CANADA 11-8-21

CANADA EDITION

CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS

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TIPS TO MAKE NEW HIRES A LONGLASTING SUCCESS

Modern Email Etiquette for

FEATURED AGENTS

BENOIT DESJARDINS BRAD HYDE CHARLES MORIN- CHARRON DYLAN WHITE & AMELIA ROBINSON LYNE DAOUST

COVER STORY

Today’s Agents EVERY PLAYER IS VALUABLE: HOW TO BOOST

YOUR TEAM'S MORALE

DANIEL BERGER

CANADA EDITION

BENOIT DESJARDINS

CHARLES BRAD HYDE

MORIN- CHARRON dins began his real estate For Brad, real estateBrokers comes to marketing, Benoit use are blazingWhen trails atitWhen value of exceptiona is morelike thanCharles a it comes to marketing, Brad 7 17 18 career, it’s a familythe legacy.

Growing utilizes a variety of21 methods any to reach vanguard of today’s real estate market. property at its , after owning a restau- up, both of his parents comprehensive approach ensu hadancareers in background in a engages to photog With extensive sales and the right buyer. Foremost, he designers, estate, and Brad always knew he’d a robust digital rolloutDepending for each listau for 25 years. “After real optimum on th real estate investment, Charles brings an ing. exposure. follow in their footsteps.

Tragically, Posts on his website and raphers, across a Charles s uncommon nuance wide range prestige listing while Brad level was of expertise and of realty sitesthis puta Brad’s I wanted to do some- his father passed away individual property, can includ studying for his REALTOR ’s license. After repeated frustrations listings right at a buyer’s fingertips, to the industry. photos and extensi Benoit recalls. “I like He took up his placewith professional videos and at his ads on multiple themother’s service from agents working his while boosted a social homepromotio lists, Cha side, helping her run the business in media platforms circulate video tours investment deals, Charles passed the rigorof methods to reac clients, spending time the wake of their loss. Since then, across social including that give media a homebuyer the feeling ofFaceboo ous trails course and licensed walking through the front door. engages di has blazed his own over theexam to become aInstagram, At a robust talking with them. My Brad andin his Google ads.

“Every prop agent, taking charge of his own transacacross a wide ran past ten years of helping clients sucthis point career, Brad’s marketDANIEL BERGER BENOIT BRAD HYDE CHARLES their transactions. ing efforts help him Iclose over fiftymedia tions.

Before long, friends in hiserty circleis ofdifferent, social platfo lot of rental property in cessfully navigate and plan my marketin DESJARDINS MORINCHARRON “I’m carrying on, keeping the family transactions a year. influence were lining up for realty assisright at a buyer’s fin LYNE DAOUST DYLAN WHITE & AMELIA ROBINSON know about real estate. according to the property,” Benoit say name alive,” Brad says. “It’s amaztance. “At a certain point, I found myself with a lot erate to local brokers to alert t ing to be a part of the excitement in who cares his Astheir a REALTOR up, Dylan helping also reach outmarket to considdemographic adsabout across a wide range In people a competitive market, you Iwant andWhen I they liketeamed properties, “The isBrad very good everywhe of clients.

I knew lovedansales and I loved real estate, their market, and for exceptio through the purchase community, has been a spon22 25 White and Amelia Robinson of their erable network of agents and social media platforms putting her ll agent with Lyne’s knowledgeability and just made a on choice to do this fulllocal time,” Charles collaborates with magazines lifetime, to and see the excitement possession sorright for hockey and curling rinks and athletic I went into now, but if you don’t do marketin already knewreal a greatestate.” deal about day, and potential buyers to promote ings right at the right buyer’s fingert integrity by your side.

Lyne started in the the joy and gratitude when you there get a deal remembers.

“From thingspavilions, really took off.”as donating toJoli Joli to reach thousands of r as well fundraisers for local peopleBenoit they wouldexcels be serv- done for the property.

Her your online marketing effortsnot are g co industry them.”as an agent’s assistant where she interest story,theand forinWhen your listings, clients will causes. he’s not working or giving back, Brad ing. They grew up with many plimented by a regular presence in lo gained behind-the-scenes experience and a enjoysEngel family & timeVölkers with his wifeWhen and twohe’s young boys, Today, Charles is acalling.

Broker It’s with not working, Charle clients achieve their as many offers.

The more offers you ge of them.

“We aren’t your real aver- Today,sense not hard to stay in touch and regional newspapers and magazin that real estate was her true Brad is a REALTOR with Boyes Group Realty golfing, camping, and playing hockey. Looking to Shore in Saskatchewan, Montreal. only twoBrad years asclosing, anWhenlicensed airplane pilot. He likes t preparing ahis home, oversees severalSouth years, she decided to make After age Realtors in that we aren’t Inc. inAfter with clients after the thethe future, plans to continue to grow busi-Lyne Martensville and Saskatoon, more money your clients will mak agent, over ninety-five percent of his business derives vacations and come back to serv ness, the building upon the momentum he has generated overleap fiftytopercent of his from given staging, photography, and other custo become an business agent inderives her own trying to draw more buyers into wherethe tight-knit commuDANIEL BERGER from andgreat referral clients.

He closed fifty deals and effective.

