CANADA 1-27-20

CANADA EDITION

Is Finding a

Are You Doing Business As You on Facebook?

NICHE MARKET

Right for You? THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

FEATURED AGENTS

How to List High When Neighbors Are a Nuisance

ROBERT ALMEIDA SAM & NANCY CUDA YUSUF HUSSAINI SHANTELLE McCREA MATT YESMANISKI COVER STORY

ADAM MARSHALL

CANADA EDITION

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ROBERT ALMEI

When Robert Almeida s working in real estate a c of years ago, he knew he found his true calling. “I f really enjoyable,” he say had a successful career wo as a contractor, building ADAM MARSHALL YUSUF HUSSAINI ROBERT ALMEIDA SAM & NANCY CUDA renovating homes. Robert start to finish. We’re not about chasing ys had an interest in real estate,” the control he has over his 22 transactions; we focus on relationships.

25 SHANTELLE 27M c CREA As ers Sam Cuda, one half of the Sam success as an agent. “One r much as technology has made information ncy Cuda real estate team. Sam it wasgot because if I do well, it’sthere, becau more accessible than ever before, weI got into his license back in 1995, only to be Shantelle McCrea interested to get With a passion for h recognize it’s still an emotional transactionme, if I don’t do well, it’s because of me,” he exp y his wife in 2006. The flexibility in real estate after she bought her huge accomp others and a dedicat for many clients.” llenges of the industry, along with With a love for helping others, he has thrived i first home at age 20. Working ortunity to connect with people, business, Matt Yesm When embarking upon the listing process,business, and can’t wait to see what the future h a natural career choice for both of with a friend who was an agent, Shantelle an has flourished as to a real ADAM MARSHALL Sam and Nancy cover every base. They haveServing lower British Columbia, n the time since, Sam and Nancy he travels whe Shantelle became about thetoGrande local como a wide network of professionals, including rned a reputation for transparency, agent in the his clients need curious him, and is starting see half real estate lawyers, home inspectors, stagers, knowledge, and a personal touch. the industry and realized that her with the come from referrals. region of Alberta. Kin H and aCUDA full marketing team to help sellers prep homes forbusiness utstanding performance is consistently recognized SAM & NANCY SHANTELLE McCREA MATT YESMANISKI

MATT YESMAN

al LePage, most recently adding the Award of nce and President’s Gold to their collection of ional awards.

Club.managi Shante market. Then, professional photography showcases own homes personal skills made his real start after in their most immersive light, before dissemination estate acrossIt’s anhisideal fit for Foundation, honesty andher. dedication that keeps clients co investment properties. the leading online listing platforms and social media outlets, people facing whatatobroker buy, but who I’ll asksa as well as newsletters and postcards. Additionally, they’veback. “I won’t tell them with cultivated lasting relationships with agents and in thequestions about what they like,” Robert says. “I “I try to befellow personal communicate,” she explains. the real esta region, which facilitates the process of reaching the closingabout my client. If I seecompleted wrong with “I really put my emotions into my interactionssomething with When she’sa table. “We speak fluent real estate,” Sam says. “It’s all in one month, so I them decided to do it in a m or a property, I’ll tell what I think or about hard work and good We serve myservice. clients.

Anda very I’mdiverse aware that they want to keep in loves togive travth too,” Matt explains. he’s in his fourt community and love the opportunity to help so many people suggestion. won’t listed tellToday them not toand buy somethin touch - I’ve talked to sellers whose Iagents their my husb navigate this process to achieve their real estate goals. In this as a Realtor and Having works experience with his assistant C I will be honest.” working house but they never heard anything from them.

I lot of fishing business, we wear multiple hats—real estate expert, friend, with new buildings and renovations, Robert Stover.

The vast majority of his business coach. It’s our job to bekeep there forthem our clients and make sure in the loop.

We sit down every 21 days, every detail is accounted for.” knowsrepeat what clients to lookand out referrals, for and how much from a testamen

CONTENTS

Sam and Nancy serve clients across the greater region under the banner of Royal LePage. There, ve amassed a business largely driven by repeat rral clientele who trust their expertise, amenable lities, and track record of success. What’s am relies on his thirty-one-year background in on when guiding clients through the intricacies of ction. Likewise, Nancy harnesses her experience omer service, formerly at IBM, to attentively I keep them updated on how the local market works.” Shantelle kn ients through the process with care and precision. certain projects will cost. He is happy to provide superior service.

