FLORIDA 1-10-22

FLORIDA EDITION

CREATIVE MEDITATION for the Real Estate Professional INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE

Uncommon Contact: Connecting With Clientele Through Social Media

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FEATURED AGENTS

ALAN ABRAMSON CHANIE ERB KRYSTLE REA JILLIAN ROSEN SHAWNNAN SMITH

COVER STORY

LAURA ROXANA GARCIA

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FLORIDA EDITION

CHANIE ERB JILLIAN ROSEN 9

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LAURA SHAWNNAN ROXANA CHANIE ERB JILLIAN ROSENSMITH ALANLAURA ABRAMSON KRYSTLE REA ROXANA GARCIA

GARCIA

Wanting others with their in real Shawnnan did not d Krystle Rea worked to for help 15 years in full Lucie, west toin Loxahatchee and east to came to real estate from disclosure real estate andout I believe 27 28 31 When listing a Jillian Rosen found her affection for Real Estate growproperty management before she decided full Palm Beach Island. Out of the 50ate transachis family construction transparency.” estate dreams, Shawnnan Smith entered her assistance in suite of resourc ing up by watching her parents in their real estate to moonlight in real estate to learn the tions she has handled so far in 2021, the ly from Boston, Alan went the industry in the spring Real Estate to c exploits and builds.about Coming oftoage,homeowners she started ofErb’s 2018.

“I haveinvestnoand issue referr homebuye came side of the business. Right away, sheChanie majority were repeat andendreferrals.

Outside of real real estate estate,journey Alan likes to in stay egy around eac ing in Real Estate her 20sclients during the of the great ofstra Universityother in New because of of my family’s military because her husband,recession who iswhich active-duty lovewas change and variety, so she realand myreal friends for th fully prepare th greatly impacted South Florida’s found real estate more than a part-time involved in estate his community by attending a career in advertising.

Chanie explains.

“Having move military, were constantly moving around the them with elite estate market.

After graduating“Keeping from Florida Atlantic was the perfect for me,” she passion. Lastreally year, Krystle took the leap offit Krystle stays in contact. in touch I’m sure we will util local charity events.

He University also enjoys cookshares list with an emphasis on personal finance, she much, Ifriends can understand howtheir emoti country.

“I moved 10 times ineasy 14 years, and I become dfather passed faith away andmy herexplains. sales leaped $5 of million is when clients and Asfrom part The Coastal Home future, if needed.” would delve into banking and rience eventually the nonprofit ing, golf, and tennis.

“Even though I live in is.toIt’s not would sell all of my own homes,” Chanie recalls. go back and help to him $15with million. Krystle has a reputation family,” she says.

They continue call herjust a house, and and philanthropic sphere, providing aid to underprivSouth Florida, I also love snowboarding,” Team in Port Saint Lucie, Shawnnan has move.

I empathize “Through that experience, I was able to learn ileged communities spanning time, with my clien usiness,” Alan recalls.

He and integrity. She is a hustler for honesty for contacts because shetheis globe. like aOver yellow Alan says.

“This is a great destination, but stand they are going througi though, she found herself drawn to what realWhen estate and the business enough to figure out how to sell made great strides.

Primarily serving the Shawnnan ction until 2009. who“When never quits and will drop everything book with vendors.

She also allows other decided to pursue her real estate license, combining to make that move happen.” homes myself.”

Chanie worked as an assistant a great point for advertise getting ALAN ABRAMSON KRYSTLE REA startingbrokers SHAWNNAN SMITH Treasure Coast in Florida, the majority clients. reviews of Krystle say it it’s also which active in the staying ed, I decided itforwas time Online her strong to business acumenher withlistings, her long standing in some real estate offices along the way, and to other places.

It’s easy to head west to expertise to empower buyers and sellers within her One repeat client cites Krystle’s “outtranslates into increased exposure.

Thanks e down here best. to Florida of her business consists of she repeats and various programs when andor herany family finally settled in thebig community.

Colorado other destination with standing service and stellar results” and shares how to her history in the area, Krystle farms communiin real estate. I’ve now referrals, which standsNiceville as proof ofsheher “Pre-COVID I was t area, estate was CONTENTS great port tosays, operate out of…Plus, you “anyears, absolute joy tomountains. work with It’s andaexceeds ties like “Real River Bridge, a the gorgeous, gatedTeam community Today, Jillian leads the Jillian Rosen at Douglas real estate forKrystle almostis12 and perfect fit.

I love doing it, I love houses, and service.

Shawnnan needs children and expectationsexceptional with her competitive advantage.”

An takes where she managed the Estate, POA Master Association for Elliman Real where she assists clients can’t beat the weather!” y ways it’s different from construction, I love people.

If I can give a bit of myself to throughout the Palm Beach County area.

There, she 4) 3 MENTAL TRICKS THAT WILL TAKE 20) 4 WAYS TO WIN THE BATTLE pride in guiding her customers throughelderly couple shares, “Krystle made the impossible five years, becoming intimate with the rulesnile and detention regcente has applied her what unmatched foundations in finance and eople and bringing a dream/project make somebody else’s life better, that’s Looking to the future, Alan says, “I’m growing my busiYOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL AGAINST PROCRASTINATION possible!”