Looking to the futu with increasing hisBoth sales each By exploring new and referral Brad his atintegrity onthey the sale.” izedyear. considerations for presenting e “I knewclients. that Irepeat couldcredits be this, our market,” Dylan explains. repeatright. nities serve.

Dylan methods and always toset improve, ethic with creating foundation of and in more,” his first year aalone and has already finished on in the highest lux property at working its Brad best. hopes and I work wanted Lyne remembers.

“Like the rest of the people who and staunch Amelia talk seventy tostriving clients X, live Benoit serves the and to Rather take hisand business to a level of that will trustare as he guides his through the She’s been helping clients successfully here, we live a simple life DYLAN happy to help when they seetransaction them around town, are constantly transactions for the current year. than working theexcellence groundwork to establish a Y WHITE &clients AMELIA ROBINSON LYNE DAOUST process. Always going the extra mile, Brad is avail- leave a lasting legacy.

As ahe’ll real show estatefollowers professional who navigate transactions ever flourish in includan organic way. Our focustheir is in on reaching outsince. onarea, birthdays and other special occasions.

The results speak for themselves: ion our of town Quebec, only one specific Charles diversifies to serve inside thecafi able to his clients around the clock, making sure he about herbehind community, Lyneof has hel always providing a high-quality service for our friends They also host client events, and send little gifts on buyers and sellers in a variety of areas.

“Real estate and the scenes the rea their needs with the expediency required in a 2020, his first full year in real estat nd the surrounding area. meets organized local events, including Today, Lyne is an agent with Royal and neighbors.” holidays, such as when they distribute 100 pumpkins hot market. Brad’s service to his clients doesn’t stoppeople,” Charles explains. is about knowing the right exceptional growth and innovat Festival, forof many T & Associates in Val-d’Or, each Thanksgiving. close of Limoges a transaction.

He often follows up with had I’m a Western total volume 85years. business comes from at the Lepage CONTENTS “By having connections in many Benoit different places, in the industry, Charles is tran poise fall, she and her colleagues at Royal Lepage are g Quebec, where the prevalent gold mining industry Team Robinson-White brings a combined of phone calls22toyears see how enjoying their new betterthey’re ableactions. to of help clients relocate and find thepumpkins best was own Ryan Serhant; the sky is priz the In July 2021, Benoit among the Top 4 erralexperience clients,serving an impressive achievement ing out and organizing drawings and makes for a realty goldmine its own in a fast-paced and regular emails keep Bradaren’t top-of-mind forwith clients, Dylan and Amelia clients all overhome, the Greater Montreal If they working buyer for my sellers.” when pastSaint-Lazare clients consider their next move. about When she’s not working or giving back to her comm market.

Only in her third year as“It’s an agent, Lyne has area, with a particular focus on the Hudson, are often busy helping local foundations and charities 4) CONNECT BEYOND 19) MODERN EMAIL Brokers at RE/MAX Quebec. ates andthe trust and confidence Benoit themafter along, making comfortable, nity,active Lyneinenjoys already begun building athey’re strong referral base in very Vaudreuil area. Dylan becamehelping a Realtor earninsure one way or another.

They and are both their looking after her horses and giv REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT ETIQUETTE FOR and not pushing them into something they’re ready worked for years a sales con-theriding Looking to the future of her busin 2019 won the Royal LePage President’s Gold Award.

Incoach derstand that thedegree most important thing is ing a Bachelor’s in marketing, following in Having the community, as not well as as being sponsors for and thelessons. local to do,”2021, BradLyne explains.

“I always tell clients, I’minlike Lyne is laying has closed over $10 million sales volume sultant for various industries, Charles is uniquely footstepsFUTURE of his mother, who ignited his passion for the ater and various music festivals.

All of their marketing TODAY’S AGENTSisthe groundwork to grow her busin best friend, along to help youCommunity out, looking out for involvement is important to Benoit, an ervice to clients,” he CLIENTS says.a“In thesixty-seven restauexpanding from andhis is on track other to win the businesses, industry. Amelia has made herself the go-to broker positioned for transactions done to byhelp way of helping commu- her CRM to increase her con clients sell alocal home atwhile the highest things you might not see. When it comes time to negowith past clients a monthly basisand to let event them kn Diamond Prize by November. leases, acquisitions and sales of both commercial and nity events, or charitable causes.

Connect with Brad aton 306-270-6495 on the two assistants, hegetmarket. contributes to aofnumber of organizations if you want your client tiate to acome price, thenback, I’llprice go to fight to the bestWith deal onthe help she’s there for them.

As she begins to create her f residential properties.

Together they’ve built a reputaor email at bhyde@sasktel.net 14)a5king.

