FLORIDA 10-5-20

FLORIDA EDITION

How to Incorporate Current Events to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant Business Growth Hack:

ABSORB YOUR CLIENTS’ STRESS! 5 MORNING HABITS TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PRODUCTIVE

FEATURED AGENTS

TAREK CHBEIR GABRIELA DAJER BUNNI LONGWELL RAFAEL MORERA COVER STORY

KRISTI LEE STEWART

FLORIDA EDITION

BUNNI LONGWELL

TAREK CHBEIR

three decades After With workingover as a transportation brokerof experience Outside of real estate, TarekExp doe 15 21 27 29 and moving Michigan Orlando, to get involved with his comm in all from facets of thetoreal estate industry – into Florida, Tarek was ready to start a new live a healthy lifestyle.

He enjoys including the mortgage and title industries Pro career. His wife mentioned working in real himself through attending classes a few are to help buyers listk estate,–saying, “Youbetter love tosituated help people and he also contributes his own or sellers achieve theirknew real estate goals util make their dreams come true.” Tarek about the real estate market throu she was rightRealtor and decided to explore what and emails to the community. pla He than Bunni Longwell.

Working real estate had to offer him. Since he took cising in his free time and believe with Keller Williams Realty St. Pete ma this step about a year ago, Tarek joined a important to both his physical a KRISTI LEE STEWART GABRIELA DAJER RAFAEL TAREK CHBEIR BUNNI LONGWELL St. Petersburg, Florida has Fas team, in and is now growing hisMORERA ownRAFAEL team – Bunni health.

Tarek also enjoys doing MORERA of agents. with his family, including cooking andin spet earned her solid and stellar reputation as at the beach and pool. a real estate agent who consistently goes to r Although Tarek is fairly new to the real estate industry, above for her and many grateful he already hasand quitebeyond a bit of expertise receives Since making the shift to the real estate Wh Personable, knowledgeable much clients. of his business from referrals.

What sets him and Tarek believes he has found his passion. “ apart from other agents that he always creates the line logic behind it is you’re actually doing the som committed to isproviding top-of-the best experience possible for each client. “It’s really really helps society and people as a who customer service, Bunni is among the most talented her boat, or ju being committed to the client and doing what’s best has already helped several happy clients, working in theoffering Sunshinefuture, State. for theagents clients,”currently he explains, which includes he looks forwardspending to growing time this n them a menu of snacks from the first consultation, making a larger impact animal on his community rescuer 4) HOW TO INCORPORATE 18) BUSINESS GROWTH to explaining the real estate process of course, Fully to to grow a larger, “My stepfather was an investor, and I used follow himmore specialized team, e communicating with the client at any given time and referral business, and learn more about the CURRENT EVENTS TO YOUR HACK: ABSORB YOUR Looking to th around and watch what he did, even attending seminars helping STAY them find a home that is theCLIENTS’ perfect fit. Tarek cial real estate/investment industry. His go EMAIL BLASTS AND STRESS! growing her evb him,”a recalls Bunni, asked how began knowswith that buying home is the biggestwhen investment and theshe future is to provide clients with RELEVANT most her clients make inintheir so he on tunity possible.

Agent to assis journey thelives, world of focuses real estate.

“Then, when I making them happy and giving “the25) full experience” COACHING 9-1-1 to allow her to was older, I got a nine to five job and I hated it. I missed everyone he TO works with.

13) 5 MORNINGtoHABITS 7

CONTENTS

agents the ins a real estate and all it entails, so in the early nineties MAKE YOUR DAY 28) YOU DOING BUSINESS I began full time inARE theunnoreal estate industry.”

This SUPER high level ofworking customer service does not go One former client shared inAS a review PRODUCTIVE ticed. After YOU ON When asked w several years working withabout titlesFACEBOOK? and mortgages Tarek, “We couldn’t be happier with his profession– both of which provided knowledge that has added in the industr alism and knowledge in real estate like negotiations, forwith therepair clients she from serves – Bunni began hardest job you home extreme inspections,value helping requests the underwriter, communicating to lenders and getting selling homes, something she has loved since day one.

