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ALABAMA 9-13-21

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ALABAMA EDITION

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ANTICIPATE YOUR CLIENT'S NEEDS

HOW TO BUILD A TEAM THAT WILL WIN BIG NO MATTER ITS SIZE FEATURED AGENTS

BOBBY DEAN JAN SCOTT

SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: How to Make The Most Out Of Micro Outdoor Spaces

COVER STORY

HOLLY DEAVERS WHY DELEGATING IS THE KEY TO LONG-LASTING SUCCESS


ALABAMA EDITION

BOBBY DEAN Jan Scott, being Realtor was a calling, NobodyFor understands the value of a agood 7 17 Realtor not better than Bobby Dean. He’s just something she did to make money. had more than his fair share of expebeen Realtor forI over 40 years, and riences “I’ve with the otherakind. “Before retired from employerI’ve ever had. You thismyisfirst thecareer, onlymycareer moved me 9 times in 7 years, and I went really need to have an open heart to do through about 15 different real estate thisweren’t work very well, because agents who good,” Bobby people are buying explains. “But then I metall onekinds who was houses under of different emotional just super, who impressed me enough to situations. They might be going through a make me think that was something I’d divorce, or upsizing because their family is like to do.” HOLLY DEAVERS BOBBY DEAN

JAN SCOTT

backa to m have a fantastic office manager. She’s 20 huge reason why I’m able to givehomebuy every client a first-rate experience.”

they brin Whether he’s working with buyers or inv been sellers, Bobby negotiates the bestthere’s price so and terms for their investment. He’s a with them every step of the way,looking from the first meeting to the closing people table, en

finding them their dream home or helping them sell a home so they can move Jan has be on to the next JANchapter SCOTTin their lives. “My that o expanding, or facing a financial crisis, or favorite part of this job is knowing efforts After retiring, Bobby did indeed get his license, and I’ve helped people improve their life, and successdownsizing because they can’t keep up with nationall has been serving clients for 21 years now all over fully guided them through one of the biggest financial a big house anymore. One ofhe my as presid Southeast Alabama. With his first brokerage was strengths transactions they’ll ever make.” in the top percent able of theirto agents worldwide inCONTENTS terms is4being connect with people wherever they’re Association of Realt of production. Bobby is a trusted name among the res- Bobby strives to stay involved with his community as at, and and afterthefour decades in the business I’ve pretty ofAlabama Association idents 4) of Dothan surrounding of the Chamber Commerce, and hopes SMALL YARD? BIG area. No one a member 18) WHY DELEGATING much it all.” training classes is moreSTATEMENT: familiarseen with the market, withKEY them again once the pandemic clears.for r HOWand TOno one works to doISmore THE TO LONGharder to help clients who are looking to buy or sell When he’s not working or serving his community, she’s not working or MAKE THE MOST OUT OF LASTING SUCCESS a home. “A lot of folks think this is a sales industry. Bobby likes to take a little time to hunt. Jan got OUTDOOR her startI’minthere real after a bad experience her husband of 48 year SPACES I see itMICRO as a service industry. to estate provide my 22) CAN when she bought home Asinfor Birmingham, “I’ve always enjoyed knowledge and advice so that myher clientsfirst can make the THINGS future of hisYOU business, Bobby has begun good decisions. I don’t pressure them. job is with to recruiting agents to build team. “I’d like bring 14) HOW TO BUILD AMy TO ANTICIPATE Alabama. “I wasn’t very happy theDO Realtor, and I his or hiking orto biking. B make the processTHAT easy andWILL stress free.” on aYOUR few moreCLIENT'S people and train them in the strategies TEAM WIN NEEDS felt like I could do the job better. Buying a home is the grandkids,” she laugh that I’ve found successful.” BIG NO MATTER ITS SIZE He’s notbiggest kidding. When it comes to most his listings, Bobbywill ever make, and investment people helps sellers and stage their homewho’s to attractknowledgeable, the theyprepare deserve someone honest, As to the future of her ideal buyer. If the home needs any kind of work, he’s who will put their needs first.” selling houses and tra there to and recommend professionals he trusts, from conPhone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 tractors to cleaners. Once the home is ready to show the excellent custome mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com he takes professional photos, which he uses to|market That’s the ethos Jan’s embraced over the years, and it’s to expect. “I don’t wa across allNoofportion the social media As an manner exam- whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine of this issue mayplatforms. be reproduced in any the guiding principle ofable the Scott Team built I havematerials, an awesome te islevel published Feature Publications Inc. Although precautions are taken toshe’s ensure the accuracy of published Top ple of the of by exposure Bobby isGA, to Jan provide Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. for his sellers’ homes, in a single month his listings with the One serving clients in Athens together. My plan fo To subscribe orRealty change address, sendGroup, inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. reached 1,683,000 people Published in the U.S. on Facebook alone. Add to and across northern Alabama. Those clients have finding ways to mak that 205,000 people on Instagram, 55,000 Google hits, rewarded her with 100 and percent moves go as smoothly and another 4-5 thousand views aonnear YouTube, it’s repeat and referral Contact Bobby at 334-701-1102 or easy2 to rate. see why“I’ve his sellers would keep coming back. now represented the grandchildren—and Top Agent Magazine email Bobbyd@dothanrealestate.us Bobby is quick to share the credit for that success. “I

