CANADA 10-18-21

CANADA EDITION

COVER STORY

ANDREA JAUCK FEATURED AGENTS

JULIE LABROSSE JAMES LAFLEUR MATHAN MARKANDU ANITA SAVOIE SHANTE SIDHU

How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions and Up Your Productivity

Welcome Home: WORKING WITH RELOCATORS IN TRANSITION CONCIERGE CARE:

Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation

CANADA EDITION

7

15

20

JULIE LABROSSE

With an entrepreneu spirit and a love for help others, Julie Labrosse qui became a top agent in Outaouais region. She sta her professional career a ANITA JULIE LABROSSE ANDREA JAUCK ANITA SAVOIE restaurant owner. “After SAVOIE JAMES LAFLEUR MATHAN MARKANDU ing it, I became a casino de and worked at a liquor sto In 2005, When it comes to his listings, Mathan “Eventuall sed in the Pontiac area, Mathan James left his job at the time to me to be honest and be yourself,” he says. she explains.

27 photography 24 23 start working in real estate full time as a uses professional andJulie SHANTE SIDH always been drawn to real “As such, I don’t believe in telling decided clients to get my real estate license.” got sta ® mother and brother were bothhad long been interested in what they want to hear; instead, I always Realtor . He staging highlight the seven best features of and alw righttoaway, working days a week Sidhu Thirteen has alway coming of the age,home he hadmarket, an and was fascinated by tell them the way it is.” eachmaking home,herself then available markets Shante them extento her clients. o learn the business from the one of those people wh the industry. He now works with Century sively online media and and is showing later, she’sthrough reached social great heights After serving21inincorrections Outside his career, James is deeply find in common groun Ontario and has become considered the signs MLS oftoslowing ensure down. they Based garner maxiOutaouais, QC, n a decade, hean decided join in the area. Through a involved with his community.mum On top of almost anyone.

It’s elite toagent exposure from buyers worldwide. works primarily in Quebec, but recently beganone es rsued his license in 2004. He providing regular donations to area food qualities that make her s winning combination of excellent comHe lishing also advertises toBygenerate herself in locally Ontario. providing unparall SIDHU MATHAN MARKANDU JAMES LAFLEUR d back since. Today, James banks and Opération Enfant Soleil,SHANTE he tive toinhome. communicatin customer andcloser continuous support, Julie c munication and attention to detail, Mathan interest in theservice property state Broker with RE/MAX supports the fishing derby at his local fire people to understand sistently superiormany results.

Only wantingthe w has built a storied career as a real estate department, along with a hostMathan staysdelivers busy helping clients e he assists clients throughof yearly and helping them ge is best for them, she goes above and beyond to en agent, and his reputation precedes him as find success year after year, and looks ire Pontiac and Gatineau events around the Pontiac. Drawing from eachhetransaction and someone that no quest “Whether is Producing forward to maintaining that highgoes levelsmoothly of production his 17 years aasTop a real estate agent in Canada. his CONTENTS past experiences in corrections, are their first home or dow the of years to come. he has truly seen it all, from also sits on the in board directors forleft a unanswered. after retirement, it’s a huge event in their life,” In terms of communicating with clients, Mathan finds ight-knit team with famsubstance abuse treatment facilityTO in CUT DOWN 4) his WELCOME HOME: 21) HOW “I accompany my clients through thethem entire proct explains.

“Being allowed with aunching his that own building career aslasting a solo broker, Ottawa.

But whenimporthe’s not with giving back, loves relationships is incredibly In clients his freeortime, Mathan traveling aroundtothehelp world WORKING WITH RELOCATORS ON DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS and I’m even there for them afterwards as well,” e way, he has ant, established a network of sat- andhe enjoys spending quality time with his all family orof different privilege that I take very He seriously as is consistent contact honest communication. and meeting kinds people. hopes and to personalJ INQuebec.

TRANSITION YOUR PRODUCTIVITY says. aftermore buying house, clients and sellers across coaching youthto sports in Gatineau.

Mathan’s team keeps themselves available answer keep AND workingUP hard, andYears focusing onor theselling seller aside comfortable calling Julie for advice, and she’s alw Even before she entered the realeven estate industry clients’ questions and help them solve problems, and of things as he pushes the quality of his listings 13) 5 LESSONS FROM SILICON 25) 4 WAYS MENTORING ready to provide it.

They fully trust her as she ta a home, James personalizes his approach Looking ahead, James has strong plans for the future exercised for helping they stick by their clients every step of the way. “Client further. For Mathan, though,her the passion most important qualitypeople, hon t. Starting out, heVALLEY assists them in developof his business. With 2021 on pace UP-AND-COMING to be a careerthem year,step-by-step throughout real estate jour EMPLOYEES customer service delivery intheir hotel connection is TO very MODERNIZE important to us,”AND Mathan says.

