CANADA 12-3-18

CANADA EDITION

PLAYING THE REAL ESTATE COVER STORY

Andrew Stephens FEATURED AGENT

JASON THIBODEAU

Why Millennials Are Now

Small Yard?

Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces

6 WAYS TO GET YOUR CLIENT TO TRUST YOU

The Hottest Segment of the Buyers Market

CANADA EDITION

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ANDREW STEPHENS

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JASON THIBODEAU

Jason Thibodeau always had a passion for hospitality. Before his tenure as a Service Manager for the rail line connecting Halifax, Nova Scotia to Montreal, Quebec, he spent years honing his client service skillset. Then, eleven years ago, when he restored and sold a home, he discovered his love of real estate.

JASON THIBODEAU “That’s when I learned my true passion,” he remembers. “I fell in love with the business and with homes and general, and now it’s in my blood.” Four flipped homes later and with half a decade of experience behind him, Jason has crafted a sterling reputation for professionalism, enthusiasm, and an authentic commitment to his clients’ best interests.

CONTENTS 4) 5 MORNING HABITS TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PRODUCTIVE 6) SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

Thus far, Jason has worked with a variety of buyers and sellers, and relishes the opportunity to educate clients amidst the complex transactional process. Likewise, he understands mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com that those relocating to the area need more than assistance in No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. securing a home, but also need guided insight into the region Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of and its communities. “There are a lot of people I work with published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. who are new to the area, which is exciting for the both of us,” To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. he says. “I’m not just showing houses, but I’m also educating Published in the U.S. them and introducing them to different areas and neighborhood, making sure they find the right fit. I also work with a lot of firsttime homebuyers. It’s so fun to guide them through and explain all that can happen with a home overTop the Agent years. No matter what, Magazine you have to be honest in pointing out the good and the bad.”

Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068

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Today, Jason serves clients under the banner of Century 21 A & T Countryside Realty, Inc. There, he works in conjunction 6 WAYS TO GET YOUR with15) two other agents and an administrative lead, serving clients, within roughly an hour’s radius from central Moncton, New CLIENT TO TRUST YOU Brunswick. What’s more, Jason’s team earned the #1 rank in their office. Thus far, Jason has cemented an impressive track record derivesMILLENNIALS a significant contingent 19)andWHY AREof his business through referral clientele.

For his part, Jason cites a can-do attiNOW THE HOTTEST SEGMENT tude, communication, and authentic intentions as the motivating OFofTHE BUYERS factors his business.

“You MARKET have to be passionate about this business and really love what you do, because it’s a 24/7 career,” he explains. “As agents, it’s our job to cater to our clients, be accessible and available, and work with them on their schedule and with their priorities. I do all I can to make my clients’ lives easier while they go through the buying or selling process.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with 6

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods Top Agent Magazine

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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Andrew Stephens

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Andrew Stephens Top Agent Andrew Stephens of Exit Realty Metro in Halifax, Nova Scotia understands the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with his clients. This, coupled with his focus on providing excellent customer service, has resulted in a reputation as a Realtor who can be trusted to place his buyers and sellers needs front and center during every transaction.

Andrew’s entry into the world of real estate seems almost pre-ordained. The son of long10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

time, respected Realtor Sterling Stephens (the two work together, and Andrew credits his father as being an “amazing mentor”), Andrew attended the Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he represented that school’s Varsity Volleyball team for five years, and after graduating earned a spot with Team Canada Volleyball. “The sport taught me the importance of commitment, hard work and team effort,” he says. In 2014, Andrew followed in his father’s footsteps and obtained his real estate license.

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As one half of Team Stephens, the majority of Andrew’s business is based on repeat and referred clients, a sure indicator that he is providing the very best in customer service. When asked to account for this exceptional level of Top Agent Magazine

loyalty, Andrew grows pensive for a moment before replying. “I believe it’s because we have a mandate to make sure each client feels like our only client,” he says. “Our communication with our clients is excellent, and we do a lot of things 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

that go above and beyond what many other agents do.” Honesty is also a vital component in their approach. “I tell my clients the truth,” says Andrew. “I don’t tell them that their home is worth 400k if it’s only worth 350k. I think they really appreciate that in today’s world.”

will pop by their homes a couple of times a year just to say hello, or to see if they need anything.

