Grand Rapids of Real Producers January 2022 Issue!

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GRAND RAPIDS

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Special RECAP Issue of 2021

I N S P I R I N G .

JANUARY 2022

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Building on your property (within 20 miles of Grand Rapids) Quality Craftsmanship High Efficiency Homes 616.866.3913 | info@sablehomes.com | sablehomes.com 2 • January 2022

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MEET THE

GRAND RAPIDS REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Chris Csotty Publisher

Terra Csotty

April Shanne Subiera

Publisher

Phalesha Kyes

Relationship Manager

Jeanne Monillo Ad Strategist

Publishing Assistant/ Reprints Specialist

Amanda Matkowski Editor/Writer

Robbyn Moore Writer

Chris Menezes Writer

Jacob Harr

harr Creative LLC Photographer

Erika Kruse

Event Coordinator

Dom Lombardo

West & Main Photography Photographer/Videographer

Preparing

HOME BUYERS to Become Better

HOME OWNERS 616-214-2176

www.chandlerinspection.com/ chandlerinspections@gmail.com

Licensed and Insured

4 • January 2022

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 06

Preferred Partners

08

Publisher’s Note

10

14

18

22

Partner Spotlight: Scott Docter, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors

Rising Star: Angela Worth

Charity Spotlight: Love For A Child

2021 RECAP

If you are interested in contributing or nominating someone for a feature, please email us at terra.csotty@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 Grand Rapids 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.

Daniel Martinez

(616) 965-5092 DANIELMARTINEZ5092@GMAIL.COM realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 5

PREFERRED PARTNERS

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Grand Home Inspection (616) 710-1796 www.grandhome inspection.com

Goosehead Insurance Philipp Reinartz (616) 755-6411 gooseheadgr.com

Prime Lending (616) 202-0101 Lo.PrimeLending.com/ GrandRapids

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Drake Financial Group (616) 389-0113

Locker Inspection Services Joshua Locker (616) 490-0512 lockerinspections.com

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Ruoff Mortgage Stacy Miller-Kuiper (616) 430-4141 ruoff.com

FINANCIAL CONSULTING Farm Bureau Insurance Ryan Loucks (616) 988-5072 Farmbureauinsurance.com

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors Scott Docter (616) 250-6920 scottdocter.pillartopost.com/

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Team Mortgage (616) 974-9710 ruqualified.com

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HEALTH, WELLNESS & SKIN CARE CannaCore Organics (586) 615-8749 www.cannacoreorganics. com/terra HOMEBUILDER Sable Homes (616) 866-3913 HOME INSPECTION Alert Inspection Services (616) 662-6990 Big Moose Home Inspections (920) 570-6543 Bigmoose.us

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INSURANCE AGENCY Crosby & Henry Insurance Tessa Misner (616) 325-2864 crosbyhenry.com

Lake Michigan Credit Union Jake Williams (616) 265-3837 LMCU.org

Farm Bureau Insurance Ryan Loucks (616) 988-5072 Farmbureauinsurance.com

Lake Michigan Credit Union Zach Tebos (616) 234-6361 LMCU.org

VanDyk Mortgage Corporation (616) 940-3000 lendingexcellence.com MOVING SERVICES The Trusted Movers LLC (616) 214-2169 www.thetrustedmovers llc.com PAINTING D & M Painting (616) 965-5092 PHOTOGRAPHY Brian McDonald Photography (616) 209-8669 harr Creative (517) 974-7809 harrcreative.com West & Main Photography (810) 356-7876

Chandler Inspections (616) 214-2176

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RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT S & G Property Management (616) 719-0819 rentsg.com

ROOFING/RESTORATION Roof Maxx Jeff Antvelink (616) 334-3432 roofmaxx.com

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SECURITY SYSTEMS & MONITORING Millennium Security Systems (616) 258-6566

TRANSACTION COORDINATOR Agent Concierge Services (616) 723-3290 VIDEO PRODUCTION/ DRONE SERVICES harr Creative (517) 974-7809 harrcreative.com

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 7

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BETTER THAN ADT SECURITY

2022 publisher’s note

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2022 is here! The Team at Real Producers would like to wish YOU a Happy New Year! This issue is packed with a RECAP of 2021 and more. Remember to follow us on FB and IG to see all the upcoming news, events and for special requests of nominations for upcoming features.

