CANADA 1-7-19

CANADA EDITION

3 Surefire Methods That Make for a Productive Meeting How to Make Your Commute Productive

BEYOND

CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

PLAYING THE REAL ESTATE

COVER STORY

Brehannah Hopgood FEATURED AGENTS

KERRY CULBERSON ANDREW EVANS & KATE McGINNIS CORY REID

CANADA EDITION

CORY REID

KERRY CULBERSON

For Cory Reid success at clients real estate comes They even ing with ch making sure our are comfortable.”

19local 23 important- m regular gifts from businesses during from 15 more send thanclients just making deals.

“Every thedifferent,” year. “It’s aheway of “You supporting local businesses transaction is says. could and rewarding our clients being or so loyal as well.” be dealing with a first time homeforbuyer For Cory Equidistant from both Toronto, withbeb Ontario, and Niagara Falls sits reward with a widow who has just lost her spouse. beginning That loyalty has grown steadily each year. Kerry now beautiful and dynamic city community. of You have toreceives be ableapproximately to lend an ear 90%tooflisten herthebusiness from Brantford, in the heart Marke and a shoulder lean oron.

You have to know be like the San repeattoclients referrals.

“People we care Ontario, and of Canada’s Golden Horseshoe. listing wethrough really put lot intoprocess, their wellbeing,” says there to helpthat them thea whole time serving There, two real estate remov Kerry.the “They know we’re always available and experienced that not just to make deal.” tion Army’s we go above and beyond for them.”

Because experts whothey each share a love he of gives havemo s Now the longtime broker-owner of EXIT Realty are in a small, community, it’s fun for Kerry to hear the region and its people have buzz That compassion is what Cory brings to his Health and w R Platinum – with two franchises in Woodstock, New people say, “You’re everywhere we formed need you to be!” a professional partnerprofes clients in Western Newfoundland and LabraBREHANNAH HOPGOOD ANDREW EVANS Brunswick and Grand Falls, New Brunswick – Kerry KERRY CULBERSON She truly enjoys knowing community membersCORY on a REID ship that provides far more than dor, and is afirst-name big partbasis, of why hisherbusiness is “I’m ing alsocani has 16 years of experience and several agents working while team’s social media pres& KATE McGINNIS high-quality service to clients who team 75% referrals and repeat loyalhappening with called Dreao out of her franchises. She runs a small team, includence keeps themclients. abreast “I’m of what’s buy, sell and invest in residential real estate.

Andrew Evans and ng her licensed assistant, Jenna McMillan, and her Brand Manager, people. make point ofloyal sending notessays. and gifts to my They clients so athey’re to personal me,” Cory “I’mto needy children andprovid we fl Kate McGinnis formed their team just over three years ago to the a lot w Holly Acheson. “I sell full-time while managing the offices,” she acknowledge significant in their clients’ lives. “And for peoproud to have helped events them through the biggest purchases in Orlando, Florida for t of buyers, and investors acrosstothe area. appoin ays. On their brand-new YouTube Channel, the team members ple we don’t seedelight a regular basis, Isellers send several direct mailouts or sales of theironwhole lives.” them for eight years or s ntroduce themselves as lifelong residents of the River Valley who their home each year, including coupons, gifts, poppies on Remema chaperone and take a ch pecialize in market knowledge and work with everyone from firstbrance Day, Christmas cardsinvesting and calendars.”

“I started and renovating houses in 2000, when I still While ® Cory has been a Realtor would neverserotherwise ha for six years now, and his ime home buyers to seasoned investors. owned a pita shop, where Kate worked for me in customer Andre child hugging your legs perspective onvice,” job changed and with it his whole Kerry has come tothe appreciate that, in addition to being her career, says Andrew Evans. “After I sold that business, I got into promo Among her team’s services is a customized approach to listings. real estate provides heryou with unique ways to make you impact ever - you can’t putlarge a pricF experience.

“When begin in the business treat iton new flipping, renting, renovations andaneven some construction.”

We have all-hands-on-deck. I come from an interior design conpeople’s that means closely guiding them through a as morelives, of a whether business,” he says.

