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!'
- Nora Marblehead, MA
Dave is so customer focused he makes things easy when it comes to insurance. Whether it is setting up a new policy, answering my questions promptly, helping get a claim filed or any other insurance related issue he is always right on top of it. I do all my personal insurance with him and when I started my own business a few years ago he set all that insurance up for me as well. Dave is the best!
Put David's 19 years of experience to work and protect yourself, your clients, and your business!
Blauvelt
Joyce Sullivan
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.
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT
Acqua Environmental, LLC
Scott Drinko (978) 735-5541
ATTORNEY
Capano & McGloin, LLP
Lisa J. McGloin (781) 599-1010
CapanoMcGloin.com
Dalton & Finegold, LLP
Christina Petrucci (978) 783-3038 dfllp.com
HEATING, AC & INDOOR
AIR QUALITY
Preferred Air
Tom Favazza (978) 750-8282 PreferredAir.com
HOME INSPECTION
R.J. Home Inspection
Adam Wright (800) 253-4402 rjhomeinspection.com
INSURANCE SERVICES
David Bruett Insurance Services
David Bruett (978) 594-5308 davebruettinsurance.com
INTERIOR DESIGN/ HOME STAGING
I Got a Guy, LLC (978) 476-2671
Tasteful Interiors
Brodie Curtis (978) 476-2671
MOLD REMEDIATION & INSPECTION
Premier Restoration Jake Turner (339) 235-4278
MORTGAGE LENDER
CrossCountry Mortgage - Liz & Mike Team
Liz Ryan (978) 237-4431 ccm.com/liz-ryan
MOVING / STORAGE
Barnaby’s Moving & Storage
Robert Barnaby (603) 425-4579
PHOTOGRAPHY / MULTIMEDIA
Lightshed Photography
Studio
Dan St. John (978) 854-5348 lightshedphoto.com
TRANSACTION COORDINATOR
Real Estate TC Services (978) 770-2964
PUBLISHER’S
As I’m writing this, our 4th of July celebrations have ended and we’re now heading full steam into mid-summer. The time of year so many of us pine for all winter comes upon us in a flash. I’m hoping by now you’ve been able to enjoy all that New England has to offer with the warm weather season...boating, baseball, hiking, family excursions, convertibles, ice cream and al fresco dining, to name just a few.
Where August is a great time for a mid-year winding down, it’s also a great time to prepare for the important Fall season I think every business, except those solely reliant on summer customers, have a unique opportunity to retool for a strong business push the last four months of they year.
I for one am going through a revised business plan aimed at just the last four months of 2024, not much unlike when I was in ramp up four years ago. Going back and looking at prospects who maybe said no, or weren’t ready or just didn’t quite understand the Real Producers concept, but who could benefit from partnering with us.
Are you in a similar situation? Slow downs are a great time to create new opportunities.
Have you stopped reaching out to prospects, current clients and your industry colleagues to root our leads? Now is a perfect time to stand out while competitors might be taking it easy. A good second half business plan can help springboard your business for when things get busier again and will also lead you into a strong start to the following year.
Have a great rest of the summer and happy selling!
Talman Hauch Owner/Publisher North Shore
Real Producers
talman.hauch@n2co.com
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE OUR BREAD & BUTTER
Buyers typically take 30 seconds when making a decision on how they feel about your property.
We make sure EVERY SECOND COUNTS!
Tasteful Interiors is a full service home design company specializing in Home Staging and Interior Design Planning. With a collective experience of 20 years in the industry, we take pride in our diligence, quality of services & creative outlook on the market as a whole. Located in Andover, MA our team has serviced hundreds of vacant and occupied properties in the Greater Boston, North Shore, South Shore & Metro West regions.
Our team caters to the needs and expectations of home owners & their respective real estate experts. By working hand-in-hand with clients through this process, we aim to accentuate the most crucial & unique aspects of every listing. Providing experience, perspective & professionalism in order to exceed any goals set forth for the project; As we dedicate ourselves to your success in the market to maximize every home’s selling potential.
"When getting ready to list a home for sale, It's vital to complete the necessary prep work to make a favorable and lasting first impression”
NAR President Kenny Parcell (National Association of Realtors)
• 89% of Buyers’ Agents cited that Home Staging has an e ect on buyers’ view of homes.
• 81% of Buyers’ Agents claim that staging a home made it easier for buyers to visual a property as their future home.
• According to buyers, Living Rooms (39%), Primary Bedroom (36%), and Kitchens (30%) are the main selling points when referencing how Home Staging played a role in their decision making.