As for the future, Sam and Nancy plan to keep business s also made it a point to develop his professional successful going steady as they continue to build relationships withhis clients with advice and guidance. For both as a Realtor, and has earned a host of designations Shantelle understands how that market works which truly i aspiring buyers and sellers. In their free hours, the duohis buyers and sellers, he is happy to ifications along the way. “I equip myself with as link them Matt puts his clients above all else, doing ever most enjoys time spentbecause with familyshe’s and friends, nowledge as possible to provide the best service beentravelserving thewide greater Saskatoon with to herhelp - the with his network of professionals ling, watching sporting events, and taking their daily walk clients,” he says. This includes a Mortgage possible to make them happy and help them area for six years; with that kind ofmiscellaneous experience comes futurea good Shant them with tasks. “I have together each morning. a Broker’s license, and certifications as a Senior their goals.

He focuses on not only guiding of ability people Itocan call her for all improve. the moving a deep knowledge and group a better serve “N tate Specialist, Certified Negotiation Specialist, Now, with more than two decades of experience, Sam and distinguished FRI designation, an exclusive title throughout the butcarpet educating the parts of you, buying oritprocess, selling, like cleaning, clients.

Don’t let her age fool as sometimes always make Nancy Cuda consider what they enjoy most about their resents the highest standard in the industry for each step. painting,” At the cornerstone ofit comes his busin handymen, he says. Whenfor to at open houses.

“Sometimes at showings feedback Phone 310-734-1440 Fax act 310-734-1440 career. “Wedoes like thefolks autonomy of running our ment to education, experience, and conduct. “As | second marketing, Robert also goes above and beyond. business,” Sam reflects.people “You get what you put in, and that er and counsellor for many years, I learned how his ability to truly care for his buyers and will ask me, ‘Who’s the agent?’ and I’ll say, That’s why cs mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com keeps us accountable.

We like the opportunity to meet new“I utilize aerial photography, drone photognt it is to be a great listener to best determine the “People don’t care what I know,” he says, ‘It’s me!’ surprised,” she laughs. staying in to people and build relationships.

There’sand also they’re the excitement nd needs of who you’re working with,” he explains. raphy, twilight photos.

I like to have nice, sharp No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent of every day being different, with new challenges. There’s killset really transfers naturally to real estate. We want to know that I care. This is bring fundamental me new videos of the property, too.” lize our service and we’re there for our clients somethingGA, newInc. to learn.”

Magazine is published byfrom Featurealways Publications Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published

4) THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD: HOW TO LIST HIGH WHEN NEIGHBORS ARE A NUISANCE 13) IS FINDING A NICHE MARKET RIGHT FOR YOU?

17) IS STARTING A TEAM THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS? 23) 9 THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

26) ARE YOU DOING BUSINESS AS YOU ON FACEBOOK?

business.”

When it comes to hisbetter. listings, One thing Shantelle has come to believe is that Andhem

materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. thetheprice is perfectly set for the glowing current m staging matters; even sure if her clients can’t clients afford To subscribe or change address, send inquiry toCuda mag@topagentmagazine.com.

For more about Sam & Nancy After transaction, leave stagers she’ll absorb the cost of time a staging Matt then goes over tips for staging, and ca call 416.818.1670 mail SamCuda09@gmail.com, Published in the U.S. visit cudarealestate.com,toorhire reviews about their together.

One recently www.

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consult because, as she “Oftenthrough just moving thesays, property videos and photos.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine things around in the home can make all the differthat’s done, we putTop it on all the other platfor Agent Magazine ence.” Because so much marketing happens useoftoher market properties and we host show digitally, Shantelle understands that making a goodhe focuses on bra As for marketing himself,

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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There Goes the Neighborhood:

How to List High When Neighbors are a Nuisance Troublesome neighbors are a relatively common issue that agents come across. You can control the image of your client’s property and you can control your listing presentation, but you can’t always control what’s happening on your client’s street. How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers?

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First of all, it takes tact and a gameplan. With that in mind, let’s consider a few ways you can maintain a listing’s viability and competitive edge—even when bothersome neighbors are involved. Here are a few common neighborly scenarios agents encounter and how to diffuse them to your advantage.

