CHICAGO 11-1-21

CHICAGO EDITION

5 TIPS TO MAKE

3

WAYS JOINING A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION

CAN MAKE YOUR BUSINESS BETTER

COVER STORY

NEW HIRES A LONGLASTING SUCCESS FEATURED AGENTS

ANTHONY MEIER KARA MOLL & KOURTNEY PIOTROWSKI ROBIN WILSON

DAMONE RICHARDSON

How To Speed Up

FIRST-TIME

Homebuyer Transactions

CHICAGO EDITION

ANTHONY MEIER AT MEIER REALTY PROFESSIONALS ROBIN WITH KELLER WILLIAMS PREFERRED REALTY KARA MOLL & KOURTNEY PIOTROWSKI KARA MOLL & KOURTNEY PIOTROWSKI

WILSON

Kara Moll daughter hit year, last year, we didn’t Moll andand her her daughter we didn’t knowknow and Joanne Meier take a cus-Kara surrounding the property If neighborhood you meet Chicago Broker Robin Wilsonhit last 7 17 18 21 Kourtney Piotrowski – of the upcoming sale. Anthony says, “We what was going to happen, Piotrowski – of was going to happen, but but rvice perspective different fromKourtney forof the first time, you may be struck atwhat the MPG – Moll Piotrowski we knew that we had to find the MPG – Moll Piotrowski we knew that we had to find many other real estate profesare always looking for buyers for our hearing about the pitfalls of buying a home Group at Keller Williams ways to help.

We spent hours Group at Keller Williams ways to help.

We spent hours “We are not trying to sell people sellers and sellers for our buyers.”

ONEChicago – are deeply every day making care calls ONEChicago – are deeply every day making care calls or building rather than just the glamourous ,” Anthony explains. “We’re committed to their clients and and seeing where we could committed to their clients and and seeing where we could help our clients with an already AnthonyThat’s and Joanne haveshe always been clients upside. because advises them withwith superior supplies.

At the providing them superior deliver supplies.

At end the end need that has arisen in their life.providing conscientious about contributing to themoney,deliver asand if she were buying with her own service.

Their dedication and of the day, we’ve built close service.

Their dedication of the day, we’ve built close ght mean finding a great home health of the communities they’ve lived and her years of experience in the industryrelationships willingness to go above and with those in willingness to go above and relationships with those in one who is relocating because of in, and are members of the local Lions beyond to ensure the success our community, and it was to ensure the success our community, and it was have her how to recognize ange. It mightDAMONE also mean helping beyond Clubtaught in Frankfort, Illinois.

They have a good ANTHONY MEIER KARA MOLL & to ROBIN WILSON of each transaction, and deliver exceptional results, make important show up and show themthem that we DAMONE of each transaction, and deliver exceptional results, make important to show up and show thatcare.” we care.” investment, just as often spot a bad one. exit a bad situation. Whatever continuedKOURTNEY toand support a homeless shelter RICHARDSON PIOTROWSKI them a standout team across the Chicago metro area.

RICHARDSON them a standout team across the Chicago metro area. e of their need, Joanne and I are in thehave Western Suburbs where Joannetold me “’You a critical eye,’ a client On On pace to complete around $30,000,000 in sales pace ed to making that transition sucused to live as well.

When they aren’tto complete around $30,000,000 in sales once.

I inspect and critique everything!”

MPG is a family business at the core – with the third volume this year, KaraKara and Kourtney plan plan to continue MPG is a family business atworking the coreor–giving with the third this year, and Kourtney to continue nd stress-free.” back, they volume enjoy travteam member being Kara’s husband and and Kourtney’s growing theirtheir business and and usingusing their their knowledge team member being Kara’s husband Kourtney’s growing business knowledge eling visiting andbrokerfriends. and expertise to help as many families as possible father, Mark Kuntz – and and takes a family boutique father, Mark Kuntz – and takes a boutique brokerand expertise to help as many families as possible “Earning money is hard, but losing it is ’s interest in real estate was born almost 20 to customer service. ageage approach TheThe trio trio are are ableableachieve theirtheir real real estateestate goals.

“We’re working with with approach to customer service. achieve goals.

“We’re working o when he began doing severaltocommercial The market in the Chicagoland area hasclients been growing, too easy the right advisors,” Robin draw from their prior experience in without marketing and and that that we helped relocate to Chicago at theatstart to draw from their prior experience in marketing clients we helped relocate to Chicago the start s, followed by some home rehabilitation projand Anthony and Joanne’s business has grown with it. mortgages and give clients a truly customized service. of their career, who are now meeting their spouses, adds.