“Patience is so vital to what wemanagemen of a Realtor® is patience. marketing strategy catered to their distinct he intends on further scaling the model of service to aid When it comes to her buyers, she devotes to YOUR BUSINESS MAKES YOU BETTER AGENT years.

During that same period she alsotime work “WeMONETIZE work to ensure every single one of our clients’ do,” he says. “Real estateA can be incredibly complicated, there, he equips his sellers with a suite of even more buyers and sellers throughout his beloved to know them and their needs, determined to find her father interior design and home needstoisprofessional met.” Mathan stays inhometown. touch with“Ipast and keeping head and providing taking measured responses om home stagers photogloveclients showing clients what wea level canideal bring property at the right price. She is patient 18) personal CONCIERGE CARE: SERVICES services, eventually transitioning to a sales a through visits, and his hands-on approach has to everything that’s happening helps keep both the agent uring their house is fully prepared for the to their transaction,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s empathetic, never rushing them to make a decis THAT LURE CLIENTS AND in and newIfconstruction in for 2014.

Three®years later led his to the cultivation a flourishing referral base.people He inand on track.” you’re looking a Realtor le broadcasting listings over a of series always nice to serve thethe areaclient you know only equipping them with knowledge so they can her Realtor’s joining herpresbusiness partn TRANSFORM REPUTATION currently getscampaigns, 90% of YOUR hishebusiness from and who is both a reliable negotiatorlicense, and a comforting digital and social media the place youreferrals want to promote the most.” the right path. At the same time, she helps her Bucholtz with the Solon Real Estate o repeat clients. ence during the transaction further through than Group print advertisements in local newspapers ers get theprocess, most forlook theirno property staging tiac Journal, The Equity and The Aylmer LePage Wolstencroft.

Mathan Markandu! high-end marketing. to give his clients an increased visibility As a native of Sri Lanka and a pillar of his local com.

Specializing sales, munity, 310-734-1440 Mathan’s diverse experience within the world Phone | Fax 310-734-1440 “I’m certified in in residential home staging, so Shante I make repres sure e ents all over the Greater Vancouver area, primari of real estate allows him to find solutions specific to his home looks its best,” she says.

Julie utilizes all of | www.topagentmagazine.com ames is justmag@topagentmagazine.com as committed his buyers, Fraser Valley and North and South Delta.

An clients’ needs,toregardless of the circumstances. Mathan advertising services her brokerage offers, and lists No portion and of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is s years of experience in-depth knowl65 percent of her business comes from repea is a real estate veteran with an unmatched depth of onpublished various websites platforms. By tak by the Feature accuracy of materials,and Top Agent Pontiac areapublished to uncover rightPublications home for GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the property and To referrals, and the Solon Group has getting claimedt expertise, and be through hard work and dedication, he quality photographs of every listing and Magazine cannot held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. subscribe or change address, send erests. For his integrity and expertise, he gets consistent results for every client he works with. among the Top 3 percent of all Realtors in their inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. fantastic reputation throughout Canada, earning Royal LePage’s Diamond status.

That st majority of his volume coming from For more about James Lafleur Mathan’s connection with many different cultures no doubt stems from the care Shante takes with s and referrals.

Having already completed please call (819) 210-7372 2 Topthat Agent Magazine around the world allows him to relate to many different ents, with an approach is both personal and e ons in 2021, though, he remains focused email james.lafleur@videotron.ca, and to hisreal adaptability in delivering results. s that broughtpeople, his family estate in makes him well-equipped or visit jameslafleur.com REALTOR@

www.

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

Top Agent Magazine

3

Welcome Home:

Working with Relocators in Transition People stage moves for all sorts of reasons.

From the joyous and pre-planned, to the unfortunate and unexpected, new chapters begin with the help of an agent. When you’re working with buyers from a different region, state, or country, the typical complications of a transaction can be compounded. So, what’s a savvy agent to do?

For starters, envision the big picture. Relocators have extra obstacles between them and 4

their dream home. They don’t necessarily know which neighborhoods are ideal for their lifestyle, what they should budget for utilities, what type of homeowner’s insurance is ideal, or how they can tour, let alone close, on a house from afar. All in all, it’s a tall order, but if you can manage a relocation transaction successfully, you could tap into a sizable pool of clientele. Think of it this way: if you’re the shining star of a relocator’s moving process, their word-of-mouth praise could be

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

exponential. Likewise, a winning reputation within that client’s corporate sphere could lead to lucrative, stable referrals and partnerships for years to come. Here are a few key ways to help clients navigate the relocation process with minimal stress and maximum results.

Create a full-scale timeline for you and your client that makes expectations clear.

Moving is already one of life’s biggest stressors, but relocations have a dozen more moving parts that your average deal. Consider creating a master-plan of sorts to help you and your client visualize the steps required to achieve success in the midst of a relocation.