in some cases, great grandchildren—of many of my


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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with 4

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature. Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically. When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components. Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods Top Agent Magazine

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams. If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well. Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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HOLLY DEAVERS Top Agent Magazine

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HOLLY DEAVERS “When you help others, people see the person you really are. No matter what, I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated.” A lifelong resident of Alabama, Holly Deavers first took an interest in real estate as a stay-at-home mom. Noting how the industry complimented her compassionate personality and entrepreneurial spirit, she decided to pursue her 8

license and launch her career as an agent. “But I’ll be honest,” she says, “the first six months were challenging. Over time, though, I realized that I just had to work harder and put in the effort needed to succeed—and I’m so glad I stuck with it.” Top Agent Magazine


In the three years since starting out, Holly has gone on to open two brokerages, supervise a team of forty agents with her business partner Melissa Hand, and oversee $12 million in volume in 2020 alone. Today, she is a Realtor® and Top Agent Magazine

Owner of Exit Royal Realty Clanton, where she and her team assist clients throughout Chilton County and the surrounding areas. When listing a property, Holly leverages 9


her extensive social media presence to give her clients an added advantage in the market. After helping them prepare their house to sell and providing them with a suite of professional photography, videography, and drone photography services, she then shares their listing over both the local MLS and a blend of targeted digital and social media campaigns. Along the way, though, she is there for her clients,

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including them in the process and catering every decision to their needs. Elsewhere, Holly is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, leaning on her acute knowledge of the Chilton area to uncover the right investment for their best interests. In fact, she remains in close contact with her clients well after the closing not only to provide ongoing service, but

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“We’re dealing with the largest expense of people’s lives. As such, nothing makes me more excited than that special moment when one of my clients finds their forever home.”

also to serve as their friend and advocate. “We’re dealing with the largest expense of people’s lives,” she says. “As such, nothing makes me more excited than that special moment when one of my clients finds their forever home.” Since delving into real estate, Holly has earned a fantastic reputation across Alabama, with her slogan, #CallHolly, known throughout town—and even Top Agent Magazine

chanted at local cheerleading events. “When you help others, people see the person you really are,” she says. “No matter what, I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated, and I know that if I do right by them, the rest will work itself out.” Outside her career, Holly is deeply committed to her community. Most recently, her team has partnered with other local businesses to donate $40,000 to support the Teal Project, a charity that provides assistance and housing to area foster children. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found spending quality time with her husband, a special education teacher, and their two children. 11


Going forward, Holly has exciting plans for the future of her business. As her volume maintains its rapid growth, she intends on expanding her work into different areas while cultivating the up-and-coming members of her team. Most of all, she can’t wait to help even

more clients discover their dream homes in her beloved community. “If you want to succeed in something, don’t give up too soon,” she says. “Never think that a dream is too crazy, no matter how old you are. You can always go for it, and if you work hard, you might just achieve it.”

To learn more about Holly Deavers, email hydeavers@gmail.com, visit hollydeavers.com or call (205) 389-2520. www.

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How to Build a Team That Will Win Big No Matter its Size In the real estate world building a team is a goal almost every agent strives towards achieving. Doing business with a team as opposed to solo has numerous advantages. With more agents handling clients as well as other employees specialized in areas such as marketing and administrative support there to assist you; you can greatly increase your business and sales. 14

So, when creating a team, logic would tell us that the bigger it is, the better, right? Wrong. When it comes to real estate teams, size doesn’t matter so much as the players you bring onto that team to work with you. A team doesn’t have to be big to win big, and here are the secrets to building a team that wins big no matter its size.