Yet another happy customer writes, “This ulations to assist her clientele better.

Krystle believes out the transaction, whether they are first time home with family a penchant for client loves service tospending navigate eventime the most I love doing.”

Since 2015,and Chanie hasout been to fruition andwas beyond.

Mytime services our third using Krystle.

She increasing was amazing in helping treating others as“We sheare wants to be treatness and my price point.

I started with challenging transaction. a full-service team orto seasoned investors.

Thishelping eliminates stress and going toHOW thethe beach.

24) GOOGLE ADWORDS: doing that, her clients make their ou’re closed. I love the factbuyers that I get for allright our clients,” says.

“Throughout transINCORPORATING CHARITABLE as6) always.”

Krystle attributes her success to to herjust prior Sometimes, her role is she assuring anxious buyers smaller deals learn theed.process, but now I’m TO MAKE GOOGLE DO THE WORK action, we are completely focused on their needs real estate dreams a reality. and results in smiling faces at the closing table. d homes here and create new lifestyle“My GIVING INattitude.

YOUR REAL ESTATE career andaher clients know come “I’ll do everything to make their dreams becomeand a working with they several buyers in various multi-million-dolproperty; after all, luxury is a lifestyle, not necessarFOR YOU PRACTICE first,” she says. “I fight to make their dreams a reality.” reality,” Krystle says.

“I won’t rest until we find their Looking ahead, Shawnnan’s sigh ily a price-point. Understanding my clients wants and lar price points.”

Chanie serves the area from Pensacola to needs is paramount.” meant-to-be forever home.”

“I’m very personable and helpful,” she says.

“People ing her reach and 29) CREATIVE MEDITATION FORlearning as m Panama City, along the Gulf Coast all the ves the tri-townAtarea of Delray Beach, home inspections, unforeseen issues can become 15) UNCOMMON CONTACT: Above all, Alan looks forward to continuing to serve THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL find me easy to talk to and they knowApproximately I will always beof herlove to get into commercial rea way to Alabama.

80% Highland Beach, as well asforBoynton a CONNECTING nightmare a seller orhis buyer.

Whereas other When process not working, Krystle WITH CLIENTELE clients and make the whole easy for them.volunteers with Keller there for them.”

Understanding thatWilliams, this repeat is one the business comes from andofreferral clilist more luxury properties,” she agents might putSOCIAL those problems back on the client, turning her aptitude THROUGH MEDIA idge, Manalapan and Palm Beach.

“I come from the construction industry, where it’s all for sales in a philanents, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust largest transactions in hersays, customers’ lives, she takes Krystle up. there is an issue,” “my thropic direction raising thousands for wait of to dollars see what’s in store, where my clients want steps to go and“Ifneed about the she details,” he explains.

“Once you“Iand take carecan’t of and confidence Chanie inspires. can relate clients know I will handle it.

They don’t worry about events like KW’s annual Golf Tournament.

She voluntime to get todetails, knowthethem, and aims to make theI’m fully ew the South Florida areathe pretty well about her career. “It’s so exciting the big picture takeswith care ofPalm itself. a thing.”

Whether the trouble is plumbing, electric, or teers the Beach County sports commission re, but when I was startingprocess out in real as enjoyable as possible.

For aher buyers, this I don’t and no transaction is theCopyright same, Top th with mytoclients Phone 310-734-1440 |engaged Fax 310-734-1440 mold, Krystle has seen it before.

“People refer me on and one-on-one looks forwardlevel. to the annual Autism Walk. When de sure to work with buyers in many means what they’re for outpass anything off.“IWhen you withand me, you isgeta me.” growmother and learn.

Myiscustomers a as ‘That Real Estatedetermining Concierge’,” she says. take looking notwork working, Krystle proud of one and mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com d counties. I worked in and have clilining a plan to achieve those goals. currently At the same time, care of everything.” expecting her second in job.”

2022. Family fun of my roward, Palm No Beach, more.

This portionand of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. time includes boating, jet skiing, trips toTop theAgent Smoky she deploys extensive marketing strategies to get her Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published he different areas so I would be able Krystle is a sellers solo agent has done extremely wellThroughout Mountains, itfamily dinners, and football Sundays. For thewho highest price possible. all, she Agentwanted Magazine cannot responsible expressed facts supplied by itslooks authors. ifferent areas materials, in case aTopclient and other agents ask Krystle all be theheld time how shefor opinions the future of herorbusiness, Krystle forward to stays close to her customers, updating them at every To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. gets her inventory. “Many are from word of mouth,” earning her broker’s license and opening her own real Published in the U.S. step there and for referrals.” them in times need.which Thiswill be family-owned and operKrystle points out,and “or being repeat clients estateof company ays Alan sets himself apart from other Born and raised in even Palm after Beachthe County, Florida, as Shawnnan ated. “I want ensures to leave a legacy,” Krystle says, “for my applies transaction, Agent Magazine 3 arket. ForTop starters, he says, “I still move Krystle serves from West Palm Beach north to Port St. children and my she’s staying in touch. “I’ve taken one of my past community.” cus-

rner! Down here, that can be big. It

tomers out in the mud on my Jeep when she was having

3 Mental Tricks That Will Take Your Business to the Next Level It’s no secret that running a successful business requires careful planning and a tireless work ethic. Beyond those obvious ideals, it also takes the right mindset in order to capitalize on professional opportunity. In the world of real estate and mortgage lending, mental fortitude is a major component to reaching the next 4

level and achieving longevity in a sector that requires so much self-discipline. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few key mental tricks you can employ to reinvigorate your working philosophy. Incorporate these techniques into your daily mindfulness routine and your business will surely benefit.