Even from afar, your client will be able to refer to the roadmap you’ve set. Likewise, this makes sure you and your client are on the same page regarding expectations, timelines, and checklists. Assemble an articulated, overarching gameplan also helps demystify the process and lower stress. Instead of clients wondering what’s next, what’s needed, who to call, and when to be ready—handy guidelines of your own devising will be at their fingertips.

Top Agent Magazine

Attune your communication style so that nothing goes overlooked or miscommunicated.

Establish early on how your client prefers to communicate and which methods should be excluded. Also, make sure to outline what timeframes are ideal to communicate in, and how often they expect to hear from you with status updates or follow-ups. Some clients might prefer a more hands-off approach that lets you manage most details behind the scenes with updates only when progress is made. Most clients in the midst of a serious relocation, however, will prefer to be in touch more frequently. Customizing is key. If they prefer text messages and emails over calls, that’s a helpful detail to know from the outset. If they prefer face-to-face video chats or can only speak after business hours—those are also key parameters to work within. The less mystery and hassle, the better.

Be a local resource with vetted recommendations and vendors on-hand.

Relocating homeowners may not know the best neighborhoods and their amenities, or where the best school districts are, which areas are high-traffic, or where their dollar might stretch a little further. Identifying your clients’ goals can help narrow this field, but you’ll also want to be careful not to overwhelm them with information. After all, they’re taking on a huge life transition and making a move as an outsider. You’ll want to serve as a onestop-shop who can remove some steps and stress from their organizational obligations.

Have a contractor who can get a head-start on home projects while clients make the move?

Top Agent Magazine ®

5

Excellent. Or, perhaps you can provide an out-of-state agent referral so that clients can sell their existing property in a timeline that works in conjunction with their new purchase. Make yourself a community expert and a connector, and you’ve won a client— and their referrals—for much longer than a single transaction.

Think outside the box when weighing variables.

Relocations aren’t your typical transaction.

You’ll need to do a bit more planning to avoid pitfalls along the way. For instance, have you considered how you’ll tour homes with clients if they live hundreds of miles away?

Are there time zone differences to factor in?

6

If clients are relocating from another country, are there any special visa or naturalization considerations? How will their belongings travel? Are there pets to relocate? There are plenty of questions to ask and plan for, but the key is to be communicative and thorough up front. The more information and planning time you have, the smoother the transition will go.

There are certified real estate agent designations you can pursue that set you apart for your experience when it comes to relocations, but in lieu of those—arm yourself with the planning details and methods that will make your client a raving fan. In the process, you’ll up your game, create a happy client, and hopefully field similar business for years to come.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

ANDREA JAUCK

Top Agent Magazine

7

Top Agent Andrea Jauck with The Pinnacle Group Real Estate Marketing Team for Keller Williams is now in her fifteenth year serving the Tri-Cities area of Metro-Vancouver,

NICK VLASIDIS

Andrea Jauck’s passion for real estate was born from years of watching her father build custom luxury homes. But it was his work as a Realtor that appealed to Andrea most. “I love waking up every day with the opportunity to show people the most beautiful houses on the market,” she explains. “It’s a privilege and a joy to be able to help people find the home of their dreams, or sell a home as they prepare to move on to the next chapter of their lives.”

Andrea spent the early years of her career as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Marcraft Homes, her family’s award-winning custom construction business in British Columbia’s Greater Vancouver area. That experience gave her an eye for the finer details that go into the building of a luxury home, and taught her the sales strategies

8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

she would later use as a Realtor with The Pinnacle Group Real Estate Marketing Team for Keller Williams. Now in her fifteenth year serving the Tri-Cities area of Top Agent Magazine

Metro-Vancouver, she works alongside partner Kris Cyganiak and her brother Mathew Jauck to offer sellers the most sophisticated online marketing package in the industry.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

“We don’t just place a home on the MLS,” says Andrea. “We actively market each of our listings through our large network of potential buyers, business partners, and Realtors, giving the property maximum exposure worldwide. Our full-service package also allows us to prepare and present the home to its greatest advantage.”

As part of that strategy, Andrea and her team leverage The Pinnacle List, an internationally 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

popular listing platform cofounded by Cyganiak, which displays the finest available homes around the world in visually stunning photographs and virtual tours. With its dynamic, responsive content, the site is the premier resource for luxury homebuyers everywhere.

That alone might be enough to keep clients coming back. But Andrea and her business partner Kris also bring a set of fierce Top Agent Magazine

Andrea and her team leverage The Pinnacle List, an internationally popular listing platform which displays the finest available homes around the world in visually stunning photographs and virtual tours. negotiating skills to the table, as well as a dedication to getting every client the highest market value for their property. Add to that the sheer, infectious enthusiasm she has for her work, and it’s no surprise that she enjoys a referral rate of 95 percent. She and her team have closed over $30 million in sales already this year, and those numbers continue to climb.

