FLORIDA 11-15-21

FLORIDA EDITION

DON'T FORGET YOUR CLOTHES 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ACHIEVE

CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS

YOUR BIGGEST GOALS FEATURED AGENTS

BEYOND CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: WHAT IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES MAKE THE MOST SENSE?

COVER STORY

ASHLEY WALLACE DANIELLE MEADY IGNACIO VILLANUEVA JIM JOYCE MICHELLE CHANDLER NANCY SELTZER SOPHIE SCHNEEBERGER

KIM POJETA & TROY “TJ” OAKES

ducation as well, and recogying informed especially in a ng and changing the way we ing with that philosophy, she her Short Sale Certification y Advisor Certification and is n acquiring her GRI, surefire well-rounded, knowledgeable er way around a transaction.

FLORIDA EDITION

h, Ashley uses a BoomTown ep in touch with all of her ses social media and email rtise her listings to 7 a wide en coupled with strategically s, leads to wide exposure for ocally and from out of town. oses 25-30 transactions each M pending and sold in total this year.

DANIELLE MEADY

IGNACIO VILLANUEVA

Danielle Meady never has to stop become friends by the time they After working in the corporate world for comes to m and ask herself what her work is reach the closing table, and the deep about. She’s got a wealth of happy Ignacio Villanueva was ready trust they have in her keeps them 10 years, above and b memories that leave no doubt. “I’ve coming back. for a change.

“I always had an interest in social medi been at closing tables where people started crying whenreal I handed them he explains. “I decided to“This estate,” startprocess can be scary for peomassive em the keys to their new home,” she ple, especially if they’re moving real tap through explains. “Everyoneinvesting has a specialand eventually earned myhere from out of state. And they’re story, a particular estate path theylicense.” took relying Initially, he had planned toon me to find something that a new listin to get to that moment, and many fits their lifestyle and needs. I’m use hisIt’slicense for his own purchasesvery and find someth of those journeys are hard. an honest and loyal to their interhonor to be a part of ests, and I’m a great listener. I spend tomaking help peofamily/friends, but it snowballed to potential ple’s dreams come true.” lots of time up front getting to know from there.

“Eventually, through referrals clients, as w them and what they’re looking for, e, Ashley is a Disney fanatic, Originally from Newand York,friends Danielle of friends, it became a and then I don’t stop searching until solid KIM POJETA e on the water and loves to has called the Sunshine State home I’ve found it.”

TROYher “TJ” OAKES Word sprea since moving from source New York of withincome, and was something that in her free time.&When her parents in 1987.I She graduatedenjoyed doing.” He was able For to her sellers, Danielle puts actually with pastthec he can be found chasing two “IWhen jumped into it to withmarketing both together feet,” feel for Gulf Coast University comprehensive marA natural born leader with an unparalit career comes hera listtransactions, from and Florida this year, he is on track to estate is a projresign from his in marketing and others abof her “mom”!

She’s also paswith a Bachelor of Science inSophie Computer Information keting plan to gain broad exposure for every listing.

Schneeberger explains, while of it.” As leled ethic, spent Michelle Chandler ings,insoshe aims toThat reach areal wide audience. nearly doubleSystems, that figure. tired fromwork law Having planning to make a career the software includes social media platforms like Facebook unity outreach. advertising he could pursue estate full-time. recently said, “We hired shebegan discusses journey into real social med industry. But as that industry to decline her in and Instagram, targeted marketing to prime potential , Jim moved decided enterempathy the Air Force right after “Real estate is buyers aflourished global economy, so real elf, she has to atodeep Histhatbusiness has truly since then, and homesince of our dreams.

For Florida, it became clear she’d have to across on Google,previas well as top-end estate magaestate.

Amove world traveler, Sophie endclients brochu A resident of Florida her For Jim, it isthenot his impressive that same time,involved from high weremains lot ofcruise online and country to remain in thesales field.

Ado title acompany zines.

“That advertising may seem old school to some, but people dd the isgraduating frequently withschool. Towards ously worked on ships, taught today he largely referral-based.

Serving all since I am an architect a 1981, tors, move her to helpbut with rather closings,helpand she soon rose actually love seeing their homesNancy featured inLynn a maga- Seltzer bring him therecruited most reward, da,the transferring ncluding delivering care bas-she was thinking end of her service, business-to-business broker advertisEnglish China, and in the Peace With stron of Miami-Dade County, with a focus on Morningside, ments.

Ignacio’s extensiv to become their marketing director.

Thatinexperience zinewas with high-gloss pictures!”

Whether they’re sellers has always possessed an ing his clientskindled alongantheir journeys. “I know riend kept askingabout NICU awareness old flame. “I’d always hadIin aalso passion for orout buyers, clients also count For on Danielle to be there what to do month next, wanting to utiing. towas myallcan clients.”

Corps Westreach Africa.

“IGrove, over makes sur Miami Beach and Coconut he’s an expert in spirit. estate She vision, Through and passio entrepreneurial th it sounds cliché, but I really do love seeing finally took the real estate, even as a child.

I suddenly couldn’t wait to for them long after the deal is done. th lize the March of Dimes.

For her skills to grow into a new career.

Michelle, placing a listing on the MLS or the place,” Sophie says.

“When I She is on t get my license.” thewhen region and loves guiding people through their real success in ourtion experienc the look on the clients’ faces I know ys.

“I’m so glad began her career in the across siness, Ashley hopes to start When not working, Daniellestep loves hanging out with her made the decision to leave the cruise on the boa “One of the brokers that I used to be a on social media is just one small in estate journeys. to present us with the fro be I’ve found theDanielle right Jimwith says.

“The about County coming ishouse,” now a Realtor bothor a Broker’s license husband and two sons.Broward The boys are active in sports, so Public massionate in the next year. If you’re Contact Ashley at (941) 302-2586 ships and start a life back on land, I Beach. “I secretary for suggested I get into real finding right “I’m extremely andreward a GRI designation, marking her as one ofthe the elite thebuyer. family attends many sporting events together, and and provided such valu day I lose the and joy from that, I hink about.

I’m School District, where sonally co or in Sarasota County who ashleywallace@mavrealty.com, visit had to chooseand what career was going friendly b in her industry in termsand ofproactive, professionalism and IDanielle isI very involved with her children’s school. estate, I decided to earn my license,” know there is always won’t do realagents estate anymore.” for so me.”

