a trusted home inspector who can verify a seller’s report and you can save yourself the headache if the pipes in question aren’t in the best shape. Likewise, you’ll be made aware of pipes that may need replacing shortly down the line. This research can help you adjust your offer accordingly to offset any future replacement costs.

would cost you — another forgettable annual fee that can add up over time. Before you buy, get the real lowdown on utility costs, from electric or gas heat to monthly HOA fees and trash collection.

What will you pay in property taxes? This helpful information is usually outlined on a listed home’s info sheet, but be sure to account for this detail. An offhand estimate shouldn’t suffice either.

While your purchase price impacts the home’s ongoing tax rate, it’s wise to get a picture of the property tax history. Buying a home is enough of an undertaking without the added stress of unexpected or miscalculated annual costs that can break your budget. As an added bonus, understanding a home’s tax history and Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Has the home undergone any major renovations? Sometimes, sellers and their agents are forthcoming with this essential information — but it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Request detailed records and documentation regarding any renovated bathrooms, additional wings or floors added, a basement that’s been finished — and the like. Firstly, this will help you assess the true cost of a renovation and help you craft a conscientious offer. Secondly, gathering information on prior home projects allows you to keep tabs on contractors used. It can also help you plan and budget for when the next round of renovations will likely be needed in the future. If you do this research, you could save yourself a hefty sum and earn an excellent bargaining chip along the way.

While some of these considerations may seem straightforward, you’d be surprised at the impact these finer points can make in terms of affordability, safety, and long-term planning. Buying a property of your own requires due diligence, but if you put in the legwork now, you’ll land a home that satisfies your budget, matches your vision, and will be the place you make memories to last a lifetime.

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featuredagent Allen Brodetsky magazine

Home buyers and sellers throughout the San Fernando Valley, who work with Allen Brodetsky quickly realize he is far from an average REALTOR®. As Broker and President of Boutique Realty, Allen’s experience in every aspect of real estate is unparalleled. As a licensed Mortgage Broker, REALTOR,® and Compliance Consultant to fellow real estate professionals, Allen’s expertise is truly the gold-standard.

His knowledge and real estate acumen is supplemented by noexpense-spared marketing efforts for his clients. Likewise, his dedication to providing concierge-style service has earned him a well-deserved reputation as the go-to broker when home owners need their property sold quickly, and for top dollar. “I begin marketing my listings before they hit the MLS. I use professional photographers, create custom videos, build individual websites for each listing, host champagne broker-opens, and maximize social media to guarantee my listings sell quickly,” Allen says. “Most people need to sell before buying their next home, so my team and I are aggressive with our marketing from the start. As a result, our listings normally receive multiple offers, quite often over asking price, by the time the listing officially hits the market. In fact, my last five listings spent less than ten days on the market.”

Although premium marketing is vital, it is Allen’s attention to detail, responsiveness, and formidable negotiation skills that keep his clients coming back, and referring him to their friends and family. “My clients can always reach me, and they know they can count on me to go to battle for them when it comes to negotiating.”

In the competitive Southern California real estate market, Allen’s experience working as a mortgage broker enables him to be an additional resource for the buyers working with his team. With more than ten “exceptionally seasoned” REALTORS® working alongside him at Boutique Realty, Allen states, “With my team by my side, I’m able to focus my efforts on my listings. My administrative staff

and my REALTORS® go through extensive training.

You’ll never have the best people working with you, if you don’t take the time to make them the best.” Continuing he says, “I love coaching, educating, and mentoring agents who want a lasting career in real estate. I’m not looking

“We aim to raise the bar in every aspect of real estate.”

to become the biggest brokerage; I’m only interested in being the best at what we do. We aim to raise the bar in every aspect of real estate.”

As such, Allen is happy to serve as a Compliance Consultant, helping fellow brokers who are facing an audit by the Bureau of Real Estate. “Receiving notice that you’re being audited by the BRE can be overwhelming,” he says. “I help brokers to ensure that their paperwork is in accordance with California rules.”

With a highly trained team, a business primarily based upon referrals, and extensive experience in so many aspects of real estate, Allen has created a brokerage unlike any other. Indeed, Boutique Realty has solidified its position as the brokerage of choice for buyers and sellers in Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, and throughout the San Fernando Valley.

Moreover, Allen’s expertise is now in demand in other affluent markets throughout greater Los Angeles.