Top Agent Magazine

If she’s not working, Andrea can often be found serving her community in one capacity or another. For seven years she managed Ladies Night In, a fundraising event that brought vendors from various local industries together at one of Vancouver’s luxury homes, benefiting groups like the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and the TriCity Transition Society. She continues to Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

be a contributor to various other fundraising events. She also runs Flourish, a group committed to the physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of women. The group meets monthly to engage in healthy activities in health-inducing environments.

As for the future of her business, Andrea is proud of what she’s accomplished with her team, and plans to continue growing her share in the luxury market. “We recently sold the two most expensive listings ever for the Tri-City area, so we’re very optimistic about our future.”

For more information about Andrea Jauck please call 604-783-3124 or email her at Andrea@pgrem.com

12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

5 Lessons from Silicon Valley to Modernize and Monetize Your Business Silicon Valley may be the region for disruptors, tech entrepreneurs, and futurists, but even the most forward-thinking, abstract companies are still businesses that have to keep tabs on their bottom line. There’s much to learn from America’s fastest-growing sector, and even if Silicon Top Agent Magazine

Valley seems like a world unto its own, there are key lessons prime for adaption in your own endeavors. Below, consider a few ways to translate the trends and teachings of Silicon Valley for your own business, and reap the rewards in the process.

Top Agent Magazine ®

13

1. Diversify your value Real estate is a business built on relationships, but your relationships will go stale if the only thing you communicate is you interest in making a sale. In order to sustain relationships for the long term, you’ve got to remain valuable to your clients beyond the transaction. Serve as a local resource, not just a salesperson or real estate expert. Ensure your marketing materials, social media presence, and communications offer useful, relevant, and original content your clients will benefit from. What’s more, vary your communications so that every time you reach out it’s not just about new business or a referral.

2. Company culture matters Silicon Valley tech giants always emphasize the importance of company culture—not just as a way of drawing and retaining talent, but also as a way to appeal to clientele. What are your company’s values? What do you stand for? How you’re positioned in the marketplace is becoming just as important as what you do and how well you do it. Your company culture is part of your branding, and your brand should feel clear and composed to clients eyeing your services.

3.Think big picture More and more, clients want to have an experience, not just a transaction. When it comes to buying a home, this means they care more about a property’s bedroom and bathroom count. As an agent, consider showcasing properties in terms of lifestyle. What neighborhood amenities are nearby? What opportunities are there for community involvement? How does public 14

transportation stack up in the area? Before making the purchase of a lifetime, clients want to envision a complete lifestyle.

4. Leverage multiple platforms By now, you probably recognize that social media is not afterthought. Your social media presence should fit your brand and voice, interact across platforms, and actively engage with your audience. In other words, if you want to reap the benefits of social media, it’s not enough to post a few times a month and walk away. Active engagement means responding to comments, interacting with your followers’ profiles, and posting original content beyond a sales pitch.

Likewise, you’ll want to be active across multiple social media platforms and ensure that your profiles are interconnected. That way, you’ll be working from a unified voice and brand.

5. Reputations rule the roost Never underestimate the power of word-ofmouth marketing and testimonials. If you haven’t asked for feedback from past clients, and you aren’t sharing positive testimonials and reviews—you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools at an agent’s disposal. You can pitch the virtues of your working style all day long, but those courting your business want to hear about positive experiences from the client’s perspective.

If you want to take your business to the next level and maximize the twenty-first century values of a company on the rise, look to the lessons of Silicon Valley to get your start. There are always opportunities to innovate, and doing so will help you break from your routine and stand apart from the pack.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

ANITA SAVOIE REALTOR@

Top Agent Magazine

15

ANITA SAVOIE

A natural leader, Anita Savoie is always on a quest to provide her clients with an unmatched level of service. Her relationship-oriented approach to business combined with her sympathetic nature allow buyers and sellers to feel at ease as they navigate through the transaction process. Anita has spent the last eight years working in real estate, and views it not as a job, but as a true passion. “I picked something that I truly love doing, that’s why it doesn’t feel like work. Every morning I wake up enthusiastic about getting started.”

not see right away, such as the condition of the neighbor’s yard or the outside noise. I help them notice the small details so that they can make their final decision being fully informed.” She takes the same diligent approach when working with sellers by marketing their properties with style and professionalism. She is a fierce negotiator who’s always looking to get them the highest bid.

Listening intently to her clients’ specific needs to ensure that she fully understands their goals is a priority to Anita, which is why she offers a lengthy free consultation. “A lot of agents are in a rush with their free consultations, but I provide my clients all the time they need. I need to connect with my clients and make sure that I understand their needs. When we go to see houses, I always tell them that we are not in a rush.

They need to feel the energy of the house, and 15 to 30 minutes is not enough. A house is more than just walls. You need to have the time to feel comfortable and call that house ‘My home!’”

Anita doesn’t shy away from pointing out any potential issues with a house in order to protect her buyers.

“Part of my job is to show them things that they might 16

Top Agent Magazine

Completing an average of 60 transactions per year, and with more than 400 transactions in her career, Anita’s recipe for success boils down to being attentive and always offering transparent communication.