TIPSIt’s TOthe 23) IS care EVERY of his clientsPLAYER at every theMAKE house we find.” Charles endeavors to take fundraising to buy winter boots eat them like same thing Serving her clients in for aincluding high-turnover market, Lyne Dylan team, Lyne has started coats a family and business in the fo m tion for professionalism, dependability and generosity in As the future of their business, and Amelia step of the way, keeping open channels of communicaNEW HIRES A LONGHOW TO BOOST helps themclient consider plan the future value of VALUABLE: their home and always ing as her son will soon join her team as an assist the market they serve, and have achieved a repeat to keep doing what they’ve been doing, Copyright Topa Agent Magazine children intheGatineau. is also sommelier, and h tion. A self-described workaholic, CharlesBenoit will answer supports themforthrough every step of YOUR transaction Rounding theclicorner on her best year yet, L and referral business of 100SUCCESS percent, the sweet spot offering a professional and personal service to every LASTING TEAM'S MORALE phoneincluding day or night to ensure his clients are in the process with his services complimentary donates his timehome and expertise to fundraisers variou endeavors to maintain the high levelfor of care for e Realtors anywhere. ent with whom they work. loop.

“They know that I’m going to take care them evaluations.

“I help my clients figure out what are the Contact Robin Wilson at 847-207-1975 or email Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com clientofthat has been her For trademark of excellence @hobsonrealtors.com, information causes.

RE/MAX, Benoit alsomore contributes munication and patience set him apart.

“I like my that they can trust me, and bestcan investments tothey’re increase theown valuefamily, ofThrough their home longservice from day one.

“We never take on more clients than we handle,” altors.com please call 450-846 that to Children’s get dollarMiracle I can for them.” term,” Lyne explains.

“Ithe figure I’mevery not selling houses Dylan everything explains.

“That310-734-1440 allows us toclient,” give our effort to I’ll push Network. charles.morin-charron@en explain to the he says.

Phone | best Fax 310-734-1440 much I’m helping people.” Lyne’s service to her everyone we serve, educate them so thatsothey canasmake visit charlesmorin-charron a proposal, I take time to explain all the clients doesn’t stop close to of amarketing, transaction.Charles She mag@topagentmagazine.com | atwww.topagentmagazine.com When it the comes knows the good decisions, and walk them through the process stays in touch, checking in through organic interactions step of the way.” everything. Spending Inandwhatsoever the future, Benoit “Probably a few years clientevery understands No portion of this issue may beonreproduced anycards, manner without prior consentsays, of the publisher.

Top Agentin Magazine Facebook,inwith annual gifts to celebrate is published by Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken ensure published Top support would like buildtheaaccuracy teamofto givematerials, the best ts and taking ofFeature them, isand what’s a client’s dream-home anniversary.

Hertoto e-mailers When it comes care to marketing listings, that Amelia Dylan Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. provide market and home improvement tips assistdo their clients with staging theircome homes for the pro- updates my clients.

I want to give good service to my clients, s en you a job, they back.”

Togood subscribe or change address, send inquiry Lyne to mag@topagentmagazine.com. while keeping top-of-mind for when past clients fessional photographs the team will use to make buyers Published in the U.S. their an next move.before I build a team, I want to make sure a good structu fall in love with the property. He and consider Amelia have Contact Dylan at 514-816-1039 in-house design team and a media coordinator that preis in place to make all transactions easier for the client. s also appreciate his honesty and canor email dwhite@mmontreal.com. it comes pares2 each listing and markets it to all of When the social media to marketing, Lyne utilizes a variTop Agent Magazine Connect with Lyne at 819-860-6938 ety ofitas methods buyer.

She engages To right reach Amelia, call 514-962-7751 including Facebook and Instagram, well asto reach the ee a platforms, property with a client and is too or email lynedaoust@royallepage.ca a robust digital rollout for each listing with targeted®

®

®

www.

to the dedicated real estate websites. Dylan and Amelia

or email arobinson@mmontreal.com.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

to Attract Future Clients What kind of content are you sharing on your blog, website, and social media? Does most of it have something to do with buying or selling a home? While sharing the latest market information or tips on how to qualify for a mortgage, or when someone should buy or sell is important and demonstrates your value as a REALTOR®, it shouldn’t be the only subject you cover. If you only focus on real estate, you’ll be missing the chance to connect with future clients that might not be ready to move just yet. By sharing a lot

of industry-heavy content, you are only going to appeal to those who are currently in the market rather than a broad base of potential clients.

To pull in those other future clients you want to provide fresh, interesting content that will appeal to those possible future clients that aren’t quite ready to move yet. However, you also want to still tie this content back into your business goals.

So, how do you share content that will speak to a wider audience, but also still be relevant to your business?

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Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

The philanthropic work you do to support your community says a great deal about who you are as a person. Many people will be attracted to working with you because of the charitable works you are involved with. While you may be hesitant to share these efforts because you feel it may come across as bragging, you also need to remember that sharing information about the charitable organizations you support will actually help those organizations. Many of them have small marketing budgets, so any free exposure you can give them helps to promote their cause.

In fact, they want and need you to promote them.