“But when my mindset With everything pointing him in the direction of real estate, he was Kate. ulting background, so I give the seller the pointers they need to home holding their hand to through major purposeful, life change or Cory looks forward to s went purchase, from being transactional beingaremained more licensed in 2012.

Having in contact the rea prepare their home so it4) shows well, from decluttering and painting having the ability to share 17) her resources with local nonprofits.

In with Kate, Andrew BEYOND CLEANING 3stressed, SUREFIRE METHODS ness.

“I want to contin I found that not only was I less I was more fulknew that she, too, had transitioned into a related field. o small repairs.” She adds that they don’t want anyone spending addition, she supports Cinderella’s Closet to help underprivileged filledenjoy - andthemore successful.”

AND DECLUTTERING: THAT MAKE Primar money in the wrong areas.

Following home preparation comes WHAT teens full experience of their prom and she is FOR a memberA of giving back and helping veryfor appreciative when “I worked for one of Ontario’s largest home builders 10 years, Andrey photography and localized marketing to the community, as well as the local 100 Women Who Care.

IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES PRODUCTIVE MEETING easer videos promoted on social media. the atransaction, yo Cory serves his clientsinbyadministration being a resource them every starting andfor eventually becoming new home when approa “I alsooflove my agentsI grow businesses,” she adds.of MAKE THE MOST SENSE? your clients.

You have step theseeing way.

“When meet any prospective buyer or“Ithouses sales advisor,” saystheir Kate.

“I sold hundreds across Southscary;t Three of us are working closely with every client; there is more feels to see themOntario, succeed.” individual sheidea says, something do to sellergood I have handouts made up for them thatsuccess, gives an west soHer when Andrew reached out in 2015, and Iyou sawjust agents 20) manpower to ensure that transactions go through smoothly,” says is a lucky byproduct of all the joy sheATTITUDE! gets to witness. “In the future, how for welland he how was doing, it made sense us to team up you to grow for co believe reap what yo of what to prepare to prepare for it,” he for says.

Kerry. “Sometimes this is the largest purchase a person has ever I want to continue growing while finding new ways to create even 13) HOW TO MAKE YOUR the business.” rity of for my clients will help m “And every question they have for me I try to address made and we take that very seriously.” To meet clients’ expectabetter experiences for our clients,” says Kerry. “I always want to 300+ a in the years ahead.” as honestly and simply as possible, from the easy dealions, they follow detailed checklists for every PRODUCTIVE step of the process improve in all areas of my business and personal life. You can never COMMUTE As business partners, both of whom are longtime members of that w of selling or buying a home. “We stay in touch after the transaction, stop growing.” the community where they each are raising their own families, advice Andrew and Kate complement one another. “We offer a lot of insight on the buying and selling process and we’re different in the ways we approach things,” says Andrew, who is known for his business-forward, Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 investor-savvy approach. “I love the rush of knowing that I’ve helped someone buy a home for a good price mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com and that they will do well on it in the future,” says Andrew.without “We’reprior living vicariously the sucNo portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever consent of the through publisher. cess of our clients and getting a rush out of the knowing Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure accuracy of To find outsupplied more by about Cory Reid they’refor creating equity.”

To learn more about Kerry published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be heldCulberson, responsible opinions expressed or facts its authors.

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. remax-realtyprofessionals.com/agents/c exitplatinum.com/home.php or go tovisit her Facebook page, visit https://www.facebook.com/exitplatinum/ Kate, meanwhile, is known for attentiveness and Published in the U.S. email kculberson@exitplatinum.com or call 506.324.9004 call 709-636-4294 or email him at cory.reid@remax-realty eagerness to solve people’s problems. “I am at my best when I’m under pressure; I get a thrill when putTo learn Copyright Top people Agent get Magazine ting things together to help into or out of a brantfordh visit home; I don’t rest until it’s done and they’re happy.”

She also loves working with first-time homebuyers.

“I Magazine 2 Top Agent email evans discovered that niche when working for the builder; or call 519.8 the work is more involved and never as smooth as

Kerry Culberson has proven that doing business well 7 relan a small, rural community requires nurturing ionships, being available for others, and genuinely wanting to help. Her journey into real estate began when she was in her 20s, running a retail business, working as a consultant in interior design and selling dvertising on the side for a small community webite. After selling an ad to a local real estate brokerage, he inadvertently showed her potential for succeeding n residential real estate and joined that office.

