North Shore Real Producers - July 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 .

Colleen

Toner T O N E R R E A L E S TAT E

Do Something You Love That Leads to Relationships

RISING STAR Brandon Collins - William Raveis PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Liz Kent - Tarpey Insurance FEATURED AGENT Victor Paulino - Engel & Volkers

JULY 2022

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2 • July 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!'

- Nora Marblehead, MA

PERSONAL INSURANCE | SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCE ALL OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS MET WITH ONE AGENT Put David's 17 years of experience to work and protect yourself, your clients, and your business!

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!

- Sam Salem, MA

David Bruett President

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

www.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

Michelle Morello Photographer

Maeve Sherwood

Social Media Manager

Lightshed Photography Studio

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.

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

4 • July 2022

@realproducers

Welcome MELISSA 0)) ASSOCIATE

Mlee@dfllp.com

WE ARE CLIENT FOCUSED DELIVER POWERFUL RESULTS!

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Christina Petrucci, Esq Partner Cpetrucci@dfllp.com realproducersmag.com

Alanna Driscoll Associate Adriscoll@dfllp.com

Noelle Rossini Associate Nrossini@dfllp.com

Jodie Salasny Associate Jsalasny@dfllp.com

Kerri Tolman Associate Ktolman@dfllp.com

North Shore Real Producers • 5

TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 08 Index of Preferred Partners

useful thing many of us have learned from a yearslong global pandemic is how to make do — and even enjoy ourselves — with what we have at home. The familiar social act of grabbing a drink with friends was off-limits for months, leaving cocktail lovers ample time to hone Featured their at-home mixology skills.

Agent: to show off your drinkPlanning Victorprowess this summer? Here mixing Paulino are a few suggestions for stocking the home bar…

28

First, consider the drink-making occasions you have coming up to guide your selections. Do you need a versatile collection of spirits such that the most popular bar drinks can be whipped up with ease? Or are you mainly planning for intimate gatherings, focusing on favored drinks you want to perfect or a particular spirit you wish to explore?

Generally, according to most mixoloLET US HELP YOU MAXIMIZE gy experts, a well-rounded home bar should include at least one bottle of THE HOMEeach SALE! core liquor: • Vodka: Most home bartenders will benefit from having two bottles of

By Shauna Osborne

14

12

Rising Star: Brandon Collins

Publisher’s Note: In-depend-ence

Stocking the Home 19 22 Bar A

Partner Video Spotlights

home matters

Partner Spotlight: Liz Kent

27

financial fitness

By Shauna Osborne and Elizabeth McCabe

34

Cover Feature: Colleen Toner this indispensable spirit on hand — one budget-friendly bottle for mixing tall drinks, like bloody Marys, and a top-shelf bottle for smooth sippers like martinis.

• Rum: Two bottles of rum — one light and one dark — will make concocting summery daiquiris, mojitos, and mai tais a breeze.

• Gin: A high-quality bottle of dry gin is essential for beloved cocktails like the gin and tonic and dry martini.

• Tequila: Sweet summer sunshine and good tequila go hand in hand … in a delightful margarita. A nice bottle of blanco (or silver) tequila is the best choice for your home bar.

• Whiskey: A premium bourbon and a blended whiskey are excellent options for both sipping and classic cocktails like an old fashioned.

Home Matters: Stocking the Home Bar

Im

42

Financial Fitness: Improving Your Credit EXTRAS: • Brandy: Once consideredScore a core spirit, brandy is the star in classic cocktails such as the sidecar and brandy alexander.

• Various liqueurs (choose one or many, depending on your preferences): amaretto, coffee, orange, Irish cream, vermouth • Fruit juices, such as lemon, lime, orange, cranberry, and pineapple • Sodas, such as club soda, tonic water, ginger ale, cola, and diet cola • Citrus garnishes (twists, wheels, slices), such as lemon, lime, or orange • Bitters • Simple syrup Cheers to cold drinks and sunshine this summer!