“Certain streets betterAs than others, and every area amazing for us.” dcareer compassion to the table, climbed theto keep ladder tohomealone, customer service. Representing clients from are Florida’s for the future ofothers hershe business, Danielle plans to pursue.”

With a desire to help I love she brin ashley-wallace.com for more information she explains.

Michelle quickly joined a large team, someone looking for something.

My job as a matchLee County down has to Naples with nuances,” John R. Woodhe building her brand growing her volume, while conits own explains.

“Soandnot focusing on Ashley Wallace! become the Curriculum has anchor and a love for real estate, Sophie became an agent set up monthly beach cl she closes 20-35 transactions a year, the to deliver the same high-quality service all of his community, Jim sponh Manager soakingwith up as much information as sheDedicated could untiltoProperties, she maker is tocoming help them find it.” tinuing only one area has allowed me tohave getcome a better grasp ofno excited As Ignacio continues to majority of that business from repeat clients her clients to expect.

She’s always Specialist of Adult Education.

After she met her current they don’t and began working in Palm Beach County.

With keep it beautiful.”

Sophie manyalocal sporting and fundraising tate, Jimready servesto go out on her own. “Once Isors was became solo or referrals.

Invariably, and her clientsas have to meet new and showto them way home!he is eager to see where theDanielle Miami Metro a whole.”

Inpeople addition histhevast Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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KIM POJETA & MICHELLE ASHLEY WALLACE IGNACIO SCHNEEBERGER CHANDLERDANIELLE MEADY SOPHIE JIM'TJ' JOYCE TROY OAKES VILLANUEVA

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JIM JOYCE

MICHELLE CHANDLER

29

NANCY SELTZER www.

NANCY SELTZER 30

SOPHIE SCHNEEBERGER

husband 2008, thehertwo begangoing searching for their futureOrphanage friends,” s network and husband through African Educ events,a top including softballupteam, the in theinarea, cie agent area, asatwell another brokerage, I soon became pro- the Setting a systematic approach to her business, knowledge about home, what every community has to Realtors offer, toispotentially start a team immigration she knew had to hit noted a female nonp dream and along the way,she their that founded tunate to h For the more information process, about Danielle Meady, high school booster club, and golf outings. “Being able an River. Working with both ducer and felt the next step for me was to build a team,” Michelle is the able to enjoy hobbies like traveling and buyers, sellers and investors appreciate his superior will co ground running.

“It just felt like a the really good his theknowledge. education business of“IAfrican call 239-340-3348 or email daniellemeady@yahoo.com she should consider delving into business. b to give back is more important thanplease anything,” Jim says. e area, Jim has already built Michelle explains.

An unstoppable force, Michelle exploring the outdoors.

“We love to travel in our service.

“I truly have the clients’ interests at heart, and as much as possible.” fit,enjoys so I joined a great brokerage that provided me He also coaches baseball, and in his free time, he oundation of his high-quality grew a mega team, becoming one of top groups in with motorcoach, and justthe back term fromneeded, a three month always have agot longer view inher mind,” Ignacio all resources and five trip. years Loving everyOutside minute ofhe Copyright Top Agent Magazine golfing andthe boating.

Together his Iwife ofwith almost Inspired, Nancy Ipursued license, atlater first balancing says.

He never pressures them to make decisions, and the area. It was here wheretwenty her passion for leadership I was still able to close 30 transactions while I was on here I am.” ing no signs of slowing years, Jim enjoys everything that Florida living real estate with her position in education. Over time, community investing in properties a will even advise them not to sell or buy if he doesn’t flourished, it led to her has taking a management role. the road.” to offer. lient and referralasrate is a testhough, she decided to launch her career as a full-time and nonpr A prominent agent in the area, Sophie worked hard to continuing to assist her provides every customer. think it’s right for them.

“I wasfor responsible for productivity and growth for two agent—and sure enough, she hasn’t looked back since. he establish namehopes for herself.

It’s clearly paid off, as goals. “What elderly, I am doing whattoheproduction, built, Jim plansIntothe continue withyears, the a she ple,” Jim says. clientsAfterProud offices,” she “My explains. goingofback coming to continue growing “Throughout my life, people have told me I should be ter.

Equall 80% herpush business is their based on referrals and repeat wanted to do, and it’s go r the money. was I do ready it because that haveSwitching led to his success “Ito “Ifulfillment. don’t tryofagents them on getting an expensive Michelle for herpractices next challenge. andand helping other develop work. long incli-sales, even when I was in “My college,” she says.going “But to bycontinue Profession like the groove I’m in,” Jim says. “I love property, sitting clients. withor ‘Do not buy a house just to Those who work with Sophie are blown away on this the pay firstitproperty we look agents at, I will to EXP Realty in Largo, Florida, she has been able to term goal is to really forward toofother in take sheer luck, the grace God, and my good friends and ents, meeting with people, and helping them facebyto her face.skills and commitment to going the extra what’s next.”Estate Ass ice with that, it makes climy time.” loves on to an teach them throughout utilize all of her talents. I’m right where I need to be.” the industry.

I seeIgnacio myself taking even larger role use it lets them know that I’m supporting me, I was able to do very well as a Grievance mile.family “I’m not pushy, and I think my clients really the process, admitting that an ideal buyer is one that in helping them do exactly what I’ve done.”

Closing mission. I’m thinking about appreciate that,” she says.

When a buyer walks into Realtor, verytoearly on.”we have to see a lot is educated.

“For thatyear, happen, Realtyinallows Michelle to develop a team that 150-200 transactions each it’s clear Michelle d, EXP and invested his clients’ a home and doesn’t like it, Sophie neverhas pressures Going forw For more about of properties, so I am more than happy to puttheir in the the entire country. Although she personally found her true calling. w tospans offer excellent customer them to go for it.

Instead, she gets to know likes where she Today, Nancy is the Broker at S&B Realty, her busine please ca time and themthen around town.”

He has also made esults. serves central Florida, she can generate leads in any andtake dislikes, starts the search again.

“The big-and the surassists clients throughout Fort Lauderdale she intends email ignacio.villa education focusI of Social in state and pass them on to her agents. As a coach and gest the feedback gethis from peopleMedia is that presence I’m a hustler, rounding area.

Alongside her elite team—which includes expanding his Instagram account @browsing4housing.