• Nearly half of Seller’s Agents (48%) report that staging a home decreased its time on market.
• On Average, every $400 spent on staging results in atleast $1,000 ROI.
By Patrick Maguire, Chief Executive Officer, North Shore Realtors
NORTH SHORE REALTORS ADVOCACY BLOG
North Shore REALTORS® Advocacy Blog
Stay up to date on local zoning proposals, legislation, and REALTOR® advocacy efforts by visiting the North Shore REALTORS® (NSR) Advocacy Blog. With over 250 blog posts chronicling local real estate advocacy news, the NSR Advocacy Blog is your go to resource on the key issues affecting homeownership and private property rights here on the North Shore.
Stay Informed
Linkage Fees are not something you typically hear discussion of unless you are in and around Boston proper. Recently, we’ve seen discussion crop up on the North Shore about how linkage fees might be utilized here to fund affordable housing.
So, what is a linkage fee? A linkage fee is a cost imposed on new developments, usually calculated based on square footage, that goes towards funding affordable housing and workforce development. It is somewhat similar to an impact fee or an inclusionary zoning policy but should not be confused with either.
In Massachusetts, linkage fees tend to apply to commercial real estate developments of substantial size (i.e. over 100,000 sq. ft. in Boston). On the North Shore, we first identified the conversation of linkage fees during a meeting of the Salem Affordable Housing Trust.
With recent market rate increases in rent and home prices, municipalities are actively engaging in the conversation of how to fund affordable housing projects. This is great in an overall sense, but also comes with policy suggestions that may not be as productive as theorized (i.e. Transfer Taxes). Linkage fees lean into that category.
REALTORS® have traditionally opposed linkage fees, instead favoring methods such as alternative tools to raise affordable housing funds (i.e. the Community Preservation Act), reduced zoning requirements that
favor density, or incentives for private affordable housing development.
As these conversations around both housing affordability and deed restricted Affordable Housing become more rigorous, it’s important to be educated about proposed solutions and utilize your experience in the industry to assist community leaders in understanding real world impact. NSR is happy to assist in that process, feel free to call us anytime to discuss any proposed policy.
NSR in the Community
From obtaining charitable grants to hosting fundraising drives to rallying volunteers, North Shore REALTORS® is proud to support charities across the North Shore.
On June 2nd, the Tri-Town Pride Parade and Community on the Common was held in Topsfield. Talisa Rafferty, Cameron Prestige, served again as one of the volunteer organizers. Talisa has been heavily involved since the first event in 2022.
Emceed by former state rep Jamie Belsito and Miss Clara Divine, the Community on the Common featured food trucks, resources, speakers, family focused drag performances. The speaker series was kicked off by Miss Janelle’s Neighbor School’s students giving positive affirmations and was rounded out by a local folk band.
This year the event was overseen by the newly developed Tri-Town Human Rights Coalition. The Tri-Town Human Rights Coalition serves to inspire and engage the neighboring communities of Topsfield, Boxford, and Middleton to challenge bigotry and hatred, demand equity, and advocate for people marginalized due to covert or overt bias, prejudice, or discrimination.
Thank you, Talisa, for all your efforts in the community to make it a more welcoming place for all.
? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I often get a lot of compliments about North Shore Real Producers content, our quality of photography, professional design appearance, and overall, the positive nature and influence that our publication has brought to the real estate community here in Essex County and the North Shore.
But like anything, not everyone agrees. I also get notes and calls about why we decided to feature some of the people who we've featured. How did they get in the magazine, and oftentimes, how can I be included in your pages? These are fair questions which warrant some discussion, so let me offer explanation into some of the frequently asked questions.
Who receives North Shore Real Producers?
The top 300 agents/teams in Essex County, and I also include Reading, North Reading and Wakefield, based on MLS total sales volume from January 1, 2021-December 31, 2021, will receive the magazine FREE of charge for the remainder of this year. The list then resets at the end of this year.
I'm hopeful that as we grow, I'm able to expand our footprint and distribute our publication to the top 500 agents/ teams and include more towns outside of Essex County. Stay tuned.
What is the process for being featured in the magazine? Almost every feature you see has
been nominated by peers. You can nominate other REALTORS, affiliates, brokers, owners or even yourself. We will consider anyone brought to our attention because we don't know everyone's story.
None of the REALTORS in our magazine paid to be featured. They were either nominated by fellow Top 300 REALTORS, or industry colleagues in the community and featured FREE of charge.
