FLORIDA 11-8-21

FLORIDA EDITION

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FRESH NEW APPROACHES TO CONTENT MARKETING

TURN YOUR PROFESSION

INTO A PASSION COVER STORY

FEATURED AGENTS

DANIELLE HANSON CRYSTAL GAIL HARRISON ISABELLA QUINONES TERESINA JESSIE

GERARD SCHEFFLER THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ANTICIPATE YOUR

CLIENT'S NEEDS

HOW TO SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

FLORIDA EDITION

TERESINA JES DANIELLE HANSON ISABELLA QUINONES CRYSTAL GAIL HARRISON

Top– Agent Teresina Jessieonly– of and 365theRealty Century Advanced Top Agent Crystal Gail7 Harrison of 16 who contract to list our property21 22 21 25 competitors by going that List extra to put the keys in a lockbox and never wherever and whatever it takes t Groupin in Spring Hill, Florida – is(2017). an Rookie ury 21 Advanced All Service Realty appear at a showing. Or, if we’re buying, those I’m representing.” enterprising, hardworking and deeply only want to show us 3 properties and ng, Florida – is a fiercely determined, nothing else. But down along Florida’s That commitment has brought Is Currently, a significant portion of Crys igent and incredibly hardworking knowledgeable real estate professional who beautiful Gold Coast, Isabella Quiñones a repeat client and referral rate Fischbach delivers a different kind of percent in just 3 years, a test Gail’s considerable business is based estate professional who has truly made cares it about the wellbeing of her many to the trust her clients placeupi service, and is known by many as “The clients and referrals, an accur mission to provide every oneclients. of her Woman of the Impossibles” for her dedi- for repeat Moreover, she educates them Teresina’s passion connecting cation, patience and ability to help clients the way so they can be confident of thedecisions exceptional custom grateful clients with top-of-thepeople withthe homes making barometer their hopes overcome obstacles to and their dreams. they’re making. “My ers are looking for a home, not service she is providing her clients.

Crys customer service. As one of of the home best ownership a reality has translated “I’m passionate about this work, and property. I help them think abou Gail’s ebullient personality, deep mar s currently working in The Sunshine GERARD DANIELLE ISABELLA TERESINA JESSIE it out of a CRYSTAL love for theGAIL people I needs, and I her use my backgrou into Imeet,” adothriving business that continues to to teach SCHEFFLER HANSON HARRISON QUINONES Isabella explains.

“I’ve helped people extricate financing them how to prepare themsel knowledge (she’s proud to be a native Crystal Gail has more than earned from difficult situations, such as avoiding buy. I find them their home, I properly negotiat grow,themselves year after year.

Highlands and tellar reputation as a trusted, honest foreclosure through a successful short sale. I’ve also often County winning bids withher over family’s 15 contracts de ahe found creative solutions for people who thought they me—and I help them find financing.

I get emo ® local roots), and heratlove fierce work ethic just af cate for any buyer or seller.

Danielle Hansonwere began heraway realfrom estate career Shearethey fell in my Realtor years being able torecalls. afford a“Ihome. the with closing, seeing how. happy are to be ® “I’ve been buying and selling investment after working with a are Realtor wasfor so the attentive, and sheloyalty helped my and clients ha when was Those the things that she givereasons me the most joy.” trusthomeowners.” and sosonmany I so much.

It was a great transaction, and it marketi actively looking to become a first-time homeproperties since I was twenty-eight years old,” recalls shown her.

Another would be her commitment topre st to obtaining her license in 2017, Crystal Gail CONTENTS With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s For her listings, Isabella assists owner herself. “My journey to becoming a made me realize that I wanted to be able to clients in ® Teresina, utilizati she began journey in theshe Globalwhen plus mom 17how years business expetheir homes for thecustomers market, then creates photog people and her families in the same way began inwhen I Management, was real a asked single ing in ofhelp constant contact with her both dur ed in multiple facets ofRealtor the industry, including rience, Isabella has the knowledge to get it done.

She that capture the property’s best features.

She mark helped us.