A BIG thanks to our Preferred Partners! Because of them we are able to keep this magazine FREE to the top real estate agents in the area. Looking to add a vetted business to your vendor list?

Check out our Preferred Partner section of the magazine to see our many amazing partners!

Chris & Terra Csotty/ Publishers 248-506-6169/ 586-615-8749 chris.csotty@realproducersmag.com/ terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com

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rising star

By Amanda Matkowski Photos by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

The Freedom of a Flexible Schedule

ANGELA WORTH

10 • January 2022

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A

s a mother to two young children, Angela Worth was looking for a better work-life balance. She was previously a personal trainer and registered dental hygienist before finally becoming a real estate agent in May of 2017, which allowed her to create her own schedule and have quality time with her daughters. “The flexibility and opportunities are never-ending!” she said about becoming an agent. “I truly wish I would have transitioned long ago!”

Angela was exposed to the real estate industry much earlier in life, however: Her mother has been a licensed real estate agent for more than 30 years. Angela says that her mother has “the most respectable work ethic” of anyone she knows and that her mother’s professionalism and drive have inspired her to model the same traits as an agent herself.

Shortly after entering the real estate industry, Angela appreciated the ability to establish her own work schedule even more as she went through a divorce. “The flexibility for this single mom allows me to not miss a beat during these important years with my children,” she explained. “I can block time off to run to my daughter’s track meet and then pick her up afterward. I never could have had this amount of flexibility in my other careers.”

At Bellabay Realty, Angela has made significant strides in four short years. She has achieved a career volume of over $29 million — more than $10 million of which she obtained in 2021 — and has been awarded with REALTOR® of the Year in 2020 by Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) West Michigan as well as ranked in Bellabay Realty’s top 10 agents for 2019 and 2020. She has also participated in the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS® Leadership Academy (GRARLA) and is the incoming WCR president for 2022.

Although Angela is an independent agent, she works in a team setting. “My broker, Kendra, is supportive and has sought like-minded agents for our office. We are each

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 11

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other’s biggest cheerleaders. We help each other during vacations and in troubleshooting situations, motivate each other and provide accountability,” she said. “I couldn’t be with a better group of people!”

Angela is passionate about creating opportunities and encouraging leadership among her colleagues, but her favorite part about being an agent is meeting new people every day and building lifelong relationships. Her devotion to always being there for her clients, however, doesn’t come without its challenge of knowing when to no longer be “on.”

“As agents, we work all the time,” Angela said. “It doesn’t stop when we leave our desks or when we leave our last showings for the day. Learning how to create boundaries is very important with this business.”

Angela advises up-and-coming real estate professionals to network and to get involved within the industry.

“Know that your success is all dependent on you — not on your broker or affiliated company,” she explained.

“It’s all you and what you put into it day in and day out.”

Angela is serious about constantly growing as an agent and is not afraid to fail. “I fail more than I succeed,” she admitted. “I own my failures and my successes all on my own. If I’m not failing or being told ‘no’ more than I’m succeeding, then that means I’m not working outside my comfort zone — and that is where growth happens.”

When Angela is not working or spending time with her daughters, she teaches spin class at MVP Sportsplex and is part of a cycling team. She also has a goal in 2021 to read two books per month — one for personal development and one for entertainment. Other than reading books and watching comedy or tearjerker movies, Angela also enjoys puzzling accompanied by a good cup of coffee or a nice glass of pinot noir. time with my daughters on vacation, success is that I can do this all in a balanced way.”

