FLORIDA 6-14-21

FLORIDA EDITION

CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE

To Attract Future Clients

IS STARTING A TEAM THE

RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

TOP AGENT TIPS AND QUESTIONS

FOR CHOOSING YOUR LISTING AGENT COVER STORY

Joe Pavich Jr.

IF IT'S GOOD FOR THE SOUL, IT'S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

5 Tips To Make New Hires A LongLasting Success FEATURED AGENTS

MESHELL PERRY DENISE TORRES & STEPHANIE MUZZILLO JEFFREY THOMAS AUDREY BENASSI GLENN RICE KATHY IRVIN LIZ BELL

FLORIDA EDITION

DENISE TORRES & STEPHANIE MUZZILLO

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JOE PAVICH JR. MESHELL PERRY AUDREY BENASSI GLENN RICE

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DENISE TORRES & KATHY IRVIN STEPHANIE MUZZILLO

JEFFREY THOMAS

LIZ BELL

as The Home Team, and Stepha ness,AAudrey under belt makes her anSince assetgetting to Known any lifelong resident of With Miami, aGlenn Rice started in 2020, Glenn passion for her houses andLiz helping Afterhas workingDenise with Kathy, clients started working in real estate in 1984, walkthroughs 29 30 33 34 His mother is a built a fantastic reputation throughout the artedgrew her up realaround real estate. client who chooses to work with her. are both licensed Luxury Real Estate Advisors before she had even graduated from high each people, Kathy Irvin was drawn to the real to spread the word about upcomi her w Realtor who properties, and Miami area, with the near-entirety of his onversions in managed rental school.

Back then, her first job in a realty a local’s edge estate industry in 1988. “I was a single One recently said, “Kathy isto the providing top-notch customer care a coming of age, Glenn was included in their transactions coming from referrals within office was pulling listings off the dotLake County ® o selling new Audrey is a results-oriented Realtor® who andcontinue I remember someone saying Ihis sphere. Asdiverse REALTOR . at Weevery sold 2 houses and bo range of clients price family business. Whilemom, he would his in volume maintains its matrix system was used those days. millionpoint in v more diverse aggressively pursues leads and that informashould look at going into this business,” a house with Kathy, she will work har to serve as a part-time Realtor for many steady growth, however, remains focused As aclients single mother of three andhepursuing what my mar ok her talents tion that will help her accomplish Kathy says.

“So I decided to earn myon what you and is there for you at every ste years, he began his career as a chef instead, matters most: the people.

“When Since July of 2020, Denise and Stephanie have been a career in engineering, Liz came back to price somethi drey’s career their real estate goals.

“My clients can working as partners at William Raveis, serving North working in Los Angeles,license New Orleans, New I was in the restaurant industry, I enjoyed and get started.” She hit the ground way . I would highly recommend h real estate fulltime in 2004 and has Known beenthe Palm County, Florida. as else,” The Home er theYork years that I’m a go-getter.

I think theyBeach feel and–Miami. But following birth tell of away, interacting with customers above all As or a realtor runningthe straight providing superior anyone!

If you need to buy sell, Kw Team, Denise andsince.

Stephanie prioritize client relationgrowing her business ever his which son, he found himself seeking a new he says.

“Today, I’ve been able toEstate translate 2018, safe with letting me handle their business nity, Liz ships.

Both licensed Luxury Real Advisors, service forand guidance to every buyerthat passion over to real estate.” Then is theheonly one for you!” Anotherstay w that spoke to his passion helping ® serve a diverse range of clients, wardpath County becauseGLENN of it,” she says. Audrey takes a IRVIN Denise and Stephanie Today, Liz is a REALTOR neighbor in Oxford, AUDREY BENASSI RICE KATHY LIZ BELLI highly her and seller.

Today a large portion of her “She’s fantastic, recommend while leaving time for his growing adds, providing “But I also enjoy the hustle, top-notch customer care at negotievery price ntry,others and has light-hearted approach to interacting with to help her el Florida with NextHome KD Premier business derives knowledgeable, warm and care “We work aspect extremely forShe’s our clients,” family. At last, he decided to switch tracks from repeat clients andation,point. and business of hard our industry.” to-day lives.

Realtyonserving clients in the Lake County entral Florida her clients, but she stays the job as well, Denise says. “We build trust by not pushing them to and become a full-time referrals, agent. which stands as a testament to her clients as if they were family.

She area.

Overeach sixty percent ofbyher business is derived from buy or sell,for but being there for them and providing ce 2013. Audrey works having closed at least 80 transactions year CONTENTS Outside his career,good Glenn is tremendously active in his Fitness also plays a key her unparalleled experience and support. top of what needs to be done and isro counsel.

In our experience, things work out repeat andAsreferral clients. r business and continue years.Capital She works practically non-stop, Currently, Glenn is a Realtorthe for past Kellerfew Williams community. a volunteer atmeant Keller Williams Red Day how they are to work out.

Our goal is to give When she’s not working, s Having earned many accolades, including Quality with you through the entire process.” intaining quality of clients and that work has paid she is one of the most Realty,the where he throughout Miami andoff, as events, he participates in numerous local outreach opporour clients exactly what they’re looking for.”

4)services TOP AGENT TIPS AND 24) 5 TIPS TO MAKE Liz can sum up what keeps clients coming back to with a core group of work Service Award 2016-2017, Quality Service Pinnacle of South Florida.

Since starting out, heRealtors® has cultivated including silent auctions to raise funds for those her all such a sought after prominent acrosstunities, Broward, Palm Beach, enjoys gardenini work with her in one word: “Trust. one-hundred Denise andNEW Stephanie have built aA thriving business, QUESTIONS FOR CHOOSING HIRES A LONGAward 2017-2020, Gold Eagle Award 2015, Silver Eagle When Kathy isn’t working, time she’salso staying involved a distinct workflow around values of integrity and open in need, programs for Veterans, and even animal rescue and Miami-Dade Counties. percent trust that I’m out from for their much of looking which stems repeatbenefits.” clients and 2016-2017, Platinum 2018-2020, community.

