CANADA 8-1-22

CANADA EDITION

7

SIMPLE TIPS THAT ARE PROVEN TO

6 HABITS

OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE AGENTS

HELP YOU STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION

Connect Beyond

FEATURED AGENTS

RENATO DALL'AVA ERIC FRENETTE CHUCKS OKAFOR JOANNE PULLIN KARLEE WICK LUC JOLY NATHAN LUU VINCE OLIVERIO

REAL ESTATE

To Attract Future Clients

COVER STORY

CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU

STÉPHANE BISSON

CANADA EDITION

ERIC FRENETTE CHUCKS OKAFOR JOANNE PULLIN

ENATO DALL'AVA Likean many REALTORS who come to the bree platforms. marketcutter cks Okafor of Calgary, Alberta, brings 5 9“I have 19 excellent 25 26 styl business as a second career, Joanne Pullin port ing team (Cemiar) to support me when has a great backstory to go with her varied vari and forem drive and ambition of a professional it is time to showcase a was property and skill set. She in the advertising business clos advisor afo te and his inherited,findinsider knowlboth buyers Renatowith a number for and many sellers,” years and worked rar as clients. She also had a of REALTORS and He creates an individualized on the end of the real estate explains. industry to caninethe boarding and daycare business until ing plan for each home he lists, advertising COVID-19 hit and more people started them both as a wing markets in and itaround Calgary. in ways that will maximize its reach. staying and working at home. So, the idea day of getting her real estate license intrigued “If I Completing over 30my transactions each WICK Sotheby’s wingRENATO up,KARLEE I would always go to NATHAN LUU VINCE OLIVERIO her.

That was a year-and-a-half ago and, find LUC DALL'AVA STEPHANE BISSON ERIC CHUCKS OKAFOR JOANNE PULLIN year, with his JOLY goal ofFRENETTE completing 100 well, when you have a base that includes range fro nts’ law firm, where part their pracin theof next twoone to three years, ered the youth baseball and Renato hockey.

Lately, client whoisn’t has already givenfind youmy three “I’m ® ng resident of Quebec, Luc Joly has to simply clients a house,” he Calgary REALTOR Vince Oliverio is the me resident of Alberta, Nathan and social media is undoubtedly engaging in all the best as a solo she has been organizing events to get 29 30 33 34 listings, you’re doing pretty darn well. phon catering s is real estate law, to help out with been drawn to real estate.

Heinfirst says.

“Instead, I’m searching for a properthe peoplepeople business.

He first came to followsay said with a laugh, strategies. had the reconnected in person been passionate about “II might clientsrelocation a nationw ntoalways the industry back in the documents. early that theybutcan home—a bewhen a ty new agent I’mcall not their new at negotiat- place for my clients.peo Ib rwork and filing was that realization in 2013 he wasHer lients in ing pandemic restrictions. events when he developed an investment where they can further their life or raise ing.

I managed residential homes for individuals with really good negoti ate.

After During earning degree tlyof to alleRenato’s free time,custom he can be found playing golf, a his full time home and in include an Easter egg hunt kids the property to think I’m open ys fascinated real estate, architecdisabilities forbuilder 23 years andfor thatthe included ockyview seven propertiesby throughout their family.” hisbusibuyers with his wife to their in up, theofPhilippines, omics fromtraveling University of Over think thetheyyears, management the houses, I knowcoma lot about different want to noticed that many of the buyers needed hap in and condo coming coffee forso your aouais.

Inspired bythe this opportuWhen aske design – the lifestyle, the opportuniissues that loves will come up. I was a contractor for my own say what’s in their works as a or visiting family in Europe.

He also spending help selling their homes.

Seeing a way ter gearn to munity during the Calgary Stampede. hehelp would onthetoground build a sucfantastic reputat the businessgo from Over the years, Luc has garnered a fanhome, so I know the procedure on how to build your own stand by – their be edof todecided build every free moment with his daughter. exponential growth, C –ater course I was focused on being a professional meteoric Most events she puts on with her team to pursue his dream tastic reputation across the Quebec reto help his customers, Vince obtained gra career financial sphere; home and getting all the permits and things like that,” evidenced by hi selling andin the. Since said Joanne, a solo agent with eXp Realty in Nova Scotia, To that end, Joan then, he ming a REALTOR gion, with the near entirety of his volume circumusually include something for the whole his real estate andmy started sellimportance of “buying ball player, but I knew that as soon as time in KARLEE WICK LUClicense JOLY NATHAN LUU VINCE OLIVERIO With access to EXP Realty’s team-oriented culture, r, over time, he found himself clients and refer Canada, where she covers Halifax and its suburbs.

“I had drop-by cal as avisits, REAL Becoming an entrepreneur dream e onbeen to establish strong roots in thehouses coming fromwas repeat clients aand referrals. has family.

When not helping out aalways local ing part time while he continued Ou aover lot of the different experiences and whenit I came in, I his dealt family certificates, even fc he plans to grow exponentially coming years. with CFL came to ansatisfied end, Ibuild would pivot.” building a network of cliThrough it all, he remains focused on the a new opportunity that betcontinues toand serv organization, Karlee and her family for Eric Frenette.

He decided to make that a rebilingual with some commercial as well and my accounting backing a personal toui to houses full time.

Since then, he stcolleagues majoritythat spans “Eventually, I would to focus more on coaching CONTENTS Montreal’s North love Shore. vision of boutique service that has consistently set him ground has provenhe useful for understanding the purchase key.to And that start like to camp, bike, hang out with famI want to grow the busi ke to his approachable gu ality in 2020 when earned his real estate liwork w his agents real spirit. estate business has grown and wif ferrals.

He entrepreneurial and sponsoring to help them grow and become apart.

“Our business comes down to advising clients and sales of businesses.

I am familiar with a large geoexcellent photogra fig- 4) CREATIVE WAYS ily turned friends,–and immerse themselves in TO 22) 6conHABITS OF HIGHLY tables have hea is now sellofba nships that successful inthe this field.”

Along the way, he will cense.

