CHICAGO 2-21-22

CHICAGO EDITION

SUCCESS–

THESE 7 HABITS ARE THE REAL SECRET TO SUCCESS

3 EASY AT-HOME

DIY PROJECTS TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE Uncommon Contact:

CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

FEATURED AGENTS

KIMBERLY LEDWA STACI YESNER COVER STORY

SARA POSS

CHICAGO EDITION

STACI YESNER KIMBERLY LEDWA

In 2017, KimberlyTop Ledwa got Staci her real lives. AKimberly lot of times, Agent Yesner – Broker with When it comes to her listings, 9 19 23 estate license and Compass started working fulluses a variety of platforms to make ties and fearsure about t in Chicago – is a consummate time in Chicago - she had been interested they reach as wide an audience as possible. or selling a home, a real estate professional who is deeply comin investing in properties for some time, She markets online through themsocial calmmedia and allevi mitted to providing her many clients with and became fascinated with the industry, and the MLS, and spreads the word in large part toperbeing ab top-notch customer service, whether they opting to turn it into a full-time career. Curson through her network of referral agents worker skills.” be buying or selling a home. Intelligent, rently solo, Kimberly has been putting up and colleagues. She also prints brochures hardworking and possessing deep market impressive production numbers providing and uses word of mouth marketing through There many and industry there are few various in-person and online phenomenal personalized service to knowledge, clients socialare groups play wh better suited to is helping a client achieve to disseminate informationcome across the Greater Chicago area. She in about into the propSARA POSS exceptional succes theiraSARA real POSS estate goals. KIMBERLY Staci’s focus on erties the process of building Team, and hopes she YESNER is selling. Kimberly typically LEDWA STACI fact honest and integrity to continue pushing her production and in all she does has close 40 transactions eachthe year, andthat hopesshe o do that problem helped her an her impeccable growing her business, whileearn expanding sphere of reputation to continue ramping up her production levelswas in the influence at the same years to come. mold and leak issues,” she expl astime. a trusted advocate for anyone needing real estate

see things in buildings that po

assistance in The Windy City or its suburbs.

Kimberly has made a name for herself as an agent who In her free time, Kimberly loves exploring culinary not notice whenthe we’re walking CONTENTS truly and consistently goes above and beyond the exworld ® of Chicago with her friends. She loves the Prior to becoming licensed as a Realtor , Staci spent pectations her clients have for her, and takes a holistic architecture of the city, another big factor in her initial twenty years in education as a social worker and as a Another reason behind Staci’s ra approach making the transaction process as streaminfatuation with real estate. AnDIY active participant in 4) to UNCOMMON CONTACT: 15)with 3 EASY AT-HOME PROJECTS estate industry would be her e special education administrator working students lined and pleasant as possible for her clients. From the Chicago community, Kimberly is a member of the CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE approach to marketing her list special needs, a career that she credits with prodoing cleaning andwith repairs around the house to help Keller Williams Culture Committee, through which she cards, email blasts adept u viding hertowith extensive communication and listenSOCIAL MEDIA clientsTHROUGH prepare for the market offering professional has participated in a number of charity events, and includmedia platforms to gain ing home skills, look as well as an in-depth of local staging to make each its absolute best, knowledge ing annual golf outings tosocial raise7donations forARE the local 20) SUCCESS–THESE HABITS for herKimberly properties.

Theto result “Unfortunately,” she recalls, “due for to Children.

Kimberly brings theschool whole districts. package Hospital hopes set is 6) SMALL YARD? BIG to each client she Shriners THE REAL SECRET TO SUCCESS forimage top dollar, downsizing and budget cuts,real I became too expensive works with, and offers immense value.