“I try or to take part in LaketoWales’ events communication,YOUR earningAward Rookie of the Year honors at his Eagle outingsAward to the Redlands.

When he’s not with clients Looking the future of LISTING AGENT LASTING SUCCESS offices in 2020. “It’s been a truly great year,” he says. giving back, he enjoys spending quality time at home and Masters Ruby Award 2019, she truly goes above car shows, farmer’s markets, anything that I see g retire in ten years.

When Working almost exclusively with clients over fifty-five, A pillar of her community, Audrey iswife heavily involved ating“Thankfully, and building trust the background with my family businesshappy. with hisexplains, and“Iinfant son.

Going forward, Glenn also very she looks to do what will Liz value the fact that they’ve worked 14) CONNECT BEYOND 31) IS STARTING A TEAM and beyond to keep clients “My slogan is, ‘Your on,” she says.

Kathy is also the secretary for the La withindustry varioushave local andvision in particular o successfully navigating and my years in the hospitality givenorganizations, me hashard a bold for the and future of his business.

Asput hetheir her and herfree clients, for their dollar want to help them satisfaction is my success,’ because I’m very focused on the Hills Community Center.forDuring any time,w REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT THE RIGHT SOLUTION engages in support for first responders in order to thank n French and Spanish as all the tools I needed to transfer into sales.” starts growing his team, he intends on deepening his work her business further by f home in perspective with what their lives and financial sure people are satisfied.

It’s what I strive for.” cooking gluten-free them for their service.

She’swith raised $100,000 for first with a wide variety ofmaking Miami’s luxury real estate and investment markets. and vegan dishes, going fishin FUTURE CLIENTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS? focused on providing ama future look like and what they want to do.”

Florida’s Polk County and surrounding regions, or learning Whenother listing a home,Serving Glenn prefers a personalized Butincluding in the meantime, he isan more the thanlake, satisfied with the new ways to utilize technolo responders over the last decade, organizing ng from countries. a soloago, agent. Jeffrey Three months approach.

After20) helping each client theirFOR property career life heher has established in his sets she continually exceeds expectations and has$27,000 developed business.

Her ability toand putfamily herwas clients’ interests first helps IT'S GOOD THE SOUL, event atready Tradewinds Park in fulfilling 2018 where asting relationship withIF for the market, he broadcasts it over both the local clients beloved hometown. job in IT Sales andgrown took the “As I’ve in my ca Liz apart from other agents in the eyes of homebuyers a solid reputation for getting towards their goals. raised. FOR For the future BUSINESS of her business, Audrey hopes to der let them rest IT'S a littleGOOD MLS and a blend of targeted social mediaTHE campaigns. about balance.

Smaller is and sellers.

“I look at what the client needs and try to looks ahead, she wants to continue gros ce. “I’m straightforward continue excelling and putting up big numbers, and to As Kathyestate, moving to St. Petersbu Utilizing the innovative Luxury Committee in his people your time is really getinthe there, and if I can’t, very eventually honest abouthire it,” Liz Whether she’s assisting buyer purchasing their I’m and an assistant.

“Someday I w expand her team tothrough helpaher along process! to beoffice, well-informed, he gives his but sellers an added advantage says.

“I need to have that rapport.

Ninety-nine percent friend’s brokerage.

He has b first home, or developing a game plan for selling a like to have a small team,” she says. Wherever her Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 process caninbe,” Audrey listings high-end magazines, ensuring a nationwide of the time we create a relationship from the get-go.” property, takes backevery client step by step and leads, shetrying is loving to every minute of her “It’s reach.

Meanwhile, Glenn leveragesKathy his extensive with my clients and make kick start hiswork. career mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com ground in property management to empower his ving forward.” Audrey’sleaves no questions unanswered.Building As oneonof those the Top I love beyond to do, Iclosing find it aso rewarding to see my cl relationships such small amount o buyers, navigating them to the investment No portion of this issue mayright be®reproduced in anyoftransaction, manner whatsoever without consent of to the publisher.

Agent Magazine ’ stress andcarefully garner trust100 Liz astays touch with past clients, REALTORS happy, andover make it anTopa interesting, fun and stress in the State Florida, and Peer inprior for their needs.

ThroughbyanFeature acute Publications attention toGA, detail is published Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top daily with calls, short birthday cards, le love working with inCertified Reputable Agent, clientsreaching experience for them.” can restoutassured the phone of impressive. Jeffrey h and a tirelessAgent workMagazine ethic, hecannot takes be time to responsible foster the for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. held customer appreciation parties and popping over to their almost all of her with business process will go smoothly.

Kathy takes the relationship every client, advocating their inquiry bestForto buyers, so far, with 4 more pending, To subscribe or change address, send mag@topagentmagazine.com. residence for a quickfor, hello. recognize that she truly time to understand exactly what they are looking interests fromPublished start to finish.

“I’ve been involved with in the U.S. to close between 15 and 20 m art. the real estate industry and for over twenty years,” he says. never gives up until that home is found.

Oncelisting it’sabout When it comes your home Fortomore Glennwith Riceher you are “When I assist my clients, I can give them access to time to negotiate, she ensures they gettingemail thepriority. best herare number-one Marketing is not taking a glenn.r.rice@kw.com, total volume byMagazine the end of 2 Top Agent that knowledge and insight so they can make informed ey provides to her clients photo and putting it into the MLS and hoping for it deal possible. Meanwhile, sellers enjoy state-of-the-art visit glennrice.kw.com more at decisionssurrounding on their future.” built businessFind onoutthe foun f knowledge to sell.

Sheevery creates a(305) strategic marketing planhis using or call 519-1281 marketing, with their listing going out to major Connect with Li

“Every day is d “I love the fact that with people and le and a peop

http://

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Tips and Questions for Choosing Your Listing Agent Now that you’ve decided to sell, it’s time to select the professional to help you market your property. Before meeting with agents, however, consider Top Agent Magazine’s tips for preparing yourself. Frist, ask yourself what kind of relationship you’d like to have with your listing agent. Are you seeking a casual, personable relationship and the latest marketing tools or are you interested in a more formal, traditional relationship and approach to marketing techniques? Next, populate your list of agents by attending open houses and asking for recommendations from recent buyers and sellers.