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1

Visualization helps you work efficiently and keep your cool.

This may sound like one of the oldest tricks in the book, but there’s a reason why Olympic athletes and those serving in first-responder positions use visualization as a time-honored mental technique. Not only does visualizing your daily tasks help you organize your mind, but it amps up your ability to focus on what’s important. Visualization also helps reduce stress in the moment, since you’ve already created a mental expectation of the task ahead. Whether you’re preparing for a negotiation or a pitch to new a client—visualization primes your brain and affords you an extra sense of control as you tackle your day.

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Distill concepts into their simplest terms for ultimate understanding.

As an agent or loan officer, you’re likely juggling numerous clients and commitments on any given day. That’s why it helps to distill your responsibilities in clear, definitive terms. Let’s say you have a meeting set with a client to outline a marketing approach for their property. You may understand the broad strokes, but beforehand, try verbalizing the exact takeaways you’d like to impart to your client.

This may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to clarify your communication and ensure your com-

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plete understanding of a subject is to explain it aloud in its simplest terms. This crystallizes your main point and can come in handy if you drift off-topic or need to double-down on your message.

3

Accept that mistakes will be made.

While it’s natural to fear failure, sometimes the dread of making an error can overwhelm your ability to perform. As the saying goes: don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

If you accept in advance that set-backs will occur, challenges will come, and things won’t always go accordingly to plan—you’ll be less confounded when hurdles do arise. What matters is keeping an even keel as you sort through unexpected delays or mishaps. Accepting that mistakes will happen allows you to shift your focus towards a solution or contingency plan. In other words, don’t spend your energy trying to achieve perfection. Aim high and work hard, but be in touch with reality: upsets are bound to occur. Accept this and you’ll be ready when they do.

The path to lasting success is ongoing, and there are bound to be challenges along the way. It takes mental fortitude to make it to the top, so keep these tricks in mind as you continue to grow as a person and a professional. Seeing situations in a new light can make all the difference as you adapt, evolve, and take your business to the next level.

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Incorporating Charitable Giving in Your Real Estate Practice

As real estate professionals, taking part in the community and serving others is central to a long-lasting practice. After all, agents are in the business of homeownership, building a financial future, and helping their clients begin new and fruitful chapters. With that in 6

mind, how might an agent deliver that spirit of service in a broader sphere?

The truth is, charitable giving offers nothing but upsides. Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it

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Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network.

also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network. If charitable giving is an idea you’ve toyed with, or a practice you’ve engaged in only now and again, here are a few ways to make it a foundational element of your business and a win-win for all.

Find causes that speak to you.

Donating funds or resources can feel anonymous if you’re divorced from the organization you’re working with. While national and international charitable organizations are certainly effective and worthwhile, you might consider partnering with local chapters of those organizations, or identifying hyper-local organizations that address need in your state, county, town, or even your own neighborhood. The first step to establishing a charitable relationship is to find a cause that you genuinely care about. For many, animal rescue is a tangible cause where resources and volunteership are always welcome. For others, children’s health and advocacy is a calling. Regardless Top Agent Magazine

of your personal passion, participation can be big or small. From sponsoring a local youth sports league to partnering with an area animal shelter for their annual spay-athon event—there are all sorts of ways to make a difference.

Unite your team for the common good.

One way to make charitable giving a staple is to do it in arm and arm with others. Supporting a local cause is a great way to bring your team together in a unifying capacity. Hosting coat drives in winter, blanket drives for local animal shelters, or backpack drives for needy students at the start of the new school year— all are straightforward and highly useful, direct ways to give to your community as a team. It’s also important to set collective goals as a way of keeping people motivated and accountable over time. Offices are productive, but often hectic spaces.

Injecting a collective goal with a positive, tangible result can create an ambiance of goodwill and generosity—both of which are worthwhile attributes to cultivate as

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the leader of your team. Lastly, consider timely giving as a way of connecting your team to their community. Natural disasters, local fundraising drives, and improvement funds are all direct ways your team can contribute, while they themselves reap the benefit in the community.

Include clients in the process.

You’ve likely heard of charitable donations made in the name of your client as an alternative to the classic closing gift, but there are a few ways you might update this method of giving. For starters, consider including your clients in the selection process. Do they have a special cause that’s close to their hearts? Likewise, you might

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consider making regular, consistent giving a part of your routine post-closing. Instead of following up with your yearly poinsettia plant or pumpkin, you might find a cause in their neighborhood or township that you can support in their name. It’s wise to choose something apolitical, but a cause that’s hyperlocal to their area demonstrates unique thoughtfulness.

There are plenty of ways in which society as a whole can benefit from charitable causes that build goodwill in the world, support those less fortunate, and bolster a positive future. Incorporating charitable giving in your business model is a generous way to make this mentality a central tenet of your team and a defining characteristic for your clients to remember.

