North Shore Real Producers - May 2024

FRONTIERO

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!

- Sam Salem, MA

David Bruett President

Phone: 978-594-5308

Fax: 978-594-0236

quote@davebruettinsurance.com info@davebruettinsurance.com www.davebruettinsurance.com

PERSONAL INSURANCE | SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCE

ALL OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS MET WITH ONE AGENT

Put David's 19 years of experience to work and protect yourself, your clients, and your business!

NORTH SHORE MEET THE

REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

talman.hauch@realproducersmag.com

Dan St. John Photographer Lightshed Photography Studio

Talman Hauch Owner/Publisher

Geneva Eilertson Marketing Coordinator

Michelle Morello Photographer Lightshed Photography Studio

Kendra St. John Photographer Lightshed Photography Studio

Maeve Sherwood Social Media Manager

Heather Johnson Ad Strategist

David Cornwell Sr. Writer

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)

Source: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/pro le-of-home-staging

• 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.

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

ATTORNEY/TITLE COMPANY

Anthony G. Keck & Associates

Anthony Keck & Julie Rubenstein (978) 745-3353 Salem-Law.com

Parry & Parry, P.C.

Denise Parry (978) 346-0005

HOME INSPECTION

R.J. Home Inspection

Adam Wright (800) 253-4402 rjhomeinspection.com

HOME RENOVATION

Curbio (810) 300-9432 Curbio.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 (978) 476-2671

JUNK REMOVAL

JNR Junk & Logistics

Ryan McCarthy (781) 367-9223

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

Leader Bank

Adam Moore (978) 697-6019

LeaderBank.com

NRL Mortgage

Anthony Lapolla (978) 209-0916 www.AnthonyAtNRL.com

PHOTOGRAPHY / MULTIMEDIA

Lightshed

Photography Studio

Dan St. John (978) 854-5348

lightshedphoto.com

PUBLIC

ADJUSTING SERVICES

Panakio Adjusters, Inc.

Melissa Sherwood (781) 592-7575 panakioadjusters.com

MAY HOLIDAY’S AND OBSERVANCES...

So, we all know about a few very special observed holidays in May... Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day...However, after further review, I discovered that the month of May is packed with many others...some you may have heard about and perhaps many that you haven’t. Let’s take a closer look...

May 1 - May Day, Mother Goose Day, International Doodle Day, Learn to Ride a Bike Day

May 2 - International Harry P{otter Day, National Brothers and Sisters Day, National Play Your Ukulele Day, National Day of Prayer, World Password Day, National Day of Reason

May 3 - National Teo Different Colored Shoes Day, Paranormal Day, National Chocolate Custard Day, School Lunch Hero Day, National Space Day, National No Pants Day

May 4 - Star Wars Day, National Scrapbook Day, National Fitness Day, Free Comic Book Day, Wildfire Preparedness Day, Kentucky Deby Day

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo, National Astronaut Day, National Hoagie Day, Museum Lover’s Day, Hug a Shed and Take a Selfie Day, Mayday for Mutts, International Permaculture Day

May 6 - International No Diet Day, National Tourist Appreciation Day, National Nurses Day

May 7 - National Teacher Day, National Roast Leg of Lamb Day

May 8 - Coconut Cream Pie Day, Have a Coke Day, Receptionists Day

May 9 - National Moscato Day, Lost Sock Day

May 10 - National Clean Your Room Day, National Shrimp Day

May 11 - National Twilight Zone Day, Eat What You Want Day, World Fair Trade Day

May 12 - Mother’s Day, National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Nutty Fudge Day

May 13 - National Women’s Checkup Day, International Hummus Day, Fruti Cocktail, Day, National Apple Pie Day

May 14 - National Underground America Day, Buttermilk Biscuit Day, Dance Like a Chicken Day

May 15 - International Family Day, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, Peace Officers Day

May 16 - National Sea Monkey Day, National Mimosa Day, Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day, Drawing Day, National Barbecue Day

May 17 - National Cherry Cobbler Day, Walnut Day, National Endangered Species Day, Bike to Work Day, Pizza Party Day

May 18 - National Visit Relatives Day, HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, International Astronomy Day, World Whiskey Day, National Armed Forces Day

May 19 - National Devil’s Food Cake Day, Barber Mental Health Day

May 20 - National Rescue Dog Day

May 21 - National Red Cross Founders Day, Talk Like Yoda Day, National Waitstaff Day

May 22 - World Paloma Day, National Maritime Day, International Biological Diversity Day, Harvey Milk Day

May 23 National Taffy Day, World Turtle Day, Lucky Penny Day

May 24 - National Brothers Day, National Road Trip Day

May 25 - May Revolution Day, National Wine Day

May 26 - National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, Paper Airplane Day

May 27 - Memorial Day, Sunscreen Day

May 28 - National Brisket Day, Hamburger Day

May 29 - National Paperclip Day

May 30 - National Mint Julip Day, National Creativity Day

May 31 - National Macaroon Day, National Smile Day, National Heat Awareness Day

Whew! Given all of these important dates, do you think my mother would mind if I forgot Mother’s Day?