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Hire the Right Team Members

Put Your Team Members in the Right Positions to Win

You’ve probably heard the saying, “you’re only as strong as you’re weakest link.” That idea holds true for any kind of team, including those in real estate. If you have weak members on your team, then it’s not possible to have a strong team. Drawing strong team members to your business is essential.

Finding strong team members is just one part of the equation. As the leader of your team, you now have to assess each member’s strengths and weaknesses and position them appropriately. You want the best player for each role playing that part and catering to their strengths. Choose your team member’s roles wisely, and place each individual in the position where their strengths can shine and they can best contribute to a win for the entire team. Every role is important to the team working smoothly and winning as a whole, so it is important to place each team member in the role most suited to his or her skills.

To better understand what kind of person would make a strong addition to your team, you need to ask yourself what skills and characteristics you want your team members to possess. The strongest members are often ones that share their leader’s values. When you share values with your teammates, you are all running along the same course towards the same goal as one. Your definition of a victory in this case is also your teammates’ definition of it. This helps strengthen even the smallest of numbers because you are all working together toward a common goal. Another characteristic too look out for in potential team members is a positive attitude. You can teach someone the skills needed in real estate, but you can’t teach someone how to have a positive attitude. Positive members tend to achieve more due to their optimistic nature, but more importantly, they spread that positive attitude to the rest of the team, which improves every members’ performance. Top Agent Magazine

Communicating Your Vision to Your Team

Your team members are the key ingredients to ultimate victory, but what recipe do you follow now to lead them to victory? That is what communication is for a winning team; the recipe you will use to

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help best utilize each team member and instruct them on how they need to work together to fulfill the recipe that will lead them to be a winning team. Your team members need to know the plan and you must give them the tools to successfully execute it. It is up to the leader of a team to help your players see your vision and help them understand what a victory looks like. The goal may seem simple and obvious to you, but you must communicate it over and over again to your team members, so they understand it as well as you do. With different personalities coming together to form a unit, you are going to be dealing with numerous challenges such as competing agendas. You will find this on any team. You must keep the goal and at the forefront of your player’s minds in order to encourage them to put aside their own personal desires in order to come together as one cohesive, single-minded unit and push towards the team’s goal.

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Give Your Team Members the Tools to Help Them Perform at Their Best The final thing all great leaders do is equip their team members with the proper tools and training needed for them to succeed. You have to show them how they can each come together with their different strengths to work as a team towards one unified goal. This involves more than simple skills training, but also endurance, so they can last as a team and win even those matches that seem unending and impossible. Think of all the challenges that they could possibly face ahead, and clear their path to victory by giving them the necessary training and tools they will need to get past any obstacle. As the leader, you must be prepared to continually communicate the team’s goal and your vision. Use that vision to motivate your team members throughout the journey towards victory.

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BOBBY DEAN Nobody understands the value of a good Realtor better than Bobby Dean. He’s had more than his fair share of experiences with the other kind. “Before I retired from my first career, my employer moved me 9 times in 7 years, and I went through about 15 different real estate agents who weren’t very good,” Bobby explains. “But then I met one who was just super, who impressed me enough to make me think that was something I’d like to do.”

have a fantastic office manager. She’s a huge reason why I’m able to give every client a first-rate experience.”

After retiring, Bobby did indeed get his license, and has been serving clients for 21 years now all over Southeast Alabama. With his first brokerage he was in the top 4 percent of their agents worldwide in terms of production. Bobby is a trusted name among the residents of Dothan and the surrounding area. No one is more familiar with the market, and no one works harder to help clients who are looking to buy or sell a home. “A lot of folks think this is a sales industry. I see it as a service industry. I’m there to provide my knowledge and advice so that my clients can make good decisions. I don’t pressure them. My job is to make the process easy and stress free.” He’s not kidding. When it comes to his listings, Bobby helps sellers prepare and stage their home to attract the ideal buyer. If the home needs any kind of work, he’s there to recommend professionals he trusts, from contractors to cleaners. Once the home is ready to show he takes professional photos, which he uses to market across all of the social media platforms. As an example of the level of exposure Bobby is able to provide for his sellers’ homes, in a single month his listings reached 1,683,000 people on Facebook alone. Add to that 205,000 people on Instagram, 55,000 Google hits, and another 4-5 thousand views on YouTube, and it’s easy to see why his sellers would keep coming back. Bobby is quick to share the credit for that success. “I Top Agent Magazine

Whether he’s working with buyers or sellers, Bobby negotiates the best price and terms for their investment. He’s with them every step of the way, from the first meeting to the closing table, finding them their dream home or helping them sell a home so they can move on to the next chapter in their lives. “My favorite part of this job is knowing that I’ve helped people improve their life, and successfully guided them through one of the biggest financial transactions they’ll ever make.” Bobby strives to stay involved with his community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and hopes to do more with them again once the pandemic clears. When he’s not working or serving his community, Bobby likes to take a little time to hunt. As for the future of his business, Bobby has begun recruiting agents to build his team. “I’d like to bring on a few more people and train them in the strategies that I’ve found successful.”

