CHICAGO 3-16-20

CHICAGO EDITION

PLAYING THE REAL ESTATE

Small Yard?

Why Millennials Are Now

The Hottest Segment of the Buyers Market

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

6 WAYS TO GET YOUR CLIENT TO TRUST YOU

FEATURED AGENT

LAUREN MITRICK WOOD

COVER STORY

FRANK “CAMPO” CAMPOBASSO “THE WOLF OF LAKE STREET”

CHICAGO EDITION

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LAUREN MITRICK

Top Agent Lauren Mitrick Wood— of Compass in Chicago—is third generation Realtor who sincerely dedicated to helping h many grateful clients with what often the largest purchase or sa they will ever make. As lead o the Olive Well team (their taglin FRANK CAMPOBASSO LAUREN MITRICK WOOD is “Where All Live Well”), Laure prides herself on her exceptiona concierge-style customer service she provides, somethin her clients unanimously appreciate. This service has tran lated into a thriving business that is based almost entire upon referrals, a significant achievement in the high CONTENTS competitive Windy City market.

4) 5 MORNING HABITS TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PRODUCTIVE

15) 6whose WAYS TO and GETgrandmother YOUR were both re Lauren, mother estate agentsTO (herTRUST parents are both members of the Oliv CLIENT YOU Well team, as well as her husband Charlie and five others began her real estate career at the young age of eightee 19) WHY MILLENNIALS ARE leasing residential units in downtown Chicago befo 6) SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: transitioning NOW THE HOTTEST to sales.

DeeplySEGMENT knowledgeable about h HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THE BUYERS MARKET industry, and with a commitment to placing her client OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES needs front and center, Lauren quickly achieved succe in the industry, and was recognized in 2010 by bo Forbes Magazine and the National Association of Realto as one of the “30 under 30” young professionals nation wide. Additionally, she has been named by Chicago Agen Magazine as one of their “Who’s Who in Chicago Re Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 Estate” in 2008, 2010, and 2018. mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com “I think because ofthe thepublisher. mindset with which I approac No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever withoutit’s prior consent of Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautionssays are taken to ensure theasked accuracy of she manage my business,” Lauren, when how published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. to inspire such impressive levels of client confidence an To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. loyalty. “I pride myself on giving very good service Published in the U.S. Lauren’s sincere concern for the wellbeing of her buye and sellers creates lasting friendships with them. “In m mind,” she explains, “my paycheck always comes last.”

RANK “CAMPO” CAMPOBASSO “THE WOLF OF LAKE STREET” 2

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There are many factors that contribute to Lauren’s impre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Think vertically.

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

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

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

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

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

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

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

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

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

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FRANK “CAMPO” CAMPOBASSO “THE WOLF OF LAKE STREET” Top Agent Magazine

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FRANK “CAMPO” CAMPOBASSO “THE WOLF OF LAKE STREET” Top Agent Frank Campobasso serves the northwestern Chicagoland area, especially the northwestern suburbs, including Elmwood Park, River Grove, and Addison.

Frank Campobasso got started in real estate while working at the Cook County Assessor’s office in early 2002. He was planning on becoming an appraiser for them, and he decided to take a real estate course to prepare. In the process, he found that he really enjoyed real estate and wanted to stick with it. Fast forward, and Frank is now celebrating his 15th 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

year in real estate and has been dubbed by many of his peers, friends, family and clients as “The Wolf of Lake Street” for his ability to negotiate some really fantastic deals for his clients. “With my office Century 21 Lullo being located on “Lake Street, it kind of just stuck and to tell you the truth, I thought it was kind of a compliment,” Frank explains. His clients Top Agent Magazine

know him as helpful, reliable, and responsive to their needs.

It doesn’t stop at great negotiation and dependability, though: Frank has won many awards for outstanding service and customer satisfaction.

“If you want to stay in business,” Frank says, “your clients must be happy.” He always shows Top Agent Magazine

potential clients his satisfaction surveys and testimonials, and provides them with a list of past clients as referrals.

Frank serves the Northwestern Chicagoland area, including Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, River Grove and Addison. About 60-70% of his business comes from repeat and referral 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Frank’s social media presence has generated enough local interest that he has been interviewed three times for the local Townstone Financial radio show, as well as in Crain’s Chicago Business. clients, and Frank credits this to his accessibility and responsiveness. “The most important part of customer service is just being there for your client,” Frank says. “Answer your phone, return your calls. I’m always by my phone.

If I can’t answer, I’m calling back right away.

Communication is the most important thing in keeping people happy.”

Frank is definitely known for getting his clients results. Marketing is a passion for him, and his approach includes extensive advertising and outreach on social media. “I do a lot of sponsored ads and posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn,” Frank says, “and I’m involved in a Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

lot of local community groups on social media.

Social media has changed the game in the last 10 years. I don’t even know what a post card mailing even is anymore or why we are still doing this as agents. I can reach 100 times more people on social media for a fraction of the cost of a mailing. It’s also probably one of the best ways to showcase and advertise your listings if done right. It’s smart business!” He uses these resources to publicize listings and recent sales, and to build rapport with people in the area. Frank’s social media presence has generated enough local interest that he has been interviewed three times for the local Townstone Financial radio show as well as in Chicago Crain’s Business.