TI LEE STEWART

us to closing on time. He always had our best interest in mind.

We trusted him with everything that came Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 Since then, Bunni has built thriving business that is our way.” In just a year of working in thea industry, mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com almost entirelyas on from satisfied past Tarek based has established himself one referrals of the most knowledgeable and helpful Advisors in the Orlando No portion of this issue may be reproduced manner whatsoever without prior consent of the Top Agent about Tarek Ch clients.in“Ianybelieve it’s because I absolutely pride myself Forpublisher. more information area receiving theGA, TopInc. 15% Nationwide agents award Magazine is published by Feature Publications Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy call 407-929-1355 or email Tachbeir@gm on givingin my clients the very best service,” she says,of published from Homesnap 2020. for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible

when asked how she has built such To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. customer base. “It’s not about the 2

a loyal and trusting transaction for me.

Copyright Top Agen They’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and they want to be kept up to date. They want phone Top Agent Magazine calls, so I stay in constant communication with them.

It’s all about the details, and I make certain they know

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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How to Incorporate Current Events to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant Email marketing is a cost effective and straightforward method of getting your name and services in front of clients with just a few keystrokes. This tried-and-true approach to digital marketing is a favorite of many, and there are countless ways to customize (and maximize) your email blasts to reap superior results. Despite this, many real estate profes4

sionals are content to standardize their email advertising and take a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to capturing interest and leads. While an up-front sales pitch certainly has its uses and benefits, it doesn’t hurt to shake up your routine and refresh your email marketing approach by adding specifics that draw renewed interest from your audience.

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One way to accomplish this is by tying in current events and local happenings to your email blasts. After all, your sphere of influence likely receives countless marketing emails per day. To cut through the noise, sharpen your message with a few specifics that separate your communications from the pack. Not every email should be focused on closing a sale, or else your audience will learn to stop listening.

How do you build your brand, stay top of mind, and keep the lines of communication open with your clientele? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

against an old rival? Do they host themed fan days honoring veterans or catering to families? Tailoring your communications to a local sports franchise’s big news or next event can draw intrigue and provide added value for your clients. Remember, not every communication you send should be focused on pitching and closing a sale, otherwise your audience will tune out your emails altogether. Instead, incorporate fun, community-oriented content that lets readers know you’re a resource for much more than real estate.

Sports news makes a splash

Become a one-stop-shop for holiday fun and seasonal ideas.

People love to rally behind the home team.

Is a regional, local university, or professional sports team in your area headed to the playoffs or the championship? Are they facing off

From Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving, anyone can send an email wishing clients a happy holiday. While the sentiment is a good one, you’ll be one of dozens flooding inboxes with

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your well-wishes. Instead, go beyond the traditional greetings and good tidings and become a hyper-specific resource for clients. Create a gift guide for Mother’s Day, outline family-friendly local events occurring in your area around the holidays, or engage in a promotional partnership with a local business who’s offering a holiday special of their own. In other words, don’t settle for just saying hello during certain times of the year. Instead, up the value of your email blast by offering clients curated information that relates to their interests and area.

Doing so makes your emails a must-read, while demonstrating your ability to go the extra mile.

Pop culture serves as a fun and timely tie-in.

Is a new gaming app sweeping the nation? Have your social media feeds been flooded with the same viral video? Is everyone gossiping about the same TV show premiere? Pop culture tie-ins in your email marketing campaigns can be extremely effective, but in order to for

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them to work, you’ll need to move quickly and keep your focus on the phenomenon, rather than your service pitch. The goal behind pop culture marketing tie-ins is communicating the progressiveness and hip factor of your brand, while capturing timely, topical interest that’s at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be in on a running joke or trend, and if you leverage trending pop culture moments in your email marketing, you’ll be able to draw views and clicks from a wide audience.

