COLORADO 2-22-21

COLORADO EDITION

PLAYING THE REAL ESTATE

Small Yard?

CONCIERGE CARE: Services

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

that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation

Why Millennials Are Now

FEATURED AGENTS

TARA & CODY McCARTHY

The Hottest Segment of the Buyers Market COVER STORY

DEBORAH FOWLER

COLORADO EDITION

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DEBORAH DEBORAH FOWLER FOWLER

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TARA & CODY McCARTHY

CONTENTS 4) 4 QUALITIES OF EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEES 6) SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

15) CONCIERGE CARE: SERVICES THAT LURE CLIENTS AND TRANSFORM YOUR REPUTATION 20) WHY MILLENNIALS ARE NOW THE HOTTEST SEGMENT OF THE BUYERS MARKET

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4 Qualities of Exceptional Employees Hiring a new employee is one of the more stressful parts of being a business owner. After all, you’re taking someone on and trusting that they’ll not only be a valuable addition to the team, but won’t do anything to hurt your business’s hard earned reputation.

Sometimes a person comes in and you click right away, and other times you might be blown away by an impressive resume. But there are things you should look for that might not be as obvious at first. Employees that have the following qualities are ones you should seek out, because they will definitely be well worth the time and energy you invest in them.

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1. They have the confidence to be innovative There’s a reason people are drawn to those who think outside the box. Not only do innovations often lead to an extremely profitable business, even when that thinking doesn’t pan out, creative thinking is something that will energize your business and will motivate more employees to start taking chances.

Innovative thinkers also usually have great leadership skills. Ironically, you want an employee who isn’t afraid to speak up to authority and is someone who knows how to bend the rules without breaking them. They know that

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the success of the team and business is what’s most important, as long as it’s done ethically and with respect for everyone involved.

2. They are constantly reviewing their past performance A good employee looks forward, but they also look back. They are always evaluating what worked and what didn’t work in past performances and then adjusting their plans going forward accordingly. If they are coming off a big win, they know how to capitalize on that by using the momentum and cementing in everyone’s minds the value that they add to the team.

If things didn’t go as planned, they assess what they can do better next time, and they don’t get bogged down in insecurity. They take responsibility and they have confidence that they won’t repeat past mistakes. They know that failure is a temporary state, and are able to learn lessons from their mistakes, that will make them a better employee going forward.

While no one wants to fail, having the confidence to try something and fail will one day let you strike gold. Someone who lets failure shut them down, leads to a dead end and will soon make them a dead weight on your team.

3. They value teamwork Even though an exceptional employee might be a rising star, they realize that success is Top Agent Magazine

not an individual endeavor, it relies strongly on who you’re working with. Exceptional employees make sure that everyone is contributing and valued for their input. They put the interests of the company above their own, and thrive in an environment where ideas and information are shared freely.

Shared success is the ultimate goal for every project. Exceptional employees have the confidence to know that even when they’re not singled out for praise, they’re an irreplaceable component of a larger machine.

4. They are self-motivated learners A key thing to remember is that while experience is a valuable commodity, intelligence and intellectual curiosity is usually something that can’t be taught. Yes, you might request employees get additional training or attend seminars, but exceptional employees will be seeking out educational opportunities constantly. Even if they don’t have a lot of money for weekend retreats, they will be getting books from the library, downloading audiobooks, and most importantly, taking advantage of one their greatest resources, YOU. Exceptional employees know that the way to stay ahead is to always be at the forefront of new technology and systems. They don’t see educating themselves as a burden, they actually enjoy it. They realize that everything they take in, will one day make them not only an exceptional employee, but an exceptional boss as well.

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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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DEBORAH FOWLER Top Agent Magazine

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Based in the historic town of Niwot, Top Agent Deborah Read Fowler of DRF Real Estate, specializes in the Luxury Market in Boulder County, Colorado Deborah Read Fowler became involved in real estate at a young age, buying and selling investment properties in London. She earned a degree in Business and Marketing, and for many years she enjoyed a successful career working for a large supply-Chain company, managing multiple regions, business development, and operations.

When Deborah moved to Colorado with her family, she decided to change things up and follow her first passion. “I decided it was the right time 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

to make a change, and dive into real estate, which I have always loved,” Deborah says. “I haven’t looked back. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

She set up DRF Real Estate LLC and operates under employing broker Colorado Landmark Realtor - the leading in the Luxury Market in Boulder County, Deborah and her team are based in the charming historic town of Niwot, Colorado, Deborah has grown her business and her Top Agent Magazine

reputation, and has become one of the top agents in the region. With seven years of experience and an unflagging passion for what she does, Deborah averages forty transactions per year, averaging at 1.1 million dollars. Committed to constant improvement, Deborah has earned the prestigious CRS certification, which puts her in the top 2% of realtors nationwide. She also has her GRI, GREEN , LHMS ( Luxury Home Marketing Top Agent Magazine

) and HSE (Home staging Expert designations) But it is not the accolades that drive Deborah to new heights; for her, it is her clients who fuel her passion and her love for what she does.