It was a great opportunity to help looking to purchase my first home,” Danielle world ofalso estate. athe paralegal for about and after transaction process. e assistant and office comptroller.

She worked had ledreal several different “I’d types ofbeen companies toFRESH double all of the social thirteen media websites, andensure sends out 4) HOW TO SPEED UP 18) 5 NEW people accomplish the same goals I wanted and triple digit growth when a friend suggested she give postcards to residents in the property’s neighbor t and a business owner to date when my daughter medical industry.

In 2016,HOMEBUYER heryears, life was rearranged FIRST-TIME APPROACHES TO to accomplish, so I jumped right in.”

The rest andmore Real Estate a try. She got her license and began practicShe also reaches out to agents potential b is the history, for past 18 Danielle ing on the side, soon fell in loveour with impactand she within her sphere.

Crystal Gail’s success and theyears drive ultiple, almost-simultaneous calamities postcart Maygan –including thebutBroker of company –theencouraged methat created TRANSACTIONS CONTENT MARKETING was making on people’s lives. In 2018, IQ been Real Estate has doing just that: helping her clients is by goals. the fact that for inways 2018, shefo s udden and unexpected passing ofLLC her mother, a success sales to join the sales of herher team.”

365 Realty Group is was born, with side Isabella opening ownillustrated office is always looking to contribute achieve theirto real Isabella estate bring in a higher quality of service to23) clients Brickell, YOUR health her community, it’s doing som twoinTURN massive heartof attacks thatwhether should have us car accident, the lossYOU ofa her job the med14) and THINGS CAN continu family-owned and fered operated full-service Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Orlando, Tampa, and West as simpleindependent as cleaning up at the beaches she loves With Keller Williams Realty, Danielle serves been Still, her order offindbusiness bef field. “After all TO this,”ANTICIPATE recalls Crystal Gail, “I was DO INTO Palm Beach.

In Virtual less than a year and PROFESSION a survivable. half she’d already personal asfirst helping people affordable furnitu Boutique and Brokerage that prides itself on putBroward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counbuilt a team of 4 agents to help her with that mission, their home, or as urgent as assembling a team of and after being released the hospital wasby hurri to c ng in my car, and the Lord spoke to me.$4He told her first YOUR CLIENT'S NEEDS A PASSION ties.

An impressive 99%them offrom her business comes and soldclients’ million inpriorities year. This year she and business owners to assistthe those displaced When ting their first, providing with her team aiming for $11 million. clients whorepeat wereanddepending on her. o do real estate, as I had tried to get myarelicense referral clients, a feat that g cutting-edge technology of from todayto the and the personal touch Going forward, Isabella will continueestate to grow her speaks trust and confidence she inspires. al times before with no success. But it wasis power. offi- The more I know, the better I’m and plans to become the “Knowledge #1 Real Estate servic “My clients appreciate that I don’t treat them also en of yesteryear.

Additionally, Teresina’s cleaning company to help my strive to learn something vider factors in the city ofthat Miami. are many other my time, and He was persistent. able I called a clients, real and IThere like a transaction,” Danielle explains. “Ihave make played a r she say “OnTheGo” aids in the listing of properties by providing in Crystal success story, and e school right then,310-734-1440 went that night and took the Isabella it my Gail’s duty to or build a relationship with chief them, among th Contact at 786-870-6191 email isabella@iqrealestatellc.com.

Phone | Fax 310-734-1440 andexam, staging.

You can also stopbe byher her office at 1925 Brickell Ave, Suitemarketing D205.with he would thorough and intelligent str es and passed the course and cleaning then the state mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com egies that include deft utilization of the internet a went to work with Century 21.”

No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top AgentCopyright MagazineTop Agent Ma Currently, the lion’s share of Teresina’s social media platforms, primarily Facebook.

T is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy ofconsiderable published materials, Top Teresin Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. business is atbased clients a topcontinu almost always resultsand in areferrals, fast sale for dollar, al Gail found success almost immediately, and upon Contact Robin Wilson 847-207-1975 or repeat email Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. to mentionher happy clients. was nominated for Highland County’s and po sure signRookie of theof confidence clients place in her.