“There’s plenty of opportunities to lose money company.

T mortgages and give clients a truly customized service. of their career, who are now meeting their spouses, h a love for real estate, he decided to make a us They haveisentered thetake commercial realhaving estatekids, sector, “What makes different that we the conand looking for homes in the suburbs.

It’s as is a homebuyer or unwary investor.

People find in the way that It’s bu “What makes us different that we take the con- having kids, and lookingcan for homes suburbs. hange from restaurant business owner to proplan to expand the team in the next couple of years sultative route, asand opposed to an all-encompassing rewarding to betopresent for these beautiful life changes sultative route, as opposed to an all-encompassing rewarding be present for these beautiful life changes themselves emotionally caught upallintheahard home, but they space.it’s“Eve Realtor. After years of serving cookie-cutter clients in the approach, to helpand handle the increasing volume, allitthe while customize our our service to toand makes workwork well well worthworth it. Forit.us, cookie-cutter approach, and customize service and it makes all the hard For us, it’s Chicagoland area, he made the career choice of maintaining that commitment to solutions over sales. can relax knowing I will give them straight answers “Making tha thethe unique needs of each client,” Kourtney says,says, and andall about the relationships that we The fact unique needs of each client,” Kourtney all about the relationships thatbuild. we build.

Thethat factwe that we nd moved to Keller Williams Preferred Realty, “Our motto isat‘We Are Serve and with realisestate Kara adds, “We“We always look what is Always specifically gettoto them – that’s just buyers ajust bonus.” about a Striving particular opportunity right for throu Kara adds, always look at whether what is specifically gethelp to help them with real estate – that’s a bonus.” gnated Managing Broker. He and his wife Helpand Others,’” saysplan Anthony.

“That’s true of our lives important to the client tailor their and the marMyplan job help others avoid the quicksand and staging important to the client andthem. tailor their andisthetomarave since built a thriving business, withstrategy about tojust as much forwant. our business. keting get the resultsasthey We never I’m super-grateful keting strategy to get thethat results theyothers want. We never I and have stepped in the past.” a higher retu nt of their transactions comingsay, from repeatour plan, that Itake get to wake upit.’ every and peoplein, fulfill ‘Here’s it or leave We day work to help say, ‘Here’s our plan, take it or leave it.’ We work to r referrals. They have also created an efficient their of dreams.” develop a deeper level understanding and figure out develop a deeper level of understanding and figure out il-oriented professional process how for both buywe can assist them in accomplishing their goals.”

With a personal passion Going forw how we can assist them in accomplishing their goals.” for real estate, she began buyellers, ensuring a smooth transaction and the ing investment property out of college, and quickly her client b of value for their investment. Always striving to forge long-term connections with Always striving to forgebegan long-term connections with skills. “While my friends were rehab investments buyers and sellers, the team is proudhoning to serveher a large buyers and sellers, the team is proud to serve a large hanging out onreceive the weekends, I was fetching materials of professio percentage of repeat and referral clients.

“We comes to marketing their listings, Anthony percentage of repeat and referral clients. “We receive referrals from all over Chicago because geographystore to keep up with our rehabs,” ne first meet with clients to get to know them from the hardware tinue offerin referrals from all over Chicago doesn’t matter, results matter, and webecause get our geography clients needs. He advises them on staging the home, shefor. laughs.

“Igood enjoy taking something rough or slightly is known. doesn’t matter, results matter, and ourcare clients results that they’re looking We we takeget ates a professional listing usingthe professional the results that they’re looking for.and We take good it care bruised turning into a showpiece.” of listing them, and To learn more about Kara Moll, phy that will be posted with the infoour main focus is to make real estate easy. of them, and our main focus is to make real estate easy.

To learn more about Kara Moll, Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 That goes for everyone we work with, including our email kara@karamoll.com, LS and all of the top real estate websites. By That goes for everyone we work with, including our email kara@karamoll.com, inspectors, and attorney partners.” karamoll.com, or call (866) any professional mag@topagentmagazine.com strategies, theirlenders, team alerts By| Contact thepartners.” time a corporate visit jobvisit tookkaramoll.com, her to Chicago, she 245–5272. www.topagentmagazine.com lenders, inspectors, and attorney or call (866) 245–5272.

