North Shore Real Producers - January 2022

NORTH SHORE

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

I N S P I R I N G .

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JANUARY 2022

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2 • January 2022

NORTH SHORE MASSACHUSETTS’ PREMIER MORTGAGE SPECIALISTS • Fixed-Rate Mortgages • Affordable Loan Programs • Adjustable-Rate Mortgages • FHA Home Loans • FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loans • Jumbo Mortgages • USDA Home Loans • VA Home Loans @realproducers

Working with Dave has taken all of the guess work out of determining insurance coverage and needs for our family—we had previously enrolled in a corporate option, thinking that our best interests were protected; however, Dave’s analysis and insights not only saved us on premiums, but offered us more coverage.

He holds the insurance for our home and our vehicles, continually updating us on policies and rates …without hesitation, I would recommend Dave for his knowledge, response rate and genuine customer service.

- Maureen Marblehead, MA We have worked with Dave Bruett for only a few years and can confidently say we would never change. Dave's professionalism and responsiveness sets him apart from the other agents we have worked with. His expertise and thorough guidance provides us the confidence that we are making the right decisions for all our insurance needs. He is our 'go to!'

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- Sam Salem, MA

David Bruett President

Phone: 978-594-5308 Fax: 978-594-0236 quote@davebruettinsurance.com info@davebruettinsurance.com

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North Shore Real Producers • 3

MEET THE

NORTH SHORE REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Talman Hauch Owner/Publisher /Advertising

Dan St. John Photographer

Dr. Brian Ramsey Sr. Writer

Heather Johnson Ad Strategist

Lightshed Photography Studio

talman.hauch@realproducersmag.com

Geneva Eilertson

Marketing Coordinator

Amy Bucher Photographer

Amy Bucher Photographic Artist, Inc.

Maeve Sherwood

Social Media Manager

Corey Stein

Photo + Video Production Corey Stein Films

For content contributions, or to nominate a REALTOR® for a certain story, please email NSRP@RealProducersMag.com.

BeaconLightHomeInspection.com | (617) 681-HOME 4 • January 2022

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North Shore Real Producers • 5

TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 12

14

18

Publisher’s Note

Ask The Expert: Thoughts From an Interior Designer

Rising Star: Claudel Frederique

22

26

32

Partner Spotlight: Glen Grutta

Featured Agent: Byron Lane

Cover Feature Story: Syndi Zaiger

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at Talman.Hauch@RealProducersMag.com.

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the North Shore Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

6 • January 2022

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@rjhomeinspections North Shore Real Producers • 7

PREFERRED PARTNERS

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community

ATTORNEY Dalton & Finegold, LLP (978) 783-3038 dfllp.com Gilmore & Gilmore, Attorneys at Law Rachel Hollingsworth (978) 777-3480 GilmoreGilmore.com ATTORNEY/ TITLE COMPANY Anthony G. Keck & Associates (978) 745-3353 Salem-Law.com Hallett Closing & Title, LLC David Hallett (781) 797-0088 Simple Title Closing & Escrow PLLC George Megaloudis (978) 539-7500 simpletitle.us Standard Title and Escrow Brendan Ward (781) 833-8520 StandardClosing.com Tiernan Law (617) 791-3538 Tiernan-Law.com

ESTATE SALES Blue Moon Estate Sales Jonathan Mandell (781) 698-7379 BlueMoonEstateSales.com/ MerrimackValley FRAMING/CUSTOM Vinnin Square Frames Chris Murtaugh (781) 477-9040 vinninsqframes.com HOME INSPECTION BeaconLight Home Inspection Phil Cucchi (617) 681-4663 BeaconLightHome Inspection.com Indian Rock Inspections, LLC Brett Maloney (978) 766-0366 indianrockinspections.com R.J. Home Inspection Adam Wright (800) 253-4402 rjhomeinspection.com Vector Home Inspection, LLC Glenn Grutta (978) 705-1007 vectorhomeinspection.com HOME RENOVATION Curbio (810) 300-9432 Curbio.com