Published in the U.S. ear for 2017, and she won the coveted believes award in that much of this trust and loyalty She al Teresina When her fact planthat for she the future of Since then, she has not only built a thriving busisuccess stems from her true care of asked peopleabout and the Top Agent Magazine business, Gail’s response comes quickly a but has 2also accrued a wealth continues of other awards and all, ho to educate herself Crystal about her chosen induswith a hearty laugh: “I want to be the next real est mendations for her work, including Century 21’s

ARD FLER

Many of us have experienced Realtors

new every day. I’ll also outwor

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 4

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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GERARD SCHEFFLER Top Agent Magazine

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GERARD SCHEFFLER “My name is a name you can trust… That’s my motto.

My dedication to my clients is complete, and I prioritize my relationships with them highly.”

With 20 years in real estate and an immense amount of experience in a variety of fields including sales and mortgage, Gerard Scheffler is an eminently capable Realtor® who knows to put his clients first when conducting a transaction. He 8

has spent the bulk of his career in Illinois, but is currently shifting his focus to the Tampa Bay area of Florida, where he is already experiencing profound success and growth within his business. Gerard specializes in Waterfront Properties, and Top Agent Magazine

works hard to provide a phenomenal experience for every client he works with.

Gerard Scheffler comes from a multicultural background and is bilingual in English and Polish. As such, he is able to connect with a variety of different clients and make their transaction comfortable through transparency and efficient communication. “My name is a name you can trust… That’s my motto,” Gerard says. “My dedication to my clients is complete, and I prioritize my relationships Top Agent Magazine

with them highly.” Due to his personal approach and friendly demeanor, Gerard gets 90% of his business from repeat clients and referrals. By keeping his clients’ best interests at heart, he has cultivated a business model where trust and mutual respect are the name of the game, and people are eager to seek out his assistance again next time they need help buying or selling a home.

With such a diverse background, Gerard is a versatile agent who uses his many 9

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skills and talents to achieve consistent results for his clients. As a trained scuba diving instructor, Gerard is able to connect with people near the water, and has developed an extensive sphere of influence in the area of Florida where his business is focused. “I love taking advantage of the beautiful beaches where we live,” Gerard says. “It’s very important to me to maintain the quality of our natural features and show others everything we have to offer here.” Gerard loves Florida, and takes care to show clients exactly what makes it so great.

When it comes to marketing, Gerard uses Top Agent Magazine

high quality photography to highlight the strengths of each property, then markets the listings extensively online. He sends out postcards and hosts open houses to generate interest locally as well. He has already closed $15M in total sales volume in 2021, is projecting to close nearly $20M by the end of this year, and has remained a prolific producer for the entirety of his career; Gerard has closed $700M in career sales across 3,000 closed real estate and mortgage transactions.

In his free time, Gerard loves spending time on the beach, fishing, scuba diving, and boating with his wife and three boys.

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He cares deeply about the environment where he lives, regularly participating in beach clean ups near his home. For the future of his business, Gerard is looking into working with investors to develop new beachside communities in Central

West Florida, and hopes to grow both his business and his sphere in the years to come. If you’re looking for an agent who advocates for his clients and works hard for their best interests, look no further than Gerard Scheffler!

You can contact Gerard at (773) 909-3346 or gerard@gerardscheffler.com, and you can visit his website at www.GerardScheffler.com for more information.

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Things You Can Do to Anticipate Your Client’s Needs First and foremost, the real estate industry is a customer service business. The key to any successful real estate business is one that can build a reputation by providing an unsurpassed level of care. That usually means a transaction that is seamless and stress-free as possible throughout the whole process. Your client’s experience is what keeps them not only coming back, but gets them to recommend you to their friend and family.

tise. By showing you can not only anticipate their needs, but have insight into any potential problems that might arise, they will have complete confidence in you. Achieving that level of trust is the key to a transaction that is as stress-free as possible.

The key to creating a great experience is anticipating your client’s needs. They are relying on your professionalism and exper-

From the moment, you meet a po-tential client, your goal should be to find out not only what they are looking for as far as their real estate

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GET TO KNOW YOUR CLIENTS ON A PERSONAL LEVEL

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goals, but who they are as a person. Listening and asking the right questions from the start is one of the most important aspects of the job.

