FLORIDA 2-22-21

FLORIDA EDITION

Turning Your Profession into a PASSION

COOPERATION, NOT COMPETITION, CREATES MUTUAL SUCCESS FOR AGENTS GOOGLE ADWORDS:

COVER STORY

HEIDI JOY

How to Make Google Do the Work for You

FEATURED AGENTS

DONNA M. DORSEY AUGUST GORDON BOBBIE LEAHEY VANESSA MAGI HOPE HARVEY WEBB

FLORIDA EDITION

DONNA M. DORSEY

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VANESSA MAGGI BOBBIE AUGUST HEIDI JOY AUGUSTLEAHEY GORDON DONNA M.relocated DORSEY Donna Dorsey to Florida in 2004 after HOPE HARVEY WEBB GORDON leaving Corporate America behind to pursue real

light what this area h friendly face who truly making her easy estate investing.

In the process, she decided to lives, For Vanessa Maggi, real estate has specializes have client parties.

I wou in Luxury Home Sales and With a wide range of experience Webb began her journey in real market, Hope has expanded her reach to differtake a more traditional real estate career path, 26 29 31 are waterfront ple for lunch.

It was a lot properties.

Epitomizing in residential real estate andalways prop- been a family affair. “There You can’t conduct rea it could offer, and was s ago when she was looking ent areas, as more people relocate fromenticed otherby the flexibility constant communicatio licensed in 2006.communication She never lookedlook back. Donna a lot of realtors in my family. My grand- transparent forward to the day w and erty management, Bobbie Leahey ility and self-direction in her states. “That has been very effective,” has Hope achieved a great deal of success and found all too well. She make father bought and sold commercial real always like direct that lines again.” of contact w to her inclients’ needs, is a versatile great listening personal satisfaction herthings fifteen-year ckground in economics, Hope agent who effortlessly says, “especially because people aren’t as make herself available career thus afar.high She became a Brokeron in 2012 estate.

My uncles are brokers.”

Growing she places emphasis busiguides her clients through the process an inventory control manager familiar with this part of Florida. They see theyher own brokerage, Citrus Realty, where uses Constant Contact, opening nesssheintegrity, why she’sisahighly involved of buying or selling a home. Named up around Vanessa came Vanessa serves Citruswhich County is in West-Central e firm when a colleague mencanthe livebusiness, on the beach and that it’stoaffordable.”

Florida, an area with lots of waterfront and agent for first-time homeby the the importance of the service wonderful munity she serves. She’s o would be very Real good Estate at realAgent of the Year appreciate rural communities.

HEIDI JOY

with of Commer Board like of aREALTORS , Harbor’s realtors Hope offered their clients. the Chamber d into it, and it seemed is to energized by her“People clients’ buyers. successes.“I’m happy to work It turns out, Donna says, that real estate was but there is something unique Real Estate Agent forneed 2020,someone who is both trustworthy Shores. new adventure,”Hottest Hope says.

“I love the feeling of handing those anyone, keysjustover a “good fit” for her. A large part of this She also works is her approachability andfirst-time talent for making about working with homeas well as Best Real Estate Agent in at I do.” on the dayBOBBIE ofabout closing and seeing that firstmarketing,” for local schools througho HOPE HARVEY and WEBBknowledgeable LEAHEY VANESSA MAGI Donna treats people feel comfortable. each time home-buyer’s eyes light up,” Hope says. buyers.

It’s being to Charlotte County for 2019 andshe 2020, explains.

“They also need someone client as theirgratifying own unique case, making able sure makethem time to keep up with each the of them, my Cope Southern Properties, what keeps back educate andtokeeps throughout entire Bobbie has a proven track record who of has“That’s a good sense ofme thecoming different When she’s not working, and clients love her personal approach. “We a team who have helped her me energized.” process and make sure that they arethat keep hers p excellence in the real estate industry. kind of become friends,” Donna admits.

“I neighborhoods in the city where they activities like to take folks who are moving here and CONTENTS ness. Hope works throughout their decisions and She is dedicated to making eachare transpurchasing their home. I’ve lived in confident Miami forabout spiritually show them around the communityhealthy. and high- “I work out hard , her native region that she loves. “I love Though her growing business keeps her busy, have great first experience.

Seeing action as stress-free as possible overfor twenty-five years. I’m in love with in it, her andafree I’m to read, especially inspirational boo community,” Hope “We’re a ruralhardtime Hope is engaged in her local24) community, athe tinyhappiness fish4)hersays.