Deborah’s client-centered approach is evident in her referral rate and the number of repeat clients she sees. “I think people refer me because of my proven record,” Deborah says. “I have a 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“People refer me because of my proven record. I have a passion for doing the right thing, and getting the job done.

I love this job, and I think clients can feel that energy.” passion for doing the right thing, and getting the job done. I love this job, and I think clients can feel that energy.”

What also sets Deborah apart is her passion for and knowledge of the industry. “My clients appreciate my ability to go above and beyond,” Deborah says. “They see how hard I work for them.” Deborah’s guiding principal is helping her clients. “I love seeing people meet their goals,” Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

Deborah says. “It could be their dream home, or an investment property, or helping them out with a bad situation—a divorce, for example—and helping them successfully get to the other end .”

To market her listings, Deborah uses every tool at her disposal, including social media campaigns, along with local, national, and international advertising. Her background in marketing gives Deborah a leg-up when it comes to highlightTop Agent Magazine

ing her clients’ properties. With an eye for detail and design, she knows how to stage any home to show it in its best light.

Active in the community, Deborah serves as a Board Member for Boulder Symphony, the Vice President of the Niwot Business Association, a guild member of Community Foodshare, President of FRiLLs (Front Range Leading Ladies), Top Agent Magazine

and President of the Women’s International Niwot Club. In her free time, she loves to be with her family. “This job keeps you busy,” Deborah says, “and I’ve learned to treasure every moment I spend with my family.” Together, they cook, travel, and enjoy playing Euchre and Mahjong.

For the future, Deborah plans to expand geographically, and to grow her team, which just Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

doubled in size in preparation for a new year of business. “I also want to continue to serve my clients the best I can,” Deborah says. “I’m in it for the long run. I love what I do. We are also looking to continually improve and with that I have some exciting news to kick off 2021 - . We are now a certified B-Corporation! This certification verifies that our business is being used as a force for good.

The certification is (very) tough to get! We are the only realtor in Boulder Country to have been

awarded this, and as far as we can tell, just the 2nd realtor in the whole of Colorado.

It means the world to us because we believe just making a profit doesn’t cut it anymore. It is time for businesses to show leadership, and to prove they care about people and our planet while they do business. We strive to “B the Change” we want to see in our world. While we have always felt this way, our B-Corp certification gives you the confidence that we meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact. “

For more about Deborah Fowler, please call 720.378.1217, email Deborah@ColoradoLandmark.com, or visit her online at coloradolandmark.com/agents/DeborahReadFowler

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Concierge Care: Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation It’s a no-brainer: customer service is central to success in the real estate industry. While properties may be the product, this industry really revolves around people and the relationships you cultivate along the way. With that in mind, how would you describe the service you provide? If solid service is the baseline, then to set yourself apart you must deliver service that’s exceptional. But, how? Returning calls and displaying a friendly face won’t necessarily separate you from the pack. If you really want to take your customer service to the next level and build a reputation for white-glove, concierge-level courtesy, then keep a few of the following tips in mind as you create a professional style that’s completely bespoke.

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Make your communications matter For many agents, communication during and after a transaction are perfunctory affairs, with one-sizefits-all newsletters or promotional postcards that feel mass-produced. To really grab the attention of your clientele, you’ll want to build a recognizable brand. To accomplish this, begin by adding value to your regular communications. Clients are likely to bypass your communications if they think your only intent is to sell them something. Focus instead on creating content that’s compelling and dishes out value to your clientele. Just like a favorite blog you revisit again and again for its quality content, con-

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sider your communications as an extension of your brand and identity. A few popular ideas from which clients can derive value include: local restaurant guides, tax tips for homeowners, reports on home values and the marketplace, or highlighting home décor and landscaping trends. Make your communications readable and useful, and your clients past and present will think twice before skipping past your name.

Showcase the lifestyle Clients remember when you go the extra mile, and that additional effort distinguishes run-of-the-mill agents from high-powered professionals. Whether listing or buying, consider a property’s lifestyle.

First, think about a client’s everyday experience.

Where’s the best breakfast spot nearby? How’s access to public transportation or bike paths? Which outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the area?

Where might your client swing by for coffee?

Neighborhood guides that outline the livability of a home and its area not only boost value and highlight potential, but they also demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and connect on a personal level. After all, a home isn’t just a house; a home is all about the daily experience that unfolds within and beyond those four walls. With that in mind, do your homework and make yourself a local expert.