“I got into an example and promote sale a better of real not estatetoinmentio STATEMENT: HOW TO MAKE ® estate because I wanted to help people, so andI Iwas really work, by showing you can make it as aand Realtor to return to refer fri and too specialized, pricedher out of that indus- thatcontinue MOST OUT OF MICRO work THE hard to maketry. sure I’m doing that,” while being selfless I then decided that Kimberly real estate would be a good fit,and kind, and truly working towards the best says. OUTDOOR “I want to simplify people’s theI could Whenaround she’syou. not working, Staci asSPACES I could be mylives ownbeyond boss and be ininterests controlofofthe people transaction.” Because of her dedication to service that and spending time with her f my own destiny.” is both thorough and personal, Kimberly receives 90% friend. She also volunteers her t of her business from referrals and repeat clients.

Since becoming licensed in 2015, Staci has built a Chicago, an organization that Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 thriving and exponentially expanding business that is those dealing with cancer. Addi As someone who grew up without a lot of resources, mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com on the Board of Directors of Es largethe partground upon up, repeat Kimberly has built based her lifeinfrom andclients and referrals, a Services, which true of the amazing customer service she of the Noaportion issue barometer may be hopes reproduced in any manner without prior consent publisher. Top Agent assists childr learned lot in of thethisprocess.

She to pass that goodwhatsoever Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published provides.

“I think lother of itworkhas to do with the relation- developmental disabilities. fortune along to the people she meetsa in materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. ships I form with for mytoher clients,” ing life, by being the go-to resource clients,says Staci, when asked To subscribe or change address, send inquiry mag@topagentmagazine.com. how she manages such impressive levels of Looking to the future, Staci’s pla answering questions, giving referrals to to generate contractors, Published in the U.S. and educating themtrust withand all the pertinent information loyalty amongst those she works with. “I love ing her business and to possibly when it comes to buying or selling a home.

“I try to be aboutTomy contact Kimberly callpoint.

(815)Most 212-4326, some important, ho meeting new people and learning clients and the jack of all tradesforming for my clients,” Kimberly says.

“I email Kledwa@kw.com or visit her website continueTop providing her many clie those connections, then helping them make 2 myself available to help them in any way I possiAgent Magazine keep at KimberlyLedwa.KW.com one-of-a-kind customer service. what is possibly one of the biggest decisions of their bly can, as I know how difficult this process can be.” www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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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, Top Agent Magazine

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

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

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

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Think vertically.

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

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

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

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

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

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

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

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

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

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SARA POSS

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SARA POSS “I’m attentive and I treat clients like family. I sell homes as if they are my own. I negotiate like it’s my own home.

The biggest compliment is when clients refer me to their own kids. It’s so exciting to be a part of people’s families in that way.”

An entrepreneurial spirit runs in Sara Poss’ family. For her, real estate was both a longtime passion and a natural fit. Sara’s mother sold real estate to support their family. “I watched my mother as a kid, so it’s safe to 10

say that real estate is in my blood,” Sara says. She earned her license in 1999, then stepped away from the industry for a time.

She was relicensed in 2015, and has been full-time serving her clients with excellence, Top Agent Magazine

compassion, and skill ever since.

Now a Realtor® with Baird & Warner, Sara serves the city of Chicago, along with the Western & Northwest suburbs, which she has called home for the past twenty years. With her sharp eye, her dedication, and her design experience, Sara is well-poised to help her buyers and sellers achieve their goals. With extensive experience with the kitchen and bath industry, along with her experience with residential contractors, custom home builders, and multi-unit developers, Sara is able Top Agent Magazine

to offer expert counsel, design and renovation guidance, and cost-saving advice on remodeling. “I’ve found that staging and design results in huge returns for my clients,” Sara says. “I take a lot of pride in my ability to guide my clients in ways that add value to their homes.”

Fiercely dedicated to her clients, Sara treats their goals as her own. Sara’s business is 100% referral-based, a testament to her integrity and to the high-quality service she provides. “I’m attentive and I treat clients like family,” Sara says. “I sell 11

homes as if they are my own. I negotiate like it’s my own home. The biggest compliment is when clients refer me to their own kids. It’s so exciting to be a part of people’s families in that way.”

Sara’s attention to detail extends to how she markets her clients’ properties, beginning with beautiful and custom staging.