When it ents extends to how he keeps or @Browsing4H Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 I work hard for them, and I provide them with the team leader, she instills in others the importance of her son, Justin Bartholomew—she has combined her the boutiqu g. Through personal emails, knowledge they need to make the best decisions.” putting their clients’ needs first. Michelle’s own clibright personality and passion for helping others to meet first place. mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com is clients like family. “Some ent base mainly derives from referrals, a testament to ofshe any provides buyer or seller.quality photoclients and friends,” Jim says. “I play For the her needs sellers, No portion this issue“It’s maymy be reproduced without prior consent ofhigh the publisher. Top Agent Magazine superior andofsupport. attention toin any manner whatsoever d I her attend clients’service kids’ birthgraphs, drone footage, and virtual tours.

“Because so is published

by Feature Publications GA,says.

Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top detail that keeps people back,” Michelle bout my clients finding their coming a property, Nancy muchWhen of facts ourlisting business from out ofoffers state,clients I’ve a cutting Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible or suppliedcomes by its authors.

“Andlistings, my focus on building relationships. Every time for opinions expressed clients’ Jim provides For more about So edge strategy.

After helping them fully prepare their found that providing those elements has helped cliTo subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

I close a transaction, it’s not just about the transaction. y that includes social media ents home feel comfortable making for the market, she offers shareswithout it over aseeing blend of targeted please call 5 For more about Jim Joyce, call 772-200-5353, Published e professional services of ain theI U.S. email sophie@ech It’s about the relationships built, which I value and in person. arecampaigns. able to get aIngood email jim@themoreragroup.com, the property digital and social They media the meantime, apher for beautiful images continue to nurture year after year.”

Whether she’s or visit yourthinbluelinerealtor.com she promotes listingsChandler, via her popular newsletter and For more information abouther Michelle aging digital aplatforms, Jim assisting ideal property, or a his Zillow 2 buyer in finding their Agent Magazine and contact him through page at monthly market updates, which boast aTop C subscriber-base h wide visibility. His stratcall 727-432-2776 visit www.MichelleChandler.work seller in getting the most for their zillow.com/profile/yourthinbluelinerealtor home, Michelle conthat spans not only the nation, but also the world. r, he completed twenty-nine or email ChandlerHomesLLC@gmail.com

CONTENTS

4) CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS

20) 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ACHIEVE YOUR BIGGEST GOALS

14) BEYOND CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: WHAT IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES MAKE THE MOST SENSE?

27) DON'T FORGET YOUR CLOTHES

www.

www.

tinually goes above and beyond to achieve their goals.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

to Attract Future Clients What kind of content are you sharing on your blog, website, and social media? Does most of it have something to do with buying or selling a home? While sharing the latest market information or tips on how to qualify for a mortgage, or when someone should buy or sell is important and demonstrates your value as a REALTOR®, it shouldn’t be the only subject you cover. If you only focus on real estate, you’ll be missing the chance to connect with future clients that might not be ready to move just yet. By sharing a lot

of industry-heavy content, you are only going to appeal to those who are currently in the market rather than a broad base of potential clients.

To pull in those other future clients you want to provide fresh, interesting content that will appeal to those possible future clients that aren’t quite ready to move yet. However, you also want to still tie this content back into your business goals.

So, how do you share content that will speak to a wider audience, but also still be relevant to your business?

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Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

The philanthropic work you do to support your community says a great deal about who you are as a person. Many people will be attracted to working with you because of the charitable works you are involved with. While you may be hesitant to share these efforts because you feel it may come across as bragging, you also need to remember that sharing information about the charitable organizations you support will actually help those organizations. Many of them have small marketing budgets, so any free exposure you can give them helps to promote their cause.

In fact, they want and need you to promote them.

And you can promote them without coming across as a braggart. Focus your content entirely on the organization. Talk about why you support them, how they help the community, and how others can also get involved. This turns what could have been bragging into something that benefits everyone. n

Your Local Community

We humans are connected to each other through our community – our local sports teams, parks, churches, schools, and much more. What better way is there to connect with people in your community than to talk about your community? Demonstrate that you are an expert on your community, and bring that community to your followers. Share information about a local event; perhaps even share the actual event through live-stream video. Interview city officials to get the low-down on the latest development project. Share information with your followers about things they didn’t know about their community. Consult with local historians or the historical society to share interesting information about your community that your followers will want to read. You could even turn it into a series of podcasts or videos. n

Use Your Creativity to Connect

Find creative ways to engage your followers on the topic of real estate. Try engaging your followers in an interactive project such as posting photos of interesting front doors. Doors are the entry point into our homes as well as our private lives. The way we adorn our front door can give someone a sense of our style and personality. Ask followers to submit photos and choose one to post each Friday. Make sure to watermark each photo with your logo at the bottom and include an inspirational quote that ties back to the importance of home. You could also ask your followers to provide a little story or caption to go along with the photo that tells something about them and their home. These kinds of projects are interesting and unique, and clearly connect back to your business. n

Share Your Hobbies

Are you an adrenalin junkie who has bungee jumped from some of the tallest bridges in the world? Are you a foodie that grows your own organic vegetables and fruit? Do you have a Top Agent Magazine

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secret passion for photography? Everyone has hobbies that they enjoy outside of work. When you look past the surface people become quite interesting. People also happen to find interesting people interesting, and tend to remember people based on their distinctive traits. We humans love discovering a person’s behind the scenes story, the mind behind the face. While you don’t want to talk too much about yourself, sharing pieces of your personal life and things that interest you can be a great way to connect with followers. By sharing interesting facts about your life, you will find that many followers will feel a strong, personal connection to you based on your hobbies and personal interests. n

Divulge Interesting Experiences

This is somewhat similar to the idea of sharing your hobbies. Sharing some of your more interesting personal experiences such as a fateful conversation with a stranger or an exciting adventure you had while in another country can be a great way to connect with followers as long as it also relates to some kind of life or business lesson. Talk about experiences you’ve had with clients or purchasing your own home. Experiences that relate to your business are great ways to connect with future clients in a manner that goes beyond the world of business. n

What and Who Inspires You

No matter what you’ve chosen to spend your life doing, you didn’t get there alone. You may have had a mentor that made a special impact on your life or someone already in the business that you looked up to and who perhaps inspired you to get into real estate. You may have found inspiration through a love of architecture or design. People want to know why others do the things they do. Sharing who or what influences you in your personal and business life is a great way to connect with followers. Recognizing that you didn’t get to where you are now by yourself shows humility, and talking about those people that had an influence on you shows others that you stay connected to the world and people around you.