“Good communication is the foundation for a happy transaction. I listen to my clients and I’m compassionate because I realize that they are going through a huge transition.” Her compassion and patience are traits cherished by both her clients and those who work alongside her. Even though she is busy with her own workload, she always takes the time to listen to others and help them in any way she can. People turn to Anita because they know they can count on her.

Bilingual in French and English, Anita plans to continue helping her clients for many more years to come, and she is looking to hire additional agents to assist her. She’s also keeping herself focused with a strategically placed vision board. “I’m very goal oriented. I have a board at my office that I look at every day, which has all of my transactions listed for the year. It keeps me motivated and excited to keep reaching further.”

To learn more about Anita Savoie please call (506) 227–8554, email anita.savoie@remaxnb.ca, or visit anitasavoie.com www.

Top Agent Magazine

17

Concierge Care: Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation It’s a no-brainer: customer service is central to success in the real estate industry. While properties may be the product, this industry really revolves around people and the relationships you cultivate along the way. With that in mind, how would you describe the service you provide? If solid service is the baseline, then to set yourself apart you must deliver service that’s exceptional. But, how? Returning calls and displaying a friendly face won’t necessarily separate you from the pack. If you really want to take your customer service to the next level and build a reputation for white-glove, concierge-level courtesy, then keep a few of the following tips in mind as you create a professional style that’s completely bespoke.

18

Make your communications matter For many agents, communication during and after a transaction are perfunctory affairs, with one-sizefits-all newsletters or promotional postcards that feel mass-produced. To really grab the attention of your clientele, you’ll want to build a recognizable brand. To accomplish this, begin by adding value to your regular communications. Clients are likely to bypass your communications if they think your only intent is to sell them something. Focus instead on creating content that’s compelling and dishes out value to your clientele. Just like a favorite blog you revisit again and again for its quality content, con-

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

sider your communications as an extension of your brand and identity. A few popular ideas from which clients can derive value include: local restaurant guides, tax tips for homeowners, reports on home values and the marketplace, or highlighting home décor and landscaping trends. Make your communications readable and useful, and your clients past and present will think twice before skipping past your name.

Showcase the lifestyle Clients remember when you go the extra mile, and that additional effort distinguishes run-of-the-mill agents from high-powered professionals. Whether listing or buying, consider a property’s lifestyle.

First, think about a client’s everyday experience.

Where’s the best breakfast spot nearby? How’s access to public transportation or bike paths? Which outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the area?

Where might your client swing by for coffee?

Neighborhood guides that outline the livability of a home and its area not only boost value and highlight potential, but they also demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and connect on a personal level. After all, a home isn’t just a house; a home is all about the daily experience that unfolds within and beyond those four walls. With that in mind, do your homework and make yourself a local expert.

Your clients will feel they’re in good hands and will better envision their future unfolding, all thanks to your thorough legwork.

Customize your approach to clients As an agent, it’s only natural that you build your own daily routines and practices that keep your business running. While it’s necessary to create positive habitats that streamline your workflow, it’s also important to remain adaptable. For instance, Millennial clients may prefer to chat by text, instant Top Agent Magazine

message, or email, whereas older clientele may prefer face-to-face time or connecting by phone call.

Adapting your communication style is as simple as a brief discussion: ask your client how they prefer to communicate and adapt accordingly. While it may seem like a small matter, it provides clients with a sense of comfort and control. Again, the key here is communication. Talk with your clients about their preferred methodology. Maybe they prefer a marathon house-hunting trek on a weekend day, or perhaps they rather sift through listings online before making in-person visits to a narrowed list. It’s okay to encourage clients or fill them in on industry norms, but it’s important to create an experience that’s tailored to their style and personality.

Authentically seek feedback While it may feel uncomfortable, asking for feedback during and at the end of a transaction can dramatically improve your working style and professional blind-spots. It can also help you adapt your working style to better suit your respective clients.

Of course, it’s important to be open-minded and to quash the need to be defensive. Not all feedback will be useful, but you can incorporate the parts that are. This not only grows your skillset, but it also demonstrates to clients that you are open to constructive criticism and sincerely prioritize a job well done over personal praise. As a bonus, positive feedback can be parlayed into client testimonials, which are incredibly useful tools to boost your business on the whole.

It’s no secret that real estate is a busy, self-determined business. While your client care may feel all accounted for, there is always room to grow. Professionals at the top of their field know this and never stop building out their repertoire. If you want to take your business to the next level and create an imprint that’s synonymous with concierge care, then keep these ideas in mind as you build your relationships and your brand.