ANDREW EVANS & K

Brehannah Hopgood

CONTENTS

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Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability. Unfortunately, however, not all sellers or agents are willing to do much more than decluttering and cleaning.

Think of the listing as a reflection on yourself. If you didn’t comb your hair, shine your shoes, dress 4

neatly and drive a clean car, people would think you don’t care about yourself. They may wonder, “If he doesn’t care about how he presents himself, how is he going to present my house?” Likewise, not prepare a house for its most beautiful presentation might cast doubt on how the overall marketing will go. And, while not all changes will be immediately noticeable, chances are that what isn’t changed will be noticed.

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Ashley Aguilera, REALTOR®, broker and owner of The Aguilera Team in California’s Murrieta Valley and Temecula, says that after every consultation, her team formulates a game-plan. “We want to set their property apart from everything else on the market, but also fall within the comfort zone of the seller’s lifestyle,” she says. Changes may run the gamut from minor repairs and moving furniture for better flow, to adding accent pieces to harmonize the home’s look or create a “wow” factor before professional photography.

Many agents recommend conducting a professional inspection prior to listing; some will even hire the inspector at their own expense. Of course, any necessary repairs found during inspection and not repaired before listing must be formally disclosed. But wouldn’t it be nice to have no surprises during the buyer’s formal inspection?

In general, some improvements are required, others are low-cost and others pay for themselves

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with lower time on the market, competing offers or higher sale price.

Landscaping & Exterior First impressions begin outside. Be sure to mow and edge the lawn regularly; prune back overgrown trees and hedges; hire a professional to repair uneven pavement (especially if it’s a hazard); remove or replace dying annuals; and clean or repair porches or railings. Are there dry or dead patches of lawn? An inexpensive repair to the irrigation system might be the solution.

While painting an entire house can be extreme, a wise investment is to paint trim, porches, steps or railings that may look tired or have too many colors; choosing a single, neutral color for trim can create a bright, cohesive look. Finally, check the roof, gutters and windows, looking for spots to caulk, shingles to replace, or debris to remove.

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Paint is extremely important if the home has faded or dirty walls, holes or chips on paint or plaster. If an entire paint job is not feasible, at least consider cleaning repairing the obvious and adding a fresh coat of semi-gloss to baseboards, moldings, windowsills, doors, banisters balustrades and built-ins. Don’t overlook the ceilings!

A long-ago leak from a second-floor bathroom may have been completely repaired and moisture abated, but a patched-up ceiling is a red-flag.

Kitchens and baths

Walls, carpets, ceilings and trim Next, it’s time for agent and seller to open up to one another about the interior. Janelle Holte, who leads Seller’s Edge Home Team in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, loves walking into a home knowing that her team will be the driving force behind selling it.

“I like seeing how owners took care of it and raised their family in it,” she says. “But I won’t sugar-coat anything, so I tell them not to shoot the messenger!” She gives it to them straight, explaining what needs to be done to stage it to present well from a buyer’s perspective.

Those changes often include repainting at least the primarily living areas and replacing carpet, especially worn carpet or carpet that has faded or stained beyond what professional carpet cleaning could remedy. Sometimes, all that’s needed is professional carpet stretching to remove any buckling prior to cleaning.

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Most agents agree that the easiest costs to recoup in home improvements prior to selling are those spent in bathroom and kitchen updates. Complete remodels are unwise; you can’t anticipate the style preferences of their buyer. But refinishing, touching-ug up or painting cabinets can create a great impact, while also forcing the seller to remove unwanted or overstocked items from cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls – shiny, new nobs look nice.

Lee Ritchie of Ritchie Realty Group in Columbus, Ohio, gives a reminder to discuss any and all issues up front. “People need to be able rely on the professional who’s presenting, pricing and marketing their home,” she says. An honest and diligent agent will be an open book about the current market conditions, the quality of comparable listings and the potential return-on-investment for improvements.

Some agents, like Debra Dobbs of @properties in Chicago, even roll up their sleeves to help with decluttering and repairs. While not at all required or expected, doing so sure lets sellers see the investment their agent is willing to make for them.