We’ll send out emails, make phone calls, and do mailings. It’s pretty rare that we have a client that we haven’t spoken to within the last month or two.”

The relationships Andrew forms with his clients transcends the closing table, and personal friendships almost always ensue. “Staying in touch with all of our past clients is key for us, and we’ve actually become very good friends with a lot of our clientele,” he explains. “We

The gratitude his clients feel for his expert guidance is perhaps best illustrated by the glowing reviews Andrew has received, including this testimonial: “As first time home buyers we didn’t really know what to expect when navigating the real estate market. Andrew struck

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a great balance between offering advice on what would work best for us while giving us the freedom to explore what’s out there. When it came time to negotiate a purchase, Andrew’s expertise was invaluable. I highly recommend Team Stephens!”

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While many other agents might point to their paychecks as their favorite part of what they do, Andrew sincerely appreciates the more personal side of the industry. “I’m a true people person,” he says. “I feel like I’ve never really worked a day in this business, because I enjoy it so much.

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Buying or selling a house is a very exciting time in my client’s lives, and it’s exciting to help people go through that process. I particularly enjoy working with first-time home buyers.”

When he’s not working, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family, playing volleyball, and

golfing. He also enjoys doing renovations on his home during the summer.

Andrew’s plans for the future are fairly simple: to continue growing Team Stephens’ business, while sacrificing none of the top-notch client service that has become their calling card.

For more information about Andrew Stephens, please call 902-471-0795 or email Andrew@exitmetro.ca Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

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6 Ways to Get Your Client to Trust You The word “REALTOR®” can leave a sour taste in some people’s mouths. Many of today’s home buyers and sellers grew up during the 2009 recession. They are wary of anything Top Agent Magazine

or anyone who comes off as too salesy, and they want to work with individuals who they can trust.

But how do you prove to someone you’ve likely never met that you can be trusted?

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1

Put Testimonials or Case Studies on Your Website

When something goes wrong, own up to your mistakes. Don’t hide bad news from your clients. Be upfront and responsive.

Testimonials and case studies are social proof that you have both the experience and the skills to do the job your clients are hiring you for. People often leave testimonials when they are either incredibly disappointed or extremely happy with the service they were provided, so they’re a good indication to prospective clients of the treatment they’ll receive.

Case studies, which you can post on your blog or website, have much of the same effect, but even more than testimonials, case studies demonstrate your real estate and finance expertise because they explain how you achieved a specific set of results.

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Be Responsive and Accessible

Can your clients reach you easily? That doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7, but you should respond to your clients within a few hours of receiving their message. When agents don’t respond to their clients’ calls or emails for days on end or fail to provide them with a direct line of contact, their clients’ experience can quickly become frustrating.

Agents are busy but so are their clients. If you constantly show up late to or reschedule meetings, your clients won’t feel like their time is respected or their business is valued. Make sure you set a realistic schedule for yourself rather than spreading yourself too thin.

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Be Honest and Transparent

Sometimes you don’t have the answer to a client’s question. Be honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and the limits of your knowledge. A good response might be, “I don’t know, but I can find out.” Be transparent with your clients, and they’ll respect you for it.

You should always act in their best interest.

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4

Go the Extra Mile

If you do the bare minimum, that’s what your clients will remember. Their experience won’t be memorable, and they won’t gush about you in online testimonials or in real life to people they know who could use your services. It’s that simple.

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Put Yourself in Your Client’s Shoes

Clients understand that you need to earn money, but that doesn’t mean they want to feel like they’re just a dollar sign to you. Be empathetic to your client’s concerns, even if you’ve heard it all before. Your clients should know that you are there for them.

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Be Consistent

Being responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable shouldn’t be an act. If you “turn on” your personality for clients and then suddenly become a different person when they leave the room, it’s likely that the cracks in your mask will eventually become apparent.

