The Painted Zebra - Issue 4

the painted zebra ISSUE 4

marketing inspiration and business savvy

Proudly Introducing Our 2019 Rockstar Brokers

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Brand Reveal 2019 Rockstar Agent Panel Agent Spotlight: Eric MacDonald Featured Brand: Chris & Kelly Featured Brand Kurt Kreager Before and After Solutions Starting Your Transformation Meet the Team

from my desk...

At the beginning of each year I review my accomplishments as well as the items that were left undone. There is always something that evaded my attention or something that I put off.

However, if I expect to reach my goals in the coming year, then getting real about why some things didn’t get accomplished is critical. There are usually patterns that reveal why we do the things we do and don’t do.

Determining why you avoid certain things will help you develop solutions. Maybe there were items on your list that were boring or uninspiring to you. Maybe there were some things that were overwhelming. Or maybe there are things that are just beyond your skill set and you need help.

For example, there are things on my list that I just dread doing. But when I need to get a task done that I do not like I apply my five minute rule. Just focus on the task for five minutes. I find that I either get frustrated and bored and I have permission to stop after five minutes or I get in the zone and finally get that monkey off my back.

Whatever you have failed to get done in 2018 needs your honest evaluation so you don’t go into 2019 not having addressed the problems. Make peace with your failures so you can learn from them and make the coming year your best year ever. Remember, perfection is not a realistic goal, so don’t be too hard on yourself, but always strive to improve. That is how you can determine success!

-Denise Lones, President

brand reveal SANDY L AN E | ED MO N DS , WA S H I N GT ON

Sandy Lane's online and print marketing portfolio features an earthy color palette, lush green imagery, and an elegant vine monogram to convey Sandy's affinity for the peaceful Northwest outdoor lifestyle.

Check out Sandy's new website! www.SandyLaneHomesNW.com

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THE 2019 LINE-UP OF

rockstar brokers Our second annual Real Estate Success Summit is coming up on January 29th, 2019 at the Lynnwood Convention Center just north of Seattle. We hope you will join us for a day of predictions for the 2019 real estate market by real estate analyst, Denise Lones, inspiration from eight amazing real estate brokers who are moving and shaking up real estate in their local areas, and for sneak previews of some amazing content coming to classrooms in the coming year. Seats are limited and going fast! Visit TheLonesGroup.com and reserve your seat today! Thank you to our sponsors, Drew Ebner with Guild Mortgage and Steve Theodore with Virtuance!

Drew Ebner

Senior Loan Officer, Guild Mortgage M: 206-227-6015 NMLS #114721 | Company NMLS #3274 | Equal Housing Lender

Steve Theodore

Sales and Marketing Consultant, Virtuance M: 425-243-4474

Barbara Clark - Managing Broker, Premier Director, MCNE, Interior Design Barbara brings over 30 years of success in sales and marketing including 13 years in real estate. She specializes in Edmonds waterfront and view properties, often utilizing her skills as an interior designer to assist sellers in enhancing their property to its fullest potential. Beyond home preparation, Barbara has built her business on client satisfaction and

expert marketing. She consistently delivers concierge service rooted in attention to detail and in-depth analysis and consistently meets or surpasses the high expectations of her discerning client base. Her marketing strategies are consistent, value-based and of high caliber, so much so, she is a recognized leader in her market area.

Jason Cook - SRES, Ninja Selling Jason Cook is dynamic to his core and one of the most authentic real estate agents you will ever have the pleasure to meet. He has built his business on positivity and having fun while being a consummate professional (make sure you take a look at his socks!). With this kind of upbeat attitude, it is no wonder that Jason has taken his business to a

new level through video – video house tours, quick video updates and check-ins for social media, and video messaging for his clients. Jason has lived a life of service from his time in the Air Force to firefighting.

He takes this same mindset to work with him every day providing top notch client care and service throughout the Eastside.

Jen Hudson and Duane Petzoldt - Commercial Investments and Strategy Innovation distinguishes leaders from followers. Jen Hudson & Duane Petzoldt’s clients reflect the diversity and ingenuity necessary to thrive in the most complex areas of real estate and business. Since entering real estate in 2005, Jen Hudson has earned a reputation as a fearless leader and strong client advocate through real estate

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investments, commercial properties, distressed assets, and cannabis companies. With over 20 years of experience in the business world of both franchise and small business settings, Duane brings a key component that rounds out this team’s business prowess. Together, they transform lives through real estate.