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Brehannah Hopgood

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BREHANNAH HOPGOOD “I have perseverance. My clients know I won’t stop until I’ve done everything in my power to meet their needs and get them what they want.”

“It’s not about making a dollar, it’s about making a difference,” says Brehannah Hopgood, explaining her philosophy about the business of real estate. Which isn’t to say that she’s against making money in the industry. “I listen to my clients’ needs and I work in their best interests.

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When I do that, and when I do that well, the money just follows.”

Brehannah has a family history in real estate; her father, an entrepreneur, has long been involved in real estate investing and her godTop Agent Magazine

mother is Sandra Bryant, owner of Bryant Realty Atlantic, where Brehannah quickly became one the top producing agent there. “It’s a great place to work, and I’m lucky to have Sandra as a mentor,” says Brehannah.

“And I’m still learning from her. This is a business where you never stop learning, and you never stop growing.”

Brehannah attributes her success to the fact that repeat and referral business is so robust.

“Almost every client I’ve had thus far has referred someone to me,” she says. “That’s because I have perseverance. My clients know I won’t stop until I’ve done everything in my power to meet their needs and get them what Top Agent Magazine

they want. My clients see my honesty and integrity, and how hard I work for them, and they feel comfortable recommending me to their friends and colleagues.”

For Brehannah the best part of real estate is helping her clients. “Two years ago I sold a home for a woman who was in dire financial straits,” Brehannah says. “She had to sell the home or go bankrupt. I did everything in my 9 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“Brehannah is super friendly and goes above and beyond!

Very happy with my experience!” —Marianne Mooney power to get that done for her - I even brought furniture from my own home for the staging.

When the property sold my client thanked me many times and said that I had saved her life.

And that’s when I realized that selling real Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

estate isn’t just about selling homes, it’s about helpings others”.

Brehannah loves her community - “Halifax is the best deal in Canada,” she enthuses - and Top Agent Magazine

“Bre is very passionate about what she does! Her determination and loyalty make her a great Realtor to have in your corner, whether you’re buying or selling!” —Christina Garon she gives back to it whenever she can. “We’re heavily involved with Feed Nova Scotia,” she says. “Every Christmas we donate to the needy, and this past October all of Bryant Realty did a pumpkin giveaway for them. We bought 700 Top Agent Magazine

pumpkins and gave them away to people for donations to Feed Nova Scotia.”

When she’s not working Brehannah loves to get out into Nova Scotia’s gorgeous wilCopyright Top Agent Magazine 11

“Brehannah is extremely knowledgable when it comes to realty and always finds the best properties according to your wants and needs. Certainly the go to and must have real estate agent in the HRM.” —Alyssa Hurd derness. “I love to go hiking and appreciate Nova Scotia for its beauty,” she says. “And I’ve been a figure skater my whole life, so any time I get the opportunity to jump on the ice I take it.”

Brehannah has an eye on the future, and she is working to make a name for herself in the way

Sandra Bryant has. “I’d like to leave a legacy in the business with the Hopgood name,” she says. “My end game is to have my own brokerage in Halifax, where agents want to work because it’s the best in the City and has a world class reputation. I’d like to be a mentor to agents and help them succeed and serve the people of Halifax the way I do.”

For more information about Brehannah Hopgood, visit her website at bryantrealty.ca/agents/brehannah-hopgood, https://

call her at 902-880-5555 or email her at brehannah@bryantrealty.ca

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How to Make Your Commute Productive The highest caliber business owners and entrepreneurs utilize every minute of their day.

Though this may be a lofty goal, there are certainly ways to make our daily routines more efficient and productive. Consider the morning and evening commute—time blocks that are accounted for every day. For some of us, daily commutes may mean a lengthy drive through gridlock traffic, or perhaps just a quick fifteen-minute crosstown excursion. However short or long your commute may be, there are ways to maximize this component of your daily routine and reap the rewards.

With that in mind, take a look at some ideas below to inject some energy and productivity into your daily commute.