Finally, schedule your meetings at your home, where you’ll be able to gauge the chemistry between you and each agent.

During your meetings, expect any Top Agent to ask you several questions, but also consider discussing the following: 4

Top Agent Magazine

Will you please describe your sales experience and local network?

Ask your Top Agent to describe recent listings and sales of homes comparable to your own. Ask about the sellers’ priorities, the original list price, market time and number of offers. Top Agents will also describe how well they are connected with other REALTORS® in the region as well as their contacts with relocation companies, local corporations and chambers of commerce.

Be sure to ask about each agent’s knowledge of how your market has changed over time and what has influenced change.

You’ll learn a lot by listening to agents’ opinions.

How will you market the property? Each

Top Agent has a unique set of online or local marketing tools at his or her disposal. Some use lead-generation applications and nearly ever luxury agent take advantage of video. Even video marketing tools vary from agent-to-agent, however.

You’ll get to decide if you prefer an agent with higher-end video production and 3D Matterport tours or an agent with more intimate techniques featuring walk-and-talk style video tours.

What factors influence your list-price recommendation? Before an-

swering this question, most Top Agents will have several questions for you, including whether you’re more focused on a faster sale or a higher list price.

They’ll also educate you on how best to balance both market time and list price relative to sales histories your area.

Now that you’ve seen the home, what repairs or improvements do you recommend before listing? You’ll learn a lot by listening to agents’

opinions on your home’s sale potential with or without some improvements.

Most Top Agents will also recommend a full professional inspection prior to listing to avoid surprises during buyer inspection.

How will you help with staging? Some Top Agents will pay for part or

all of the staging costs. At a minimum, however, a Top Agent will have a staging professional or two in their partner network. While they’re at it, they may provide referrals for carpet cleaning, painting, gardening and other minor finishing touches.

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What attributes of the property will you want to highlight? Each Top

Agent will have a somewhat different answer to this question, but that’s a good thing! Even if you have your own ideas about your home’s greatest attributes, you’ll glean insight into the current market by considering different agents’ opinions. In learning their views, you may even change your mind about your home’s most marketable features!

What is your approach to Open Houses? How many agent-only Open

Houses will your Top Agent want to host? How many truly Open Houses?

Some Top Agents may even reveal a “swankier” approach to the Open House – such as an evening cocktail party or by-invitation “open” hours to which buyers visit along with the agent representing them.

Who will be our primary point(s) of contact from your office? This

important question will help you understand the scope of your agent’s practice. You’ll get to see if your agent runs a robust team with many hands on deck or if he or she works by close, one-on-one contact with each client.

Either approach is wonderful; you get to decide what suits you.

Now, let’s list!

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Joe Pavich Jr. Top Agent Magazine

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Servicing buyers and sellers across the southwest Florida region, Joe Pavich Jr. is an industry leader with the highest sales in the world by Realty World International.

JOE PAVICH JR. Back in the late 1990s, Joe Pavich Jr. was in the midst of a career with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He’d always been interested in real estate, but until then he had never considered the possibility of becoming an agent. He knew he wanted a job that would allow him to be his own boss, affording him limitless potential and creativity. That’s when he realized how perfectly his skillset in client care with Enterprise would transition to the world of real estate. Inspired by the challenge of a new professional path, Joe earned his license 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

and hit the ground running as a full-time agent in 2001. In his first month, he sold three homes— an early indicator of the many successes still to come. Now, seventeen years later, Joe is an industry leader with the highest sales in the world by Realty World International and has received the Chairman Award for highest sales in the World six years in a row in a company nearing 1000 offices across the nation. Joe is a leader, with a reputation defined by knowledge, integrity, and trust, plus a personal touch. To date, he has personally sold more than $600,000,000 in real estate in southwest Florida’s competitive marketplace.

Joe services buyers and sellers across the southwest Florida region. There, he works with the full-time support of a dynamic staff that includes Top Agent Magazine

Executive Administrative Assistant Teresa Thullen, and two assistants, Caroline Bennett and Julie Ciaramitaro. “I have an incredibly talented staff that really focuses on supporting our clients,” Joe says. “We have a seamless process in place, and when I receive a call from a potential client, they meet with me directly. I’m able to handle a high volume of business because I am able to delegate duties to my staff who genuinely cares and we’re able to work closely together to support our clients.” Beyond his collaborative approach, Joe cites industry knowledge and forthright communication as some of the core tenets of his working style. “I listen to my clients,” Joe says. “Whether I’m working with a buyer or a seller, I focus foremost on what my clients’ needs and goals are. I always look at the transaction from their perspective. I always put their needs first and I never sell something to a client that I don’t believe in.” All told, Joe has managed to drive roughly 80% of Top Agent Magazine

his business through repeat and referral clientele alone—a testament to the lasting relationships he nurtures along the way. “We were the first real estate office in Estero, founded by my father in 1997. Mainly, what sets me apart is my branding, time in the market, referral base, and our high level of experience,” Joe says. “I am able to sell a home faster and for more money. We have a great team here and when people work with us, they realize we create a very stress-free process where things progress smoothly. We have three full-time assistants on-call 24/7, so we’re always reachable with immediate responses to whatever questions a client might have. We’re a very hands-on office and that gives our clients a strong sense of confidence as they go through the process.”