Connecting with potential clients is something that is essential to any REALTOR’S® business. If you’re doing the work to create interesting blog posts and make those connections, you want to make sure that you’re sharing the right kind of content to draw in those future clients. It takes a lot more than simply providing the latest market news. To get the most out of what you share, you need to provide a wide array of interesting content

that will draw in a broad range of followers.

Providing the right kind of content can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with future clients and building the right kind of relationship with them right from the start. Connecting through your website or social media and sharing more than just real estate advice will help you build confidence and trust with future clients before you even meet them.

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KIM POJETA & TROY “TJ” OAKES Top Agent Magazine

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As a two-person team with MVP Realty, Top Agents Kim Pojeta and TJ Oakes serve Naples and the surrounding areas in southwest Florida.

Kim Pojeta and her husband, TJ Oakes, have built a thriving practice in southwest Florida by providing personalized and high-quality customer service. They began their journey in real estate while living in Virginia, where they bought and sold mostly land as investors. When they moved to Florida and decided to buy 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

another house, they realized they wanted to handle their transactions themselves.

“We’d been paying other people to take care of our transactions,” Kim says, “and we decided it made more sense for us to do our own. We thought we could give ourselves better service than we had found in the industry. That has been our guiding Top Agent Magazine

value ever since, to provide the best service we can to every client.”

Now as a two-person team with MVP Realty, Kim and TJ serve Naples and the surrounding areas. Together, they help residential clients find the home of their dreams, or help them to sell their house in order to achieve their next life goal. They have been recognized for their success and dedication; in 2020 and 2021, Kim was named a Five Star Real Estate Agent, and both she and TJ were client submitted for the same award in Top Agent Magazine

2022. Committed to their own professional growth and skill, they regularly attend trainings in order to stay up to date on the industry and various contracts in order to provide their clients with informed counsel.

“It’s important to us to stay knowledgeable and to keep growing,” Kim says. “We want to provide high value to our clients.”

With their skill, experience, dedication, and personalized approach, it is no surprise that Kim and TJ have a repeat and referral rate of 60%. “It feels great when a Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“We’re not just 9-5, Monday through Friday. We work hard to make sure our clients understand the process and are part of the process. Our customer service is what sets us apart and differentiates us. With us, you will get personalized service.” client tells their family members or friends about us,” Kim says. “We use that as a benchmark of success. I think what our clients appreciate most is how available we are to talk, text, and email. We’re not just 9-5, Monday through Friday. We work hard to make sure our clients understand the process and are part of the process. Our Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

customer service is what sets us apart and differentiates us. With us, you will get personalized service.”

To market their clients’ listings, they both provide broad coverage across social media and digital platforms. They also leverage their professional network to get the word Top Agent Magazine

out and to attract competitive offers. This year, they are on track to close the sale of around forty homes.

Dedicated to giving back, annually Kim and TJ donate to their local SPCA. In addition, Top Agent Magazine

the Brokerage they work at supports an orphanage in Haiti. When they are not busy helping clients or giving back their time, they love to go boating, fishing, or camping, and to enjoy everything their beautiful area has to offer.

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Happy with what they have built, Kim and TJ are focused on maintaining the high standards of service and professionalism that have led to their impressive success. “We are able to offer our clients excellent service, and it’s our priority to maintain that and build

on it,” Kim says. What they like most about what they do is making their clients happy and helping them achieve their goals. “We love it when our clients come to the end of the process feeling knowledgeable and prepared,” Kim says.

To find out more about Kim Pojeta and Troy “TJ” Oakes, you can contact Kim by phone at (239) 300-5634. You can also contact them by email a sandalsinparadise@gmail.com and check them out online at facebook.com/KimPojeta www.

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Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability. Unfortunately, however, not all sellers or agents are willing to do much more than decluttering and cleaning.

Think of the listing as a reflection on yourself. If you didn’t comb your hair, shine your shoes, dress 14

neatly and drive a clean car, people would think you don’t care about yourself. They may wonder, “If he doesn’t care about how he presents himself, how is he going to present my house?” Likewise, not prepare a house for its most beautiful presentation might cast doubt on how the overall marketing will go. And, while not all changes will be immediately noticeable, chances are that what isn’t changed will be noticed.

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Ashley Aguilera, REALTOR®, broker and owner of The Aguilera Team in California’s Murrieta Valley and Temecula, says that after every consultation, her team formulates a game-plan. “We want to set their property apart from everything else on the market, but also fall within the comfort zone of the seller’s lifestyle,” she says. Changes may run the gamut from minor repairs and moving furniture for better flow, to adding accent pieces to harmonize the home’s look or create a “wow” factor before professional photography.

Many agents recommend conducting a professional inspection prior to listing; some will even hire the inspector at their own expense. Of course, any necessary repairs found during inspection and not repaired before listing must be formally disclosed. But wouldn’t it be nice to have no surprises during the buyer’s formal inspection?

In general, some improvements are required, others are low-cost and others pay for themselves

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with lower time on the market, competing offers or higher sale price.

Landscaping & Exterior First impressions begin outside. Be sure to mow and edge the lawn regularly; prune back overgrown trees and hedges; hire a professional to repair uneven pavement (especially if it’s a hazard); remove or replace dying annuals; and clean or repair porches or railings. Are there dry or dead patches of lawn? An inexpensive repair to the irrigation system might be the solution.

While painting an entire house can be extreme, a wise investment is to paint trim, porches, steps or railings that may look tired or have too many colors; choosing a single, neutral color for trim can create a bright, cohesive look. Finally, check the roof, gutters and windows, looking for spots to caulk, shingles to replace, or debris to remove.

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Paint is extremely important if the home has faded or dirty walls, holes or chips on paint or plaster. If an entire paint job is not feasible, at least consider cleaning repairing the obvious and adding a fresh coat of semi-gloss to baseboards, moldings, windowsills, doors, banisters balustrades and built-ins. Don’t overlook the ceilings!

A long-ago leak from a second-floor bathroom may have been completely repaired and moisture abated, but a patched-up ceiling is a red-flag.