You almost have to become an amateur psychologist, really honing in on the emotional reasons behind their real estate transaction.

Taking time upfront not only gives you valuable insight into your client, but it is the first impression your clients have that you truly care about them, and that this isn’t just another commission check for you. This goes miles in helping them feel comfortable enough to rely on your guidance.

Knowing who your client is on a deep level will help you navigate the transition ups and downs, allowing you to anticipate the best way to handle it.

SPOT POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND PROVIDE SOLUTIONS Having insight into your client’s per-sonality type will come in handy when you anticipate an upcoming snag in the transaction. Most people find the process to be stressful even under the best of circumstances. One of the best rules of thumb is to always provide the solutions to anticipated problems when you present them to the client.

This should be the case even when the problem isn’t on you. Anything that can ruin a client’s overall experience can reflect poorly on you, whether you deserve it or not. This is a business philosophy called “zero risk”. You don’t want to take any chances with having an unsatisfied customer.

This is where your experience in the business pays off. You’ve probably seen most things and can easily anticipate problems that are Top Agent Magazine

likely to delay the process. Remember you are in charge. You are the expert. And, remember, part of avoiding potential problems is making sure your client knows what to expect upfront, always communicate openly and honestly.

Telling people what they want to hear and knowing you can’t deliver it, is destined to fail, and will always reflect poorly on you.

FIND WAYS TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Recognizing ways to exceed a cus-tomer’s needs is just as important as looking out for potential problems, when it comes to creating an exceptional experience. Have a vetted list of trusted service providers. Be hands on.

There are Realtors® who are out there helping clients pack, mowing lawns, and picking kids up from school. They are there for a client in ways that are unexpected. Having one thing taken off your plate during a stressful period in your life can feel like a lifesaver and is not soon forgotten. It is those “little” things that will turn a client into a lifelong advocate for your business.

TAKE IN FEEDBACK A good service provider is always trying to do better. Many Realtors® have clients fill out surveys after the transaction is over. This serves two purposes. It helps you become better at your job and it shows your clients that you care about them and their opinions. You can also use social media to get feedback via analytics and interactions. All of this information can then be used to create better customer experiences in the future. After all, this is a customer service industry. Treat it like one and you’re bound to succeed.

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DANIELLE HANSON

Danielle Hanson began her real estate career after working with a Realtor® when she was actively looking to become a first-time homeowner herself. “My journey to becoming a Realtor® began when I was a single mom looking to purchase my first home,” Danielle

recalls. “I fell in love with my Realtor®. She was so attentive, and she helped my son and I so much. It was a great transaction, and it made me realize that I wanted to be able to help people and families in the same way she helped us. It was a great opportunity to help people accomplish the same goals I wanted to accomplish, so I jumped right in.” The rest is history, and for the past 18 years Danielle has been doing just that: helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.

With Keller Williams Realty, Danielle serves Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. An impressive 99% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients, a feat that speaks to the trust and confidence she inspires.

“My clients appreciate that I don’t treat them like a transaction,” Danielle explains. “I make it my duty to build a relationship with them,

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and they become part of my extended family.”

Staying in touch with past clients comes naturally to Danielle. She reaches out via monthly emails and follow-up calls, connecting with clients at least every 2-3 months. “My clients are a combination of international and local clients, so I like to check in and see how they’re doing and if there is anything I can help them with.” Danielle says.

When it comes to marketing her listings, Danielle takes a comprehensive approach to ensure maximum exposure. In addition to social media posts and mailers including Just Listed, Just Sold postcards, Danielle says, “I speak with my database to let them know about any upcoming properties. Often, I will share these properties with clients I know who are in the market as soon as they are listed.

I also work closely with other real estate colleagues to maximize our effort for our clients’ satisfaction.” This level of networking and follow-up truly sets Danielle apart.