“When a listing goes out with my name on it, it has to look its very best,” Sara says.

“Virtual tours and online images are the first impression for buyers. I pay a professional photographer myself because he’s the best. You only get one chance at a first impression.” Sara’s strategies have

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paid off. “My business is growing by leaps and bounds,” Sara says. “I’m very proud of that growth, especially because it’s all referral-based.”

Family-owned businesses and entrepreneurship are both close to Sara’s heart, and in her limited free time, she dedicates herself to helping others navigate the ins and outs of running a small business. “I grew up in a family business, my husband and I have a family business, and I am my own business now,” Sara says. “Family businesses face unique challenges. People have mentored me, and it’s my goal to pass that along.” Sara has served on the Top Agent Magazine

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Board of Directors for the Entrepreneurial and Family Business Council, and she has spoken by invitation at many entrepreneurial seminars. The mother of two daughters, when Sara is not busy helping her clients or giving back her time, she loves to attend her daughter’s softball sporting events, visit her daughter at St. Louis University and to volunteer for their schools.

For the future, Sara plans to continue to grow and to find more ways to help her clients. “I’ve developed a passion for staging, and I’ve cultivated my own inventory,” Sara says. “That’s one of many areas I’d like to grow towards. I have seen huge returns for my clients, and at the end of the day, that is my goal: to find more ways to help them achieve their dreams.”

To find out more about Sara Poss, you can contact her by phone at 847-774-6490 or by email at Sara@SaraPossHomes.com

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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 Top Agent Magazine

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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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 16

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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 Top Agent Magazine

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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KIMBERLY LEDWA In 2017, Kimberly Ledwa got her real estate license and started working fulltime in Chicago - she had been interested in investing in properties for some time, and became fascinated with the industry, opting to turn it into a full-time career. Currently solo, Kimberly has been putting up impressive production numbers providing phenomenal personalized service to clients across the Greater Chicago area. She is in the process of building a Team, and hopes to continue pushing her production and growing her business, while expanding her sphere of influence at the same time.

When it comes to her listings, Kimberly uses a variety of platforms to make sure they reach as wide an audience as possible.

She markets online through social media and the MLS, and spreads the word in person through her network of referral agents and colleagues. She also prints brochures and uses word of mouth marketing through various in-person and online social groups to disseminate information about the properties she is selling. Kimberly typically close 40 transactions each year, and hopes to continue ramping up her production levels in the years to come.

Kimberly has made a name for herself as an agent who truly and consistently goes above and beyond the expectations her clients have for her, and takes a holistic approach to making the transaction process as streamlined and pleasant as possible for her clients. From doing cleaning and repairs around the house to help clients prepare for the market to offering professional staging to make each home look its absolute best, Kimberly brings the whole package to each client she works with, and offers immense value. “I got into real estate because I wanted to help people, and I really work hard to make sure I’m doing that,” Kimberly says. “I want to simplify people’s lives beyond the transaction.” Because of her dedication to service that is both thorough and personal, Kimberly receives 90% of her business from referrals and repeat clients.

In her free time, Kimberly loves exploring the culinary world of Chicago with her friends. She loves the architecture of the city, another big factor in her initial infatuation with real estate. An active participant in the Chicago community, Kimberly is a member of the Keller Williams Culture Committee, through which she has participated in a number of charity events, including annual golf outings to raise donations for the local Shriners Hospital for Children. Kimberly hopes to set an example and promote a better image of real estate in her work, by showing that you can make it as a Realtor® while being selfless and kind, and truly working towards the best interests of the people around you.

As someone who grew up without a lot of resources, Kimberly has built her life from the ground up, and learned a lot in the process. She hopes to pass that good fortune along to the people she meets in her working life, by being the go-to resource for her clients, answering questions, giving referrals to contractors, and educating them with all the pertinent information when it comes to buying or selling a home. “I try to be the jack of all trades for my clients,” Kimberly says. “I keep myself available to help them in any way I possibly can, as I know how difficult this process can be.”