8 • January 2022

HOME STAGING Staged Occasions Tara Konaxis (978) 885-0125 stagedoccasions.com INSURANCE AGENCY Tarpey Insurance Elizabeth Kent (781) 246-2677 tarpeyinsurance.com INSURANCE SERVICES David Bruett Insurance Services David Bruett (978) 594-5308 davebruettinsurance.com INTERIOR DESIGN Living Swell Diana James (781) 990-5150 livingswellmarblehead.com MORTGAGE LENDER Academy Mortgage Adam Moore (978) 697-6019 AcademyMortgage.com/ about-us/team/adammoore Envoy Mortgage Anthony Lapolla (978) 225-0697 anthonyatenvoy.com Guaranteed Rate Brian Mahoney (781) 731-9405 rate.com/brianmahoney

Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Liz Ryan (781) 236-3646 rate.com/lizryan NewFed Mortgage (781) 241-1225 newfed.com The Deffer Mortgage Team Eric Deffer (508) 423-6746 deffermortgage.com MOVERS Humboldt Storage & Moving Jim Sullivan (781) 821-8777 Humboldt.com PHOTOGRAPHER Lightshed Photography Studio Dan St. John (978) 854-5348 lightshedphoto.com PLUMBING/HEATING J. T. Mercier Plumbing & Heating Jay Mercier (978) 767-6460 mercierplumbing.com PUBLIC INSURANCE ADJUSTER Panakio Adjusters, Inc. Melissa Sherwood (781) 592-7575 panakioadjusters.com

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North Shore Real Producers • 9

H E A D S H O T S | R E A L E S TAT E P H O T O G R A P H Y

A one-stop shop for your visual home-selling material, we provide the following services: 3D Virtual Tours: Immersive 3D Tours using the latest Matterport Technology.

2D / 3D Floor Plans: Black and white or full color floor plans accurate to within an inch.

Interior Detail Shots: to highlight selling points ( kitchen appliances, tile work, etc ) Weather Alteration: converting cloudy / rainy days to sunny days.

Sunset Conversion: make your real estate images pop with our sunset shots (taken at any time of the day ) Digital Landscaping: we’ll touch up the lawn for you and make sure that grass is green.

Digital Staging: Don’t have time to fully stage the home? We’ll give you photo-realistic results and help your clients visualize themselves in the space.

Drone Photography: Make your listing pop with sky-high photography that will help illustrate acreage and location.

Questions? Need to list a home as of yesterday? We’d love to hear from you.

10 • January 2022

978.854.5348 DA N @ L I G H T S H E D P H O T O . C O M W W W. L I G H T S H E D P H O T O . C O M 7 9 WA S H I N G T O N S T. • S A L E M , M A 0 1 9 7 0 @realproducers

DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY | 3D TOURS

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North Shore Real Producers • 11

publisher’s note

APPRECIATE each day

In April, I was vaccinated for Covid-19. In November, I found out that I had contracted Covid.

I was feeling flu-like and tired and had a bad headache. A couple of days later, I started feeling worse and went to urgent care for an X-ray, where they discovered I had Covid pneumonia.

After a few more days, I was completely fatigued, could barely move without pain or even breathe properly. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I called for an ambulance, which took me to Mass Brigham Salem Hospital where I spent Thanksgiving weekend.

This was a very scary proposition. The fact of the matter is that anything can happen at any time.

Learn to appreciate each and every day that you have and take the proper steps to maintaining your health, both mentally as well as physically.

I’m not yet 100%; however, thanks to the professionals who helped me for five long days, I’m feeling a little bit better. These healthcare professionals throw themselves into harm’s way

each and every day and say to you as their patient, “I’ve got your back tonight.” I’m grateful for the care I received and to the selfless individuals who put it on the line each day to help me get better.

At one point, my nurse was in the room bringing me my lunch. She asked how I was doing and all I could do was burst into tears. I said, “I’m normally so active.” But the weight of the situation came down on me hard. I missed Thanksgiving with my kids and my family or anyone for that matter. The day passed right by like it never happened, which in reality, it never did.

Never take your health for granted. It’s a precious commodity and ever so fragile. As we roll into this Christmas season, I’m particularly wide-eyed, appreciative, and hopeful to be able to spend some time with my family, my close friends, and all of you!

Talman Hauch Owner/Publisher North Shore Real Producers talman.hauch@realproducersmag.com

Do you know a great business that values the Top 300 Real Producers Community? Email us at NSRP@RealProducersMag.com.