GOOGLE ADWORDS: PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: that you put on their clients andinworks toalways make excited to show it off to people moving here. spends plenty of time with her famiC hat gets overlooked but we dreams have soGOOGLE ing town with 400 full-time residents.

She volunteers the they’re face atMAKE when getting their first theira lot, real estate a reality.

HOW TO MAKE 4 work.”

WAYS TO BETTER USE I’m very passionate about this Miami, you’ve got to love the ocea love when people discover how great life local school, and she and her husband are active in Ducks home is very fulfilling.” huge boaters.”

DO THE WORK FORUnlimited YOU and other local charitiesOF YOUR WORKING HOURS and organizations. “We Bobbie is currently an agent at Keller Williams Realtylicense nine years ago, and has Vanessa got her sponsor a family at own Christmas every year,” Hope says, Outside ofinwork Bobbie is committed Peace River Partners and serves clients throughout 13) TURNING YOUR PROFESSION become ofshare Compass’ top sellers North Vanessatoisvolunteering very excited about the futur h all kinds of clients at every price point, “and we justone try to as much as we can with ourMiami, com- FROM 27) 5 LESSONS SILICON Southwest Florida.

Many of her transactions come her time in the community.

She’s the Chair for also a local specializing in the trendy Miami Shores and Upper sisters who are agents, and we a INTO A she PASSION ping anyone and everyone can. “I am munity.” Hope prioritizes time with her husband and one from previous clients or personal referrals.

“I grew Young Professionals Network that donates funds to VALLEY TO MODERNIZE AND East Side neighborhoods.

Last a volume form a three-sister team. Our goal i hat you don’t turn anything down,” Hope year-old son. Together, they love to year hunt,she fish,did and travel. various organizations throughout community. up inCOOPERATION, this town, so I’m to twenty-five have a large sphere 18) NOT MONETIZE BUSINESS of with sixty-five percent of her marketthe share.

I hope to double my vol year, Hope completed $18.7 million in lucky “They go with me tomillion, showings,” Hope says, “and weYOUR make of influence.

But I think the majority of my clients She also volunteers at a program that helps kids with represents co transactions atCOMPETITION, every price point. it an outing to try new restaurants or a new area of town.” business coming through repeat and referral clients. year.

One of my sisters CREATES MUTUAL ®

come back, or recommend me, because I go above

autism. In her spare time, she loves boating, fishing,

“My business is very organic,” she CREATIVE says. “My clients estate, so we may get into that more a 30) WAYS TO SAY SUCCESS FOR AGENTS

and traveling. beyond help them. assisting Committed to growth and to challenging Hope business comingand from repeattoclients and Whether keep it’s coming backwith because they knowherself, they will get THANK YOU house cleaning or helping unload or pack up. ays it is her responsiveness that keeps peoisthem currently finishing the process of earning her Broker’s first-rate service, and I always work to exceed their futureHope consist of growing her business I don’t focus thethey transaction; I “It’s focusvery on building . “I hear from clients all the timeonthat license. exciting aher littlebusiness scary,” says, expectations.”

The restand ofBobbie’s isplans attracted ble I am and my flexibility to accommodate it’s something I’m looking forward to.” volume and adding more long-lasting relationships. “but My clients can always through smart marketing campaigns. “We spendagents to her team. She is needs” Hope says.

“I also follow-through. call me to get a reference home inspectors, excited those who are new to Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 aforlot of money marketingalso through all about of thementoring social eyond to make sure the deal gets done.” service vendors, or anything else they may need.” the business. “I want to help other agents who are

media platforms.” mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com She also sends out thoughtful quarterly| gifts to let just starting out in real estate. I think it’s important

hat sets Hope’s business apart isshe’s her adopthinking ofBut them. the little to notwithout only pass on great strategies for success, but to Noclients portion know of this issue may be reproduced in“It’s any manner whatsoever prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent forming personal relationships is the aspect y. Using drone Magazine photography and 3D things that mattervideos toFeature remindPublications them that I’m always also educate them on working with ethics and integis published by GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published of the job that Vanessa loves most. “I like meeting ur properties virtually, has given her- cannot materials, Topthem.”

