ARIZONA 10-5-20

ARIZONA EDITION

TIPS ON BREAKING INTO THE

The Daily Schedule of a SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE AGENT

LUXURY MARKET

Are You A VALUE-ADDED AGENT?

FEATURED AGENTS

JOHN HRIMNAK AMY JO STONEMETZ COVER STORY

TARA RUTKOWSKI

ARIZONA EDITION

AMY JO STONEMETZ

Two times a charm for Amy Jo takes advantag 7 19 23 Stonemetz. Her first experience with JOHN HRIMNAK media presence selling real estate back in 2005 was not media is the wa Th pleasant. “I sold a house, but the market John Hrimnak began his real theestate community out a grea Joh was crazy ,and the other agent was very career 25 years ago. “It turned has been $1 unkind, so I decided to make my license I loved it, and so I went straight recalls. inactive and go back to bartending,” into real estate,” John What Amy $2lo she recalls. She was living in Phoenix, His wife of 29 years, Shannon, profession is isbres Arizona at the time. Fast-forward to a mortgage loan officer,clients’ and thefacesstaa 2015, she was approached by friends two work together as a husband“The whole pro who owned investment properties. AMY she notes. and-wife team. Throughout his “Afte Co TARA RUTKOWSKI JOHN HRIMNAK JO STONEMETZ “They said I should be active so John has built strong relationships transaction mos years in realagain estate, kn I could sell their properties,” she says.

“Plus, in their lives.

So, when Ba it’ with his clients based onI had excellent service, personal been bartending forattention, so long, and making many negotiation friends either handed the keys or wi wh his expert skills. and acquaintances. It was the right time to go new homes for the first tim ho back.” She moved About toCONTENTS Tuscon, shopped for the right home owner,’ it’s very exhil 80% of John’s business comes from repeat and an brokerage, and ultimately ended up at eXp Realty. fun referral clients, a testament to the quality relationWhere she works as a solo Becausekeep Amycoming is a huge adv ships he agent. forms his work.

“People Re 17)through THE DAILY SCHEDULE 4) ARE YOU A makes most of her charita like us,” John REAL says. “Once you’re or OF they A SUCCESSFUL VALUE-ADDED AGENT? back because Last year, Amy reports she brought in $5.2 million local animal welfare prog in our world, we become friends. It’s really about the an ESTATE AGENT in volume; this year, she’s on track to earn $8 pick a different charity, plus relationship.” is 13) TIPS ON BREAKING INTO million.

“My business is strictly referral and word cover letter for my ‘Americ and 20) HOW DOES MARKETING THE LUXURY MARKET of mouth,” she asserts.

“I believe people come back mailers,” she says.

She also DIFFER ADVERTISING— However, John adds,FROM “The biggest thing outside of that and refer because I truly listenAND to them.

Real estate involve helping kids in need MERCHANDISING is, I can also get FROM the job done.”

John is proud to be in In isn’t about selling a house or&what you want; it’s the top 1% ofBRANDING real estate agents based on ARMLS® his about what they want. I try to be that kind of agent.” When not working, Amy lov att (Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service) stats, and “Whenever a friend or fam he points to his ability to negotiate on behalf of his clients bu Amy stays in touch with her clientele via phone calls a baby, I always crochet Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 all is what really sets him apart from other agents. He uses and texts.

“It’s very important to stay connected, but exclaims. mag@topagentmagazine.comhis | www.topagentmagazine.com peo trademarked 5×50 Negotiation Protocol, developed it doesn’t have to be every day. It’s about quality No portion of this issue may be reproduced inover any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent lov his two decades-plus in real estate, tothe winfuture, offers for Asaccuracy for over quantity, and GA, I know they appreciate that,” Magazine is published

by Feature Publications Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the of publishedAmy woul bu clients.

“98% expressed of our orcontracts are accepted first ”Thing materials, Top Agentshe Magazine responsible for opinions facts supplied by its authors. thepath. her successful says.cannot be heldhis To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. time around,” John explains. “Evenand now, in thetotightest I want stay where I Published in the U.S. market ever with the current inventory shortage, In addition to utilizing eXp’s state-of-the-art is planning to we’re go into Mex still able to get you the house you want.” marketing program to promote her listings, Amy perhaps I’ll open down ther 2

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His negotiation tactics are also tailored to help sellers: To learn more about Amy Jo Stonemetz, email amyjostoneme

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Are You a Value-Added Agent?