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Listen to the latest industry-centric podcasts or audiobooks Whether you drive, bike, walk, or take public transportation, a commute is the perfect time to tune into an industry-oriented podcast or audiobook as a way of building your skills or getting into the zone for the day. Instead of letting your commute time be passive, you can process insights from leading industry professionals, or develop your skillset on a topic you haven’t yet made time for. Perhaps you’d like to develop your social media presence, or maybe you’d like to tap into the millennial homebuyer market—whatever the case may be, there is audio material out there suited to your interests. What’s more, podcasts are free and easy to incorporate on your smartphone or

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tablet, and there are ample audiobook subscription services out there that make regular listenership cost effective.

Create a mental to-do list to get a head-start on your day, or to prepare for tomorrow Getting your thoughts in order with a straightforward to-do list can help you dive in once you make it to your desk, or serve as a conclusive mental routine to end your work day.

If you drive to and from work and don’t have your hands free, don’t fret. Speaking your to-do list aloud can help you detangle your thoughts and tasks by vocalizing them. You can also try breaking down your to-do list by verbalizing the day’s goals, the week’s goals, and the month’s goals as a way of structuring priorities. If your commute is hands-free, you can incorporate a variety of apps that serve as custom-made todo lists that’ll organizationally map your duties for the day. In either case, use your commute window to identify and name the tasks ahead of you, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running when the time comes to perform.

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Tend to your personal commitments and planning A productive commute can boost your professional performance, but it can also serve your personal growth and out-of-the-office responsibilities, as well. Perhaps you can think out and plan your meals for the week so that you don’t come home burnt out and with nothing in mind for dinner. Maybe you check in with a relative or partner and catch up for a spare twenty minutes.

Not only does this eliminate a few items off of your personal to-do list, it can actually give you a more focused mind at the office. If your personal life is in good order, you’ll be able to devote your full attention to work tasks.

As the old saying goes, there are only so many hours in a day. If you added up all the minutes spent commuting around town, how many hours would amount? Though the trek to and from the office is an engrained part of professional life, it doesn’t have to be a drag. Account for those spare commute windows in productive ways, and in only a month you’ll have devoted a significant portion of your time to bettering yourself as a person and a professional.

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KERRY CULBERSON Kerry Culberson has proven that doing business well in a small, rural community requires nurturing relationships, being available for others, and genuinely wanting to help. Her journey into real estate began when she was in her 20s, running a retail business, working as a consultant in interior design and selling advertising on the side for a small community website. After selling an ad to a local real estate brokerage, she inadvertently showed her potential for succeeding in residential real estate and joined that office.

Now the longtime broker-owner of EXIT Realty Platinum – with two franchises in Woodstock, New Brunswick and Grand Falls, New Brunswick – Kerry has 16 years of experience and several agents working out of her franchises. She runs a small team, including her licensed assistant, Jenna McMillan, and her Brand Manager, Holly Acheson. “I sell full-time while managing the offices,” she says. On their brand-new YouTube Channel, the team members introduce themselves as lifelong residents of the River Valley who specialize in market knowledge and work with everyone from firsttime home buyers to seasoned investors.

Among her team’s services is a customized approach to listings.

“We have all-hands-on-deck. I come from an interior design consulting background, so I give the seller the pointers they need to prepare their home so it shows well, from decluttering and painting to small repairs.” She adds that they don’t want anyone spending money in the wrong areas. Following home preparation comes photography and localized marketing to the community, as well as teaser videos promoted on social media.

“Three of us are working closely with every client; there is more manpower to ensure that transactions go through smoothly,” says Kerry. “Sometimes this is the largest purchase a person has ever made and we take that very seriously.” To meet clients’ expectations, they follow detailed checklists for every step of the process of selling or buying a home. “We stay in touch after the transaction,

making sure our clients are comfortable.” They even send clients regular gifts from local businesses during the year. “It’s a way of supporting local businesses and rewarding our clients for being so loyal as well.”

That loyalty has grown steadily each year. Kerry now receives approximately 90% of her business from repeat clients or referrals. “People know we care and that we really put a lot into their wellbeing,” says Kerry. “They know we’re always available and that we go above and beyond for them.” Because they are in a small, community, it’s fun for Kerry to hear people say, “You’re everywhere we need you to be!”

She truly enjoys knowing community members on a first-name basis, while her team’s social media presence keeps them abreast of what’s happening with people. They make a point of sending personal notes and gifts to acknowledge significant events in their clients’ lives. “And for people we don’t see on a regular basis, I send several direct mailouts to their home each year, including coupons, gifts, poppies on Remembrance Day, Christmas cards and calendars.”