When embarking upon the house-hunting process, Joe applies his in-depth local knowledge to ensure buyers benefit from a comprehensive overview of Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

each locality. “I know every single community in and out,” he says. “When I meet with my clients, I consider what type of pricing and lifestyle they’re looking for, down to the detail—from whether they play golf or want a pool, to whether they’re looking for a single-story home or otherwise. When listing with clients, we discuss their timeline and get all the information necessary to time their transition properly.” In fact, from buyers to sellers, countless clients have shared their winning experiences alongside Joe. One client who sold his house with Joe in May 2018 had this to say about his experience: “I was very impressed with Joe and his team during the process of selling our home. His market insight, strong work ethic, and strong investment in marketing our home resulted in an offer after only twelve days. Joe was always available to answer our questions, and update us on any and all developments. Joe’s marketing is simply incredCopyright Top Agent Magazine Copyright 10

ible, I had my home listed with another agent for one year and Joe sold it in one week. I would highly recommend Joe to anyone looking to sell or buy a home in Southwest Florida.” On the buyer’s side of the closing table, another of Joe’s clients remembered him for his detail-oriented service and above and beyond delivery: “As out-of-state buyers, Joe and his team provided incredibly invaluable local assistance with our second home buying process. He and his team went above and beyond in providing real estate broker assistance.

They guided my wife and I through the entire buying process: finding suitable sites, selecting our best choices, financing options, closing process, and even provided incredibly helpful post-closing assistance, like transferring utilities and providing us with an exhaustive list of local service providers. They really made a difficult process pain-free, relaxing, and enjoyable! Joe is top on my list!”

Top Agent Magazine

Joe’s approach to marketing is similarly detailed and includes a variety of cutting-edge tools that showcase listings in their finest light. Beginning with a home assessment to ensure homes are market-ready, Joe then leverages professional photography, drone video, and 3D Matterport tours to ensure listing presentations are both high-quality and immersive. From there, exposure across the leading online listing platforms and social media, through video postcards, and on Joe’s highly-trafficked website ensure online visitors are courted Top Agent Magazine

in style. Whether customizing marketing materials for television, smartphones, magazines, or otherwise, Joe’s approach is comprehensive and attuned to detail.

In the community, Joe gives back through a variety of local and regional charities and organizations, including sponsorships for Super Kids, New Horizons, the Florida Stingrays, Alico Family Golf, the Literacy Council, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Southwest Florida Family Businesses, and the Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

American Heart Association’s Circle of Red. When he finds spare time beyond the office, Joe most enjoys time spent with his family and loved ones— his wife, Jenn, and their children Joey, Juliana, and Jacob. He also enjoys Florida’s idyllic outdoors and staying active.

Finally, with nearly two decades of superlative service under his belt, Joe Pavich Jr. considers what he values most about his chosen path. “Every day is different and that keeps things fun and challeng-

ing. It’s so rewarding to meet a buyer or seller’s timing on a transaction to make it as seamless as possible. A lot goes on behind the scenes, and we take our roles seriously,” he says. “Beyond that, it’s incredibly rewarding to build lasting relationships with my clients. People continue to come back to me and work with me because they trust my team and me, and know that I will get the job done. It’s so rewarding that my clients rely on me to help make a milestone decision like buying or selling a home.”

To learn more about Joe Pavich Jr., email pavich123@gmail.com, visit joepavichjr.com, call (239) 910 - 0304, or visit https://property.mibor.com/profile/35331 his Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram www.

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mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

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

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

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

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

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Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

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

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

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

Your Local Community

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

Use Your Creativity to Connect

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

Share Your Hobbies

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

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

Divulge Interesting Experiences

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

What and Who Inspires You

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

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

that will draw in a broad range of followers.

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

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MESHELL PERRY Top Agent Magazine

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MESHELL PERRY

A fifth generation Jacksonville resident, Meshell Perry has a deep love for her town. “I was born and raised here, my daughter was born here and so was my granddaughter,” she explains. “So I just know this area really well.” When it came time to find a new career path, she decided to look into real estate. “I was in sales my entire life, but was looking for a change,” she says.

“My daughter was also, so we both decided to get our real estate licenses.” Meshell quickly fell in love with it, and began pursuing it full-time in 2017. She prioritizes her customers’ needs and does everything possible to get them towards their goals.

and Personal attention.” When hiring Meshell, buyers and sellers can rest assured they are working with a true professional. “I just do my best for everyone,” she says. “I always answer my phone, at any time of the day.”

Meshell guides each customer throughout the transaction, leaving no questions unanswered.

“I’m honest, and I try to really hold people’s

Often referring to herself as MRS. BP, Meshell’s talent for what she does is unparalleled. “My husband is Brent Perry, but the individual letters in that name also represent my skills: Marketing, Renovation, Staging, Broker, 18

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hands and walk them from A to Z through the process.” This has resulted in a growing portion of her business deriving from repeats and referrals, as buyers and sellers truly appreciate the clarity during what can be a stressful time. By communicating frequently and making sure each customer is prepared for the next step, Meshell makes the process as easy as possible.

When it comes to advertising, Meshell also exceeds expectations, marketing her listings in various ways. “I post each property on the MLS, which syndicates out to hundreds of websites. I also do social media, Homesnap, and paid advertising on Google.” She is always thinking of creative ways to spread the word about her listings, which includes ads on navigation app Waze. “When someone comes to a stop sign or stop light, my house will pop up.”

Meshell’s slogan and photo can be seen at two local CVS pharmacies as well.

After the transaction, customers leave glowing reviews about their time together.

One recently said, “Meshell handled my requests professionally blended with a sense of humor, just the right mix to ease my mind. She did a wonderful job of getting the house on the market and fielding all the requests. Thank you for the effort and laughs! Keep up the great work! Gone in a day!”

Meshell plans to continue doing what she’s doing for as long as possible, as it has turned out to be a dream career for her.

“I love helping people, it’s so fun to learn about their goals and accomplish them so they can move onto the next chapter of their lives.”

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“Buy and Sell with Meshell”

visit meshellperry.com, call 904-651-2088 or email meshellperryteam@gmail.com www.

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If it’s good for the soul,

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

Visibility, name recognition and knowing you’re supporting the community that makes your success possible are good reasons to take part in community service. But how is it that some people seem to be able to give time to charities while running their own businesses, managing their own families and households, exercising regularly, attending sporting events and concerts, eating well and sleeping seven or eight hours a night?

The truth is, not all agents are able to do everything so easily. But more important is the fact that no one needs to do everything all of the time. The trick is to make sure that, whatever you do holds meaning.