Kitchens and baths

Walls, carpets, ceilings and trim Next, it’s time for agent and seller to open up to one another about the interior. Janelle Holte, who leads Seller’s Edge Home Team in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, loves walking into a home knowing that her team will be the driving force behind selling it.

“I like seeing how owners took care of it and raised their family in it,” she says. “But I won’t sugar-coat anything, so I tell them not to shoot the messenger!” She gives it to them straight, explaining what needs to be done to stage it to present well from a buyer’s perspective.

Those changes often include repainting at least the primarily living areas and replacing carpet, especially worn carpet or carpet that has faded or stained beyond what professional carpet cleaning could remedy. Sometimes, all that’s needed is professional carpet stretching to remove any buckling prior to cleaning.

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Most agents agree that the easiest costs to recoup in home improvements prior to selling are those spent in bathroom and kitchen updates. Complete remodels are unwise; you can’t anticipate the style preferences of their buyer. But refinishing, touching-ug up or painting cabinets can create a great impact, while also forcing the seller to remove unwanted or overstocked items from cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls – shiny, new nobs look nice.

Lee Ritchie of Ritchie Realty Group in Columbus, Ohio, gives a reminder to discuss any and all issues up front. “People need to be able rely on the professional who’s presenting, pricing and marketing their home,” she says. An honest and diligent agent will be an open book about the current market conditions, the quality of comparable listings and the potential return-on-investment for improvements.

Some agents, like Debra Dobbs of @properties in Chicago, even roll up their sleeves to help with decluttering and repairs. While not at all required or expected, doing so sure lets sellers see the investment their agent is willing to make for them.

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ASHLEY WALLACE Top Agent Magazine

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ASHLEY WALLACE

Before she launched her career in real estate, Ashley Wallace was an Office and Property Manager at a local Marketing Firm in Sarasota, FL, where she gained a great deal of experience working on commercial leases, managing two large commercial buildings and building positive tenant relationships, which would prepare her to successfully navigate the complexities of real estate transactions in her future. After having her first child, Ashley left the company and decided to move into residential real estate full-time, a leap of faith that blossomed into a successful career in Sarasota County.

Ashley’s personal and thorough client service has made her an agent people love to keep around. She gets 60-70% of her business from repeat clients and referrals, and her already expansive sphere of influence in Sarasota County is forever growing.

As a native to the area, Ashley is uniquely qualified to find the ideal situation for clients, as she is intimately familiar with the landscape of the area. Many of her clients come from out of town looking for second homes and winter homes, and she goes above and beyond to make them feel welcomed, providing recommendations for everything from hotels to restaurants and giving them a tour of the area before they even begin the house hunt. “I love showing people the area where I’m from,” Ashley says. “Sometimes I feel like a tour guide in addition to being my client’s Realtor - it really seems to make the transition a lot easier for people.”

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Ashley is a natural people person who makes it her priority to provide a comfortable transaction experience for her clients. Through her honest and thorough communication, she makes clients feel secure and at ease through what can often be a very stressful experience. “I prefer to keep things personal during the transaction,” Ashley says. “I text my clients frequently to check in, I go out to lunch with them. We end up becoming friends a lot of the time, really.”

Ashley is big on education as well, and recognizes the value of staying informed especially in a market that is evolving and changing the way we do business. In keeping with that philosophy, she has so far received her Short Sale Certification and Pricing Strategy Advisor Certification and is currently working on acquiring her GRI, surefire proof that she is a well-rounded, knowledgeable agent who knows her way around a transaction.

In terms of outreach, Ashley uses a BoomTown CRM system to keep in touch with all of her past clients. She uses social media and email campaigns to advertise her listings to a wide audience which, when coupled with strategically planned open houses, leads to wide exposure for each property both locally and from out of town.

Ashley typically closes 25-30 transactions each year, and has $12.2M pending and sold in total sales volume so far this year.

Outside of real estate, Ashley is a Disney fanatic, loves spending time on the water and loves to cook for her family in her free time. When her Realtor hat is off, she can be found chasing two little guys who call her “mom”! She’s also passionate about community outreach. Having spent time in NICU herself, she has a deep empathy for new mothers and is frequently involved with her local hospital, including delivering care baskets for women during NICU awareness month and volunteering with the March of Dimes. For the future of her business, Ashley hopes to start expanding her team in the next year. If you’re looking for a Realtor in Sarasota County who brings expertise and compassion to the table, look no further than Ashley Wallace!

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Contact Ashley at (941) 302-2586 or ashleywallace@mavrealty.com, and visit ashley-wallace.com for more information

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5 Things You Can Do To Achieve Your Biggest Goals If there’s one thing successful people can agree on, it’s that setting goals has been key to their success.

Whether you’re creating a five year plan or just settling on what you want to achieve by the end of the day, setting goals gives you the focus and direction you need to complete even the biggest tasks.

But there is a method to setting them. It’s a process that takes careful thought and consideration up front, which is then combined with the hard work necessary to implement your plan. Luckily there are proven methods to goal setting that you can start using immediately.

1. MAKE YOUR GOALS SPECIFIC Yes, it’s fun to think in grand terms of where you want to end up in life and in your career, but it’s better to have a specific goal like “Increase my sales by 25%”, than “Get rich.” When a goal is clear and specific, it allows you to figure out the exact steps you need to take to accomplish it. The more general it is, the more paralyzed you might be when it comes to figuring out what to do since, the choices may be overwhelming.

2. MAKE IT ATTAINABLE Making attainable goals might seem boring, I mean afterall, you want to dream big! But you don’t want to suffer through the disappointment of not reaching your goal, something that may not even be possible at this stage in your life to begin with. One solution to that is creating goal levels. You can have the dream goal, but underneath that you have the realistic goals that are setting up a foundation for achieving the big one. Things that are attainable still take work and effort to achieve. Those small victories will keep you motivated and encouraged to go for the bigger dreams. And don’t forget, those 20

little goals may have been things you wouldn’t have gotten done if you didn’t set out to achieve them, so be proud!

3. PUT A PLAN OF ACTION IN WRITING Your plan of action should include daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. There is something about seeing things in writing and crossing them off the list that is oddly satisfying.The daily goals are especially important in regards to building up those good habits. The first few weeks of your plan of action are critical when it comes to your long term success. Reaching a goal is something you are doing every day, all throughout the day, in numerous ways. Achieving goals is all about creating good new habits.

