May 2017

May 2017

Make the most of

small space living

MICHELLE ASTERINO also featured: Maggie Antillon-Mathews Beau S. Flom John Reuter Lauren Shaw Wyatt Tremaine Wilson

Using social media

to meet your sales goals

7 Secrets

for successful negotiations

contents

buyers&sellers

professionals 4

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7 Secrets for successful negotiations

Top 10 Green home features

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Make the most of small space living

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Initial investment — 7 Things you need to know before investing in real estate

Using social media to meet your sales goals Make your mark — 5 Ways to stand out

Featured Agent Magazine Phone 888.437.5707 Fax 888.849.3663 contact@featuredagentmagazine.com www.featuredagentmagazine.com 2

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Materials and content included in Featured Agent Magazine and on featuredagentmagazine.com are subject to copyright and may not be copied or reproduced in any part without prior written consent. Featured Agent Magazine is published by Times 3 Publishing Group, LLC. Publisher shall not be liable for any inaccuracy, error, or omission and makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the information, content, or materials included.

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q featured cover agent

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Michelle Asterino

Beau S. Flom

Maggie Antillon-Mathews

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q featured agent

q featured agent

q featured agent

Wyatt Tremaine Wilson

John Reuter

Lauren Shaw

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Visit www.featuredagentmagazine.com to find out how to recommend a professional to be featured, advertise or subscribe.

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7 Secrets

for successful negotiations

Homeowners and home buyers have a lot at stake when entrusting a REALTOR® to negotiate for the best price, terms, and conditions of a transaction. After all, homeowners may be using the money made from a sale to upgrade to a larger home, to send their children to college, or for countless other reasons. On the other hand, buyers also need to be sure that their agent is working hard to ensure they don’t pay more than fair market value for a home, or make a bad financial decision.

As such, real estate agents need to constantly seek ways to improve their negotiation skills. Even the most seasoned real estate agents know that growth comes through ongoing education and constant self-evaluation.

In other words, there is always room for improvement.

Here is a reminder of valuable steps to take to help 4

succeed in negotiations for your buyers and sellers.

It Never Hurts to Ask — Savvy negotiators will always ask for what their clients want — within reason.

That’s because if you don’t ask, you’re certain you won’t get what you’re after. There’s no guarantee that asking will assure you get what you’re asking for, but at least you will have given your best effort.

Two Ears, One Mouth — An often-overlooked strategy in the pursuit of securing the best deal, is the art of listening. You can glean valuable insight by listening more than you speak.

Be Armed with Facts — The easiest way to shortchange a buyer or seller is to be unprepared with facts, statistics and data when it comes time to negotiate with

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Real estate agents need to constantly seek ways to improve their negotiation skills.

Even the most seasoned real estate agents know that growth comes through ongoing education and constant self-evaluation.

In other words, there is always room for improvement.

toward negotiations is only likely to alienate the other party. Conversely, presenting a can-do attitude and a willingness to work through the issues at play will go a long way in making negotiations not only more pleasant, but more successful.

Step Into Their Shoes — Expert negotiators are skilled in putting themselves in the other party’s shoes.

In this case, we’re talking about showcasing exactly how the other party’s needs will be met through what you’re proposing.

the other party. Spend the extra time, energy, and effort to be the most educated REALTOR® in the transaction, and you’ll wind up with results you and your client are both pleased with.

Refuse to Rush — Haste makes waste, as the old saying goes. Trying to rush through negotiations will only create more opportunities for error or oversight.

Refuse to give in to unreasonably short negotiation processes just to close the deal quickly. Measured, thoughtful, negotiations will increase the odds that your client really is getting the best possible result.

Bring an Optimistic Outlook to the Table There’s something to be said for starting negotiations with the expectation that the outcome will be favorable to your client. An aggressive or cynical attitude Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Put Personalities Aside — When dealing with an agent whose personality doesn’t exactly mesh with your own, it can be difficult to set aside challenging behavior or tactics, but it is vital to do so. Your role as a REALTOR® is to sell or secure a property for your client, not necessarily to become friends with the other agent. Keep that at the forefront of your mind when dealing with difficult parties, and keep your focus firmly on the task at hand — securing the best deal for your client.

As a professional real estate agent, it is your responsibility to seek out opportunities to better serve your clients every day. This can prove challenging, as there are only so many hours in a day; but the fact remains that we will get out of our careers the effort we put into them. If negotiating isn’t necessarily your favorite part of your job, that’s all the more reason to work even harder at it. It may be worth your while to attend a class, seminar, or other training workshop a few times a year to brush up on negotiation tactics or learn new tricks of the trade. Alternately, there are wonderful business coaches who have years of experience, and track records to prove their success in negotiation.

Consider tapping into their knowledge, expertise, and advice when you’re ready to bring your negotiation skills to the next level.