Top Agent Magazine ®

19

JULIE LABROSSE With an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for helping others, Julie Labrosse quickly became a top agent in the Outaouais region. She started her professional career as a restaurant owner. “After selling it, I became a casino dealer and worked at a liquor store,” she explains. “Eventually I decided to get my real estate license.” Julie got started right away, working seven days a week and always making herself available to her clients. Thirteen years later, she’s reached great heights and is showing no signs of slowing down. Based in Outaouais, QC, she works primarily in Quebec, but recently began establishing herself in Ontario. By providing unparalleled customer service and continuous support, Julie consistently delivers superior results. Only wanting what is best for them, she goes above and beyond to ensure each transaction goes smoothly and that no questions are left unanswered.

in front of as many people as possible, Julie exceeds her seller’s expectations.

When Julie isn’t working, she’s giving back to her community. She is the president for La chambre Immobilière de l’Outaouais, and is on the board for the business association. In the past, she was on the board for an organization that helps children suffering from an illness, but the pandemic put a hold on it.

During any free time, she can be found playing golf or building her house. “My second job for the past two years has been constructing and preparing my home.”

As Julie looks ahead, she hopes to keep growing and providing excellent service to those she serves. “I am a broker of record on the Quebec side, but look forward to becoming one in Ontario as well,” she says. Wherever her path leads, Julie will undoubtedly achieve all of her goals and more, as she’s truly passionate about what she does.

“I accompany my clients through the entire process, and I’m even there for them afterwards as well,” Julie says. Years after buying or selling a house, clients feel comfortable calling Julie for advice, and she’s always ready to provide it. They fully trust her as she takes them step-by-step throughout their real estate journey.

When it comes to her buyers, she devotes time to get to know them and their needs, determined to find the ideal property at the right price. She is patient and empathetic, never rushing them to make a decision, only equipping them with knowledge so they can find the right path. At the same time, she helps her sellers get the most for their property through staging and high-end marketing.

“I’m certified in home staging, so I make sure each home looks its best,” she says. Julie utilizes all of the advertising services her brokerage offers, and lists the property on various websites and platforms. By taking quality photographs of every listing and getting them 20

For more information about Julie Labrosse, please call 819-962-7788 or email maisonsjulie@gmail.com Top Agent Magazine

How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— Top Agent Magazine

it can feel impossible to untangle yourself from the worldwide web.

As a professional, you may not be able to withdraw from the digital world completely, but there are a few techniques you can use to limit your extraneous digital distractions and streamline the time you spend online. After all, it’s entirely common to faithfully begin one task and then

Top Agent Magazine ®

21

get unexpectedly drawn down the digital rabbit hole. To save yourself time and virtual burnout, here are a few ways to unplug, recharge, and make the most of your time online and off.

Focus on one digital task at a time.

While multi-tasking may seem like a sound approach to productivity, this method usually results in surface-level progress across a few tasks, rather than reaching the finish line on any.

Instead of opening multiple tabs and trying to do it all at once, hone in on one digital task at a time. Have emails to return? Allocate an hour to work exclusively on this to-do list item. Need to post a new blog entry? Pencil in a dedicated half hour. If you focus on one task a time and exclusively devote your energy and productivity to it for a set period, you’ll make a far bigger dent in your list of duties for the day.

Give yourself a curfew.

In the real estate business, the hours may seem never-ending, but if you don’t want to slow your productivity with fatigue, you’ve got to set some boundaries. Try setting up a digital curfew for yourself and put your phone away after a certain hour. Devote an hour or two before bedtime to time away from your computer and your phone—read a book, prep your lunch for the next day, or try a round of mindful meditation. Carve out space and time to disconnect from your technology and stick to the habit. By morning, you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in.

22

Mute social media notifications and create dedicated check-in times instead.

Instead of taking a reactionary approach to social media—waiting for the dings and pings that lure you back to your screen—try muting some of your social media alerts and instead dedicate three timed windows per day to check-in on your timelines and engagement. If you’re constantly interrupted at unexpected intervals when someone likes a post or leaves a comment, your whole workflow can be derailed. Instead, unchain yourself from the instant gratification of responding to every buzz and beep your phone emits. Systematize your professional social media life and you’ll stay organized and on task.

Keep your inbox organized.

While it may take some time and effort to create a sorting system for your email inbox, it can go a long way to limiting distractions and stress. Create folders and an organizational flow and every communication will have a place and a priority.

That way, when you open up your inbox and have to go digging for old emails or exchanges with past clients, you won’t have to waste time sorting or feel overwhelmed by the clutter. If everything has its place, you’ll have an unobstructed, streamlined canvass to conduct business from.

Digital distractions don’t have to derail your day or sap your productivity. Email, internet, social media—all are tools to be commanded. With the right planning, understanding, and consistent execution, you’ll be able to wield the power of each without the downside of distraction.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

JAMES LAFLEUR Born and raised in the Pontiac area, James Lafleur has always been drawn to real estate. His mother and brother were both brokers, and coming of age, he had an opportunity to learn the business from the ground up. After serving in corrections for more than a decade, he decided to join them and pursued his license in 2004. He hasn’t looked back since. Today, James is a Real Estate Broker with RE/MAX Direct, where he assists clients throughout the entire Pontiac and Gatineau regions. In his 17 years as a real estate professional, he has truly seen it all, from managing a tight-knit team with his family to later launching his own career as a solo broker, and along the way, he has established a network of satisfied buyers and sellers across Quebec.