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To contact Kimberly call (815) 212-4326, email Kledwa@kw.com or visit her website at KimberlyLedwa.KW.com www.

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Success– These 7 Habits Are the Real Secret to Success What makes somesome people so sucWhat isisit itthatthat makes people so cessful andand others not? successful others not?Is Isthere thereaa secret secret recipe recipe one one can can follow, follow, as as easy easy as as baking baking aa cake, cake, which which will will give give them them the the strength strength to to achieve achieve their their ultimate ultimate goals goals and and have have ititall? all?

The The answer answer is is that, that,in inaamanner, manner,there thereis. is.The The trick trick is is in in how how you you think think about about success success and and what what itit means means for for you. you. Many Many people people define define success success as as achieving achieving their their personal personal goals, goals, but but could could this this be be leading leading them them to to look look atat the the world a little too narrowly? The people people that that are are truly truly successful successful in in every every aspect aspect of of 20

don’t stop stop at at simply simply achieving achieving their lives don’t their personal goals. goals. They They succeed succeedin inmany many job,job, reavenues of of their theirlife, life,including includingtheir their lationships, health, andand family just to name relationships, health, family just to a few.a few. name ultra-successful people tend It turns turnsout outthatthat ultra-successful people to have quite quite a number of things in comtend to have a number of things in mon. One One main main skill many possess common. skill seem many toseem to is high emotional intelligence, or the abilpossess is high emotional intelligence, or ity to manage your emotions so that you the ability to manage your emotions so can you staycan calm focused even even in high that stayand calm and focused in

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high stress situations. Luckily, it seems not all of them are simply born with this ability, but have many strategies they use to help them achieve higher emotional intelligence. Here are seven strategies and habits that will help you achieve success in every area of your life.

1

BE COMPOSED The first thing successful people always seem to have under control is their composure. Successful people stay calmand composed when the going gets tough and fingers start pointing. They don’t panic. The secret? They understand that in life things are always changing.It doesn’tmatter if something is bad at the moment because that will change soon enough. In this topsy turvy life all you can really do is adapt in order to stay happy and remain in control of how you react.

2

BE KNOWLEDGEABLE Have you ever noticed how successful people always seem to have such awide range of knowledge and interests? Successful people do know more because they are always working to grow and learn. They strive to constantly increasetheir self-awareness. If a spare moment exists,then they will fill it with some kind of self-education. They do this because they are passionate about learning new things and ways to improve their life. Ignore the fear of being judged and ask questions, because that is the only way you can learn. Successful people don’t

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fear asking questions. They fear not asking those questions and growing stagnant.

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BE DELIBERATE It is important to think and reason before you come to a decision. Successful people don’t rush. They seek out advice from others, they think of all the aspects, and sleep on their thoughts before finally making their decision. Your gut instinct can be misleading, and lead you to make a rash decision that you will come to regret later.

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BE CERTAIN, AND SPEAK WITH CONVICTION Successful people speak with certainty.

Unless you communicate your ideas with conviction and certainty, then you will have a hard time getting people to listen to them.

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BE POSITIVE Successful people use positive body language when they are talking to draw other people in. Their tone is enthusiastic, they maintain eye contact, leaning in towards the person speaking to show interest. Successful people use it to draw those other people in. How you say something can be just as if not more important that what you say to people. Positive body language can completely alter how your speech is perceived by others, and helps to keep attention on you and what you are saying.

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BE MEMORABLE BY BE MEMORABLE BY LEAVING A STRONG LEAVING A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION FIRST IMPRESSION You only have once to make a first impresYou only haveare oneincredibly time to make a firstas sion, and they important, impression, and they importthey are closely tiesare to incredibly positive body lanant, as You theyhave are around closely 7tied to positive guage. seconds to conbody language.

7 seconds vince a person toYou likehave youaround after you initially to convince a person to like after them you meet them. That is how longyou it takes initially a person to decidemeet whenthem. they After meet that, you. After that simplyisspending the rest ofthe therest converaisperson simply spending of the sation justifying that initial reaction they conversation justifying that initial reaction had. You yousure make a good they had.can Youmake can sure make you make impression by having strong strong posafirst good first impression by having ture, a firm handshake, a warm smile,smile, and posture, a firm handshake, a warm openopen shoulders. and shoulders.