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featuredagent Beau S. Flom magazine

As the leader of Flom Property Group at Keller Williams Inspire Realty, Beau Flom is widely regarded as the quintessential professional when it comes to all matters real estate in Fargo, Horace, Moorhead, and Detroit Lakes. The Navy veteran — who also spent more than a decade as a Physician Assistant in Cardiothoracic surgery — is noticeably calm, measured and humble, despite his remarkable success in real estate.

Indeed, from the moment Beau launched his real estate career, his disciplined, strategic approach to serving the needs of buyers and sellers earned him high marks for service and professionalism. By way of example, he was named Rookie of the Year his first full year in real estate.

Since that time, he’s gone on to secure the position of #1 Keller Williams agent in the state of North Dakota for the past three consecutive years.

“I’ve always had a passion for real estate and investing,” Beau says. “I began buying rental properties and managing them myself while I was in college.” In fact, despite a thriving career in medicine, it was his desire to master a new challenging craft that led him to delve into real estate full time in 2013. “I wanted to provide a different level of professionalism,” he says.

To Beau that means the values which guide Keller Williams, guide him and his team on a daily basis. “We believe in creating a win-win, or there’s no deal,” he says. Likewise, he and his team are dedicated to putting clients first, invoking creativity to find solutions and maintaining open, ongoing communication. “We work hard to take care of people,” he says simply.

he’s grown such a large base of loyal clients? According to Beau, it is because his focus lies firmly in “seeking to understand exactly what my clients are looking for, and then providing solutions to get there.”

“We’re on an upward trajectory of growth…

We are seeking to be the absolute best at what we do.”

Although Beau does work extensively in the luxury market and is a designated luxury agent for Keller Williams, he refuses to be limited in only serving that demographic.

“We work with all types of buyers and sellers,” he says.

To that end, he says his focus for the future will include continuing to grow his team and expanding into other markets, in an effort to be able to serve even more clients in the coming years. “We’re on an upward trajectory of growth. We have nine people on our team now, but will be adding to it as we expand into new markets,” he says.

As for how the leading Keller Williams agent in North Dakota spends his time when he isn’t working hard to provide premium service to his clients? He’s typically enjoying time with his wife and two daughters, reading, or taking advantage of the outdoor activities that the area affords in abundance. From snowmobiling to spending time on lakes, to golfing, when time permits, Beau will almost certainly be outside. In addition, he makes time to join Keller Williams in their charity endeavors and events, a great number of which benefit the United Way.

As a REALTOR® in the top 1% in the nation, suffice it to say, Beau is only just getting started and the future is looking incredibly bright. “We will continue to focus on our clients and continue to provide a different level of professionalism. Our clients will always know that it’s about them, it is not about us,” he explains. “We are seeking to be the absolute best at what we do,” he adds.

Today, as Beau’s team continues to grow, his business is now 50% by referral, or from repeat clients. The reason

Beau S. Flom Keller Williams Inspire Realty | Fargo, ND 701.799.4899 | beauflom@kw.com | www.fargohome.com 6

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Using social media

to meet your sales goals Social media affords REALTORS® and mortgage professionals alike an unprecedented opportunity to stay in contact with past clients, all the while reaching out to potential clients. That is, if you know how to use social media effectively. While it might be fun to share silly memes, or even articles about subjects you find interesting; as a real estate professional, you’re also taking a gamble in doing so, as you run the risk of alienating past, present, or potential future clients.

Instead, when it comes to using social media to brand your business, share your skillset, and build relationships, it’s best to have a strategy in place. Here’s a Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

look at how REALTORS,® originators, and brokers can utilize social media to increase sales.

Repurpose Other Marketing Initiatives and Share on Social Media — Because social media is incredibly cost-effective, if not altogether free, you have a golden opportunity to repurpose all of your past and current marketing initiatives, thus getting even more mileage out of your efforts. For example, you can supplement your email marketing campaigns through posting your newsletter, weekly, monthly or quarterly on social media sites. You can also use advertisements as new cover photos, profile pictures, tweets, or status 7

Any way you look at it, having a strong social media presence should be a part of any real estate professional’s marketing strategy. It is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to keep your name, your business, or your brand in front of people you already know, and those you’ve yet to meet.

updates. Videos you create for your website can easily be uploaded to a YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, and even Instagram. In short, social media expands your reach exponentially.

Inquire and Engage with Clients — Social media enables real estate and affiliated industry professionals a terrific opportunity to engage with past, present or prospective clients through opening dialogue. From taking surveys, to asking for feedback on various articles, images, and even new restaurants in your community, you can interact with people you may otherwise never engage in conversations with.