978.979.6532 INFO@RELUXDECOR.COM www.ReluxDecor.com

6 • July 2022

If yo future be int highe

TACKL

If you 35% o full ea balanc impro aroun ances For la the mo the bil ed by

FOCU

When ratio o utilize utiliza other do not than 3 has go positiv credit credit

BEWA

If you you ha again. especi Gener quiry; your c direct

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mproving Your WHY CHOOSE RJ INSPECTIONS? Credit Score • Money-Back Guarantee • 90-Day Warranty

ou are looking to buy a home or a car in the e, especially in the current markets, you may terested in improving your credit score. The er the number, the more you can potentially save in securing the best loan.

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have credit card debt, you’re not alone. Only of credit card users pay off their credit cards in ach month. The other 65% carry a credit card ce. Pay off credit cards entirely each month to ove your score. Resist the urge to move debt nd to a lower APR card. If you have small balon several credit cards, knock those out first. arger balances, pay several times throughout onth to have the lowest balance by the end of lling cycle. Your credit score is directly affectthe number of cards that have balances.

INSPECTOR SPOTLIGHT ERIC PEREZ

As an engineering technician for several years, Eric followed his US ON REVOLVING CREDIT passion for n it comes to your credit score, focus on the of revolving credit versus the amount actually properties and real ed. The smaller that percentage is — your credit estate and became ation — the higher your credit score will be. In a home inspector. words, if you have a $10,000 credit card limit, t exceed 30% of that total (or $3,000). Lower His ability to 30% is even better! Additionally, if your income provide one up lately or you’ve accrued more years of ve credit experience, you could request higher outstanding home t limits, which instantly lowers your overall inspection services both in English and t utilization and can boost your score.

Spanish, is well regarded in the Latino ARE OF NEW ACCOUNTS TOO QUICKLY community. His humble personality think increasing the number of credit cards andavailable influence come from his ave will increase your credit, think . Be wary of opening new accounts too quickly, grandmother.

The influence of hard

ially if you haven’t managed credit for long. rally, each new application leads to a hard in; these add up to have a compounding effect on credit score. Opening new credit accounts also tly impacts your average account age.

ove your credit score by thinking twice before wipe. Taking small steps now can pay off expoally in years torealproducersmag.com come.

work, reliability, and patience has led Eric to accomplish many feats at R.J Inspections. This has led him to become one of the most requested inspectors at R.J Inspections. Eric learned one of the most important skills of being an inspector was to have patience with each client in the process of inspecting what may be their new home. An experience that Eric is most proud of is buying a home for his family. In addition to being a role model for his children, he values being a family man. His morning routine included scriptures from the bible to kick off his day

positively and set the tone for his day.

One saying that resonates with Eric is, “Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don't wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom” by American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Jim Rohn. The next time you see Eric and want to brighten his day, tell him all about your fun family activities and mention the best quotes and scriptures you know that will make your inspection the best experience you've ever had!

RJHomeInspection.com • 1-800-253-4402 Follow us on our social media

@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 Capano & McGloin, LLP Lisa J. McGloin (781) 599-1010 CapanoMcGloin.com Dalton & Finegold, LLP Christina Petrucci (978) 783-3038 dfllp.com Gilmore & Gilmore, Attorneys at Law Rachel Hollingsworth (978) 777-3480 GilmoreGilmore.com ATTORNEY/ TITLE COMPANY Anthony G. Keck & Associates Anthony Keck & Julie Rubenstein (978) 745-3353 Salem-Law.com Cherry Tree Legal, PLLC Brendan L. Ward, Esq. (781) 496-2013 www.cherrytreelegal.com Hallett Closing & Title, LLC David Hallett (781) 797-0088 Parry & Parry, P.C. Denise Parry (978) 346-0005 Simple Title Closing & Escrow PLLC George Megaloudis (978) 539-7500 simpletitle.us

