AUSTRALIA 7-27-20

AUSTRALIA EDITION

3 EASY AT-HOME DIY PROJECTS

TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE UNTANGLING THE BIDDING WAR:

A BUYER’S & SELLER’S PERSPECTIVES

COVER STORY

LEIGH JORDAN

SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT:

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

FEATURED AGENT

SHANE STONE

AUSTRALIA EDITION

SHANE STONE Shane Stone admits he was an introvert as a young 9 man, but going into real estate has changed all of that. Now, he travels his home country of Australia as a real estate motivational speaker, consultant, and agent. “I made the transition into real estate when I was 30 with a young family, because the business always appealed to me,” he recalls.

That was 25 years ago. “I love

LEIGH workingJORDAN with and helping peo-

20

SHANE STONE

ple,” he says. “That’s really what it all comes down to for me.” Though he has a full slate as a traveling speaker, he still maintains his sales work because, “you need to practice what you preach.” He’s also a property manager.

CONTENTS

Shane reports that his business is 90% repeat

to learn how to cope in all situations.”

It’s not surprising that Shane draws stellar reviews from his training clientele. One seminar attendee recently wrote: “I was in your lecture this morning. I wanted to let you know that the presentation was fabulous – very helpful and informative. I am looking forward to applying some of the principles you mentioned to my day-to-day development work. Keep inspiring. Thank you again for coming in. It was a terrific morning.”

“Having once been an introvert to now speaking before large groups of people and being able to motivate them to be their very best… it’s a beautiful feeling,” he says.

4) 5 MORNING HABITS 15) 3 EASY AT-HOME and referral clientele. “I’ve been told people Every Sunday, Shane puts out DIY a 5-minute video like to work with me because I’m very, very for his website and social media TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PROJECTS TO INCREASE to inform as authentic, very raw, and extremely honest, well as stay connected to his clientele. “I also PRODUCTIVE PROPERTY qualities you need in this business,” he asserts. send out VALUE emails and make phone calls when I His consulting business has also engaged a huge following. Among the topics he teaches include education, re-education, motivation, legislation, risk issues, and well-being. “Most Realtors don’t think about the wellness aspect but it’s so important,” he explains. “It can be a tough and exhausting business, so it’s critical

6) SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

can,” he says. “But, really, most of the time, my clients reach out to me for questions. I love being there to help them whenever I can.”

22) UNTANGLING THE BIDDING WAR: A BUYER’S When it comes time to marketing his listings, & SELLER’S PERSPECTIVES Shane says he stays with the process from beginning to end. “I make suggestions to the seller regarding their property. Then I bring in

Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S.

2

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

5 Morning Habits to Make Your Day Super Productive For many, most mornings begin with a rush—a rush to get dressed, a rush to find something edible for breakfast, a rush out the door and into rush hour. Likely you have heard articles advising you to set your

alarm early to give yourself some flexibility —which is sound advice, of course—but consider a few of these additional tweaks to your morning routine that can set a productive tone for your day at large.

1. Keep Screens Away Until Breakfast Oftentimes, our first instinct upon waking is to check-in on our phones, tablets, or computers, to scope out the latest social media updates and e-mail correspondence. While diving into the action might seem productive, studies show that waylaying screen time until you’re up and dressed, and have had a good breakfast, will actually make your first pass 4

at all things digital more focused, clear, and efficient. Instead of answering a few e-mails, checking out a friend’s photos, and then hurrying to shower and dress, instead make a resolution to keep the online world at bay for the first half-hour to an hour after you rise, then you’ll approach the digital world with fresh eyes, energy, and adeptness.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

2. Meal Prep Sometimes hitting the snooze button is inevitable, but if you make prepping breakfast the night before a part of your routine, then grabbing something healthy on the go will be a snap—and your stomach will thank you for it. Load up your coffee machine ahead of time, so all you have to do

is hit brew. Or, chop up a fruit salad, mix a smoothie, or simply put a granola bar and a grapefruit in your lunch bag, ready to be grabbed on your way out the door. Even if it’s small or basic, keeping yourself fueled will keep distractions, inefficiency, and mood swings at bay.

3. Queue Up a Podcast on Your Commute Whether you’re driving, biking, or taking public transportation into the office, a podcast is a perfect way to brush up on industry knowledge. Try sourcing a podcast relative to your field and narrated by experts.

Not only will it get you thinking about the topics of your industry—while expanding

your professional vocabulary—it will also wake up your brain and get your head in the game as you prepare to launch your day. Use your commute time to bump up your knowledge and conversation points, and you’ll be ahead of the curve before you reach the office.