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“Being recognized by business journals, newspapers and radio shows has done very well for my business, but my business still comes primarily from referrals, past clients and through my own contacts,” Frank explains. “I bring a high level of detail to every listing or transaction. I connect my clients to other professionals like stagers, attorneys and inspectors that also provide a high level of service. I only refer people I know will do a great job and I think that’s one of the things that may be setting me apart. It gives me a great amount of pleasure that I can provide this type of service to the communities I serve.”

The majority of Frank’s business is made up of listings, and the way he markets sets him Top Agent Magazine

apart. “I do a lot of virtual staging with properties,” Frank says. “Sometimes I have properties professionally staged, and sometimes I will even come in and do some staging myself.”

Clients appreciate the extra level of service that Frank provides. “I invest a lot into marketing a property than many agents do. I’ll do sponsored posts on Facebook and target a geographic area, within a 10- or 20-mile radius, to bring more traffic to a property. My listings get a lot of traffic, and I think that’s why they sell.”

Frank also keeps his finger on the pulse of the communities he serves, and participates in the 4th of July parade in Elmwood Park every year. “It takes months and months of planning, Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

my mother and children even help, and we invite everyone in the community to join us on our trolley or walk the parade with us,” Frank says. He estimates that each year they distribute over 7,000 flags and 500 pounds of candy, making it a big deal in the community.

In the future, Frank plans to step up his marketing game even further and begin producing more video and online ads. “I love the challenge of what

I do,” he says. “I like helping people. Often people are worried that their house isn’t going to sell because they read this article or that article about prices and the market. Then I come in, and all of a sudden their property is getting a ton of showings, and it’s under contract quickly, and they’re so happy with me. That’s the best part of what I do and it makes me feel really good.”

Photos by Aldo Risolvo, D’Lara Photography.

To find out more about Frank Campobasso, you can contact him by phone at 773-425-6265, or by email at franksellshouses@yahoo.com.

You can also find him online at callcampo.com www.

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

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

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

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1

Put Testimonials or Case Studies on Your Website

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

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

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

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Be Responsive and Accessible

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

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

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Be Honest and Transparent

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

You should always act in their best interest.

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4

Go the Extra Mile

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

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Put Yourself in Your Client’s Shoes

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

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Be Consistent

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

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

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

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

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LAUREN MITRICK WOOD Top Agent Lauren Mitrick Wood— of Compass in Chicago—is a third generation Realtor who is sincerely dedicated to helping her many grateful clients with what is often the largest purchase or sale they will ever make. As lead of the Olive Well team (their tagline is “Where All Live Well”), Lauren prides herself on her exceptional, concierge-style customer service she provides, something her clients unanimously appreciate. This service has translated into a thriving business that is based almost entirely upon referrals, a significant achievement in the highly competitive Windy City market.

Lauren, whose mother and grandmother were both real estate agents (her parents are both members of the Olive Well team, as well as her husband Charlie and five others), began her real estate career at the young age of eighteen leasing residential units in downtown Chicago before transitioning to sales. Deeply knowledgeable about her industry, and with a commitment to placing her clients’ needs front and center, Lauren quickly achieved success in the industry, and was recognized in 2010 by both Forbes Magazine and the National Association of Realtors as one of the “30 under 30” young professionals nationwide. Additionally, she has been named by Chicago Agent Magazine as one of their “Who’s Who in Chicago Real Estate” in 2008, 2010, and 2018.

Once ready, a mix of traditional and cutting-edge strategies are utilized to ensure that as many potential buyers and other agents are aware of the property. Among these strategies are creative broker open houses, occasional print ads, and deft utilization of the internet and social media.

The result is almost always a fast sale, and for top dollar.

When she’s not working, Lauren enjoys nothing more than spending time with her husband Charlie and their dog Cooper. She and Charlie are also avid travelers, visiting five countries in 2019 alone. She is also Deeply committed to the real estate industry. Lauren has given back by sitting on the Board of Directors of both the Chicago Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

Lauren’s goals for the future include growing her business, adding new team members to support that growth, and continuing to refine and enhance the creative ways the Olive Well team serves and informs their clients.

When asked what advice she might have for newer agents, Lauren – who was seriously affected by the infamous market crash of the previous decade, but recovered through sheer hard work – takes a thoughtful pause before replying. “This business can be very difficult and tumultuous, but if you persevere, it can be really rewarding, exciting and fruitful.”

“I think it’s because of the mindset with which I approach my business,” says Lauren, when asked how she manages to inspire such impressive levels of client confidence and loyalty. “I pride myself on giving very good service.”

Lauren’s sincere concern for the wellbeing of her buyers and sellers creates lasting friendships with them. “In my mind,” she explains, “my paycheck always comes last.”

There are many factors that contribute to Lauren’s impressive success in the real estate industry. Chief among them is her marketing prowess. A passionate fan of design, Lauren makes certain that every listing is shown in its best light, beginning with styling and professional photography.

For more about Lauren Mitrick Wood, please call 773.480.5078, email lauren.mitrickwood@compass.com, or visit olivewell.com www.

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Why Millennials Are Now the Hottest Segment of the Buyers Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Less Maintenance: Many Millennials work different schedules that

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

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Millennials have been educated on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Laughs!

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