8 • July 2022

Tiernan Law Sean Tiernan (617) 791-3538 Tiernan-Law.com ESTATE SALES Blue Moon Estate Sales Jonathan Mandell (781) 698-7379 BlueMoonEstateSales.com/ MerrimackValley FINANCIAL ADVISOR Northwestern Mutual Martin Connolly (781) 224-1623 HOME INSPECTION 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 HOME STAGING Staged Occasions Tara Konaxis (978) 885-0125 stagedoccasions.com

HOME STAGING & DESIGN Relux Decor Ashley O’Shea (216) 299-0317 ReluxDecor.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 Guaranteed Rate Brian Mahoney (781) 731-9405 rate.com Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Liz Ryan (781) 236-3646 rate.com/lizryan

NewFed Mortgage Brian D’Amico (781) 241-1225 newfed.com NRL Mortgage Anthony Lapolla (978) 225-0697 anthonyatenvoy.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 PUBLIC INSURANCE ADJUSTER Panakio Adjusters, Inc. Melissa Sherwood (781) 592-7575 panakioadjusters.com VIDEO PRODUCTION Corey Stein Films Corey Stein (781) 479-7774 CoreySteinFilms.com

@realproducers

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North Shore Real Producers • 9

10 • July 2022

@realproducers

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North Shore Real Producers • 11

In-de-pend-ence In-de-pend-ence In-de-pend-ence In-de-pend-ence In-de-pend-ence publisher’s note The definition of the word “independent” is “not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself.” The word “independence” is defined as “the fact or state of being independent.”

For me, this means a great deal, particularly when it comes to my work. After having spent the past two years talking with hundreds of REALTORS®, it’s clear that independence means a great deal to you in your careers and ultimately personal lives as well.

Like me, you literally have the ability to set your own schedule, work as hard or as easy as you’d like, vacation when needed, tend to life’s other priorities, and more. The best part, though, is that YOU have the sole ability to give yourself a raise virtually whenever you’d like. This result is driven by working harder and smarter some 99.9% of the time, but the fact that you work in a profession that offers the ability to do this is very exciting!

I know that I started my own business because I like the level of independence this opportunity has to offer. Yes, I enjoy the challenge of trying to make Real Producers the best we can possibly be for the local real estate community, and that I determine how much income I’ll earn, not anyone

12 • July 2022

else. But at the end of the day, it’s nice to know that I have the sole responsibility to accomplish that based on what kind of effort I put into the task.

For me and my money, these are the types of opportunities that make this country so great. It’s why we celebrate the Fourth of July, our nation’s independence from another, offering the promise to be anything and anyone we choose to be. And at the heart of this holiday, this is what independence is all about... realizing hopes, dreams, and the promise anything is possible with the right attitude, determination, and drive...because it’s available to everyone, thanks to previous generations who saw to it that this country would deliver on its promises.

Certainly, we are a country far from perfect; however, warts and all, the United States of America is still the greatest country on Earth.

Happy Fourth. Happy summer. And Happy selling!

@realproducers

realproducersmag.com

North Shore Real Producers • 13

rising star

William Raveis

14 • July 2022

@realproducers

FIND YOUR PASSION “Follow your own passion – not your parents’, not your teachers’ – yours.”

Robert Ballard In the grand scheme of things, Brandon Collins has accomplished much in a relatively short time of life.

He was a three-time All-American ski racer while at Cornell University, started his own business that was later courted by some big names for purchase, launched a family, and has sold over $30 million as a real estate agent since 2019. Perhaps his most prized accomplishment – he determined what his main focus and purpose in life are and diligently labored to make it happen. He loves to journey with others and help them achieve their goals, and he describes his life with a big smile and one word – happiness!

Brandon and a college friend started a software company and, in a short while, made great strides in application development.

His company worked with advertising technology, but though it reached a pinnacle of success, Brandon felt something missing.