4. Begin with a To-Do List When work gets busy, sometimes just getting started is an overwhelming prospect.

Before you dive in to your e-mails and projects, take twenty minutes and be thoughtful as you assess your daily and weekly to-do

list items, then map them. By giving yourself a bullet point system of what you need to accomplish and by when, you can undo some of the anxiety that a busy schedule promotes.

5. Walk It Out, Even If You Missed the Gym While we often rely on coffee for our morning buzz, exercise provides a potent burst of energy that can supercharge your day. But, let’s say you’re running behind and skip the gym—all is not lost! Take fifteen minutes in

the early morning to take a walk around the block a few times. The fresh air and aerobic exercise will wake you up, get your blood moving, and provide your morning with a natural injection of motivation.

Everyone’s morning routine varies, but perhaps the first step is identifying aspects of your routine that could be improved, and tackling them from there. From waylaying

screen time distractions to getting in a little blood-pumping exercise, keep these tips in mind as you launch your most productive morning routine ever.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

5

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 6

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

7

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.

8

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

LEIGH JORDAN

Top Agent Magazine

9

Leigh Jordan, senior sales consultant at One Agency Collins Real Estate, has an expert team supporting him to help clients all throughout Tasmania, Australia.

Inspired by a close friend, Leigh Jordan decided to take a risk and try his hand at real estate over 23 years ago. He realized it was the right profession for him when he began to quickly thrive in the industry and accumulate accolades for his impressive results and outstanding client service.

Leigh currently works as a senior sales 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

consultant at One Agency Collins Real Estate where he has an expert team supporting him to help clients all throughout Tasmania, Australia.

The key to success in any business is some form of structure, and Leigh has plenty of it. He starts every day off with a cup of Top Agent Magazine

coffee and a list of people he needs to call that day. It’s this meticulous attention to detail that helped him rank as the number two Agent for Tasmania, and number five for the whole of Australia last year. And most recently, he was awarded Agent of the Year for Tasmania 2020, and ranked Top Agent Magazine

in the top 5% of Agents in Australia. His detailed approach to business, matched with his friendly personality and understanding of his clients’ needs, are the traits that have helped him build a large network of repeat and referral business. “I take a very simplistic approach to the business.

11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“Even after all these years I always get a thrill from being able to connect a buyer with a seller. Listening to people’s needs and wants, and then being able to find them the right property is the best feeling.”

I’m a huge believer that if people like you and trust you, they will do business with you. Providing that you show them that you’re competent in what you do,” he says.

Leigh makes the effort to carry out the sales process to the highest satisfaction of his clients, which includes his team checking presentation details of each property prior Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

to a professional photoshoot and including floorplans for all of his listings. He also stresses the importance of good communication in an agent and client relationship.

“Communication is the key. I keep my clients extremely well informed at all times.”

And his commitment stretches past the transaction, as he often builds long-lasting friendships with his clients.

Top Agent Magazine

For Leigh, real estate turned out to be more than just a job. After all this time he still gets a surge of excitement from helping first time homebuyers and connecting buyers and sellers. “Even after all these years I always get a thrill from being able to connect a buyer with a seller. Listening Top Agent Magazine

to people’s needs and wants, and then being able to find them the right property is the best feeling.”

Outside of his busy work life, Leigh stays involved in his community by sponsoring a local horseracing club. And when he’s Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

not working, he loves spending his free time with family and friends. Leigh’s plans for the future are focused around the continued growth of his business. And more shortterm plans include hiring another fulltime

personal assistant. Mainly, his focus is to keep striving to achieve amazing results for his clients, because as he himself says, “You can never be complacent with what you do.

You’re only as good as your last sale.”

To learn more about Leigh Jordan, please call +61-400-577-660, email leigh.jordan@oneagencycollinsre.com.au, or visit oneagencycollinsre.com.au/agents/1stf0005/Leigh%20-Jordan www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

Top Agent Magazine

3 Easy At-Home DIY Projects to Increase Property Value Most homeowners have a lengthy list of chores and bit projects they intend to accomplish around the house. Oftentimes, those to-do items are completed piecemeal over a long stretch of time, or else sometimes not at all. However, when it comes time to prepare a home for market, all those tasks begin to pile-up and overwhelm. The Top Agent Magazine

list of things to do before the photographer comes or the first open house is held might seem endless, but not if you tackle just a few things here and there as you go. These sorts of projects—easy, DIY, at-home tasks you can accomplish in a few hours or less, with tools you most likely have on hand— go a long way with marginal effort.