I spent a lot of time getting to know the North Shore and Essex County REALTOR® community during my ramp-up period from April 2020 through January 2021. I was able to then catalog a lot of information on a lot of top-performing REALTORS®, many of whom were more than worthy of a presence in
our publication at a future date. In some of those instances, I selected the REALTORS® to be featured based on my conversations. At the end of the day, based on nomination information, or those who I've met on my own, I select who I think would best represent our publication each month.
What does it cost a REALTOR® or team to be featured?
The answer is simple... NOTHING. None of the REALTORS® in our magazine paid to be featured. They were either nominated by fellow top 300 REALTORS® or industry colleagues in the community and featured FREE of charge.
Who are the Preferred Vendor Partners?
Anyone listed as a Preferred Vendor Partner in our Partner Index in the front of every publication is an integral part of this community. Our Preferred Vendor Partners pay for their presence in our publication and will have an ad in every issue, attend our private events and be a part of our online presence. We don't just find these businesses randomly, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. Many of you have recommended every single Preferred Vendor Partner you see in our publication.
Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best REALTORS® in the area but the best affiliates as well, so that we can grow stronger together: Connecting. Elevating. Inspiring.
If you have questions, suggestions or nominations, please feel free to send me an email at talman. hauch@realproducersmag.com or call me at 617-921-7033.
PRINT IS STILL ALIVE.
Celebrating two decades of print excellence, now 800 niche magazines strong (and counting).
star
Chris Blauvelt rising
By David Cornwell - Sr. Writer & Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed Photography Studio
Chris Blauvelt
Your networks may not determine your net worth, but are a good barometer of how successful you’ll be says William Raveis Realtor Chris Blauvelt.
With deep North Shore roots, Chris grew up in Wakefield where his parents still live and says real estate has always played an important role in his life, even when he didn’t realize it.
The two-family home where he grew up is an example.
“My grandmother lived below us and we lived up top,” he remembers. “It’s a beautiful brick house my great-grandfather built and one of the best-built houses I’ve ever been in.”
While Chris never knew his great-grandfather he did know his
great-grandmother, who for a while lived in the lower unit with his grandmother— four generations under one roof.
“It was a unique dynamic,” he says.
Before real estate, Chris worked as a graphic designer and in marketing for start-ups and large global companies. And while he was making good money, he wasn’t happy with his career and decided to give real estate a try.
He had initially been interested in getting his license to help him with his real estate investments, but quickly found success in sales, with $5 million in volume that first year and $10 million last year.
“I quit my corporate job and jumped into real estate full-time. It’s been one
of the best decisions I’ve made. I absolutely love it.”
A member of the Matt Witte Team at William Raveis for the last two years and in real estate for three, his advice to beginning agents is simple: Network, then network some more.
“Even though I’m a bit of an introvert, I love networking. Meeting new people, hearing their stories and helping them is my favorite part of my job.”
A member of several local real estate groups, he also belongs to the local Business Network International (BNI).
“It’s been great for business and meeting reliable vendors and professionals,” he says.
“These personal connections have been invaluable to me,” he says.
Chris is also the designated Boston agent for the Massive Agent Networking Group, with monthly mastermind meetings to discuss what’s working and what’s not in terms of marketing and sales.
He also regularly attends networking events that connect Realtors from across the nation. He met his own mentor, top Connecticut Realtor Bryon Lazine, in one such group.
“It’s really, really important to have good mentors,” Chris says. “It’s really important you learn what works, what you’re doing and then to take what you’ve learned and put your own spin on it.”
Married to his high school sweetheart, Rachelle, Chris is dad to two boys, Aiden, 3 1/2 and Logan, three months old. Rachelle, is a nurse practitioner.
“It’s been a little crazy adjusting to life with a newborn,” he says, “but it’s also been a lot of fun.”
Both he and Rachelle are very outdoor-oriented, Chris says. They both love hiking and in winter, Rachelle is a skier while Chris snowboards. For the time being, Logan’s birth has curtailed those activities a bit.
Chris says every February they also spend their vacation at his parents’ timeshare in Rangeley, Maine, with snowmobiling being the main attraction.
“It has been a tradition for me and my dad since I was 16, and we enjoy spending a week there together.”
“I’m also a big golfer and played golf in high school and was on the golf team,” he says. “It’s a great sport for networking and meeting new people.”
“Being outdoors and staying active is really important to us.
“Growing up in Wakefield, living for years in Georgetown and having my office in Andover have underscored what I already knew—our area is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts.”