When listing a home, James personalizes his approach to each client. Starting out, he assists them in developing a precise marketing strategy catered to their distinct needs. From there, he equips his sellers with a suite of resources, from home stagers to professional photographers, ensuring their house is fully prepared for the market. While broadcasting his listings over a series of targeted digital and social media campaigns, he also utilizes print advertisements in local newspapers like The Pontiac Journal, The Equity and The Aylmer Bulletin—all to give his clients an increased visibility in the region.

Elsewhere, James is just as committed to his buyers, leveraging his years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the Pontiac area to uncover the right home for their best interests. For his integrity and expertise, he has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Canada, with the vast majority of his volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. Having already completed 43 transactions in 2021, though, he remains focused on the values that brought his family to real estate in the first place. “Back when I got started, my mom told Top Agent Magazine

me to be honest and be yourself,” he says.

“As such, I don’t believe in telling clients what they want to hear; instead, I always tell them the way it is.”

Outside his career, James is deeply involved with his community. On top of providing regular donations to area food banks and Opération Enfant Soleil, he supports the fishing derby at his local fire department, along with a host of yearly events around the Pontiac. Drawing from his past experiences in corrections, he also sits on the board of directors for a substance abuse treatment facility in Ottawa. But when he’s not with clients or giving back, he enjoys spending quality time with his family or coaching youth sports in Gatineau.

Looking ahead, James has strong plans for the future of his business. With 2021 on pace to be a career year, he intends on further scaling the model of service to aid even more buyers and sellers throughout his beloved hometown. “I love showing clients what we can bring to their transaction,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s always nice to serve people in the area you know and the place you want to promote the most.”

For more about James Lafleur please call (819) 210-7372 email james.lafleur@videotron.ca, or visit jameslafleur.com www.

23 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

MATHAN MARKANDU In 2005, Mathan left his job at the time to start working in real estate full time as a Realtor®. He had long been interested in the home market, and was fascinated by the industry. He now works with Century 21 in Ontario and has become considered an elite agent in the area. Through a winning combination of excellent communication and attention to detail, Mathan has built a storied career as a real estate agent, and his reputation precedes him as a Top Producing agent in Canada.

In terms of communicating with clients, Mathan finds that building lasting relationships is incredibly important, as is consistent contact and honest communication.

Mathan’s team keeps themselves available to answer clients’ questions and help them solve problems, and they stick by their clients every step of the way. “Client connection is very important to us,” Mathan says.

“We work to ensure every single one of our clients’ needs is met.” Mathan stays in touch with past clients through personal visits, and his hands-on approach has led to the cultivation of a flourishing referral base. He currently gets 90% of his business from referrals and repeat clients.

As a native of Sri Lanka and a pillar of his local community, Mathan’s diverse experience within the world of real estate allows him to find solutions specific to his clients’ needs, regardless of the circumstances. Mathan is a real estate veteran with an unmatched depth of expertise, and through hard work and dedication, he gets consistent results for every client he works with.

Mathan’s connection with many different cultures around the world allows him to relate to many different people, and his adaptability makes him well-equipped to overcome any obstacle that might arise during a transaction. An incredibly versatile agent, Mathan finds a way to help people accomplish their goals no matter the circumstances, and he is a Realtor® you want on your side when buying or selling a home.

24

When it comes to his listings, Mathan uses professional photography and staging to highlight the best features of each home, then markets them extensively online through social media and the MLS to ensure they garner maximum exposure from buyers worldwide.

He also advertises locally to generate interest in the property closer to home.

Mathan stays busy helping many clients find success year after year, and looks forward to maintaining that high level of production in the years to come.

In his free time, Mathan loves traveling around the world and meeting all kinds of different people. He hopes to keep working hard, and focusing more on the seller side of things as he pushes the quality of his listings even further. For Mathan, though, the most important quality of a Realtor® is patience. “Patience is so vital to what we do,” he says. “Real estate can be incredibly complicated, and keeping a level head and taking measured responses to everything that’s happening helps keep both the agent and the client on track.” If you’re looking for a Realtor® who is both a reliable negotiator and a comforting presence during the transaction process, look no further than Mathan Markandu!

To contact Mathan call (416) 888-5730, email mathan7@gmail.com or visit mmhomes.ca for more informatioin. www.

Top Agent Magazine

4 Ways Mentoring Up-and-Coming Employees Makes You a Better Agent In the world of real estate, there are always new agents joining the ranks. Even if you’ve been practicing for just a few short years, you’ve likely learned your fair share of lesson along the way. As an agent, much of your working philosophy is derived from first-hand experience and your work on the ground. This means that new agents are less prepared for the inevitable curveballs of the industry. That’s where you come in.