Plenty of services offer standardized email marketing templates and content for today’s real estate professionals, and while the motivation behind marketing is transactional, your communications don’t have to be. The surest way to make an impact in your clients’ inboxes is to add original value and break apart from the pack. Consider updating some of your routines with these current events oriented techniques and your email audience is sure to take a second look.

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KRISTI LEE STEWART

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KRISTI LEE STEWART Top Agent Kristi Lee Stewart’s brokerage, Pinnacle Real Estate Group, services the Treasure Coast of Florida.

Her business is entirely referral based.

Kristi Lee Stewart began her real estate career in 2009 working in office positions, and becoming fully licensed in 2016. This past January, Kristi opened her own brokerage, Pinnacle Real Estate Group. She draws on her experience and expertise to nurture the talents of the agents who work under her, and of course to provide toplevel service to her clients.

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Kristi serves the Treasure Coast of Florida.

Her business is entirely referral based, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and loyalty she inspires. She attributes her continued success and high referral rate to her availability to clients, as well as her personal integrity. “If you’re honest and you answer your phone when clients call and show them you truly care, then Top Agent Magazine

people will continue to recommend and refer you,” Kristi says.

The depth of knowledge Kristi has acquired from her years in real estate and construction go a long way to set her apart from other agents, too. “I come equipped Top Agent Magazine

with a lot of knowledge,” she explains.

“In addition to real estate, I worked in construction, so I bring that experience as well. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to learning under some of the really big top-producing agents on the Treasure Coast. I’ve taken a little bit of the knowledge I have Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“I come equipped with a lot of knowledge. In addition to real estate, I worked in construction, so I bring that experience as well. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to learning under some of the really big top-producing agents on the Treasure Coast.”

from everywhere and utilized that to be a true professional.”

When it comes to marketing her listings, Kristi emphasizes the importance of digital and social media. “We do a lot of social media marketing,” she says.

“Social media is a giant for our team specifically, and for the brokerage overall. We also advertise through sites like Realtor.com and Zillow, but the greatest exposure we get is via social media.”

The results speak for themselves: in her first two years in business, Kristi sold a total of over 75 homes on her own, doing Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

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an annual volume of $7 million in each of those years. So far this year, at her new brokerage, she and her team of four are currently at about $12 million in volume.

Kristi likes to be involved in her community and attend charity events. When she’s not working, Kristi loves to spend Top Agent Magazine

time on the water—kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

In the future, she says, “I would like to expand to have multiple locations, and of course build a bigger team. I want to build up a team of really strong buyer’s agents, and I would love to see the agents who Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

work under me have great accomplishments.

I teach them to be passionate about what you do, be honest, and work really hard.”

Last year, Kristi was voted “Ten Best” for client satisfaction in the State of Florida, and helping her clients comes first for her.

“I love helping first-time homebuyers,” she

says, “helping people achieve the dream of homeownership. A lot of people come to me thinking they will never be able to own a home, and it can be a really tough process.

But then we’re able to hand them over the keys, and we’ve had a lot of happy tears at closings. That makes all the hard work worth it.”

To find out more about Kristi Lee Stewart, call 631-617-8743, email brokerkristilee@gmail.com or visit thecoastalhometeamtc.com https://

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Top Agent Magazine

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 Top Agent Magazine

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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GABRIELA DAJER

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GABRIELA DAJER

Gabriela Dajer has been a proud team member of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty since the South Florida firm’s inception in 2008 but her professional relationship with Founder/ CEO Mayi de la Vega stretches back even further. While earning a double major in International Business and Marketing at Florida International University, Gabriela began her career at Stewart de la Vega Group in Coral Gables, FL, in 2005. “I’ve witnessed the growth of ONE Sotheby’s every step of the way,” says Gabriela. “To be by Mayi’s side, whether showing homes or writing contracts, has given me invaluable experience.” A native of the Dominican Republic who’s fluent in Spanish and English, Gabriela was introduced to the industry early on through her family’s careers in Architecture, Engineering, and Real Estate development and construction.

when they’re moving, so they appreciate having an agent who is a friend and who they can trust.