Position Yourself as an Expert and Educator Using social media to share valuable information including market updates or mortgage rate news, secures you a position as a professional who is eager to educate others. Moreover, sharing interesting home value pricing statistics or changes to mortgage interest rates will likely invite questions from your audience, further providing opportunities for client engagement.

Share Rave Reviews About Your Service Got a great testimonial from a client? Share it on social media as another way to brand yourself or your business as one which prioritizes client services. This is a great way to reinforce your dedication without having to boast about yourself, as you’re letting someone else do the talking for you.

Keep an Eye on the Competition — Social media also enables REALTORS® and mortgage originators the opportunity to see what other top-producing agents or professionals are doing to keep their name top of mind. By looking to what some of the top-producing real estate agents and originators are doing, both in 8

your market, or in other markets, you’ll likely get ideas for additional marketing opportunities that you could also implement.

Promote Your Partners — Social media also gives real estate and mortgage professionals the opportunity to support one another, further solidifying referral partnerships through the acknowledgment of milestones, such as a sale or getting a loan closed quickly.

For example, mortgage brokers can help REALTORS® gain added exposure for their listings through sharing listings on their own sites.

Showcase Your Products — Sharing your listings on social media is a smart move for REALTORS.® The potential for others to see and share with a friend who is looking for a home is significant. Likewise, for mortgage professionals, sharing any new loan products or updates to existing products on social media is a smart move toward driving website traffic or calls.

Champion Your Community — As a real estate professional, social media should be used to highlight the perks of the various communities in which you live, work and play. This has the power to attract an audience who may not be sure which neighborhood or community they want to live in.

Any way you look at it, having a strong social media presence should be a part of any real estate professional’s marketing strategy. It is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to keep your name, your business, or your brand in front of people you already know, and those you’ve yet to meet. Just be sure to stay away from topics which might upset or otherwise alienate others. Instead, load up your feeds with useful, helpful, and positive information, and you’re likely to see your referrals start to multiply.

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magazine

After 17 years in Chicago real estate, Maggie Antillon-Mathews, Managing Broker at Realty of Chicago, is ready to share what she has learned. “One of my main goals in moving into this position was to see this business grow by bringing in more young men and women,” Maggie explains. “Real estate is a tough business — 80% of people who get into it don’t last past the first year. But it doesn’t have to be that way if new agents have someone to guide them and believe in them; I want to be that person.”

Maggie’s commitment to others comes naturally. Before pursuing a career in real estate, she spent time as a social work case manager. Now her clients throughout the Chicago area, along with the agents she mentors, enjoy the benefits of her patient and nurturing personality.

Owning her own brokerage for 15 years before joining Realty of Chicago means there is hardly a real estate challenge Maggie hasn’t found a solution for, particularly when it comes to distressed short sales. “I still work with a lot of those clients, because real estate is very much a referral-based business,” Maggie explains. “It’s about growing those relationships over the years.”

Just because Maggie is well-established, however, doesn’t means she is set in her ways or afraid to try something new. “I call myself an old-school agent, because we didn’t used to have what we have now with technology and social media,” she says. “But I’ve become very comfortable with all of it.” That might be an understatement, considering Realty of Chicago’s strong social media presence.

Realty of Chicago is growing by leaps and bounds, more

Maggie Antillon-Mathews than doubling their agent count in the first year-and-ahalf. But they’re not just looking for agents to hang their licenses. Everyone who joins the team has to embrace and live by the agency’s core values of service and a belief in

“I’m grateful to have the ability to use what I do to be able to give back. It’s ingrained in me to try to make this world a better place.” giving back to the communities that support their work.

“This company really reflects what my values are. I’ve never been driven by just the money,” Maggie explains.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to combine what I love to do with giving back.”

Always on the lookout for ways to get involved, some of the team’s plans for this year include working with Habitat for Humanity, conducting their annual school supply and backpack drive and distributing 1,000 turkeys to local families during the holidays. The team is also active with New Crossroads and the Girl Scouts, to name just a few of their causes.

Above all else, Maggie wants her clients to feel like they are being taken care of. “I really don’t feel like a REALTOR®, I feel like an advocate,” Maggie says. “My responsibility is to be there for my clients and be sure they’re getting the most competitive rates and receiving world class service.”

Maggie is excited about what the future holds at Realty of Chicago. “I want to make sure our business grows with the right people who have the same vision we do,” she says. “I’m grateful to have the ability to use what I do to be able to give back. It’s ingrained in me to try to make this world a better place.”

Maggie Antillon-Mathews

Managing Broker | Realty of Chicago | Chicago, IL 773.896.4922 | maggie@realtyofchicago.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Top 10 Green home features Whether building a new house from the ground up or remodeling an existing home, adding green features just makes good sense. Not only are they often more energy efficient and moneysaving, they help preserve and protect natural resources and can offer homes unique beauty. Here are the Top 10 Green Home Features to consider:

Native Landscaping — Work with a gardener or landscaper who specializes in working with plants native to the area.