4. MAKE IT MEASURABLE This is key, since you definitely want to reward yourself for a job well done, and having a goal that is measurable in some way is a sure way to know.

Maybe it’s to increase your lead generation or to cut expenses, whatever the case, have a measurable test you need to meet, as well as a time frame. Then calculate what you have to do to reach that goal. Not only should your goal be specific, but the plan and the measure of success should also be set in stone.

5. ADJUST AS YOU GO You can have all the best laid plans, and you still might quickly realize that what you thought would help you reach your goal, might not be cutting it.

Commitment to reaching your goals is good, but commitment to a plan you know isn’t going to work is not only a waste of time, but will be a devastating blow to your motivation. Sticking to a plan everyday means adjusting it accordingly.

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DANIELLE MEADY Danielle Meady never has to stop and ask herself what her work is about. She’s got a wealth of happy memories that leave no doubt. “I’ve been at closing tables where people started crying when I handed them the keys to their new home,” she explains. “Everyone has a special story, a particular path they took to get to that moment, and many of those journeys are hard. It’s an honor to be a part of making people’s dreams come true.”

Originally from New York, Danielle has called the Sunshine State home since moving from New York with her parents in 1987. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, planning to make a career in the software industry. But as that industry began to decline in Florida, it became clear that she’d have to move across the country to remain in the field. A title company recruited her to help with closings, and she soon rose to become their marketing director. That experience kindled an old flame. “I’d always had a passion for real estate, even as a child. I suddenly couldn’t wait to get my license.”

Danielle is now a Realtor with both a Broker’s license and a GRI designation, marking her as one of the elite agents in her industry in terms of professionalism and customer service. Representing clients from Florida’s Lee County down to Naples with John R. Wood Properties, she closes 20-35 transactions a year, the majority of that business coming from repeat clients or referrals. Invariably, Danielle and her clients have

become friends by the time they reach the closing table, and the deep trust they have in her keeps them coming back.

“This process can be scary for people, especially if they’re moving here from out of state. And they’re relying on me to find something that fits their lifestyle and needs. I’m very honest and loyal to their interests, and I’m a great listener. I spend lots of time up front getting to know them and what they’re looking for, and then I don’t stop searching until I’ve found it.”

For her sellers, Danielle puts together a comprehensive marketing plan to gain broad exposure for every listing.

That includes social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, targeted marketing to prime potential buyers on Google, as well as top-end real estate magazines. “That may seem old school to some, but people actually love seeing their homes featured in a magazine with high-gloss pictures!” Whether they’re sellers or buyers, clients can also count on Danielle to be there for them long after the deal is done.

When not working, Danielle loves hanging out with her husband and two sons. The boys are active in sports, so the family attends many sporting events together, and Danielle is very involved with her children’s school.

As for the future of her business, Danielle plans to keep building her brand and growing her volume, while continuing to deliver the same high-quality service all of her clients have come to expect. She’s always excited to meet new people and show them the way home!

For more information about Danielle Meady, please call 239-340-3348 or email daniellemeady@yahoo.com Top Agent Magazine

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IGNACIO VILLANUEVA After working in the corporate world for 10 years, Ignacio Villanueva was ready for a change. “I always had an interest in real estate,” he explains. “I decided to start investing and eventually earned my real estate license.” Initially, he had planned to use his license for his own purchases and to help family/friends, but it snowballed from there. “Eventually, through referrals and friends of friends, it became a solid source of income, and was something that I actually enjoyed doing.” He was able to resign from his career in marketing and advertising so he could pursue real estate full-time.

His business has truly flourished since then, and today he remains largely referral-based. Serving all of Miami-Dade County, with a focus on Morningside, Miami Beach and Coconut Grove, he’s an expert in the region and loves guiding people through their real estate journeys.

“Certain streets are better than others, and every area has its own nuances,” he explains. “So not focusing on only one area has allowed me to get a better grasp of the Miami Metro as a whole.” In addition to his vast knowledge about what every community has to offer, buyers, sellers and investors appreciate his superior service. “I truly have the clients’ interests at heart, and I always have a longer term view in mind,” Ignacio says. He never pressures them to make decisions, and will even advise them not to sell or buy if he doesn’t think it’s right for them.

“I don’t try to push them on getting an expensive property, or the first property we look at, I will take my time.” Ignacio loves to teach them throughout the process, admitting that an ideal buyer is one that is educated. “For that to happen, we have to see a lot of properties, so I am more than happy to put in the time and take them around town.” He has also made education the focus of his Social Media presence in his Instagram account @browsing4housing. When it 22

comes to marketing, Ignacio also goes above and beyond, posting his listings on social media and sending them out to his massive email database. “I always look to tap throughout my whole network when a new listing is coming up or when I can’t find something for a buyer. I’ll reach out to potential buyers, past clients and new clients, as well as real estate agents.

Word spreads fast about Ignacio’s work, with past clients never hesitating to tell others about their experiences. One recently said, “We hired Ignacio to find the perfect home of our dreams. For us this was an impossible task since I am an architect and have very specific requirements. Ignacio’s extensive experience, impressive real estate vision, and passion in the field were the key to success in our experience. He researched extensively to present us with the best options, visited all with us and provided such valuable feedback; he found an amazing home for us.”

As Ignacio continues to grow with each passing year, he is eager to see where this path takes him. He wants to potentially start a team, and always wants to expand his knowledge. “I will continue learning and absorbing as much as possible.”

For more about Ignacio Villanueva, please call 917-703-6010, email ignacio.villanueva@compass.com or @Browsing4Housing in Instagram Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

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JIM JOYCE Jim Joyce’s career in real estate is a project of passion. After he retired from law enforcement in New Jersey, Jim moved to Florida with his wife. Around the same time, a friend also retired to Florida, transferring his Broker’s license. “My friend kept asking me to join him, and I finally took the leap two years ago,” Jim says. “I’m so glad I did, because I’m super passionate about real estate now. It’s all I think about. I’m retired, and this is a passion career for me.”

Now a solo agent and Branch Manager with The Morera Group Real Estate, Jim serves clients in the Port Saint Lucie area, as well as Palm Beach through Indian River. Working with both locals and transplants to the area, Jim has already built a stellar reputation on the foundation of his high-quality customer care.