Anthony at 708 932-9522 ents and potential buyers in their database To about Kourtney Piotrowski, realized that she wanted to learn workmore for herself, in Agent a jobMagazine or email anthonymeier@kw.com involved in their community, Kara and No portion thisDeeply issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of kourtney@karamoll.com, the publisher.

Top Kourtney Toemail learn more about Piotrowski, ew listing, and they notifyof residents in the Deeply involved in matters their Kara that community, would herand toensure problem solve.kourtney@karamoll.com, She quit her Top Kourtney decided to into their allow ownare hands is published by Feature Publications GA,take Inc. Although precautions taken to the accuracy of published materials, email or call (708) 732–2828.

Kourtney to take matters theirand own hands the pandemic struck.into “When COVID Agent Magazine when cannot beCOVID-19 helddecided responsible forcorporate opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. gig got her license, entering industry or callthe (708) 732–2828.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. “When COVID To subscribe or change address, send inquiry toinmag@topagentmagazine.com.

2005, a high time in the market before the tumble Published in the U.S.

CONTENTS

4) 5 TIPS TO MAKE NEW HIRES A LONGLASTING SUCCESS

19) TURN OPEN HOUSES INTO DESTINATIONS

14) HOW TO SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

22) 3 WAYS JOINING A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION CAN MAKE YOUR BUSINESS BETTER

www.

www.

that would last 5-6 years. It was a period of turmoil, but

on at 847-207-1975 or email Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com also one of opportunity.

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Top Agent Magazine “I’m a great problem solver, and I have a good memory. So, when I discover an investment opportunity

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LISTING AGENTS

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ThirdBLVD Group 773-558-9216

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5 Tips to Make New Hires

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

The hiring and training process is time-intensive and doesn’t come cheap. This means that making 4

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

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1. Be honest about the scope of the role

2. Build in some perks

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

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

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

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

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3. Get a sense of big-picture career plans

4. Keep the lines of communication open

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DAMONE RICHARDSON Top Agent Magazine

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DAMONE RICHARDSON Based in Lincoln Park, Top Agent Damone Richardson prides himself on providing exceptional, personalized service to a diverse clientele at every price point across the Chicago area.

Since becoming licensed as a Realtor® in 2016, Damone Richardson has built a successful career in the ultra-competitive Chicago market. With a background in communications, human resources and consulting, he also has a 8

passion for interior design and entered real estate to fully immerse himself in the entrepreneurial space. Based in Lincoln Park, he prides himself on providing exceptional, personalized service to a diverse clientele at every price point across Top Agent Magazine

the Chicago area. “I have built my business through prioritizing relationships and building community rather than focusing on the transactional nature of the work,” Damone says. As such, he has consistently grown his business over the past five years.

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Clear and consistent communication is the core of Damone’s approach to guiding his clients through the complex and challenging process of buying or selling a home. He is thoughtful when delivering information to his clients and he’s always 9

responsive since transactions can be not only stressful but fluid as well. “This is often the biggest purchase my clients will ever make, so I have to lead with clarity and transparency at all times and in all situations,” Damone says. “I want to earn my clients’ trust and maintain relationships long after the transaction is closed.” Clients love Damone’s personal approach to conducting business, proven by the fact that he gets 70% of his business through referrals and repeat clients – a number that keeps growing.

As a long-time resident of Chicago and an agent with an extensive background

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in a wide variety of fields, Damone understands what it takes to help his clients find the perfect home anywhere in the city. He listens carefully and has a data-driven approach. In addition, his experience in complex human resources negotiations make him the ideal agent when navigating a transaction.

Damone has a comprehensive approach to ensuring that each of his listings attract the widest possible audience of prospective buyers. Clients appreciate his attention to detail. He brings that level of focus to, for example, producing high-quality professional photography and clearly

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written property descriptions, “I have a comprehensive marketing strategy and the key is to maximize the exposure of every listing across a variety of platforms such as print and social media,” Damone adds. “It’s also important to cultivate and activate my network across the city. Not all listings are the same so it’s important to meet buyers where they are.”

Damone closed 25 transactions last year and received the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Award. In Top Agent Magazine

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2021 he’s projected to surpass $10MM in sales with 30+ transactions. “I believe in giving back, and I’m heavily involved in my community, serving as President of the West Loop Community Organization and on the Operating Board of the Chicago

Maritime Arts Center, as well as routinely volunteering for BUILD Chicago.” In the future, Damone plans to incorporate more video into his marketing to elevate the exposure of his listings and to expand the scope and size of his growing business.

You can contact Damone Richardson at (917) 686-8481 or damone.richardson@cbexchange.com, or you can visit his website at damonemoveschicago.com www.