Personable, empathetic and hardworkgraphic area of Nova Scotia, and for many buyers they ing, the ,einghe decided to pursue his real ing integrity abo egate some work, November of 2018, Chucks became licensed Luc is a Residential Real Estate Broker with to the best of our ability, but I would never want to to get hire chose nature in Kananaskis .

SAY THANK YOU PRODUCTIVE AGENTS appreciate working with has an who will cover more up the staginghim cos ways enjoying hishouses work.

“I have a lotOne of gratitude foragent ing full time. thing ePage,deterwhere assists clients throughout the discourage them.

While identifying anyServing potential is® hetinue ing, Eric soon reached great heights.

With a In gro cense, leveraging his strong busimaintaining and charity. , and within four short years he’s to LTOR she hit than one area.

Therisen advertising industryfamily helped me in build already has her eya ust focused it’s absolutely rewarding fora me to make 7 my SIMPLE TIPSremained THAT ARE consistent, PROVEN 27) ISthat BRANDING THE WAY TO TAKE however, and oth is and North7)Shore ofclients, Montreal.

Combining his sues with property, I also provide my clients with the relationships withtime, thearea service that take care of the greater Moncton inindustries New Brunswick, rals, it’s c ch pasNot one to waste Karlee is well umen and background in finance with our clients, TOluxury HELP STAYestate AHEAD OF YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL? nships with themYOU happy.” rently op the real market.

“I’ve und of with investment properties and construcsolutions theybeen need toforkeep moving forward.” residential homes.

I referred these professionals toVice both President “My future is toof heo is putting people first.

“I don’t work as THE COMPETITION he finds joy in helping people achieve their vice and re construction and land into her future plans.

She has already expanded her row in network the for client and other realtors.

I love learning and, inathis whycomes I am successf hish his penchant service, he has devel- my clients a of satisfied clients lease up 31) UNCOMMON CONTACT: a transaction-based business,” he says. for Our tenets include e.

Basically all my business isthree. from she suddenly lost her of company to any aESTATE team of She now has the chance business, there is referrals always something new and different to them under me,pr s“ real estate dreams.

An expert in his field, Eric explains. honest and16) CONNECT expert workflow to meet the demands of Outside of real estate, Luc is dedicated to his commuBEYOND REAL CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE “It’s not about closing a deal.

It’s about ensuring that he says.

“I don’t ns the region. side steps back i deal with.

Problem solving is great fun, and there is a their own agent,” cumb to the orreal do FUTURE togrowth, put in offers place systems that will helpmy herSOCIAL serve a tostep TOloss ATTRACT CLIENTS THROUGH MEDIA each torship for underprivil saking been phenomenal and I’ve doubled on—from residential estate to vacant land. nity, supporting Operation Red Nose fund youth guidance and support at every of est possibl solution to almost everything.” have a team.

As an clients are happy with the decisions they make.” call mythem own at th update on er growing demand of clients based on referrals.

She hefather’s attends memory. “I the and amateur sports throughout the year.

When he’s not up my identity und the transaction, which alleviates his clients’ pact.”

One fifty students, and this uction since June ofwilllast year.

The notoriety helps, ing sports prob bout aa hisyear and aAssociate half “continue toJoanne work some future is towards quite involved insurrounding thebig Halifax community even people do.isBut to perty’s sting property, is there forBroker his clients with clients or giving back, he can be found hitting 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 Nathan isPhone an Luc with the Hope their property.

Th stress.

Making the process as enjoyable and ly staying beyond helping clients achieve their dreams.

As a dog to go down the roa One thing Vince’s customers can look forward to is his would do otherw er of in real estate, truly, plans, ensuring to meet andskating, exceed thebiking—enjoying needs dents in our program, being part of Sotheby’s International Realty has nvestment, ep thea way.

After helping fullyalways prepare gym, inline or all the mag@topagentmagazine.com | the www.topagentmagazine.com eal Estate Corporation, where he leads an elite building a lasting connection ishe approach.

“It’s more about being a conmemorable as possible ultimate goal, and Eric, as me the market, he sharesno-pressure their listing via them make scenery Quebec hasis tohis offer. dadforproud,” she says. that our clients have.”

No portion of thisfor issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent Magazine to students who were s aover real catalyst the growth ofContact my business.”

Joanne Pullin atthe 902-817-0050, email jp@joannepullin.ca thirty agents to assist clients ing aspects of business.” nsive sphere of influence.

But he also utithem after versus beingprecautions athroughtransaction-based sales rep,” heour Looking V ccessful business venis published

by Featuresultant Publications GA, Inc. Although are taken to ensure accuracy ofdecisions. published materials, Topforahead, he never pressures them to make questio Agent be and heldInternational responsible for opinions expressed or facts Luc supplied its authors.

Joanne can also befor found LinkedIn, Instagram a When think about my cks is alike one ofMagazine Sotheby’s Realty’s sixty sources printed brochures standout As for the future, has plans hisIon business. with runRenato as REALTOR says.

As to whether his background inbyclear building prohis team.

“I’d rat gary, as well as. cannot Edmonton and Vancouver. he provides knowledge and advice, one can ex To subscribe or change address, sendInstead, inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. generate even more buzz around a prop- insight Now serving alongside his cousin, he intends on ex-on his sphe gtothem.

“I Published vides valuable to potential buyers, he for says, “It opportunities build in the U.S. the I ih estate advisors living in Alberta, and while he conzing in residential and commercial investment Outside of real estate, Nathan which allows them to clearly understand their possibl suring a seamless transaction catered to each panding his team while scaling the compassionate out- as wish start them is an understatecertainly does help my clients for sure.” And helping sustainable busin IOn have the pleasure tova l ly leverages his globally interconnected network, needs. look that brought him toyears real estate in top theTop first place. next move.

With over 20munity. of experience diligence es, he a highly efficient process ofAgent supporting veral times 2has Magazine ressive sales cultivated volume, clients helps business.