At over 60%, Jim’s repeat client and referral rate is a testament to the experience he provides for every customer.

“I’m very honest with people,” Jim says. “My clients realize that I’m not in it for the money. I do it because I love it. I tell my clients, ‘Do not buy a house just to buy one.’ Once I break the ice with that, it makes clients feel comfortable, because it lets them know that I’m not thinking about the commission. I’m thinking about them.” Personable, dedicated, and invested in his clients’ well-being, Jim knows how to offer excellent customer service and how to deliver results.

Jim’s attentiveness to his clients extends to how he keeps in touch long after closing. Through personal emails, texts, and calls, Jim treats his clients like family. “Some clients become very good friends,” Jim says. “I play softball with one client, and I attend clients’ kids’ birthday parties. I really care about my clients finding their next home.” To market his clients’ listings, Jim provides a top-tier marketing strategy that includes social media campaigns, paired with the professional services of a videographer and photographer for beautiful images and drone footage. Leveraging digital platforms, Jim provides every client with wide visibility. His strategy has paid off: Last year, he completed twenty-nine Top Agent Magazine

transactions, and this year, he is on track to nearly double that figure.

For Jim, it is not his impressive sales that bring him the most reward, but rather helping his clients along their journeys. “I know it sounds cliché, but I really do love seeing the look on the clients’ faces when I know I’ve found the right house,” Jim says. “The day I lose the reward and joy from that, I won’t do real estate anymore.”

Dedicated to his community, Jim sponsors many local sporting and fundraising events, including the softball team, the high school booster club, and golf outings. “Being able to give back is more important than anything,” Jim says.

He also coaches baseball, and in his free time, he enjoys golfing and boating. Together with his wife of almost twenty years, Jim enjoys everything that Florida living has to offer.

Proud of what he built, Jim plans to continue with the practices that have led to his success and fulfillment. “I like the groove I’m in,” Jim says. “I love sitting with clients, meeting with people, and helping them face to face.

I’m right where I need to be.”

For more about Jim Joyce, call 772-200-5353, email jim@themoreragroup.com, or visit yourthinbluelinerealtor.com and contact him through his Zillow page at zillow.com/profile/yourthinbluelinerealtor www.

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MICHELLE CHANDLER A natural born leader with an unparalleled work ethic, Michelle Chandler decided to enter the Air Force right after graduating from high school. Towards the end of her service, she was thinking about what to do next, wanting to utilize her skills to grow into a new career.

“One of the brokers that I used to be a secretary for suggested I get into real estate, so I decided to earn my license,” she explains. Michelle quickly joined a large team, soaking up as much information as she could until she was ready to go out on her own. “Once I became a solo agent at another brokerage, I soon became a top producer and felt the next step for me was to build a team,” Michelle explains. An unstoppable force, Michelle grew a mega team, becoming one of the top groups in the area. It was here where her passion for leadership flourished, as it led to her taking a management role.

“I was responsible for productivity and growth for two offices,” she explains. After going back to production, Michelle was ready for her next challenge. Switching to EXP Realty in Largo, Florida, she has been able to utilize all of her talents.

EXP Realty allows Michelle to develop a team that spans the entire country. Although she personally serves central Florida, she can generate leads in any state and pass them on to her agents. As a coach and team leader, she instills in others the importance of putting their clients’ needs first. Michelle’s own client base mainly derives from referrals, a testament to her superior service and support. “It’s my attention to detail that keeps people coming back,” Michelle says.

“And my focus on building relationships. Every time I close a transaction, it’s not just about the transaction.

It’s about the relationships I built, which I value and continue to nurture year after year.” Whether she’s assisting a buyer in finding their ideal property, or a seller in getting the most for their home, Michelle continually goes above and beyond to achieve their goals.

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When it comes to marketing her listings, she aims to reach a wide audience.

“Real estate is a global economy, so we do a lot of online advertising and business-to-business broker advertising. I also reach out to my clients.” For Michelle, placing a listing on the MLS or on social media is just one small step in finding the right buyer. “I’m extremely proactive, and I know there is always someone looking for something. My job as a matchmaker is to help them find it.”

Setting up a systematic approach to her business, Michelle is able to enjoy hobbies like traveling and exploring the outdoors. “We love to travel in our motorcoach, and just got back from a three month trip.

I was still able to close 30 transactions while I was on the road.”

In the coming years, she hopes to continue growing and helping other agents develop their work. “My long term goal is to really pay it forward to other agents in the industry. I see myself taking on an even larger role in helping them do exactly what I’ve done.” Closing 150-200 transactions each year, it’s clear Michelle has found her true calling.

For more information about Michelle Chandler, call 727-432-2776 visit www.MichelleChandler.work or email ChandlerHomesLLC@gmail.com

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Don’t Forget Your Clothes We’re sure your goals are lofty, and to hit them, your marketing needs to be on point. But is your brand and position defined? If not, it’s like leaving the house each day without clothing.

And while some would argue that this would certainly gain attention, we don’t believe it’s the kind of attention you had in mind when you set out to become #1 in your market.

A common misconception is that if you are recognized, you are well branded. Almost a year ago we had a conversation with a Realtor about personal branding. She said, “I feel like I’m already well branded in my market. When I walk into a restaurant, they know that I’m Susan, the Realtor.” We replied, “That’s a great start, Susan. But what happens when other Realtors are in the restaurant, too? What sets you apart from them?” At that point, the light bulb came Top Agent Magazine

on and she realized that she wasn’t truly positioned or branded. She was seen as just another Realtor. We explained to her, “Great branding isn’t about being known for your profession.

It’s about being known for being DIFFERENT in your profession.”

Another misconception is that you should begin marketing before your brand is defined.

For instance, we’ve spoken with numerous Realtors who say they plan to finish their website, conduct a photo shoot, create their collateral materials or even launch a social media marketing campaign, then they will think about branding and positioning. But how do you know what types of photos to take? What will you put on your website to differentiate yourself from others? What will your business cards, brochures and even your social media

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platforms say that will encourage prospects to connect with you first? And finally, why on earth would you waste all the time and money on these very important marketing elements before you establish your brand?

In order to develop an iron clad position and brand, here are some questions you should be asking yourself BEFORE you begin ANY kind of marketing.

1

What is my ultimate goal?