Community involvement is also very important to Danielle. She is the President-Elect of the Women’s Council of Realtors® Broward, as well as a board member of the nonprofit Galleon Foundation, which awards scholarships to colleges in the U.S and Jamaica. When she is not working or giving back, this mother of 2, enjoys gardening and relaxing at home.

In the future, Danielle says, “My goal is to build a team, with the possibility of having my own brokerage. I love meeting new people on a daily basis and helping homeowners. I get such gratification from helping homeowners move on to the next chapter of their lives and accomplish their real estate goals.”

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To find out more about Danielle Hanson, please call (786) 290-8491, email at hanson.danielle@gmail.com or visit daniellehansonrealtor.com www.

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5 Fresh New Approaches to Content Marketing A couple of weeks ago we were conducting a workshop when we were asked two excellent questions about content marketing:

• People

don’t want to hear from a roofing company every day. So how do you produce fresh and interesting content for social media that goes beyond your core services and yet ties back to your business?

• Can

you extend your social media presence and content to include personal things (like your hobbies) and how does that affect your overall business image?

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The workshop attendee who asked the first question was right. Almost no one wants to hear from any company every day… especially if all the content is about products and services…and yes, even if they’re giving helpful tips and information. Does that mean you should stop producing excellent daily content related to your business? No, of course not! Content is created for two reasons.

First, to provide knowledge, expertise and even entertainment to your ideal customers in order to achieve top of mind awareness as an authority in your industry. And second, to produce SEO-rich results that keep you at the top of search engines. You must strike a

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balance between the two, and try to include content that draws people in by being super interesting and entertaining….and yes, sometimes personal.

To help answer those content questions above, here are five different types of content (beyond the traditional stuff) that can give your brand a fresh, unique and balanced approach:

1. PHILANTHROPIC Your community efforts say a lot about who you are, and people will make an extra effort to do business with you as a result of this connection. We’ve consulted business owners who are very hesitant to promote these efforts because they don’t want it to seem as though they are exploiting the charities and organizations—and most especially because they don’t do it for the promotional aspects. They do it to give back. I ask you to keep this in mind. Nonprofit and charitable organizations very often have small marketing budgets. Not only do they rely on outside marketing forces to promote their initiatives, they would likely be forced to close their doors without that support. That means that when someone with a strong brand and presence promotes them, it’s a highly trusted and personal connection, and you can’t buy that kind of support. In other words, they not only need you to promote them, they want you to promote them. But your instincts are correct. It’s not about you. So just make sure your entire content focuses on the organization you’re helping, what they do for the community and how Top Agent Magazine

others can join in the cause. Then it becomes a huge win for all.

2. HOBBIES You bungee jumped from four of the tallest bridges in the U.S. In your spare time, you go fly fishing. You love playing chef and use only locally grown, organic foods. Your friends are always begging you to go to Vegas with your card shark talents. You’ve done mission work in Africa and would like to start your own group. You almost played professional baseball. You have an insane talent for gardening design or bass guitar.

Your family works at a soup kitchen once a month. Ok…you get the picture. And two more words. Reality TV. People are interesting…and people are interested in interesting people. We remember others based on these unique traits. And most of all, people love the story behind the face. Don’t be afraid to share your hobbies. Quite often, it’s the first thing that will personally connect you to a prospect.

3. CREATIVE CONNECTION This one is perhaps our favorite. While we can’t imagine seeing something come across our news feed from a landscaping company every day, imagine this for a moment. What are we always told to remember in this hectic world? Stop and smell the roses, right? So what if…a landscaping company posted a beautiful flower each day, just to remind you to ‘stop and smell the roses’. And at the bottom of that photo (small print), you included

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the type of flower and type of environment needed to make it flourish (moist soil, full sun, etc.). And then, of course, watermarked it with your logo….and a title like, “Sam’s Daily Reminder: It’s Time to Stop & Smell the Roses”. You could even include some great, thought-provoking quotes. It has the personal connection (Sam), the business connection (flowers & logo watermark) and a cool creative connector (pause the meetings and paperwork to take a moment and appreciate life by noticing this beautiful flower). This is a great idea for staying ‘top of mind’ and connecting business with the kind of creative messaging people wouldn’t mind seeing every day.