Agent Magazine be held responsible for opinions expressedthey or facts by its rity, because are supplied in charge ofauthors. guiding people thereHope for people, from different countries, different cultures, nts an upper hand in a market transformed To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. through one of the biggest transactions of their lifeforming lifelong relationships. My clients have he technology I use makes it as convenient you are looking to buy or sell a home As a Florida native, Bobbie has comprehensive time, and that’s a responsibility Ifevery agent should become my friends.” She still stays in touch with uyers and sellers,” Hope says.

Miami Shores and the Upper East Side, V knowledge about what the area has to offer, and she take seriously.”

2 Top Agent Magazine them throughout the year with phone calls, emails, to help you!

You can call her at 305-5 To find out more about Hope Harvey Webb, equally innovative approach to marketand postcards, but she misses the days before Covid. email Vanessa@vanessamaggiteam.com To learn more about please Bobbiecall Leahey, please call (941) 628–1019, 850-838-7640, listings, using beautiful photography and out her website at vanessamaggi.com “It seems like a long time ago now, but we used to www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Google AdWords:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MAKE SURE YOU ARE OFFERING VALUE ON YOUR WEBSITE

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

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LOCATION IS EVERYTHING!

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

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

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

HARNESS THE POWER OF DATA

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

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

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

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HEIDI JOY Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Heidi Joy leads an elite team for Keller Williams Luxury International, where she assists clients all throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

Heidi Joy has served in real estate since she was eighteen years old, when she purchased her first remodel project. Over the next ten years, she bought and sold houses around Florida, taking advantage of the state’s primary residence tax benefits.

Transitioning into becoming a real estate advisor was a natural fit. “As an agent, I could share my personal experience with 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

my clients,” she says. “I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad and the ugly.”

Today, Heidi leads an elite team for Keller Williams Luxury International, where she assists clients all throughout the Tampa Bay Area. There, she has been a student of the industry since the late 1980s, adjusting her workflow to meet our changing Top Agent Magazine

times. “I’ve always got my finger on the pulse,” she says. “I’ve helped clients find creative financing solutions when rates were through the roof, become a short sale negotiation expert when they were underwater, and now fine-tuned the digital experience of showing and selling homes amidst the pandemic.”

When listing a property, Heidi prefers a comprehensive approach. After helping her clients ready their home for the marTop Agent Magazine

ket, she provides them with professional photography and shares their house over a variety of digital and social media platforms. Elsewhere, Heidi is there for her buyers, leaning on her extensive knowledge of her region to guide them through the ins-and-outs of any negotiation. From start to finish, she stands as an advocate for their needs and prioritizes open communication across the transaction. “I’m there for my clients as a peer if they need to talk or brainstorm their next move,” she says.

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“I’m there for my clients as a peer if they need to talk or brainstorm their next move,” Heidi says. “Regardless of their circumstances, I’m always here to listen and find solutions to their problems.”

“Regardless of their circumstances, I’m always here to listen and find solutions to their problems.”

Heidi has earned a terrific reputation around Florida, with the vast majority of her transactions coming from either repeat clients or referrals. She is also passionate about buying and rehabbing homes around Tampa Bay. “I love taking an old time capsule and bringing it back to life,” she says. “Being a market expert, I know what buyers want in their next home. Most of all, I love getting to redesign a house, improve property values for the neighborhood and meet new people along the way.”

Outside her career, Heidi is active in her community. On top of serving on the Chamber of Commerce, she also volunteers with animal rescues and hosts Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

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community health and wellness events.

When she’s not assisting clients or giving back, she can be found practicing yoga or walking on the beach. “Having my toes in the sand on a daily basis is a requirement,” she says with a laugh. “I’ve been living Top Agent Magazine

here for years, but I still feel like a tourist; I can’t get enough of the saltwater, sunsets and dolphins—they bring me joy.”

Going forward, Heidi intends on adding to her team while adjusting her workflow Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

to meet the challenges posed by Covid19. “I have to be at the top of my game,” she says. “At all times, I’m working in the market of the moment and meeting my client’s needs, whether it’s a virtual showing

with video chat or talking to their lender to get financial relief when an unexpected life event happens. Serving my clients’ needs at the highest level is part of what makes me tick.”

To learn more about Heidi Joy please email heidi@htsells.com, visit htsells.com or call 727-437-7711 www.

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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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AUGUST GORDON Top Agent Magazine

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AUGUST GORDON

“I take the time to listen to what the client wants, what they really need,” says August Gordon, a top agent with United Realty Group. “I try to always go above and beyond. I pay attention and get my clients exactly what they’re looking for.”