And they’re very happy with the job that I do for them, which is why they refer me,” she says.

Working with Gabriela allows clients to have an insight into her years of experience and the expertise that comes along with that. “I started working at the age of 21, and I know this business inside out. The fact that I understand everything from the ground up, and that I’ve been in this industry for as long as I have, really sets me apart from other agents. Clients know they can reach me at any time.”

Having a business that consists of repeat and referral clients is a testament to Gabriela’s hard work and client-focused approach. “When I meet a new client, we usually become friends. Many of my clients are going through a very stressful time 16

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REALTORS® have had to adapt to the COVID-19 market and the marketing issues it has presented, such as lack of open houses. But as an innovator who enjoys thinking outside the box, Gabriela has used this opportunity to expand her marketing techniques. “We’re in the middle of a global pandemic, so you can’t just post your listing on the MLS and let it sit there hoping for the best. It’s important to get creative with marketing. Thankfully with Sotheby’s we have a wide digital platform we can use, as well as professional photography, drone footage, and every other resource that highlights the features of each listing.”

An average day of work for most people does not involve walking through multimillion-dollar homes and meeting famous people, but for a luxury residential real estate agent in South Florida, it’s just a normal part of work. “What I truly like about my job is that every single day is different. I might start out at the office, and then have a showing, and then host an open house, then go to a listing appointment. The variety that each day brings is really enjoyable. The flexibility of being in and out of the office as well as constantly meeting amazing new people and being surrounded by beautiful architecture is not something everybody gets to experience, so I feel very lucky.”

Gabriela has a few exciting things planned for the future of her business, but her two main points of focus are growing her team and continuing to keep her clients happy. “I love the long term relationships I develop with my clients, and I want to continue helping them reach their real estate dreams.”

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To learn more about Gabriela Dajer

email gdajer@onesothebysrealty.com, visit ONESOTHEBYSREALTY.COM, or call (305) 666–0562 www.

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Business Growth Hack: Absorb Your Clients’ Stress!

Your business coach or a CRM software sales rep has probably described a number of products or services to help you grow your business. But sometimes the easiest way to increase the deals you’re closing is to simply be present for your clients. In doing so, you’ll find have the power to decrease the stress they feel. And when you decrease their stress, you increase your value to them, leading to new referrals and organic growth.

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You may be thinking, “I have enough stress; how can I find the emotional bandwidth for other people’s stress?” But consider this: As their day-to-day point of contact in this life decision, you are already a strong presence in your client’s lives. Why not allow yourself to be the only seemingly calm part of this process? By asking them what’s on their mind, by truly listening, by showing that you truly understand and even by rolling up

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your sleeves to relieve some of their grunt work, you’ll prove yourself invaluable.

Think of yourself as the equivalent of an anti-anxiety pill to your clients. All you have to do is form a few easy habits.

Laura and Raj, their agent and their loan officer soon came to learn that Laura’s 80-year-old mother may eventually move in with the family. This news not only helped the agent best meet Laura’s and Raj’s needs for a new home; it gave both the agent and the loan officer opportunities to go above and beyond for their clients. Their REALTOR® connected Laura with a senior services nonprofit near Laura’s mom’s current home that may be able to assist the family.

And their loan officer outlined various, detailed options to Laura and Raj make smart, long-term financial decisions.

Meanwhile, the agent and loan officer earned the trust of Laura and Raj, who felt less worried about the future.

Listen – really listen – with patience Behind every home purchase or sale is a person or a family with a uniquely complex set of needs, motivations, objectives and priorities. Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers are the easiest ways to learn how to make clients’ lives easier. In doing so, you not only show that you’re interested in them as people, but you help yourself discover ways to surprise your clients with service.

Take “Laura and Raj,” for instance – a couple in their 30s who wanted a larger home because their family of five outgrew their first home. By patiently getting to know Top Agent Magazine

Empathize Don’t be afraid to describe your own personal experiences as a homebuyer or seller, explaining how you felt at the time; let your client know you “get” it. The agent who is willing to open up and let buyers and

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sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly.

Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted.

Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has 20

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’”

Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares.

If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help.

When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

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RAFAEL MORERA Top Agent Magazine

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RAFAEL MORERA

A retired New Jersey police officer, Rafael Morera got involved with real estate through learning the ropes from a friend and mentor about 8 years ago.

He was immediately successful, receiving the circle of excellence award in addition to the “Rookie of the Year” award from his brokerage. Two years ago, while looking for a change, he moved to Florida. Though it was difficult to build his sphere of influence at first, today, he works as a successful Realtor© and is founder and CEO of The Morera Group, a team under United Realty Group Brokerage with six other team members in Palm Beach, Florida and surrounding areas.

Rafael says that “the hustle kicked in” and that this has helped him get to the place where he is today.

has used his own experience moving from New Jersey to Florida as an advantage, as he often helps people looking for homes in the area from out of state. He knows this process can be stressful and wants to provide his clients with as smooth a transition as possible. Rafael uses an in-depth marketing strategy that includes videos, Zillow, Google Ads, social media, and websites for each property, and he explains that “each listing gets the same level of service a home requires,” no matter their price or location.

Rafael cites his high level of customer service and commitment to his clients as something that keeps people coming back and referring him to new business. “I make each client feel like they’re the only person I’m working with, regardless of how busy we are,” Rafael says. Additionally, Rafael 22

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Clients of The Morera Group have great things to say about their experiences working with Rafael and his team. One former client shared that Rafael “made house hunting easy! He made us feel like we were his only clients! Always took the time out to explain everything, always was there to answer my questions and most importantly he is honest! If he didn’t think something was right for us he let us know.

He is a pleasure to work with.” Rafael has the help of a transaction coordinator and Client Relations Manager who reaches out to clients throughout each transaction, and whether he or another agent has been working directly with the client, Rafael likes to connect personally to show his support. “I always give that personal touch,” he says.

As if keeping in touch with clients and running a real estate team didn’t keep him busy enough, Rafael also stays very occupied with taking care of his family.

He has a wife and two children, and they love going boating together and spending weekends away at travel baseball competitions. “We’re a very busy family, so having this type of career allows me some balance,” he explains.

In the future, Rafael wants to continue growing his business and providing an extraordinary level of customer service.

“I want to be known as the go-to Realtor® or real estate team in my market,” he says.

Another goal of Rafael is to tap into the luxury market and provide a concierge service in order to have that available to out of state clients as well. Rafael loved helping people throughout his career as a police officer, and nothing has changed today except for his career and location. “I’m just going to continue doing what I love to do, and that’s helping people,” he says.

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For more information about Rafael Morera, please call (561)771-5240 or email Rafael@TheMoreraGroup.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 23

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Coaching 9-1-1

By Walter Sanford

Having a coach can provide the right answers when you need it. Below is an exchange with one of our coaching clients and it provided a little “911” for his current situation: Coaching Client: I went on what I thought was a great listing presentation yesterday. However, the couple would not sign at our meeting. They said they needed to talk. I then felt like something was up.

Walter: On the phone while making the appointment, one of the questions needs to be – “If everything meets with your approval, are you wanting to start the marketing plan tomorrow night when I meet with you?”

Coaching Client: The guy just left me a voicemail saying they loved everything I had to offer; however, they were listing with some schmo that doesn’t do any FRICKIN’ business.

Walter: Always make it your goal to get the signature! Fake that you are Top Agent Magazine

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leaving then do the “Columbo” and say, “So, I can email all answers at the office – what are you thinking about so I can do more research for you?”

Coaching Client: They said they had a personal connection that really suggested that they use this guy. I know them as well and I can hear the conversation: the (name) Team are doing just fine and (name) really needs the business. How in the heck do I fight that?

Walter: Let’s not try to fight until you are sure that’s what happened. Call them back. “(Wife’s name) and I are always trying to improve our services.