I’ll bet if I asked ten real estate agents, all ten would answer ‘yes’ to that question. Yet, when I ask agents how they are value-added, they say things like: • I communicate regularly with my clients.

• I have a written listing presentation.

• I am honest.

• I am trustworthy.

Are these ‘value-added’ attributes? Or, does the client expect these attributes and services?

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Are these exceptional services or average services? I’m writing this article at the beginning of a New Year. It’s a perfect time to re-assess your professionalism and master being that ‘value-added’ agent.

Client Expectations are Higher than Ever Unfortunately, too many real estate agents assume they are ‘value-added’ because they are providing the services they want to provide— Top Agent Magazine

the services they think the client values. However, there’s a real client out there, and the client has different expectations. How do I know that? Because so few agents regularly survey their clients. In fact, when I’m speaking to an audience, I survey them, and find that less than 25 percent gather after-sale surveys! So, the majority of agents don’t know if the services they are providing are average or exceptional.

Why Bother Being Exceptional?

• Because you want to set yourself apart.

• You want to create client loyalty.

• You want to create at least 50 percent of your business from client referrals (the latest National Association of Realtors survey Profile of Members found that the average Realtor got only 18 percent of their business from referrals. That’s a hard and expensive way to run a real estate business!

• Because you want to run a more pleasant, profitable business.

Four Actions Value-Added Agents Take How can you identify value-added agents? By their actions. Here are four actions I believe show agents that are above just ‘average’. The principle here is:

Watch the actions, not the words.

If I were a manager, or a seller or a buyer, and I wanted to find a value-added agent, here’s what I would look for: Top Agent Magazine

1. Has a database and populates it This agent is committed long-term to his clients and to his business. He uses a contact management program (CRM) to manage ‘leads’, so none are lost — and clients do not feel neglected. After all, it takes much longer today to convert a ‘lead’ to a sale than it used to take.

Actively using and maintaining a CRM means the agent is committed to forming long-term professional relationships over time.

Other demonstrable actions concerning the agent’s CRM are: • Has a rapid-response method to deal with Internet inquiries and other inquiries via email. (The average client expects a response within eight hours—but a recent survey showed the average agent responded in 50 hours!).

• Has a method to follow up on all leads until they ‘buy or die’. As a client, that means I won’t get lost. As a seller, it means my agent will follow up with all leads and give it 100 percent to sell my home.

2. Invests in the technology and follow-up pros have This agent makes every decision based on their vision of their career at least three to five years in the future. For example, instead of selling someone a house anywhere just to get a sale, my value-added agent sells only in an area they define as their ‘target area’. That way, they’ll get known, and can build on their reputation.

The value-added agent has the ‘guts’ to turn down business! Because they care more about the well-being of the client than getting one grimy commission check, they learn to 5

‘tell the truth attractively’, and work harder to retain the client than to make one commission.

Adding those Client Benefits to your Dialogue

3. Works for referrals, not just sales I said the agent learns to ‘tell the truth attractively’, even if the buyer or seller may not want to hear it. For example, if it’s in the best interests of the seller to list their home at a lower price, the value-added agent has the strategies and the statistics to prove that the seller won’t be well served by pricing higher.

Of course, it’s not enough to actually take these actions. You need to explain to the client why these actions are in their best interests, and how you stand apart from most agents by employing them. Why? Because your client won’t know you run your business so professionally.

And, the client probably doesn’t know most agents don’t run their businesses this way!

And, this value-added agent has the intestinal fortitude to walk away if they know the home will not sell at the client’s desired price (but doesn’t have to too many times because they create a stellar reputation amongst their clientele).

TIP: Always show your clients, don’t just tell them. You do have a Professional Portfolio and evidence on your website, don’t you?

4. Keeps the buyers and sellers’ best interests in mind Our value-added agent makes every decision to grow trust, not just to make a fast buck. For example, the agent sits down with a prospective couple and finds out they can’t purchase right away and creates a plan with them to save for their down payment. Then, the agent keeps in touch over a period of months, offering helpful information and market updates.

Put Yourself to the Test

How many of these actions P. S. Managers and team leaders—two tips do you exhibit?

What do you want to work on to become a true 1. Call each of your agents’‘value-added’ phone mails.

What’s the impre agent?

Are they professional? Do they state the company n TIP: represent your culture and image?

Managers, give your agents a 2. Create a quick class in phone messaging using the ‘test’ on these four points.

In other words, this agent practices seller or buyHow many pass? this blog. er agency representation, not ‘agent agency’!