Kerry has come to appreciate that, in addition to being her career, real estate provides her with unique ways to make an impact on people’s lives, whether that means closely guiding them through a home purchase, holding their hand through a major life change or having the ability to share her resources with local nonprofits. In addition, she supports Cinderella’s Closet to help underprivileged teens enjoy the full experience of their prom and she is a member of the local 100 Women Who Care.

“I also love seeing my agents grow their businesses,” she adds. “It feels good to see them succeed.” Her individual success, she says, is a lucky byproduct of all the joy she gets to witness. “In the future, I want to continue growing while finding new ways to create even better experiences for our clients,” says Kerry. “I always want to improve in all areas of my business and personal life. You can never stop growing.”

To learn more about Kerry Culberson, Facebook page, visit exitplatinum.com/home.php or go to her https://www.facebook.com/exitplatinum/ email kculberson@exitplatinum.com or call 506.324.9004 www.

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3 Surefire Methods that Make for a Productive Meeting Sometimes a business meeting can achieve exactly what it sets out to do: communicate, assess actions, set goals, or otherwise. Other times, meetings can feel like a drain on your time and energy, and only advance your agenda in marginal ways. While meetings are an integral form of communication in the professional world, how can you ensure that they are both productive and worthwhile?

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The truth is, it takes intentioned planning to make a meeting a success. A well-curated meeting makes partners and employees feel unified as a team, excited about what’s to come, and motivated to achieve a collective goal. With that in mind, consider a few approaches below to maximize your next meeting and ensure that all parties involved leave with a renewed sense of direction and inspiration.

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1. Create a detailed agenda in advance Oftentimes meetings are scheduled with a loose goal in mind—to hash out the terms of a contract or to strategize a new marketing campaign, for example. To ensure your meeting is productive, time-efficient, and achieves its end, create a detailed agenda in advance. This means breaking down your overarching goal into pieces and outlining what’s required to complete each component. You might also consider making time blocks for each respective component, so there is a clear structure and hierarchy in place. Not only does this ensure that time is used wisely and evenly, but it also creates order and momentum for the greater task at hand. What’s more, you’ll want to distribute this detailed agenda in advance of your meeting, so that all attendees will be familiar with the format and delineated goals of your gathering. This will set a professional tone, while keeping team members and conversation on task.

2. Reserve off-topics ideas and comments for later Too many meetings are derailed when an off-topic question or comment is made and hijacks the attentions of attendees. While it’s natural that outlying issues may arise when all team members are gathered, you can ward off distractions by creating a so-called holding area for off-topic talking points. This holding area will serve as the receptacle for any off-topic or lower priority addendum, and you can create a chunk of time towards the end of your meeting to readdress those 18

points separately. Once you’ve achieved the highest priority goals of your meeting, you can then return to the items in your holding area. Note: be sure to familiarize your staff with this approach so that the expectation is already in place and interruptions won’t distract from your meeting’s true intent.

3. Conclude every meeting with a brief summary and action items The very last thing you should do before concluding your meeting is to reemphasize the main takeaways of your gathering and outline a specific list of action items. Again, successful meetings are clear and give attendees a sense of direction. That’s why reiterating action items—or next steps in need of completion—to each respective employee is an essential component of a productive meeting. Likewise, summarizing main takeaways unifies a team’s understanding of what’s important and why the meeting was called in the first place. Ending on a concrete yet proactive note helps launch team members toward the next event in their day and gives them a sense of confidence as they tackle their duties.

Meetings don’t have to be a formality or a bore. When planned and executed with incisiveness, they can inspire your talent roster and streamline productivity in your office.

Especially in the world of real estate, ensuring everyone is on the same page and doing their jobs effectively is key to success and longevity. Put a little planning into your next meeting, and you’ll save yourself valuable time and energy as you move forward.

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ANDREW EVANS & KATE MCGINNIS Equidistant from both Toronto, Ontario, and Niagara Falls sits the beautiful and dynamic city of Brantford, Ontario, in the heart of Canada’s Golden Horseshoe.