As for Allen’s life outside of work? He admits that sometimes it doesn’t feel like there are enough hours in the day, but when he does find spare time, you’ll find him doing one of two things. “When I have time off, I’m spending it with my incredible family or I’m fishing.”

As the past president of the Los Angeles Rod & Reel Club, Allen admits fishing helps to reduce the stress which is inherent in a profession that demands long hours and hard work. However, he says, “I can’t imagine myself in a career in any other field. I love what I do. I love helping people achieve their real estate goals and I love to watch my team grow in expertise and satisfaction. I have an amazing wife, two spectacular little boys, a team of diligent, enthusiastic, talented agents working with me, and the best clients in the world. I’m very blessed.”

Allen Brodetsky Boutique Realty | Woodland Hills, CA 818.312.0831 | Allen@AllenSellsLA.com | www.AllenSellsLA.com 6

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Cold snap —

Tips for winter home listings You’ve probably heard that the winter months are a terrible time of year to sell a home. Early in the season, people are focused on the holidays and out-of-town visitors. Later in the season the weather is dreary and properties, particularly the exteriors, don’t look their best. While all of this may be true, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad time to list a home. People still need to sell and move during the winter and savvy REALTORS® are more than happy to help them do it. The following strategies will help you make the most of selling a home during the winter.

Make the house feel welcoming, warm & cozy — Curb appeal can take a hit during the winter, so it’s important that the home’s interior takes center stage. Let in as much natural light as possible and supplement it by turning on lamps to brighten up any dark corners. Keep the house at a comfortable temperature — between 65 and 70 is ideal — and consider offering refreshments such as hot chocolate or hot apple cider to help guests warm up. As a bonus, they’ll make the house smell amazing!

Give the entry extra attention — Just because curb appeal isn’t at its peak, doesn’t mean you get to ignore the entry. Keep the front sidewalk and walkway free of snow, slush, twigs and other debris. Make sure there’s a sturdy doormat at the front door to catch mud and water before it gets tracked inside. And on extragloomy days, keep the porchlight on around-the-clock to cast a warm glow.

Highlight winter-perfect features — If the home has a working fireplace, woodstove, mud room Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

or any other features that offer cold-weather comfort and convenience, be sure to highlight them in the marketing materials and give them special attention during the showing.

Have fun with the holidays — If the home is on the market during the holiday season, don’t hesitate to decorate for it. Just be sure to keep holiday decorations traditional and tasteful. You want to add to the ambiance and overall look of the home, but too many decorations can be distracting and obstruct key features you’re looking to emphasize.

Turn up the heat — Prospective buyers will have heating on their minds. Arm yourself with useful information to share with them such as the home’s average heating costs, how much and what type of insulation it has, and the dates of the last HVAC service, along with any upgrades that have been made.

Make the market work for you — There’s usually less inventory this time of year, so take advantage of that fact by highlighting everything the property has going for it, both inside and outside. Don’t forget to include information on the neighborhood, as well as services including schools, shopping, dining and entertainment. If a quick sale is your goal, be sure to price the property appropriately.

Although it can be more challenging to sell a home during the winter, these tips will help make it easier.

With some planning and creativity, there’s no reason homes listed during the winter will spend any more time on the market than they would any other time of year.

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The perks of

mentoring young professionals

In the world of real estate, most lessons are learned in a hands-on capacity, and practices and techniques are often developed over years of trial and error. When budding agents kick off their careers, they’re far less equipped to handle the inevitable challenges of the business. That’s one reason why mentorship is an essential institution. But, did you ever consider that mentors have just as much to gain from taking new talent under their wing?

Oftentimes mentorship is viewed as a one-way street 8

solely benefitting the mentee, but keep in mind a few advantageous reasons below, how mentoring young professionals can reenergize your routines and perspective, while ultimately making you better at your job.

Mentoring young professionals broadens your perspective — After years in the business, it’s not uncommon for veteran agents to slow down or burn out. However, time spent mentoring rising agents can help you reconnect with your professional roots. You’ll remember the exhilaration, the hurdles, Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Mentorship has plenty of perks, from injecting new life into your practice to strengthening your professional offerings. ways to streamline systems, but verbalizing the rationale behind your routine helps you identify areas for improvement. Mentorship can also help you reassess and polish your broader working philosophies, or inspire you to try something new.