Thanks for reading and Happy Spring Selling!

Talman Hauch Owner/Publisher

North Shore Real Producers

talman.hauch

@n2co.com

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

Reports of Vacant Land Scams have risen sharply over the last year. Warnings concerning the scam have become a regular feature in our member updates and NSR has assisted on cases where these scams go so far as being listed on MLS.

For those that have never heard of a Vacant Land Scam, it’s defined by Secret Series Cybercrime Investigations as when someone poses as a property owner and through a series of impersonations are negotiating the sale of a property which is vacant or lien free.

These scams are happening across the country. Speaking with other association staff nationally, there have been reports of these scams also targeting vacant, lien free buildings although so far only land lots have been reported on the North Shore.

Red Flags:

• Out of state/country and cannot meet in person;

• Refusal to engage in a video conference;

• Does not want a For Sale sign on the property;

• Insistence on selling the property quickly;

• Willingness to sell below market value and preference for a cash transaction.

Things you can do to avoid the scam as an agent:

• Insist on a video call;

• Have a uniform policy with vacant lots to see the individual’s identification and verify that the email address is legitimate;

• Conduct individual research to confirm the property owner which may include asking neighbors or finding social media accounts;

• Check the property records for any information that can be matched to what was offered;

If you are the owner of a vacant land lot within the territory of the Essex Southern Registry of Deeds, the Registry has a program where you can be alerted by email whenever anyone tries to file a document containing your address.

NSR is here to assist if you feel like you are being involved in a Vacant Land Scam. Please be vigilant and know the red flags.

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.

When he is not working in real estate, Jim Armstrong of Armstrong Field Real Estate is creating recipes and preparing his next big meal for people in need around the North Shore.

Starting a couple of years before the pandemic began in 2020, Jim has cooked thousands of meals for people in need across the North Shore. Some of the local non-profits that Jim is currently teamed up with include Ellis Square Friends in Beverly, SPUR in Marblehead, River House in Beverly, and Lifebridge in Salem.

The food is paid for by Jim and prepared in his home kitchen. Jim said, “Before I became a REALTOR, I had always wanted to become a chef.” With thousands of cooked meals served to people in need because of Jim’s generosity, he is living his dream of becoming a chef, while making a difference for the community at the same time.

“I love to help others. This is why I got into the real estate business,” said Jim.

SERVING IT UP on the NORTH SHORE

Chloe Brown is a people person, pure and simple.

As a professional bartender before becoming a Realtor at RE/MAX 360, listening and understanding is second nature to her.

“You can meet the best people sitting at the bar and once they have a few drinks, they start talking your ear off and you know their whole life story.”

Those same listening, understanding and empathy skills have served her well as a Realtor for the past four years while working on North Shore and New Hampshire property deals out of RE/MAX 360 Peabody’s office

Before real estate, Chloe was making good money working in hospitality for Hilton Hotels, saying it was busy and interesting work where she met people from all over the U.S. and the world and got to hear their stories.

But when COVID-19 came along, “everything kind of shut down.”

“The only people coming through the hotel were folks who worked for the airlines, and they were only allowed to come in and grab their food,” she remembers. “The hotel was empty and with no guests to interact with, it left me wondering ‘what do I want to do with my life?’”

Chloe and her fiancé, John Lewis, had just bought a house, too, not the optimum time for uncertainty of any

kind. As it turned out, the Realtor they used, Angela Hirtle-Falzarano, was a friend of Chloe’s and had been a high school classmate.

Chloe says she loved everything about the experience of searching for and buying a home.

“I had gotten to the point that I couldn’t imagine waking up and not looking at Zillow the second I opened my eyes,” Chloe says of the couple’s home search.

“So one morning I woke up and it hit me,” she says of her decision to get her real estate license. “What’s the worst that can happen if I get my license and then I’m really bad at it? We wouldn’t be any worse off.”

Once Chloe had her license, she says, “I kind of jumped on Angela’s back right at the beginning. She mentored me and I was able to grow my own business with her knowledge.”