With 90 percent of sales coming and would lead In the meantime, though, he looksand forward to all the where he p ut forneeds lunch in the customer service industry, holding has already begun the of anytobuyer, orandinvestor. soup kitchens, and charities tinuing my work inmy gith nds the growth of from hisseller, hometown to becustomer endlessly repeats referrals, satisfaction is the regardless of ®

Top Agent Stéphane Bisson and his partner, Katia

Khoury, have owned and

managed their own Keller

® Williams office in Gatineau,

Quebec, a suburb of

Ottawa, and the fourthlargest city in Quebec.

Stéphane Bisson has been working in real estate since 1988. After thirty four years in the business, Stéphane says he still loves what he does and is passionate about helping people to achieve their real estate goals. For the past seven years, Stéphane and his partner, Katia Khoury, have owned and managed their own Keller Williams office in Gatineau, Quebec, a suburb of Ottawa, and the fourth-largest city in Quebec. They currently work alongside two other real estate agents and two administrative assistants. This team deals with commercial, luxury, residential and investment real estate.

The team has enjoyed phenomenal success in recent years with sales above $115 million in 2021. In this hot real

®

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®

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joanne-pullin https://www.instagram.com/joannepullinrealtor/ https://www.facebook.co

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1. How about a streaming video device, like a Roku

or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2. Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or ter-

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rycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids!

3. Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. As-

certain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5. If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend.

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RENATO DALL'AVA After honing his customer service and management skills in the hospitality industry for over two decades, Renato Dall’ava entered the real estate world.

Earning his license and joining a team, he quickly flourished, completing 32 transactions in his first year. Today, he works with EXP Realty, where he is growing the Dall’ava Team. Having worked as an agent for 14 years, Renato’s experience and expertise is unparalleled. He aims to deliver exceptional service to each and every client he works with, prioritizing their goals and working diligently to alleviate stress. Renato loves assisting not only his buyers and sellers, but his fellow agents, as he also works as a mentor. “This was part of the reason I decided to build my own team,” he explains. “Because I love selling and coaching so much.”

Serving the greater Montreal area, the vast majority of his business consists of repeats and referrals. He believes it’s his focus on building relationships that helps him stand out in this field. “I am always determined to make lasting connections, I’m not just focused on the sale,” he explains. “Building relationships with others will ultimately help your business grow in the long run.” Renato does this by remaining honest and transparent throughout the process, and making each person feel heard. When assisting a buyer, he attends showings with them and prints out the property’s history. “I want them to feel confident in their investment, so I uncover all the details about it and help them make educated decisions.” Staying in touch with them after the transaction is also incredibly important, with Renato frequently sending them videos and calling them. “I keep them updated about any market trends, wish them a happy birthday and happy anniversary. Several times a year I will invite past buyers and sellers out for lunch or dinner.”

When it comes to his marketing, Renato ensures their property is listed on all the top websites and social media Top Agent Magazine

platforms. “I have an excellent marketing team (Cemiar) to support me when it is time to showcase a property and find both buyers and sellers,” Renato explains. He creates an individualized plan for each home he lists, advertising it in ways that will maximize its reach.

Completing over 30 transactions each year, with his goal of completing 100 in the next two to three years, Renato is undoubtedly engaging in all the best strategies.

During Renato’s free time, he can be found playing golf, traveling with his wife to their condo in the Philippines, or visiting family in Europe. He also loves spending every free moment with his daughter.

With access to EXP Realty’s team-oriented culture, he plans to grow exponentially over the coming years.

“Eventually, I would love to focus more on coaching and sponsoring agents to help them grow and become successful in this field.” Along the way, he will continue enjoying his work. “I have a lot of gratitude for my clients, it’s absolutely rewarding for me to make them happy.”

For more about Renato Dall’ava, please call 514-567-6831 or email renato@equipedallava.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 5

Francesco Di Trapani is proud to congratulate

Renato Dall’ava

on being featured for Canada in Top Agent Magazine!

FRANCESCO DI TRAPANI

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Top Agent Magazine

7 Simple Tips that are Proven to Help You Stay Ahead of the Competition So you’ve created a successful business, congratulations! You probably did it by providing an unsurpassed level of customer service that not only meets customer expectations but exceeds them in a way that has made you stand out from the rest. As anyone can tell you, starting a successful business is not easy.

Now comes the even harder part. Not only sustaining that high level of performance, but continuing to grow and outpace the competition. There is no resting on your laurels in a competitive business market. Companies that stay successful for the longterm, make an active effort to keep on top. Here are just a few ways you can do the same.

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1. Know the competition It’s not enough to know what you excel at or what makes you unique, you need to know what your competitors are offering that makes them stand out. This serves two purposes: it will allow you to more clearly define your differences, or it may help you identify an area that you hadn’t considered before, opening up a potentially new way in which you can excel above the rest.

2. Know your customers You might know your clientele very well, but as economic conditions change, so does your

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customer’s needs. What might have been a priority a year ago, won’t be if we are in the midst of an economic downturn, for example.

As a business owner you should always be evaluating your strategies in every area constantly, knowing what your customer wants and needs from you is key. In fact you should be using your expertise to analyze potential market changes and anticipate those needs to stay ahead of the curve.

3. Have a strong understanding on what makes you unique Once you accomplish the first two, you should have a clear idea of what unique advantage you offer people. This needs to be clear to everyone, so you can then take that idea and run with it. Find your niche and then market yourself with a focus on that idea. If you have a clear thing you’re selling, it is well worth the investment to market yourself to the hilt with that in mind.

5. Think like your competitors One way your competitors looks to gain customers is by potentially taking yours. It goes without saying, you don’t want to let that happen. You’ve probably built great relationships, so really maintain those relationships by not only providing great service, but service that truly goes above and beyond. Find ways to give more to your customers. You might even want to start offering surveys, where your clients can tell you exactly what they’d like to see.This makes your clients not only feel heard, but blown away when you implement any changes they suggest.

6. Look for untapped markets Don’t settle for maintaining what you have, there could be untapped markets out there.

IF you don’t get to them, your competitors will. So even if they come eventually, hopefully you’ll already be the dominate force in that market.

4. Keep up to date

7. Be a great boss

This goes for everything from technology to systems, marketing, and even your own personal image. If you have a brick and mortar location, you want to also keep things looking fresh and modern there, as well. First impressions are important for a reason. Everything about your business should tie into your marketing and branding. What are you selling and does everything line up to support that, from your business cards to your social media pages. Remember the key to branding and marketing is a consistent message.