12 • January 2022

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North Shore Real Producers • 13

THOUGHTS FROM AN

INTERIOR DESIGNER ask the expert

Diana James, Owner, Living Swell

When I enter a home or any space, I am constantly moving furniture, walls, windows, changing the color scheme, removing items that I don’t care for and replacing them with an aesthetic that pleases me. It is an affliction that I have been dealing with for a very, very long time, and likely the reason I had no other choice but to go into interior design.

Had I not followed my calling, I no doubt would have ended up a very frustrated individual indeed with no means to express my outlet for (what I consider) to be improving every room I see. Having admitted to all of this, I cannot imagine doing anything else.

Design is not what I do, it is who I am, it is a part of my DNA. I am an optimist, I see the possibilities in everything. I see the what-ifs, and also the how-to’s, because not only am I a visionary, I am a doer. I make sh*t happen. The single most satisfying part of my job is realizing my vision into reality, as I think in 4D, not even 3D. The imagination I feel is a whole

14 • January 2022

other dimension, it’s the fourth dimension, and it is the starting point to any project.

I give you this background so that you get a glimpse into the psyche of an interior designer, as there is a good chance that any talented designer you may have come across tells a similar story, and it is an important one. Especially for real estate brokers. Because when you team up with an interior designer who has a high level of spatial intelligence, we can see past the dated, orange, formica corner tops and the faded wallpaper from 1965 and the unnecessary walls that block all sightlines. We give your client hope to see past those distracting elements and help them understand all of the property’s possibilities and potential. With a visual cheerleader at your side, the buyer begins to visualize themselves living in the home. Whatever might have been a reason to walk away before can be

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altered and turned into a real opportunity for everyone. This is powerful, and it opens a new world to what could be their dream home. Unlike you the broker, the client doesn’t see the designer as “selling” anything; my role as the designer is purely to

communicate how the space could work and to help the buyer visualize and talk through design options.

In my experience as a design professional over the last 21 years, I’ve seen that the properties which have

the most issues are the ones that benefit most from my vision. Even in this hot seller’s market, there are homes that sit on the market longer than they should or that don’t get top dollar because a floor layout feels like a maze or you have to machete your way to the front door and the kitchen and bathrooms are complete disasters.

Sometimes, there’s just not enough lipstick to put on that pig and all the skillful staging in the world cannot hide the fact that the home just needs real love and a thoughtful take two.

Should you find yourself at an impasse, when the home does not show well, you see the eye rolls as your clients navigate over matted shag carpets, and they wonder out loud if the knotty pine paneling is real and how they can make a 3-by-9-foot kitchen accommodate their growing family, it may be time to call in an interior designer. We can breathe a little hope on the situation and provide real design solutions to solve challenges and offer a vision for an otherwise problematic property.

Some of the most beautiful projects have started out as spaces otherwise deemed as hopeless before I got my hands on them. Good design matters, because not only is it pleasing to the eye, good design improves the way we live. My mantra is to design homes that teach clients how to live better with more efficient functionality, beauty and the best quality they can afford. When we work as a team, everyone benefits. The buyer has a new home, the broker earns commission and the designer fulfills her call to the universe by designing a home to its full potential.

Do you know of a great business that would love to connect with Top Real Estate Agents on the North Shore?

Email us at NSRP@RealProducersMag.com.

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North Shore Real Producers • 15

We are committed to providing high-quality legal services that meet our clients' needs.

Real Estate Transactions Probate Matters Estate Planning Small Business Organization

Salem-Law.com Julie Rubenstein

16 • January 2022

Anthony Keck

224 Essex Stre et | Salem, Massachusetts 01970 | (978) 745-3353

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Happy Thanksgiving I'm Thankful to be a Part OF YOUR

Mortgage Experience Committed to delivering each borrower a hassle-free mortgage experience by providing breakthrough technology, transparent communication, unparalleled turn-times and, most importantly, around the clock attention to your loan.