There, two experienced real estate experts who each share a love of the region and its people have formed a professional partnership that provides far more than high-quality service to clients who buy, sell and invest in residential real estate. Andrew Evans and Kate McGinnis formed their team just over three years ago to the delight of buyers, sellers and investors across the area.

with buyers who have done it a few times over, but it’s the most rewarding part of real estate for me.”

“I started investing and renovating houses in 2000, when I still owned a pita shop, where Kate worked for me in customer service,” says Andrew Evans. “After I sold that business, I got into flipping, renting, renovations and even some new construction.”

With everything pointing him in the direction of real estate, he was licensed in 2012. Having remained in contact with Kate, Andrew knew that she, too, had transitioned into a related field.

While giving back to local nonprofits comes naturally to both Andrew and Kate, they do so more for the intrinsic value than promotion’s sake. “But one thing we’ve done is to leverage our large Facebook following to promote Brantford businesses,” says Kate. “It’s really rewarding to see small business owners notice the reaction they get when we feature them for free.”

“I worked for one of Ontario’s largest home builders for 10 years, starting in administration and eventually becoming a new home sales advisor,” says Kate. “I sold hundreds of houses across Southwest Ontario, so when Andrew reached out in 2015, and I saw how well he was doing, it made sense for us to team up to grow the business.”

As business partners, both of whom are longtime members of the community where they each are raising their own families, Andrew and Kate complement one another. “We offer a lot of insight on the buying and selling process and we’re different in the ways we approach things,” says Andrew, who is known for his business-forward, investor-savvy approach. “I love the rush of knowing that I’ve helped someone buy a home for a good price and that they will do well on it in the future,” says Andrew. “We’re living vicariously through the success of our clients and getting a rush out of knowing they’re creating equity.”

Kate, meanwhile, is known for attentiveness and eagerness to solve people’s problems. “I am at my best when I’m under pressure; I get a thrill when putting things together to help people get into or out of a home; I don’t rest until it’s done and they’re happy.”

She also loves working with first-time homebuyers. “I discovered that niche when working for the builder; the work is more involved and never as smooth as Top Agent Magazine

Marketing is a critical component of the team’s business. “With listings, we always work closely with the seller on decluttering, removing or repositioning furniture and working with what they have so the house shows well,” explains Andrew. “We generate a buzz with coming-soon marketing before advertising, using only professional videography and photography.” Because drone imaging can be a challenging hurdle to leap with Transport Canada, the team offers nearly the equivalent; their photographer’s setup who provides comparable images. “And Kayla, our administrator, does a lot with our social media marketing and keeping us on track with appointments and communication.”

Primarily serving Brantford and communities within 50-100km, Andrew and Kate know that growth is imminent, but they approach it cautiously. “Expansion into other markets can seem scary; you don’t want to lose the magic” says Kate. “Any new agents have to be in tune with us.” The team, therefore, plans for controlled growth in the coming years, to ensure the integrity of their high-touch service. “We’re each in the Top 10 out of 300+ agents in Brantford,” says Andrew. “And people remember that we make the experience fun while still offering professional advice and insight.”

To learn more about Andrew & Kate Real Estate, https://www.facebook.com/andrewandkaterealestate/ visit brantfordhomeforsale.com or go to their Facebook page, email evansa@sutton.com or katemcginnis@sutton.com or call 519.865.1348 (Andrew) or 519.761.1625 (Kate) http://

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

Attitude!

By Verl Workman

My father was a former Marine and I learned as a small child that there is no such thing as an ex- Marine! He used to wake us up early in the morning by yelling “Reveille� and all seven of us children would march up the stairs to have a family breakfast together. As a high 20

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school history teacher, Dad was big on education and drove home the importance of being good in school and paying attention. One year he had a group of students from his AP (advanced placement) classes compete in a nationwide model United Nations project where the students would deal with world issues. His class from Skyline High School in Utah won the national award in Washington DC where they competed and received that great honor. Dad was very proud of his students and their accomplishment. He talked about that award for years.

I suggested to my dad one time that he was lucky because he had all the smart kids from his AP classes and could pick the smartest students in the school to compete. He looked me in the eye and raised his left eyebrow and said this “Son, I work with some of the smartest kids, but I choose to work with the kids who have the best attitudes.” He went on to say that “it doesn’t matter how smart you are if you don’t have a good attitude”. That conversation made a deep impression on me and has been one of my favorite memories of my father.