4. EXPERIENCES This one is similar to hobbies from the personal aspect, but instead of something that identifies us like our hobbies, our experiences are random happenings that can have great interest and meaning to our audience.

Whether you have a unique experience buying a new car or a fateful conversation with a stranger in the airport, if you feel it ties into a life lesson or business lesson you’d like to share, by all means do. The lesson is to keep your radar up 24/7. Any experiences you have which relate to your

ideal customer are an opportunity to connect beyond the business world. And when we do that, we become a part of the family.

5. INFLUENCERS “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”. You’ve probably heard that saying, and the same is true whether you are a teenager or a business owner. Maybe you’ve learned a lot of your business knowledge from Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Warren Buffet…or you like to quote Benjamin Franklin. Perhaps you have some mentors you’d like to recognize and tell why they’re important to you. Sharing the people and things that influence us is what makes us human. No matter how successful your business, you didn’t get there alone. People and circumstances shaped you along the way. Recognizing others for their contribution in our lives, large or small, is important in staying connected and grounded.

We hope these five types of content help you to put a fresh spin on what you share with your audience, whether personal or professional. We believe you must have the combination of both to build an incredible brand.

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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CRYSTAL GAIL HARRISON Top Agent Crystal Gail Harrison – of Century 21 Advanced All Service Realty in Sebring, Florida – is a fiercely determined, intelligent and incredibly hardworking real estate professional who has made it her mission to provide every one of her many grateful clients with top-of-theline customer service. As one of the best agents currently working in The Sunshine State, Crystal Gail has more than earned her stellar reputation as a trusted, honest advocate for any buyer or seller.

Prior to obtaining her license in 2017, Crystal Gail worked in multiple facets of the industry, including real estate assistant and office comptroller. She also worked in the medical industry. In 2016, her life was rearranged by multiple, almost-simultaneous calamities including the sudden and unexpected passing of her mother, a serious car accident, and the loss of her job in the medical field. “After all this,” recalls Crystal Gail, “I was driving in my car, and the Lord spoke to me. He told me to do real estate, as I had tried to get my license several times before with no success. But it was officially my time, and He was persistent. I called a real estate school right then, went that night and took the classes and passed the course and then the state exam, and went to work with Century 21.”

Crystal Gail found success almost immediately, and she was nominated for Highland County’s Rookie of the Year for 2017, and she won the coveted award in 2018. Since then, she has not only built a thriving business but has also accrued a wealth of other awards and commendations for her work, including Century 21’s Quality Service Pinnacle Producer (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), the Advanced Top Sales Agent Units Sold award (2018), the Masters Ruby award (2018, 2020),

and the Century 21 Advanced Top Listing Rookie (2017).

Currently, a significant portion of Crystal Gail’s considerable business is based upon repeat clients and referrals, an accurate barometer of the exceptional customer service she is providing her clients. Crystal Gail’s ebullient personality, her deep market knowledge (she’s proud to be a native of Highlands County and her family’s deep, local roots), and her fierce work ethic are just a few reasons for the trust and loyalty so many clients have shown her. Another would be her commitment to staying in constant contact with her customers both during and after the transaction process.

Crystal Gail’s success and the drive that created that success is illustrated by the fact that in 2018, she suffered two massive heart attacks that should have not been survivable. Still, her first order of business before and after being released from the hospital was to call clients who were depending on her.

There are many other factors that have played a role in Crystal Gail’s success story, and chief among them would be her thorough and intelligent marketing strategies that include deft utilization of the internet and social media platforms, primarily Facebook. This almost always results in a fast sale for top dollar, not to mention happy clients.

When asked about her plan for the future of her business, Crystal Gail’s response comes quickly and with a hearty laugh: “I want to be the next real estate tycoon,” she says. Considering her track record and rapid ascent in the industry, betting against her would be a fool’s errand.