Originally from Peck, Michigan, Angela earned her degree in applied science/ biology from Ferris State University and has two daughters — Claire, 14, and Nora, 10. Both girls are involved in athletics: Claire participates in several sports, and Nora is an avid soccer player. Claire also loves to go shopping, whereas Nora loves to spend time

Angela wants to be remembered for being helpful and supportive to her colleagues and clients. Outside of the real estate industry, she would like to ultimately be known for modeling a great work ethic and work-life balance as well as for empowering other women as leaders. “I want to show my daughters that women can lead and set an example with hard work, determination and integrity while creating amazing relationships along the way,” she concluded.

From changing clients’ lives with a new home purchase to quality time with my daughters on vacation, success is that I can do this all in a balanced way.

For Angela, success is simply being able to properly juggle family time with finding the perfect home for clients. “Success for me is the freedom and flexibility to be able to create memories and have quality time with others whenever I want,” she said. “From changing clients’ lives with a new home purchase to quality

12 • January 2022

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partner spotlight

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Scott Docter

PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS Meeting Homebuyers Where They Are

By Amanda Matkowski | Photos by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

As North America’s largest and #1 home inspection company, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors offers a wide variety of services for potential homebuyers. “Besides home inspections, I offer radon testing, termite inspections, mold testing and manufactured home structural inspections,” explained Scott Docter, Pillar To Post franchise owner and a sole operator within the Greater Grand Rapids area.

One valuable service that Pillar To Post incorporates in some of their inspection packages is the use of infrared scanning equipment. Scott utilizes this instrument not only to locate moisture 14 • January 2022

beneath bathrooms or behind finished areas where moisture is not yet visible to the eye but also to determine if any components are overheating on electrical panels. “This tool, combined with other moisture meters, has led to smoother transactions by disclosing latent defects that might not have been seen otherwise,” Scott said.

Pillar To Post also makes transactions more efficient by delivering rapid reports. On the same day Scott completes an inspection, he then prints and emails the report, giving agents and clients the ability to instantly deliberate how to move forward in the

homebuying journey. “Often, agents are able to discuss the inspection results with the buyer immediately after the inspection — sometimes right at the kitchen table of the home being inspected,” Scott said.

“This can help advance the transaction quickly to the next step.”

Scott is excited to add another service to each of his digital reports by the end of 2021: 360-degree photos. “I will be providing room dimensions through the use of this technology with some of our home inspection packages,” he shared.

Scott became a franchise owner of Pillar To Post eight years ago after he completed his @realproducers

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Scott has discovered that the best way to run his business is to provide great service to his clients every day, and he is proud of the positive Google reviews that past clients have generously written about him. “I give the client my full attention during the inspection process and take whatever amount of time is necessary to go through their home with them, answer all of their questions honestly and address their concerns. If I am doing this right, I am headed in the right direction,” Scott said.

training in Toronto and passed the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) exam.

Since then, he has made an effort to participate in continued training through online classes and seminars as well as researching new products and defects that he discovers in the field.

After graduating from Grand Valley State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Scott originally worked in management at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for a year before taking a job in the title industry. “I loved the title industry, but after eight years, I felt like I was ready for a new challenge,” Scott explained. “I enjoyed the personal aspect of managing and running an escrow department, and I wanted to continue to work in a job that put me out of the office, interacting with people. That, along with my love of learning new skills, made the home inspection industry a good fit.”

For Scott, the most fulfilling part of his work is being able to educate homebuyers.

He takes the buyer’s level of understanding into account, meets them at their level and shares relevant information to address their needs. “It’s easy to assume that the buyer has knowledge about the basics of home maintenance, but this is not always the case,” Scott said. “I’ve found that first-time homebuyers in particular desire to know how to maintain their home, and helping them step into a homeownership realproducersmag.com

Other than initially starting the business, Scott’s biggest challenge within the industry was tackling the ever-evolving policies that came with COVID-19. “For a while, safety precautions and procedures were changing on a weekly basis,” he recalled.

“While this period was a challenge, I have been grateful for the opportunity to be able to work and still be able to provide services in a way that was safe.” Fortunately, in spite of COVID-19 regulations, 2020 was Scott’s best year in the business.