Anthony Lapolla is North Shore's #1 Mortgage Lender ANTHONY LAPOLLA Sales Manager | NMLS: 1481404

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1 Maple Street, 2nd Floor | Danvers, MA 01923 All applications are subject to credit approval. Program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Some products may not be available in all states. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Envoy Mortgage Ltd. #6666, 10496 Katy Freeway, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77043, 877-232-2461; AR Banker/Broker/Servicer License #103315; AZ Mortgage Banker License – #0908096; CA Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act License #4130597; CO Envoy Mortgage, Ltd., 877-232-2461, Mortgage Company Registration #6666; DE Licensed by the Delaware State Bank Commissioner Licensed Lender Licensee #011264; GA Envoy Mortgage , LTD (LP) Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee - Mortgage Lender License/Registration License #23619; IL Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee License #MB.6759338; MA Mortgage Lender Licensee – License #MC6666 and MA Mortgage Broker Licensee – License #MC6666; MS Mortgage Lender License # 6666; NH Mortgage Banker License - Envoy Mortgage Limited Partnership – License #14552-MB; NJ Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance – Residential Mortgage Lending License NMLS #6666; NY Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Banking Department, License #B500979, 10496 Katy Freeway, Houston, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77043, 877-232-2461; OH Residential Mortgage Lending Act Certificate of Registration #MB.804190.000, Mortgage Broker Act Mortgage Banker Exemption #MBMB.850025.000 and General Loan Law Certificate of Registration #SM.501928.000; OR Mortgage Lending Licensee #ML-3933; RI - Rhode Island Licensed Lender – License # 20092627LL and Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker – License # 20122861LB; TX Mortgage Banker Registration- NMLS #6666; VA Virginia NMLS ID#6666 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) – Lender License and Broker License # MC3021; WA Envoy Mortgage Ltd d/b/a Envoy Mortgage, L.P.- WA Consumer Loan Company License # CL-6666 – http://nmlsconsumeraccess.org | Other authorized trade names: Envoy Mortgage LP; Envoy Mortgage of Wisconsin; Envoy Mortgage, A Limited Partnership; Envoy Mortgage, L.P.; Envoy Mortgage, Limited Partnership; Envoy Mortgage, LP; Envoy Mortgage, LTD Limited Partnership; ENVOY MORTGAGE, LTD, LP (USED IN VA BY: ENVOY MORTGAGE, LTD); Envoy Mortgage, LTD. (LP); Envoy Mortgage, LTD.; | 11292018

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North Shore Real Producers • 17

Claudel Frederique M A J O R H O U S E K E Y, B E N T L E Y ’ S R E A L E S TAT E

rising star

By Dr. Brian Ramsey, Sr. Writer; Photography by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

FAMBASE! Years ago, a family led by Serge Frederique traveled from Haiti to the United States in search of opportunity and to fulfill an entrepreneurial dream. With sheer hard work and a determined spirit, Claudel Frederique’s family learned to survive and thrive. Still, Claudel noticed that some of his father’s desires could not be met with meager resources, and he determined very early, based upon that life’s lesson, to grow his personal resources and become the harbinger of others’ efforts to forge a successful career and life’s path.

18 • January 2022

Claudel is well on his way. After studying and working as a dental technician for several years, Frederique realized that working in a lab making removable prosthetics was good, but it was not providing him with the social interaction he needed nor the path to fulfill his dreams.

When he announced his desire and plans to leave his successful and safe employment, there were many who did not understand his thinking, but his small circle of supporters provided the emotional safety net that he needed, and in a relatively short time, Claudel was soaring to become a rising star.

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Real estate is not just showing houses; it is a lifestyle.

Frederique gives huge kudos to his wife, who became his anchor. His niece and cousin joined that elite club, and it was his dreaming with his cousin that provided some impetus to weather through the difficult times while starting a real estate business. “Real estate is not just showing houses; it is a lifestyle,” says Claudel. For him, success is not a destination or a definable place but rather waves of accomplishment. When he meets his goals, he has experienced a measure of success, but then he makes new goals and strives to reach them.

Claudel has found his niche in real estate, and he loves the thrill of each day. He has learned so much, and he notes that building relationships is the key and that good communication is vital. He enjoys the opportunity to build rapport with clients, and each time he sits at the closing table, he is aware that it is incredibly important realproducersmag.com

to make sure that everyone seated there is happy.

He seeks to make long-lasting relationships with his clients and his peers, for one never knows who will be involved the next time.