In this challenging real estate market many agents find themselves faced with some difficult choices—but the most important choice we can make today is to keep a positive attitude and take action when others are simply whining and looking for excuses for failure. There are enormous opportunities today in every market. The business out there may not be your favorite type of business and it may not be the most fun, but if you have the right attitude, you can not only make money, you can thrive today.

Here are a few simple things you can do each day to keep moving in the right direction: • GET up • Get showered and dress for success Top Agent Magazine

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•

• Get into a productive work environment • Prospect 2-3 hours every day • Work your most profitable business (your database) • Look for real buyers and generate buyer leads from every source possible (buyers are paychecks) • Surround yourself with positive people that are goal focused and happy Hire a coach that can give you direction and guidance and hold you accountable to do the right things in your business We are blessed to live in this country where we can work for ourselves and enjoy all of the freedoms that make this such a wonderful place to live. We have our families, health, and skills that allow us to help people and we get paid very well for the service we provide. And we have technology and resources that allow us to do our jobs better. It is now up to each one of us to get going, stay positive and keep our attitudes in check.

The first time I visited my Dad’s classroom I saw the sign above his desk that simply said this “Attitude is more important than Aptitude.”

To this day, I believe that simple quote has made a great impact on my life and career. I love what I do!

Verl Workman is a leading national speaker, coach and consultant. Despite his busy speaking schedule, and role as co-founder of Pinnacle Quest Consulting Group, he still sells real estate so that he can test and stay abreast of the latest tools and techniques that maximize results. He uses that knowledge to assist individuals and companies in building effective business strategies, implementing powerful technology solutions, and establishing strategic competitive advantages through coaching, seminars and private consultations. To contact Verl visit www.verlworkman.com. ©Verl Workman. All rights reserved.

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CORY REID For Cory Reid success at real estate comes from more than just making deals. “Every transaction is different,” he says. “You could be dealing with a first time home buyer or with a widow who has just lost her spouse.

You have to be able to lend an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. You have to be there to help them through the whole process, not just to make the deal.”

That compassion is what Cory brings to his clients in Western Newfoundland and Labrador, and is a big part of why his business is 75% referrals and repeat clients. “I’m loyal to my clients so they’re loyal to me,” Cory says. “I’m proud to have helped them through the biggest purchases or sales of their whole lives.”

Cory has been a Realtor® for six years now, and his perspective on the job changed - and with it his whole experience. “When you begin in the business you treat it as more of a business,” he says. “But when my mindset went from being transactional to being more purposeful, I found that not only was I less stressed, I was more fulfilled - and more successful.”

Cory serves his clients by being a resource for them every step of the way. “When I meet any prospective buyer or seller I have handouts made up for them that gives an idea of what to prepare for and how to prepare for it,” he says.

“And every question they have for me I try to address as honestly and simply as possible, from the easy - deal-

ing with change of address forms - to the important- mortgages and mortgage rates.”

For Cory being of service at work is only the beginning - he’s also deeply involved in his community. He is involved with fundraisers like the Santa Stroll, and he volunteers his time serving food to the needy at the Salvation Army’s Super Wednesday program, and he gives money to the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre.

“I’m also involved with an organization called Dreams Take Flight, where we take needy children and we fly down to a Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for the day.I’ve been involved with them for eight years or so, and it’s very rewarding to be a chaperone and take a child down to Disney World who would never otherwise have the opportunity. You have a child hugging your legs saying thanks for the best day ever - you can’t put a price tag on that.”

Cory looks forward to staying the course in his business. “I want to continue what I’m doing and keep giving back and helping others,” he says. “People are very appreciative when you make it about more than just the transaction, when you build a real relationship with your clients. You have to keep that going - it can’t be something you just do to make the transaction. I strongly believe you reap what you sow, and I think being there for my clients will help me continue to grow my business in the years ahead.”

To find out more about Cory Reid visit remax-realtyprofessionals.com/agents/cory-reid, call 709-636-4294 or email him at cory.reid@remax-realtyprofessionals.com https://

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