Take a strong look at what you want in terms of both professional and personal achievement. What makes you most fulfilled? Where would you like to be financially? Define your path of intended growth.

2

Who is my ideal customer?

Trust us when we say that you don’t want just any customer. You want a customer who appreciates your expertise and dedication, will take repeat advantage of your services and will recommend you enthusiastically to others. Define this person in detail so you have a clear understanding of who you’ll be marketing to and what your message should be.

3

What is my point of differentiation?

This is the most critical question of all. It’s not about what makes you ‘better’. It’s what makes you different. Better is subjective. Different is inarguable.

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What am I willing to be known for that is authentic to me and significant to my ideal customer?

Find a position that you’re willing to put forth every day. We call this ‘breathing your brand’.

It must also be a position that is meaningful to your ideal customer. We’re trying to create an image that makes your ideal customer immediately connect with you and feel as though they simply shouldn’t be working with anyone else.

A well-defined brand will help you stand out among your competitors. It will serve as a magnet for your ideal customer. And if promoted consistently and passionately—and lived authentically—it will make you instantly recognizable among your community in an unforgettable way. And finally, a solid brand can give you the confidence you’ve likely never experienced at the same level. There’s such power in walking out the door every morning knowing who you are, what makes you unique, who you will be helping today and exactly how you’ll be helping them. And when all of your marketing materials are consistently branded with the same image and messaging, there is undeniable pride as well.

So before you dive into more marketing, don’t go out the door without your branding clothes. You wouldn’t want to portray the wrong perception, now, would you?

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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NANCY SELTZER A resident of Florida since 1981, Nancy Lynn Seltzer has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. She began her career in the Broward County Public School District, where she climbed the ladder to become the Curriculum Specialist of Adult Education. After she met her current husband in 2008, the two began searching for their future dream home, and along the way, their Realtors noted that she should consider delving into the business.

her clients with an extensive network of trusted contractors, movers, and real estate professionals.

Inspired, Nancy pursued her license, at first balancing real estate with her position in education. Over time, though, she decided to launch her career as a full-time agent—and sure enough, she hasn’t looked back since.

“Throughout my life, people have told me I should be in sales, even when I was in college,” she says. “But by sheer luck, the grace of God, and my good friends and family supporting me, I was able to do very well as a Realtor, very early on.”

Outside her career, Nancy is deeply involved with her community. On top of contributing to beach cleanups and nonprofit organizations that support the aging and elderly, her team serves as a Toys for Tots drop-off center. Equally active in her industry, she is also on the Professional Standards Committee for her local Real Estate Association, having previously served on its Grievance Committee.

Today, Nancy is the Broker at S&B Realty, where she assists clients throughout Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area. Alongside her elite team—which includes her son, Justin Bartholomew—she has combined her bright personality and passion for helping others to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

Through the years, Nancy has earned a fantastic reputation across Florida with the vast majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. Having personally completed over $16 million in volume in 2021 alone, she remains focused on the caring approach that has anchored her success. “When I work with someone, they don’t just become my clients; they become my friends,” she says. “At the end of the day, I feel so fortunate to have cultivated a friendship base alongside my business base. We have a real home here.”

Going forward, Nancy has strong plans for the future of her business. As her volume maintains its rapid growth, she intends on scaling her unmatched model of service, expanding into the surrounding areas, and maintaining the boutique approach that drew her to real estate in the first place. Most of all, though, she is excited for the new clients and opportunities that await in her hometown.

When listing a property, Nancy offers clients a cutting edge strategy. After helping them fully prepare their home for the market, she shares it over a blend of targeted digital and social media campaigns. In the meantime, she promotes her listings via her popular newsletter and monthly market updates, which boast a subscriber-base that spans not only the nation, but also the world.

Elsewhere, Nancy is just as proactive when assisting her buyers, carefully guiding them to the right home for their best interests. Believing in going above and beyond with each transaction, she keeps in touch long after closing to provide ongoing assistance and connect Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Nancy Lynn Seltzer email nancysrealtor@gmail.com, visit sbrefl.com or call (954) 290-3398 www.

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SOPHIE SCHNEEBERGER “I jumped into it with both feet,” Sophie Schneeberger explains, while she discusses her journey into real estate. A world traveler, Sophie previously worked on cruise ships, taught English in China, and was in the Peace Corps in West Africa. “I was all over the place,” Sophie says. “When I made the decision to leave the cruise ships and start a life back on land, I had to choose what career I was going to pursue.” With a desire to help others and a love for real estate, Sophie became an agent and began working in Palm Beach County. With no network in the area, and her husband going through the immigration process, she knew she had to hit the ground running. “It just felt like a really good fit, so I joined a great brokerage that provided me with all the resources I needed, and five years later here I am.”

A prominent agent in the area, Sophie worked hard to establish a name for herself. It’s clearly paid off, as 80% of her business is based on referrals and repeat clients. Those who work with Sophie are blown away by her skills and commitment to going the extra mile. “I’m not pushy, and I think my clients really appreciate that,” she says. When a buyer walks into a home and doesn’t like it, Sophie never pressures them to go for it. Instead, she gets to know their likes and dislikes, then starts the search again. “The biggest feedback I get from people is that I’m a hustler, I work hard for them, and I provide them with the knowledge they need to make the best decisions.”

For her sellers, she provides high quality photographs, drone footage, and virtual tours. “Because so much of our business comes from out of state, I’ve found that providing those elements has helped clients feel comfortable making offers without seeing the property in person. They are able to get a good 30

feel for the layout and see every detail of it.” As for promotion, she relies on social media, the internet, and highend brochures to spread the word.

With strong ties to her community, she makes sure to give back frequently.

She is on the board of her HOA and is on the board of the Friends of Jupiter Beach. “It’s one of the only dog friendly beaches in the county, and I love bringing my dog there, so we set up monthly beach clean ups and fundraisers to keep it beautiful.” Sophie is also on the board of the African Orphanage Educational Foundation, which is a female founded nonprofit that raises money for the education of African children.

Loving every minute of her career, Sophie is showing no signs of slowing down. She hopes to start investing in properties and renting them out while continuing to assist her clients in their real estate goals. “What I am doing currently is what I always wanted to do, and it’s going really well, so I’m just going to continue on this path. I’m so excited to see what’s next.”

For more about Sophie Schneeberger, please call 561-808-4114 or email sophie@echofineproperties.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

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Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com

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