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How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers? It takes tact and a gameplan.

as a courtesy introduction to the neighborhood.

While it may seem like needless busy work, it can dramatically improve prospective buyers’ perceptions of the area. Plus, you may positively ingratiate yourself with neighbors in the area and demonstrate your above-and-beyond service to your clientele in the process.

Is the neighbor’s landscaping an eyesore?

Here’s your recourse.

Most towns and cities have established ordinances regarding yard upkeep. If any of the properties adjacent to your listing are wildly overgrown, littered with junk, or otherwise in a state of obvious disrepair—take it up with the city. Rather than get directly involved at first glance, you might loop in city officials whose job it is to monitor clean-up efforts on rundown yards and properties. If this doesn’t work, you may have to take a more hands-on approach.

Start by thinking small and operating from a place of authenticity and neighborly service.

You might explain to the neighboring tenant that you’re listing and offer to mow their lawn Top Agent Magazine

Are there foreclosed or abandoned homes on your client’s block?

Do your homework.

It may take a little research and digging to figure out the banking entity that owns a foreclosed home, but it’s well worth the effort. Banks are typically required to maintain foreclosed homes on at least a basic level. If you’re worried about

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squatters, an unsightly façade, or general disrepair of a neighboring foreclosed property—go to the source. Sometimes banks take their time in hiring a third party to maintain a foreclosed property, but with some proactive prodding on your part, you may be able to speed the process along and resolve eyesores even before prospective buyers come calling. Remember: the squeaky wheel gets the grease. An improved bottom line will be your reward for those few prodding phone calls and emails.

Noisy, nosy, or annoying neighbors?

Don’t be discouraged.

Obnoxious neighbors can really rain on a seller’s parade, especially the kind of neighbor 6

that takes their less-than-stellar behavior to their porch, front yard, or sidewalk. While this sensitive issue may seem daunting, there are a few official channels you can utilize to thwart the issue before getting personally involved. If the neighborhood in question is governed by an HOA, you might take it up with them. If the troublesome neighbor is harassing passersby or taking to the sidewalk—in other words, public space—then you may be able to involve local authorities in worst-case scenarios. Of course, it’s always possible to talk to troublesome neighbors faceto-face, but do so with caution and with safety as the priority. Always reason gently and empathetically, utilizing I... phrasing, instead of accusatory You... phrasing. After all, some neighbors are clueless about their impact on the neighborhood and may adjust their behavior after being called out. If the issue persists and no third-party authority can help, then you may have to disclose the neighbor’s issues to prospective buyers, depending on the disclosure laws in your region. While this may seem like a blow, you can at least rest easy knowing you pursued all the potential avenues for resolution available. Likewise, your client will likely appreciate your thorough efforts to resolve the issue.

While troublesome neighborhoods can bring down an optimistic mood when listing a property, sometimes being real estate is all about being resourceful. With diligence, digging, and a little follow-up, you just may be able to resolve some of the issues plaguing your neighborly plot.

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ADAM MARSHALL

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ADAM MARSHALL Top Agent Adam Marshall is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, his company’s prestigious 100% Club, Platinum Club, and Chairman’s Club, as well as the recipient of RE/Max’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Top Agent Adam Marshall – of RE/MAX Twin City Realty, an hour west of Toronto in Brantford, Ontario – is a consummate real estate professional who has been helping his many grateful buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals since 2003. With an emphasis on honesty and integrity, and armed with a deep reservoir of industry knowledge, Adam 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

has been setting the gold standard for customer service and has earned his stellar reputation as an effective, results-oriented, and client-focused Realtor in his market.

A member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, and a member of his company’s prestigious 100% Club, Platinum Club, and Chairman’s Club, Top Agent Magazine

Adam has dedicated himself to providing topdrawer service to his clients. “I honestly love what I do for a living,” he says. Adam is also the recipient of RE/MAX’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Adam’s entrée into the world of real estate could have been predicted long before he Top Agent Magazine

officially obtained his real estate license. “I’ve always wanted to do this, for as long as I can remember,” he recalls. “My father was a contractor for forty years, and whenever he could, he’d buy real estate. So even when I was very young, I was helping him with his rentals and tenants. That’s what kind of spurred my interest in real estate.”

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“I have a passion for serving them and being involved in their lives; to really be an advisor for them.