August has been in the real estate industry for the past five years. She first became interested in the business when she sold her first home. “It was very enjoyable to get it ready for showing. And, actually, I ended up selling it before I got to have an open house!” August explains. She soon discovered that working as an agent was the perfect fit for her. She says, “I enjoy working with people, I care so much about making sure my clients can achieve their goals with as little stress as possible. Everything about it is very rewarding.”

Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and many other surrounding communities. As a born-and-raised Floridian she loves getting to be the local expert for those looking to move to the region from outside of Florida. “I know this location very well,” she says.

“I can give a tailored approach and find out-of-state buyers the perfect place.”

Though she is based out of Boca Raton, August represents buyers and sellers throughout South Florida. She has closed sales in Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Wellington, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, 16

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A large percentage of August’s business comes from repeat and referral clients. “I’ve been very blessed to have referrals and word of mouth. That’s been great,” she says. As the second of nine siblings, August knows how to treat a large group of people exactly like family.

After all, working with her clients is August’s favorite part of the job. “Every day is different, every day is a new adventure!” she says.

Her clients definitely like her approach. One satisfied client writes, “August is the best REALTOR® you can find. She is very professional and has a contagious, positive energy. I recommend her to anyone looking for the right place to live.” Another says, “She made sure that every part of purchasing the home was covered, provided guidance, and had a genuine interest in our needs.”

When she isn’t hard at work, August stays very active. She enjoys working out, gardening, and is an avid runner; she has participated in various 5K runs and nine half-marathons. But, more than anything, August’s favorite thing to do is spend time with her family, including her husband, two children, who attend local Palm Beach County Schools, and their Boston Terrier, Sally.

Looking to the future, August is excited to expand her real estate business. 2020 was a busy year for her as she had twenty-seven closed transactions. But August is focused on the future. “I’m very grateful, I want to keep growing and help all my clients buy a great new home or sell their existing home at top dollar,” she says. Still, she takes a quality over quantity approach and hopes to continue expanding her business.

To learn more about August Gordon, please call or text 786-859-6627, email agordon@urgfl.com, or visit bocaratonhouseforsale.com

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Cooperation, Not Competition, Creates

Mutual Success for Agents When people get along during a business transaction, everyone comes out happier. And in a service industry like real estate, agents have the power deliver that happiness. By working cooperatively, sharing advice and helping each other help clients, agents not only enhance their own reputations, but that of real estate in general.

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“Bring everyone together” Matt Kobelski, with Credentials Real Estate Group in Massachusetts, points out that providing good service involves more people than the party you’re representing. “I’m not afraid to bring together all the parties in a deal and say, ‘OK, let’s figure out a solution that works best

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Teaming up with an agent from a different brokerage on a transaction is not as uncommon or complicated as it might seem

for everyone,” he explains. “My goal is to avoid being adversarial.” Real estate, he believes, should always be a field in which each person can win. “It’s about working toward a mutual goal, shaking hands, and walking away happy that a seller sold, a buyer bought and everyone got what they wanted.”

But Is it that simple? Most agents have experienced the ways conflicting personalities and tension during a transaction can heat up even the most cordial relations. In reality, however, it’s more productive to let down your guard and work with others as a team than it is to allow stress and competition to preside. South Florida REALTOR® and broker associate, Risë V. Siegrist, for instance, has zero interest in competing with other agents. “It’s more important to be professional and associate with competent, caring people,” she says. By serving others with a cooperative spirit, experienced agents like Risë set an excellent example for emerging real estate stars. Risë hopes to be a model for the next generation of agents, training people who may one day become part of her team.

Risë’s position on cooperation inspires more reasons for nurturing relationships with other agents. Over the decades, many agents change brokerages several times. Who knows if that agent across the table will one day work at the Top Agent Magazine

same brokerage you do? Perhaps you’ll even have an opportunity to partner on an exciting, future transaction. Good relations keep doors open to endless possibilities.

Co-listing cooperation Teaming up with an agent from a different brokerage on a transaction is not as uncommon or complicated as it might seem. In fact, some agents cleverly capitalize on their collective attributes, rather than competing against one another. South Carolina REALTOR® Kimberly Pannit is a perfect example of the universal benefits of co-listings. Although she has always been an independent agent, Kimberly works hard to form professional alliances that give her business the feel of a cooperative network across brokerages.

This cooperative approach may be nontraditional, but it benefits clients in unique ways. By working closely with agents at other brokerages, she shows how agents can improve client service while helping one another.