When Scott isn’t working, he enjoys playing board games such as Splendor, Rat-a-Tat Cat and Las Vegas with his family. He and his wife, Jennifer, like to attend concerts and bike the White Pine Trail together. “She usually beats me home from bike rides,” he said, laughing. “I think she takes biking more seriously than I do.”

books and podcasts during his drive to and from inspections, but he also spends most nights reading fiction books to his two younger children. “I was read to as a child, and I feel like this is time well spent,” he said. Scott personally has a longtime passion of reading books on Christian apologetics.

Scott also believes that finding the right work-life balance is valuable. “I want to be able to give my all at work and still be able to give my time and energy at home,” he explained. Beyond being there for his family, Scott wants to be available on Wednesday nights when he leads a high school small group through his church. “Making sure I schedule time for these guys is important to me,” he added.

Although Scott wants to be remembered at Pillar To Post for his devotion to clients, he mainly would like people to know him for his sincerity. “I want to be remembered as someone who stood up for his convictions, a person who was honest in business and in life while loving people well,” he said.

“I know I don’t do this perfectly, but I want to be known as someone who owns his imperfections and continues to get up and move forward in faith.”

For more information about Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, visit scottdocter.pillartopost.com.

Scott and Jennifer have three children — Madison, 18, Leighton, 14, and Brynn, 9. Madison started college in the fall of 2021, and she loves to sing and play guitar and the piano. Leighton is always on the move and likes to skateboard, ride his trick scooter and race RC cars. Brynn enjoys reading and her new art class. “She also loves being a mother’s helper to the younger kids in the neighborhood,” Scott shared.

Reading is an important pastime to Scott. Not only will he listen to Audible Grand Rapids Real Producers • 15

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charity spotlight

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LOVE FOR A CHILD

AN ADVOCATE FOR FOSTERING OPPORTUNITIES

By Robbyn Moore

MICHIGAN RANKS #3 IN THE U.S. FOR HAVING THE LOWEST QUALITY FOSTER CARE DEVELOPMENT FOR AGENCIES AND CASEWORKERS. AS A RESULT, NUMEROUS CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES WITHIN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM ARE UNDERFUNDED, UNDER SUPPORTED AND WITHOUT CARE. HOWEVER, THANKS TO JOE AND MICHELLE SAVALLE, FOUNDERS AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF LOVE FOR A CHILD — AND ADVOCATES FOR FOSTER CARE FAMILIES THROUGH EDUCATION AND BY BEING VOICES IN THE COMMUNITY — CHILDREN ARE GETTING OPPORTUNITIES TO BE SEEN, NURTURED AND MENTORED.

18 • January 2022

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Joe and Michelle work across Michigan in direct partnership with agencies to provide cost-free opportunities for families in need, with the direct intention to help offset Michigan’s overwhelmed and rapidly growing foster care industry. With nearly 15,000 kids in foster care, most kids do not get opportunities to have tailored experiences when they’re in transition. Love For A Child finds the most overlooked demographic of children in Michigan who are statistically predicted to fail out of high school, become addicted to drugs or age out of care without purpose, and provides life-changing experiences through summer camps, year-round programming and overall support.

“We work around the clock with our own developing partners to raise awareness and support for kids living within these circumstances,” Joe said. “Our challenge is that we picked a much overlooked industry; however, we couldn’t be more honored to make these children our focus, because if it was easy, there would be more programs like this out there.”

Founded in 2012, Love For A Child is a faith-focused, 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that focuses on impacting children who have experienced traumas such as abandonment, neglect and different forms of abuse. The organization has created and facilitates overnight camps and mentorship opportunities for children and youth, as well as tailored resources for foster families to meet the specific needs within their care. “The program was designed to meet the child in their time of need through a one-week, overnight camp to gain trust and understanding,” Michelle explained. “Each designated camp throughout Michigan selects 40 foster

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children to attend camp, which are hosted by over 200 trauma-informed, trained volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and compassion for children in care.”