I’m not trying to sell them anything, I’m just trying to help them make the best decision.”

Currently working with a small but equally dedicated support staff that includes a buyer’s agent, Adam primarily serves the Southwestern area of Ontario. He can also justifiably boast that almost the entirety of his considerable business is based upon returning clients and referrals, which is perhaps the most accurate barometer of a job well done in the highly competitive real estate industry.

“I believe it’s because of my direct and open nature,” says Adam, when asked how he manages to inspire such loyalty and trust amongst those he works with. “I have a Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

passion for serving them and being involved in their lives; to really be an advisor for them.

I’m not trying to sell them anything, I’m just trying to help them make the best decision.”

Adam’s appreciation of the relationships he forms with his clients is demonstrated in a multitude of ways, including annual, creative client events.

Exceptional marketing of his listings has also played a big role in Adam’s success story.

Expert staging, exclusive use of professional photography, and expertly produced videos ensure each property is presented in its best Top Agent Magazine

light, and deft utilization of the internet and social media platforms make certain each home is seen by as many potential buyers as possible. Quick sales for top dollar – not to mention happy clients – is the most frequent result.

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When he’s not working, Adam enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children, including ten-year-old twins. He is also an avid outdoorsman, and he loves hunting and fishing, and spending time at the family’s lakeside Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

cottage or on their boat. He is also incredibly civic-minded and has been President of a local preschool, a JCI Member and has sat on the Brantford Regional Real Estate Association (BRREA) Board of Directors and several committees, among other commitments.

The future looks bright for Adam, whose plans include increasing his personal investment portfolio, and growing his overall business while sacrificing none of the amazing service that has been the cornerstone of his success.

For more about Adam Marshall, please call 519-757-9544 or email AdamMarshall@ReMax.net

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Is Finding A Niche Market Right for You?

A lot of Realtors® take the ‘jack of all trades’ approach to their businesses, and some are extremely successful with doing it all and doing it well. But taking that approach can also make it hard to stand out if there are a lot of agents in your area taking the same approach.

If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the rest, finding a niche market might be the way to go. Although it might sound limiting at first, with the right branding and marketing, your specialty and expertise may help you lock up a market after you become well known for being the ‘go to’ Realtor® in a certain demographic. Having a niche helps you target your marketing, making it more effective, until eventually people are seeking you out as you build your reputation as the foremost expert in your particular niche.

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Despite the benefits of taking on a specialty, it’s still something that only a small percentage of Realtors® do, which means you have a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor in your area by being ahead of what is sure to be a looming real estate trend.

You want to claim your stake on the niche that best fits not only your passions, but something that fills a void in your market.

If this all sounds good to you, the next step is finding your niche! Here are a few things you need to consider:

There are two approaches to having a specialty, one that is truly your all-consuming passion or a sort of revolving niche, one that changes with the market 13

In addition to creating a thriving business, finding a niche may even unlock a hidden passion. Does your area have a large historic home inventory? Are you passionate about helping first time home buyers realize their dreams?

Having a personal connection to what you specialize in is always a great way to start out. If you’re passionate about something, you’re almost guaranteed to have the work ethic it takes to have success in a niche market. Once you hone in on a niche, make sure the market data backs up your focus.

Another approach is changing with the market. If you’re truly an expert in a few areas of the business, it might be good to have sort of a revolving niche. In a down market you might specialize in short sales and foreclosures.

When things pick up, you may take your innovative approaches and start applying them to luxury homes.

Whether you take the consistent niche approach or the flexible one, it’s really all about figuring out what best suits you and your market.

Fill a void in your market Maybe you don’t have an instant passion for one particular niche. In that case, there are several areas you can consider. A lot of it will start with really researching and analyzing your market and having a good eye for what future trends will be. Is there a certain demographic that is surging in your area? Cater your business to serve them. Maybe you are fluent in Spanish and your area is seeing a rise in a Latino population, who are emigrating from other countries. Or perhaps, you live in an area that has a larger retirement population. There 14

are numerous demographics that truly need expert real estate advice. Be the one to fill it.

You can also focus on a particular neighborhood or gated community. Helping people navigate the ins and outs of a particular HOA can be a lifesaver.

Are you already serving a niche?

Of course, sometimes you may already have a niche and are unaware of it. Maybe you are already dealing with a lot of first-time homebuyers. Look over your sales records and see what might already be there, then make it official.