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LAURA ROXANA GARCIA

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L AURA ROXANA GARCIA

“I really care about what my clients need. I listen to them, and I have the experience and the knowledge to help them, no matter what they’re looking for or wanting to achieve.”

Matching the right family to the right lifestyle and offering the highest level of service and professionalism, Laura Roxana specializes in Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s most sought after addresses, and nobody knows it better than Laura. Known as Roxi to her friends, 10

Laura’s extensive knowledge as the resident specialist for the past 22 years has helped her become one of the most successful sales associates in Miami for One Sotheby’s International Realty and consistently places her amongst the top-producers in the area.

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Laura has a proven track record of providing unparalleled service to her buyers and sellers and has extensive knowledge not only of Coconut Grove, but for the Miami Beach and South Dade markets. Laura also provides unparalleled worldwide exposure to the properties she represents through an extensive nonstop marketing campaign and constantly employs the latest digital marketing strategies and social media innovations to market properties on an international level.

With fluency in English, Spanish and Portuguese, Laura is well positioned to Top Agent Magazine

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assist, both local and international homeowners, buyers and investors.

With her detail-oriented process, personable approach, and high-quality service, it is no surprise that Laura’s repeat client and referral rate is over 70%, a testament to the excellent experience she provides for each of her clients. “I really care about what they need,” Laura says. “I listen to them, and I have the experience and the knowledge to help them, no matter what they’re looking for or wanting to achieve.

I pride myself on there being no surprises during the transaction process, and that’s what brings clients back. They trust me.”

Laura works with locals as well as many

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people new to the area, and she is wellpoised to help newcomers with whatever services they require in order to find their footing. “For me, being a real estate agent means I am there for my clients in every way,” Laura says.

To keep in touch with her past clients, Laura sends weekly emails and makes personal phone calls, along with sending hand-written notes and gifts for clients’ birthdays and anniversaries.

To market her listings, Laura implements all the incredible tools and resources that One Sotheby’s has to offer, including professional photography and videography, 3D walk-throughs, and video tours. She Top Agent Magazine

also leverages her extensive professional network to spread the word. Her strategy has paid off; this year, she has already hit $45 million in sales.

What Laura loves most about her career is not her impressive figures, but rather the opportunity to work with others. “I truly love people,” Laura says. “I love helping someone find their new home or sell their home.”

Dedicated to her community, Laura gives generously to numerous charities, hospitals, and foundations that support children’s causes. Though her thriving business keeps her busy, when she has free time, she loves to spend it with her 13

family, friends, and her dog. Passionate about the area where she lives, Laura loves to go boating and be out on the water, taking advantage of the natural beauty of South Florida.

For the future, Laura has exciting plans to expand her team. She plans to bring

more people on board to assist with administrative duties so she can continue to do what she loves, which is serve her clients. “I like to be face-to-face and hands-on with clients,” Laura says. “I am deeply grateful to my clients and to everyone who trusts me with such an important decision.”

To find out more about Laura Roxana Garcia, you can contact her by phone at 305-798-9321 or by email at rgarcia@onesothebysrealty.com.

You can also check her out online at RoxanaGarcia.com www.

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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, 16

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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CHANIE ERB

Chanie Erb’s real estate journey came about because she and her husband, who is active-duty military, were constantly moving around the country. “I moved 10 times in 14 years, and I would sell all of my own homes,” Chanie recalls.

“Through that experience, I was able to learn the business enough to figure out how to sell homes myself.” Chanie worked as an assistant in some real estate offices along the way, and when she and her family finally settled in the Niceville area, she says, “Real estate was the perfect fit. I love doing it, I love houses, and I love people. If I can give a bit of myself to make somebody else’s life better, that’s what I love doing.” Since 2015, Chanie has been doing just that, helping her clients make their real estate dreams a reality.

to homeowners and homebuyers, especially because of my family’s military background,” Chanie explains. “Having moved around so much, I can understand how emotional the experience is. It’s not just a house, and it’s not just a move. I empathize with my clients and understand what they are going through emotionally to make that move happen.”

Chanie serves the area from Pensacola to Panama City, along the Gulf Coast all the way to Alabama. Approximately 80% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence Chanie inspires. “I can relate 18

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Being responsive to her clients goes a long way toward putting their minds at ease, Chaine says.

“I’m 100% available for my clients. I answer my phone all the time. I try to take upon myself a lot of the burdens a homeowner has to deal with, and make sure it’s as easy for them as possible. I work hard to get them to the closing table with as little resistance as possible.”

Giving back to her community is important to Chanie. She works with a number of local organizations, from Niceville Strong to Caring and Sharing, and others. But her biggest involvement is with the nonprofit C.A.L.M. Organization, which provides live-in transitional housing for moms in crisis (homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence) and their kids in Niceville.

Chanie has been a part of C.A.L.M. since the very beginning, and she became its President in 2021. As President, Chanie is currently working to implement her real estate expertise in that environment by adding six tiny houses to offer even more transitional housing and help more families.