While starting in real estate during the pandemic was slow at first, Chloe says she soon “had the ball rolling and I’ve been fortunate enough to keep it rolling since.”

“I feel that people really enjoy working with me and give my entire self to every transaction,” she says. “I certainly enjoy working with them.”

“Other agents may view it as more of a transactional business, but for me, it’s more relation-based,” she says, adding that first-time homebuyers and veterans are among her favorite clients.

Chloe has more than a passing interest in veterans, with John working for the U.S. Department of Labor as the Assistant Director of the VETS Agency, where he investigates claims and discrimination against veterans. “In a difficult market,” she says, “things are even more difficult for veterans.”

“For me personally this doesn’t feel like a job, it just feels like my life,” Chloe says of her real estate career. “There’s really no clocking out of work because there’s no clocking out of life.”

Of course, an even bigger part of her life is at home she says, where she’s a Mom to two boys, 11-yearold Brady, the athlete, and 9-yearold Christian, the artist.

Right now there’s no jetting off to exotic locales for the family with Chloe saying she’s in career-building mode. Enjoying time with friends, trying out new restaurants and spring walks are about as wild as she and John get these days.

And, of course, she’s often juggling parenting duties with career duties, particularly while shuttling their sons to and from and attending various activities.

“Showing up is important,” she says. “With both family and with business.”

A native of Malden, Chloe has lived all around the North Shore, presently residing in Peabody.

“I feel I’ve planted roots and we are here to stay.”

Looking back at her career path, Chloe says her time at Hilton in customer service laid a strong foundation for her present success.

“A good bartender has the same skills that a good Realtor should have, not just talking to people, but engaging with them and listening,” she says.

“I feel that real estate and life in general is about building relationships and connecting with people. That’s the most important thing in how I run my business and my life. I want all my clients and fellow real estate agents to feel like they have my undivided attention.”

The Truth About the MA

Home Inspection Bill

By Adam Wright - Owner, R.J. Home Inspections

If you have not heard, there is a newly proposed bill in Massachusetts regarding home inspections which has been the focus of many conversations lately. This month’s article is to help clarify a few things and set the record straight for everyone. In many of my recent conversations with Realtor’s, it’s become clear there is FALSE information being passed around about this bill, so I’d like to explain the facts in detail:

What is it?

The proposed is Massachusetts Bill S.2472: “An Act protecting consumer rights in purchasing safe and habitable homes”. After you read this article, I would urge you to do a quick google search of that to read the actual bill itself (fyi the entire bill is about the length of this article so it’s a very quick read). This bill is sponsored by both Senator Michael Moore and Representative Brian Ashe as well as having 38 co-sponsors. It has been reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and the current status while I write this is that it has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Why is this being proposed?

With how the market conditions have been the past few years, numerous buyers (if not most) have felt like they have had to waive their home inspection in order to get any type of offer accepted. This means they have had to make what most people consider the biggest purchase of their life without knowing the true condition of the property they are buying. This has been leaving new homeowners with not just a great financial risk of repairs but also at great risk of their safety with things that could be wrong in the home. I have seen this firsthand where buyers have instant remorse after buying the home and

then find out it is not in the condition, they thought it was. If this bill were to get passed it would alleviate that risk by allowing all prospective purchasers a right to have the home inspected within a 10-day due diligence period.

Would this make a home inspection mandatory?

Very important question and the answer is NO. I have heard people refer to this bill as the mandatory inspection bill and that is absolutely false.

Here is a quote directly from the bill, “Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require, mandate, or otherwise compel a prospective purchaser to obtain an inspection following the acceptance by the seller of an offer to purchase.”

If a client does not want a home inspection for whatever reason they absolutely can waive their right AFTER their offer is accepted. This is very similar to other types of inspection laws that already exist in MA.

Would there be penalties for ignoring this if the bill was passed?

Yes. If the seller fails to comply (an example would be knowingly accepting an offer because they are going to waive inspection), then they could be held to a penalty of up to 4% of the purchase price or ten thousand dollars (whichever is greater). Basically, the goal by legislators would be that waiving their right to an inspection would not come into play whatsoever prior to getting any offers accepted.

When would this take place?

According to the bill it states, “This act shall take effect upon its passage.” So my interpretation is that it would be effective immediately.

Who would this help and who would this hurt?

Buyers - Absolutely will help buyers, they are the main beneficiaries of this bill. That is who this bill is created for and who this bill is designed to protect. They would then have an even playing field to get offers accepted and would be able to know exactly what they are buying.