The yard will not only look beautiful, but require less water and be easier to maintain.

Satellite Controlled Sprinklers — No more watering the lawn during a rainstorm. Satellite controlled sprinklers are synced to weather satellites, so they only go on when they’re needed. Pretty cool!

LED and CFL Lighting — Though more expensive initially, these green lighting options will save you money in the long run by using less energy, producing less heat, and lasting longer.

Dual-Pane Windows — Dual-pane windows offer added security, energy efficiency and help protect the contents of your home from the effects of UV rays. There are even climate zone specific windows available.

High-Efficiency Appliances and Accessories — Look for water- and energy-saving washing machines, water heaters and dishwashers, as well as low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads (Good news!

Low flow no longer means low water pressure).

Solar Panels — As the price and accessibility of solar panels continue to improve, it’s a green option worth considering, particularly in sun-drenched climates.

Energy Star HVAC System — Staying comfortable year ‘round will be easier — and less expensive — with an Energy Star rated HVAC system.

Programmable Thermostat — This goes hand-in-hand with your efficient HVAC system. Look for one that allows maximum flexibility for programming different times of the day, and days of the week.

Sustainable Materials — New choices in green home materials are emerging all the time. Two of the most popular interior choices are bamboo flooring as an alternative to wood, and recycled glass countertops instead of non-renewable quartz or granite. Ask your builder or contractor about other sustainable building material options.

Proper Insulation — The single biggest factor in helping to keep a home comfortable and energy efficient.

One popular eco-friendly insulation option is blown-in cellulose, which works its way into every nook and cranny. It’s non-toxic, too.

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MICHELLE ASTERINO Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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MICHELLE ASTERINO “When I’m in, I’m all in,” says RE/MAX agent Michelle Asterino. “When I got into real estate, I thought at first I’d do it on the side,” she recalls.

“But I realized I loved it, and I really believe there’s no way to be successful if you can’t do it full-time.”

She became a real estate agent in 2004, and has spent more than a decade helping home buyers and sellers throughout Central Phoenix, the Biltmore area, Scottsdale and Cave Creek.

Michelle’s give-it-all attitude is just one of the many reasons she is able to work with nearly all repeat and referral clients. “It brings me so much joy when I get to work with a client again or a new client tells me they were referred by someone they know and trust,” she says. “That tells me I made a connection and they liked my service, which means the world to me!”

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A strong emphasis on continuing education also helps Michelle stay on top of her game. She is committed to being knowledgeable not only about the areas she works, but about the market as a whole, and the larger real estate industry. “I always want to provide the best value and never lose sight of the fact that my client’s home is likely the biggest investment they will ever have,” Michelle explains. “I stay current with what’s happening in the market and attend a lot of continuing education classes to ensure I am providing the best value.”

Early in her real estate career, Michelle received some valuable advice that helped shape her business.

“I learned that the marketing piece of real estate is so important,” she says. “It’s such a big part of it and I had no idea about that in the beginning. You can’t just put a listing on the MLS and think that’s Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

going to get a property sold.” She has developed consistently effective marketing programs to ensure her clients’ properties are being showcased to their best advantage. “I have someone who works on my SEO so my clients are represented well online,” she says. “If something is outside my realm of expertise, I hire experts to make sure it’s done well.”

Michelle views every relationship as a partnership.

“No matter who I’m working with, I like to work as a team to reach a common goal,” she says. “With my clients I let them know that we are partners every step of the way. I keep them informed and always let them know what’s going to happen next.

That consistent communication dictates how well a transaction is going to go.” She has a similar philosophy for working with vendors and fellow agents, too. “It’s about partnering with good title companies, Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

lenders, and others to make the transaction smooth and stress-free,” Michelle says. “Not all agents think that way, and I always tell them I’m here to work with you to reach a deal that benefits everyone.”

For Michelle, it all comes down to treating her

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“With my clients I let them know that we are partners every step of the way.”

clients like family. “I conduct every transaction as if I was buying or selling my own home,” she says.

“I believe in being honest and maintaining high ethical standards.” It’s that commitment to her clients and her profession that has led her to receive a number of awards, including being named a MillionDollar Producer her first year in the business. She is also part of the RE/MAX 100% Club, and is one of only 7,500 Global Elite Marketing Agents worldwide, which allows her to market her properties internationally through a network of agents.

Family is a strong theme that runs through everything Michelle does. She and her husband have two

daughters, and together they were involved with the National Charity League. “I was the National Charity League liaison to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and we volunteered at St. Mary’s Food Bank. I also regularly donate to support juvenile diabetes research.”