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BE FEARLESS BE FEARLESS Successful people know that to give in Successful peopleThey know that let giving to fear is a choice. don’t the into fear fear a choice.

They don’t let takeisover, instead focusing onthe thefeart rushake of over, instead, they focus on the rush of euphoria that comes with conquering fears. euphoria that comes with conquering fears.

All of this adds up to having a high emotionAll of this addsWhat up tohelps having emoal intelligence. you atohigh succeed is tional intelligence.What helps you toemosucthe ability to control those whirlwind ceed theyou ability control whirlwind tionsisso can to stay calmthose and focused on emotions so you can stay calm andcan focused actually succeeding.

These habits help on Theseintelligence, habits can youactually gain a succeeding. higher emotional help a higher emotional intellibut asyou yougain probably already know, anything gence, but dealing as you probably know, involving with youralready emotions in anything dealing with your a healthyinvolving manner takes serious work.emoSo, tions healthy takestime. serious don’t in givea up if you manner fail the first You work.

So, don’t up again. if you fail the first must always try give and try time.You must always try and try again.

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STACI YESNER Top Agent Staci Yesner – Broker with Compass in Chicago – is a consummate real estate professional who is deeply committed to providing her many clients with top-notch customer service, whether they be buying or selling a home. Intelligent, hardworking and possessing deep market and industry knowledge, there are few better suited to helping a client achieve their real estate goals. Staci’s focus on honest and integrity in all she does has helped earn her an impeccable reputation as a trusted advocate for anyone needing real estate assistance in The Windy City or its suburbs.

Prior to becoming licensed as a Realtor®, Staci spent twenty years in education as a social worker and as a special education administrator working with students with special needs, a career that she credits with providing her with extensive communication and listening skills, as well as an in-depth knowledge of local school districts. “Unfortunately,” she recalls, “due to downsizing and budget cuts, I became too expensive and too specialized, so I was priced out of that industry. I then decided that real estate would be a good fit, as I could be my own boss and I could be in control of my own destiny.”

Since becoming licensed in 2015, Staci has built a thriving and exponentially expanding business that is based in large part upon repeat clients and referrals, a true barometer of the amazing customer service she provides. “I think a lot of it has to do with the relationships I form with my clients,” says Staci, when asked how she manages to generate such impressive levels of trust and loyalty amongst those she works with. “I love meeting new people and learning about my clients and forming those connections, then helping them make what is possibly one of the biggest decisions of their

lives. A lot of times, clients have insecurities and fear about the process of buying or selling a home, and I’m able to keep them calm and alleviate those fears due in large part to being able to utilize my social worker skills.”

There are many other factors that come into play when assessing Staci’s exceptional success story, including the fact that she once lived in a condo that was problematic. “It had a lot of mold and leak issues,” she explains, “so I’m able to see things in buildings that potential buyers might not notice when we’re walking through a property.”

Another reason behind Staci’s rapid ascent in the real estate industry would be her expansive and savvy approach to marketing her listings, including postcards, email blasts and adept utilization of multiple social media platforms to gain maximum exposure for her properties. The result is almost always a fast sale for top dollar, not to mention happy clients who continue to return and to refer friends and family.

When she’s not working, Staci enjoys working out and spending time with her family and her boyfriend. She also volunteers her time for Gilda’s Club Chicago, an organization that provides support to those dealing with cancer. Additionally, Staci serves on the Board of Directors of Esperanza Community Services, which assists children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Looking to the future, Staci’s plan is to continue growing her business and to possibly form her own team at some point. Most important, however, is her plan to continue providing her many clients with exceptional, one-of-a-kind customer service.

For more information about Staci Yesner, please call 773-251-6103 or email Staci.Yesner@compass.com Top Agent Magazine

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