As difficult as the year 2020 was for everyone, Claudel’s journey last year (2021) could be described as devastating. He lost his uncle and his father to COVID-19 within five months of each other, and although it was his banner year financially, he struggled to manage his emotions in his loss. Claudel is a very positive person, so he was able to find a way to make something beneficial and beautiful from the ashes, and he gained some serious perspective about life from that time. “I am not sure what I was supposed to learn yet, but I believe that greatness lies ahead,” he says.

North Shore Real Producers • 19

To summarize Claudel’s life, one needs to understand his mantra of FAMBASE. The newly coined word expresses his philosophy of living in that Family And Morals Builds Amazing Status Everywhere! Frederique knows that life is a journey and not a trip, and he is in for the long haul. He operates by the axiom of “stop talking and just do it,” and he and his wife, Melissa, share the same core values. In fact, she will be a vital part of his momentum in starting future businesses. Claudel hopes to start other ventures related to real estate, and he has already started purchasing properties.

Claudel is a hard-working, funny and people-oriented person who has grown his business by making sure that everyone knows what he does. He and Melissa have both suffered through COVID-19, and they know that there will be many more mountains to climb and valleys to experience, but they are resolved to not only have personal anchors but to be an anchor for someone. Claudel just added his first team member, his nephew Terrence Charles, and he wishes for him to build on the resources that Frederique has foundationally laid until now. After all, family and morals make everything amazing!

20 • January 2022

stop talking and just do it.

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Indian Rock Inspections services Boston's North Shore and Southern New Hampshire.

With over 35 years in the building and construction industry, we can confidently provide our clients with a detailed inspection report delivered within 24 hours.

WISHING ALL HEALTH AND SUCCESS FOR THE NEW YEAR Brett Maloney, Home Inspector | Call or Text: 978-766-0366 Brett@IndianRockInspections.com | www.IndianRockInspections.com

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North Shore Real Producers • 21

partner spotlight

By Dr. Brian Ramsey, Sr. Writer, Photography by Amy Bucher, Amy Bucher Photographic Artist, Inc.

Glenn

GRUTTA Vector Home Inspection MAGNITUDE AND DIRECTION

“Whatever your goal in life, the beginning is knowledge and experience.”

– HENRY FORD Glenn Grutta’s father must have had the same philosophy as Henry Ford, for when Glenn was just 7 years old, he began to shadow his dad, who was a custom home builder. Glenn’s first job was to learn how to use a transit to lay out the footings for the foundation of a new home, and from there, Grutta worked alongside his father on weekends and during summers. When he joined the Carpenter’s Union later, they only held him in class a short period, and he was awarded his certificate. Apparently, they felt that he already knew what he needed to know.

Glenn launched his professional career doing home renovations in the 1970s, and in the 1980s and ‘90s, he worked for a roofing company as a branch manager. The company transferred 22 • January 2022

him to Massachusetts in the late 1980s, and he has been serving his community ever since. Grutta also attended RIT and earned his engineering degree, studying both mechanical and electrical. Glenn was probably very fun to have in class as he could offer a link between the theory of it all and the practical side of implementation and everyday experience.

Few can combine education, practical experience and an understanding of theory, since few have the amount of exposure that Glenn has, but his expertise and command of the industry allows Grutta the privilege of “teaching” many homeowners and agents the various aspects involved in home inspection. “I can always put a buyer or seller at ease by explaining

everything that is visible in a home. If there is a crack, it is not often a bad thing, and I can tell by the direction and the size what is probably happening. It gives potential owners a confidence that they would otherwise not possess,” he explains.

People and agents really enjoy working with Vector Home Inspections for their professionalism and timely responses. Glenn is able to give people appropriate expectations of the near future and the far future, and perhaps his best feature is his non-alarmist presentation of the results of his inspection. One has to know the homes in the area well, since some are brand new and some are over 100 years old. He has been asked many times to give first-time @realproducers

homebuyer seminars, and he waxes eloquent in explaining his work.

For almost two and one-half decades, Glenn has been inspecting homes, and over six years ago he started his own company so that he could make all the decisions that affect his clients. “We chose the name Vector, realproducersmag.com

which means magnitude and direction – so we can provide people with the magnitude of their issues and give them qualified direction to rectify any problems,” he says proudly.