But “faking it till you make it” is so common it’s become a cliché. When we are starting out, we don’t always have the systems or resources in place to create a smooth client journey, from onboarding to closing, so instead we constantly try to reinvent the wheel. Give yourself time to pause, slow down, and reevaluate your workflow. Creating systems creates

consistency, and those systems can and should be constantly updated.

Developing trust between you and your clients will take time, but doing these things can give you a running start.

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JASON THIBODEAU Jason Thibodeau always had a passion for hospitality. Before his tenure as a Service Manager for the rail line connecting Halifax, Nova Scotia to Montreal, Quebec, he spent years honing his client service skillset. Then, eleven years ago, when he restored and sold a home, he discovered his love of real estate.

“That’s when I learned my true passion,” he remembers. “I fell in love with the business and with homes and general, and now it’s in my blood.” Four flipped homes later and with half a decade of experience behind him, Jason has crafted a sterling reputation for professionalism, enthusiasm, and an authentic commitment to his clients’ best interests.

Today, Jason serves clients under the banner of Century 21 A & T Countryside Realty, Inc. There, he works in conjunction with two other agents and an administrative lead, serving clients, within roughly an hour’s radius from central Moncton, New Brunswick. What’s more, Jason’s team earned the #1 rank in their office. Thus far, Jason has cemented an impressive track record and derives a significant contingent of his business through referral clientele. For his part, Jason cites a can-do attitude, communication, and authentic intentions as the motivating factors of his business. “You have to be passionate about this business and really love what you do, because it’s a 24/7 career,” he explains. “As agents, it’s our job to cater to our clients, be accessible and available, and work with them on their schedule and with their priorities. I do all I can to make my clients’ lives easier while they go through the buying or selling process.”

Thus far, Jason has worked with a variety of buyers and sellers, and relishes the opportunity to educate clients amidst the complex transactional process. Likewise, he understands that those relocating to the area need more than assistance in securing a home, but also need guided insight into the region and its communities. “There are a lot of people I work with who are new to the area, which is exciting for the both of us,” he says. “I’m not just showing houses, but I’m also educating them and introducing them to different areas and neighborhood, making sure they find the right fit. I also work with a lot of firsttime homebuyers. It’s so fun to guide them through and explain all that can happen with a home over the years. No matter what, you have to be honest in pointing out the good and the bad.”

When it comes to the listing process, Jason understands the importance of a striking first impression. To begin, he ensures Top Agent Magazine

all properties are leveraged with high-quality photography, followed by wide-ranging exposure across the leading online listing platforms. “First impressions are so important, so you have to do it right and be as accurate and specific as possible,” he explains. “When we advertise the home, we make sure to highlight all its features. You have to impress people and keep them interested.”

To give back to his community, Jason and his team are contributors to the region’s SPCA. “We’re very big animal lovers in our office and it’s very important to us to give back in ways that are really needed on a daily basis,” he says. In his free hours beyond the office, Jason most enjoys taking advantage of Moncton’s local events, sports and entertainment, and outdoors, as well as visiting family back in his native Nova Scotia.

As for the future of his business, Jason shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. He plans to continue his steady upward trajectory, while adding new knowledge to his repertoire and serving more and more clients along the way. “I intend to keep growing and meeting new people,” he says. “The exciting thing about the real estate industry is that there’s always new things to learn—new situations, new products, new codes and laws, new people. Learning is one of the most important parts of this business, and you can never have too many new experiences. I love the variety of what I do and I thrive on a challenge. To me, the most important things are to cater to your clients and stay passionate. If you’re not passionate about what you do, you’re in the wrong business.”

To learn more about Jason Thibodeau email Jason.Thibodeau@Century21.ca, visit JasonThibodeau.com, call (506) 229 – 7304 www.

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Why Millennials Are Now the Hottest Segment of the Buyers Market

and How You Can Attract Them to Your Home There are many factors when it comes to knowing how to sell your home to the Millennial generation. Millennials are becoming an important part of the buyer market, and to fail to cater to their needs will cut you off from a large and important segment. But, why have Millennials all of a sudden become interested in buying houses when they were perfectly content to rent for the rest of their lives?