And you can promote them without coming across as a braggart. Focus your content entirely on the organization. Talk about why you support them, how they help the community, and how others can also get involved. This turns what could have been bragging into something that benefits everyone. n

Your Local Community

We humans are connected to each other through our community – our local sports teams, parks, churches, schools, and much more. What better way is there to connect with people in your community than to talk about your community? Demonstrate that you are an expert on your community, and bring that community to your followers. Share information about a local event; perhaps even share the actual event through live-stream video. Interview city officials to get the low-down on the latest development project. Share information with your followers about things they didn’t know about their community. Consult with local historians or the historical society to share interesting information about your community that your followers will want to read. You could even turn it into a series of podcasts or videos. n

Use Your Creativity to Connect

Find creative ways to engage your followers on the topic of real estate. Try engaging your followers in an interactive project such as posting photos of interesting front doors. Doors are the entry point into our homes as well as our private lives. The way we adorn our front door can give someone a sense of our style and personality. Ask followers to submit photos and choose one to post each Friday. Make sure to watermark each photo with your logo at the bottom and include an inspirational quote that ties back to the importance of home. You could also ask your followers to provide a little story or caption to go along with the photo that tells something about them and their home. These kinds of projects are interesting and unique, and clearly connect back to your business. n

Share Your Hobbies

Are you an adrenalin junkie who has bungee jumped from some of the tallest bridges in the world? Are you a foodie that grows your own organic vegetables and fruit? Do you have a Top Agent Magazine

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secret passion for photography? Everyone has hobbies that they enjoy outside of work. When you look past the surface people become quite interesting. People also happen to find interesting people interesting, and tend to remember people based on their distinctive traits. We humans love discovering a person’s behind the scenes story, the mind behind the face. While you don’t want to talk too much about yourself, sharing pieces of your personal life and things that interest you can be a great way to connect with followers. By sharing interesting facts about your life, you will find that many followers will feel a strong, personal connection to you based on your hobbies and personal interests. n

Divulge Interesting Experiences

This is somewhat similar to the idea of sharing your hobbies. Sharing some of your more interesting personal experiences such as a fateful conversation with a stranger or an exciting adventure you had while in another country can be a great way to connect with followers as long as it also relates to some kind of life or business lesson. Talk about experiences you’ve had with clients or purchasing your own home. Experiences that relate to your business are great ways to connect with future clients in a manner that goes beyond the world of business. n

What and Who Inspires You

No matter what you’ve chosen to spend your life doing, you didn’t get there alone. You may have had a mentor that made a special impact on your life or someone already in the business that you looked up to and who perhaps inspired you to get into real estate. You may have found inspiration through a love of architecture or design. People want to know why others do the things they do. Sharing who or what influences you in your personal and business life is a great way to connect with followers. Recognizing that you didn’t get to where you are now by yourself shows humility, and talking about those people that had an influence on you shows others that you stay connected to the world and people around you.

Connecting with potential clients is something that is essential to any REALTOR’S® business. If you’re doing the work to create interesting blog posts and make those connections, you want to make sure that you’re sharing the right kind of content to draw in those future clients. It takes a lot more than simply providing the latest market news. To get the most out of what you share, you need to provide a wide array of interesting content

that will draw in a broad range of followers.

Providing the right kind of content can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with future clients and building the right kind of relationship with them right from the start. Connecting through your website or social media and sharing more than just real estate advice will help you build confidence and trust with future clients before you even meet them.

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DANIEL BERGER

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DANIEL BERGER “When you put clients first and you listen to them, they will come back to you because they will appreciate that you work for them and not for your pocket.”

An accomplished figure skater, Daniel Berger knows a thing or two about discipline and the hard work it takes to win gold. That’s why, when he decided to switch gears and start a career in the financial sector and then eventually 8

in real estate, he was prepared to work diligently in order to give his clients the highest level of service. Affiliated with Keller Williams Urbain, he currently assists buyers and sellers throughout Montreal.

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Daniel’s clients often praise him for going above and beyond their expectations, and his patience and determination to get them the very best deal never go unnoticed. “When you put clients first and you listen to them, they will come back to you because they will appreciate that you work for them and not for your pocket. I never push a transaction. I wait as long as it takes to find the place they’re going to be truly satisfied with.”

Building relationships and staying in Top Agent Magazine

touch with clients is a significant portion of Daniel’s job, and something he genuinely enjoys doing. “I love being with people, which is important in this line of work. I tell my team all the time that we’re so lucky to be doing this—we get to help people find their dream home! We get to help them move on to the next chapter of their life and be a witness to many happy tears. It’s extremely rewarding.”

When Daniel is not with clients or at the office, you can find him in Puerto Vallarta, 9

Mexico, where he loves to vacation and escape the dreary Québec winter. “I’ve set up my business in a way where I can do it virtually, and I have agents on the ground back home making sure that everything is running smoothly, and our clients get excellent care at all times.”

Figure skating continues to be an important part of Daniel’s life,

“I love being with people, which is important in this line of work. I tell my team all the time that we’re so lucky to be doing this – we get to help people find their dream home!”

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and in his spare time he volunteers as a judge. “I like to give back to figure skating because I believe I am who I am now thanks to everything that sport has taught me, including the ability to remain determined and keep going until you win.”

Daniel has managed to change many lives with his real estate work, including those of his agents. Milena Todaro, a real estate broker on his team, says of Daniel, “For someone who has achieved an elite level of success like Daniel has, the time and energy he spends on each and every single one of us to help us learn and develop into powerhouses of our Top Agent Magazine

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own, is a testament to his giving, mentoring, and nurturing nature. The legacy of Daniel, to us, is that of a man at the top of his success who had the heart to coach, nurture, and teach others to reach the same summit as him. When we attain

our goals and milestones, the pride that he has in us can not only be seen, but also truly felt. Daniel inspires and ignites us not only to believe, but also to achieve.