Mentorship hones leadership ability — Mentoring up-and-comers puts you in the driver’s seat.

It will be your responsibility to lead the way as the senior agent — determining which topics to address, curating an agenda, and crystallizing the lessons you’ll want to impart. All these tasks are par for the course when it comes to leadership. Likewise, inhabiting a leadership role refines your ability to communicate clearly, empathize, teach, and give constructive feedback. Sharpen those desirable skills and you’ll enhance your practice, as well as your long-term professional prospects.

and impactful lessons learned along the way. Mentoring the newest generation of agents, while retreading the basics from the perspective of a beginner, will reinvigorate your approach to routines long set in stone.

Teaching newcomers can help fortify your processes — By explaining to young agents how to execute each step of an established process, you’ll be forced to consider the efficiency and productivity of these processes. Perhaps you’ve overlooked key Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Working alongside young professionals can modernize your approach — Another added benefit of mentoring young agents? This new crop of professionals is in touch with the needs of their generation — a large pool of clientele increasingly in need of homeownership assistance. Budding professionals have an alternate set of skills and insights, and veteran pros can glean value from their fresh eyes. For instance, if your social media repertoire could use an update, or you’d like to contemporize your services in some way, mentoring a developing agent can serve as a perfect two-way street.

If you’re still unsure whether it’s worth your time to take on a mentee or two, think about it this way: the benefits of mentorship are akin to taking a continuing education course, or investing in your professional development. It’s hard to argue that these endeavors are without merit. In the same vein, mentorship has plenty of perks, from injecting new life into your practice to strengthening your professional offerings. All the while, you’ll be lending a hand to a colleague who is a beginner eager to learn — just like you once were.

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Top 10

Ways to give back

Giving back to the communities you serve is important throughout the year, and even more so during the holidays. Clients and potential clients take note of your charitable and service activities and like to contribute and get involved if they can. Hosting a special holiday activity will help spread good cheer and positive feelings in the community. Here are the Top 10 ways to give back this holiday season.

Adopt a Family — Work with a local school or nonprofit to identify area families in need, then choose one or more and donate all the trappings of a great holiday, including decorations, gifts, and all the ingredients to cook a special meal.

Put Up a Giving Tree — Partner with a local nonprofit or social services agency to find out what they need, then set up a tree in the office and decorate it with ornaments that list those items. Ask anyone who comes in to choose an ornament and donate the amount of money needed to purchase that item.

Host a Food Drive — Demand at local food banks rises during the holiday season and many rely on the increased giving at the holidays to make up for shortfalls other times of the year. You can help by hosting a month-long non-perishable food drive focused on collecting high-protein foods such as nut butters, canned tuna & chicken, and canned beans.

Decorate Senior Citizens’ Homes — Get the whole team together and spend a Saturday putting up holiday decorations at the homes of senior citizens who wouldn’t otherwise get to enjoy the sights of the holidays.

Have a Toy & Gift Drive — Foster kids often get placed in homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. Collect new, unwrapped toys, as well as gifts for teens such as cosmetic or toiletry kits, and donate them to a social service agency responsible for foster care placements.

Visit a Children’s Hospital — Spend an afternoon visiting with kids and their families at a local children’s hospital or Ronald McDonald House. Pass out small gifts such as seasonal story books and tabletop Christmas trees.

Collect Backpacks and School Supplies — Underserved students need supplies year ‘round to do their best in school. Plus, plenty of new students will be starting after the winter break, making this a perfect time to collect backpacks and supplies.

Collect Coats and Warm Clothing — Collect new or gently used coats, sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves in kids’ and adults’ sizes to donate to local schools or homeless shelters.

Host a Santa Open House — Have the jolliest agent in the office play Santa for an afternoon and invite kids from the neighborhood as well as clients’ families. Serve hot chocolate, cider and cookies and have someone in charge of taking digital or instant photos.

Give Out Care Packages for the Homeless — Ask agents and clients to donate travel size toiletries, boxes of protein bars, and cases of bottled water. Make up care packages in resealable bags and give every agent several to keep in their cars to hand out to any homeless people they see while they’re out and about in the community.

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Shannon Pyatt Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Shannon Pyatt There is no disputing that Shannon Pyatt, Broker/ Owner of Lake Norman Dream Homes, Inc. is an absolute standout when it comes to selling homes in the greater Lake Norman region. As one of the top 10 agents in North Carolina, and the top team in the Charlotte MLS, Shannon’s success is easily verifiable. But what’s most fascinating about Shannon is his complete candor in talking about mistakes he made earlier in his career, and his honesty in sharing how an epiphany changed everything for him, but more importantly, for his clients.