Every year, the camp rolls out the royal treatment and celebrates each child with activities such as swimming, rock climbing, arts and crafts, a birthday party, princess tea party or man walk, boat rides and bonfires.

“We also teach them that no matter their background or challenge, God’s protection can travel with them wherever their story and journey takes them,” Joe shared. “People often see us as just a camp for kids or another child attending a baseball game on a Saturday, but people need to know these children — who have been written off at young ages — have a tremendous lack of support or lack families to take them in.”

Beyond the camp, each child enters a mentorship program where they are seen in monthly sessions by a committed Love For A Child mentor who serves and supports them. “Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, graduation or just a sunny day, we are there for each child to provide leadership, guidance and a forever friendship,” Joe said. “Once a child enters a program, our goal is to walk them through adolescence and high school, and then into college and adulthood; we are there for the entire process.”

Many children in foster care will move homes throughout their journey, and it is the organization’s

hope to be a constant throughout the changes. The purpose within the program is to provide overlooked children a place where kids can be themselves. “We want to be an example to kids by showing them that, through God’s love, hurt can be healed,” Michelle explained. “By giving them hope, the loss can be filled with actions of authentic love.”

The program has many success stories, but the one that stands out the most for Joe and Michelle is when a 10-year-old boy named Timmy came to camp 11 years ago. “This kid was athletic, sensitive and obedient,” they recalled. “We could not fathom how this child was labeled as ‘damaged’ and ‘living with rage.’ After Timmy attended the camp, we made it our mission to mentor and visit him on a monthly basis. We soon discovered that Timmy was left alone to fend for himself for nine weeks — eating nothing but dry cereal, cake and scraps, which eventually led to him eating the grass on the front lawn due to starvation.” Joe continued, “At this point, our monthly visits were designed to assist the child and their family with any food needs, clothing assistance and benevolence aid they needed while also mentoring and creating positive memories for the child.

The goal is to give a childhood back from where it was stolen.”

Timmy went on to graduate from high school and received a full-ride college scholarship. He is now 22 years old, a high school wrestling coach and one of the head mentors at Love For

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 19

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At the age of 36, Joe has spent more than half of his life — 18 years’ worth of experience — being involved with foster care advocacy, outreach programs and camps. With no signs of slowing down, he’s currently managing two offices in Michigan with his wife, and is opening a third location in 2022. “Our success is not based on how much fundraising dollars we raise or how many media articles are written; rather, it’s the moment a child who is living in trauma and abuse no longer lives in fear and begins to walk in freedom,” he said.

Love For A Child welcomes volunteers and enjoys seeing professionals find creative ways to financially support the organization. Recently, former Detroit Tigers player Andy Dirks of eXp Realty partnered with Love For A Child in 2021 by giving 5% of his sales to the group. “It’s a great partnership when a real estate agent lets their client know that the sale or purchase of their home provided an opportunity to a foster child,” Joe shared.

To find more information about Love For A Child or how to get involved, visit loveforachild.org.

To get in contact with Joe directly, email Joe@loveforachild.org or call 586-873-0378.

20 • January 2022

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OF THEIR GAME

IN 2021 2021 recap

Andy Straub, Cover Story, March 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Ginger Baxter, Top Producer, December 2021, Photo by Michelle Wise with Wise Photography

Scott Bradford, Top Agent Team, February 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

22 • January 2022

Josh May, Top Agent Team, February 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Kim Hensley, Top Producer, September 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

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Ross Bacon, Top Agent Team, February 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Darin Elliott, Top Producer, November 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Micah Childress, Top Producer, August 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Lindsay Van Duinen-Scully, Top Producer, July 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Diane Griffin, Top Producer, January 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

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Kendra Havemeier, Top Producer, October 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 23

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RISING UP in 2021 Ashleigh Van Duinen-Leistra, Agent Spotlight, December 2021 Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Sara Suidinski Agent Spotlight, November 2021 Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Elizabeth Klopp On the Rise, January 2021 Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Nicole Rinks Broker Spotlight, March 2021 Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Lance Tiffany

2021 recap 24 • January 2022

Agent on the Rise, July 2021 Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

@realproducers

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WHO WE ARE We offer local residential and commercial moving services, as well as long-distance moves.

