FLORIDA 8-8-22

FLORIDA EDITION

Top Agent Tips and Questions for

CHOOSING YOUR LISTING AGENT COVER STORY

MICHAEL LACHANCE

7 Simple Tips that are Proven to Help You

STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION CREATIVE MEDITATION for the Real Estate Professional FEATURED AGENTS

JAKE BESTIC SARAH BROCKNER BRADY PEVEHOUSE JILL STONE

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

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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

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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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MICHAEL LACHANCE

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Top Agent Michael Lachance received the Rookie Of The Year Award from RE/MAX. Today in 2022, he’s in the Top 1% of Realtors with his new brokerage LoKation Real Estate and can proudly claim, “I’ve had a sale in pretty much every city in Palm Beach & Broward Counties!”

Michael Lachance of Boca Raton, Florida, grounds his real estate business in a simple combination of candor and unparalleled service. Michael’s Business Motto is “If you take care of people, everything else takes care of itself.” Michael attributes much of his success to attentive communication skills, local area knowledge, and being equipped with highly effective negotiation strategies. These have been the cornerstones that have helped Michael 8

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forge a business that is ninety two percent repeat and referral clients, and he is eager to welcome anyone and everyone to experience the joy of living in sunny South Florida!

His service-oriented approach can be attributed to his many years in the restaurant industry, where he started as a busboy, and gradually worked his way to managing top performing stores. After years of grueling hours and Top Agent Magazine

capped earnings, he decided to go all in on the real estate industry, and became a fully licensed REALTOR®. In 2017, his first year as a full-time agent, Michael received the Rookie Of The Year Award from RE/MAX. Today in 2022, he’s in the Top 1% of Realtors with his Top Agent Magazine

new brokerage LoKation Real Estate and can proudly claim, “I’ve had a sale in just about every city in Palm Beach & Broward Counties!

I’m born and raised in south Florida and know the region very well. I go wherever I can help people.’’

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“We have some of the best weather in the country, we have some of the lowest taxes in the country, and I see plenty of people coming here because we are one of the least restrictive states in the country. A lot of people come here for those three things. Plus, you’re never far from the beach!”

Michael’s passion for helping is matched by his enthusiasm for Southern Florida, and he revels in spreading that pleasure at every turn.

“Pretty much everyone I work with is unfamiliar with my area. Just about every day I get a call from families in California, New Jersey or New York among other places. I tell everyone ‘We have some of the best weather in the country, we have some of the lowest taxes in the country, and I see plenty of people coming here because we are one of the least restrictive Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

states in the country.’ A lot of people come here for those three things. Plus, you’re never far from the beach!” This recipe draws interested parties from all over, and Michael’s expertise ensures homeowners and investors alike get the most out of their experiences.

Paired with Michael’s geographic flexibility and regional insights is his eighty-one-point marketing plan, which includes a robust digital footprint, as well as advertising on the Top Agent Magazine

ground through phone calls, mailers, and open houses. “There’s no need to reinvent the wheel here – we know these things are working. I would rather be interacting with people face to face; helping people find their dream homes, Top Agent Magazine

or transition to the next chapter. I always say, ‘I’m helping people move their memories to a new location.’” He keeps this collective spirit alive by hosting events for past clients: in March of 2022, he celebrated with a carnival Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

themed event with a petting zoo, live music, a caricature artist, and a cash giveaway raffle to over thirty winners!

Beyond his own clients, Michael goes to great lengths to ensure that the larger community in Southern Florida benefits from his industry.

He has contributed to organizations such as Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital, Feed The Children Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity, along with other charitable causes. He’s eager for upcoming opportunities that will help him “keep growing, and help people level up in life – that’s my true calling!”

To learn more about Michael Lachance, visit LaChanceKnowsHomes.com, call 754-423-2905 www.

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7 Simple Tips that are Proven to Help You Stay Ahead of the Competition So you’ve created a successful business, congratulations! You probably did it by providing an unsurpassed level of customer service that not only meets customer expectations but exceeds them in a way that has made you stand out from the rest. As anyone can tell you, starting a successful business is not easy.

Now comes the even harder part. Not only sustaining that high level of performance, but continuing to grow and outpace the competition. There is no resting on your laurels in a competitive business market. Companies that stay successful for the longterm, make an active effort to keep on top. Here are just a few ways you can do the same.

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1. Know the competition It’s not enough to know what you excel at or what makes you unique, you need to know what your competitors are offering that makes them stand out. This serves two purposes: it will allow you to more clearly define your differences, or it may help you identify an area that you hadn’t considered before, opening up a potentially new way in which you can excel above the rest.

2. Know your customers You might know your clientele very well, but as economic conditions change, so does your

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customer’s needs. What might have been a priority a year ago, won’t be if we are in the midst of an economic downturn, for example.

As a business owner you should always be evaluating your strategies in every area constantly, knowing what your customer wants and needs from you is key. In fact you should be using your expertise to analyze potential market changes and anticipate those needs to stay ahead of the curve.

3. Have a strong understanding on what makes you unique Once you accomplish the first two, you should have a clear idea of what unique advantage you offer people. This needs to be clear to everyone, so you can then take that idea and run with it. Find your niche and then market yourself with a focus on that idea. If you have a clear thing you’re selling, it is well worth the investment to market yourself to the hilt with that in mind.