Janet Lewis - CRS, SRES, SRS, PMN, AHWD A 15-year real estate veteran, Janet has a heart for working with seniors and estates. It takes patience and expertise to handle rehoming not only people but their belongings – handling donations, assisting with downsizing, estate sales, working with next of kin, and more. Often times working with attorneys, CPAs, personal

representatives, remainder trustees is complicated and "time is of the essence" is NOT a part of the process. Janet’s success is based on an attitude of being a servant-leader, doing what it takes to get the job done. She also has a colorful background that includes television and teaching.

Susan Shorett - SRES, CRES, ABR, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist, Historic Home Specialist It is unusual enough to find a broker who really utilizing their skills and interests to develop one niche market, but it is very rare to find a broker who has the knowledge and skillset to develop two. Susan specializes in both homes with historic distinction as well as a senior downsizing specialist. Her dedication for going the extra mile with

helping seniors make the transition from their longtime homes to their next chapter in their lives in remarkable. In addition, her passion for historic homes has resulted in her not only painstakingly restoring numerous historic homes, but researching and archiving Seattle-area properties designed by her great-great uncle almost 100 years ago.

Kim Stevenson - Relocation Specialist Kim is one of the most tenacious brokers you will ever have the pleasure to meet. Although her clients and peers praise her for her ability to be proactive, communicate clearly, and be able to field hundreds of questions during the transaction, she is widely known for her ability to problem-solve with out-of-the-box solutions

and get transactions closed. As the wife of a former NHL hockey player, she was thrown into a few surprise relocations of her own which have helped her develop the empathy, skillset, and service plan to assist professionals moving across the country or from around the world.

Larry Tuell - GRI, CMNE Larry has been providing amazing client care for 30 years come April. That means he has 30 years of experience, problem-solving, and professional relationships he can put to work for each and every one of his clients. He has really taken client care to a whole other level and the percentage of his business that comes from past client

referrals is enviable. Larry bikes thousands of miles each year and in 2017 biked across the country to raise money for Kidstown, a service that helps orphans around the globe find a safe home and education. Larry is not only an amazing REALTOR®, but an inspiration to everyone around him.

Britt Wibmer - Senior Global Real Estate Advisor Some people seem to have an entrepreneurial spirit ingrained.

Britt is not only full of drive and ideas, but she is not afraid of hard work. As she puts it, “average is a bad world in my world.” Over her 16 years in the business, she has refined her client base and now specializes in Eastside and West Bellevue Luxury. Always an innovator,

Britt saw several opportunities to stand out in this niche with some cutting-edge marketing techniques including a book and her Britt’s Picks video series. Her kids, passion for her community, as well as her commitment to spread awareness and compassion for families affected by autism are what keeps her driving forward.

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agent spotlight I N T R O D U C I N G

Eric MacDonald

Congratulations to Eric MacDonald, our

also great – being your own boss and not

featured agent! Eric has been selling real

punching a timeclock.

estate in Clark County, Washington since 2007.

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What is your favorite part about selling real estate?

What do you like most about being a

Customer service. Helping people reach

real estate agent?

their goals. Being an advocate for people.

I love helping my friends and family achieve

Getting the job done. There is a big reward

their goals, I appreciate their trusted

in helping people. Being dependable and

referrals. And of course, the flexibility is

reliable. Helping the community.

What is your advice for marketing a property?

and I use it as a tool to connect. I don’t believe in social media

This year, with the market moving quickly, I have challenged

bombing and posting just to post, but I really use it to celebrate

myself to make homes as sellable as possible as soon as they hit

my clients and engage. My advise is to take advantage of the

the market to get my market time down and a quicker result

free marketing platform that social media provides.

for the seller. Doing the legwork up front and addressing all the potential challenges a property may have with the seller, along with how to get those fixed to maximize their potential return is key. Those sellers deserve top dollar. And go the extra mile with professional photography, market it on social media – Facebook AND Instagram. My ticket to seller success is being as hands-on as possible.

Why did you choose the brokerage you did?

I chose to align my business with Columbia River Realty because it is a small company and I saw us growing together.