For Grutta, success is really about never limiting yourself and always

North Shore Real Producers • 23

working very hard to accomplish your goals and work. When he made the decision to start his own company and to drive anywhere he was needed, he knew that his choices and philosophy would work for his customers. “I enjoy the role of teacher, and I always ask my customers to write out a list of questions they need answered. I am happy to put them at ease and to give them solutions that will work in the immediate situation and for the long haul. I also enjoy preparing them to be competent in the maintenance of their home,” says Glenn.

Glenn and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 47 years, and they have two sons, Anthony and Christopher, and three grandchildren. They always put family first, and their family is the center of their “extra time” planning. Ashley, Glenn’s daughter-inlaw helps run the business, and she is the reason for a lot of its success – Grutta says. “I do the work, and she runs the business,” he jokes, “but really, she handles the administrative side extremely well.”

Glenn appreciates the many referrals that he receives, and he teaches agents to give him the latitude that he needs to fully inform the client and to help them navigate the analysis of their home. He always tells customers that they can call him even up to five to 10 years from their purchase to ask him questions. He wants their experience of homeownership to be stellar, and he will not allow people to buy something that they cannot handle.

Glenn makes the experience fun and interactive, and most probably think it is his natural personality shining through. Grutta actually grew up very shy, but Stephanie has helped him to gain considerable confidence in his ability to communicate and to offer a polished presentation. He loves the interaction, and he is determined to speak the truth to people so that they know exactly what they are facing.

He is hard-working, a dedicated professional to his profession and someone who is committed to his family. He hopes that someday, people will remember him for his good performance in his work, his work ethic and his all-around exemplary nature.

For your own evaluation – one that includes magnitude and direction – you can call Glenn Grutta at 978.705.1007 or visit his website at vectorhomeinspection.com.

24 • January 2022

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BUYER REPRESENTATION | SELLER REPRESENTATION | LENDER SERVICES C A L L B R E N D A N W A R D & D A N C A H I L L T O D AY !

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StandardClosing.com | 781-496-2002 85 Exchange Street, Suite 302, Lynn, MA 01901

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ADD US TO YOUR CONTACTS TODAY! • (978) 705-1007 info@vectorhomeinspection.com • www.vectorhomeinspection.com realproducersmag.com

North Shore Real Producers • 25

featured agent

By Dr. Brian Ramsey, Sr. Writer; Photography by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

BYRON LANE R E A LT Y O N E G R O U P N E S T

26 • January 2022

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Springboards to Serve Byron Lane has forged a professional career in several arenas, but the one constant underlying theme is his passion for doing so: the ability to serve others. Byron has served in law enforcement, technology sales, financial advising, real estate and on the City Council, and no one knows what he is capable of yet, but it remains a constant that it will benefit others and add value to their journey.

Lane became interested in real estate while working in financial advising when he was prospecting agents for a program to help their financial picture.

“I was intrigued by their capacity to earn and by the idea that every day was a day to be a part of people’s lives during a heightened moment of finding a place for their family,” he says. He entered the realm of real estate sales, and for the first six months, Byron did not see any completed transactions.

A friend told him about a training class called Bold (KW), and she even paid for him to go, knowing it would turn things around for him. Byron found the money to take the class, and it was, indeed, his game-changer. From that time on, he says he was able to flip some switches and see areas of his life and work “take off.”

Byron admits that there are many things in real estate that he considers to be a little gimmicky, but he has had some success doing a few. He made a list of 25 properties that appeared on a survey where owners were asked if they would sell if the right price for their home surfaced. He ended up with 15 appointments and several listings. He also recalls a time when he made “goodie bags” and later sold a home to a lead from that one small act. Still, the most enjoyable thing about working in real estate for Lane is the opportunity that he experiences in building new relationships. “I get to watch as my clients’ children grow up, and I receive many holiday cards; it is fun to stay a part of their lives,” says Byron.

Through all of the opportunities and progress of his organically growing company, Byron’s most treasured feature to becoming a part of the real estate community and learning what it has to offer is that he has learned how to be a better human. “There was an awakening inside me as I immersed myself in learning to be a better agent, and the desire of my heart is for my son, Brayden, to see that and carry it with him in his pursuits,” he says.