One of the best things you can do to keep ahead of the rest, is by being a company where top talent and motivated newcomers want to be. Be the company that offers more than a competitive paycheck. Be a place that fosters talent, and offers scheduling and compensations packages that appeal more to people who think outside of the box. This will attract more innovative thinkers who value flexibility. Not only will you benefit from their talents, more importantly, your competition won’t.

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STÉPHANE BISSON

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Top Agent Stéphane Bisson and his partner, Katia Khoury, have owned and managed their own Keller Williams office in Gatineau, Quebec, a suburb of Ottawa, and the fourthlargest city in Quebec.

Stéphane Bisson has been working in real estate since 1988. After thirty four years in the business, Stéphane says he still loves what he does and is passionate about helping people to achieve their real estate goals. For the past seven years, Stéphane and his partner, Katia Khoury, have owned and managed their own Keller Williams office in Gatineau, Quebec, a suburb of Ottawa, and the fourth-largest city in Quebec. They currently work alongside two other real estate agents and two administrative assistants. This team deals with commercial, luxury, residential and investment real estate.

The team has enjoyed phenomenal success in recent years with sales above $115 million in 2021. In this hot real 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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estate market, while it can be intense, Stéphane focuses on being present with his clients, staying humble and keeping the process as simple as possible.

Stéphane says he treats his clients like friends and only gives them the advice Top Agent Magazine

he would appreciate and follow himself.

It’s important to him to always be in gratitude mode and to try to understand where people are coming from by stepping into their shoes and really listening to them.

It’s always about more than the sale.

11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Currently working alongside two other real estate agents and two administrative assistants, the team deals with commercial, luxury, residential and investment real estate.

Stéphane stays in touch with clients through a newsletter and monthly videos sharing market trends, industry information and real estate tips for investing and financing. The team has also hosted in-person client events in the past and plans to resume hosting and investing in such events post-pandemic.

Being of service to others, helping people to achieve their homeownership and Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

investment goals and building strong relationships are what Stéphane loves most about his many years in the business.

Stéphane’s plans for the future are focused on his eventual transition into a coaching and mentorship role. Grateful for the financial success he’s enjoyed thus far, Stéphane see this next phase of his career Top Agent Magazine

as an opportunity to be part of something bigger than himself; helping others to be successful will offer him a different kind of personal fulfillment. Until then, Stéphane is actively involved with the community. He has served the Gatineau Board Top Agent Magazine

of Trade as its President for the past two years. In addition, he’s involved with several volunteer activities and the brokerage participates in Keller Williams “Red Day” - an annual day of service focused on environmental initiatives.

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When he’s not working, Stéphane works on improvements to his portfolio of investment properties. He’s also lucky to have his kids involved in the success of his business. Stéphane enjoys running several times a week and is a

voracious reader. He says that reading helps him stay curious and focused and he especially enjoys learning things that he can share with his colleagues around the office or when speaking at the office mastermind group.

To learn more about Stéphane Bisson, call 819-743-2922, email stephane.bisson@kw.com or visit his website: Stephanebisson.com https://

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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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ERIC FRENETTE

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ERIC FRENETTE

Becoming an entrepreneur was always a dream for Eric Frenette. He decided to make that a reality in 2020 when he earned his real estate license. Personable, empathetic and hardworking, Eric soon reached great heights. Serving the greater Moncton area in New Brunswick, he finds joy in helping people achieve their real estate dreams. An expert in his field, Eric offers guidance and support at every step of the transaction, which alleviates his clients’ stress. Making the process as enjoyable and memorable as possible is his ultimate goal, and he never pressures them to make decisions.

Instead, he provides knowledge and advice, which allows them to clearly understand their next move. With over 20 years of experience in the customer service industry, and holding a Masters in Business Administration, Eric is well-equipped to guide his clients. Ranked as the #1 top rated agent with Rate-My-Agent. com in Moncton for 2021 (his first full year 20

as a REALTOR®), he is hitting his stride. He’s bilingual in French and English, allowing him to work with a wide range of people.

With a growing percentage of repeats and referrals, it’s clear he’s delivering exceptional service and results. “I am very client-oriented,” he explains. “I want to help my clients at the highest possible level. I always try to make an impact.” One way he ensures this is by continually staying responsive. It is not difficult to reach Eric, as he makes himself constantly available for questions. When buying or selling with him, one can expect to receive as much information as possible, with no one left in the dark. This diligence carries into his marketing efforts, where he prioritizes having a strong online presence. “I have an administrative assistant who also helps me with it, posting our properties on social media and sending out postcards in our target neighborhoods.” Ultimately, though, it is Top Agent Magazine

Eric’s lasting client relationships that have the largest impact on the growth of his business.

“The number one thing is being present with my buyers and sellers, so they will refer me to their friends and family.”

Those who work with Eric never forget their journey together. One buyer recently said, “Eric is that person who will take everything to heart, and that includes helping others find a house to make their home. From the first day I contacted him, to all the viewings, to finding and getting our dream home, he’s been tirelessly on our side and made 150% sure everything happened smoothly. We couldn’t have done it without him, and I highly recommend him!”

Eric’s brokerage, Keller Williams Capital Realty, is always looking for ways to give back. Eric participates in Red Day every year, where the company volunteers for local causes. This year, Eric and his colleagues helped Isthmus Moncton, an organization that provides food on the weekends for hungry elementary school children in the Greater Moncton area. Eric also participates in the Dragon Boat Festival to raise funds for different causes. When Eric isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée Veronique, his wonderful daughters Lauralie and Ariane and his step-daugher Annabelle.

He also loves to spend time planning for the future. “Eventually I’d like to bring another agent on board so we can continue delivering the highest possible service at the highest possible level.”

Eric can’t think of a better career path, as real estate gives him endless satisfaction. “When I have purchased homes myself in the past, I always appreciated my real estate agent’s care, so I strive to do the same with my work.

I want to have a good impact on every person I encounter.”