Figure out why you’re drawn to that area and then nail down the reasons you’ve excelled with that niche and use it to create a marketing plan and branding.

Find ways to really sell your expertise Once you figure out your niche, get the training, designations, and certifications that will enhance your expertise. Another way to let it be known that you are the ‘go to’ Realtor® in your particular niche is to become a resource online. Create a website with informative blogs and marketing information. Make a mark on social media where you can link back to your site, so potential clients can actually interact with you.

There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking of going the niche market way with your business, but if you consider everything carefully and focus in on something you can be passionate about, the rewards could be a major win for you and for your clients.

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YUSUF HUSSAINI

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YUSUF HUSSAINI In 2006, Yusuf Hussaini left his work in sales to start a career in real estate. He soon found he had both a passion and a knack for the business. He now serves clients in Calgary, AB, which he has called home for over twenty years. “I’ve lived in Calgary since I was in high school. I know the area well, and I love using that expertise to help my clients buy and sell their homes,” he says. He has an impressive knowledge of the various neighborhoods, businesses, and schools in the area, and he’s happy to share that information with clients.

An impressive 90% of his business comes from repeat and referral clients. His clients are so happy with the attentive, expert service he provides that they sing his praises to their friends and family, and return to Yusuf time and again for help with all their real estate needs, whether it’s upgrading their home or buying an investment property. To stay in touch with past clients, Yusuf prefers a personal approach, reaching out by phone long after the transaction is over to see if clients need referrals to trusted vendors or any other support.

When it comes time to market a listing, Yusuf starts by doing a walk-through of the home and making

recommendations for minor improvements and staging. He then educates clients about every step of the process, from listing to closing. He knows that in today’s market, most buyers start their search for a home online, so he hires professional photographers to take photos that show off each listing’s best features. After working with Yusuf, clients say he is straightforward and honest, and always keeps their dreams top of mind. They appreciate that he never pressures them, but rather gives them all the information they need to make a good decision on their own. “My main goal is to support my clients. I believe it’s important to never be a pushy salesperson.

My clients come first,” he says.

What’s Yusuf’s favorite part of the job? “I love working with people, and doing an excellent job both with those relationships and with the business side of things,” he explains. To give back to the community, Yusuf volunteers with various charitable organizations, including The Heart and Stroke Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his children, watching hockey, shopping, and going to the gym. For the future, he plans to continue improving his business, and going above and beyond to support his clients and help them reach their goals!

To find out more about Yusuf Hussaini, call +1-403-680-1777, email husainirealestate@gmail.com or check him out online at yusuf.hussaini.remax.ca https://

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Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Is Starting a Team the Right Solution for your Business?

You’ve started your own real estate business and after a slow start, you’ve found your footing and business has really taken off. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Until maybe you’re getting more business than you can handle. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice service for more listings. The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in

http://vibrantrealty.com/AgentRoster?op=agent&act=webprofile&agent_id=1696675839&back_link=yes&callback=%2fAgentRoster%3fop%3dagent%26act%3dlist%26branch_id%3d1679235561

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business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that. But, at the same down, you don’t want to turn down business either. It’s at this point, a lot of Realtors® consider starting a team. But, how do you know if that’s the right call for you? Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself to help make your decision.

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The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that.

CAN YOU AFFORD IT? First things first, are you really making enough money to warrant hiring help? One of the key things to think about is your ability to generate leads. Are you so busy with your existing contracts, that you have no spare time to generate more business? Then, it might be time to consider your options. Figure out the time you’ll be afforded to generate more business, how many more transactions that will lead

to, and then see if that pays for the assistant’s wages. That should help you easily see if it’s worth the investment. If it’s on the border, you may still want to go for it if you have a lot of confidence in the market and your ability to bring in business. If you’re not quite there yet though, it might be a good idea to look into a virtual assistant until your business is ready to expand.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A TEAM LEADER? Or in other words, how comfortable are you delegating tasks and responsibilities? For some agents, they need to be actively involved in every step of the process. Being a team leader is not only about being able to delegate, it’s about mentoring and guiding your team as well. Not only do you have to help them serve the team

better, you need to look at yourself honestly too, constantly evaluating what you can do better. It’s also your job to set up systems and operations, that are constantly refined with the feedback of your team members. Clear and constant communication is key with your clients as well as your team.