REALTORS® and mortgage professionals who seem the most gregarious in their community outreach are those whose giving seems to fill their own souls. When their 20

volunteer efforts or donations directly impact causes they or their clients care deeply about, “giving back” becomes energizing.

Jason O’Quinn of Prime Lending in Dallas Texas, for instance, says that his family’s ongoing work building homes for some of the poorest families in Honduras fills him immeasurably. “It rejuvenates me,” he says.

“There’s quite a dichotomy between the houses we build there and the houses we finance here,” he says. “It refocuses me, going from financing $1 million homes in Dallas to physically laying cinderblock for $10,000 homes in Honduras. Everything has more meaning when we sacrificially give of our time, talent and treasure.”

The longtime “big picture” for Colorado REALTOR® and property manager, Linda

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Todd, for instance, has included giving back to the community, whether serving as a lead carpenter for Habitat for Humanity, making deliveries for Meals on Wheels, or pitching in for the sake of baseball. And through her lifelong passion for baseball, she harmoniously blended her personal interests, her work and her community service. For many years, she was so involved Little League the local league named a new field after her. “I cried for 3 days after they told me that!” She and her husband also started a scholarship fund for junior college baseball players and serve as a host family for the rookie league of the Colorado Rockies, putting up newly drafted players in their home.

For Florida REALTOR® and property manager, Mario Gonzalez, neither his business nor his primary community outreach would exist without the other. A retired U.S. Navy pilot, Mario formed his brokerage, Navy to Navy Homes, when he saw a need for military personnel to find affordable homes to purchase. “We got into it to help, but that led to a full-blown real estate business.” Besides providing opportunities for investment and homeownership, the company donates 35% of every commission to Homes for Heroes, veterans’ groups, or organizations benefiting fire, police, medical organizations, churches and homeless shelters. “We’re small, but we give so much back that we were the top Homes for Heroes company in Florida and

top-five nationwide.” But he does none of this for the attention. His friends may call him the “Humble Hero of Heroes,” but helping is Mario’s passion. “To be such a small business and be the top Homes for Heroes affiliate is mind boggling!”

Like Mario, for many, the best service takes place in simple and quiet ways. Illinois REALTOR®, Susie Scheuber, for example, takes a humble approach to giving back. Although she donates a portion of every commission check to the Children’s Miracle Network, she doesn’t discuss this with clients unless they happen to ask. “I do it because I want to and because, to me, giving back is the right thing to do when you’ve been fortunate in business and life,” says Susie.

We all know how inertia works; the more energized we get by certain behaviors, the more likely we are to continue those behaviors. For some top agents, community outreach has become such a natural routine of their daily lives that they never find it burdensome. A good way to add community service into your life, therefore, is through the causes that mean the most to you. For starters, consider giving a small donation after closing to the charity of your client’s choosing. Learning the different causes that they care about just might foster a new mission for you.

If you have a unique story to share about how your community outreach has impacted your life and your business or inspired others, click here for consideration in our magazines: www.topagentmagazine.com/nominate-a-real-estate-agent-to-be-featured Top Agent Magazine

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DENISE TORRES & STEPHANIE MUZZILLO

Known as The Home Team, Denise and Stephanie are both licensed Luxury Real Estate Advisors providing top-notch customer care to a diverse range of clients at every price point.

Since July of 2020, Denise and Stephanie have been working as partners at William Raveis, serving North Palm Beach County, Florida. Known as The Home Team, Denise and Stephanie prioritize client relationships. Both licensed Luxury Real Estate Advisors, Denise and Stephanie serve a diverse range of clients, providing top-notch customer care at every price point. “We work extremely hard for our clients,” Denise says. “We build trust by not pushing them to buy or sell, but by being there for them and providing good counsel. In our experience, things work out how they are meant to work out. Our goal is to give our clients exactly what they’re looking for.”

Denise and Stephanie have built a thriving business, much of which stems from repeat clients and 22

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referrals. Emphasizing relationships and personal service, Denise and Stephanie take great care to keep in touch with their past clients. “We believe in communicating and keeping ourselves as an ongoing resource to our clients,” Denise says. Using a customized plan, Denise and Stephanie reach out at least once a month, through phone calls, notes, or give-aways, such as Thanksgiving flowers. “We’re the kind of agents who know what is happening in our clients’ lives,’’ Denise says. “We stay in touch in genuine ways, such as when they’ve experienced a life event, like the birth of a child or grandchild.

We’re real people working real hard, and our clients see and appreciate that.”

Denise Torres and Stephanie Muzzillo both worked in education before turning to their passion of real estate full time. What Denise and Stephanie find the most fulfilling about real estate is the chance to help people. “We enjoy the process,” Denise says.

“We’re goal-oriented and high achieving. We get lots of calls from folks who talked to a Realtor who said they couldn’t help them, and we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our clients, accommodating their schedules, being available to them night and day.”

Passionate about the communities they serve, Denise and Stephanie are active philanthropists, and have supported local baseball teams and underprivileged schools. “Education is very close to our hearts,” Denise says. They have also put on local events for neighborhoods, such as an ice cream social that allowed the community to gather and build connections.

With their ambition, skill, and a strong model for success, Denise and Stephanie plan to keep growing. Soon, they will move into a larger office, which will allow them to expand their team and provide mentorship to new agents. “I can’t tell you how lucky I was to have a mentor like I did,” Denise says. “She had high expectations, which helped me prosper. I look forward to the opportunity to become a mentor myself. I want to pay it forward and give back to this business that has given me so much.”

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To find out more about The Home Team, call Denise Torres at 305-360-6194 or email Denise.Torres@raveis.com, call Stephanie Muzzillo at 551-427-9492 or email Stephanie.Muzzillo@raveis.com or visit raveis.com/thehometeam www.

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5 Tips to Make New Hires

a Long-lasting Success Bringing a new employee into the mix is process commonly known as onboarding. The idea behind onboarding is to make the transition from new hire to team member as efficient and pain-free as possible. However, polling shows that some 31% of entry-level and intermediate level hires leave their new posts within just six months of starting. The question is: why?