Copyright ©, 2016 Carla Cros

Carla Cross,CRB, CRB, MA, is theoffounder andSeminars, president Carla Cross & Carla Cross, MA, President Carla Cross Inc.,ofand Carla real management and sales.

Herspecializing internationally s Crossestate Coaching, is an international speaker in realbest-selling estate management and Running business planning for all professionals. agents, Up and in 30 Days, is real nowestate going into its 5thHer edition sevenexperience internationallyas published books, including Up and Running in 30 Days , vast a top-selling agent and award-winning manage and 20 agent and management programs have helped thousands of real sales podium, blending her musical background with her proven estate professionals to the greater productivity and teaches profitability.someone Reach Carla strategies (she uses piano AND even to at play—f 425-392-6914 or www.carlacross.com. and practical). Find out more at www.carlacross.com.

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TARA RUTKOWSKI Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Tara Rutkowski spearheads her work under the banner of Realty One Group, serving clients across the greater Southwest Phoenix region.

Tara Rutkowski arrived in real estate by way of her career in solar energy. Six years ago, she was excelling in solar sales while managing the many investment properties she owned alongside her husband. When she decided to earn her real estate license, she soon saw the opportunity to bridge her experiences and passions. Now, Tara has set herself apart as 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

an agent known for her communicative style, resourcefulness, and personal touch.

Today, Tara spearheads her work under the banner of Realty One Group, serving clients across the greater Southwest Phoenix region. There, almost the entirety of her business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust her Top Agent Magazine

intimate industry knowledge and proven track record. In fact, in her debut year she earned the coveted Rookie of the Year award for her outstanding $3.2-million rate of production.

What’s more, she continues to bring her specialized understanding of solar energy and its potential savings to those hunting for homes. “I built my legacy through my past relationships Top Agent Magazine

with solar clients,” she explains. “I’d help them through the process of installing a major solar system, stuck with them through every step, and as I transitioned into real estate, we stayed in contact. It’s all about the level of dedication you provide. When somebody reaches out to me, I try to respond immediately. I call myself a 24/7 agent. There’s never a time my Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

Last year, Tara closed roughly 50 transactions to the tune of $18-million in volume, cementing her status as the top individual agent in her company of over 450+ agents. clients can’t reach out to me. We’re working with people’s most valuable asset, and that deserves the highest level of service.”

When it comes to listing properties, Tara leaves no detail unaccounted for. All homes are equipped with high-end photography, documentation, and staging to impart a memorable first impression. From there, print marketing materials continue to build buzz, Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

while placement among the leading online listing platforms and social media outlets casts a wide and effective net. Of course, Tara’s expertise when it comes to solar serves as a highly sought value add for clients looking to make the leap into cost-effective and ecofriendly energy options. “Because I sold solar for nine years, that’s still a special realm for me,” she says, “and I continue to specialize in solar homes. My marketing ability for those Top Agent Magazine

homes is something unique in that I can go in, decipher those utility bills, and discover how much money people are truly saving. Being able to demonstrate that value is a really attractive marketing tool.� Last year, Tara closed roughly 50 transactions to the tune of $18-million in volume, cementing her status as the top individual agent in her company of over 450+ agents.

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Beyond the office, Tara gives back to her community through her church’s various outreach efforts and charitable drives.

She also servs as coordinator for the local Estrella Realtor Networking Group, in addition to teaching solar continuing education classes to her fellow agents. As for the future, Tara intends to keep momentum going strong as she continues to grow her Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

business and uplift her community through homeownership.

Now, with six years of insight and experience behind her, Tara considers what she enjoys most about her chosen field. “I love helping

people,” she says, “and the truth is, this is a major life decision people make. To be able to help others buy their dream home, or sell and move on to their next chapter, is such an honor for me, and I take that responsibility very seriously.”

To learn more about Tara Rutkowski, call (623) 640–6546, visit RutkowskiHomes.com, or email Tara@RutkowskiHomes.com www.

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Tips on Breaking Into the Luxury Market So, you’ve been doing residential real estate for a while and you’re looking to up your game. A lot of people consider going into the luxury market at that point. Or, maybe you started in the business always intending to specialize in luxury properties and were just learning the ropes before you tackled one of the industry’s most lucrative specialties.

No matter the reason, the luxury market is a whole new ballgame and you don’t want to go into it unprepared. First impressions are everything in this business, especially when you’re dealing with wealthy clients and investors. Here are few things to consider if you’re thinking of going from starter homes to estates.