“For ten years, I was focused on the wrong aspect of real estate. We’re taught in real estate school that 75% of our time should be spent on prospecting for new business. So, I did that. Until my business coach reminded me of a quote from the great Zig Ziglar, who said, ‘No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.’” From that moment on, Shannon says everything changed. “I started focusing 75% of my efforts on serving the people I 12

am working with now, or had worked with before,” he says. “I saw that I could improve and impact lives, when I stopped thinking about the transaction and starting thinking about the relationship.”

Much of this can be traced to Shannon’s deep Christian faith, which has been reinforced and strengthened over time, through his involvement with Grace Covenant Church. Indeed, Shannon, a former shock jock radio announcer has been a drummer for the church’s Worship Team for nearly a decade. He has also turned to his faith to guide his career. “I began to develop and live by my motto of ‘providing quality service with the heart of a servant,’” he says sincerely.

To that end, Shannon says that once he changed his perspective on his career, his work became ever more rewarding, allowing him to truly get to know those he is honored to serve in real estate. “I work for clients, like I work for God,” he says. “I tell my clients that they are always going to get the best of me.”

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“I put my faith into everything I do, and I’ve been so blessed as the result.”

The best of Shannon is truly remarkable. From using drones, to 3-D tours, professional photography, and an innovative online marketing initiative which often results in his listings receiving more than 10,000 views online before they even hit the market; Shannon does not cut corners when it comes to giving each listing second-to-none marketing exposure. He cites a quote from Denver Broncos player Justin Forsett, who said: “Why be good when great is available?” as his source for inspiration when it comes to providing premium marketing for his listings.

clients every month. I have coffee and lunch meetings, where real estate isn’t even discussed. I want to know about my clients’ families, their lives, their children,” he says. “This is a relational business, which is my favorite thing about it.”

However, Shannon doesn’t believe in putting forth extra-mile efforts exclusively during the purchase or sale of a home. Instead, he continues to put forth the efforts to serve others indefinitely. “I write handwritten notes. I provide items of value to Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Not surprisingly, as a result of keeping in contact with those he works with, Shannon says he is frequently honored to be invited to weddings, or to see a new baby, which are rewards he says he never expected from a career in real estate. But he wouldn’t trade these incredible blessings for the world. “I put my faith into everything I do, and I’ve been so blessed as the result,” he says humbly.

Suffice it to say, Shannon has clearly made his own unique mark on the real estate industry in North Carolina. He’s endorsed by Dave Ramsey, and he’s received the ERA Leader’s Circle Award for the past three years in a row, which is an award that less than 1% of ERA agents ever receive. His business is more than 95% by referral, and he provides the same service to those listing a $5 Million home, as he does to those listing a $100K home for one simple reason. “It’s not about us,” he says.

“It’s about our clients, and service to others. I am proof that if you help enough people get to where they need to be, you’ll get there yourself.”

As for when Shannon isn’t helping others to achieve their real estate goals?

There’s nowhere he’d rather be than spending time with his own family.

“When I have free time, I’m with my incredible wife, Leah, our amazing children Maleia, Maggie, and Shannon.

Spending time with my family is truly priceless.”

Shannon Pyatt Lake Norman Dream Homes, Inc. | Charlotte, NC 704.968.2821 | pyattandassociates@gmail.com | www.ShannonPyatt.com 14

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A warm welcome —

Prepare your home for holiday guests ‘Tis the season to open your home to out-of-town guests. Whether they are just passing through for the night or plan to stay several days, you’ll want to treat your guests like the VIPs they are. Here’s how to make every room in your home feel warm and welcoming: Guest Room — The guest room should be a cozy retreat that allows your guests to recharge.

• Make up the bed with high-thread-count linens and provide extra pillows and blankets so they can customize to their liking.

• Set up a tray with a few bottles of water, a fresh box of tissues, lip balm, hand sanitizer and lotion so they can immediately freshen up after a long trip without digging into their bags for the essentials.

• Clear out at least one drawer and make space in the closet; provide empty hangers, a hand-held garment steamer and a lint roller.