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For more information about Eric Frenette, please call 506-364-SOLD, or email eric.frenette@kw.com

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6 Habits of Highly Productive Agents In a business that can be constant chaos, you’re constantly on the go and dealing with things as they hit you. It can be difficult to take a second and regroup. But there is a better and smarter way to work. If you take the time to create some better habits, in the end, you may end up being more productive. If you want to make better use of your time, as well as have more focus, here’s some habits that you’re going to want to pick up - all common to top-producing agents.

1. Learn how to prioritize Although it might be your instinct to get some of the boring work out of the way first, things 22

that actually generate income (or are time-sensitive!) should be the first thing you focus on when you start your day.

Lists are your friend! Make a list of things you want to accomplish for the day, the week, and even the month. Always list them in the order of priority. If things get cut off when you run out of time at the end of the day, at least it’ll be the things that are not as important or time sensitive. As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list, you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as Top Agent Magazine

well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s and don’t ever waste it.

As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s, and don’t ever waste it.

to accomplish it? Write it out and then incorporate that into your prioritized ‘to do’ list.

You’ll be amazed at how driven you become to reach that goal when you actually write it out with clarity. And, the sense of accomplishment you get upon completing it will carry over to the next day. It’s important to remember to be specific. Once you get into the habit of meeting your goals, exceeding them won’t be far behind.

2. Remove distractions

when you need to focus This is especially hard when you’re a Realtor®. Most are constantly connected to their phones. But, unnecessary distractions can get you off schedule and make you lose your focus instantly. If you can, turn your phone off for the half hour it takes to do a task. Interruptions make everything take twice as long, especially when you take that text and then decide to check Facebook for a second.

We all do it!

Complete your task, then take ten minutes to respond to all texts and messages before you start up the next thing on your list. You can even schedule those ‘text backs’ into your schedule. A concentrated effort is always more effective than going back and forth between things.

3. Set daily goals This is so key. What do you want to accomplish for the day and what do you need to do

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4. Don’t make excuses There’s that old saying, “The buck stops here”. Well, take it to heart. This is your business and you are responsible for doing everything you can to make it successful.

Sure, there are reasons for why you didn’t get a listing or why your business is slow, but what are you doing to change things and make them better? Successful Realtors® work harder and come up with innova-

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tive ways to stand out when times are tough. They don’t look for excuses, they look for solutions.

5. Be deliberate

about everything you do When you’re making your list, it helps to have a goal in mind for even the smallest task. If you’re calling past clients to touch base, have a specific reason why you’re calling. Are you letting them know some market news?

Thanking them for a referral? When you’re meeting a referral partner for lunch, have a goal in mind for what the outcome of that meeting will be as well. Yes it’s good to socialize and build relationships, but if you have a reason, make sure it isn’t put off until the final moments, when things are wrapping up. Always having a purpose in mind will also help you prioritize your list better.

6. Always look for ways to

get out of your comfort zone Yes, you are prioritizing what is most important or urgent to your business, but it’s also important to make an effort to break out

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of your routine as much as you’re comfortable doing. Trying out new things or taking some time to learn about new and innovative real estate techniques and technology, can have an energizing effect on your business.

Not only might they lead to things that make you more productive, but it keeps you sharp and engaged. And, ultimately keeping yourself at the top of your game is what it’s all about.

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CHUCKS OKAFOR Chucks Okafor of Calgary, Alberta, brings the drive and ambition of a professional athlete and his inherited, insider knowledge of the real estate industry to the growing markets in and around Calgary.

“Growing up, I would always go to my parents’ law firm, where part of their practice is real estate law, to help out with paperwork and filing documents. I was always fascinated by real estate, architecture, design – the lifestyle, the opportunities – of course I was focused on being a professional football player, but I knew that as soon as my time in the CFL came to an end, I would pivot.”

In November of 2018, Chucks became a licensed REALTOR®, and within four short years he’s risen to the top of the luxury real estate market. “I’ve been fortunate. Basically all of my business is from referrals – it’s been phenomenal growth, and I’ve doubled my production since June of last year. The notoriety helps, but being a part of Sotheby’s International Realty has been a real catalyst for the growth of my business.”

Chucks is one of Sotheby’s International Realty’s sixty real estate advisors living in Alberta, and while he constantly leverages his globally interconnected network, he finds the growth of his hometown to be endlessly exciting: “Calgary is home to Canada’s energy sector, and also with a rapidly growing technology and entertainment haven, but the neighboring cities are really expanding also. I think we’re going to soon be known as the Greater Calgary Region.”

Despite his rapid success and previous fame as a running back for the Montreal Alouettes, Chucks’ biggest asset is not his influence or popularity, but his candor: “I believe in being authentic, and anybody who knows me would tell you that. I operate from a place of empathy first and foremost – I know it’s cliche, but it’s cliche because it’s true: this is the biggest transaction most people experience in their entire lives, and it takes a lot of wisdom and understanding to meet people where they are. There is no cookie Top Agent Magazine

cutter style – I learn about my clients first and foremost, so I can be that one stop advisor for them.” Chucks prides himself on the endless services that he provides, both as a solo agent and as a member of Sotheby’s International Realty, which range from white glove chauffeur and catering services down to detail oriented relocation support and home renovations.

When asked about his plans to continue his exponential growth, Chucks is quick to emphasize the importance of “buying back time” so that he can spend it with his family and community. “The sky’s the limit.

I want to grow the business to the point where I can delegate some work, hire staff, and donate my time to my family and charity. In 2019, I co-founded (and am currently Vice President of) the Calgary Black Chambers.

Our tenets include providing scholarships and mentorship for underprivileged students – in 2019 we had fifty students, and this year we had three hundred students in our program, and we’re giving away $75,000 to students who were selected for academic excellence.

When I think about my business success, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and the mentors I have the pleasure to learn from. I look forward to continuing my work in giving back and uplifting the next generation in and around Calgary.”

To learn more about Chucks Okafor please call 587.432.0682, visit sothebysrealty.ca/en/chucks-okafor or email cokafor@sothebysrealty.ca www.