LEARN HOW THE LUXURY MARKET AND CLIENTELE ARE DIFFERENT As experienced as you might be in traditional real estate, the luxury market is almost like starting at ground zero. Everything from the buyers, to the sellers, and obviously, the properties themselves, will take a new approach.

One of the key ways it is different is that the feeling of exclusivity truly matters. You will be doing more targeted marketing through high-end networking groups as wealthier clients tend to be more comfortable when Top Agent Magazine

you come recommended by people they trust to have the highest standards. There are no mass-marketed open houses. It’s all about private showings. Although professional, one-on-one service is key in this business no matter what the price point, wealthier buyers are accustomed to concierge-style service, and the way to stand out from the rest is to provide service that goes above and beyond what even they expect.

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LOOK THE PART If you’re thinking of going the luxury route, creating high-end branding and marketing yourself properly is of the utmost importance.

That includes your own personal look. You and your business will need a total makeover, or at least a major upgrade. It might even be time to buy that new car you’ve always wanted. It is also key that all of your marketing materials are high end. So start gathering a stable of highly-trained professionals,

photographers, and stagers as every aspect of the service network you’ll be providing complements the brand that you’re selling.

It’s well worth the time to get all of this nailed down and seamless before you even think of entering the luxury market. Another good investment? You want to have an indepth knowledge of all the latest real estate technologies and innovations. Don’t just look the part, actually be on the cutting edge.

SELL THE LIFESTYLE Yes, you’re selling a home, but you’re also selling a lifestyle, which in luxury is almost more important. When someone is spending millions of dollars on a home, they want to see the fabulous life they will be living in their new digs. Really highlight amazing party spaces, unique one of kind features,

and amenities. As with anything of value, things that make a property rare, will automatically make it more appealing to people who can afford the best. It also helps people connect more emotionally with a home, giving it even more value than if you just try and sell it as a good investment.

NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING Networking is an important aspect of this business at every level, but it a vital tool in the luxury market. Most of your referrals and targeted marketing will be done through luxury agent exclusive networking groups. In addition to that, it is even more important in this segment of the business to be actively

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involved in your community through volunteering and supporting local charitable events. You will not only build a stellar reputation, but you’ll also be giving back to the community you represent, and ultimately, integrity is what it’s all about in this business.

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Working with you to highlight aspects of your organization or celebrate that special someone, Graham is just an email away! gtoonist@shaw.ca

grahamharrop.com

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The Daily Schedule

of a Successful Real Estate Agent Everything you do should be intentional. A busy schedule isn’t the same thing as a productive schedule. Sometimes people write things like “find clients” on their to-do list, but finding clients isn’t actually a task. It’s a goal. Your daily schedule should be created with your goal in mind if you want to be a successful real estate agent, but a goal is too broad to add to your calendar.

Instead, you can break your goal down into projects, break those projects down into tasks, and schedule time in your calendar to complete each task. You’ll find that some of these projects will have an immediate impact on your business, and that those are the tasks that should be completed first.

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The fact is that as a real estate agent you can set your own schedule—if you’re not productive until 10am, then you don’t have to start your day until then. But having a daily schedule means that every day you have a running start on all those other agents who just “wing it.”

You don’t want to feel burned out and busy but like you’re simultaneously not getting a whole lot done. You can only keep up 70+ hour weeks for so long before your body breaks down and both your performance and income drop as a result.

Since every real estate agent’s operating hours look different, the following daily schedule is broken up by the suggested amount of hours you

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should spend on each task rather than specific times of day. However, certain tasks, like prospecting, appointments, and listing presentations should be performed at times when it’s most convenient for clients. If you’re an agent who likes to end their workday at 5 o’clock, remember that this is also the same time your clients are likely ending their day, meaning you might be unavailable for showings during the only time their schedule allows.

3.5 hours – This is that time of day that you should schedule all your appointments and listing presentations. If you are a newer agent, you might use this time instead to do more prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Spend this time waking up, exercising either at home or at the gym, and eating breakfast.

2 hours – Now it’s time to unwind. Use this time to have dinner and spend time with you family. If you have children, this is usually the time of day when they are wrapping up homework assignments and getting ready for bed.

It’s important that you make time for these moments the same way you make time for your work.

2 hours – Use this time before you head to the office to develop a morning routine, if you haven’t already. You can meditate, journal, practice affirmations, or read personal development books to prepare for the day ahead.

1 hour – Once you’re at the office, spend this time to review the day’s schedule, catch up with your assistant or other colleagues, and check the latest industry news. This is also the time of day that you can role play to prepare for appointments.

1.5 hours – Spend this time prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Now it’s time for a lunch break. If you’re a multitasker, you can also use this time to prepare for the afternoon and any meetings you have scheduled or connect with followers on social media.

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.5 hours – Look over the day’s schedule again and ensure you’ve checked every task off your to-do list. While you’re at it, be sure to review tomorrow’s schedule and goals too.

2 hours – Spend these last couple hours before you fall asleep to have quality time with your spouse or perform your self-care routines.

8 hours – Now it’s time for sleep—getting a full night’s rest is crucial if you want every day to be productive.

As you can tell, there’s still some wiggle room left in this schedule, but the important thing is to block out time every day so you can achieve your goals and help your clients.

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JOHN HRIMNAK John Hrimnak began his real estate career 25 years ago. “It turned out I loved it, and so I went straight into real estate,” John recalls.

His wife of 29 years, Shannon, is a mortgage loan officer, and the two work together as a husbandand-wife team. Throughout his years in real estate, John has built strong relationships with his clients based on excellent service, personal attention, and his expert negotiation skills.

About 80% of John’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, a testament to the quality relationships he forms through his work. “People keep coming back because they like us,” John says. “Once you’re in our world, we become friends. It’s really about the relationship.”

However, John adds, “The biggest thing outside of that is, I can also get the job done.” John is proud to be in the top 1% of real estate agents based on ARMLS® (Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service) stats, and he points to his ability to negotiate on behalf of his clients is what really sets him apart from other agents. He uses his trademarked 5×50 Negotiation Protocol, developed over his two decades-plus in real estate, to win offers for his clients. “98% of our contracts are accepted the first time around,” John explains. “Even now, in the tightest market ever with the current inventory shortage, we’re still able to get you the house you want.”

His negotiation tactics are also tailored to help sellers: “If you’re a seller, I make sure I get you multiple offers.

I work hard to find in and out of state buyers who want to buy your home regardless of what it appraises for.”

He and his team also use Facebook ads and marketing to get a listing in front of as many potential buyers as possible. “It’s about doing things that most agents don’t do,” John says. “We take our buyers and sellers through a completely thorough, thought-out protocol that’s built around making sure they’re winning in every situation and at every phase.”

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The results speak for themselves: in a typical year, John’s personal production volume ranges between $15-20 million. But this year John plans to close over $25 million by selling 70 homes. “This has been a breakout year for us,” John says, “and we’re adding on staff right now.”

Community involvement is important to John, and he is known as “Arizona’s Batman” for his work wearing a Batman costume to bring some joy into the lives of kids with serious illnesses. He works with local children’s hospitals and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. John and his team also participate in numerous community fundraisers to benefit organizations like the Phoenix Rescue Mission and others. When he is not working or giving back, John loves to spend time with Shannon and their two kids. He has recently taken up golf and is enjoying it, and he loves water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.

In the next 3 years, John plans to continue expanding his business and increase his volume, aiming to easily attain a rate of 100 homes per year. “I would also like to build the infrastructure for my team,” John says. Above all, John loves winning for his clients. “I love serving people and winning. That’s what really drives me. I love being engaged and committed with my clients, and building relationships for life.”

For more about John Hrimnak, please call 602-919-0395, email john@soldbyaffinityhfgroup.com or visit theaffinityhomegroup.com www.

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How Does Marketing Differ From Advertising—And From Merchandising & Branding

by Rob Flitton

Almost everyone has trouble sorting out how marketing differs from advertising, not to how it differs from mention merchandising and branding.

3.You have a product or service than can and should innovate as the market reflects back to you Marketing is the ongoing activity of interfacing your business with the marketplace—of communicating the value of a product or service for the purpose of selling that product or service.

So here is a definitive statement on the definition of what each activity is, and the order in which they should occur—disobey the order, and you cannot reliably or rationally market your product or service; you MERCHANDISING will only be guessing.

Merchandising is the activity of creating a segmenting strategy for MARKETING the promotion or sale of a product or Marketing is what happens first in service for the purpose of selling the process and is the most important that product or service. role in any business organization.