Kimberly’s cooperative approach began in her own neighborhood, where an agent friend from a different brokerage also lives. “Several years ago, I approached her because both of us were friends with our neighbors. I asked, ‘Why don’t we give our neighbors superior service and

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co-list together? We both love our area and are passionate about our jobs, the location and schools.’” She also didn’t want to make their mutual friends choose between them when they could work together. “I said, ‘Let’s give them amazing service together!’” With their brokers’ permission, two weeks later the agents co-listed their first home and put extra energy into ensuring uninterrupted client service.

Networking and “Co-opertition” When the ultimate goal is to match a client with the perfect home or create optimal terms of sale for a listings, networking with other agents can facilitate that ideal buyer-seller match.

Nashville REALTOR® and broker/owner Lisa Land embraced every opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the real estate industry and to her local market, even before building her own team. “Agents would frequently ask me for help or advice,” she says, noting that she shares, rather than guarding, the methods she uses to get through difficult or confusing transactions. “I was fortunate to have great mentors when I started in real estate, so I’m always

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willing to offer help, even to agents outside of The Luxe Collective.”

Meanwhile, on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Janet Leigh Scott describes the climate between agents as relaxed and professional. “While the real estate market is highly competitive, we’re truly a ‘co-opertition’ market; agents work together and a have greater sense of community than you might experience in off-island brokerages,” Janet says. “If I have buyer coming into town, I’ll reach out to agents I’ve done transactions with to ask if they have anything coming up that might not be on the market yet.”

Even in hot, competitive L.A. real estate, independent agents such as Andrej Nagy of The Agency RE knows the importance of receiving and providing professional mentorship.

“My relationships with clients are extremely important,” he says. “But my relationships with agents on the other side of a deal are also important.” For REALTORS® like him, working smoothly with other agents is a privilege.

Doing so builds rewarding relationships while ensuring win-win transactions for everyone at the closing table.

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DONNA M. DORSEY

Donna Dorsey relocated to Florida in 2004 after leaving Corporate America behind to pursue real estate investing. In the process, she decided to take a more traditional real estate career path, enticed by the flexibility it could offer, and was licensed in 2006. She never looked back. Donna has achieved a great deal of success and found great personal satisfaction in her fifteen-year career thus far. She became a Broker in 2012 opening her own brokerage, Citrus Realty, where she serves Citrus County in West-Central Florida, an area with lots of waterfront and rural communities.

light what this area has to offer.” Donna is a friendly face who truly cares about her clients’ lives, making her easy to work with.

You can’t conduct real estate business without constant communication, and Donna knows this all too well. She makes it a priority to maintain direct lines of contact with all her clients, and to make herself available throughout the day. She uses Constant Contact, social media, and her cell

It turns out, Donna says, that real estate was just a “good fit” for her. A large part of this is her approachability and talent for making people feel comfortable. Donna treats each client as their own unique case, making sure to make time to keep up with each of them, and clients love her personal approach. “We kind of become friends,” Donna admits. “I like to take folks who are moving here and show them around the community and high22

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phone to keep in touch with clients so none are ever left out to dry. “I’m detail-oriented and I pay a lot of attention to their needs,” Donna says. “I keep myself available for them whenever they need me.”

The most important piece of Donna’s arsenal is her tenacious work ethic and drive to get results in her transactions. Donna works hard every day to meet the needs of her clients, using nothing but her own dedication to push her forward. “I’m very self-motivated, I’m a go-getter, I do what I have to do to get it done.

Being self-driven is a big part of real estate.”

Donna’s talents and experience wouldn’t mean much if she didn’t have the drive to put them to good use; fortunately, she has proven that she has what it takes to succeed in the real estate industry consistently.

Donna truly loves her job, and she has a piece of advice for other people looking at real estate as a potential option. “Real estate is a great career path, if it’s the right fit. You definitely have to be self-motivated and a bit of a risk taker. Sometimes you have to take that leap, because you never know if you don’t take the chance.” Donna loves the constant bustle and the diversity of experiences she encounters in her career. “I love the feeling of waking up in the morning and not knowing what the day is going to bring,” she says.

Donna is highly philanthropic and involved in her community. She is on the Board of the Citrus Springs Civic Association and she participates in many outreach opportunities with her church. In her free time, she enjoys living the Florida lifestyle on the various waterways in Crystal River, boating and fishing with her family. For the future, Donna intends to build up her brokerage by bringing on some new Agents to her team serving as many clients in her community as she possibly can.