He wanted to engage with people on a deeper level and be someone that truly helped them in their life’s pursuits. He was licensed in 2010, but about five years ago, he joined Raveis, and his trajectory has grown exponentially. For Collins, success is really about the flexibility to not have to depend on one’s career but to be able to be comfortable, happy, and enjoy family. He is doing it.

Do not misunderstand! Brandon will not rest until he makes the good in his life better and the better becomes the best, but he is on the right track, and he loves his world. Brandon’s gamechanger came when he began to understand the “power of self” and not just the strength of brand. “I had to become confident in who I am and in what I do,” he notes, “and I am able to incorporate all my interests to help people – including my ‘ hands-on’ abilities.”

Selling real estate allows Brandon to help people with their desires, to educate them on an industry that few understand, and to fulfill their needs.

He enjoys negotiating too, and he just loves each day – despite the challenges. Sure, he had to overcome the initial idea that he was a software developer turned agent, but people quickly learned to trust his tenacity in his passion for gaining much industry knowledge and in quickly developing trust with his clients.

“I was determined not to be ‘salesy,’” he says, “and I became a master of the open house.”

Collins says that the best agents are real and

realproducersmag.com

North Shore Real Producers • 15

Brandon always challenges newer agents to schedule open houses as much as possible and to find a brokerage that will invest in the agents’ training.

He thinks that finding a team to work with in the beginning is a good strategy, and he says that agents should make a habit of investing in the industry. He says that his experience working with his hands-on tasks and projects has made him a better agent.

Brandon knows what it is to labor in education and in having to overcome learning challenges, but he is quite the persevering agent. His struggles made him empathetic and determined to find his own niche, and he wants the same for his children – to know that there will be a road they can take so that happiness will be their reward.

Brandon is married to Jess, who works for Wayfair (for nearly a decade). They have a son, Teddy (4.5), a daughter named Maren (2), and a dog named Lulu. They love to take advantage of the ocean – boating, the beach, tide pooling with the kids — and they enjoy walks in the woods.

They love to spend time with the people in their neighborhood, and Brandon is a member of Marblehead Old Car Club. His fatherin-law owns an original 1922 Model-T that has always been owned by the family. Brandon looks forward to skiing and playing golf and tennis with his children.

Brandon Collins is a caring, persevering “character” who has found his place in life. He gives kudos to his grandfather, who was known for helping others and who was extremely giving to other people. Brandon hopes to carry that torch for his 16 • July 2022

LUCK IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY.

authentic – a lesson we all should learn about living our lives. The better agents are quite knowledgeable about all aspects of the territory and features of houses, and they love to learn. He says that people respect someone whom they are able to identify with, and he loves the idea that they can work with him – comfortable with the way he wants to work.

grandfather, and he says that “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” (Seneca). One thing is for sure, there is much for him yet to accomplish, but wherever that road goes, he will travel it with passion and resolve! @realproducers

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North Shore Real Producers • 17

partner video spotlights

PREFERRED PARTNER

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT SERIES Please visit North Shore Real Producers’ social media channels to view NSRP’s Preferred Partner video series produced by NSRP Preferred Partner Corey Stein Films. Each video gives our readers a chance to get to know each partner in a unique and creative way.

Corey Stein Films is a full-service production and marketing company based in Marblehead, MA. They are dedicated to creating cinematic videos for businesses that wish to connect viewers to their products or services.

To learn more about becoming a North Shore Real Producers Preferred Partner, please reach out to Talman Hauch, owner/publisher, North Shore Real Producers. Talman.hauch@realproducersmag.com, 617-921-7033.