Clearly, for Byron, success is all about the difference we can make in the lives of others, and he realproducersmag.com

North Shore Real Producers • 27

hopes that his legacy someday is defined by his desire to do anything to help someone else and to be a part of a wonderful change in them. The last two years have taken Lane through the crucible of hard knocks, but he has remained focused upon resilience and perseverance.

After building an award-winning team at One Degree North, Byron decided to open an expansion branch for another brokerage (February 27, 2020), but in the following weeks/ months, COVID-19 found a way to crush those plans. Like always, Byron tried to see the opportunity amidst the challenges, and he was given one through some nurses who were having trouble obtaining masks for protection during the pandemic. Lane started a fund with $2,500 and asked others to donate so that he could utilize a relationship in New Jersey with a marine lighting company who had connections in China to send 7,000 masks for first responders like local nurses, fire, police, etc. In 28 • January 2022

the end, the task was complete, and Byron saw his seed money grow to $27,000. The cause took a toll on his real estate business and his team, but he remained true to his mantra of serving others despite the obstacles.

In 2019, Byron’s interest in serving his community led him to his election on City Council, and he recently was re-elected. The job is time-consuming but vitally important to his mission of making his community a better place.

Lane says that he does not want to pivot to other interests and enjoys his service; he is hoping, however, to find a strong work-life balance.

Lane grew up enjoying working on party boats, fishing and playing baseball – all interests of his father.

He has imparted the same interests to Brayden, and his son was able to experience another passion of his – Bluefin Tuna fishing. Although Lane wishes this “part-time job” could provide more financial reward, he loves the experience and the fact that Brayden saw him land his first Bluefin Tuna on his own boat.

In his professional journey, Byron Lane has made a personal commitment to two key elements in life: to never let his personal life suffer and to never lose his “why” in his professional pursuits. As he moves forward from the last two years, he admits that he is in a rebuilding mode, but he will never lose focus nor use those opportunities to springboard into serving others! @realproducers

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North Shore Real Producers • 29

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North Shore Real Producers • 31

COMPASS

SYNDI ZAIGER 32 • January 2022

TALENT WINS GAMES, BUT TEAMWORK AND INTELLIGENCE WIN

CHAMPIONSHIPS. – MICHAEL JORDAN @realproducers

THE POWER OF TEAM

cover feature story

By Dr. Brian Ramsey, Sr. Writer; Photography by Dan St. John, Lightshed Photography Studio

Fortunately for Syndi Zaiger, she is prepared with all three: talent, teamwork and intelligence, and her team and work are quite championship-worthy.

Syndi is a complete package of endless energy and implementation, and her mind is always thinking about making something better.

As a true entrepreneur, she has started several businesses, but her passion of seeking to help others – whether clients or team agents – fuels her labors each day, and as soon as she improves a process, designs a new strategy, or creates a superior experience, she is ready to delve into the next opportunity that will bring exceptional benefit and complete satisfaction for all involved. realproducersmag.com

Syndi started her professional career (so to speak) at the age of 10 in her father’s convenience stores – operating the cash register. She loved the people and enjoyed the opportunity to help them through the process. After graduating from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Art, she pivoted to a marketing career, keeping the art as an additional interest. She focused upon design, marketing and branding in the Buffalo area with great success.

In time, she wanted to leave the advertising world, and her trips up the coast while driving on Route 127 gave her a desire/dream for coastal living. She moved to Beverly and opened a 40,000-squarefoot building full of art studios and maker-space where there are galleries and places for children’s and adult classes on art. During that time, some of her experience led her to the real estate realm, and after obtaining her license less than a decade North Shore Real Producers • 33

ago, Syndi has accelerated right past Rising Star status to the cover.

A quick study in real estate, Zaiger has been able to leverage her toolbelt to not only make an impact in the field but also enhance some of the features of the industry. She immediately worked to market homes in such a way that they could cut down the days on the market, using technology, brand strategies and marketing prowess.

Syndi has been the creator of a very successful team as well. Her philosophy of placing talent in specific areas and allowing them to thrive has been key, and she labors diligently to design a team growth that will flourish in a healthy culture yet move in unison. For Zaiger, success is about being happy and growth-minded. “I want agents to be life-long learners, and I want them to love being around one another and collaborating for the overall strength of their business and the agency,” notes Syndi.