The hiring and training process is time-intensive and doesn’t come cheap. This means that mak24

ing a good match for the long haul requires more than just assessments of skill and personality. To ensure a talented new hire sticks around and is truly positioned for success, the onboarding process must be executed with the same care applied during hiring. For a few ideas on how to make the most of the onboarding process, consider the tenets below as you guide your new hire toward long-lasting success within your company.

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1. Be honest about the scope of the role Let’s say you’re looking to add a new buyers agent or loan processor to your team. You write up the position’s responsibilities, but neglect to mention that you want the new hire to handle a host of administrative tasks, as well. Maybe it doesn’t seem important enough to outline in detail, as it’s the sort of thing the rest of your does. Miscommunications like these are a leading reason why new hires leave their roles.

If there isn’t clarity and transparency about a position’s true responsibilities, then new hires may become quickly disillusioned and seek out greener pastures.

2. Build in some perks While stocking the breakroom with bagels every Friday may seem like a small gesture, it’s often those little morale-boosting moves that build loyalty and comradery among the team. Bike-to-work incentives, subsidized gym memberships, and benefits that match the needs of your employees—all are ways to demonstrate appreciation and investment in your team.

Likewise, the right candidate will return the favor and invest his or her energies into their new role.

3. Get a sense of big-picture career plans Another reason new hires move on may have nothing to do with you or your office. In fact, many hires in entry-level or even intermediate roles have doubts about their long-term vision.

That’s why it’s important to be upfront from the beginning regarding a candidate’s five-year plan and ultimate dream job. Maintain realistic Top Agent Magazine

expectations when asking these questions, but use it as an opportunity to gage a candidate’s seriousness about the real estate or mortgage industry. Why this line of work over another?

Emphasizing industry longevity and career growth during the interview process can save you drama down the road.

4. Keep the lines of communication open Take a proactive approach in communicating with your new hire. Take time to check in regularly during the first six months of his or her addition. If you can, make time to train new hires yourself—if only for a part of the onboarding process. You’ll forge a deeper professional bond and create an avenue for further questions. All in all, make it clear that you’re personally invested in their presence and talents, and that you care what they have to say. That way, if any issues or doubts arise, you can stay on top of it and work out a solution, rather than lose a new employee.

5. Give new hires meaningful work to do It’s natural to keep the kid-gloves on with new hires, but don’t let that stop you from giving them a chance to shine. New team members will feel empowered and motivated if given meaningful projects to focus on. Don’t relegate their daily duties to busy work as they build experience. Instead, task new teammates with something challenging, or that draws on a specific skill you hired them for. You’ll instill confidence, demonstrate your commitment to their growth, and with any luck—keep them around for the long haul.

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JEFFREY THOMAS

“Every day is different,” Top Agent Jeffrey Thomas says.

“I love the fact that I get to go out and be active, and interact with people and learn from them constantly. I’m extroverted and a people person, and it’s just a perfect fit.”

Three months ago, Jeffrey Thomas left his job in IT Sales and took the plunge into real estate, moving to St. Petersburg to join a good friend’s brokerage. He has been hard at work trying to kick start his career, and his progress over such a small amount of time is nothing short of impressive. Jeffrey has sold 6 homes so far, with 4 more pending, and he is on track to close between 15 and 20 million dollars in total volume by the end of the year. He has built his business on the foundation of professionalism and excellent communication, and the future is bright for his burgeoning real estate career.

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With a heavy sales background and a particularly outgoing personality, Jeffrey goes the extra mile when it comes to self-promotion.

He is big on cold calls and door knocking, and leverages his natural charisma to attract clients to his business. This has allowed him to garner a following early on in his career, despite having built his career from the ground up in a brandnew city.

When interacting with clients, Jeffrey makes it a priority to be both transparent with his information and responsive to clients’ questions. “I answer every call and email promptly - I know Copyright Top Agent Magazine

it’s important to my clients,” Jeffrey says.

He doesn’t want any of his clients to feel left in the dark, and he does his best to explain the transaction process thoroughly to each of them, so that they are prepared to embark on the real estate journey together. Jeffrey is working hard to build his referral business, and is making strides to exceed clients’ expectations when it comes to communication and hit the mark on the value folks want from their real estate service.

Jeffrey is big on advertising, and goes above and beyond to market his listings through the MLS and open houses. In this sellers’ market, Jeffrey’s homes typically sell within one or two days, and he feels confident that he can give his sellers efficient sales at competitive prices. Jeffrey is trustworthy and a hard worker, and consistently gets results for his clients.

Working as a Realtor has been a huge boon for Jeffrey’s life – he is enthusiastic about his work because of the flexibility and diversity of experiences that it offers, as well as the opportunity to meet so many different people throughout the week. “Every day is different,” Jeffrey says. “I love the fact that I get to go out and be active, and interact with people and learn from them constantly. I’m extroverted and a people person, and it’s just a perfect fit.”

In his free time, Jeffrey loves spending time on the beach to surf, boat, and fish. For the future of his business, he looks forward to establishing a solid customer base in his new location and bringing his brand of professional service to as many folks as possible in the area. If you’re looking for an energetic new Realtor in Florida, look no further than Jeffrey Thomas!

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Contact Jeffrey at 843-534-8210 or email jeffrey@hartneyrealtyfirm.com

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AUDREY BENASSI With fifteen years in the business, Audrey Benassi has seen it all. She started her real estate career doing condo conversions in Orlando and transitioned into selling new construction before tackling a more diverse range of transactions, and took her talents to Keller Willams in 2009. Audrey’s career has grown astronomically over the years – she closed 163 transactions in 2018, which put her at Number 2 in Broward County and Number 118 in the country, and has been a Top 100 Agent in Central Florida and South East Florida since 2013. Audrey works incredibly hard to sustain her business and continue her expansion, all while maintaining the quality of customer service that made her such a sought after Realtor® in the first place.

Audrey finds that communicating and building trust with her clients is essential to successfully navigating a transaction. She is fluent in French and Spanish as well as English, and works with a wide variety of clients, including many moving from other countries.