Sellers – In my opinion it helps them. Right now, people are making their offers more appealing by waiving their home inspection in order to get their offer accepted. This has actually forced some buyers to bow out of looking for a home whether it’s because of the type of loan or because of their comfort level. So, what if waiving home inspections was taken away? Well, the buyers pool would broaden even more. And how would these buyers separate themselves to make their offer more appealing? By offering more money! So at the end of the day I think this could actually get home sellers higher prices.

Home Inspectors - Yes of course it would help Home Inspectors, I would be lying if I said it

didn’t. It would certainly provide stability to my beloved industry.

Buyers and Sellers agents – In my opinion it would absolutely help both sides. 2 VERY important reasons: Reducing liability and houses selling for more money. In my last article I spoke about the legal risk of agents with the waiving of inspections and the lawsuits happening right now. This bill would help create a barrier of liability for brokerages and put a lot of that liability back on the home inspectors. And if I am right about this helping home prices go up, we all know what that means… higher commissions.

Finally, this bill would create a safe buying process and be a win for everyone involved. Remember, the main purpose of this bill is to do exactly what it says in its name… To protect consumer rights in purchasing safe and habitable homes!

As always, I am here as your home inspection expert so if there are any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

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

MAKING EVERYTHING BETTER

“A GOOD HOCKEY PLAYER PLAYS WHERE THE PUCK IS. A GREAT HOCKEY PLAYER PLAYS WHERE THE PUCK IS GOING TO BE.” - WAYNE GRETZKY

Hockey requires stamina, perseverance, strategic knowledge, and the tenacious commitment to win. From the time he stepped on the ice all the way through college, Anthony Lapolla has developed these qualities and many more. Playing Goalie, Anthony developed a mental toughness that is rivaled by few. He loves to win, and he is quite competitive, but Anthony has crafted a philosophy of business where everyone can win.

Perhaps his greatest feature is his keen ability to anticipate the play of the game on ice, and he has certainly moved that skill set into the arena of mortgage loans. Customers love the fact that Anthony can easily anticipate the features of a loan transaction, can see potential hazards, and he has become adept at providing solutions for his customers to meet their objective.

“Helping borrowers fulfill their goal of home ownership or taking that first step closer to financial freedom through refi nancing brings great joy and fulfillment to my work,” notes Lapolla.

After earning a degree in finance, Anthony entered the workforce, taking a job in retail. He later pivoted to a real estate investment company where he began at an entry level and quickly climbed the ladder to become the Manager of Operations. Overseeing the various aspects of that business including acquisitions, rehabs, rentals, and property management, Anthony was able to develop considerable experience and knowledge

that would later forge a foundation for his work in mortgage origination. After several years with the investment company, Lapolla knew that he needed a change of pace, so he spoke to a friend in the mortgage business. That friend challenged Anthony to get his license (which he did) and then granted a position for Anthony to begin his work as a loan officer.

To say that Lapolla has found his niche may be an understatement. Anthony appreciates his connection to Envoy Mortgage since its strength is providing the proper marketing tools and operations that fully support Lapolla and his team in their work with mortgage loans. “Our primary focus is to refine our processes to solely improve the customer experience for our borrowers,” says Anthony.

“This business is built upon guidelines, knowing those guidelines, staying updated with the changes, and helping families navigate the often-stressful process of securing a mortgage loan,” he explains.

Helping borrowers fulfill their goal of home ownership or taking that first step closer to financial freedom through refinancing brings great joy and fulfillment to my work.

In addition to the constant improvements, customers appreciate the excellent and efficient communication from the team at Envoy. Some say they feel like the “only client,” and many say they feel comfortable with the updates at every step of the process. Anthony challenges the team that they can never over communicate, and the ease of their process allows more closings to come to fruition. People and agents also appreciate the company’s timely feedback and the plain and truthful answers that they always receive from the team.

Anthony knows that the mortgage business is primarily a relationship business, and he is happy to spend the time necessary to develop close and healthy relationships. With the constant change of regulations and guidelines, people depend on the team at Envoy to keep abreast of the mortgage landscape transitions and help them to determine how best to seek approval. While it is impossible to have all the answers at any given time, Lapolla’s team will turn over every stone so that they might find the customer’s solution or answer.

“Lapolla is married to Meaghan and they have an almost two year old son named Salvatore and a dog name Nico. The couple enjoys an occasional night out…usually at a Bruins game, and spending time with friends and family who live close by. “

Anthony could be described as a caring, ambitious, and dedicated businessman. He expresses huge kudos to his dad, a small business owner and restaurateur, for helping

him to learn a great work ethic and about the commitment to get things done regardless of the obstacles. Lapolla’s parents taught him to foster his drive to make things better and to always have a spirit of being “hungry for more.”