We also provide pool table assembly, swing set assembly, white-glove services, wall art placement, and large single item moves such as hot tubs, safes, or other large items.

We offer free walk-throughs or virtual walk-throughs in order to customize your move to your exact needs.

Call us today at (616) 214-2169 to discuss your upcoming move.

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Mike Milanowski O: (616) 259-5506 Rate.com/michaelmilanowski michael.milanowski@rate.com 6140 28th St SE, Suite 125 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Vice President of Mortgage Lending NMLS ID: 127721 Mike Milanowski: NMLS ID:127721 Guaranteed Rate: NMLS ID: 2611

www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/2611

check out Guaranteed Rate’s Agent Advantage realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 25

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2021 recap

MORE

GREAT FEATURES OF 2021

Amy Jo Weller & Nico Feliciano, Boss Mom Duo May 2021, Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC Abbey Vogelaar Behind-the-Scenes All-Star, August 2021

Jodi Smith & Julia Reigler Boss Mom Duo May 2021

26 • January 2022

@realproducers

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Vito Dolce, Sr. & Vito Dolce, Jr. Top Father/Son Team June 2021

Donna Anders, Tim Anders, Shaun Anders Boss Mom Duo May 2021

realproducersmag.com

Laurie Zokoe, Alyssa Zokoe-Hunter, Scott Zokoe, Boss Mom Family Team May 2021

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 27

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Dale Stuckey & Stephen Stuckey Top Father/Son Team June 2021

Don King & Austin King Top Father/Son Team June 2021 Rhonda Farr Behind-the-Scenes All-Star September 2021

28 • January 2022

@realproducers

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Insuring from the house to the lives that make a home.

From home to life insurance we have you covered Ryan Loucks Farm Bureau Agency 616.988.5072 realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 29

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AUTOMATED SHADES LIGHTING CONTROLS

Helping you live happier, safer, and more sustainably with technology

ENERGY MANAGEMENT AUDIO/VIDEO SECURITY, ETC.

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info@ecosmarthomepros.com www.ecosmarthomepros.com

Serving West Michigan for over 20 years.

Virtual Transaction Management Agent Concierge Services Pending to Close Transaction Coordination/Management Services. Temporary or Long Term Solutions for Individual Agents, Teams & Brokerages. Social Media management packages available.

Home and Condominium Inspections Wood Destroying Insect Inspections • Radon Testing Commercial and Rental Property Inspections

616-662-6990 • www.alertinspections.com 30 • January 2022

Emmy Jandernoa | Broker/Owner team@virtualacs.com | virtualacs.com 616-723-3290 @realproducers

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FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS

financial fitness

WORT H K E E PI N G

When January rolls around, many pin their hopes on resolutions related to health and wellness or new skills or hobbies; however, one area of aspiration that shouldn’t be overlooked is financial health. Given the economic instability of the last couple of years, 2022 will be a crucial year for many in terms of financial recovery and recalibration. Take time now to revisit goals set previously, fine-tune as needed, and look ahead with confidence to the new fiscal year!

Pay Down Debt

Although, nationally, credit card debt actually fell during the pandemic year of 2020, the figures are still shocking: Americans owe around $800 billion in credit card debt, according to Experian, with an average of over $5,000 per household. This year, make it a point to get serious about paying down / off debt. Always pay more than the minimum payment; set a goal to pay off as much as possible, starting with accounts with highest interest rates, by planning exactly when and how much you’ll allocate for which debt each month.

By Shauna Osborne

Build Your Credit Score

Everyone is entitled to three free credit reports each year, one from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Keep a close eye on your credit for accuracy via these reports or a credit monitoring service and promptly address any errors you encounter. A poor credit report could have many adverse effects on finances, including paying higher interest rates and being rejected for loans.

Though building better credit takes time, paying bills on time and utilizing a low percentage of available credit (under 30%) are two simple steps on the right path.