Contact Donna Dorsey at 352-613-2718 by email at donnadorsey@gmail.com, or visit citruscountybroker.com www.

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Productivity Killers: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours

Even on the busiest of days, it can be hard not to get distracted by social media, smartphones, chatty colleagues, or personal to-do list items. So how do you keep your professional blinders on and power through your tasks with efficiency? Practice these four tips and witness your productivity skyrocket—easing stress and bringing renewed energy to your daily duties.

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1. Create a sense of peace and quiet The office may not be your idea of a tranquil oasis, but for most, focus requires quiet and calm to best lend attention to the task at hand. If you find yourself seated next to talkative coworkers or in the center of a bustling office atrium, consider noise can-

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celing headphones, earplugs, or carving out an empty conference room for your work day. Turning the volume down creates fewer chances for disruption, allowing you to make the best use of your time.

4.Take your smartphone off the table

2. Organize your workspace A messy work area breeds anxiety and distraction, but a clean and organized desk inspires efficiency. If you’ve got a busy day ahead, take fifteen minutes and organize your workspace: gather miscellaneous papers into their proper place, dispose of out-of-date or unnecessary documents, or give your keyboard a dusting. Not only does cleaning and organizing your workspace prepare you for the work ahead, it also helps you transition to a productive, goal-oriented mindset.

3.Create a goal-oriented reward system Coffee breaks, coworker catch-up, and social media check-ins tend to break up our workflow on an hourly basis. Instead of trying to go cold turkey on these workplace routines, reframe them as rewards.

For every to-do list item you complete, allow yourself a fives minute treat, whether that’s a fresh cup of coffee or a walk around the block. Not only will creating a reward Top Agent Magazine

system help you stay motivated throughout the day, it will also provide you with much-needed mental breaks that actually boost long-term productivity.

The number one productivity killer in this day and age? Smartphones. With access to endless social media portals, web browsing, text conversations, and games, smartphones are one-stop shops for distractions. While you may not want to delete apps from your phone, try leaving your smartphone in a locked desk drawer until your next break, or safely in your car. By simply putting your smartphone out of your line of sight, the impulse to distract yourself is muted.

Even though technology and the modern office create ample opportunity for distraction, making these few small adjustments can go a long way in safeguarding your productivity. After all, a productive day allows you to enjoy your time at home and outside the office, without the worry of incomplete tasks and looming deadlines darkening your day. Keep these productivity tricks in mind as you mount your daily to-do list and you’ll be thanking yourself tomorrow.

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HOPE HARVEY WEBB Hope Harvey Webb began her journey in real estate five years ago when she was looking for more flexibility and self-direction in her career. With a background in economics, Hope was working as an inventory control manager with a corporate firm when a colleague mentioned that she would be very good at real estate. “I looked into it, and it seemed like a challenge and a new adventure,” Hope says.

“Now I love what I do.”

A Realtor at Amy Cope Southern Properties, Hope has built a team who have helped her expand her business. Hope works throughout northern Florida, her native region that she loves. “I love to show off our community,” Hope says. “We’re in a rural part of Florida that gets overlooked a lot, but we have so much to offer. I love when people discover how great life is here.”

Hope works with all kinds of clients at every price point, believing in helping anyone and everyone she can. “I am of the opinion that you don’t turn anything down,” Hope says. This past year, Hope completed $18.7 million in sales across 112 transactions at every price point.

With half of her business coming from repeat clients and referrals, Hope says it is her responsiveness that keeps people coming back. “I hear from clients all the time that they love how available I am and my flexibility to accommodate their scheduling needs” Hope says. “I also follow-through.

I go above and beyond to make sure the deal gets done.”

market, Hope has expanded her reach to different areas, as more people relocate from other states. “That has been very effective,” Hope says, “especially because people aren’t as familiar with this part of Florida. They see they can live on the beach and that it’s affordable.”

Hope is energized by her clients’ successes.

“I love the feeling of handing those keys over on the day of closing and seeing that firsttime home-buyer’s eyes light up,” Hope says.

“That’s what keeps me coming back and keeps me energized.”

Though her growing business keeps her busy, in her free time Hope is engaged in her local community, a tiny fishing town with 400 full-time residents. She volunteers at the local school, and she and her husband are active in Ducks Unlimited and other local charities and organizations. “We sponsor a family at Christmas every year,” Hope says, “and we just try to share as much as we can with our community.” Hope prioritizes time with her husband and one year-old son. Together, they love to hunt, fish, and travel.