18 • July 2022

@realproducers

RESPECTFUL • PROFESSIONAL • AFFORDABLE

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North Shore Real Producers • 19

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

Real Estate Transactions Probate Matters Estate Planning Small Business Organization

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20 • July 2022

Anthony Keck

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North Shore Real Producers • 21

Liz Kent TA R P E Y I N S U R A N C E

We Treat You Like One of the Family 22 • July 2022

@realproducers

partner spotlight Elizabeth Tarpey Kent is the President of the Tarpey Insurance Group, a family-owned and -originated business built by her father, who – by the way – still comes in daily to process mail, run important errands, but also offer sage advice to his four sons and daughter who comprise the leadership team at Tarpey Insurance. For decades, people have grown accustomed to associating the Tarpey name with other important concepts in insurance like knowledge, experience, honesty, good reputation, and integrity. There are other family members (10 in all) and friends associated with the company, but the family has grown exponentially since Tarpey insurance also includes clients; they treat everyone like one of the family!

Liz Tarpey forged her educational career at Holy Cross, where she finished in 1984 with majors in math and

French. She longed to be an FBI agent or even a teacher, and when her father asked her to join his business, she said “no,” – just wanting to experience life outside the family business. Liz was hired at a local Catholic school from which three of her brothers had graduated and the youngest brother was attending. She was tasked with teaching math, which she did for two years, enhancing the mathematical minds of classrooms filled with all boys. She loved it, but when Dad asked her to come to his side in the family business again, she finally acquiesced, and in June of 1986, Liz set out to enhance the company and help it grow, which it has manyfold.

As a well-educated insurance professional, Liz loves the fact that Tarpey Insurance Group is independent, meaning they represent nearly a

dozen companies in their personal and commercial lines, so they are quite adept at finding the best product (program) for their customers, and they have the opportunity to keep

Each member of the Tarpey team is committed to doing what is right for the customer, and they are quite engaged during any claim that a “Tarpey family member” may have.

realproducersmag.com

North Shore Real Producers • 23

focused upon pricing so that customers find the best value. Tarpey can customize each insurance package for each person/family, and they do so with the type of “family care” that many agencies would be jealous of.

Each member of the Tarpey team is committed to doing what is right for the customer, and they are quite engaged during any claim that a “Tarpey family member” may have.

They are indeed accessible, having four offices in the area (Wakefield, Saugus, Melrose, and Lexington), and, after all, their name is on the door, so their reputation is at stake. Over time, the business has changed like most, but the Tarpey Insurance Group stays on the cutting edge of technology and industry changes so that customers do not have to worry about becoming outdated.

Liz notes that her family upbringing should receive the lion’s share of credit for the company’s success, for her mom and dad taught them key

24 • July 2022

core values like truthfulness, doing the right thing, forgiveness, and commitment. Those values push through all that the company does today, and in addition to individualized quotes and client retention and satisfaction, Tarpey customers enjoy the “family-like” and approachability of the insurance group. Recently a customer decided to “pop in” to see Liz, and her daughter was surprised, “Mom, you cannot just drop by without an appointment!” According to Liz, you can and should; they love to see their extended family.

In addition to all the values, Liz’s family demonstrates a healthy work ethic, and they love to say that they work very hard but also play very hard. Liz hopes that people someday will remember her and the Tarpey Group with fond memories of strong relationships and effective risk analysis and coverage. They take it quite personally, and yet, they remain equally committed to a work-life balance that is admirable.

Liz is married to Bobby Kent, who is one of the owners of a competing insurance company, Rush-Kent Insurance. Just when you thought it was impossible to work with

family, Liz proves she can work with and love the competition – amazing! The couple has four children: Christopher (29), who will become a JAG lawyer soon; Suzanne (28), who is a doctor of orthopedics; Caroline (25), who is a nurse; and Danny (21), who is studying to be an oncologist.

The family loves to spend time at their lake home in Maine, enjoying boating activities, and the couple enjoys traveling to various cities to see their children.