When she’s not working, Michelle loves to cook and entertain friends and family at home. “I have a great home that’s perfect for entertaining,” she says. “My husband and I are both Italian and we’ve been to Italy a few times, so of course we’re all about good food and wine,” she adds with a laugh.

“Every Sunday you’ll find a big group here for family dinner. We all love that!”

MICHELLE ASTERINO

RE/MAX Platinum Living | Scottsdale, AZ

602.380.6420 | michelle@asterino.com | www.sellingazrealestatedreams.com 14

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“I’ve been a student of real estate my whole life,” says Wyatt Wilson, featured agent with Tremaine Real Living Real Estate in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Indeed, the Millennial agent has had incredible opportunities to learn the intricacies and skills necessary to become a topproducing agent, thanks to growing up in a family of REALTORS.® “My grandmother launched our family real estate firm from the basement of her home in 1988.

Today, that business has more than 30 real estate agents and two offices,” Wyatt says proudly.

Though he’s been immersed in real estate his whole life, it wasn’t until recently that Wyatt realized that like his mother, uncle and grandmother before him, real estate was his true calling. “My grandmother is in her late 80’s now, and only retired 4 or 5 years ago. Seeing to it that her legacy is carried out was really my driving force for deciding to go into the family business.”

It certainly didn’t hurt that Wyatt took to the business immediately, with one sale after another, soon after earning his license. “I really do love meeting new people every day. And I love being the person to go to bat and negotiate for others. It comes naturally to me.”

Focusing on Genesse County, Wyatt’s clients have good reason to put their trust in him, despite him being a younger agent. That’s because he refuses to take anything for granted. “I’m relatable and easy to get along with, but I know that people are trusting me with their largest investment,” he says.

As such, he never waivers from his dedication to integrity, nor from his commitment to being a staunch ally when it comes to negotiating favorable terms and pricing for his buyers and sellers. “I make sure my clients know that I

Wyatt Tremaine Wilson am in their corner, and I will always go to bat for them,” he says.

“The joy I see on my clients’ faces, and the honor I feel when they trust me to guide them through their largest investment is amazing. It really is a humbling experience.”

In addition, Wyatt says that in working with each client, his goals include being a reliable resource for whatever they may need. “I strive to be someone who can offer a professional for any service my clients may require. If they are looking for painters, carpeting, or even a babysitter, I want to be their trusted advisor.”

To that end, Wyatt is not afraid to work with clients who may have seemingly uphill battles. For example, he’s currently working with a couple in their 40’s who have ten children. “We are going to find the right house for them. I can’t wait to see them, and all of their children, at the closing table, when I hand over the keys to their very first home.”

For Wyatt, that’s what real estate is really all about. “The joy I see on my clients’ faces, and the honor I feel when they trust me to guide them through their largest investment is amazing. It really is a humbling experience.”

As far as the future is concerned for this up-and-coming agent, rest assured, Wyatt will be one to watch. “As a Millennial, my goals are a little different than a lot of my peers. I’m very focused, and I’m looking forward to helping facilitate the growth of the family business at Tremaine Real Living. I’ve loved watching my mother and uncle run our brokerage, and they have done so in a spectacular fashion. Now I’m excited to bring my fresh perspective to it, and hopefully turn it into something even bigger and better.”

Wyatt Wilson Tremaine Real Living Real Estate | Grand Blanc, MI 810.280.1297 | RealLivingWyatt@gmail.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Make your mark—

5 Ways to stand out If it seems like everyone you meet knows someone who is “in real estate,” there’s a good reason for that.

There are approximately 2.5 million licensed real estate agents in the United States. But, only about 20 percent of those agents are responsible for more than 80 percent of closings. Still, with such a crowded field, it can be challenging to stand out and rise above the masses.

Here are several things you can do to connect with clients and potential clients and become one of the go-to real estate professionals in your community.

Become a Local Expert — A lot of agents will say they know their communities, but how many actually do? Take a deep dive and learn about everything your clients will want to know: schools, employers, 16

hospitals and health care providers, places to worship, where to shop and what to eat. Go outside your comfort zone and daily routine and think about what others with a different lifestyle will want to know. Find the best vegan restaurant, discover where someone can get the perfect cup of coffee on their morning commute, and learn which park has the best playground. If you’re a Millennial, investigate recreational opportunities for retirees. If you’re a baby boomer with an empty nest, get back in touch with the school system so you can share that information with clients who have young children. Creating deep connections in the community not only means you have more knowledge to offer your clients, it helps you develop your pipeline of referral partners.

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Real estate is such a crowded field.

It can be challenging to stand out and rise above the masses.

purchasing Twitter ads to increase your reach; it’s a small investment that can pay off big.