CAN YOU FIND PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR VISION? Of course, the above two points are moot, if you’re unable to find people that you trust and that share your business’ philosophy. Having a supportive and professional team culture is instrumental in a team’s success. These are people you will be working with closely for long hours so you not only need to trust in their expertise and professionalism, you want to find people with a positive attitude. You will all be relying on each other to create seamless trans18

actions in sometimes stressful circumstances.

Having the right team spirit, so to speak, is what will help your business and team grow.

The ultimate goal of a team is to have thriving careers for everyone on board.

So, if you want to see your business grow maybe a team is right for you. It may even give you a little free time for a personal life. We can all dream, can’t we?

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ROBERT ALMEIDA When Robert Almeida started working in real estate a couple of years ago, he knew he had found his true calling. “I find it really enjoyable,” he says. He had a successful career working as a contractor, building and renovating homes. Robert loves the control he has over his own success as an agent. “One reason I got into it was because if I do well, it’s because of me, if I don’t do well, it’s because of me,” he explains.

With a love for helping others, he has thrived in this business, and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Serving lower British Columbia, he travels to wherever his clients need him, and is starting to see half of his business come from referrals.

It’s his honesty and dedication that keeps clients coming back. “I won’t tell them what to buy, but I’ll ask them questions about what they like,” Robert says. “I care about my client. If I see something wrong with a home or a property, I’ll tell them what I think or give them a suggestion. I won’t tell them not to buy something but I will be honest.”

Having experience working with new buildings and renovations, Robert knows what to look out for and how much certain projects will cost. He is happy to provide his clients with advice and guidance. For both his buyers and sellers, he is happy to link them with his wide network of professionals to help them with miscellaneous tasks. “I have a good group of people I can call for all the moving parts of buying or selling, like carpet cleaning, handymen, painting,” he says. When it comes to marketing, Robert also goes above and beyond. “I utilize aerial photography, drone photography, twilight photos. I like to have nice, sharp videos of the property, too.”

After the transaction, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “We were very happy to work with Robert Almeida as our realtor agent. Robert was very professional, personable and showed a lot of attention to our needs. He gave us the most helpful advice on necessary improvements around our home and showed us easy ways to declutter, for a better showing. Our whole experience with regards to selling, went as smoothly as possible.”

Another wrote, “Robert works hard and quickly. He’ll make sure that everything is taken care of in a timely manner and that nothing gets overlooked. Even after we bought our house, he helped us with referrals, recommendations, or if anything unexpected came up. Robert is always easily reachable and awesome to work with!”

As Robert looks towards the future, he’s eager to continue building his business. Robert also has his sights set on getting involved with more charities.

No matter how much Robert grows, he will no doubt continue to love this industry. He can’t imagine doing anything else.

For more about Robert Almeida, please call 604-862-8000 or email robert@homesforbc.ca Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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SAM & NANCY CUDA “I always had an interest in real estate,” remembers Sam Cuda, one half of the Sam and Nancy Cuda real estate team. Sam earned his license back in 1995, only to be joined by his wife in 2006. The flexibility and challenges of the industry, along with the opportunity to connect with people, made it a natural career choice for both of them. In the time since, Sam and Nancy have earned a reputation for transparency, industry knowledge, and a personal touch.

Their outstanding performance is consistently recognized

by Royal LePage, most recently adding the Award of Excellence and President’s Gold to their collection of multinational awards.

Today, Sam and Nancy serve clients across the greater Toronto region under the banner of Royal LePage. There, they have amassed a business largely driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust their expertise, amenable personalities, and track record of success. What’s more, Sam relies on his thirty-one-year background in education when guiding clients through the intricacies of a transaction. Likewise, Nancy harnesses her experience in customer service, formerly at IBM, to attentively guide clients through the process with care and precision.

Sam has also made it a point to develop his professional training as a Realtor, and has earned a host of designations and certifications along the way. “I equip myself with as much knowledge as possible to provide the best service for my clients,” he says. This includes a Mortgage license, a Broker’s license, and certifications as a Senior Real Estate Specialist, Certified Negotiation Specialist, and the distinguished FRI designation, an exclusive title that represents the highest standard in the industry for commitment to education, experience, and conduct. “As a teacher and counsellor for many years, I learned how important it is to be a great listener to best determine the wants and needs of who you’re working with,” he explains.