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JOANNE PULLIN Like many REALTORS® who come to the business as a second career, Joanne Pullin has a great backstory to go with her varied skill set. She was in the advertising business for many years and worked with a number of REALTORS® as clients. She also had a canine boarding and daycare business until COVID-19 hit and more people started staying and working at home. So, the idea of getting her real estate license intrigued her. That was a year-and-a-half ago and, well, when you have a base that includes one client who has already given you three listings, you’re doing pretty darn well.

“I might be a new agent but I’m not new at negotiating. I managed residential homes for individuals with disabilities for 23 years and that included the property management of the houses, so I know a lot about different issues that will come up. I was a contractor for my own home, so I know the procedure on how to build your own home and getting all the permits and things like that,” said Joanne, a solo agent with eXp Realty in Nova Scotia, Canada, where she covers Halifax and its suburbs. “I had a lot of different experiences and when I came in, I dealt with some commercial as well and my accounting background has proven useful for understanding the purchase and sales of businesses. I am familiar with a large geographic area of Nova Scotia, and for many buyers they appreciate working with an agent who will cover more than one area. The advertising industry helped me build relationships with the service industries that take care of residential homes. I referred these professionals to both my clients and other realtors. I love learning and, in this business, there is always something new and different to deal with. Problem solving is great fun, and there is a solution to almost everything.”

Joanne is quite involved in the Halifax community even beyond helping clients achieve their dreams. As a dog

breeder for more than 20 years, she supports the SPCA. She donates regularly to various charities and causes, including one close to home – a neighbor who is battling a rare disease. She works with the disabled, and each Christmas you can find her packing boxes for families in need to provide them with everything they need for a holiday meal. But that’s her thing – availability.

“If I am able to help, I will. If I can’t, I will find someone who can.”

“I’m an agent that probably should turn her phone off more often than I do,” Joanne said with a laugh, “but I try to be available as best I can for my clients. I became experienced quickly and I am a really good negotiator. I enjoy different people and I like to think I’m open and honest. I’m not going to say what I think they want to hear just to sell a house. I’m going to say what’s in their best interest. That’s what I will always stand by – their best interest, not mine.”

To that end, Joanne stays connected with clients with drop-by visits, calls, birthday, and holiday cards with gift certificates, even friendships with some. She said providing a personal touch, as well as being a resource, is the key. And that starts with her listings, where she counts on excellent photography and videography, as well as staging, to get the ball rolling. In some cases, Joanne picks up the staging costs herself. As she looks ahead, Joanne already has her eye on being a mentor.

“My future is to help teach other agents how I do things and why I am successful quickly -- bringing them on, teaching them under me, share what works and how they can be their own agent,” she said. “I don’t necessarily want to have a team. As an individual I don’t like the idea of giving up my identity underneath a team, and I don’t think a lot of people do. But to be a mentor, there’s where I would like to go down the road.”

Contact Joanne Pullin at 902-817-0050, email jp@joannepullin.ca, or visit joannepullinrealtor.ca https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joanne-pullin https://www.instagram.com/joannepullinrealtor/ https://www.facebook.com/joannepullinrealtor Joanne can also be found on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. https://

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Is Branding the Way to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

Despite the importance of finding a Realtor® that is the best person to serve their needs, a lot of people only end up interviewing one Realtor® when they’re thinking about buying or selling a home. A lot of times people make that decision based on a referral, but why not do everything you can to be the name they think of when they make the decision to hire a real estate professional outside of referrals? Especially if you’re starting out and haven’t built up any repeat and referral business yet.

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When you want to make your name synonymous with real estate transaction success, you might want to consider branding yourself. Personal branding, long a staple of Corporate America, is also an invaluable tool for those in the real estate industry as well. Understanding branding and being consistent about it, is one way to insure you’ll have a successful and long-lasting business. It’s up to you to make consumers think that their success in real estate is dependent on finding the perfect agent—YOU. 27

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS BRANDING? Branding is a long term marketing strategy that builds your carefully crafted image over time through consistent repetition. A common misperception about branding is that it’s is the same thing as marketing. While the two go hand and hand in many ways, branding is specifically about creating and reinforcing the perception of not only who you are as a person, but what your business values are, and getting that out to the world in a consistent way Everything from your logo, to your website

to your social media presence, should all line up and reinforce your brand. It’s that repetitiveness that will hammer home the perception you are trying to create. Your brand informs your marketing, while your marketing strengthens your brand. Of course then you have to do is make sure your service lives up to what you’re selling. Getting them in the door is one thing, but you’re in it for lifetime customers and referrals.

Every brand is strengthened when it is built on a foundation of integrity and trust.

CREATING A BRAND Although it might take time and money upfront to get it right, branding is almost guaranteed to pay off in the long run. But branding is more than just having a graphic designer come in and make a logo. Consider branding more of a promise to your clients and potential clients, succinctly stating the value and expertise working with you will afford them. There are clear, tried and true methods to creating your branding. Because you have to go all in on the way you want to brand yourself, it’s important to evaluate fully before you make the leap.

This all starts with an honest assessment of your business and where you want it to go, including how much time and money you’re willing to invest to get there. After that you may want to add focusing on a niche market to your branding. Regardless of whether or 28

not you have a niche, another important part of branding is coming up with a memorable tagline that sells your brand or niche. All of your graphics, picture and information, should be consistent across all social media platforms, marketing materials, advertising and websites.

If you are interested in branding yourself, there are numerous books on the subject that will give you an in-depth tutorial on the process and the steps you need to take.

But what it basically all comes down to is commitment. Find a brand that is true to you, one that you can commit to performing and then back it up by not only meeting, but exceeding what you promised.

If done right, soon you’ll become an in-demand agent whose name is synonymous with success!

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KARLEE WICK Karlee Wick has quickly mastered the art of home sales. Taking off as a solo agent in June 2021, she has had the pleasure of serving over 75 clients in Cochrane, Calgary and Rockyview County in just her first year in business. “It's been pretty amazing to help so many,” Karlee says of her meteoric rise. “Due to the unfortunate circumstances, this new career path has been a true blessing to our family.”