“They go with me to showings,” Hope says, “and we make it an outing to try new restaurants or a new area of town.”

Committed to growth and to challenging herself, Hope is currently finishing the process of earning her Broker’s license. “It’s very exciting and a little scary,” Hope says, “but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”

In her market, what sets Hope’s business apart is her adoption of technology. Using drone photography and 3D videos so clients can tour properties virtually, Hope has given herself and her clients an upper hand in a market transformed

by Covid-19. “The technology I use makes it as convenient as possible for buyers and sellers,” Hope says.

Hope takes an equally innovative approach to marketing her clients’ listings, using beautiful photography and comprehensive social media campaigns, as well as print advertisements in local magazines. With the changing 26

To find out more about Hope Harvey Webb, please call 850-838-7640, email HopeWebbRealtor@gmail.com, or visit facebook.com/hopewebbrealtor www.

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5 Lessons from Silicon Valley to Modernize and Monetize Your Business Silicon Valley may be the region for disruptors, tech entrepreneurs, and futurists, but even the most forward-thinking, abstract companies are still businesses that have to keep tabs on their bottom line. There’s much to learn from America’s fastest-growing sector, and even if Silicon Top Agent Magazine

Valley seems like a world unto its own, there are key lessons prime for adaption in your own endeavors. Below, consider a few ways to translate the trends and teachings of Silicon Valley for your own business, and reap the rewards in the process.

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1. Diversify your value Real estate is a business built on relationships, but your relationships will go stale if the only thing you communicate is you interest in making a sale. In order to sustain relationships for the long term, you’ve got to remain valuable to your clients beyond the transaction. Serve as a local resource, not just a salesperson or real estate expert. Ensure your marketing materials, social media presence, and communications offer useful, relevant, and original content your clients will benefit from. What’s more, vary your communications so that every time you reach out it’s not just about new business or a referral.

2. Company culture matters Silicon Valley tech giants always emphasize the importance of company culture—not just as a way of drawing and retaining talent, but also as a way to appeal to clientele. What are your company’s values? What do you stand for? How you’re positioned in the marketplace is becoming just as important as what you do and how well you do it. Your company culture is part of your branding, and your brand should feel clear and composed to clients eyeing your services.

3.Think big picture More and more, clients want to have an experience, not just a transaction. When it comes to buying a home, this means they care more about a property’s bedroom and bathroom count. As an agent, consider showcasing properties in terms of lifestyle. What neighborhood amenities are nearby? What opportunities are there for community involvement? How does public 28

transportation stack up in the area? Before making the purchase of a lifetime, clients want to envision a complete lifestyle.

4. Leverage multiple platforms By now, you probably recognize that social media is not afterthought. Your social media presence should fit your brand and voice, interact across platforms, and actively engage with your audience. In other words, if you want to reap the benefits of social media, it’s not enough to post a few times a month and walk away. Active engagement means responding to comments, interacting with your followers’ profiles, and posting original content beyond a sales pitch.

Likewise, you’ll want to be active across multiple social media platforms and ensure that your profiles are interconnected. That way, you’ll be working from a unified voice and brand.

5. Reputations rule the roost Never underestimate the power of word-ofmouth marketing and testimonials. If you haven’t asked for feedback from past clients, and you aren’t sharing positive testimonials and reviews—you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools at an agent’s disposal. You can pitch the virtues of your working style all day long, but those courting your business want to hear about positive experiences from the client’s perspective.

If you want to take your business to the next level and maximize the twenty-first century values of a company on the rise, look to the lessons of Silicon Valley to get your start. There are always opportunities to innovate, and doing so will help you break from your routine and stand apart from the pack.

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BOBBIE LEAHEY With a wide range of experience in residential real estate and property management, Bobbie Leahey is a versatile agent who effortlessly guides her clients through the process of buying or selling a home. Named Real Estate Agent of the Year by the Board of REALTORS®, Harbor’s Hottest Real Estate Agent for 2020, as well as Best Real Estate Agent in Charlotte County for 2019 and 2020, Bobbie has a proven track record of excellence in the real estate industry.

She is dedicated to making each transaction as stress-free as possible for her clients and works hard to make their real estate dreams a reality.