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A number of factors contribute to what has recently made Millennials the hottest segment of the Buyers market. One factor is the improved job outlook for Millennials. Millennials took a serious blow during the recession.

Unemployment in this group soared to 14 percent, compared to the 9.6 percent for the population as a whole. But, in recent years that number has been decreasing, with unemployment for Millennials being 9.3 percent this past year.

Rising rents are also contributing to making Millennials more interested in purchasing homes now. Rents have risen so much that buying a home now just makes more sense. Half of all renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Millennials are becoming increasingly stressed over the constantly increasing financial obligation to something that isn’t even theirs to own.

The near-historic low mortgage rates are luring Millennials towards purchasing a home with their promise of affordability. When compared with the skyrocketing rental rates, buying a house looks even more enticing.

Another factor helping Millennials get over the hump of purchasing a house is the lower down payment requirements. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now offering new loan programs that require as little as a 3 percent down payment. This may just be the last push the Millennials needed to turn toward buying a home rather than rent.

So, now that we’ve established that Millennials are finally joining the Buyers market, the next thing that it is important to understand is what exactly Millennials are looking for in a home. What kind of floorplans do they prefer? What locations are they interested in? Here are some of the essentials that Millennials are looking for in a home: • Updated Kitchens and Baths: Almost everyone wants to buy a

home with new kitchen and bath fixtures, but this is especially true for Millennials Buyers. Millennials are going to spend most of their savings on the down payment and furnishings, leaving little room to update the Kitchen and Bath, which are also the most expensive parts of a home to

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update. Millennials who are on a budget simply won’t have the money to sink into those areas. An updated Kitchen and Bath is sure to bring in a younger crowd.

• Big Kitchen with Open Floor Plan: For Millennials, the kitchen has

become the room where they hangout in addition to the family room. This is why having an open space that can transition easily from the kitchen to the TV room is high on the list of things Millennials are looking for in a home. Along a similar vein, Millennials are attracted to an open floor plan rather than one that compartmentalizes the home. This has to do with how Millennials entertain. Millennials want their guests to flow through the rooms and mingle together, rather than be sectioned off in different rooms.

• Home Office: More than 13 million Americans now work from home,

and if you look at the trend, that number is only going to increase as the time goes on. With technology steadily increasing, more Millennials than ever have the flexibility to work from home. But, the home office isn’t just for someone working from home full time. Having a separate space dedicated to work helps people concentrate and focus on work while they are at home. They can separate themselves from the activities going on around the house and have a quiet space where they can set up their workday, plan a presentation, hold a meeting on Skype, or even pay bills.

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• Less Maintenance: Many Millennials work different schedules that

don’t conform to the 9 to 5 workday, as well as full social calendars. This doesn’t leave them much time to clean a big house. Lawn services and low-maintenance front yards are particularly appealing, as they take less responsibility to still keep the curb appeal high.

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Millennials have been educated on

keeping the Earth clean from the time they were born. They want to do their part to help the environment and appreciate the long-term cost savings that come with it. Energy-efficient appliances and greener ways to heat and cool the home might end up being the tipping point that makes them choose one house over another.

• Hardwood Floors: Millennials don’t have the time or patience to clean

dirty carpets, especially those that own pets. Hardwood and laminate flooring is easy to mop up if there’s been a mess. The more time they can conserve, the better.

• Good Location: Millennial buyers are looking for homes that are in

proximity to public transportation and have a good walking score. Young Millennial buyers without children are more likely to want a location closer to the action of the city, while Millennials with children would prefer more residential areas.

• Technology: Technology rules the Millennial’s life. They do work on

their computers through an Internet connection and solely use cellphones for communication. They are going to ask about how strong the cell service is and about the Internet service provider. While these amenities are out of the seller’s hands, Millennials are still going to ask these questions, and you will need to know how to answer them.

Knowing what Millennials are looking for in a home will ultimately help you make the necessary changes that will attract these buyers to your home.

Since they are the a serious segment of the market now, updating your home to fit their needs will lead to more buyers and better offers. So, get with the times and embrace the Millennial buyer.

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Laughs!

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