Stay True to Your Brand — Now more than ever, consumers are bombarded with a steady stream of marketing messages at every turn. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a consistent look and feel for your messaging across all channels. You want to reach the point where prospective clients recognize that something is coming from you, even before they look for your name. Using a consistent color scheme, font, message tone, and style of photography across all digital and print media helps to establish and reinforce your brand identity.

Make Social Media Matter — At this point, it’s no longer a question of if real estate professionals should use social medial. If you’re not, you are missing out on opportunities to connect with clients and prospects in a meaningful way. The most important thing with social media is to think before you post, and ask yourself if it’s something your clients need or want to see. Make an effort to offer social media content that is simultaneously useful, relevant, and enjoyable. Post updates on market conditions, your latest listings, links to your blog and content you find informative, and inspiring, motivational quotes. Remember, consistency is key. Only posting a few times a month if you happen to remember makes it seem like an afterthought.

For extra impact try “boosting” Facebook posts or Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

There’s Always More to Learn — You know those REALTORS® who have the alphabet soup of designations after their name? They’re on to something. Achieving specialty designations shows clients you are serious about real estate and in it for the long haul. Plus, knowledge is power. Staying educated on what’s happening in the constantly evolving world of real estate will give you an advantage over agents who haven’t cracked a book since they first studied for their license.

Consider Coaching — While it’s not the right fit for everyone, enlisting the services of a real estate coach can be the push many agents need to rise above and reach the next level. Having an objective outsider look at your business can help move you past your comfort zone and see opportunities for growth you might be missing. Plus, having someone who is on your side and invested in your success feels inspiring.

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Make the most of

small space living

The Tiny House Movement is one of the fastest-growing housing trends in recent memory. Tiny houses are fully functional mobile living spaces that measure from 100400 square feet. Obviously, fitting all of life’s necessities in such a tiny space poses many challenges. But you don’t have to live in a tiny house to face the realities of small space living. Studio apartments, loft spaces, cottages and many other small spaces all present similar issues. Here are seven ways you can maximize small space living to create a comfortable, well-organized and stylish home.

Take Care with Color — Adding color to walls is one of the fastest, easiest, most affordable ways to add character and personality to a room. But be careful when you’re working in small spaces, because the wrong color can make your room seem smaller than it 18

actually is. Avoid dark colors and stick with lighter hues to make the space feel more open.

Embrace Light & Reflection — Keep window coverings light, both in color and materials. Heavy window coverings will make rooms look and feel dark and claustrophobic. Stick to lighter colors and airy fabrics that allow light to filter through, even when closed. Another trick is to let curtain rods extend past the ends of windows on either side to create the illusion of width. Mirrors are another great way to visually trick the eye into thinking a room is larger than it is.

Bonus points if you can hang a mirror across from a window to capture and reflect even more light.

Make Furniture Multi-Task — When you live in a small space, everything should have more than one

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You don’t have to live in a tiny house to face the realities of small space living. Studio apartments, loft spaces, cottages and many other small spaces all present similar issues.

Get Control of Clutter — Clutter is the enemy of small space living. When every available surface is covered with mail, magazines, clothing and other everyday odds and ends, the space looks messy and unfinished. One way to keep clutter under control is to practice the rule all minimalists live by: one in, one out. That simply means every time you bring something new into your space, an equivalent item has to go. If you buy a new pair of shoes, for example, you have to get rid of a pair you already have, and so on. It’s definitely challenging, but it will make you think twice when tempted to purchase something on impulse, knowing that something you already have will get the axe.

purpose. Think ottomans that double as storage space, tray tables that pinch hit as end tables, and dressers that serve as nightstands. If you live in a studio space, it’s practically illegal to have a sofa that doesn’t fold-out into a bed. And remember seeing Murphy beds (also called wall beds) in old black and white movies and TV shows? They’re making a comeback and can solve a multitude of small space furniture and storage issues.

Keep Floors Clear — Crowding the floor with baskets or bins for storage may seem practical, but it will make room look and feel smaller. Open things up by keeping floor space clear and moving storage up to the walls (or even the ceiling, in some cases).

Shelves, hanging baskets, peg boards and other storage solutions will keep floor space free.

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Utilize Hidden Spaces — The space under, in between or behind furniture is no longer just a place for dust bunnies to collect. When you live in a small space, it can be used for valuable storage. You can get specialized storage bins made to slip under the bed or simply use your imagination to decide what goes where, like slipping a folding tray table under the couch or hanging an ironing board or shoe rack behind a door.

Keep it Extra Clean — Speaking of dust bunnies, small spaces need to be cleaned more frequently and thoroughly than their larger counterparts. It’s easy to ignore dusty corners or a too-full trash can in a large space, but everyday messes add up quickly when there’s not a lot of room. Take some time at the end of every day to do a quick cleaning and you’ll keep your small space feeling tidy and inviting.