That, in my mind, is what makes Daniel Berger a Top Agent.”

To learn more about Daniel Berger call (514) 700–0015, email info@danielberger.ca, or visit danielberger.ca www.

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5 Tips to Make New Hires

a Long-lasting Success Bringing a new employee into the mix is process commonly known as onboarding. The idea behind onboarding is to make the transition from new hire to team member as efficient and pain-free as possible. However, polling shows that some 31% of entry-level and intermediate level hires leave their new posts within just six months of starting. The question is: why?

The hiring and training process is time-intensive and doesn’t come cheap. This means that making 14

a good match for the long haul requires more than just assessments of skill and personality. To ensure a talented new hire sticks around and is truly positioned for success, the onboarding process must be executed with the same care applied during hiring. For a few ideas on how to make the most of the onboarding process, consider the tenets below as you guide your new hire toward long-lasting success within your company.

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1. Be honest about the scope of the role

2. Build in some perks

Let’s say you’re looking to add a new buyers agent or loan processor to your team. You write up the position’s responsibilities, but neglect to mention that you want the new hire to handle a host of administrative tasks, as well. Maybe it doesn’t seem important enough to outline in detail, as it’s the sort of thing the rest of your does. Miscommunications like these are a leading reason why new hires leave their roles.

If there isn’t clarity and transparency about a position’s true responsibilities, then new hires may become quickly disillusioned and seek out greener pastures.

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While stocking the breakroom with bagels every Friday may seem like a small gesture, it’s often those little morale-boosting moves that build loyalty and comradery among the team. Bike-to-work incentives, subsidized gym memberships, and benefits that match the needs of your employees—all are ways to demonstrate appreciation and investment in your team.

Likewise, the right candidate will return the favor and invest his or her energies into their new role.

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3. Get a sense of big-picture career plans

4. Keep the lines of communication open

Another reason new hires move on may have nothing to do with you or your office. In fact, many hires in entry-level or even intermediate roles have doubts about their long-term vision.

That’s why it’s important to be upfront from the beginning regarding a candidate’s five-year plan and ultimate dream job. Maintain realistic expectations when asking these questions, but use it as an opportunity to gage a candidate’s seriousness about the real estate or mortgage industry. Why this line of work over another?

Emphasizing industry longevity and career growth during the interview process can save you drama down the road.

Take a proactive approach in communicating with your new hire. Take time to check in regularly during the first six months of his or her addition. If you can, make time to train new hires yourself—if only for a part of the onboarding process. You’ll forge a deeper professional bond and create an avenue for further questions. All in all, make it clear that you’re personally invested in their presence and talents, and that you care what they have to say. That way, if any issues or doubts arise, you can stay on top of it and work out a solution, rather than lose a new employee.

5. Give new hires meaningful work to do It’s natural to keep the kid-gloves on with new hires, but don’t let that stop you from giving them a chance to shine. New team members will feel empowered and motivated if given meaningful projects to focus on. Don’t relegate their daily duties to busy work as they build experience.

Instead, task new teammates with something challenging, or that draws on a specific skill you hired them for. You’ll instill confidence, demonstrate your commitment to their growth, and with any luck—keep them around for the long haul.

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BENOIT DESJARDINS Benoit Desjardins began his real estate career in 2019, after owning a restaurant in Gatineau for 25 years. “After the restaurant, I wanted to do something else,” Benoit recalls. “I like working with clients, spending time with them and talking with them. My father owned a lot of rental property in Gatineau, so I know about real estate.

I like people, and I like properties, so that’s why I went into real estate.”

The rest is history, and Benoit excels at helping his clients achieve their real estate goals.

With RE/MAX, Benoit serves the Outaouais region of Quebec, including Gatineau and the surrounding area.

Much of his business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive achievement that demonstrates the trust and confidence Benoit inspires. “I understand that the most important thing is to give good service to clients,” he says. “In the restaurant business, if you want your client to come back, you have to treat them like a king. It’s the same thing in real estate.”

Benoit’s communication and patience set him apart. “I go through and explain everything to the client,” he says.

“When I make a proposal, I take time to explain all the terms so the client understands everything. Spending time with clients and taking care of them, that is what’s important. When you do a good job, they come back.”

Benoit’s clients also appreciate his honesty and candor. “If I go see a property with a client and it is too expensive, I will tell my client that. A property is a big investment, a life investment, and so I need to be honest with my clients. I don’t work for my commission, I work for my clients.”

When it comes to marketing, Benoit uses a comprehensive approach to ensure optimum exposure. Depending on the individual property, this can include professional videos and promotion across social media including Facebook, Instagram, and Google ads. “Every property is different, and I plan my marketing according to the property,” Benoit says.

“The market is very good everywhere right now, but if you don’t do marketing for your listings, your clients will not get as many offers. The more offers you get, the more money your clients will make on the sale.”

The results speak for themselves: in 2020, his first full year in real estate, Benoit had a total volume of 85 transactions. In July 2021, Benoit was among the Top 40 Brokers at RE/MAX Quebec.