For more information about Crystal Gail Harrison, please call 863-214-9088 or email CrystalGailSells@gmail.com Top Agent Magazine

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ISABELLA QUINONES Many of us have experienced Realtors who contract to list our property only to put the keys in a lockbox and never appear at a showing. Or, if we’re buying, only want to show us 3 properties and nothing else. But down along Florida’s beautiful Gold Coast, Isabella Quiñones Fischbach delivers a different kind of service, and is known by many as “The Woman of the Impossibles” for her dedication, patience and ability to help clients overcome the obstacles to their dreams.

“I’m passionate about this work, and I do it out of a love for the people I meet,” Isabella explains. “I’ve helped people extricate themselves from difficult situations, such as avoiding foreclosure through a successful short sale. I’ve also found creative solutions for people who thought they were years away from being able to afford a home.

Those are the things that give me the most joy.”

With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s in Global Management, plus 17 years of business experience, Isabella has the knowledge to get it done. She had led several different types of companies to double and triple digit growth when a friend suggested she give Real Estate a try. She got her license and began practicing on the side, but soon fell in love with the impact she was making on people’s lives. In 2018, IQ Real Estate LLC was born, with Isabella opening her own office to bring a higher quality of service to clients in Brickell, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. In less than a year and a half she’d already built a team of 4 agents to help her with that mission, and sold $4 million in her first year. This year she and her team are aiming for $11 million.

“Knowledge is power. The more I know, the better I’m able to help my clients, and I strive to learn something

new every day. I’ll also outwork my competitors by going that extra mile, wherever and whatever it takes to help those I’m representing.”

That commitment has brought Isabella a repeat client and referral rate of 80 percent in just 3 years, a testament to the trust her clients place in her.

Moreover, she educates them along the way so they can be confident in the decisions they’re making. “My buyers are looking for a home, not just a property. I help them think about their needs, and I use my background in financing to teach them how to prepare themselves to buy. I find them their home, I properly negotiate it— often winning bids with over 15 contracts ahead of me—and I help them find financing. I get emotional at the closing, seeing how happy they are to become homeowners.”

For her listings, Isabella assists clients in preparing their homes for the market, then creates photographs that capture the property’s best features. She markets to all of the social media websites, and sends out listing postcards to residents in the property’s neighborhood.

She also reaches out to agents and potential buyers within her sphere.

Isabella is always looking for ways to contribute to the health of her community, whether it’s doing something as simple as cleaning up at the beaches she loves, or as personal as helping people find affordable furniture for their home, or as urgent as assembling a team of local business owners to assist those displaced by hurricanes.

Going forward, Isabella will continue to grow her team, and plans to become the #1 Real Estate service provider in the city of Miami.

Contact Isabella at 786-870-6191 or email isabella@iqrealestatellc.com.

You can also stop by her office at 1925 Brickell Ave, Suite D205.

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Turning Your Profession into a Passion The old adage goes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

On the other hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day worries and responsibilities of your career, even if you generally enjoy what you do. While there’s no guaranteeing that every day on the job will be a picnic, there are a few steps you can take to vastly improve your morale and transform your profession into a passion.

After all, cultivating a passion for what you do will not only add to your quality Top Agent Magazine

of life, but will likely make you more successful in the long run.

BUILD YOUR BASE OF KNOWLEDGE Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A sure way to light a fire in your heart for your daily work is to challenge yourself to learn more and expand your understanding of your field. By doing so, you equip yourself for success, create challenges, and find the most inter-

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esting features of your work—especially those that most appeal to your interests and talents. Try reading the top five books on the topic of your industry, or subscribe to a podcast where thriving professionals offer their two cents. Either way, learning more about your industry is bound to reveal a source of inspiration worth pursuing.

THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

and excelling in your field, you may find that others’ approaches inspire your own.

Likewise, what you learn from other successful, passionate people in your field can help you shape your own office and work life, in turn creating more opportunities for you to fall in love with what you do, all over again.

TAKE RISKS

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS

One of the biggest hindrances of professional passion is falling into a rut. Routines are familiar and everyday responsibilities vie for our energy. But the next time you tackle a task the way that you always have, take a moment and try to refresh your perspective—is there a more clever or efficient way you could approach this project?