Your clients will feel they’re in good hands and will better envision their future unfolding, all thanks to your thorough legwork.

Customize your approach to clients As an agent, it’s only natural that you build your own daily routines and practices that keep your business running. While it’s necessary to create positive habitats that streamline your workflow, it’s also important to remain adaptable. For instance, Millennial clients may prefer to chat by text, instant 16

message, or email, whereas older clientele may prefer face-to-face time or connecting by phone call.

Adapting your communication style is as simple as a brief discussion: ask your client how they prefer to communicate and adapt accordingly. While it may seem like a small matter, it provides clients with a sense of comfort and control. Again, the key here is communication. Talk with your clients about their preferred methodology. Maybe they prefer a marathon house-hunting trek on a weekend day, or perhaps they rather sift through listings online before making in-person visits to a narrowed list. It’s okay to encourage clients or fill them in on industry norms, but it’s important to create an experience that’s tailored to their style and personality.

Authentically seek feedback While it may feel uncomfortable, asking for feedback during and at the end of a transaction can dramatically improve your working style and professional blind-spots. It can also help you adapt your working style to better suit your respective clients.

Of course, it’s important to be open-minded and to quash the need to be defensive. Not all feedback will be useful, but you can incorporate the parts that are. This not only grows your skillset, but it also demonstrates to clients that you are open to constructive criticism and sincerely prioritize a job well done over personal praise. As a bonus, positive feedback can be parlayed into client testimonials, which are incredibly useful tools to boost your business on the whole.

It’s no secret that real estate is a busy, self-determined business. While your client care may feel all accounted for, there is always room to grow. Professionals at the top of their field know this and never stop building out their repertoire. If you want to take your business to the next level and create an imprint that’s synonymous with concierge care, then keep these ideas in mind as you build your relationships and your brand.

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TARA & CODY McCARTHY

Tara and Cody McCarthy are a husband-and-wife real estate team, House Addicts brokered by eXp Realty.

Tara and Cody serve the entire Denver metro area, as well as Colorado Springs. The two are experts in the areas of house flipping and new construction, and their business is made up almost exclusively of repeat and referral clients. “During the transaction we are highly focused on providing a 5-star focus in every way we can,” Tara explains, “and we work hard to maintain that relationship after the sale.”

Their background in house flipping and new construction means Tara and Cody are uniquely positioned to excel even when inventory is low. “As we continue to struggle with low inventory, building a home is beginning to be the best option for most buyers, so they need to have an expert on their side,” Tara says.

“I spent 7 years selling new construction prior to transferring into residential real estate, with over 500 homes sold. I sold both private builders as well as the top 3 builders in the nation. This is relevant because

In addition to reaching out individually to clients, Cody and Tara hold customer appreciation events throughout the year. These include an Easter Extravaganza and egg hunt, summer and fall events, and a highly anticipated Santa event every year. “My favorite part of my job is getting out, meeting people, and having fun,” Cody says. “I love being around people all the time, helping them figure out how to make their lives better and our lives better, and helping others grow.”

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so many buyers do not understand how important it is to have their own representation when purchasing a new construction.”

After Tara left new construction, she and Cody moved to Scottsdale where they started flipping homes. They have flipped over 250 homes in 3 states now. “Moving into flipping was a natural progression for us since I had such extensive experience on the construction side,” Tara says. “This has been a huge benefit for our buyers because with our knowledge and imagination for what’s possible, we’ve been able to help so many buyers see the potential in undervalued properties.”

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When it comes to marketing their listings, Cody and Tara make use of every resource available to get maximum exposure. That includes investing heavily in social media marketing, which has netted them over 3.4 million social media views in the past 3 years. In addition, they produce professional video tours for many of their listings and mail just-listed postcards to neighbors. “We invest a lot in our listings,” Tara says, “and that’s how we are able to get the absolute highest price for our clients. We constantly break records for price per square foot or total sales price on properties, and that’s because everybody knows about the property before it even hits the market.”

Community involvement is very important to Tara and Cody, and they do whatever they can to give back. They try to pair all of their events with a charity giving aspect, for example asking attendees to their Christmas event to donate a gift so they can set up a “Santa Claus shop” at a local food bank for families in need. When they are not working or giving back, they love traveling and spending time with their sons, ages 5 and 11.

In the future, Tara and Cody have plans to increase their production volume and continue to grow their team. Above all, they want to continue helping their clients achieve their real estate goals. “I love seeing our clients who bought houses a few years ago, who now have built wealth they never would have been able to accumulate otherwise,” Tara says, “and that’s come through real estate. To know we had a hand in that is incredible.”

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To find out more about Tara and Cody McCarthy, contact them by phone at 720.429.2021, or by email at tara@houseaddicts.com, or find them online at houseaddicts.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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