Community involvement is important to Benoit, and he contributes to a number of organizations and events, including fundraising to buy winter coats and boots for children in Gatineau. Benoit is also a sommelier, and he donates his time and expertise to fundraisers for various causes. Through RE/MAX, Benoit also contributes to the Children’s Miracle Network.

In the future, Benoit says, “Probably in a few years I would like to build a team to give the best support to my clients. I want to give good service to my clients, so before I build a team, I want to make sure a good structure is in place to make all transactions easier for the client.”

Above all, Benoit looks forward to continuing to serve his clients. “When you give good service, everything is easier for the client,” Benoit says. “Nothing is more important than taking care of the client.”

To find out more about Benoit Desjardins, please call 819-743-7580, email benoit@benoitdesjardins.com, or visit benoitdesjardins.com https://

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BRAD HYDE For Brad, real estate is more than a career, it’s a family legacy. Growing up, both of his parents had careers in real estate, and Brad always knew he’d follow in their footsteps. Tragically, his father passed away while Brad was studying for his REALTOR®’s license.

He took up his place at his mother’s side, helping her run the business in the wake of their loss. Since then, Brad has blazed his own trails over the past ten years of helping clients successfully navigate their transactions.

“I’m carrying on, keeping the family name alive,” Brad says. “It’s amazing to be a part of the excitement in helping people through the purchase of their lifetime, to see the excitement on possession day, and the joy and gratitude when you get a deal done for them.”

Today, Brad is a REALTOR® with Boyes Group Realty Inc. in Martensville and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where over fifty percent of his business derives from repeat and referral clients. Brad credits his integrity and staunch work ethic with creating a foundation of trust as he guides his clients through the transaction process. Always going the extra mile, Brad is available to his clients around the clock, making sure he meets their needs with the expediency required in a hot market. Brad’s service to his clients doesn’t stop at the close of a transaction. He often follows up with phone calls to see how they’re enjoying their new home, and regular emails keep Brad top-of-mind for when past clients consider their next move. “It’s about helping them along, making sure they’re comfortable, and not pushing them into something they’re not ready to do,” Brad explains. “I always tell clients, I’m like a best friend, along to help you out, looking out for things you might not see. When it comes time to negotiate a price, then I’ll go to fight to get the best deal on the house we find.”

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When it comes to marketing, Brad utilizes a variety of methods to reach the right buyer. Foremost, he engages a robust digital rollout for each listing. Posts on his website and across a wide range of realty sites put Brad’s listings right at a buyer’s fingertips, while boosted ads on multiple social media platforms circulate video tours that give a homebuyer the feeling of walking through the front door. At this point in his career, Brad’s marketing efforts help him close over fifty transactions a year.

As a REALTOR® who cares about his community, Brad has been a sponsor for local hockey and curling rinks and athletic pavilions, as well as donating to fundraisers for local causes. When he’s not working or giving back, Brad enjoys family time with his wife and two young boys, golfing, camping, and playing hockey. Looking to the future, Brad plans to continue to grow his business, building upon the momentum he has generated with increasing his sales each year. By exploring new methods and always striving to improve, Brad hopes to take his business to a level of excellence that will leave a lasting legacy.

Connect with Brad at 306-270-6495 or email at bhyde@sasktel.net Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts. As a real estate agent or a loan officer, how do you stand apart from the noise? What’s more, how do you stay relevant in a digital landscape that’s constantly changing?

For starters, there are a few timeless techniques you can apply to up your skillset when it comes email and digital communication: asking questions that Top Agent Magazine

inspire conversation, politeness, and following up regularly—to name a few. Likewise, there are surely new tricks you can add to your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s outline a few ways you can refine and update your email etiquette to compete in today’s virtual marketplace.

Make your subject line count Too often, we labor over the content of our emails without giving much thought to subject lines.

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Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity.

However, these little headlines can go a long way in luring the consumer to open your email and ultimately click through to your website in search for your services. An enticing subject line should be short and sweet, ideally less than fifty characters.

You might also include the name of the recipient, and be up front (though concise) about the subject matter of your message. Remember: the first thing a client will see is your name and subject line—be sure to make this prime real estate shine.

Think mobile Research tells us that 79% of Americans check their phones within fifteen minutes of waking up. In fact, much of modern day correspondence occurs by smartphone. Accordingly, you’ll want to account for email readability on a mobile phone.

For instance, incorporating paragraph breaks for each new thought allows information to be parceled out in a palatable way for readers utilizing small screens. Also, any sort of graphic flair or links within your email should be shortened and streamlined for mobile consumption. Send yourself an email every now and again and access it from your phone—you’ll be able to double-check that all the elements of your emails are working well on a mobile platform.

Incorporate email tools There are excellent tools out there to enhance your email experience. With just a quick download, 20

you can add spellcheck, a URL address shortening feature, or a delay option that holds emails for thirty seconds before they’re sent. Think about the possibilities! Haven’t you sent an email without including the attachment you intended, or realizing you sent correspondence to the wrong client? If that’s the case, a delay feature can help you save face and build in a window for error— just in case. Regardless of which tools speak to your email habits, there are plenty of add-ons out there that can revamp your digital correspondence style.

Use email to maximize your online presence These days, there are plenty of ways to communicate—email, text, phone, apps, and social media.