“Real estate has been such a significant part of my life,” Chris says, thanking his
parents for encouraging him to buy his first property right out of college.
“I firmly believe in the power of real estate to build equity and want to educate and help others achieve the same,” he says.
He and a business partner recently purchased the first rental property for the investment firm they’ve started.
“In my opinion, real estate is by far one of the best investments, and I love helping people with buying, selling, and investing in properties.”
Home Inspection Reminders
What do you get when you combine low inventory and high demand on homes?... Bidding wars!
And what happens during bidding wars?... Well, a lot of things happen but one thing that I can tell you WASN’T happening for the past few years is Home Inspections. It has been the norm for a little while now for deals to be done without any home inspection. How can a buyer separate themselves from that buyer pool and make their offer more appealing?... Start waiving contingencies which usually starts with the home inspection. We all could probably name multiple busy agents that literally went years without having a buyer have a home inspection. Hey, I get it, I don’t like it but I do get it.
My question is, are home inspections “back”? Some say yes and some say no. I would say they aren’t all the way back but feels like it is certainly a lot more common for a deal to have a home inspection take place than it has been for the past
few years. However, this article is not about predicting the frequency of home inspections or trying to figure out why they may be becoming more common now. With veteran agents potentially getting rusty when it comes to handling home inspections, and new agents potentially having no idea at all how to handle home inspections, I wanted to use this article to share my top 3 helpful hints and reminders for both the sellers and buyers.
SELL SIDE
Make important items accessible. Nobody wants anything getting delayed because it wasn’t able to be inspected at the time of inspection. I know a lot of sellers that spend a lot of time prepping the house to show but end up putting all their stored items directly in front of important items. This may cause the buyer to want it re-inspected which now delays things or could even cause them to think you did it on purpose to conceal something which creates conflict.
Pro-tip: Focus on the big items such as furnace, electrical panel, main plumbing, and attic access.
Find obvious problem beforehand. Have homeowner do a walkthrough to make sure there aren’t any blatant issues with simple fixes. Is there water in the basement, is there leaking at the boiler, etc. I can’t tell you how many time we hear that the seller said the basement has never gotten water just to find obvious standing water in the basement the minute we get down there. Even worse is so many times there are things that are just shutoff that a home inspector isn’t allowed to touch. Is the heat main switch shut off? Any breakers off? House is vacant so water heater is off?
Pro-tip: Have them just hire someone to do this for them like getting a pre-listing inspection.
Inspectors are always early. Or at least anyone of the RJ team is. It is good to warn sellers that home inspectors like to get to the property early. This way the seller won’t be scared or upset when they see someone pulling up. Let them know that they don’t need to leave just because they are there, the inspector just wants to start on the exterior while they are alone and get a jump on things.
Pro-tip: Use your judgment on this one but some people might treat them like that friend who is always late and just tell them the start time is 30 minutes earlier then what is scheduled.
BUY SIDE
Don’t waste time. Know who you want to work with before you get an accepted offer. Contingency windows may be small so don’t start shopping once the offer is accepted. Do your research, check with friends, check reviews, and know who you want to be working with beforehand. You don’t want to be spending half of what is a crucial day investigating who the best home inspector in the area is. As soon as that offer is accepted get that inspection booked!
Pro-tip: Know what any potential addons might be relevant to the house and book those right away too. You don’t want to be going back and forth on whether you want a water quality test, radon air test, or any other
testing that may take time to do. If you already know your client wants a radon air test then try to even get that set up ahead of time so that you can get your results the day of the inspection.
Clients show up. We get asked that question a lot from clients asking if they have to show up. No, they don’t HAVE to attend the inspection but they absolutely should. This is their chance to walked through and taught all about the house. Clients should be a sponge absorbing as much helpful information as possible and ask all the questions they can. There is no such thing as a stupid question, that’s why the inspector is there!
Pro-tip: Warn clients this may be an occasion that they have to take time off from work. Weekends and off hours are available but those appointments are limited and fill up fast. Extra tip: Have them arrange childcare if possible. They don’t want to be distracted at the inspection.
Things WILL come up. There is no perfect house and there are always things that come up. Anyone who is a current homeowner already knows, there is always the next thing to fix in a house. Remind your client this is just so they can learn all they can about the house and be fully prepared to be the best homeowner they can (which also makes it easier for you to help them sell in a few years right?). Also, goes back to the client being present. Much better to have everything explained to them in person rather than just reading a list of everything negative about the house. They need to be present and be prepared to hear some negative things. Have them prepared to ask questions like, “is that normal for a house this age”? To help put things in perspective.