She focuses on building a lasting relationship with each client she meets, in order let them rest a little easier and earn their confidence. “I’m straightforward with my clients, I want them to be well-informed, but I also know how stressful this process can be,” Audrey says. “I like to crack a joke with my clients and make sure they’re comfortable moving forward.” Audrey’s ability to reduce her clients’ stress and garner trust has made her an agent people love working with in South Florida – she receives almost all of her business through referrals, as people recognize that she truly takes their best interests to heart.

A big piece of value that Audrey provides to her clients is her incredibly deep wealth of knowledge surrounding all things real estate. She’s dealt in a diverse range of properties, including a recently expanded luxury division, and she’s been working in her area long enough to be intimately familiar with local market trends. The diversity of experiences that Audrey has Top Agent Magazine

under her belt makes her an asset to any client who chooses to work with her.

Audrey is a results-oriented Realtor® who aggressively pursues leads and information that will help her clients accomplish their real estate goals. “My clients can tell that I’m a go-getter. I think they feel safe with letting me handle their business because of it,” she says. Audrey takes a light-hearted approach to interacting with her clients, but she stays on the job as well, having closed at least 80 transactions each year for the past few years. She works practically non-stop, and that work has paid off, as she is one of the most prominent Realtors® across Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties.

A pillar of her community, Audrey is heavily involved with various local organizations, and in particular engages in support for first responders in order to thank them for their service. She’s raised $100,000 for first responders over the last decade, including organizing an event at Tradewinds Park in 2018 where $27,000 was raised. For the future of her business, Audrey hopes to continue excelling and putting up big numbers, and to expand her team to help her along the process!

To learn more about Audrey Benassi, please call 561-319-0268, email audrey@benassigroup.com or visit benassigroup.com www.

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GLENN RICE A lifelong resident of Miami, Glenn Rice grew up around real estate. His mother is a Realtor who managed rental properties, and coming of age, Glenn was included in their family business. While he would continue to serve as a part-time Realtor for many years, he began his career as a chef instead, working in Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York and Miami. But following the birth of his son, he found himself seeking a new path that spoke to his passion for helping others while leaving time for his growing family. At last, he decided to switch tracks and become a full-time agent.

Currently, Glenn is a Realtor for Keller Williams Capital Realty, where he services clients throughout Miami and all of South Florida. Since starting out, he has cultivated a distinct workflow around values of integrity and open communication, earning Rookie of the Year honors at his offices in 2020. “It’s been a truly great year,” he says.

“Thankfully, the background with my family business and my years in the hospitality industry have given me all the tools I needed to transfer into sales.”

When listing a home, Glenn prefers a personalized approach. After helping each client ready their property for the market, he broadcasts it over both the local MLS and a blend of targeted social media campaigns.

Utilizing the innovative Luxury Committee in his office, he gives his sellers an added advantage through listings in high-end magazines, ensuring a nationwide reach. Meanwhile, Glenn leverages his extensive background in property management to empower his buyers, carefully navigating them to the right investment for their needs. Through an acute attention to detail and a tireless work ethic, he takes time to foster the relationship with every client, advocating their best interests from start to finish. “I’ve been involved with the real estate industry for over twenty years,” he says.

“When I assist my clients, I can give them access to that knowledge and insight so they can make informed decisions on their future.”

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Since getting started in 2020, Glenn has built a fantastic reputation throughout the Miami area, with the near-entirety of his transactions coming from referrals within his sphere. As his volume maintains its steady growth, however, he remains focused on what matters most: the people. “When I was in the restaurant industry, I enjoyed interacting with customers above all else,” he says. “Today, I’ve been able to translate that passion over to real estate.” Then he adds, “But I also enjoy the hustle, negotiation, and business aspect of our industry.”

Outside his career, Glenn is tremendously active in his community. As a volunteer at Keller Williams Red Day events, he participates in numerous local outreach opportunities, including silent auctions to raise funds for those in need, programs for Veterans, and even animal rescue outings to the Redlands. When he’s not with clients or giving back, he enjoys spending quality time at home with his wife and infant son. Going forward, Glenn also has a bold vision for the future of his business. As he starts growing his team, he intends on deepening his work with Miami’s luxury real estate and investment markets.

But in the meantime, he is more than satisfied with the fulfilling career and family life he has established in his beloved hometown.

For more about Glenn Rice email glenn.r.rice@kw.com, visit glennrice.kw.com or call (305) 519-1281 http://

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Is Starting a Team the Right Solution for your Business?

You’ve started your own real estate business and after a slow start, you’ve found your footing and business has really taken off. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Until maybe you’re getting more business than you can handle. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice service for more listings. The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in Top Agent Magazine

business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that. But, at the same down, you don’t want to turn down business either. It’s at this point, a lot of Realtors® consider starting a team. But, how do you know if that’s the right call for you? Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself to help make your decision.

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The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that.

CAN YOU AFFORD IT? First things first, are you really making enough money to warrant hiring help? One of the key things to think about is your ability to generate leads. Are you so busy with your existing contracts, that you have no spare time to generate more business? Then, it might be time to consider your options. Figure out the time you’ll be afforded to generate more business, how many more transactions that will lead

to, and then see if that pays for the assistant’s wages. That should help you easily see if it’s worth the investment. If it’s on the border, you may still want to go for it if you have a lot of confidence in the market and your ability to bring in business. If you’re not quite there yet though, it might be a good idea to look into a virtual assistant until your business is ready to expand.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A TEAM LEADER? Or in other words, how comfortable are you delegating tasks and responsibilities? For some agents, they need to be actively involved in every step of the process. Being a team leader is not only about being able to delegate, it’s about mentoring and guiding your team as well. Not only do you have to help them serve the team

better, you need to look at yourself honestly too, constantly evaluating what you can do better. It’s also your job to set up systems and operations, that are constantly refined with the feedback of your team members. Clear and constant communication is key with your clients as well as your team.