Tarpey is joined by her brothers: Mark, VP of Sales; Mike, VP of Personal Lines; Jimmy, President of Financial Services; and Steve, VP of Commercial Lines. The family keeps the lines of communication open by working together for a common goal, holding no grudges, and by a mantra of recognizing that no one is perfect, so we must forgive, forget and move on!

Liz can be described as organized, focused, and extremely caring, and someday, she just might own a tiki bar, but until then, she and her work and professional family will continue to take care of their “newly adopted” customers, providing them with a level of service that is time-tested and true.

For more information on the Tarpey Insurance Group, you may call 781.246.2677 or visit their website at tarpeyinsurance.com.

@realproducers

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.

"DRAMA FREE" HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

Brett Maloney, Home Inspector | Call or Text: 978-766-0366 Brett@IndianRockInspections.com | www.IndianRockInspections.com

realproducersmag.com

North Shore Real Producers • 25

home matters

By Shauna Osborne

Stocking the Home Bar A useful thing many of us have learned from a yearslong global pandemic is how to make do — and even enjoy ourselves — with what we have at home. The familiar social act of grabbing a drink with friends was off-limits for months, leaving cocktail lovers ample time to hone their at-home mixology skills.

Planning to show off your drinkmixing prowess this summer? Here are a few suggestions for stocking the home bar…

First, consider the drink-making occasions you have coming up to guide your selections. Do you need a versatile collection of spirits such that the most popular bar drinks can be whipped up with ease? Or are you mainly planning for intimate gatherings, focusing on favored drinks you want to perfect or a particular spirit you wish to explore?

Generally, according to most mixology experts, a well-rounded home bar should include at least one bottle of each core liquor: • Vodka: Most home bartenders will benefit from having two bottles of 26 • July 2022

this indispensable spirit on hand — one budget-friendly bottle for mixing tall drinks, like bloody Marys, and a top-shelf bottle for smooth sippers like martinis.

• Rum: Two bottles of rum — one light and one dark — will make concocting summery daiquiris, mojitos, and mai tais a breeze.

• Gin: A high-quality bottle of dry gin is essential for beloved cocktails like the gin and tonic and dry martini.

• Tequila: Sweet summer sunshine and good tequila go hand in hand … in a delightful margarita. A nice bottle of blanco (or silver) tequila is the best choice for your home bar.

• Whiskey: A premium bourbon and a blended whiskey are excellent options for both sipping and classic cocktails like an old fashioned.

EXTRAS:

• Brandy: Once considered a core spirit, brandy is the star in classic cocktails such as the sidecar and brandy alexander.

• Various liqueurs (choose one or many, depending on your preferences): amaretto, coffee, orange, Irish cream, vermouth • Fruit juices, such as lemon, lime, orange, cranberry, and pineapple • Sodas, such as club soda, tonic water, ginger ale, cola, and diet cola • Citrus garnishes (twists, wheels, slices), such as lemon, lime, or orange • Bitters • Simple syrup Cheers to cold drinks and sunshine this summer! @realproducers

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North Shore Real Producers • 27

featured agent

ENGEL & VOLKERS FRIENDSHIP STARTS AT THE CLOSING TABLE Victor Paulino has been making great strides for seven years in real estate by helping clients, enhancing his marketing strategy, planning the right activities, and most of all, building healthy relationships. He has always strategically made his focus on those relationships and not commissions, and he notes that many of his clients – turned friends now were spawned at the closing table.

of eight left their tiny apartment and moved to the New England area. It was a major cultural change for him, but it most probably changed the course of his life. He later attended two colleges while studying liberal arts, and his first professional position came in the field of debt collection. Paulino started in sales and eventually became a manager. He worked in that industry for a decade, and he became interested in flipping houses, rehabbing homes, and investments. Those passions led to a career pivot, and in 2015, Victor became a licensed agent.

Paulino simply wants his clients to be happy, and he loves the idea that he is privileged to take the journey with them. He found that the work actually came to him easily, but the greatest challenge was generating leads.