Bobbie is currently an agent at Keller Williams Realty Peace River Partners and serves clients throughout Southwest Florida. Many of her transactions come from previous clients or personal referrals. “I grew up in this town, so I’m lucky to have a large sphere of influence. But I think the majority of my clients come back, or recommend me, because I go above and beyond to help them. Whether it’s assisting with house cleaning or helping them unload or pack up.

I don’t focus on the transaction; I focus on building long-lasting relationships. My clients can always call me to get a reference for home inspectors, service vendors, or anything else they may need.”

She also sends out thoughtful quarterly gifts to let clients know she’s thinking of them. “It’s the little things that matter to remind them that I’m always there for them.”

As a Florida native, Bobbie has comprehensive knowledge about what the area has to offer, and she

specializes in Luxury Home Sales and waterfront properties. Epitomizing transparent communication and always listening to her clients’ needs, she places a high emphasis on business integrity, which is why she’s a wonderful agent for first-time homebuyers. “I’m happy to work with anyone, but there is something unique about working with first-time homebuyers. It’s gratifying being able to educate them throughout the entire process and make sure that they are confident about their decisions and have a great first experience. Seeing the happiness that you put on their face when they’re getting their first home is very fulfilling.”

Outside of work Bobbie is committed to volunteering her time in the community. She’s the Chair for a local Young Professionals Network that donates funds to various organizations throughout the community.

She also volunteers at a program that helps kids with autism. In her spare time, she loves boating, fishing, and traveling.

Bobbie’s future plans consist of growing her business volume and adding more agents to her team. She is also excited about mentoring those who are new to the business. “I want to help other agents who are just starting out in real estate. I think it’s important to not only pass on great strategies for success, but to also educate them on working with ethics and integrity, because they are in charge of guiding people through one of the biggest transactions of their lifetime, and that’s a responsibility every agent should take seriously.”

To learn more about Bobbie Leahey, please call (941) 628–1019, email reelfloridaliving@gmail.com, or visit ReelFloridaLiving.com www.

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Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1. How about a streaming video device, like a Roku

or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2. Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or ter-

rycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids!

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3. Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. As-

certain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5. If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend.

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VANESSA MAGGI For Vanessa Maggi, real estate has always been a family affair. “There are a lot of realtors in my family. My grandfather bought and sold commercial real estate. My uncles are brokers.” Growing up around the business, Vanessa came to appreciate the importance of the service realtors offered to their clients. “People need someone who is both trustworthy and knowledgeable about marketing,” she explains. “They also need someone who has a good sense of the different neighborhoods in the city where they are purchasing their home. I’ve lived in Miami for over twenty-five years. I’m in love with it, and I’m always excited to show it off to people moving here.

I’m very passionate about this work.”

Vanessa got her own license nine years ago, and has become one of Compass’ top sellers in North Miami, specializing in the trendy Miami Shores and Upper East Side neighborhoods. Last year she did a volume of twenty-five million, with sixty-five percent of her business coming through repeat and referral clients.

“My business is very organic,” she says. “My clients keep coming back because they know they will get first-rate service, and I always work to exceed their expectations.” The rest of her business is attracted through smart marketing campaigns. “We spend a lot of money marketing through all of the social media platforms.”

But forming personal relationships is the aspect of the job that Vanessa loves most. “I like meeting people, from different countries, different cultures, forming lifelong relationships. My clients have become my friends.” She still stays in touch with them throughout the year with phone calls, emails, and postcards, but she misses the days before Covid.

“It seems like a long time ago now, but we used to Top Agent Magazine

have client parties. I would meet people for lunch. It was a lot of fun, and I look forward to the day when we can do things like that again.”

Vanessa is highly involved with the community she serves. She’s on the board of the Chamber of Commerce for Miami Shores. She also works with charities for local schools throughout the city.

When she’s not working, Vanessa likes activities that keep hers physically and spiritually healthy. “I work out hard. And I love to read, especially inspirational books.” She also spends plenty of time with her family. “Living in Miami, you’ve got to love the ocean, so we are huge boaters.”

Vanessa is very excited about the future. “I have two sisters who are also agents, and we are merging to form a three-sister team. Our goal is to grow our market share. I hope to double my volume from last year. One of my sisters represents commercial real estate, so we may get into that more as well.”

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in or around Miami Shores and the Upper East Side, Vanessa wants to help you! You can call her at 305-582-7917, or email Vanessa@vanessamaggiteam.com. Please check out her website at vanessamaggi.com for listings. www.

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