Top Agent Magazine ÂŽ

15

Complete a quick rehab of closets and storage areas Many agents advise clients to declutter and depersonalize their spaces ahead of professional photography and home showings. The idea is to provide prospective buyers with a neutral palette. Not only does this allow them to imagine their own lives unfolding within those four walls, but it also helps make a home’s square footage stand out. One way to add visual space to your home without calling in the contractor is to declutter common storage areas and closets. When buyers can get a complete look at a closet’s capacity, or a pantry’s depth, or the garage’s full functional potential, they get a better sense of a home’s potential and thus, its value.

In that vein, consider decluttering and cleaning your high-traffic storage spaces: the garage, pantries, closets, attics, and basements. Besides, organizing and discarding unwanted items help you prep for a move anyway, while giving potential buyers a peak at how spacious your home really is.

Add easy curb appeal with a bit of sweat equity Sure, curb appeal can arrive in the form of a new mailbox, pathway lighting, or updated house numbers, but it can also come cheaper than that. Curb extends to the upkeep of your lawn, landscaping, and home’s façade, and there are plenty of ways 16

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

you can give these zones a refresh without spending anything but time. Keeping your front and back yard green and uniform adds a lux layer to exterior square footage.

Likewise, polishing the outside of your windows, trimming hedges, and sweeping the walkway can make a tidy and wellcared for first impression. There are other measures you can take too. Planting wildflower seeds in empty beds, or collecting some landscaping rocks to frame mulched areas can add a bit of character to your residence. Repainting the front door, ensuring trees are trimmed, and keeping back patios Top Agent Magazine

neat and uncluttered also underscore a home at its finest, which is ripe for buyers to snatch up.

Transform tiled spaces into sparkling clean surfaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens are where sellers can stand to add plenty of value in the process of selling a home. While pricey renovations might be out of the question for some, there are still affordable and time-effective ways you can transform for these spaces for the better. Cleaning,

Top Agent Magazine ÂŽ

17

bleaching, or redoing your tile grout—in either kitchens, bathrooms, or other tiled spaces—can give these high-trafficked areas a new lease on life. Ensuring windows, mirrors, stainless steel appliances and backsplashes are streak-free and polished also demonstrate to buyers that your home is well-cared for and practically move-in ready. Sometimes, the devil is in the details. You might consider relining drawers, changing out knobs and fixtures,

18

or else decluttering cabinets and shelves for a fresher look.

No matter the challenges ahead as you prepare your home for sale, completing a few small tasks every weekend or so can put you miles ahead of the competition.

Without spending a dime, you can add serious value to your home’s bottom line, setting you up for success as you begin your own home-shopping adventure.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

19

SHANE STONE Shane Stone admits he was an introvert as a young man, but going into real estate has changed all of that. Now, he travels his home country of Australia as a real estate motivational speaker, consultant, and agent. “I made the transition into real estate when I was 30 with a young family, because the business always appealed to me,” he recalls.

That was 25 years ago. “I love working with and helping people,” he says. “That’s really what it all comes down to for me.” Though he has a full slate as a traveling speaker, he still maintains his sales work because, “you need to practice what you preach.” He’s also a property manager.

Shane reports that his business is 90% repeat and referral clientele. “I’ve been told people like to work with me because I’m very, very authentic, very raw, and extremely honest, qualities you need in this business,” he asserts.

His consulting business has also engaged a huge following. Among the topics he teaches include education, re-education, motivation, legislation, risk issues, and well-being. “Most Realtors don’t think about the wellness aspect but it’s so important,” he explains. “It can be a tough and exhausting business, so it’s critical 20

to learn how to cope in all situations.”

It’s not surprising that Shane draws stellar reviews from his training clientele. One seminar attendee recently wrote: “I was in your lecture this morning. I wanted to let you know that the presentation was fabulous – very helpful and informative. I am looking forward to applying some of the principles you mentioned to my day-to-day development work. Keep inspiring. Thank you again for coming in. It was a terrific morning.”

“Having once been an introvert to now speaking before large groups of people and being able to motivate them to be their very best… it’s a beautiful feeling,” he says.

Every Sunday, Shane puts out a 5-minute video for his website and social media to inform as well as stay connected to his clientele. “I also send out emails and make phone calls when I can,” he says. “But, really, most of the time, my clients reach out to me for questions. I love being there to help them whenever I can.”

When it comes time to marketing his listings, Shane says he stays with the process from beginning to end. “I make suggestions to the seller regarding their property. Then I bring in Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Shane’s consulting business has engaged a huge following. Among the topics he teaches include education, re-education, motivation, legislation, risk issues, and well-being. professional photographers to shoot beautiful photos and promote,” he explains.

“It’s not rocket science.”