Could you help me by letting me know what I could have done differently to earn your business? Was there anything I could have improved on for you?”

Coaching Client: This other guy doesn’t even know how to spell marketing much less apply it! I am as mad as I have been since getting into real estate.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Walter: If that was the REAL reason, you needed to find it out while you were there then counter it by letting them know that more than anything else…an agent makes the difference on the amount a seller nets at the closing. Experience makes a difference in – • A large buyer database • More trust from buyers • More money to spend on marketing • The ability to convert leads into showings by uncovering needs of buyers and demonstrating how your property fulfills them having experience in negotiating • Understanding in how to write contracts to prevent post-closing seller litigation • Having a team who monitors every aspect of the closing successfully • Overcoming objections and challenges in the most cost-effective manner Walter Sanford has been designing and implementing real estate systems for 30 years.

One of the most successful REALTORS® and now wealthy from his systems, Sanford teaches his systems and strategies through his products, seminars, and personal coaching producing the best results in the industry. Do what works, do what is proven. Hire Walter Sanford. Call our office at 800.792.5837, email walter@waltersanford.com, or chat with Copyright©, Walter Sanford. All rights reserved. us online at www.waltersanford.com.

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TAREK CHBEIR After working as a transportation broker and moving from Michigan to Orlando, Florida, Tarek was ready to start a new career. His wife mentioned working in real estate, saying, “You love to help people make their dreams come true.” Tarek knew she was right and decided to explore what real estate had to offer him. Since he took this step about a year ago, Tarek joined a team, and is now growing his own team of agents.

Although Tarek is fairly new to the real estate industry, he already has quite a bit of expertise and receives much of his business from referrals. What sets him apart from other agents is that he always creates the best experience possible for each client. “It’s really being committed to the client and doing what’s best for the clients,” he explains, which includes offering them a menu of snacks from the first consultation, to explaining the real estate process of course, Fully communicating with the client at any given time and helping them find a home that is the perfect fit. Tarek knows that buying a home is the biggest investment most clients make in their lives, so he focuses on making them happy and giving “the full experience” to everyone he works with.

This high level of customer service does not go unnoticed. One former client shared in a review about Tarek, “We couldn’t be happier with his professionalism and knowledge in real estate like negotiations, home inspections, helping with repair requests from the underwriter, communicating to lenders and getting us to closing on time. He always had our best interest in mind. We trusted him with everything that came our way.” In just a year of working in the industry, Tarek has established himself as one of the most knowledgeable and helpful Advisors in the Orlando area receiving the Top 15% Nationwide agents award from Homesnap in 2020.

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Outside of real estate, Tarek does his best to get involved with his community and live a healthy lifestyle. He enjoys educating himself through attending classes and events, and he also contributes his own knowledge about the real estate market through mailers and emails to the community. He loves exercising in his free time and believes it is very important to both his physical and mental health. Tarek also enjoys doing activities with his family, including cooking and spending time at the beach and pool.

Since making the shift to the real estate industry, Tarek believes he has found his passion. “The whole logic behind it is you’re actually doing something that really helps society and people as a whole.” Tarek has already helped several happy clients, and in the future, he looks forward to growing this number and making a larger impact on his community. He plans to grow a larger, more specialized team, expand his referral business, and learn more about the commercial real estate/investment industry. His goal for now and the future is to provide clients with every opportunity possible.

For more information about Tarek Chbeir, call 407-929-1355 or email Tachbeir@gmail.com 27 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Are You Doing Business As YOU On Facebook?

Are you ‘Doing Business As YOU’ on your personal Facebook page? In other words, are you posting your business content from your personal page?

Yesterday a REALTOR® asked us, “Why should I bother with a company Facebook page? Can’t I just post everything from my profile page?”

The answer lies in what we call division of content. As you may be aware, social media began as just that… social. It was never truly intended for business use.

Over time, as businesses began to see the potential in reaching the masses in a new way, they began to intrude on this communication. Today, it is widely accepted that business will be conducted on all social platforms, but the manner in which we do so (and in which we are received) is still a touchy subject at times.