Even better: why not take the plunge and do the things you’ve always been meaning to—throw that client appreciation event you’ve put off planning, take the continuing education course you keep forgetting to register for, even try a creative activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

There’s no better way to inject some passion into your life than by going outside your bubble and taking a risk.

Have you ever chatted with someone who was overflowing with energy for what they do? That sort of passion tends to be infectious—often causing us to beg our own questions about professional engagement.

By participating in local organizations or networking with those who are active

Passion comes from all directions—from your own interior journey and from the world around you. To transform your profession into a passion worth having, invest in yourself and venture into the vast world around you. You’ll surely reap the rewards.

Sometimes reinvigorating your passion for your work is about looking outward, rather than inward. Gain some perspective and consider who your work helps in the long run. As a real estate professional—whether you work as an agent, broker, in mortgages, home inspections, or otherwise—your work positively impacts someone else’s home-sweet-home. You make a difference. While it may seem like just another day at the office, taking a moment to visualize exactly who you are helping in the world at large is a great way to add some motivational fire to your daily tasks.

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TERESINA JESSIE Top Agent Teresina Jessie – of 365 Realty Group in Spring Hill, Florida – is an enterprising, hardworking and deeply knowledgeable real estate professional who truly cares about the wellbeing of her many clients. Teresina’s passion for connecting people with homes and making their hopes of home ownership a reality has translated into a thriving business that continues to grow, year after year.

“I’ve been buying and selling investment properties since I was twenty-eight years old,” recalls Teresina, when asked how she began her journey in the world of real estate. “I’d been a paralegal for about thirteen years, and a business owner to date when my daughter Maygan – the Broker of our company – encouraged me to join the sales side of her team.” 365 Realty Group is a family-owned and operated full-service independent Boutique and Virtual Brokerage that prides itself on putting their clients’ priorities first, providing them with the cutting-edge technology of today and the personal touch of yesteryear. Additionally, Teresina’s cleaning company “OnTheGo” aids in the listing of properties by providing cleaning and staging.

Currently, the lion’s share of Teresina’s considerable business is based upon repeat clients and referrals, a sure sign of the confidence her clients place in her.

Teresina believes that much of this trust and loyalty stems from her true care of people and the fact that she continues to educate herself about her chosen industry. “I have over 25 years of experience with all sides of the real estate industry, and I’ve developed sharp negotiating skills from past working knowledge and also by completing the Real Estate Negotiations Expert Certification while earning professional credentials recognized by the National Association of Realtors as a Sellers Representative Specialist, Accredited Buyers Representative and Military Relocation Professional,” says Teresina. “I am proud to further my credentials

to serve you today as an Endorsed Local Provider of Ramsey Solutions. These qualities place me in the elite group of real estate professionals around the world thus being a multimillion-dollar producer in my second year and consecutive years thereafter.”

There are many other factors that have played a large role in Teresina’s continuing success story, and chief among them would be her expert negotiation skills and comprehensive, go-above and beyond approach to marketing strategies. Some of these include cutting-edge utilization of the internet and social media platforms to ensure maximum exposure for her many listings, and more traditional methods that include the sending of postcards. All combined, Teresina’s efforts result in fast sales for top dollar, not to mention happy clients who continue to return and refer others.

When she’s not busy helping clients reach their real estate goals, Teresina loves traveling and fine dining. “I also enjoy relaxing on my back pool deck with a book,” she says. Additionally, Teresina enjoys spending time with her three grown children and two granddaughters.

Teresina’s plans for the future of her business include continued growth, deepening her industry knowledge, and possibly becoming licensed in Virginia as well.

She also aspires to help others achieve the same success she has via coaching and mentoring. Above all, however, remains her constant, unwavering objective: to continue providing her many clients with the amazing customer service that has long been synonymous with her name.

When asked what advice she might have for newer agents, Teresina pauses for a moment before replying.

“Never say never,” she says. “As a single mother, I know firsthand that all things are possible. If you help enough people, you’ll never have to worry about the money.”

For more information about Teresina Jessie, please call 352-238-2942 or email Teresina@365RealtyGroup.com Top Agent Magazine

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