34 • January 2022

WHEN AGENTS FIND A TEAM THAT ALIGNS WITH THEIR PERSONAL BRAND, THEY HAVE THE LIBERTY TO DIG IN AND GO

100%

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When asked about the best agents, Syndi explains that the great ones are very disciplined – that is, they have a drive to stay on task and avoid “freestyling.” They are authentic and personable, and they are fast thinkers on their feet.

Above all, they need to have a passion and drive to truly help people, which will temper all they do and create in their customer experience. Zaiger keeps reminding them that it is always “quality over quantity,” and at that the end of the process, the big reward is “overthe-top client experience.”

Syndi always advises agents to find the right team culture. While many seem to offer the same set of benefits, there are many differences in how those goals are accomplished.

“When agents find a team that aligns with their personal brand, they have the liberty to dig in and go 100%,” she says.

Syndi has been married to Adam, a real estate attorney, for 10 years, and the couple has three children: Ellie (15), Alana (14) and Liv (5).

They enjoy life in Manchester by the Sea – the great nights on the beach near a fire with friends, boating and the small-town atmosphere. If she could pick any other job and be successful, she would go back to her roots in youth sports and become involved again in sports marketing. She has visited Japan and would love to see Korea.

For now, she is quite content to mentor her team and to always

realproducersmag.com

North Shore Real Producers • 35

provide a higher level of service for both her clients and her agents.

Syndi Zaiger is focused, creative, authentic and a leader, and a short conversation with her yields enough energy to power several homes. She thinks the future of real estate will continue to be bright, and she stands ready to meet the challenges, develop caring agents who are driven, and to continue to develop all aspects of her business so that clients have a one-stop shop for all their real estate, investment, property management, insurance, etc. needs. She knows that doing the right things first is vital and that the money will follow. Her clients just need to settle on the right nest, and Syndi’s team will take care of all the rest!

36 • January 2022

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North Shore Real Producers • 37

FAQ

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

We realize that Real Producers is a new concept here on the North Shore, and some of you may be wondering what it’s all about. That is why we have created an “FAQs About This Magazine” page. Here we will answer the most commonly asked questions around the country regarding our program. My door is always open to discuss anything regarding this community – this publication is 100 percent designed to be your voice!

Q: WHO RECEIVES THIS MAGAZINE? A: The top 300 agents in the North Shore based off MLS produc-

tion will receive it FREE of charge. We pulled the MLS numbers (by volume) from January 1, 2020–December 31, 2020. For this year’s list, the minimum production level for our group is on pace for $7 million in 2020. The list will reset at the end of 2021 for next year, and continue to update annually.

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE? A: It’s really simple – every feature you see has first been

nominated. You can nominate other REALTORS®, affiliates,

HalleTt

Closing & Title, LLC

brokers, owners, or even yourself! Office leaders can also nominate REALTORS®. We will consider anyone brought to our attention, because we don’t know everyone’s story, so we need your help to learn about them. A nomination currently looks like this: you email us at NSRP@RealProducersMag.com with the subject line, “Nomination: (Name of Nominee),” and explain why you are nominating them to be featured. It could be they have an amazing story that needs to be told – perhaps they overcame extreme obstacles, they are an exceptional leader, have the best customer service, or they give back to the community in a big way. The next step is an interview with us to ensure it’s a good fit. If it all works out, then we put the wheels in motion for our writer to conduct an interview and for our photographers to schedule a photoshoot.

Q: WHAT DOES IT COST A REALTOR®/TEAM TO BE FEATURED? A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. It costs nothing, my

friends, so nominate away! We are not a pay-to-play model. We share real stories of real producers.

Q: WHO ARE THE PREFERRED PARTNERS? A: Anyone listed as a “preferred partner” in the front

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of the magazine is a part of this community. They will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our quarterly events, and be a part of our online community.

We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One or many of you have recommended every single preferred partner you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business that has not been vetted by one of you and “stamped for approval,” in a sense. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best REALTORS® in the area, but the best affiliates, as well, so we can grow stronger together.

Q: HOW CAN I RECOMMEND A PREFERRED PARTNER? A: If you have a recommendation for a local business

that works with top REALTORS®, please let us know!

Send an email to NSRP@RealProducersMag.com.

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