Pro-tip: Have your clients view an inspection report ahead of time so they know what it will look like. A lot of companies such as ours even have sample reports on their website so the client can familiarize themselves on what to prepare for.
As always, if you have any questions at all just reach out! I’m happy to be as helpful as I can be however I can.
coaching corner THE COST OF REACTIVE MINDSET TRAINING
By Wayne Salman’s - CEO, Hero Nation
Imagine this: a team where every member not only excels in their roles but does so with a mindset geared towards growth, resilience, and collaboration. This is not a distant dream but a tangible reality that can be achieved through intentional and proactive mindset training.
The biggest mistake I see among real estate team leaders is the reactive approach towards instilling healthy mindsets. Waiting for a problem to manifest before addressing the mindset that led to it is like trying to harvest from a field you never planted in.
We wait until something bad happens or until someone screws up then we try to coach them or correct them.
The truth is, as team leaders, we often fall into the trap of assuming our new
team members will naturally adopt the philosophies and attitudes we hold dear.
We throw around phrases and expect them to resonate, without taking the time to truly embed these principles into the fabric of our team’s culture. This approach not only sets our team members up for failure but also impedes the team’s overall growth and success.
So, what’s the solution? It’s simple yet profound: proactive mindset training. I urge you, as leaders, to take a moment and reflect on the core mindsets that embody the essence of your team’s values and vision.
What mindsets have you learned and adopted along your journey that have helped you keep your head in the game, helped you deal with tough days, helped you stay in moment.
It’s high time we start equipping our teams proactively.
Write down these mindsets you would love everyone of your team members to understand and embrace. Aim for at least 12, that you believe every team member should embody to not only thrive in their roles but also contribute positively to the team’s dynamic.
Once you have this list, integrate these mindsets into your team meetings. Dedicate time each week to discuss one mindset, exploring its implications, applications, and importance. This not only ensures that all team members are aligned with the team’s core values but also fosters an environment of continuous learning and growth.
Imagine the transformation over a year, as these mindsets are revisited,
reinforced, and ingrained in your team’s culture.
I spent last year writing out 12 mindsets that each new team member will benefit greatly from understanding and embracing.
Here are a couple of them.
Victim vs. Victor: This mindset shift is about empowering your team members to see themselves as architects of their destiny rather than passive bystanders. It’s about cultivating resilience and a sense of ownership over one’s actions and their outcomes. Giving them a list of questions to help them shift back into Victor.
Recovery Time: In real estate, setbacks are inevitable. This mindset focuses on reducing the time it takes to bounce back from disappointments or failures, emphasizing resilience and the ability to pivot quickly. Giving your team the tools to recover from tough things faster increases momentum, income and culture. If you want some of my favorite questions you can get them on page 86 of my book. You can get a free copy at www.theheronation.com/book
Team Player: What are the makings of an amazing team member? Here, the focus is on fostering a sense of personal responsibly, how we show up for the team, and our shared success. It’s about being a team player who contributes positively, supports others, and strives for the collective win. As leaders we must give them the tools to be Hungry, Humble and Coachable.
Emotional Journey to Anything Great: Recognizing and embracing the emotional ups and downs that accompany significant achievements. This mindset
prepares team members for the journey, ensuring they are emotionally equipped to handle the challenges and triumphs they will encounter. I have several great graphics and exercises that help your team members understand and appreciate this journey.
It’s not just about identifying what needs to change; it’s about actively providing the tools and guidance to make those changes a reality.
The journey to building a high-performing real estate team is not solely about skillset; it’s equally, if not more, about mindset. As leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to mold not just the professional but also the personal landscapes of those we lead. By adopting a proactive approach to mindset training, we’re not just correcting behaviors; we’re transforming lives. We’re not just reacting to the market; we’re shaping the future of real estate, one empowered team member at a time.
This is a testimonial I received about one of my coaching clients from one of her team members.
“Amanda saw in me something I did not know was even there. She gave me an opportunity to stretch my wings and soar. Even though I was scared of failure and letting her down she knew that I would not. It was like the rose colored glasses came off and a whole new world was opened up. She showed me what personal development and coaching could do for me. She pushed me out of my comfort zone kicking and screaming. Anything she suggests or tells me I always say “I’m in” because I know how amazing she is and that if she suggests it then I can be amazing! Without Amanda coming into my life I
would not be where I am today personally of professionally! She was the missing piece in my life. She filled the void I had I had in my heart. She will always be my ride or die.” - Robin
This is the impact you can have on each and everyone of your team members.