Her father’s unexpected passing figured largely into why Karlee chose to go into real estate and why she hit the ground running with such passion. She grew up in a family construction and land development. In 2018, when she suddenly lost her father, she faced a choice: succumb to the loss or do something that would honor her father’s memory. “I came to the realization after about a year and a half that I wanted to pursue a career in real estate, truly, because I wanted to make my dad proud,” she says.

Karlee has had her share of successful business ventures, and now has hit a home run as a REALTOR®.

To say Karlee is off to a good start is an understatement. In addition to her impressive sales volume, her top-tier customer service has already begun to earn her referrals. Some customers have found their way to Karlee through her overwhelmingly positive reviews on Google. The agent earned the praise by catering to each client’s specific situation and striving to exceed expectations. “My goal is always to listen carefully, understand my clients' needs and work hard to take their experience with us, to the next level.”

Karlee stays connected to her community. Her company has donated funds to help support Cochrane Top Agent Magazine

youth baseball and hockey. Lately, she has been organizing events to get people reconnected in person following pandemic restrictions. Her events include an Easter egg hunt for the kids and coming up, coffee for your community during the Calgary Stampede.

Most events she puts on with her team usually include something for the whole family. When not helping out a local organization, Karlee and her family like to camp, bike, hang out with family friends, and immerse themselves in nature in Kananaskis .

Not one to waste time, Karlee is well into her future plans. She has already expanded her company to a team of three. She now has the chance to put in place systems that will help her serve a growing demand of clients based on referrals. She will “continue to work towards some big future plans, always ensuring to meet and exceed the needs that our clients have.”

For more about Karlee Wick, at Wick Real Estate call 403.992.7427, visit wickrealestate.com, or email realestate@karleewick.com www.

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LUC JOLY A lifelong resident of Quebec, Luc Joly has always been drawn to real estate. He first delved into the industry back in the early 1990s, when he developed an investment portfolio of seven properties throughout the Outaouais. Inspired by this opportunity to learn the business from the ground up, he later decided to pursue his dream of becoming a REALTOR®. Since then, he has gone on to establish strong roots in the region, building a network of satisfied clients and colleagues that spans Montreal’s North Shore.

Today, Luc is a Residential Real Estate Broker with Royal LePage, where he assists clients throughout the Outaouais and North Shore of Montreal. Combining his background with investment properties and construction with his penchant for client service, he has developed an expert workflow to meet the demands of any transaction—from residential real estate to vacant land.

When listing a property, Luc is there for his clients each step of the way. After helping fully prepare their home for the market, he shares their listing via his extensive sphere of influence. But he also utilizes resources like printed brochures and standout signage to generate even more buzz around a property, ensuring a seamless transaction catered to each client’s needs.

Elsewhere, Luc is just as committed to his buyers.

Leveraging his strong foundations in construction and renovations, he collaborates with his network of inspectors and contractors to uncover the right investment for their best interests. In fact, he prefers to keep in touch long after the deals are done to make sure his clients are thriving in their new homes. “My model

isn’t to simply find my clients a house,” he says. “Instead, I’m searching for a property that they can call their home—a place where they can further their life or raise their family.”

Over the years, Luc has garnered a fantastic reputation across the Quebec region, with the near entirety of his volume coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Through it all, he remains focused on the vision of boutique service that has consistently set him apart. “Our business comes down to advising clients to the best of our ability, but I would never want to discourage them. While identifying any potential issues with a property, I also provide my clients with the solutions they need to keep moving forward.”

Outside of real estate, Luc is dedicated to his community, supporting Operation Red Nose to fund youth and amateur sports throughout the year. When he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be found hitting the gym, inline skating, or biking—enjoying all the scenery Quebec has to offer.

As for the future, Luc has clear plans for his business.

Now serving alongside his cousin, he intends on expanding his team while scaling the compassionate outlook that brought him to real estate in the first place.

In the meantime, though, he looks forward to all the new connections that await. “I love getting to know my clients,” he says. “Even though I will always take a transaction seriously, I still like to keep things fun and upbeat. At the end of the day, I care about my clients’ mental health as much as I do their real estate needs; after all, these are among the most exciting decisions we make in our lives.”

To learn more about Luc Joly, email lucjoly@royallepage.ca, visit royallepage.ca or call 1-819-665-7125. www.

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Uncommon Contact:

Connecting with Clientele Through Social Media Social media is one of the newest and most powerful tools in an agent or mortgage professional’s arsenal. With just a few keystrokes, you can stay top-of-mind with buyers, sellers, and borrowers near and far, past and present. The key is knowing how to use these mediums to your advantage, working smarter instead of harder to keep the thread of professional relationships intact. With that in mind, here are a few ways you can maximize the pull and power of social media by shifting just a few of your ideas and practices for the better.

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Not everything has to be about business.

While your relationship with a client or fellow vendor began over the course of business, your relationship going forward doesn’t have to be limited. One of the great things about social media is that’s it’s social. Not every comment, post, or communication has to revolve around your business, its metrics, or turning a sale. In fact, you should do your best to branch out and curate a brand and online identity that’s about who you are and

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the lifestyle you’re authentically interested in living. In that vein, consider interacting with clients in an organically-driven way, encouraging them during life’s milestones, reaching out with a local event, restaurant, or news item that’s relevant to their interests or neighborhood. The goal is to be a persistent presence in their lives without feeling like a talking head. Engage as you would like to be engaged with, as a human being with interests and needs and boundaries. Keep that personal thread in mind and your dynamic will shift from past business contact to present resource.

Expand your medium.

Many Realtors are comfortable on Facebook as an interactive meeting to connect with clients, but there are several other mediums where you can connect with clients both past and present, as well as future. Particularly when courting Millennial clientele, the fastest-growing segment of the buying market, a presence on Instagram and Snapchat are key to finding new faces, demonstrating hot properties, and creating an interactive brand as an agent. Not only does this help when you’re listing a property and seeking potential buyers, but it also serves as a perusable portfolio of your work and real estate prowess. You can also use these mediums to interact with clients on an outlet they might feel most comfortable in. Liking pictures, commenting, streaming Instagram Live home tours and Stories are all ways you can build engagement by simply spreading your social media presence around. Likewise, 32

these photo and video driven mediums are popular for home design ideas, and before and after renovation pictures. When you expand from Facebook into these new platforms, you’ll already have plenty of visual content ready to be transferred and consumed by an expanded audience.