Looking toward the future, Chanie says she is interested in expanding into the commercial side of real estate. “I love residential because I love the people, but I also really like to know what’s going on around me,” Chanie says. “I like to be at the forefront of what my community is doing and how they are growing, so my next step is to put my footprint in the commercial industry while also serving my community in other ways.”

Above all, Chanie says, “I just thrive in real estate. I grew up in a good family, but we were not well-to-do. My parents struggled very much to own the one home that I ever lived in. No matter the price, if I can help somebody own a part of this world and feel confident in what they have underneath them, then I can sleep soundly at night knowing I’ve done something good.”

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To find out more about Chanie Erb, call 850-585-1665, visit ChanieErb.com or email chanieerb@gmail.com www.

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4 Ways to Win the Battle Against Procrastination One of the most common professional afflictions is procrastination. The funny thing is, everyone knows that procrastination is negative—it’s a waste of time, a creator of stress, and is entirely a problem of our own making.

Still, knowing all of this doesn’t necessarily decrease our odds of procrastination. There are plenty of explanations we give when putting 20

work off until the last minute. Perhaps you convince yourself that you work best under pressure, but it’s truer that you’re used to working under pressure by necessity. Maybe you’re a perfectionist and the fear of getting it all wrong puts you off from the task. Whatever the justification may be, overcoming procrastination requires some willpower and technique. With

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that in mind, take a look at a few tricks below to jumpstart your motivation and nix the lastminute time crunch. After all, you owe it to yourself and your business to operate like a procrastination-free professional.

1. Make Your Intentions Known As realtors and mortgage professionals, you may serve as your own boss. So, when the time comes to complete a task and you put it off—perhaps you’re only disappointing yourself. This is easily remedied by making a new promise to try again tomorrow. On the other hand, it’s much harder to break promises and commitments to others. Try verbalizing your intent and commitment to your team, or to an assistant who can hold you accountable, or better yet—to a business partner or to a client.

Make a hard deadline public and you’re likely to perform for fear of embarrassment or losing face. In a way, this puts the pressure of expectation on you, instead of the pressure of the ticking clock.

2. Take a Baby Step When tasks pile up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’ve got a number of items on your to-do list, including some heavy hitters that require a lot of attention and time, begin by taking on something simple. Identify an easily completed job that needs attention and put it first in your queue. Duties that are straightforward and aren’t time-intensive can lead you to the rest of your to-do list, fueling you with the satisfaction of a task already complete. Even if it’s as small as returning e-mails, or dropping off your dry-cleaning, one simple thing off your Top Agent Magazine

list can inspire you to continue on to the next item in the spirit of productivity.

3. Work in Windows If work is the last thing you want to do and you can’t seem to self-motivate, make a compromise with yourself. Agree to work just fifteen minutes, and mean it. This tiny window of time is easy enough to complete, isn’t overwhelming, and you’ve already agreed to move on once time is up. The truth? Odds are that just fifteen minutes of active work will inspire you to keep going. After all, the most difficult part of procrastination is getting started. By putting in those fifteen minutes, you’ll trick yourself into diving into the action.

4. Switch Up Your Environment If you’re stuck in rut when it comes to procrastination and productivity, try changing your surroundings. If the office feels stale and stressful, take your work to the nearest coffee shop and try to tackle your tasks there. Perhaps the quiet, studious ambiance of a library can make you focus, or a picnic table outside the office can stimulate the senses. Sometimes changing your scenery can breathe new life into your routine and give you the extra push you need to get work done.

There’s no one way to overcome procrastination.

In fact, it’s likely a lifelong process of building discipline, finding techniques that work for you, and simply prioritizing your time more effectively. Don’t lose hope—remember these tricks and winning the war will be possible, even if you lose a few battles along the way.

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JILLIAN ROSEN

Jillian Rosen found her affection for Real Estate growing up by watching her parents in their real estate exploits and builds. Coming of age, she started investing in Real Estate in her 20s during the end of the great recession which greatly impacted South Florida’s real estate market. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with an emphasis on personal finance, she would delve into banking and eventually the nonprofit and philanthropic sphere, providing aid to underprivileged communities spanning the globe. Over time, though, she found herself drawn to real estate and decided to pursue her real estate license, combining her strong business acumen with her long standing expertise to empower buyers and sellers within her community.

When listing a home, Jillian leverages an extensive suite of resources available through Douglas Elliman Real Estate to craft a comprehensive and custom strategy around each property. After helping her clients fully prepare their home for the market and providing them with elite professional photography services, she shares their listing to a blend of targeted digital and

Today, Jillian leads the Jillian Rosen Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, where she assists clients throughout the Palm Beach County area. There, she has applied her unmatched foundations in finance and penchant for client service to navigate even the most challenging transaction. “We are a full-service team for all our clients,” she says. “Throughout the transaction, we are completely focused on their needs and property; after all, luxury is a lifestyle, not necessarily a price-point. Understanding my clients wants and needs is paramount.”

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social media campaigns. Alongside giving each listing its own unique URL, she utilizes proven outlets like print marketing and word of mouth campaigns to give her clients an added advantage.

Elsewhere, Jillian is just as attentive when assisting her buyers. Having personally been a homeowner in several communities within the Palm Beach area, she leans on her established background with the region to guide them to the right investment for their best interests. In fact, she keeps in touch long after the closing to provide additional support for her clients and ensure they are satisfied in their new homes.