If you want to collapse time, I developed 12 mindset training sessions in Lead With Impact. In these 12 Mindset trainings I provides videos, tools, and strategies to embed these principles into your team’s DNA. You can simply play the video, do one of the group exercise on the activity card, discuses the learnings and see the results.
My challenge for you as a leaders is to embark on this transformative journey. Reflect on the mindsets that will propel your team to greatness, integrate them into your training, and watch as your team not only meets but exceeds every expectation. Together, let’s create a legacy of leadership, empowerment, and success.
TAKE ACTION: www.PickWaynesBrain.com.
WAYNE SALMANS, herald of transfor mation, an author, speaker, and busi ness coach. Over the past decade, I’ve illuminated the path for over 6,000 entrepreneurs, recognized as 30 under 30 by Realtor Magazine, and esteemed as one of the top coaches globally. My passion is not just to guide but to empower you to build, grow, and scale your business with wisdom and efficiency. Discover more at www. TheHeroNation.com.
By David Cornwell - Sr. Writer &
Photography Studio
Joyce Sullivan REAL PRODUCER
Diligence, Perseverance and Compassion
Realtor Joyce Sullivan long ago established herself as a top producer, but her journey to success has not been without challenges, one of the biggest being losing both parents a day apart back in 2012.
“I owe my parents so much,” says the Keller Williams Evolution Realtor.
“They instilled a strong work ethic in me, taught me to always do the right thing and to go above and beyond in everything I do. ”
Both her parents were prominent in the Salem community where Joyce grew up—her father being its fire chief—and she says it was love at first sight when her parents met on Salem Common.
“They were married until the very end and they were absolutely amazing together,” she says.
Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed
’”Coping with the reality of their deaths was difficult for me,” she says. But honoring her parents’ legacy along with the love and support of her family and Keller Williams Realty Evolution eventually helped her return to life and happiness.
“In the years since, I honestly feel like I’m just hitting my stride,” she says. “It’s amazing the experiences that come with life and the doors those experiences open.”
“I love it—I just do,” she says of being a Realtor, a job that “has allowed me to have such a rewarding, wonderful and happy life.”
In recent years, she says she has found renewed purpose in serving seniors, drawing from the challenges her own parents faced as they aged. She’s become a preferred Realtor for major assisted living communities, “helping seniors transition to new homes with compassion and understanding.”
She says working with seniors is not just a job but “a powerful and rewarding aspect of my work where I can make a difference in people’s lives during times of transition.”
Whether she’s assisting sellers, buyers, or investors, however, Joyce says she finds “joy in guiding all types of clients through their unique journeys.”
Living in Topsfield now for 25 years, Joyce says “I love everything about my home and have for every day we’ve lived there.
“It represents a lot to me. It represents love.”
Sharing in the love there has been her husband, Jon Klingensmith, who she met 35 years ago at a software sales convention in Dallas, where they both worked for different branches of the same company.
Together they have raised two boys, Joe and Jake. Her older son Joe recently moved to San Diego to pursue a golfing career.
“A child leaving is so difficult on a mother,” she says. “You want them to soar and then when they do it’s like, ’oh my God, I miss them so much.’”
Youngest son Jake, a budding comedy writer, lives in Chicago and is planning on moving to New York City later this year, she says.
“They’re both wonderful young men—very different, but very much alike, too. They’re good people and I couldn’t be happier for the life they have ahead of them.”
“Really all you can do is try and instill your love and values in your children, like my parents did me, and hope they embrace them.”
Joyce says that as their sons have headed out into the world, their house has seemed a little emptier and one
day they’ll perhaps downsize back to the seaside community of Salem, a place where Joyce does considerable business.
When she talks about that possibility, though, it’s readily apparent that the memories grow deep in their Topsfield home.
“I remember how my mother loved this house the first time she saw it and her saying ‘this is the house for you.’ I still drive up to this house and am in awe of how much I love where I live.”
And then, thinking of her sons, “They were just babies when we moved here; they were so little.”
But she knows any sadness she’ll feel when moving day eventually comes will be more than offset by the rewards of a new chapter. “I live this time and time again with my clients,” she says.
When she reflects on her career, she says she is “filled with gratitude for the opportunity to help clients attain their real estate goals.”
“I like to think my diligence, perseverance, hard work and compassion show through in everything I do,” she says. “My reward is helping people find a home they love.”
I like to think my diligence, perseverance, hard work and compassion show through in everything I do. My reward is helping people find a home they love.