CAN YOU FIND PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR VISION? Of course, the above two points are moot, if you’re unable to find people that you trust and that share your business’ philosophy. Having a supportive and professional team culture is instrumental in a team’s success. These are people you will be working with closely for long hours so you not only need to trust in their expertise and professionalism, you want to find people with a positive attitude. You will all be relying on each other to create seamless trans32

actions in sometimes stressful circumstances.

Having the right team spirit, so to speak, is what will help your business and team grow.

The ultimate goal of a team is to have thriving careers for everyone on board.

So, if you want to see your business grow maybe a team is right for you. It may even give you a little free time for a personal life. We can all dream, can’t we?

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KATHY IRVIN With a passion for houses and helping people, Kathy Irvin was drawn to the real estate industry in 1988. “I was a single mom, and I remember someone saying I should look at going into this business,” Kathy says. “So I decided to earn my license and get started.” She hit the ground running straight away, providing superior service and guidance to every buyer and seller. Today a large portion of her business derives from repeat clients and referrals, which stands as a testament to her unparalleled experience and support.

Having earned many accolades, including Quality Service Award 2016-2017, Quality Service Pinnacle Award 2017-2020, Gold Eagle Award 2015, Silver Eagle Award 2016-2017, Platinum Eagle Award 2018-2020, and Masters Ruby Award 2019, she truly goes above and beyond to keep clients happy. “My slogan is, ‘Your satisfaction is my success,’ because I’m very focused on making sure people are satisfied. It’s what I strive for.”

Serving Florida’s Polk County and surrounding regions, she continually exceeds expectations and has developed a solid reputation for getting clients towards their goals.

Whether she’s assisting a buyer in purchasing their first home, or developing a game plan for selling a property, Kathy takes every client step by step and leaves no questions unanswered. As one of the Top 100 REALTORS® in the State of Florida, and a Peer Certified Reputable Agent, clients can rest assured the process will go smoothly. For buyers, Kathy takes the time to understand exactly what they are looking for, and never gives up until that home is found. Once it’s time to negotiate, she ensures they are getting the best deal possible. Meanwhile, sellers enjoy state-of-the-art marketing, with their listing going out to every major social media platform and real estate sites. “I do a lot of targeted marketing, especially if the home has a specific niche like a vacation rental,” she says. It’s clear she’s doing everything right, as she completes an average of 30 to 40 transactions each year, with 45 being her goal for 2021.

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After working with Kathy, clients love to spread the word about her work.

One recently said, “Kathy is the best REALTOR®. We sold 2 houses and bought a house with Kathy, she will work hard for you and is there for you at every step of the way . I would highly recommend her to anyone! If you need to buy or sell, Kathy is the only one for you!” Another wrote, “She’s fantastic, I highly recommend her!

She’s knowledgeable, warm and cares for her clients as if they were family. She’s on top of what needs to be done and is there with you through the entire process.”

When Kathy isn’t working, she’s staying involved in the community. “I try to take part in Lake Wales’ events, like car shows, farmer’s markets, anything that I see going on,” she says. Kathy is also the secretary for the Lake of the Hills Community Center. During any free time, she’s cooking gluten-free and vegan dishes, going fishing on the lake, or learning new ways to utilize technology in her business.

As Kathy looks ahead, she wants to continue growing and eventually hire an assistant. “Someday I would like to have a small team,” she says. Wherever her path leads, she is loving every minute of her work. “It’s what I love to do, I find it so rewarding to see my clients happy, and to make it an interesting, fun and stress free experience for them.”

For more information about Kathy Irvin, call 863-632-9127 or email kathy.irvin@c21.com

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LIZ BELL Liz started working in real estate in 1984, before she had even graduated from high school. Back then, her first job in a realty office was pulling listings off the dotmatrix system that was used in those days.

As a single mother of three and pursuing a career in engineering, Liz came back to real estate fulltime in 2004 and has been growing her business ever since.

Today, Liz is a REALTOR® in Oxford, Florida with NextHome KD Premier Realty serving clients in the Lake County area. Over sixty percent of her business is derived from repeat and referral clients.

Liz can sum up what keeps clients coming back to work with her in one word: “Trust. A one-hundred percent trust that I’m looking out for their benefits.”

Working almost exclusively with clients over fifty-five, Liz explains, “I value the fact that they’ve worked very hard for their dollar and want to help them put their home in perspective with what their lives and financial future look like and what they want to do.”

Her ability to put her clients’ interests first helps sets Liz apart from other agents in the eyes of homebuyers and sellers. “I look at what the client needs and try to get there, and if I can’t, I’m very honest about it,” Liz says. “I need to have that rapport. Ninety-nine percent of the time we create a relationship from the get-go.”

walkthroughs previewing and promoting each upcoming open house. Liz also has a local’s edge in her understanding of the Lake County market and averages $10 million in volume annually. “Knowing what my market is, and knowing where to price something sets me apart.”

As a realtor who cares about her community, Liz stays involved in goings-on in her neighborhood, volunteering her time to help her elderly neighbors in their dayto-day lives.

Fitness also plays a key role in Liz’s work-life balance.

When she’s not working, she exercises daily at the gym with a core group of workout friends, and in her spare time also enjoys gardening and renovating her home.

Looking to the future of her business, Liz hopes to retire in ten years. When considering her next moves, she looks to do what will provide the best investment for her and her clients, whether that means growing her business further by forming a team or remaining focused on providing amazing service to her clients as a solo agent.

“As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve learned that it’s all about balance. Smaller is sometimes better, truly giving people your time is really essential.”

Building on those relationships beyond closing a transaction, Liz stays in touch with past clients, reaching out daily with phone calls, birthday cards, customer appreciation parties and popping over to their residence for a quick hello.

When it comes to listing your home with her you are her number-one priority. Marketing is not taking a photo and putting it into the MLS and hoping for it to sell. She creates a strategic marketing plan using geo-farming and targeting. Her properties garner a broad online audience through Facebook ads and video 34

Find out more at lizzybellrealtor.com.

Connect with Liz at 352-446-4843, or email lizbell@kdpremierrealty.com www.

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Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

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

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