Over the years, Jillian has earned a fantastic reputation throughout East Florida, with the vast majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. Now averaging over 15 annual transactions, she remains focused on the boutique model of service that has set her apart in the region. “We believe, first and foremost, in providing excellent service to all our buyers and sellers.

That starts with knowing our community, from the hot spots to the hidden gems, anticipating how it will develop over time and being at the best guiding resource.”

When she’s not with clients, Jillian enjoys practicing yoga, collecting art, cooking or spending time with one of the most important members of her team: her beloved Yorkshire terrier. Going forward, she also has exciting plans for the future of her business. Jillian has completed a course of study regarding business and commerce focusing in real estate at the University of Miami and rigorous negotiation courses with several industry leaders as well.

As her volume maintains its steady growth, she intends on scaling the unique approach that her team has cultivated within Palm Beach County. “In this profession, I get to wake up each day excited to share the wonders and beauty of our community with others that can impact their lives in a transformative way. I sell sanctuaries where their lives unfold and magical moments take place,” she says. “At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than showing clients the lifestyle you can lead here in South Florida—at any price point.”

You can follow Jillian on her Instagram, The Jillian Rosen Team, her Youtube Channel, and soon to be released, much acclaimed VLOG Fine Living Guru about SoFla living, real estate, lifestyle, and more launching in January of 2022.

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To learn more about Jillian Rosen email Jillian@jillianrosen.com, visit JillianRosen.com or call 561-245-2635 www.

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Google AdWords:

How To Make Google Do the Work for You There is no denying that the internet is the first place a buyer begins looking for a new home in this digital age. Knowing how to put the powerful tools available on the internet to work for you can give you a decided advantage when it comes to attracting prospective buyers to your listings, as well as you as an agent. Google is easily one of the major superpowers of the internet, and they have one of the most powerful advertising tools available. Knowing how to utilize Google AdWords in the correct manner can make your internet advertising immensely powerful and possibly your best way to reach prospective buyers.

Google AdWords is also extremely cost-effective. This multifaceted tool gives you much more control over your advertising campaign than other more traditional methods. You can target specific audiences, choose the specific search terms, also known as keywords, that will bring up your ad in someone’s search results, and you can set a budget for each campaign that will dictate it’s reach and how long the campaign will run. Here are some tips for how to put Google AdWords to work for you.

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ent websites. You want to set yourself apart from every other real estate website users are viewing in their search for a house.

MAKE SURE YOUR ADS ARE GOING TO SEND USERS TO A SITE THAT WILL CAPTURE THEIR ATTENTION

You can spend an infinite amount of money on Google advertising campaigns, but if those ads don’t send users to a site that will capture and hold their interest, then you’ve just wasted all that money. Don’t put your cart before the horse. Make sure you are considering exactly where these ads are going to send users. To set up your website for success, at the very least you want to make sure users are greeted by clear call-to-action, such as a message that will encourage them to sign up for your newsletter or subscribe to your blog. You want to set up your website to maximize and capture the leads the ad campaign sends your way.

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BUILD CUSTOMIZED OR CUSTOM-MADE WEBSITES RATHER THAN TEMPLATE WEBSITES It is easy and tempting to use template websites, or to offer your agents template websites if you are a real estate manager or broker. While this offers a cost-effective solution to providing every agent with a website, it does little to set you or your agents apart and capture the attention of users that are used to seeing a wealth of differ-

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MAKE SURE YOU ARE OFFERING VALUE ON YOUR WEBSITE

Don’t simply use your website as a kind of brag sheet. Let users know what makes your particular services valuable to them. Highlight your expertise in a certain location through tools such as blog posts, providing market updates, or giving pertinent information on a unique type of property. This will ensure that your online advertising campaigns are much more successful.

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LOCATION IS EVERYTHING!

Location is everything in real estate, and the same holds true for Google AdWords. You can target specific locations in your ad campaign. While one approach is to focus on the area around your location, a more advanced approach would be to link AdWords campaigns to your Google My Business account. This is a Google service that includes your address in the ad, allowing people to then click on it and see exactly where you are located on a map.

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USE GOOGLE ADWORDS IN YOUR CAMPAIGN TO EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS IN GENERAL

Focus an AdWords campaign on expanding your business by incorporating specific zip codes and neighborhoods that will help you establish a presence in an area where you would like to increase your real estate business. Making sure that your ad appears in search results that are related to the real estate in a specific area will help shape the image and brand of your business as well as bring in new leads.

HARNESS THE POWER OF DATA

When you run a Google AdWords campaign Google Analytics captures a wealth of information about your target client demographic.

You can gain real insight into your online visitors, such as when they visit, what they do and look at on your site once they get there, and what search terms they use. You can use all of this information to grow your business. Use Google Analytics to determine which users (location, gender, age) are utilizing specific aspects of your site, such as looking at multiple listings, reading your blog, etc. You can then use this information to target these specific demographics in your AdWord campaigns, Gmail ads, the Google Display Network, and other advertising.