He was very fortunate that his first listing was a $7.5 million home; it is all about who you know. Victor felt comfortable with his communication, his negotiating skills, and his sales strategies, so it was a matter of finding people with whom he could build a future.

For Victor, success is not about high production but about the ability to influence others. His game-changer in the business came when he began to study other agents in the business who worked in high-end luxury homes, and he began to adapt his business with similar strategies and processes.

Victor was born in New York City, but when he was twelve, his family

28 • July 2022

This effective agent says that the best agents carry out their fiduciary duties with a spirit of excellence and in a strategic manner. He notes that the better agents never stop learning, are exceptionally loyal to their

@realproducers

We bare a great responsibility to help people with the largest purchase of their lives, and it demands professionalism.

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North Shore Real Producers • 29

northeast, I found a place that did not care about that, and they poured into my life, helping me shape my character,” remembers Victor. He considered that place to be his safe zone.

In the early years before moving, Victor found himself in a strong drug culture, and he remembers that he wanted something different from what he saw. He does not think of himself as better than those people; he just did not want to build his life around similar things. The Haverhill Boys and Girls Club helped him blossom and take a strong leap forward.

He remembers immersing himself in sports and getting his homework done with the help of leaders at the club.

He is forever grateful for the time and interest that people there gave him – helping him to find the true version of himself that he wanted to be.

clients, and never operate with a “cut-throat” mentality. He often advises newer agents to never stray from their established processes and to always follow up with clients. His main concern is for agents to be consistent with their marketing efforts and daily activities.

If you have spent any time with Victor, you will be well-versed with the three most important words in his vocabulary: vision, goals, and focus! Victor is a strong believer in seeing where you want to go, making benchmarks to measure your progress, and staying on task – only doing the right things and the things that make your business grow, grow, grow.

He says that it should be harder for people to enter the industry – that is, there should be a higher bar to meet.

“We bare a great responsibility to help people with the largest purchase of their lives, and it demands professionalism,” he says.

Victor Paulino could be described as a loyal, hard-working, loving, and funny guy, but he is quick to credit the development of these qualities to his mother’s care and vision and to the Boys and Girls Club. “I grew up with limited means, but when we moved to the

30 • July 2022

Victor is married to Jackie, who works in the tech industry as a chief product officer. They love to travel, especially to Florida and California. Victor is a “dog man,” and he really enjoys his Newfoundland sidekick, Zeus, who weighs in at 165 lbs. He also loves hiking and beach activities. He has many more closing tables to attend and many more friendships to build!

@realproducers

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North Shore Real Producers • 31

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North Shore Real Producers • 33

Colleen

Toner T O N E R R E A L E S TAT E

34 • July 2022

@realproducers

cover feature

By Dr. Brian Ramsey, Senior Writer.

Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed Photography Studio

Do Something You Love That Leads to Relationships

D

During high school, Colleen Toner had opportunities for work and travel way beyond the norm, including summer internships in Germany.

The significant work experience and the chance to learn about other cultures shaped Colleen into a very dependable and hard-working person who has paid great dividends in her professional life. Even her surroundings while growing up in Nahant gave her an appreciation for the beauty of a small town, and the culture there helped her appreciate her neighborhood – something she seeks to give each client.

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth near the

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ocean, Colleen put her educational focus on Textile Engineering and Business to work by becoming an Executive Assistant to the President of American Science and Engineering in Cambridge. She labored there for seven years, rubbed shoulders with some well-known names, and witnessed her company supply systems for airports, customs, and the secret service. The job also shaped her in many ways, and she transitioned away only to find a better balance in spending time with her children.

Colleen wanted to be involved with her family and harmonize her schedule with them. She had obtained her real estate license while in college,

North Shore Real Producers • 35

36 • July 2022

@realproducers

but she had only dabbled in it. In 1995, she launched her full-time career, and she has never looked back. She loves every part of her job: the excitement, the evolution of the industry, the assistance she gives clients in finding a home, and the negotiations. She even likes the challenges, and she notes that each transaction has a unique fingerprint; it makes the work interesting.