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When John and Lindsay Reuter bought their last home, the experience wasn’t exactly seamless. However, that experience ultimately had a silver lining. “I realized that I wanted to give buyers and sellers a better experience than I had. I wanted to give them the truth, and I wanted them to have someone who they would know was always looking out for their best interests,” he says. Soon after, John, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, earned his real estate license, and began the hard work of building his own business.

Focusing on Dane County, together John and Lindsay work with both buyers and sellers, in all price points.

Their goal with each new client, regardless of budget is to make the experience fun, easy, and stress-free. “Buying or selling a home should be fun. This is an exciting time.

We want them to enjoy the experience,” he says. In effort to make sure this goal is accomplished, they insist on treating each client like family. “We want each client to feel like they are our only client. We want them to know that we’re always going to be working hard for them, 100% of the time.”

John credits his Air Force Core Values of integrity, service before self, and excellence in all he does with keeping him focused on his main objective of helping others.

“Commissions are not why I am in real estate. Anyone who gets into real estate with money as a motivation won’t get very far. You have to have a true passion for helping others, and our team does,” he says.

His track record certainly stands as testament to his commitment to excellence, integrity and service. After his first full year in business in 2014, he’d already made the top 20% of agents in his market. By 2016, the Reuter Team moved up to be amongst the top 8%. Likewise, John has been named a Top Regional Producer for his

John Reuter company. Yet even though the recognition is flattering, nothing compares to the personal rewards he receives from doing good work for his clients.

“I love being able to call my clients — or even better, see them in person — and tell them they’ve got an accepted offer. They are so excited. I’ve seen clients actually jumping up and down. That’s an amazing feeling. Closing day is also great, but I love that initial excitement,” he says.

Similarly, handwritten postcards, letters, or cards that clients often send after the close of the transaction mean the world to him. “You know you’ve done something right when someone takes the time to write you a letter and mail it to you.”

As a team, John and Lindsay are doing a lot more than just something right. They work tireless to make the lives of others better in numerous ways. They are fiercely dedicated to service, with a particular emphasis on veteran’s outreach programs. “We work to educate veterans about the various financial, educational, and housing resources available to them. We speak at colleges, and attend seminars to help with outreach,” John explains.

In addition, John signed up with the Homes for Heroes Program his very first year as an agent. “This program benefits true heroes, including police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, teachers and veterans,” he says.

To date, the Reuter Team has helped these everyday heroes to save more than $173,000 on home purchases.

In addition, 5% of John’s commissions are donated to charities helping heroes in need. This has amounted to more than $30,000, earning John the status of being a Top Homes for Heroes Affiliate for Wisconsin for the past two years.

With an incredibly bright future ahead of them, John and Lindsay are looking forward to continuing to help buyers and sellers to have fun, and enjoy a stress-free sale or purchase experience. But they are also looking forward to helping others to grow their businesses as well.

“We’ve added three agents to our team, and we plan to add more. We want to share our success with others, and we are excited to help others grow as we grow.”

John Reuter The Reuter Team | Home Buyers Marketing II Inc. | Sun Prairie, WI 608.669.4226 | john@thereuterteam.com | www.thereuterteam.com 20

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Initial investment—

7 Things you need to know before investing in real estate If you’re considering investing in real estate, rest assured you’re in good company. Millions of Americans have successfully done so in the past, and countless others continue to do so each year. However, that’s not to say that being successful with real estate investments is guaranteed. Like all investments, real estate comes with its own set of risks, so it’s not a decision to be made without careful consideration and planning. Here are seven essential factors you need to consider before purchasing your first investment property.

You’ll Need to Do Your Homework — Before you decide to take the plunge into real estate investing, spend time talking with other investors, with your financial advisor, asset manager, or CPA. Seek out advice from those who have experience in real estate investing, and learn as much as you can through research. When it comes to investing in real estate, knowledge is power.

Running the Numbers is Necessary — Investing in real estate will require that you have an incredibly solid grasp on your financial status. If you’re investing to become a landlord, know roughly what rental rates Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

the market will bear. Keep in mind that real estate as an investment is only lucrative if you earn money from it, either in the short term or long term. Basing your decision to invest in real estate based solely on an expectation of rapid appreciation can backfire.

Be Sure You’re Ready to be a Landlord — Being a landlord comes with its own unique set of challenges. Anyone who has been a landlord for at least a few years will confirm that things can and will go awry with tenants. Your property may be damaged, or your tenants may be difficult. They may pay rent late, or they may be noisy. Consider that these possibilities are very real, and determine whether you want the responsibility of handling these issues if and when they arise. Even if a property management company assumes the bulk of the responsibility for your property, at the end of the day, you are ultimately the owner, which means that you’ll be obligated to make tough decisions from time to time.