• Surprise them with a small gift, such as a bottle of wine from a local winery or fresh cookies from a favorite bakery. A vase of fresh flowers is always an elegant touch.

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Bathroom — Create a spa-like space to leave guests feeling rejuvenated.

• Provide stacks of thick, fluffy towels, the more the better.

• Offer all basic toiletries including body wash, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant and dental care items.

• Fill a small basket with over-the-counter medications and first-aid items such as pain reliever, antacids, cough drops, Benadryl, Neosporin and Band-Aids.

• Add luxurious hand soap and a scented candle, fragrance diffuser or room spray.

Kitchen — Make sure guests feel welcome in the heart of the home.

• Find out if your guests have any food allergies or dietary restrictions and plan meals accordingly.

• Make sure to provide everything they need for their favorite morning beverage, whether that’s coffee, tea, or smoothies.

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• Fill a basket or bowl with snacks like small bags of nuts, protein bars, crackers and fresh fruit so they can grab something without having to ask you each time.

• Keep the fridge stocked with pitchers of filtered water and be sure there’s plenty of fresh ice.

Living Areas — Whether watching a movie or chatting about old times, it’s all about making guests feel comfortable.

• Add some extra pillows and throw blankets to chairs and couches so guests can snuggle up.

• Provide written instructions for how to use remote controls and access streaming services.

• Have a stack of magazines, books and board games ready to beat boredom.

Outdoor Areas — Extend hospitality outside the home, too.

• In cold climates, keep walkways clear of snow and ice to avoid slips and falls.

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Welcoming guests into your home is one of the most special aspects of the holiday season.

• In warmer climates, make sure outdoor seating areas are clean and inviting.

Little Details — Your guests will appreciate these thoughtful extras.

• Make sure the wi-fi signal is strong in all areas of the house; install extenders to boost weak spots.

• If it’s a rainy season in your area, have extra umbrellas ready by the front door.

• Put fresh batteries in all remote controls – don’t forget the garage door opener.

• If you have a lot of activities planned, provide a written itinerary so guests know what to expect.

Welcoming guests into your home is one of the most special aspects of the holiday season. With a little thought and careful planning, you can turn your home into an oasis that your guests will never want to leave.

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featuredagent Bill Fooks magazine

For more than 50 years, Bill Fooks has served as a trusted agent and financial steward in the Rhode Island real estate market. Applying decades of firsthand experience and insight, he leads the Fooks Team under the banner of Coldwell Banker, offering clients personalized, communicative service that speaks to their goals and a long-term vision of success.

Working in a region as compact as Rhode Island, Bill and his team travel across the state to serve their clientele, though they have a primary focus on the southern Rhode Island area and base their office in Warwick. From the outset of his career, Bill has made it a priority to guide clients towards long-term financial health through savvy real estate investment decisions and careful planning. For instance, Bill outlines his methodology this way: “Buy one piece of property every year for ten years, then pay off the mortgage in 25 years, and become a millionaire.”

Using that framework, he’s helped mint 14 clients as millionaires and achieved a goal far beyond the transactional elements of buying and selling single properties.

Today, Bill’s team consists of 10 members and also includes two dedicated assistants to ensure that all processes are streamlined and given ample attention. The Fooks Team prioritizes steadfast, clear communication and responsiveness so that all parties are informed and made to feel confident regarding a transaction’s progression.

What’s more, Bill’s team is comprised of professionals of varying ages and with a range of specialties. This ensures that clients are matched with the representation that’s best suited to their respective needs and goals, and the results are clear: Bill and his team complete an average of 100 to 120 transactions a year. This high level of productivity cements The Fooks Team’s place as a pillar of local commerce in the southern Rhode Island area.

In addition to a proven ability to deliver, longevity is also a main driver of Bill and his team’s success to date. Some team members have served with Bill for as long as 18 years — a true testament to the lasting success of his leadership and ability to cultivate a healthy, prosperous team atmosphere. “I’m very blessed to work with our team,” he reflects. “They do a great job.” With young professionals

added to the ranks, team processes are always in step with developing technology that promotes visibility of listings and lures emerging demographics, like millennial buyers.

A dedicated social media director on staff accounts for the team’s success in securing maximum exposure for listings, as well as marketing publicity for the team as a whole. Bill counts his team’s ability to be coachable as a major tenet of his office, while a collective approach to success uplifts the staff on an individual level, as well.