Don’t just react.

Create your own content.

It’s easy enough to post a link to a new listing, or retweet a helpful article on real estate news. Creating your own organic content is a different story, but worth its weight in gold when it comes to luring engagement, ranking higher in search fields, and overall crafting an interactive presence for yourself and your business online—which is where more than 90% of homebuyers and sellers begin their process. Creating your own content can seem risky, or else like no one is listening in a digital world already crowded with information. However, original content is sure to boost personal engagement with your social media pages, guaranteed.

Instead of recycling content, consider posting a video with a Q+A theme for first-time homebuyers, or perhaps posting a live tour of a new listing will perk up your clientele surfing at home.

No matter how you decide to expand your social media presence when it comes to interacting with clients, consistency is key.

Find the ways that work best for you and stick to them, and you’ll watch your audience and business grow in tandem.

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NATHAN LUU A longtime resident of Alberta, Nathan Luu has always been passionate about real estate. After earning his degree in economics from the University of Calgary, he would go on to build a successful career in the financial sphere; however, over time, he found himself seeking a new opportunity that better spoke to his entrepreneurial spirit.

Inspired, he decided to pursue his real estate license, leveraging his strong business acumen and background in finance to establish a network of satisfied clients that spans the region.

Today, Nathan is an Associate Broker with the Hope Street Real Estate Corporation, where he leads an elite team of over thirty agents to assist clients throughout Calgary, as well as Edmonton and Vancouver.

Specializing in residential and commercial investment properties, he has cultivated a highly efficient process to meet the needs of any buyer, seller, or investor.

At the Hope Street Real Estate Corporation, Nathan offers clients a one-stop-shop for any property manager.

Alongside helping his clients find the right investment for their best interests, his team also assists with the daily operations of their property, from showcasing it to prospective tenants to collecting rentals and navigating any issues that may arise. Via this proven system, he can ensure seamless oversight of the property from start to finish.

When listing a property, Nathan is just as comprehensive. Starting out, he provides its owner with an in-depth market evaluation so they can make fully informed decisions on their investment. Once a property is ready to list, he shares it over both the Hope Street team’s internal website and a highly targeted blend of digital

and social media campaigns, giving his clients a nationwide reach.

Over the years, Nathan has earned a fantastic reputation across Alberta, as evidenced by his strong rate of repeat clients and referrals. Through it all, he continues to serve as a trustworthy and approachable guide for his clients, valuing integrity above all else. “We believe in maintaining an ongoing relationship with our clients,” he says. “Every time a lease comes up for renewal, our sales side steps back in to advise owners and update them on the market conditions surrounding their property. That cyclical process of building a lasting connection is one of the most rewarding aspects of our business.”

Outside of real estate, Nathan is dedicated to his community. On top of supporting various local food banks, soup kitchens, and charities throughout the year, he also enjoys helping immigrants and those from underprivileged communities secure affordable housing in Alberta. “Our team doesn’t see ourselves solely as landlord representatives,” he says. “Instead, we want to be a trusted resource for any tenant searching for a property that will fit their needs.”

When he’s not with clients or giving back, Nathan can be found spending quality time at home with his wife and their three children. Elsewhere, he has exciting plans for the future of his business. As his volume maintains its rapid growth, he intends on further expanding his team to strengthen his foothold in Vancouver, scaling the compassionate approach to property management, investments, and leasing that has consistently set him apart. In the meantime, though, he looks forward to all the new clients and opportunities that await.

To learn more about Nathan Luu email nathan@nathanluu.com or call (403) 870-8857

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VINCE OLIVERIO Calgary REALTOR® Vince Oliverio is in the people business. He first came to that realization in 2013 when he was a full time custom home builder and noticed that many of the buyers needed help selling their homes. Seeing a way to help his customers, Vince obtained his real estate license and started selling houses part time while he continued to build houses full time. Since then, his real estate business has grown and the tables have turned – he is now selling houses full time. One thing has remained consistent, however, and that is putting people first. “I don’t work as a transaction-based business,” he says.

“It’s not about closing a deal. It’s about ensuring that the clients are happy with the decisions they make.”

One thing Vince’s customers can look forward to is his no-pressure approach. “It’s more about being a consultant versus being a transaction-based sales rep,” he says. As to whether his background in building provides valuable insight to potential buyers, he says, “It certainly does help my clients for sure.” And helping clients helps business. With 90 percent of sales coming from repeats and referrals, customer satisfaction is the backbone of Vince’s business. He keeps in touch after the sale through monthly newsletters, but personal contact keeps his clients coming back. “I treat them as friends and family. It’s not very automated. Most of it is just purely being in touch with them as friends, so calling and texting them is actually enjoyable. A lot of the time, the no-pressure environment is what ultimately has them refer their family and friends to me.”

Vince takes an all-digital approach when it comes to marketing his listings. Through “geographic demographics,” he is able to target social media accounts of buyers drawn to Canada’s third largest city. The solo agent keeps busy, already on pace to move more than 50 units this year. Still, the best part of the job is 34

the person-to-person interaction, Vince says. “Just talking and hanging out with people and seeing the end result, which, in the majority of cases, they’re really happy with moving on to the next chapter of their life. It’s very rewarding and gratifying to see people happy.”

Outside of work, Vince is happiest when he is spending time with his lovely wife, Gina, and their four children, all of whom are active in sports. They keep him busy, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “So, I would say that most of my time is consumed volunteering for their sports teams and sports clubs,” he says. “I don’t really have any hobbies that I would call my own at this moment, but watching them playing sports is probably more fulfilling than anything I would do otherwise.”

Looking ahead, Vince aims to grow his business, if not his team. “I’d rather fly solo,” he says. Instead, he will build on his sphere of influence. “My goal is to build a sustainable business that is 100 percent referral-based and would lead to 50-plus transactions every year, regardless of my advertising budget.”

Contact Vince at 403.512.3424 email vince@oliverio.ca or visit him at irealestateyyc.com www.

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