Take an Honest Look at Your Liquidity — As a real estate investor, you need liquid capital on 21

hand. Appliances break, roofs leak, carpets need replacing, and rooms need to be repainted. You’ll need to make sure you have a reasonable cushion of cash on hand to be able to cover the costs of repairs, maintenance and cleaning of an investment property.

Weigh the Pros and Cons of a Live-In Property — For your first investment, it is more than worth considering the possibility of living in the property. You may find a home with apartment units attached, for example. Or you may invest in a duplex or triplex, and choose to live onsite in one of the units.

First-time homebuyers often find this option to make a great deal of financial sense.

Lead with Your Head, Not Your Heart — Unlike buying a first home to live in, or upgrading to your dream home, purchasing investment properties should not be an emotionally driven decision. On the contrary, falling in love with the way a property looks doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right property to purchase as an investment. Remember that real estate 22

investing is by and large a business decision, rather than an emotional decision, and you’ll be more likely to save yourself time and money.

Have Realistic Expectations — Very few people get rich quick from real estate investments, and those who do are typically investors with years of experience. Furthermore, if you’re hoping to make a lot of money from a real estate investment, but opt for a low down-payment loan, chances aren’t good that you’re going to see that dream through to fruition for quite some time.

Becoming a real estate investor has proven to be a dream come true for millions of Americans, and there is no reason why it can’t be the same incredible experience for you. However, investing in real estate is not a decision that is best made spur-of-the-moment. Take time to explore your options, research the markets where you are hoping to invest, and ask for help from experts.

You’ll find that the time you put into planning a smart investment strategy will prove invaluable over time.

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featuredagent Lauren Shaw magazine

When Lauren Shaw decided to venture into the real estate industry, she applied the same forthright, energized attitude that fueled her successes as a college athlete and honors student. While working full-time as a police dispatcher and pursuing graduate school, Lauren decided that her daytime hours would be best used to make a difference in her community.

With that in mind, she dove headfirst into real estate, investing her time and efforts into earning her license and unexpectedly discovered her professional calling. Today, photo by Renato’s Portrait Studio after several years as an agent, Lauren’s outlook remains deeply rooted in serving others, staying true to the ethics that ground her, and transforming her passion into a lifelong career.

Though she mainly works in Passaic County, Lauren’s work is not limited by geography and she goes where clients lead, having served counties including Bergen, Morris, Essex, Sussex and Hudson. Lauren’s approach to the agent-client relationship is similarly personalized, with particular emphasis on honest communication, accessibility, and keeping the process as stress-free as possible. Likewise, she is a firm believer in client advocacy, working tirelessly to deliver results. “I have always been that go-getter, hard-working type. Even as a college athlete I worked two jobs, went to school, and graduated with honors,” Lauren reflects. “I have always had a passion for helping others and what brings me true happiness is making people happy. There’s no better feeling in the world than finding your friends, family, and clients their dream home. It’s that reward that keeps me going.”

The recipient of multiple awards — including Rookie of the Year, Circle of Excellence Bronze and the Five Star Real Estate Award — Lauren is especially skilled in working with first-time homebuyers, patient as she guides them through the real estate process. Her commitment to

candor and meticulousness instills confidence in her clients during the otherwise anxiety-inducing milestone of homeownership. “I do whatever it takes to get the deal

“There’s no better feeling in the world than finding your friends, family, and clients their dream home.” done,” she says. “No matter the case, I work endlessly to exceed my clients’ expectations. I’m always responsive, timely, trustworthy, and passionate about the work.” With a robust 75% rate of repeat and referral clients, the caliber of Lauren’s service and ability to deliver results speaks for itself. What’s more, as a decidedly 21st century agent, Lauren has learned to harness the power of social media and her digital proficiency has expanded her client database as well.

At the end of day, it’s her diligence and genuine compassion for others that has brought Lauren such early success. “It feels so good to help my clients, especially in something as important as buying a house. Even when there’s stress involved, all that disappears when you see how much you’ve impacted someone else’s life.” Though her only expectation when entering the real estate world was to serve others, she quickly learned that it was her passion, and hopes to one day earn her broker’s license and build her own brand. “So many agents begin this business believing this industry is all rainbows and butterflies, but it takes a lot of hard work,” Lauren admits.

“You have to have a thick skin and work really hard, but you get out what you put in — and the result is so rewarding.”

Looking ahead, Lauren has plans to continue to grow her business as she builds toward her long-term professional goals. In her coveted free time, Lauren enjoys staying active with CrossFit, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her loved ones. Today, Lauren has built for herself the foundation of a flourishing career.

With unyielding determination and years of hard-won experience already under her belt, the years ahead are sure to remain both busy and bright for Lauren Shaw.

Lauren Shaw Realty Executives | Wayne, NJ 973.634.3394 | laurenshaw@realtyexecutives.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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