“That skillset really transfers naturally to real estate. We personalize our service and we’re there for our clients from

start to finish. We’re not about chasing transactions; we focus on relationships. As much as technology has made information more accessible than ever before, we recognize it’s still an emotional transaction for many clients.”

When embarking upon the listing process, Sam and Nancy cover every base. They have a wide network of professionals, including real estate lawyers, home inspectors, stagers, and a full marketing team to help sellers prep homes for market. Then, professional photography showcases homes in their most immersive light, before dissemination across the leading online listing platforms and social media outlets, as well as newsletters and postcards. Additionally, they’ve cultivated lasting relationships with fellow agents in the region, which facilitates the process of reaching the closing table. “We speak fluent real estate,” Sam says. “It’s all about hard work and good service. We serve a very diverse community and love the opportunity to help so many people navigate this process to achieve their real estate goals. In this business, we wear multiple hats—real estate expert, friend, coach. It’s our job to be there for our clients and make sure every detail is accounted for.”

As for the future, Sam and Nancy plan to keep business going steady as they continue to build relationships with aspiring buyers and sellers. In their free hours, the duo most enjoys time spent with family and friends, travelling, watching sporting events, and taking their daily walk together each morning.

Now, with more than two decades of experience, Sam and Nancy Cuda consider what they enjoy most about their second act career. “We like the autonomy of running our business,” Sam reflects. “You get what you put in, and that keeps us accountable. We like the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships. There’s also the excitement of every day being different, with new challenges. There’s always something new to learn.”

For more about Sam & Nancy Cuda email SamCuda09@gmail.com, visit cudarealestate.com, or call 416.818.1670 www.

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9

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

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you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

1

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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2

6

I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

5

I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

7

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

8

DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

9

YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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SHANTELLE McCREA Shantelle McCrea got interested in real estate after she bought her first home at age 20. Working with a friend who was an agent, Shantelle became curious about the industry and realized that her own personal skills made real estate an ideal fit for her.

“I try to be personal and communicate,” she explains.

“I really put my emotions into my interactions with my clients. And I’m aware that they want to keep in touch - I’ve talked to sellers whose agents listed their house but they never heard anything from them. I keep them in the loop. We sit down every 21 days, I keep them updated on how the local market works.”

Shantelle understands how that market works because she’s been serving the greater Saskatoon area for six years; with that kind of experience comes a deep knowledge and a better ability to serve her clients. Don’t let her age fool you, as it sometimes does folks at open houses. “Sometimes at showings people will ask me, ‘Who’s the agent?’ and I’ll say, ‘It’s me!’ and they’re surprised,” she laughs.

One thing Shantelle has come to believe is that staging matters; even if her clients can’t afford to hire stagers she’ll absorb the cost of a staging consult because, as she says, “Often just moving things around in the home can make all the difference.” Because so much of her marketing happens digitally, Shantelle understands that making a good visual impression is vital.

For Shantelle one of the great joys of her job is meeting people. “Every transaction is different and every person is different,” she says. “I like figuring out what my clients’ needs are and how to meet them.

Most of all, though, I love seeing people’s faces on possession day. Often folks have worked a long time Top Agent Magazine

to get there, on both buyer and seller side, and it’s a huge accomplishment. I love seeing it on their faces.”

Shantelle and her husband are deeply involved in the local community, and her husband works closely with the Kinsmen Club and she with the Kinette Club. Shantelle is also involved with the Wish It Foundation, which grants little wishes for young people facing terminal diagnoses.

When she’s not working or giving back, Shantelle loves to travel and go exploring. “We love to camp, and my husband loves fishing,” she says. “We do a lot of fishing - I’m an outdoorsy kind of person!”

Shantelle knows that while she’s been incredibly successful - she has a staggering 70% referral rate, which truly indicates how much people love working with her - there’s always room to grow. Looking to the future Shantelle anticipates continuing to learn and improve. “No matter how good things are, you can always make them better,” she says. “I always look for feedback from my clients on how I can improve.

That’s why communication is so key, and why I love staying in touch with my clients. Not only do they bring me new business, they help me grow and get better. And more than that, they’re pretty cool people.”

For more about Shantelle McCrea, visit shantellemccrea.com, call 306-260-6998 or email her at shantellemccrea19@live.com http://

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 25

Are You Doing Business As YOU On Facebook?