Using the internet to help advertise your business and your listings is one of the smartest moves you can make as an agent in this modern age. However, you don’t want to simply go into the process blind or you’re wasting a lot of potential resources and data that could make all the difference. To reap the benefits of Google AdWords, you must apply an intelligent strategy to using these campaigns.

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ALAN ABRAMSON Alan Abramson came to real estate from a background in his family construction business. Originally from Boston, Alan went to college at Hofstra University in New York and pursued a career in advertising.

“When my grandfather passed away my dad asked me to go back and help him with the construction business,” Alan recalls. He worked in construction until 2009. “When the economy tanked, I decided it was time to get out. I came down here to Florida and got started in real estate. I’ve now been working in real estate for almost 12 years, and although in many ways it’s different from construction, I’m still helping people and bringing a dream/project from conception to fruition and beyond. My services don’t end once you’re closed. I love the fact that I get to help my clients find homes here and create a new lifestyle for themselves.”

Alan primarily serves the tri-town area of Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Highland Beach, as well as Boynton Beach, Ocean Ridge, Manalapan and Palm Beach.

Alan adds, “I go where my clients want to go and need me. I already knew the South Florida area pretty well when I moved here, but when I was starting out in real estate, I also made sure to work with buyers in many different cities and counties. I worked in and have clients in Miami, Broward, Palm Beach, and more. This helped me learn the different areas so I would be able to speak to the different areas in case a client wanted to go there.”

There are many ways Alan sets himself apart from other Realtors® in his market. For starters, he says, “I still move like a northeasterner! Down here, that can be big. It helps differentiate me from some of the other agents who may not respond as quickly.” Communication is crucial, Alan says. “I believe in communicating with my clients throughout the process, discussing the different strategies/scenarios and being straightforward and honest. It’s a matter of keeping both buyer and seller in the loop during the whole transaction. There should be Top Agent Magazine

full disclosure in real estate and I believe in full transparency.”

Outside of real estate, Alan likes to stay involved in his community by attending local charity events. He also enjoys cooking, golf, and tennis. “Even though I live in South Florida, I also love snowboarding,” Alan says. “This is a great destination, but it’s also a great starting point for getting to other places. It’s easy to head west to Colorado or any other destination with big mountains. It’s a great port to operate out of…Plus, you can’t beat the weather!”

Looking to the future, Alan says, “I’m growing my business and increasing my price point. I started out with smaller deals to learn the process, but right now I’m working with several buyers in various multi-million-dollar price points.”

Above all, Alan looks forward to continuing to serve his clients and make the whole process easy for them.

“I come from the construction industry, where it’s all about the details,” he explains. “Once you take care of the details, the big picture takes care of itself. I’m fully engaged with my clients on a one-on-one level. I don’t pass anything off. When you work with me, you get me.”

To find out more about Alan Abramson, please call 561-400-9077, email alan.abramson4@gmail.com, or visit alanabramson.exprealty.com www.

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KRYSTLE REA Krystle Rea worked for 15 years in property management before she decided to moonlight in real estate to learn the other side of the business. Right away, she found real estate was more than a part-time passion. Last year, Krystle took the leap of faith and her sales leaped from $5 million to $15 million. Krystle has a reputation for honesty and integrity. She is a hustler who never quits and will drop everything for clients. Online reviews of Krystle say it best. One repeat client cites Krystle’s “outstanding service and stellar results” and shares how Krystle is “an absolute joy to work with and exceeds expectations with her competitive advantage.” An elderly couple shares, “Krystle made the impossible possible!” Yet another happy customer writes, “This was our third time using Krystle. She was amazing as always.” Krystle attributes her success to her prior career and her attitude. “My clients know they come first,” she says. “I fight to make their dreams a reality.”

At home inspections, unforeseen issues can become a nightmare for a seller or buyer. Whereas other agents might put those problems back on the client, Krystle steps up. “If there is an issue,” she says, “my clients know I will handle it. They don’t worry about a thing.” Whether the trouble is plumbing, electric, or mold, Krystle has seen it before. “People refer to me as ‘That Real Estate Concierge’,” she says. “I take care of everything.”

Krystle is a solo agent who has done extremely well and other agents ask Krystle all the time how she gets her inventory. “Many are from word of mouth,” Krystle points out, “or repeat clients and referrals.”

Born and raised in Palm Beach County, Florida, Krystle serves from West Palm Beach north to Port St.

Lucie, out west to Loxahatchee and east to Palm Beach Island. Out of the 50 transactions she has handled so far in 2021, the majority were repeat clients and referrals.

Krystle stays in contact. “Keeping in touch is easy when clients become friends and family,” she says. They continue to call her for contacts because she is like a yellow book with vendors. She also allows other brokers to advertise her listings, which translates into increased exposure. Thanks to her history in the area, Krystle farms communities like River Bridge, a gorgeous, gated community where she managed the POA Master Association for five years, becoming intimate with the rules and regulations to assist her clientele better. Krystle believes in helping and treating others as she wants to be treated. Sometimes, her role is assuring anxious buyers “I’ll do everything to make their dreams become a reality,” Krystle says. “I won’t rest until we find their meant-to-be forever home.”