Make a Realistic Budget

January is the ideal time to institute a realistic household budget, after determining exactly how much your household is bringing in after taxes and into what “bucket” that income is going (e.g., utilities, housing, etc.). Keep track of your monthly spending; there are many popular apps available, such as Mint, to help assess expenditures and stay on track.

Understanding where your money is going each month is key to reaching all your other financial resolutions.

Home, Auto, Life, Business, Flood

COME FLY WITH US + dozens more!

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BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP TO PARTNER DIRECTLY WITH LENDERS AND REALTORS

Tom Voglewede Independent Agent

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realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 31

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Do YOU want to

NOMINATE

someone to be featured?

Email nominations to terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com.

announcement

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586-615-8749 32 • January 2022

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• Premium Photography • Drone Photography / Video • FPV Interior Drone Video • 3D Virtual Tours • Instagram Reel / Facebook Story Video • Zillow Tours • Property Websites • Video Tours • Floor Plans • Day To Dusk • Virtual Staging • Agent Videos • Object Removals

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 33

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GET EVERY ISSUE

ON YOUR PHONE WITH ISSUU GRAND RAPIDS

C O N N E C T I N G .

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! Special RECAP Issue of 2021

It’s a badge of honor to hold the printed version of Grand Rapids Real Producers magazine in your hands. If you want all our issues wherever you go, download the Issuu app or visit www.issuu.com, and search Grand Rapids Real Producers.

34 • January 2022

@realproducers

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With every closing, we’re

clear. concise. communi cation

• Real-time information regarding your loan’s progress.

• Includes status updates and/or requested documents.

• Alerts you when your loan enters a new stage.

• Keeps you informed throughout the entire process: from application to funds wired.

Stacy Miller-Kuiper VP, Branch Manager NMLS: 503826

616.430.4141

stacy.miller-kuiper@ruoff.com Ruoff.com/stacymillerkuiper Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc., d/b/a Ruoff Home Mortgage, is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensing information visit: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/141868. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#141868. 06262020

realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 35

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Family owned and operated since 1998 Unmatched service

Mark Dyer

616-318-0783

Mark@dyerflooring.com

|U M

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|L IF

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|B

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WE ARE THE PREMIER HOMETOWN/LOCAL HOME & AUTO INSURANCE BROKER.

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Purchasing your dream home is a huge milestone. Place your trust in us to protect it. We offer total protection for your home, auto, life & business

U TO

MICHIGAN INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

36 • January 2022

We believe our core mission is to bless the communities that we live and work in.

Therefore it is our mission as an agency to give back to the Michigan communities that we serve. We refer everyone to our mission via #MIAFSGivesBack.

Benjamin T. Kacprzyk

Agency Partner, Michigan Insurance and Financial Services Phone: 616-918-6868 Cell: 616-821-5950 ben@miafs.com www.miafs.com

@realproducers

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Photography | Drone Photography & Video | Video Tours 3D Virtual Tours | Floor Plans | Virtual Staging

Brian McDonald | (616)209-8469 brian@brianmcdonaldphotography.com www.brianmcdonaldphotography.com

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 37

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There are Mortgage Lenders

AND THEN THERE’S US

Ed Napieralski

GREG CLAUSEN

BEN KAKKURI

NEIL SIEBERT

Loan Originator NMLS# 1527296 616-970-9800 ed.napieralski@primelending.com

Loan Originator NMLS# 1065023 616-901-0690 greg.clausen@primelending.com

Production Manager NMLS# 728157 616-822-6557 ben.kakkuri@primelending.com

Loan Originator NMLS# 136552 616-450-7886 neil.siebert@primelending.com

Our core purpose is working together to have a profound and positive impact on the lives of all we serve. With our national strength and local expertise, you can feel secure.

We make the home loan process simple, clear and timely www.primelending.com Grand Rapids Branch | 3210 Eagle Run Drive NE #202 | Grand Rapids, MI 49525

PrimeLending NMLS: 13649. Equal Housing Lender.