When you interact through email, consider it an opportunity to invite your client to follow you elsewhere online. Ensure that your email signature includes unobtrusive, streamlined links to your social media accounts, professional website, or review page. This will build in an opportunity for clients to engage with your brand, and you may even add an online follower for the long term.

Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. Keep these approaches in mind as you reenergize your email technique and fortify your communication in the digital era.

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CHARLES MORIN- CHARRON Brokers like Charles are blazing trails at the vanguard of today’s real estate market.

With an extensive background in sales and real estate investment, Charles brings an uncommon level of expertise and nuance to the industry. After repeated frustrations with the service from agents working his investment deals, Charles passed the rigorous course and exam to become a licensed agent, taking charge of his own transactions. Before long, friends in his circle of influence were lining up for realty assistance. “At a certain point, I found myself with a lot of clients. I knew I loved sales and I loved real estate, and just made a choice to do this full time,” Charles remembers. “From there things really took off.”

value of exceptional production to present any property at its best. Partnering with designers, photographers, and videographers, Charles stages each home for a prestige listing with Pinterest-perfect photos and extensive video content. Once a home lists, Charles utilizes a variety of methods to reach the right buyer. He engages a robust digital rollout with posts across a wide range of realty sites and social media platforms placing his listings right at a buyer’s fingertips. Mailers proliferate to local brokers to alert them to a new home in their market, and for exceptional properties, Charles collaborates with magazines like Montreal’s popular Joli Joli to reach thousands of readers.

Today, Charles is a Broker with Engel & Völkers South Shore in Montreal. After only two years as an agent, over ninety-five percent of his business derives from repeat and referral clients. He closed fifty deals in his first year alone and has already finished seventy transactions for the current year. Rather than working in only one specific area, Charles diversifies to serve buyers and sellers in a variety of areas. “Real estate is about knowing the right people,” Charles explains.

“By having connections in many different places, I’m better able to help clients relocate and find the best buyer for my sellers.”

When he’s not working, Charles takes to the sky as a licensed airplane pilot. He likes to recharge with quarterly vacations and come back to serving his clients refreshed and effective. Looking to the future, Charles has his sights set on working in the highest luxury market. He is laying the groundwork to establish a YouTube channel where he’ll show followers inside the finest homes in Montreal and behind the scenes of the real estate world. With such exceptional growth and innovation after only two years in the industry, Charles is poised to become Montreal’s own Ryan Serhant; the sky is the limit.

Having worked for years as a sales coach and consultant for various industries, Charles is uniquely positioned to help his clients sell a home at the highest price on the market. With the help of two assistants, Charles endeavors to take care of his clients at every step of the way, keeping open channels of communication. A self-described workaholic, Charles will answer his phone day or night to ensure his clients are in the loop. “They know that I’m going to take care of them like they’re my own family, that they can trust me, and that I’ll push to get every dollar I can for them.”

When it comes to marketing, Charles knows the Top Agent Magazine

For more information about Charles please call 450-846-2192, email charles.morin-charron@engelvoelkers.com or visit charlesmorin-charron.evrealestate.com www.

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DYLAN WHITE & AMELIA ROBINSON When they teamed up, Dylan White and Amelia Robinson already knew a great deal about the people they would be serving. They grew up with many of them. “We aren’t your average Realtors in that we aren’t trying to draw more buyers into our market,” Dylan explains.

“Like the rest of the people who live here, we live a simple life and are happy to help our town flourish in an organic way. Our focus is on always providing a high-quality service for our friends and neighbors.”

Team Robinson-White brings a combined 22 years of experience serving clients all over the Greater Montreal area, with a particular focus on the Hudson, Saint-Lazare and Vaudreuil area. Dylan became a Realtor after earning a Bachelor’s degree in marketing, following in the footsteps of his mother, who ignited his passion for the industry. Amelia has made herself the go-to broker for leases, acquisitions and sales of both commercial and residential properties. Together they’ve built a reputation for professionalism, dependability and generosity in the market they serve, and have achieved a repeat client and referral business of 100 percent, the sweet spot for Realtors anywhere.

also reach out to their considerable network of agents and potential buyers to promote interest in the property.

It’s not hard to stay in touch with clients after the closing, given the tight-knit communities they serve. Both Dylan and Amelia talk to clients when they see them around town, and are constantly reaching out on birthdays and other special occasions.

They also host client events, and send little gifts on holidays, such as when they distribute 100 pumpkins each Thanksgiving.

If they aren’t working with clients, Dylan and Amelia are often busy helping local foundations and charities in one way or another. They are both very active in their community, as well as being sponsors for the local theater and various music festivals. All of their marketing is done by way of helping other local businesses, community events, or charitable causes.

As for the future of their business, Dylan and Amelia plan to keep doing what they’ve always been doing, offering a professional and personal service to every client with whom they work.

“We never take on more clients than we can handle,” Dylan explains. “That allows us to give our best effort to everyone we serve, educate them so that they can make good decisions, and walk them through the process every step of the way.”

When it comes to marketing listings, Amelia and Dylan assist their clients with staging their homes for the professional photographs the team will use to make buyers fall in love with the property. He and Amelia have an in-house design team and a media coordinator that prepares each listing and markets it to all of the social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, as well as to the dedicated real estate websites. Dylan and Amelia 22

Contact Dylan at 514-816-1039 or email dwhite@mmontreal.com.