“It’s important to coach others to become successful for the long-term and not just to make money,” Bill explains.

“If our team members are successful as individuals, then it breeds success as a team. It’s important to be willing to work hard and to have a coachable spirit.”

For his longstanding team members, it’s not uncommon for 80% of their clientele to be driven by repeat and referral business. Considering the venerable role that Bill and his team have played in their community for so long, it’s little wonder why clients turn to them time and again.

Likewise, the skillsets on The Fooks Team run the gamut — from knowledge and backgrounds in flipping homes and catering to investors, to zoning and development experience. This holistic understanding of the industry makes The Fooks Team a one-stop-shop, and Bill lends his decades of insight to clients of all varieties.

In fact, growing his base of knowledge and staying upto-date on the business’s constant evolution is what Bill enjoys most about his day-to-day work. “I like the continual changes of the business,” he says. “It moves drastically from year to year, and I think it’s interesting and exciting to keep up-to-date on its developments.”

To give back to his community, Bill and his team partner with Coldwell Banker, to contribute to worthy causes.

Additionally, Bill served two terms as President of the Kent County Board of REALTORS.® In his free hours, Bill most enjoys spending time with his wife and venturing out for the occasional round of golf.

As for the future of The Fooks Team, Bill is continuing to grow his ranks and add more talented and like-minded staff to his roster. Along the way, he’ll continue to impart the knowledge gleaned from his lengthy industry tenure, serving his clients in pursuit of homeownership and lasting fiscal health. Having served a half-century doing just that, the years to come are sure to bring continued success for Bill Fooks and his team.

Bill Fooks

Coldwell Banker | Warwick, RI 401.639.7657 | info@fooksteam.com | www.fooksteam.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Get SMART

about goal setting

As the year quickly comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about what you’d like to accomplish in 2018. Setting goals to reach both professional and personal milestones will help you formulate your strategy, stay motivated and achieve success. Take a look at these effective goal-setting tips:

Get SMART — How many times have you set a goal (New Year’s resolutions come to mind) only to give up on it, or forget about it altogether, within a few weeks. Setting goals is more than just committing to doing something, you have to make a plan to get there. That’s why SMART goals make so much sense. SMART goals are:

• Specific • Measurable 18

• Attainable • Relevant • Time-bound

Using these metrics as a guide will help you set and track your goals so you can make meaningful, lasting changes.

Keep it Professional — Conducting your real estate business without setting goals is like taking a road trip without a map. You will end up somewhere, but it probably won’t be where you planned. Professional goals can include the obvious, such as sales goals and prospecting targets, along with things like hiring an assistant, improving your website’s SEO or establishing a team. Because it’s impossible to do everything at once, try breaking up your goals by Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

SMART Goals Ask yourself these questions to determine if your goal is SMART. • Specific — Is the goal precise, clear and concise?

• Measurable — Can you track the progress and measure the results?

• Attainable — Can the goal be accomplished using current resources?

• Relevant — Is the goal meaningful, worthwhile and consistent with your values and other goals?

• Time-Bound — Can you give your goal a clear “accomplish by” date? quarter. Focus on one large goal and several smaller goals. Anything you don’t accomplish will roll over into the next quarter. If you’re not sure where to start or what to focus on, talk with your managing broker or a more seasoned agent in your office to find out how they approach goal-setting.

Make it Personal — As you’re pursuing your professional goals during the coming year, it’s also important to focus on personal development. Personal goals can include working toward health and fitness milestones, seeking continuing education, networking to expand your sphere of influence and doing volunteer work or donating to a cause that’s important to you. In some instances, such as pursuing specialty designations, your personal and professional goals will overlap, and that’s great. Your goals should be complementary and positively affect the different facets of your life.

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Focus on the Family — While working toward your professional and personal goals, it’s important not to let family take a backseat. Your family goals will differ whether you’re married or single, with kids or child-free, but the important thing is that they help you strengthen the bond with those closest to you. They can be things like eating dinner together a set number of nights per week, attending school events, or getting away for the weekend once a month. If you’re single, make it your goal to reach out to your parents or a sibling on the same day every week, plan a family reunion or preserve old family photos or home movies.

Setting goals for different areas of your life, rather than just your real estate career, will help you maintain balance and not lose sight of what’s truly important to you. Remember that goal setting isn’t a one-time activity; it’s an active process that should change and grow as your career and priorities continue to evolve.

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