When not working, Krystle volunteers with Keller Williams, turning her aptitude for sales in a philanthropic direction and raising thousands of dollars for events like KW’s annual Golf Tournament. She volunteers with the Palm Beach County sports commission and looks forward to the annual Autism Walk. When not working, Krystle is a proud mother of one and is currently expecting her second in 2022. Family fun time includes boating, jet skiing, trips to the Smoky Mountains, family dinners, and football Sundays. For the future of her business, Krystle looks forward to earning her broker’s license and opening her own real estate company which will be family-owned and operated. “I want to leave a legacy,” Krystle says, “for my children and my community.”

You can reach Krystle at 561-707-8383, Krystle@SellReaFast.com, SellReaFast.com, and Facebook.com/TheReaTeam2021 www.

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Creative Meditation

for the Real Estate Professional The real estate world can be an industry of intense emotional and psychological pressure. Deadlines, meetings, employee needs, client needs and a hundred other items on which one needs to focus on a daily basis can create an environment that is not only not conducive to mental well-being, but can be outright detrimental.

Learning to quiet the mind has been the focus of meditation for millennia. While those not familiar with the concept of meditation may instinctively think of yoga mats, incense, and chanting when the word “meditation” arises, there are in fact, many forms of meditation that can integrate quite Top Agent Magazine

easily into the daily hustle & bustle world of the busy real estate agent.

First, think about when you are alone each day. Here are some possible times to practice mediation during the work day: • When driving to the office in the morning • When driving to a showing or to meet a client • Before your open house begins • After the open house • Driving home in the evening 29

Repeating a mantra can be very calming, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts.

These are just five examples of times when you can take advantage of meditation techniques to quiet your mind and, by extension, increase productivity. A calm mind is a more thoughtful, better tuned instrument.

Here are some examples of meditations you can try:

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For when you’re driving, download and listen to any number of audio Guided Meditations available on the internet. YouTube has a generous selection of these, many of which are geared towards success in business.

2 Repeating a mantra can be very calm-

ing, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. It doesn’t matter what words you choose, as long as you feel good about your choice. “I am a success” or “I will approach all of my clients with love today” are two examples. Whatever works for you and gets you into the desired mindset.

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3 Something as simple as listening to pleasant music in your car can be considered meditation, provided it brings you to a place of comfort as opposed to one of spiritual discordance.

4 The most important thing, however, is to take time to find gratitude in everything you do. Count your blessings, be grateful the exciting career in real estate you have built for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered some of these techniques at quieting your mind, you can attempt to find some that work even better for you. Walking, plain silence, or even exercise can have meditative qualities and benefits if practiced on a regular basis.

When you’re truly feeling calm, your clients can sense this. And with this comes the feeling that you can be relied upon to stay focused and calm in any unforeseen circumstances. And in the world of real estate, that’s a highly prized commodity.

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SHAWNNAN SMITH Wanting to help others with their real estate dreams, Shawnnan Smith entered the industry in the spring of 2018. “I love change and variety, so real estate really was the perfect fit for me,” she explains. As part of The Coastal Home Team in Port Saint Lucie, Shawnnan has made great strides. Primarily serving the Treasure Coast in Florida, the majority of her business consists of repeats and referrals, which stands as proof of her exceptional service. Shawnnan takes pride in guiding her customers throughout the transaction, whether they are first time home buyers or seasoned investors. This eliminates stress and results in smiling faces at the closing table.

“I’m very personable and helpful,” she says. “People find me easy to talk to and they know I will always be there for them.” Understanding that this is one of the largest transactions in her customers’ lives, she takes the time to get to know them, and aims to make the process as enjoyable as possible. For her buyers, this means determining what they’re looking for and outlining a plan to achieve those goals. At the same time, she deploys extensive marketing strategies to get her sellers the highest price possible. Throughout it all, she stays close to her customers, updating them at every step and being there for them in times of need. This applies even after the transaction, as Shawnnan ensures she’s staying in touch. “I’ve taken one of my past customers out in the mud on my Jeep when she was having a tough time,” Shawnnan says. “I have great relationships with everyone I’ve worked with.”

While perusing her reviews, it’s clear why those solid connections develop. One recent client said, “Shawnnan was inviting, attentive and available anytime that we needed. She even worked weekends or late evenings if we wanted to see a home or discuss any searches. Shawnnan also assisted us with referrals of anyone she has used to do any inspections or remodeling work. I’m very big on communicating and Top Agent Magazine

Shawnnan did not disappoint. I appreciate her assistance in finding our home. I have no issue referring Shawnnan to any of my friends for their real estate needs.

I’m sure we will utilize her services in the future, if needed.”

When Shawnnan isn’t working, she’s staying active in the community through various programs for local children.

“Pre-COVID I was teaching art to special needs children and also taught at a juvenile detention center,” she says. She also loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going to the beach.

Looking ahead, Shawnnan’s sights are set on expanding her reach and learning as much as possible. “I’d love to get into commercial real estate as well, and list more luxury properties,” she explains. Shawnnan can’t wait to see what’s in store, and loves everything about her career. “It’s so exciting, no day is the same and no transaction is the same, there is always room to grow and learn. My customers are truly the best part of my job.”

For more about Shawnnan Smith, please call 678-953-5902 or email shawnnansmith@gmail.com 31 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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