Someday, Anthony hopes that people will remember him professionally as someone who provided a great experience, who could problem solve with the best, and who made people happy through the process of securing that dream home.

Lapolla and the team from NRL Mortgage are quite proud of the agents in real estate. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for them - for their work on a daily basis in a market that has a short supply and a great demand. They are ‘grinding it out,’ and they are very pleased when they find success. I love how they ‘go to bat’ for their clients and how they put so much in every transaction. It is so similar to the way that our team works, and I appreciate how they set a benchmark for all of us to follow,” says Anthony.

“For more information about Anthony Lapolla, his team and NRL Mortgage, you may call them at 978.210.0728, or visit their website at AnthonyAtNRL.com.

cover feature

By

Energy and Tenacity

David Cornwell - Sr. Writer & Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed Photography Studio

FRONTIERO

If you had to describe William Raveis Realtor Jamie Frontiero with the fewest words, those words might be “energetic” and “tenacious.”

A top producer along the MA North Shore and NH Seacoast since 2012, Jamie’s real estate career followed a long and successful equestrian career as a Hunter-Jumper rider, coach and trainer.

And for 21 years overlapping those careers, there’s been the “love of my life,” her husband, Sal. “I can’t think of another person I’d want to spend each day with,” she says. “But we’re both headstrong and so have a tendency to bicker—a lot! Some close friends call us the Bickersons.”

Partners in life, Jamie and her husband officially became business partners as well seven years ago when Sal retired from a corporate career and joined Jamie full time in her real estate business.

“I needed someone I could count on, someone I could trust completely,” she says. “Sal helps me daily but also caters to the numerous and often last-minute needs of our clients.”

“We’re honored to play such an important role in one of the biggest decisions folks will ever make,” Jamie says. “And while I tend to be a ball of energy, Sal is there to balance me out with his calming demeanor.” “He puts clients at ease by assuring them, ‘Everything will be just fine, Jamie’s got everything under control.’”

An only child, Jamie’s parents divorced when she was 10 and sadly, her relationship with her beloved father grew distant. A dedicated Air Force officer he relocated to Texas after the divorce leaving Jamie to grow up with her mother. Although her mom was a loving parent sadly, “she had a volatile and unpredictable nature” Jamie says. “My mother was an extremely brilliant woman, an insatiable overachiever who had a distinguished college career and a passion for travel but alas, a long and dark struggle with mental illness took her life when she was just 51”, she says.

But Jamie chooses to reflect back on the good her mother instilled in her. Jamie’s childhood was filled with activities such as trips to theater and museums, riding lessons, swimming lessons and music (at one time Jamie played multiple instruments—classical piano, harpsichord, recorder and the concert harp).

“My mother wanted me to have a vast array of opportunities in which to learn, grow and succeed so I might become a strong and vibrant woman”, she says. “I hope I made her proud”. When she was 12, Jamie says she woke up one morning and “told my mother I just wanted to ride horses—every day.”

Even though living on a shoestring, she says her mom found a local equitation trainer who honed Jamie’s talents and at just 13 she had her first show horse. “Over the next 25 years, I trained and showed under some of the best (and toughest) trainers in the country. “Thanks to my mom and the horse show world, I have an incredible work ethic and I am grateful for that.”

These days you’re more likely to find Jamie riding aboard the couple’s 36-foot Luhrs motorboat, which she says, “isn’t sexy but it’s sturdy.” And while she may be the boss in real estate, Sal’s the boss on the water. “He is the captain and what he says on that vessel goes.”

She recalls being caught in a bad storm on a return trip from Provincetown. Entering the mouth of the Merrimack River there were swells so massive, she says there was a moment she thought they would capsize. “I cried out, ‘Oh God, please help us! Sal looked at me and said, ‘I love you honey. Hold on.’ I grabbed hold of a railing and kept my eyes on him. I knew he would get us home safely and he did.”

Jamie says that type of staying calm under pressure makes Sal so valuable in real estate.

“I could not do what I do without him. He’s my go-to for absolutely everything: smoke certificates, water readings, painting, repairs, organizing, working with vendors and more.” In fact, over the years it’s become somewhat of an inside joke for many clients to say, “If you want something fixed right and right away, you better call Sal.”

I

COULD NOT DO WHAT I DO WITHOUT HIM.

He’s my go-to for absolutely everything: smoke certificates, water readings, painting, repairs, organizing, working with vendors and more.

? 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.