We believe it’s important to be transparent on social media. Draw the line between communicating as the Person and the Professional. Not only does this help you keep your content separate and appropriate, it also gives the control to your network of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and customers.

They get to decide whether to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ your company page. They get to decide whether they want to see your business related posts. User control is the #1 reason you need a business page if you’re conducting business on Facebook. Wouldn’t you rather have a willing and engaged audience over a forced, potentially reluctant one? We have personally eliminated many of the ‘DBA’ offenders from our news feeds and you have likely done the same.

As in all controversial social media topics, there is some gray area. And that gray area is often subjective, so consider this post food for thought and decide for yourself. We try our best to keep professional content on our business pages, with a couple of exceptions: 1. Philanthropic Promotion: We’re in favor of posting anything that will help an organization in need on both your personal and business pages. Nonprofits often have little to no marketing budget and rely on all of us to promote their good works, so we believe that’s a good line to cross (as long as it’s about the organization, and not you).

2. Recognition Tagging: Facebook does not allow you to tag an individual on your business page. Yes, there are some tricky work-arounds, but they are inconsistent at best. So when it’s truly important for us to recognize and tag an individual, especially someone who has done something nice for us (inviting us as guests on their radio show or podcast, for instance), we will generally post that on the business page first, then share it from our personal pages, along with a comment recognizing and tagging the individual(s) or business who helped us.

Either way (personal or business), remember to be true to the social aspect. Our participation on social media should be about giving, helping, recognizing and connecting…especially when it comes to your business.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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BUNNI LONGWELL With over three decades of experience in all facets of the real estate industry – including the mortgage and title industries – few are better situated to help buyers or sellers achieve their real estate goals than Realtor Bunni Longwell. Working with Keller Williams Realty St. Pete in St. Petersburg, Florida – Bunni has earned her solid and stellar reputation as a real estate agent who consistently goes above and beyond for her many grateful clients. Personable, knowledgeable and committed to providing top-of-the line customer service, Bunni is among the most talented agents currently working in the Sunshine State.

“My stepfather was an investor, and I used to follow him around and watch what he did, even attending seminars with him,” recalls Bunni, when asked how she began her journey in the world of real estate. “Then, when I was older, I got a nine to five job and I hated it. I missed real estate and all it entails, so in the early nineties I began working full time in the real estate industry.”

After several years working with titles and mortgages – both of which provided knowledge that has added extreme value for the clients she serves – Bunni began selling homes, something she has loved since day one.

Since then, Bunni has built a thriving business that is based almost entirely on referrals from satisfied past clients. “I believe it’s because I absolutely pride myself on giving my clients the very best service,” she says, when asked how she has built such a loyal and trusting customer base. “It’s not about the transaction for me.

They’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and they want to be kept up to date. They want phone calls, so I stay in constant communication with them.

It’s all about the details, and I make certain they know absolutely everything that’s going on with the transaction. I try to make sure they feel like they are my only customer.” Bunni also genuinely cares that her clients get the best deal possible.

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Expert marketing has also figured heavily into Bunni’s continuing success story.

Professional photography ensures each listing is shown in its best light, and a deft utilization of the internet and social media platforms make certain each property gains maximum exposure to potential buyers.

Fast sales for top dollar is the result, which in turn produces happy clients who continue to refer new buyers and sellers.

When she’s not working, Bunni enjoys the water – whether that is time spent on her boat, or just relaxing on the beach. She also loves spending time with her family, and she is also an ardent animal rescuer who has rescued a multitude of cats.

Looking to the future, Bunni’s plan is to continue growing her business, and perhaps adding a Buyer’s Agent to assist with her massive volume of sales, and to allow her to indulge another passion: teaching newer agents the ins and outs of real estate.

When asked what advice she’d have for up and comers in the industry, Bunni replies, “It’s the longest and hardest job you will ever love.”

For more about Bunni Longwell, please call 727-460-8636 or email BunniLongwell@yahoo.com 29 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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