Toner knows that the many referrals and repeat clients are just expressions of gratitude from those she has helped, and she considers those things to be measures of success. For the last ten years, she has been the spearhead of her own business, and though it was quite time-consuming and difficult early on, she is now enjoying the fruits of those labors – leading a team that owns a healthy culture and that works in tandem for great success. Most of her team has not had previous real estate experience, and it provides Colleen with the opportunity to mold them into the kind of agents that understand the business and that take care of clients properly.

Colleen says that the best agents always remember whom they work for and that they listen to the needs of the clients and company – making most experiences pleasurable for all. The better agents are attentive to the desires of clients, and they are pleased to work hard and be conscientious and attentive to details.

Toner often advises newer agents to develop a strong work ethic early and always to be dependable and punctual. She says they should enjoy people, follow current affairs in the marketplace and be lifelong learners. She has been fortunate to hire a great team who emulates these core values, and she knows that her team, her friendships, and her clients have all been a part of her strategic success.

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North Shore Real Producers • 37

Colleen has been married to Paul for over thirty years. They have a son, Colin, who works in brand management within the wine and spirits industry, and a daughter, Shannon, who is a financial advisor.

Over the years, Colleen has made many lasting friendships at the Gannon Golf Club, and she loves to wind down on the course. If she had to do any other job, she might consider a golf pro or interpreter/traveler. She has traveled extensively over her lifetime, but she would love to revisit Ireland.

Paul describes her as beautiful, smart, and hard-working, and families have learned the inner-core advantages of her genuine spirit, caring attitude, and dependable nature. In the end, Colleen wants her legacy to be defined by her desire to be a good friend who is always supportive of everyone’s needs. She is community-minded and very kind, and she hopes that people will remember her for

38 • July 2022

her genuine love of her business and others. Even when she ceases with real estate, she will always find things that she enjoys, for there are the makings of true relationships!

@realproducers

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North Shore Real Producers • 39

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North Shore Real Producers • 41

financial fitness

By Shauna Osborne and Elizabeth McCabe

Improving Your Credit Score If you are looking to buy a home or a car in the future, especially in the current markets, you may be interested in improving your credit score. The higher the number, the more you can potentially save in securing the best loan.

Here are a few tips.

TACKLE CREDIT CARD DEBT

If you have credit card debt, you’re not alone. Only 35% of credit card users pay off their credit cards in full each month. The other 65% carry a credit card balance. Pay off credit cards entirely each month to improve your score. Resist the urge to move debt around to a lower APR card. If you have small balances on several credit cards, knock those out first.

For larger balances, pay several times throughout the month to have the lowest balance by the end of the billing cycle. Your credit score is directly affected by the number of cards that have balances.

FOCUS ON REVOLVING CREDIT

When it comes to your credit score, focus on the ratio of revolving credit versus the amount actually utilized. The smaller that percentage is — your credit utilization — the higher your credit score will be. In other words, if you have a $10,000 credit card limit, do not exceed 30% of that total (or $3,000). Lower than 30% is even better! Additionally, if your income has gone up lately or you’ve accrued more years of positive credit experience, you could request higher credit limits, which instantly lowers your overall credit utilization and can boost your score.

BEWARE OF NEW ACCOUNTS TOO QUICKLY

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42 • July 2022

If you think increasing the number of credit cards you have will increase your available credit, think again. Be wary of opening new accounts too quickly, especially if you haven’t managed credit for long.

Generally, each new application leads to a hard inquiry; these add up to have a compounding effect on your credit score. Opening new credit accounts also directly impacts your average account age.

Improve your credit score by thinking twice before you swipe. Taking small steps now can pay off exponentially in years to come. @realproducers

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North Shore Real Producers • 43

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