Are you ‘Doing Business As YOU’ on your personal Facebook page? In other words, are you posting your business content from your personal page?

Yesterday a REALTOR® asked us, “Why should I bother with a company Facebook page? Can’t I just post everything from my profile page?”

The answer lies in what we call division of content. As you may be aware, social media began as just that… social. It was never truly intended for business use.

Over time, as businesses began to see the potential in reaching the masses in a new way, they began to intrude on this communication. Today, it is widely accepted that business will be conducted on all social platforms, but the manner in which we do so (and in which we are received) is still a touchy subject at times.

We believe it’s important to be transparent on social media. Draw the line between communicating as the Person and the Professional. Not only does this help you keep your content separate and appropriate, it also gives the control to your network of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and customers.

They get to decide whether to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ your company page. They get to decide whether they want to see your business related posts. User control is the #1 reason you need a business page if you’re conducting business on Facebook. Wouldn’t you rather have a willing and engaged audience over a forced, potentially reluctant one? We have personally eliminated many of the ‘DBA’ offenders from our news feeds and you have likely done the same.

As in all controversial social media topics, there is some gray area. And that gray area is often subjective, so consider this post food for thought and decide for yourself. We try our best to keep professional content on our business pages, with a couple of exceptions: 1. Philanthropic Promotion: We’re in favor of posting anything that will help an organization in need on both your personal and business pages. Nonprofits often have little to no marketing budget and rely on all of us to promote their good works, so we believe that’s a good line to cross (as long as it’s about the organization, and not you).

2. Recognition Tagging: Facebook does not allow you to tag an individual on your business page. Yes, there are some tricky work-arounds, but they are inconsistent at best. So when it’s truly important for us to recognize and tag an individual, especially someone who has done something nice for us (inviting us as guests on their radio show or podcast, for instance), we will generally post that on the business page first, then share it from our personal pages, along with a comment recognizing and tagging the individual(s) or business who helped us.

Either way (personal or business), remember to be true to the social aspect. Our participation on social media should be about giving, helping, recognizing and connecting…especially when it comes to your business.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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MATT YESMANISKI With a passion for helping others and a dedication to business, Matt Yesmaniski has flourished as a real estate agent in the Grande Prairie region of Alberta. He got his start after managing his investment properties. “I met with a broker who said he completed the real estate test in one month, so I decided to do it in a month, too,” Matt explains. Today he’s in his fourth year as a Realtor and works with his assistant Crystal Stover. The vast majority of his business comes from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to his superior service.

they enjoy BBQ, wine and cheese, and catch up on any life updates. “It’s one of those businesses where you build it over time. So we are always thinking of ways to connect and add value.”

Matt puts his clients above all else, doing everything possible to make them happy and help them reach their goals. He focuses on not only guiding them throughout the process, but educating them on each step. At the cornerstone of his business is his ability to truly care for his buyers and sellers.

“People don’t care what I know,” he says, “they want to know that I care. This is fundamental to my business.” When it comes to his listings, he makes sure the price is perfectly set for the current market.

Matt then goes over tips for staging, and captures the property through videos and photos. “After that’s done, we put it on all the other platforms we use to market properties and we host showings.”

As for marketing himself, he focuses on branding and lead generation. “Branding includes static/ expensive marketing like benches and billboards.

Lead generation includes platforms that create leads/potential clients for the database that we work on adding value to, such as foreclosure lists, market evaluations, etc.”

As Matt looks towards the future, he is excited to continue growing. He has found that the pressure of the business keeps him going. “I really like the fact that I can help people achieve what they want on a daily basis. There’s always a reward at the end, and seeing my clients happy truly makes it all worth it.”

Keeping in touch with clients is incredibly important to Matt, so he throws client parties regularly where Top Agent Magazine

After the transaction, clients love to leave glowing reviews about their time with Matt. One recently said, “Matt is very knowledgeable and hard-working. We were first-time home buyers and he was very patient with us. We never felt pressured to buy. He always kept us updated with new houses on the market. Matt definitely puts in extra effort to help you find your home. His support staff is very friendly and keeps things running smoothly. I would definitely recommend him to all home buyers.”

For more about Matt Yesmaniski, please call 587-343-0388 or email matt@yesteamrealty.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 27

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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