You need to decide what market segment you want to appeal to with Think of marketing from 3 angles: the level of quality of: 1.You have an industry that your business is in, and this does not change • Quality of merchandise 2.You have an audience or market- • Speed and availability of service place that can change or innovate to some degree • Dress code for representatives 20

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• Returns, customer service, or warranty policy • Office or retail store aesthetics and degree of luxury Think about the difference between Nordstrom and Walmart (two profitable companies)—just as Walmart will never have a piano player, Nordstrom will never have a vague return policy. You cannot find good floor-service at Walmart, but you don’t expect to. The CEO of Walmart Top Agent Magazine

doesn’t lament “I wish I was the CEO of Walmart,” and vice-versa.

Profitability is about making everything in your merchandising line up in accordance with your chosen product or service and its theme.

BRANDING Branding is the strategic ascribing of words, a name, term, sign symbol or design, or a combination of these, so that a user may easily identify the product or service—so that the user will regard the product or service as 21

If sales don’t happen, you need to begin back again at the beginning and innovate your MARKETING. the solution to their problem and motivate them.

persuade the audience to take or continue some action.

When you think of any great brand, or observe their logo or imagery, it evokes certain words or a phrase to pop into your mind.

Advertising can occur in numerous ways or methods ranging from simple to complex, free to hugely expensive.

The goal in branding is to encapsulate your offering into a word or phrase— to make your proposal to solve a known problem obvious to the potential user taking a look at you. Ideally, a phrase or image allows the user to make an emotional connection to the product or service, and to be able to relate its story to others. You want a word, or a few words (a phrase) to pop into their heads when they see or think about your product or service.

In simple terms, it is the process of telling the world (or your intended audience) about what you have to offer to them.

ADVERTISING Advertising is the activity of telling or communicating to potential users the benefits of using or employing a specific product or service to 22

And…at the end of all of this process is making the sale—of closing on a deal to sell your product or service.

And if sales don’t happen, you need to begin back again at the beginning and innovate your MARKETING. Rob Flitton is a Seattle Real Estate Marketing specialist helping independent agents to increase their income. Email Rob robflitton@gmail.com at any time or call/ text him at 206-612-2314.

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AMY JO STONEMETZ Two times a charm for Amy Jo Stonemetz. Her first experience with selling real estate back in 2005 was not pleasant. “I sold a house, but the market was crazy ,and the other agent was very unkind, so I decided to make my license inactive and go back to bartending,” she recalls. She was living in Phoenix, Arizona at the time. Fast-forward to 2015, she was approached by friends who owned investment properties.

“They said I should be active again so I could sell their properties,” she says. “Plus, I had been bartending for so long, making many friends and acquaintances. It was the right time to go back.” She moved to Tuscon, shopped for the right brokerage, and ultimately ended up at eXp Realty.

Where she works as a solo agent.

Last year, Amy reports she brought in $5.2 million in volume; this year, she’s on track to earn $8 million. “My business is strictly referral and word of mouth,” she asserts. “I believe people come back and refer because I truly listen to them. Real estate isn’t about selling a house or what you want; it’s about what they want. I try to be that kind of agent.”

Amy stays in touch with her clientele via phone calls and texts. “It’s very important to stay connected, but it doesn’t have to be every day. It’s about quality over quantity, and I know they appreciate that,” she says.

In addition to utilizing eXp’s state-of-the-art marketing program to promote her listings, Amy

takes advantage of her strong social media presence. “I believe that social media is the way to go to get in front of the community immediately. Facebook has been a great platform,” she says.

What Amy loves most about her profession is seeing the joy on her clients’ faces at the close of escrow.

“The whole process is very stressful,” she notes. “After all, this is the biggest transaction most people will ever make in their lives. So, when it’s all over and they’re either handed the keys or when they walk into their new homes for the first time and say, ‘Wow, I’m a home owner,’ it’s very exhilarating.”

Because Amy is a huge advocate for animals, she makes most of her charitable donations towards local animal welfare programs. “Every year, I pick a different charity, plus I write about it in my cover letter for my ‘American Lifestyle’ magazine mailers,” she says. She also donates to charities that involve helping kids in need.

When not working, Amy loves to golf and crochet.

“Whenever a friend or family member is having a baby, I always crochet a baby blanket,” she exclaims.

As for the future, Amy would like to continue along her successful path. ”Things are great right now, and I want to stay where I am,” she says. “EXp is planning to go into Mexico, so at some point, perhaps I’ll open down there as well.”

To learn more about Amy Jo Stonemetz, email amyjostonemetz@gmail.com, visit tucsonazexperts.com/Agent/amy-jo-stonemetz or call (520) 975-1006 https://

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