While mentorship is often pitched as a relationship that solely benefits the mentee, there is actually plenty to be gained from becoming a mentor. After all, personal growth goes hand-in-hand with professional growth, and becoming a mentor asks agents to thoughtTop Agent Magazine

fully explore and demonstrate their own ideologies, practices, and rationale. With that in mind, take a look at some of the benefits of mentorship below, and you’ll get a sense of why counseling new agents can be a boon to your own business.

Teaching lessons to others reinforces your own professional values.

Showing the ropes to young agents is a great way to brush-up on your foundational skills.

Verbalizing and demonstrating processes, or walking through the rationale behind negotiation tactics—all cause mentors to think through their established practices and outline in detail why they’ve chosen this route over an

Top Agent Magazine

25

alternative. This helps older agents fine-tune their routines, while getting back in touch with the critical thinking that went into constructing those habits.

Mentorships allows you to see the big picture.

surely sharpen your ability as the head of a team. What’s more, you’ll be building skills of empathy, understanding, teaching, and constructive criticism. Working on those skills will better your practice and your ability to lead in your office.

After a lengthy industry tenure, it’s not uncommon for battle-worn agents to lose some steam and begin to burn out. By devoting some time to mentoring up-and-coming agents, you’ll get back in touch with your early days, remembering the excitement, the trials, and the hard lessons gleaned. Spending time with the next generation of real estate professionals can reinvigorate your practice, as seeing the business from the eyes of an eager amateur can inject energy into your working life.

You’ll benefit from seeing things from a new perspective.

Just as working with young agents can help you remember your career’s big picture, you may also benefit from working alongside someone with a new perspective. Young agents bring a different set of skills and awareness to their work, and established agents can benefit from a fresh take. If technology isn’t your strong suit, or you’re interested in tapping the Millennial homebuyer market, working with a younger agent is an excellent way to see through fresh eyes.

Mentoring young agents makes you a better leader.

As a mentor, you’ll often direct the flow of your professional relationship—figuring out which issues to tackle, making an agenda, and imparting lessons in a clear way. These are all characteristics of a leader, and acting in a position of authority as mentor can 26

While some may balk at the time commitment or energy required to take on a mentee or two, you might consider it an act of ongoing education or professional development. While your mentee will undoubtedly benefit from access to your expertise, there’s certainly much to be gained from taking the time to cultivate tomorrow’s real estate leaders.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

SHANTE SIDHU Shante Sidhu has always been one of those people who could find common ground with almost anyone. It’s one of the qualities that make her so effective in communicating with people to understand their goals and helping them get there.

“Whether someone is buying their first home or downsizing after retirement, it’s a huge event in their life,” Shante explains. “Being allowed to help them with that is a privilege that I take very seriously and personally.”

Even before she entered the real estate industry, Shante exercised her passion for helping people, honing her customer service delivery in hotel management for 10 years. During that same period she also worked with her father providing interior design and home staging services, eventually transitioning to a sales associate in new construction in 2014. Three years later she got her Realtor’s license, joining her business partner Solon Bucholtz with the Solon Real Estate Group of Royal LePage Wolstencroft.

Specializing in residential sales, Shante represents clients all over the Greater Vancouver area, primarily in the Fraser Valley and North and South Delta. An enviable 65 percent of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals, and the Solon Group has claimed a place among the Top 3 percent of all Realtors in their market, earning Royal LePage’s Diamond status. That success no doubt stems from the care Shante takes with her clients, with an approach that is both personal and effective in delivering results.

“I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people, which I believe is the most important part of our business. Once I understand their needs, we have a very dialed in process for our clients every step of the way. It ensures a smooth and stress-free transaction that ends in success, whatever the market. In the current market especially, it’s essential that both buyers and sellers have a plan.”

Top Agent Magazine

Prospective buyers and sellers can visit solonREG.com for a guide that will educate them on what to expect from their particular journey and the steps they need to take. Shante’s relationship with her clients doesn’t end when that journey is complete, however. She often meets them for coffee, bringing along something special for their children or their pets, catching up on how their family has grown. She also sends cards and little gifts like scratch-off lotto tickets on birthdays or anniversaries or holidays. And, of course, she’ll update them on market changes to let them know how they’ve done with their equity. www.

Shante and her husband are active in their community, attending many local events with their 4 children and supporting various local causes. Shante is a member of the Ishtar Women’s Resource Society, which is dedicated to preventing and ending abuse against women.

She also supports Mamas for Mamas and the Starfish Pack Program, both of which are aimed at helping mothers, caregivers, and children with poverty-related issues.

“I believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing home, so anything I can do in service to that is really important to me.”

Going forward, Shante plans to keep growing her business. Over the next five years, she’s also dedicated to developing more affordable housing for seniors, something sorely needed in her community.

Contact Shante at 604-803-0302 or email shante@solonREG.com 27 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

28

Top Agent Magazine