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 14

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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ANTHONY MEIER AT MEIER REALTY PROFESSIONALS WITH KELLER WILLIAMS PREFERRED REALTY Anthony and Joanne Meier take a customer service perspective different from that of many other real estate professionals. “We are not trying to sell people anything,” Anthony explains. “We’re here to help our clients with an already existing need that has arisen in their life.

That might mean finding a great home for someone who is relocating because of a job change. It might also mean helping someone exit a bad situation. Whatever the nature of their need, Joanne and I are committed to making that transition successful and stress-free.”

neighborhood surrounding the property of the upcoming sale. Anthony says, “We are always looking for buyers for our sellers and sellers for our buyers.”

Anthony’s interest in real estate was born almost 20 years ago when he began doing several commercial purchases, followed by some home rehabilitation projects. With a love for real estate, he decided to make a career change from restaurant business owner to professional Realtor. After years of serving clients in the Greater Chicagoland area, he made the career choice of his life and moved to Keller Williams Preferred Realty, as Designated Managing Broker. He and his wife Joanne have since built a thriving business, with about 85 percent of their transactions coming from repeat clients or referrals. They have also created an efficient and detail-oriented professional process for both buyers and sellers, ensuring a smooth transaction and the best gain of value for their investment.

Anthony and Joanne have always been conscientious about contributing to the health of the communities they’ve lived in, and are members of the local Lions Club in Frankfort, Illinois. They have continued to support a homeless shelter in the Western Suburbs where Joanne used to live as well. When they aren’t working or giving back, they enjoy traveling and visiting family and friends.

The market in the Chicagoland area has been growing, and Anthony and Joanne’s business has grown with it.

They have entered the commercial real estate sector, and plan to expand the team in the next couple of years to help handle the increasing volume, all the while maintaining that commitment to solutions over sales.

“Our motto is ‘We Are Always Striving to Serve and Help Others,’” says Anthony. “That’s true of our lives just as much as for our business. I’m super-grateful that I get to wake up every day and help people fulfill their dreams.”

When it comes to marketing their listings, Anthony and Joanne first meet with clients to get to know them and their needs. He advises them on staging the home, then creates a professional listing using professional photography that will be posted with the listing info to the MLS and all of the top real estate websites. By using many professional strategies, their team alerts other agents and potential buyers in their database to the new listing, and they notify residents in the Top Agent Magazine

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Contact Anthony at 708 932-9522 or email anthonymeier@kw.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

KARA MOLL & KOURTNEY PIOTROWSKI Kara Moll and her daughter Kourtney Piotrowski – of the MPG – Moll Piotrowski Group at Keller Williams ONEChicago – are deeply committed to their clients and providing them with superior service. Their dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the success of each transaction, and deliver exceptional results, make them a standout team across the Chicago metro area.

MPG is a family business at the core – with the third team member being Kara’s husband and Kourtney’s father, Mark Kuntz – and takes a boutique brokerage approach to customer service. The trio are able to draw from their prior experience in marketing and mortgages and give clients a truly customized service.

“What makes us different is that we take the consultative route, as opposed to an all-encompassing cookie-cutter approach, and customize our service to the unique needs of each client,” Kourtney says, and Kara adds, “We always look at what is specifically important to the client and tailor their plan and the marketing strategy to get the results they want. We never say, ‘Here’s our plan, take it or leave it.’ We work to develop a deeper level of understanding and figure out how we can assist them in accomplishing their goals.”

Always striving to forge long-term connections with buyers and sellers, the team is proud to serve a large percentage of repeat and referral clients. “We receive referrals from all over Chicago because geography doesn’t matter, results matter, and we get our clients the results that they’re looking for. We take good care of them, and our main focus is to make real estate easy.

That goes for everyone we work with, including our lenders, inspectors, and attorney partners.”

Deeply involved in their community, Kara and Kourtney decided to take matters into their own hands when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. “When COVID 18

hit last year, we didn’t know what was going to happen, but we knew that we had to find ways to help. We spent hours every day making care calls and seeing where we could deliver supplies. At the end of the day, we’ve built close relationships with those in our community, and it was important to show up and show them that we care.”

On pace to complete around $30,000,000 in sales volume this year, Kara and Kourtney plan to continue growing their business and using their knowledge and expertise to help as many families as possible achieve their real estate goals. “We’re working with clients that we helped relocate to Chicago at the start of their career, who are now meeting their spouses, having kids, and looking for homes in the suburbs. It’s rewarding to be present for these beautiful life changes and it makes all the hard work well worth it. For us, it’s all about the relationships that we build. The fact that we get to help them with real estate – that’s just a bonus.”