To reach Amelia, call 514-962-7751 or email arobinson@mmontreal.com.

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Every Player is Valuable: How to Boost Your Team’s Morale In the fast-paced world of real estate, it can be easy to overlook the contributions of those lower-level employees who are instrumental in our success, yet are overlooked when it comes to recognizing the important roles they play in keeping our business operating smoothly.

Even a task that seems simple, such as answering phones, can be overwhelming at Top Agent Magazine

times. Letting these employees know that they are appreciated is something that often goes overlooked at busier companies, and can often result in impaired morale overall, as employee dissatisfaction tends to be contagious.

Here are some things that you can do to increase morale and productivity in your workplace: 23

While it’s important to point out when an employee is doing something wrong, it is equally – if not more – important to acknowledge when that employee is doing something right.

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While it’s important to point out when an employee is doing something wrong, and sometimes to reprimand, it is equally – if not more – important to acknowledge when that employee is doing something right. Even a simple compliment can go a long, long way towards building that employee’s morale, and therefore their willingness to go the extra mile for your team.

An example: “Sally, I just heard you on the phone with that client. You sounded very professional and I really appreciate your representing our business that way.”

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Determine what all of your employee’s goals are, and what their expectations for growth might be. There may be lower level employees who are perfectly content doing what they’re doing, and who have absolutely no expectations for growth in your business. Others, however, may have an interest in moving up the ladder. Make it your business to determine this early on, and try to take a personal interest in your employee’s growth with your company. Knowing there is room to grow is an important factor in employee satisfaction, and knowing who wants to grow and who

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doesn’t is something you should be aware of. Groom from within, and your employees will be grateful and work harder.

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If your workplace is highly stratified, with multiple levels of employees (agents, senior agents, loan processers, assistants, etc.,) make an effort to ensure that everyone feels valued as part of the team regardless of what they earn. Various team building exercises that encourage trust and a sense of familiarity can go a long way towards fostering an environment that is less unnecessarily competitive and more productive and cooperative. A quick web search for “Trust Building Exercises” will help you locate many good ways to achieve a newfound level of camaraderie amongst your team. Many of them are quite a bit of fun, too.

Hopefully these tips will assist you in creating a better-functioning, higher-achieving team of motivated, caring employees.

Remember, a chain is only as strong as the weakest link, so be sure to keep everyone feeling appreciated, supported and valued, and your company will only benefit.

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LYNE DAOUST In a competitive market, you want an agent with Lyne’s knowledgeability and integrity by your side. Lyne started in the industry as an agent’s assistant where she gained behind-the-scenes experience and a sense that real estate was her true calling.

After several years, she decided to make the leap to become an agent in her own right. “I knew that I could be great at this, and I wanted more,” Lyne remembers.

She’s been helping clients successfully navigate their transactions ever since.

Today, Lyne is an agent with Royal Lepage Limoges & Associates in Val-d’Or, Quebec, where the prevalent gold mining industry makes for a realty goldmine of its own in a fast-paced market. Only in her third year as an agent, Lyne has already begun building a strong referral base and in 2019 won the Royal LePage President’s Gold Award. In 2021, Lyne has closed over $10 million in sales volume from sixty-seven transactions and is on track to win the Diamond Prize by November.

Serving her clients in a high-turnover market, Lyne helps them consider the future value of their home and supports them through every step of the transaction process with services including complimentary home evaluations. “I help my clients figure out what are the best investments to increase the value of their home longterm,” Lyne explains. “I figure I’m not selling houses so much as I’m helping people.” Lyne’s service to her clients doesn’t stop at the close of a transaction. She stays in touch, checking in through organic interactions on Facebook, with cards, and annual gifts to celebrate a client’s dream-home anniversary. Her e-mailers provide market updates and home improvement tips while keeping Lyne top-of-mind for when past clients consider their next move.

When it comes to marketing, Lyne utilizes a variety of methods to reach the right buyer. She engages a robust digital rollout for each listing with targetedTop Agent Magazine

demographic ads across a wide range of social media platforms putting her listings right at the right buyer’s fingertips.

Her online marketing efforts are complimented by a regular presence in local and regional newspapers and magazines.

When preparing a home, Lyne oversees all staging, photography, and other customized considerations for presenting each property at its best.

As a real estate professional who cares about her community, Lyne has helped organized local events, including the Western Festival, for many years. This fall, she and her colleagues at Royal Lepage are giving out pumpkins and organizing drawings and prizes.

When she’s not working or giving back to her community, Lyne enjoys looking after her horses and giving riding lessons. Looking to the future of her business, Lyne is laying the groundwork to grow her business while expanding her CRM to increase her contact with past clients on a monthly basis to let them know she’s there for them. As she begins to create her first team, Lyne has started a family business in the making as her son will soon join her team as an assistant.

Rounding the corner on her best year yet, Lyne endeavors to maintain the high level of care for each client that has been her trademark of excellence in service from day one.

Connect with Lyne at 819-860-6938 or email lynedaoust@royallepage.ca Copyright Top Agent Magazine 25

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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