What Shane loves most about his profession is working with people and building relationships. “That’s what brought me into the business in the first place,” he says. He especially enjoys dealing with what he calls “high maintenance” vendors. “I love the challenge, especially when things ultimately work out in the end for everyone. I love it!” he says.

Shane spends a great deal of his free time giving back to his community. “I live far out in the countryside, about 30 minutes from the nearest ambulance, so I volunteer as a paramedic for the local Fire Brigade,” he says. “I’m a first responder, always out on the frontlines.”

Ultimately, Shane hopes to take his business off-shore. “That’s my dream,” he says. “I want to go to agents who need my services but don’t know where to turn. I also want to go into different agencies and offer specialized services. I’m looking forward to that.”

Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Shane Stone, email shane@woolfallstone.com.au, or visit woolfallstone.com.au, or call +61-498-526-912 www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

Untangling the Bidding War: A Buyer’s & Seller’s Perspectives In a competitive marketplace, bidding wars become the norm. While this may put sellers in an excellent position to recoup on their investment, it can push buyers beyond their budgets and test their temperaments in the process. As an agent, how do you navigate both sides of the coin? After all, you want to net the best results for your client—regardless of which side of the closing table they’re on. To fortify your approach to a heated bidding war, here are a few ideas and insights to better clue you in on the perspectives of buyers and sellers alike.

22

Buyer’s Perspective: Emotions Running High?

Channel it.

When the market is booming, buyers feel the pressure—especially when affordable inventory is limited. This can create stress, feelings of hopelessness, and impulsivity. As an agent, how do you channel this emotional energy into something positive? Consider asking buyers to put those anxieties and high hopes onto paper. Have buyers outline

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

who they are, why they’re inspired to buy a home at this juncture in their lives, and how they see their lives unfolding once they become a homeowner (or repeat homeowner). Think of it as a letter of intent.

Buyers benefit from taking abstract fears and dreams and articulating them on paper. Likewise, this document can serve as a valuable tool during a bidding war. Letters like these can help sellers with multiple offers make a personal, emotional connection with a particular buyer.

Sellers Perspective: Manage expectations.

When multiple offers are rolling in on a property, it’s easy for sellers to get carried away. Numbers are flying, expectations are heightened, and sellers may become hypnotized by higher and higher offers and ideal outcomes. While it’s good to celebrate prime market positioning, it’s also important to maintain an even keel so that your seller’s mind is clear and they’re thinking rationally through their options.

Sometimes the highest offer isn’t necessarily the sure thing. Manage your clients’ expectations by leading by example, offering a balanced perspective, and talking them through all potential outcomes so that they don’t only hone in on the best-case scenario.

During a bidding war, tensions are running high for seller’s too, who will soon begin their next chapter in another home. Keep a cool head and remind your client to see the big picture, recognize that it’s possible for some offers to fall through, and to sit tight until the closing table has been successfully reached.

Buyer’s Perspective: How do you authentically and convincingly convey your interest?

When ten or so offers are in the mix, it can be hard to differentiate your buyer from the next. While numbers will obviously do a lot of the talking, you’d be surprised how much of a difference a Top Agent Magazine

personal touch can make. Some popular approaches to standing out include personal letters—as mentioned above—tailored to the property. Was the property in question a family home for years? You might have clients detail their dreams of raising a family inside those walls, rather than tear the property down and rebuild something to boost the lot’s value. Including a family photo is also a good tact for personalizing letters in a bidding war. Likewise, little gifts included with your offer can speak volumes about your personality and due diligence as an agent. It may seem a little cheesy, but when sellers are looking at ten near-identical offers, those personal touches can really paint a compelling, personalized picture.

Seller’s Perspective: How powerful is cash?

Data shows that cash offers—typical of investor clientele—double the chances of having an offer accepted. This goes hand in hand with waiving a financing contingency, which also helped boost the probability of an accepted offer, according to research. Cash is king, however, since offers that aren’t completely reliant on comprehensive financing seem to minimize risk for sellers, who are already eager to see a deal go through. Cash deals also tend to go through quickly, freeing sellers up to pursue their next property and move on to new horizons. While not every buyer has the ability to operate in cash, it’s a worthwhile consideration for those in ultra-competitive markets and with liquid capital.

While the bidding process can be stressful for agents and clients alike, it’s important to remember that it’s a time of opportunity, too. If you want to make the most of it as a seller, data shows that a personal touch can endear buyers to their seller counterparts. For sellers navigating a competitive process, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. For agents, here’s the bottom line: get creative, be resourceful, and use all the tools in your arsenal to achieve the best result for the clients you serve.

Top Agent Magazine ®

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine