CHICAGO 10-4-21

CHICAGO EDITION

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EASY AT-HOME DIY PROJECTS TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR COVER STORY

BUSINESS GROWTH HACK: ABSORB YOUR CLIENTS' STRESS! FEATURED AGENT

MICHAEL CELL

TURNING YOUR PROFESSION INTO A PASSION

SAMANTHA PORTER & LAUREN GOLDBERG

CHICAGO EDITION

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MICHAEL CELL

Michael Cell began his re estate career after selling h own home himself. “I pu townhome for sale by own in Northbrook and I loved t process,” Michael recalls. met a real estate agent at o of my open houses and s helped me to purchase a ne SAMANTHA PORTER MICHAEL CELL house. I really enjoyed th & LAUREN GOLDBERG process as well, and I decided to get my license.” T rest is history, and Michael is now in his 20th year in t business. Throughout the years, Michael has excelled CONTENTS helping his clients achieve their real estate goals.

4) HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR 14) 3 EASY AT-HOME DIY PROJECTS TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440

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With @properties, Michael serves Chicago’s north a 19) BUSINESS GROWTH northwest suburbs. One hundred percent of Michae HACK: ABSORB YOUR business comes from repeat and referral clients, CLIENTS' STRESS! impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confiden

he inspires. “I focus all of my time, effort and resourc 22) YOUR on myTURNING client’s needs before, during, and after each sa transaction,” Michael explains. “I take care of my c PROFESSION INTO entsPASSION the way I would want myself and my family A be taken care of. It’s that sort of care and handholdi throughout the process of buying or selling a home, a even after the process is over, that keeps me in the fo front of my client’s mind so that whenever they think real estate, they think of me.”

mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com When it comes to marketing his listings, Micha No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine advantage the resources to h is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are takes taken tofull ensure the accuracyof of published materials,available Top hisbybrokerage Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed orthrough facts supplied its authors. to ensure maximum exposu To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

“I decided to join @properties for many reasons. Th Published in the U.S. philosophy and values are aligned with mine and th marketing systems are phenomenal,” Michael say “@properties deal management system makes doi Top Agent Magazine business easy for me as a real estate broker, and th electronic platforms reach buyers wherever they a

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create 4

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Top Agent Magazine

Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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SAMANTHA PORTER & LAUREN GOLDBERG Top Agent Magazine

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SAMANTHA PORTER & LAUREN GOLDBERG Closed: The 555 Armitage Collection

Samantha and Lauren have a combined 32 years of experience in real estate, as well as backgrounds in construction/home improvement, creative design, and teachings in various home materials.

Anyone who’s ever tried to build their own home knows what a long, painstaking and sometimes frustrating process it can be—from fitting the house to the buildable envelope, acquiring necessary permits, selecting quality materials, to interior design and everything beyond and between.

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People living in the greater Chicago area are fortunate to be able to draw on the resources of PorterGoldberg Residential.

Friends for over a decade, Samantha Porter and Lauren Goldberg partnered in 2017 to build a realty business that could answer a Top Agent Magazine

Closed: 2900 W. Lyndale

client’s every need, with a particular skill set in new construction. They have a combined 32 years of experience in real estate, as well as backgrounds in construction/home improvement, creative design, and teachings in various home materials. “We are able to bring resources to the table that many other agents can’t,” Lauren explains. “Our resale clients receive advice on improvements that increase functionality, value, and salability.

Our custom homebuyers and developers may utilize us from the ground up, advising on floor plans, materials, and lifestyle elements. We have built crucial relationships Top Agent Magazine

with a large network of contractors, lenders, attorneys, and other industry professionals helping us accomplish our goals effectively, resulting in less stress and more satisfaction for our clients.”

Samantha, in particular, has also seen every kind of market, successfully guiding clients through real estate booms, crashes, and rebounds, providing a steady hand in an industry that can be volatile.

PorterGoldberg’s area is Chicago’s north side surrounding neighborhoods, with 70 9

percent of their business coming from new construction. They have been averaging $30 million a year in sales, with a repeat client and referral rate of 50 percent. That success and customer loyalty stems from the breadth of services they offer, along with the relationships they nurture.

“Our resourcefulness translates into a high level of service,” Samantha points out, “We are here to anticipate and meet the needs of our clients. Whether referring a well-suited GC, or discussing school options, or how to layout and organize their closets—we are in a strong position to help.”

Coming soon: 1862 N. Dayton 10

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Now Delivering: 1514-1516 W. Diversey

When they are not working Lauren and Samantha look for ways to contribute to the health of their community, volunteering at their children’s respective schools, participating in local efforts to improve the neighborhoods in which they live. “Lauren volunteered with a group called Vaccine Angels earlier this year,” Samantha adds.

“She helped underserved communities and the elderly get their vaccinations during Covid. I am proud of her for that work!”

home trends, new housing materials, and network with other trade professionals.

Porter and Goldberg continue to advance their professional education by annually attending KBIS (Kitchen and Bath show) & IBIS (International Builder’s show) allowing them to discover current Top Agent Magazine

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Halcyon Development and PorterGoldberg Residential

“These experiences have allowed us to grow as industry leaders.” Samantha explains. “It is something the builders we work for value.”

Another notable piece of recent success is their move to Jameson Sotheby’s

International Realty Affiliates. The exposure and access to additional resources, allows them to take on bigger projects with their developers and explore new opportunities to engage their creativity. “That’s pretty exciting,” Samantha says, “especially since the JSIR stage is our largest yet.”

Contact Samantha at 773-988-7898 or email Samantha@portergoldberg.com For Lauren, call 773-576-0053 or email Lauren@portergoldberg.com 12

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3 Easy At-Home DIY Projects to Increase Property Value Most homeowners have a lengthy list of chores and bit projects they intend to accomplish around the house. Oftentimes, those to-do items are completed piecemeal over a long stretch of time, or else sometimes not at all. However, when it comes time to prepare a home for market, all those tasks begin to pile-up and overwhelm. The 14

list of things to do before the photographer comes or the first open house is held might seem endless, but not if you tackle just a few things here and there as you go. These sorts of projects—easy, DIY, at-home tasks you can accomplish in a few hours or less, with tools you most likely have on hand— go a long way with marginal effort.

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Top Agent Magazine

Complete a quick rehab of closets and storage areas Many agents advise clients to declutter and depersonalize their spaces ahead of professional photography and home showings. The idea is to provide prospective buyers with a neutral palette. Not only does this allow them to imagine their own lives unfolding within those four walls, but it also helps make a home’s square footage stand out. One way to add visual space to your home without calling in the contractor is to declutter common storage areas and closets. When buyers can get a complete look at a closet’s capacity, or a pantry’s depth, or the garage’s full functional potential, they get a better sense of a home’s potential and thus, its value.

In that vein, consider decluttering and cleaning your high-traffic storage spaces: the garage, pantries, closets, attics, and basements. Besides, organizing and discarding unwanted items help you prep for a move anyway, while giving potential buyers a peak at how spacious your home really is.

Add easy curb appeal with a bit of sweat equity Sure, curb appeal can arrive in the form of a new mailbox, pathway lighting, or updated house numbers, but it can also come cheaper than that. Curb extends to the upkeep of your lawn, landscaping, and home’s façade, and there are plenty of ways Top Agent Magazine

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you can give these zones a refresh without spending anything but time. Keeping your front and back yard green and uniform adds a lux layer to exterior square footage.

Likewise, polishing the outside of your windows, trimming hedges, and sweeping the walkway can make a tidy and wellcared for first impression. There are other measures you can take too. Planting wildflower seeds in empty beds, or collecting some landscaping rocks to frame mulched areas can add a bit of character to your residence. Repainting the front door, ensuring trees are trimmed, and keeping back patios 16

neat and uncluttered also underscore a home at its finest, which is ripe for buyers to snatch up.

Transform tiled spaces into sparkling clean surfaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens are where sellers can stand to add plenty of value in the process of selling a home. While pricey renovations might be out of the question for some, there are still affordable and time-effective ways you can transform for these spaces for the better. Cleaning,

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bleaching, or redoing your tile grout—in either kitchens, bathrooms, or other tiled spaces—can give these high-trafficked areas a new lease on life. Ensuring windows, mirrors, stainless steel appliances and backsplashes are streak-free and polished also demonstrate to buyers that your home is well-cared for and practically move-in ready. Sometimes, the devil is in the details. You might consider relining drawers, changing out knobs and fixtures,

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or else decluttering cabinets and shelves for a fresher look.

No matter the challenges ahead as you prepare your home for sale, completing a few small tasks every weekend or so can put you miles ahead of the competition.

Without spending a dime, you can add serious value to your home’s bottom line, setting you up for success as you begin your own home-shopping adventure.

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MICHAEL CELL Michael Cell began his real estate career after selling his own home himself. “I put a townhome for sale by owner in Northbrook and I loved the process,” Michael recalls. “I met a real estate agent at one of my open houses and she helped me to purchase a new house. I really enjoyed that process as well, and I decided to get my license.” The rest is history, and Michael is now in his 20th year in the business. Throughout the years, Michael has excelled at helping his clients achieve their real estate goals.

With @properties, Michael serves Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs. One hundred percent of Michael’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence he inspires. “I focus all of my time, effort and resources on my client’s needs before, during, and after each sales transaction,” Michael explains. “I take care of my clients the way I would want myself and my family to be taken care of. It’s that sort of care and handholding throughout the process of buying or selling a home, and even after the process is over, that keeps me in the forefront of my client’s mind so that whenever they think of real estate, they think of me.”

When it comes to marketing his listings, Michael takes full advantage of the resources available to him through his brokerage to ensure maximum exposure.

“I decided to join @properties for many reasons. Their philosophy and values are aligned with mine and their marketing systems are phenomenal,” Michael says. “@properties deal management system makes doing business easy for me as a real estate broker, and their electronic platforms reach buyers wherever they are on the Web. Michael promotes his listings to brokers in the local area through Broker open houses and reverse prospecting. The use of eye-catching signage and direct mail to target potential buyers also help Michael drive traffic to his listings.

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Community involvement is important to Michael, and in past years he has organized non-perishable food drives with his client base, collecting upwards of 8 tons of non-perishable food, to benefit local food pantries. Michael also likes to contribute to causes through @properties.

In the future, Michael says, “My goal is to get my broker’s license in Florida so I can help my clients look for either a vacation home or permanent residence down there. One of the great benefits of working by referral over the last 20 years are the relationships I’ve established within a network of real estate brokers all across the country who also work by referral and share my level of commitment to client care. If I have clients moving anywhere, I can set them up with a great agent wherever they want to go.”

Above all, Michael wants to continue helping his clients accomplish their goals. “This has been a breakout year for me, and that’s very exciting,” Michael says.

“The size of a transaction, the number of units sold or volume have never been as important to me as taking care of my clients. I know that if I serve my clients the way they need to be served, I will have a steady stream of referrals, and it will allow me and my family to do the things we want in life.”

To find out more about Michael Cell, please call 847-322-4402, email michaelcell@atproperties.com, or visit him online at MichaelCell.com www.

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Business Growth Hack: Absorb Your Clients’ Stress!

Your business coach or a CRM software sales rep has probably described a number of products or services to help you grow your business. But sometimes the easiest way to increase the deals you’re closing is to simply be present for your clients. In doing so, you’ll find have the power to decrease the stress they feel. And when you decrease their stress, you increase your value to them, leading to new referrals and organic growth.

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You may be thinking, “I have enough stress; how can I find the emotional bandwidth for other people’s stress?” But consider this: As their day-to-day point of contact in this life decision, you are already a strong presence in your client’s lives. Why not allow yourself to be the only seemingly calm part of this process? By asking them what’s on their mind, by truly listening, by showing that you truly understand and even by rolling up

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your sleeves to relieve some of their grunt work, you’ll prove yourself invaluable.

Think of yourself as the equivalent of an anti-anxiety pill to your clients. All you have to do is form a few easy habits.

Laura and Raj, their agent and their loan officer soon came to learn that Laura’s 80-year-old mother may eventually move in with the family. This news not only helped the agent best meet Laura’s and Raj’s needs for a new home; it gave both the agent and the loan officer opportunities to go above and beyond for their clients. Their REALTOR® connected Laura with a senior services nonprofit near Laura’s mom’s current home that may be able to assist the family.

And their loan officer outlined various, detailed options to Laura and Raj make smart, long-term financial decisions.

Meanwhile, the agent and loan officer earned the trust of Laura and Raj, who felt less worried about the future.

Listen – really listen – with patience Behind every home purchase or sale is a person or a family with a uniquely complex set of needs, motivations, objectives and priorities. Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers are the easiest ways to learn how to make clients’ lives easier. In doing so, you not only show that you’re interested in them as people, but you help yourself discover ways to surprise your clients with service.

Take “Laura and Raj,” for instance – a couple in their 30s who wanted a larger home because their family of five outgrew their first home. By patiently getting to know 20

Empathize Don’t be afraid to describe your own personal experiences as a homebuyer or seller, explaining how you felt at the time; let your client know you “get” it. The agent who is willing to open up and let buyers and

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sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly.

Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted.

Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has Top Agent Magazine

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’”

Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares.

If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help.

When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

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Turning Your Profession into a Passion The old adage goes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

On the other hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day worries and responsibilities of your career, even if you generally enjoy what you do. While there’s no guaranteeing that every day on the job will be a picnic, there are a few steps you can take to vastly improve your morale and transform your profession into a passion.

After all, cultivating a passion for what you do will not only add to your quality 22

of life, but will likely make you more successful in the long run.

BUILD YOUR BASE OF KNOWLEDGE Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A sure way to light a fire in your heart for your daily work is to challenge yourself to learn more and expand your understanding of your field. By doing so, you equip yourself for success, create challenges, and find the most inter-

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esting features of your work—especially those that most appeal to your interests and talents. Try reading the top five books on the topic of your industry, or subscribe to a podcast where thriving professionals offer their two cents. Either way, learning more about your industry is bound to reveal a source of inspiration worth pursuing.

THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

and excelling in your field, you may find that others’ approaches inspire your own.

Likewise, what you learn from other successful, passionate people in your field can help you shape your own office and work life, in turn creating more opportunities for you to fall in love with what you do, all over again.

TAKE RISKS

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS

One of the biggest hindrances of professional passion is falling into a rut. Routines are familiar and everyday responsibilities vie for our energy. But the next time you tackle a task the way that you always have, take a moment and try to refresh your perspective—is there a more clever or efficient way you could approach this project?

Even better: why not take the plunge and do the things you’ve always been meaning to—throw that client appreciation event you’ve put off planning, take the continuing education course you keep forgetting to register for, even try a creative activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

There’s no better way to inject some passion into your life than by going outside your bubble and taking a risk.

Have you ever chatted with someone who was overflowing with energy for what they do? That sort of passion tends to be infectious—often causing us to beg our own questions about professional engagement.

By participating in local organizations or networking with those who are active

Passion comes from all directions—from your own interior journey and from the world around you. To transform your profession into a passion worth having, invest in yourself and venture into the vast world around you. You’ll surely reap the rewards.

Sometimes reinvigorating your passion for your work is about looking outward, rather than inward. Gain some perspective and consider who your work helps in the long run. As a real estate professional—whether you work as an agent, broker, in mortgages, home inspections, or otherwise—your work positively impacts someone else’s home-sweet-home. You make a difference. While it may seem like just another day at the office, taking a moment to visualize exactly who you are helping in the world at large is a great way to add some motivational fire to your daily tasks.

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