Contact Bobby at 334-701-1102 or email Bobbyd@dothanrealestate.us

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Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17


Why Delegating is the Key to Long-lasting Success Delegating isn’t a dirty word. In fact, it’s the secret weapon of some of the most successful real estate leaders out there. Those that want to succeed and lead a business built to last understand that delegating is the key to growth and longevity. While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

DELEGATING DEVELOPS YOUR MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE Have you ever considered that delegating tasks and responsibilities can help you, as 18

a leader, develop your managerial skills? While the main objective of delegation is to distribute work in a balanced, efficient way, it’s also a chance to assign tasks with insight, calibrating your team in the process. Consider delegation an opportunity to build strengths and address weaknesses on your team by choosing specific tasks for specific employees. You can also work on and expand your communication skills, find ways to streamline your delegation tactics, and create opportunities for collaboration. Don’t just delegate blindly, be thoughtful in how you parcel out the workload and responsibilities. Doing so will allow you to fortify your

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While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

management skills, in addition to lightening your load for the better.

DELEGATING BUILDS COLLECTIVE CONFIDENCE Another byproduct of delegating is that it builds collective confidence in the ranks of your office. By giving employees the chance to flex their skills and control their own small slice of the pie, you’ll be fostering a sense of responsibility and growth on your talent roster. Not only will your staff benefit from the chance to step out on their own, but the team will also benefit as a whole, as each member will attack their duties with a renewed sense of confidence and competence. This collective aptitude will translate to clients and industry colleagues, who will sense the power of a practiced, well-calibrated team in which each member has the chance to shine.

DELEGATING SHARPENS WEAK SPOTS IN OFFICE COMMUNICATION Proper delegation requires clear communication and the careful outlining of responsibilities, goals, and expectations. By regularly delegating to staff, you’ll be giving the whole office the chance to curtail careless communication habits and establish a new benchmark for quality correspondence. Begin by setting an example by clearly communicating delegated responsibilities, leaving the door open for Top Agent Magazine

questions, and by making progress reports the standard. After a while, these good habits will become engrained in your team, and your office will benefit from a uniform and effective communication style, no matter the project.

DELEGATING TURNS ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTO A TEAM WIN The ultimate goal of delegating duties is to get the job done, but when you practice delegation, each team member will have a stake in the outcome. In other words, a job well done can be celebrated by all. Giving your team the chance to invest themselves in an overarching project allows for a big pay-off once success is achieved. Not only does this boost morale and provide meaningful motivation for daily work, but it also builds a sense of comradery among the ranks. What’s more, team members will know they’re taken seriously and considered valuable to the team’s dynamic. And don’t forget: a job well done is a reward in and of itself, but it also doesn’t hurt to demonstrate your gratitude for a team goal accomplished. Delegating responsibilities isn’t a new idea, but the benefits are more plentiful than most imagine. With that in mind, capitalize on opportunities to delegate and you’ll not only be bolstering your business, but building your team and your own professional profile for the long haul.

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JAN SCOTT For Jan Scott, being a Realtor was a calling, not just something she did to make money. “I’ve been a Realtor for over 40 years, and this is the only career I’ve ever had. You really need to have an open heart to do this work well, because people are buying houses under all kinds of different emotional situations. They might be going through a divorce, or upsizing because their family is expanding, or facing a financial crisis, or downsizing because they can’t keep up with a big house anymore. One of my strengths is being able to connect with people wherever they’re at, and after four decades in the business I’ve pretty much seen it all.” Jan got her start in real estate after a bad experience when she bought her first home in Birmingham, Alabama. “I wasn’t very happy with the Realtor, and I felt like I could do the job better. Buying a home is the biggest investment most people will ever make, and they deserve someone who’s knowledgeable, honest, and who will put their needs first.” That’s the ethos Jan’s embraced over the years, and it’s the guiding principle of the Jan Scott Team she’s built with the Realty One Group, serving clients in Athens and across northern Alabama. Those clients have rewarded her with a near 100 percent repeat and referral rate. “I’ve now represented the grandchildren—and in some cases, great grandchildren—of many of my early clients.” Jan’s team closes anywhere from 75 to 100 transactions a year, and Jan personally handles between 40 and 50 listings annually. They’ve been recognized as one of the top-producing teams in the state of Alabama. There are so many things Jan loves about her work that it’s hard to pinpoint just one. “First, I just love working with people, earning their confidence, being a calming presence for them when the process is difficult. I think they really feel that, and it’s what keeps them coming 20