It is a local brokerage and in fact, it is the only brick and mortar real estate store in Washougal. It sits right in the heart of town, across from the post office. I love being with a company with strong ties to the community. My broker-

What is your advice for marketing yourself?

owner is a community powerhouse as part of the Lions Club

If you aren’t promoting yourself, who do you think is going to

and 4H. She has assembled a synergistic group of brokers that

do it for you? You have to stay top-of-mind. I effectively put

diligently work together and feel like family.

things on Facebook and Instagram to create a constant buzz

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chris & kelly

Chris and Kelly couldn't be a more dynamic real estate team. That's what you get from 30 years of friendship!

They needed a brand that showcases their harmony, connection, and the symbiotic balance of their business.

We used graceful curves, letters that are seemingly tied together, and a memorable logo to achieve just that!

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kurt kreager

When our team first met Kurt in 2017, we were inspired by his experience across the many facets of real estate as well as his love of collecting antiquarian books and cufflinks. Kurt and his wife, Katherine, needed a brand that linked his strength in investment properties with his innate ability to see valuable opportunities that connect his clients with their real estate goals. Our design team used a calm, northwest-inspired water image and a cufflink monogram to show the promise of superior service that Kurt can provide.

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before & after KITTY WALLACE

We originally worked on Kitty Wallace’s brand almost a decade ago and it was time for a refresh. Kitty’s original brand featured soft blues based on the main mountain image in the header, highlighting the recreational opportunities her Cle Elum, Washington area is known for. The sub-header featured a seasonal panorama in the header in a memorable wave shape that exemplified the seasons in her market. She carried the panorama’s image and shape forward into her refreshed brand.

She also kept her elegant script font. The rough texture moved from the body of her brand to slim strips in the header and footer. The fresh white backgrounds make her new portrait pop!

Kitty’s new brand is bright and memorable, but still capitalizes on the brand equity she built with her original brand.

Welcome Home!

1111 Vista View Ct - $235,000

This home is great for families just starting out. With a huge backyard and play set, the children will be busy playing for hours. Fabulous animal friendly parks and walk ways though out the area. Please call ahead to set an appointment to view this amazing home now!

• 3600 Square feet with large front and backyard • 2 car garage with adjoining shop • Large family room with built in TV • Spacious kitchen that includes an extra large dishwasher • 3 bedrooms plus Master bedroom with 3 bathrooms

Windermere Real Estate/Cle Elum

Cell 509-304-4025 www.KittyIsMyAgent.com kittywallace@windermere.com

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social media solutions BRAND I NG YO U R S OC I A L M E D I A P OS T S Have you ever seen an amazing photo online, but discovered that there is no link or contact information to help you track down the source? Orphaned images are everywhere on the Internet.

So how do you prevent your social media posts and images from becoming orphans? The answer is easy. Brand them so they can always be linked back to you!

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Branding social media posts can increase brand awareness,entice potential clients, and make your posts easier to share. Whether you use a single logo or name treatment image or create a social media branding system with The Lones Group, your images will stand out from the rest of the social media feed!

marketing & branding

club zebra

YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR EVERYTHING REAL ESTATE - $24.95/MONTH

COMPLETE BRANDING PACKAGES WITH FINANCING STARTING AT $199 PER MONTH

mastery THE ONLY COMPLETELY CUSTOM COACHING AND MARKETING PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TRANSFORM YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS: - Coaching and strategy with Denise Lones personally - Branding and system development - Marketing materials and all tools included *Limited spaces available

Getting Started with The Lones Group: Reach out to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help you take your business to the next level.

360-527-8904 | support@TheLonesGroup.com | www.TheLonesGroup.com

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The Lones Group 2200 Cornwall Avenue

Want to stay connected to The Lones Group community? Follow us on social media!

Facebook.com/TheLonesGroup

Pinterest.com/TheLonesGroup

Twitter.com/TheLonesGroup

Youtube.com/User/TheLonesGroup

LinkedIn.com/Company/TheLonesGroup

Bellingham, WA 98225

Thank you to our 2018 Rockstar Brokers! We are excited to see what you are up to in 2019!

1. Jay Agoado 2. Lesli Beasley 3. Nanette & Rich Bergdahl 4. John Fiala 5. Andrea Fjortoft 6. Aranka Fruehauf 7. Craig Gaudry 8. Sandra Hines 9. Veronique Hval 10. Steve Laevastu 11. Dorae & John Lande 12. Kelley Meister 13. Gary Nims 14. Amber Soria 15. Kitty Wallace 16. Laurie Way

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