To learn more about Kara Moll, email kara@karamoll.com, visit karamoll.com, or call (866) 245–5272. www.

To learn more about Kourtney Piotrowski, email kourtney@karamoll.com, or call (708) 732–2828.

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Turn Open Houses into Destinations People are busy. Even those who are actively looking to buy a house or want to learn about the market for a future purpose have busy schedules.

But with bit of added time, creativity and investment in making open house into destinations, you’ll see greater turnout. And we all know that greater turnout increases the likelihood of offers.

There are several creative ways to hold an open house with a mindset of hospitality and with the goal of providing something of value to each person who attends.

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The neighbors-only open house Some agents embrace the “nosy neighbor” concept as a benefit, not an eye-rolling challenge.

With his client’s permission, Wesley Peters, a Keller Williams broker in the Baltimore Metro Area, often gets the neighbors together before a home hits the market. “We invite other brokers, too, but we include as many neighbors as we can,” he says, explaining that he schedules these events for a Thursday or Friday evening, happy hour-style, rather than midday on a Sunday. They get a better turnout at 5:00 pm than

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midday on a weekend when the neighbors are busy with their lives. In a relaxed setting, conversations flow, neighbors can mingle and catch up, and the buzz begins before the home is listed.

In advance, prepare invitations and hand-deliver them to homes on the streets you and your client agree are best to include. The destination is the event; the value each attendee receives is the social interaction and the removal of any awkwardness over visiting their neighbor’s house.

Your client’s benefit is the buzz.

A turnkey block party any time of year Once a property is listed, some agents take on the role of party planners. Certain streets or neighborhoods, they find, are perfect for lowkey social occasions. In some place, such as neighborhoods with many young families, a bounce-house or games may even ramp up the fun factor. But the idea of a seemingly spontaneous block party during an open house can be easy to pull off, whether you’re serving lemonade and cookies or coffee and pastries. The chance to meet prospective neighbors turns the event into a destination for both buyers and the neighbors; the value comes in buyers’ ability to see how the neighbors interact. Your seller’s benefit is that the grapevine will be filled with happy stories about their home. Tips: By keeping basic supplies in storage, you’ll be ready for a pop-up block party any time. Promote this type of event with targeted social media marketing and fliers or postcards to communities within a short distance of your listing.

Invite other professionals It’s common mortgage lenders to attend open houses. But why not provide even more value to people who attend? Chances are, you have more than a handful of professional partners who welcome an opportunity to join you at your open house. Consider inviting an interior designer, a contractor, a gardener, even a gardener or a painter. Invite them to your broker’s open in advance or give them time to view the property 20

before the open house begins. Then encourage them to stroll the property during the open house or to sit with you. When visitors ask about needs or concerns they may have about the house – such as loan questions, the cost of improvements or upgrades or even remodeling – you’ll be able to introduce them to an expert on the spot. For that matter, your invited pros don’t even necessarily have to be in home-related businesses!

Prospective buyers always want to know about the community when visiting open houses.

Consider inviting representatives of community

organizations, like youth sports group or owners of mom-and-pop retailers to help your visitors get a feel for the neighborhood or town. For this type of open-house, prepare a flyer or card with your community contacts on it so visitors can leave with resources as well as information.

Open house should be about the buzz. They’re about creating a conversation about your listing and making the home memorable to visitors. By giving people a unique experience they won’t forget, you’ll show your sellers how creative you are in meeting their needs.

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ROBIN WILSON If you meet Chicago Broker Robin Wilson for the first time, you may be struck at hearing about the pitfalls of buying a home or building rather than just the glamourous upside. That’s because she advises clients as if she were buying with her own money, and her years of experience in the industry have taught her how to recognize a good investment, and just as often spot a bad one. “’You have a critical eye,’ a client told me once. I inspect and critique everything!”

“Earning money is hard, but losing it is too easy without the right advisors,” Robin adds. “There’s plenty of opportunities to lose money as a homebuyer or unwary investor. People can find themselves emotionally caught up in a home, but they can relax knowing I will give them straight answers about whether a particular opportunity is right for them. My job is to help others avoid the quicksand that I and others have stepped in, in the past.”