back to me. I love working with first-time homebuyers because of the excitement they bring. Over the last 15 years I’ve also been involved in new construction, and there’s something really satisfying about looking at a raw piece of land and helping people envision their dream home.” Jan has been very active with philanthropic efforts over the years, both locally and nationally. In addition, she’s served as president of the Athens Limestone Association of Realtors and State Director of the Alabama Association of Realtors. She’s also taught training classes for realtors and homebuyers. When she’s not working or volunteering, she’s dedicated to her husband of 48 years, her son, and her grandchildren. “I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors, whether camping or hiking or biking. But my hobby right now is my grandkids,” she laughs. “They’re full time!” As to the future of her business, Jan just wants to keep selling houses and training her new agents to deliver the excellent customer service her clients have come to expect. “I don’t want to retire. I love what I do and I have an awesome team that helps me put everything together. My plan for the next ten years is to keep finding ways to make my clients’ transactions and moves go as smoothly as possible.”

Contact Jan at 256-603-6994 or email Janscotthomes@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine


Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

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Things You Can Do to Anticipate Your Client’s Needs First and foremost, the real estate industry is a customer service business. The key to any successful real estate business is one that can build a reputation by providing an unsurpassed level of care. That usually means a transaction that is seamless and stress-free as possible throughout the whole process. Your client’s experience is what keeps them not only coming back, but gets them to recommend you to their friend and family.

tise. By showing you can not only anticipate their needs, but have insight into any potential problems that might arise, they will have complete confidence in you. Achieving that level of trust is the key to a transaction that is as stress-free as possible.

The key to creating a great experience is anticipating your client’s needs. They are relying on your professionalism and exper-

From the moment, you meet a po-tential client, your goal should be to find out not only what they are looking for as far as their real estate

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GET TO KNOW YOUR CLIENTS ON A PERSONAL LEVEL

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goals, but who they are as a person. Listening and asking the right questions from the start is one of the most important aspects of the job. You almost have to become an amateur psychologist, really honing in on the emotional reasons behind their real estate transaction. Taking time upfront not only gives you valuable insight into your client, but it is the first impression your clients have that you truly care about them, and that this isn’t just another commission check for you. This goes miles in helping them feel comfortable enough to rely on your guidance. Knowing who your client is on a deep level will help you navigate the transition ups and downs, allowing you to anticipate the best way to handle it.

SPOT POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND PROVIDE SOLUTIONS Having insight into your client’s per-sonality type will come in handy when you anticipate an upcoming snag in the transaction. Most people find the process to be stressful even under the best of circumstances. One of the best rules of thumb is to always provide the solutions to anticipated problems when you present them to the client. This should be the case even when the problem isn’t on you. Anything that can ruin a client’s overall experience can reflect poorly on you, whether you deserve it or not. This is a business philosophy called “zero risk”. You don’t want to take any chances with having an unsatisfied customer. This is where your experience in the business pays off. You’ve probably seen most things and can easily anticipate problems that are Top Agent Magazine

likely to delay the process. Remember you are in charge. You are the expert. And, remember, part of avoiding potential problems is making sure your client knows what to expect upfront, always communicate openly and honestly. Telling people what they want to hear and knowing you can’t deliver it, is destined to fail, and will always reflect poorly on you.

FIND WAYS TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Recognizing ways to exceed a cus-tomer’s needs is just as important as looking out for potential problems, when it comes to creating an exceptional experience. Have a vetted list of trusted service providers. Be hands on. There are Realtors® who are out there helping clients pack, mowing lawns, and picking kids up from school. They are there for a client in ways that are unexpected. Having one thing taken off your plate during a stressful period in your life can feel like a lifesaver and is not soon forgotten. It is those “little” things that will turn a client into a lifelong advocate for your business.

TAKE IN FEEDBACK A good service provider is always trying to do better. Many Realtors® have clients fill out surveys after the transaction is over. This serves two purposes. It helps you become better at your job and it shows your clients that you care about them and their opinions. You can also use social media to get feedback via analytics and interactions. All of this information can then be used to create better customer experiences in the future. After all, this is a customer service industry. Treat it like one and you’re bound to succeed. 23


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