With a personal passion for real estate, she began buying investment property out of college, and quickly began honing her rehab skills. “While my friends were hanging out on the weekends, I was fetching materials from the hardware store to keep up with our rehabs,” she laughs. “I enjoy taking something rough or slightly bruised and turning it into a showpiece.”

need. That’s how I see myself—a matchmaker between people and properties.”

That approach has been successful, as Robin has built a diverse business with @properties, covering 12 towns from Chicago through the North Shore of Chicago. From home buying and selling, to finding undervalued property, she offers many a la carte services a client might need. For sellers, Robin offers home staging as part of her standard package, which saves them the money they would spend hiring a third-party company. The aim is to showcase the property in a way that buyers can imagine how they would use the space. “Everyone eats with their eyes,” says Robin.

“Making that great first impression is key to getting buyers through the door. Some elbow grease up front and staging backstage, before going on stage, lends to a higher return on investment.”

Going forward, Robin wants to keep expanding her client base and build her legacy in real estate investments. She wants to strengthen the network of professionals she works with in order to continue offering the high-quality service for which she is known.

By the time a corporate job took her to Chicago, she realized that she wanted to work for herself, in a job that would allow her to problem solve. She quit her corporate gig and got her license, entering the industry in 2005, a high time in the market before the tumble that would last 5-6 years. It was a period of turmoil, but also one of opportunity.

“I’m a great problem solver, and I have a good memory. So, when I discover an investment opportunity or run across a certain style of home, I quickly parse through my Rolodex of contacts who would fit that Top Agent Magazine

Contact Robin Wilson at 847-207-1975 or email Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

3 Ways Joining a Professional Organization Can

Make Your Business Better Any real estate professional worth his or her salt knows that relationships are everything in this industry. Of course, it’s essential to cultivate connections with your in-office colleagues and your clientele—but there’s even more to be done when it comes to building meaningful professional relationships on a larger scale.

How can you make the most of your sphere of influence? The answer lies in professional organizations.

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These institutions vary in breadth and scope— from the local chamber of commerce and state-level organizations geared toward young professionals, to nationwide groups like the National Association of Realtors. No matter which avenue you pursue, these organizations and the professionals therein can add tremendous value to your business and professional repertoire. Not quite convinced? Consider a few of the benefits below to understand how just how influential a professional organization can be when doing business in the modern marketplace.

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1. Expand your skillset.

It’s hard to argue that continuing education and professional development aren’t worthwhile causes. One of the little-known values of joining a professional organization is that there are countless opportunities to boost your talent through free or subsidized skill-building events, workshops, and speaker series. Seminars, coaching events, opportunities to volunteer, and conferences are just a few more ways that professional organizations put you in the right position to learn from others, or advance your understanding of the industry. In real estate, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to the longevity of your business. By joining a professional organization, you’ll not only have the chance to learn from industry veterans, but to also take advantage of indispensable resources that set you apart from the real estate pack.

2. Simplify your networking experience The obvious benefit of joining a professional organization is the chance to meet and network with fellow agents and industry pros.

But, have you ever considered how commonly networking comes into play in the real world? On the local and state level, the real estate scene isn’t as big as one might imagine.

This means you’ll cross paths with all sorts of agents, lenders, home inspectors, title company representatives, contractors, developers, investors, and more. Positioning yourself within a professional organization not only fortifies your reputation to the outside world and to those in your industry, but it also makes it easier to strike up conversations or navigate deals. How so? A professional organization Top Agent Magazine

creates a baseline of common knowledge and trust when doing business with those inside or aware of your organization. Likewise, when reaching out to an agent or lender who you’re not familiar with, you can mine your professional organization for related contacts that give you a sense of who you’re doing business with or how to make the transition progress smoothly.

3. Utilize a support system While advancing your career is a worthwhile motive when joining a real estate professional organization, also consider the mental benefits of fellowship with industry colleagues and local entrepreneurs. Rather than carting your anxieties home at the end of the day, you can lean on professionals moving through the same ranks. What’s more, you can turn to others in your industry for advice, commiseration with frustrations, or help sourcing a solution for a particular problem they may have experienced and overcome in the past. Even talking shop with likeminded pros can relieve stress and refresh your perspective—perks that are just as valuable as an updated contact sheet.

The old saying stands true: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to far, go together.

In that vein, professional organizations can make all the difference when it comes to a career that doesn’t burn out. Try connecting with a professional organization that you find inspiring—whether its mission is focused on volunteer work, industry developments, or peer mentorship. No matter which path you pursue, remember that no man is an island and the benefits of joining a professional organization can transform you and your enterprise for the better.

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