5. Think like your competitors One way your competitors looks to gain customers is by potentially taking yours. It goes without saying, you don’t want to let that happen. You’ve probably built great relationships, so really maintain those relationships by not only providing great service, but service that truly goes above and beyond. Find ways to give more to your customers. You might even want to start offering surveys, where your clients can tell you exactly what they’d like to see.This makes your clients not only feel heard, but blown away when you implement any changes they suggest.

6. Look for untapped markets Don’t settle for maintaining what you have, there could be untapped markets out there.

If you don’t get to them, your competitors will. So even if they come eventually, hopefully you’ll already be the dominate force in that market.

4. Keep up to date

7. Be a great boss

This goes for everything from technology to systems, marketing, and even your own personal image. If you have a brick and mortar location, you want to also keep things looking fresh and modern there, as well. First impressions are important for a reason. Everything about your business should tie into your marketing and branding. What are you selling and does everything line up to support that, from your business cards to your social media pages. Remember the key to branding and marketing is a consistent message.

One of the best things you can do to keep ahead of the rest, is by being a company where top talent and motivated newcomers want to be. Be the company that offers more than a competitive paycheck. Be a place that fosters talent, and offers scheduling and compensations packages that appeal more to people who think outside of the box. This will attract more innovative thinkers who value flexibility. Not only will you benefit from their talents, more importantly, your competition won’t.

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JAKE BESTIC After receiving a Marketing degree from Miami University in Oxford, OH, Jake Bestic found out about how well an acquaintance of his was doing in real estate in Jacksonville Florida. At the time, the idea of being someplace warm and sunny sounded really nice. “I was scraping ice off the windshield of my car for the third or fourth straight morning, and it was in late March or early April. At that point, after living in Ohio for the first 25 years of my life, I decided to make the move to Florida.” That was in 2005. Since then, Jake has been building his real estate business in Jacksonville. Specifically in Ponte Vedra Beach and surrounding areas, which are upscale communities in Northeast Florida between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

listing. It’s more about getting the property priced correctly from the start, spending the money for superior photography, and then creating a strong sense of urgency to drive up the sale price. The tough part of the job is problem-solving and overcoming hurdles that pop up after the signing of the purchase contract, all the way through to the closing of the sale. That’s where a good agent is worth their weight in gold.” Jake’s annual sales volume averages around $10 million and he is currently on pace to meet his goal of $15 million in sales in 2022.

Around 50 percent of Jake’s current business is sourced from word-of-mouth and referrals from past clients, which he attributes to his commitment to a superior level of service. “I try to make every transaction as smooth and hassle-free as possible and I’m proud that I have over 100 five-star reviews online. When my clients have an excellent experience, they are happy to leave me a great review online… And those reviews are what drive me to give 110% every time I help a client, whether they are selling or buying, no matter what price range they are in.

Having past customers that are raving fans results in future business.”

Jake has been actively involved in the local community as a youth baseball coach and as a community partner at the local elementary school for 5 years straight, which included sponsoring school events and thousands of dollars in donations to the school each year. He also donates regularly to the HEAL foundation, a local non-profit for autism awareness. His favorite thing to do outside of work is to find ways to relax & recharge.

Relaxing at home, hanging out with his kids, a good book on the beach, or an occasional round of golf are his go-to activities when he takes a break from work. “Real estate agents work long hours including weekends so it’s very easy to get burned out in this industry, so I spend most of my free time just trying to unwind and enjoy some peace & quiet. Vacation time is absolutely crucial, and I try to make sure I’m getting those days off on my calendar so I can maintain peak performance.”

Jake has a relationship with most of the top agents in the area, which stems from his 15+ years of experience in the local market. “The highly productive agents in our market all know each other and have worked on transactions together in the past, so we market to one another, and let each other know when we have new listings coming up.

With the market right now, there’s not a ton of traditional advertising that needs to be done to promote the sale of a

Jake’s relaxed attitude also shows up in his future business plans. While he has plans for growth and achieving higher goals each year, he has no plans to bring on any agents and start a small team, which has become popular in the industry. He does plan on hiring an administrative assistant this year, allowing him to focus more on his clients and networking. “Right now, I enjoy being a solo agent, so that is the focus of my business plan.”

To find out more about Jake Bestic please call 904-803-1218 Email Jake@PVbeach.com or visit PVbeach.com www.

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SARAH BROCKNER With a background as a personal trainer, Sarah Brockner has the work ethic and team-player attitude that sets her apart as a REALTOR® in Jacksonville, Florida. Originally from New York, Sarah moved to the Sunshine State for her husband’s job, deciding it was also the perfect time to make the switch from the fitness industry to real estate. She’s been representing residential homebuyers and sellers for four years now and currently works with the Agents of Shield, a team started by Kate Shields.

Sarah has clients all across Jacksonville, from the beaches to the rural and historical areas. “There’s something for everyone here and I’ll go wherever my clients need,” she says. It’s this willingness to go the extra mile that keeps bringing her business — 85-90% of her clients are from referrals from past clients, friends, and people who know Sarah. Her motto is “heart and hustle,” which she elaborates on by saying that she loves making people happy and is always available for whatever they need. “I was even doing work in the hospital after my son was born. There’s never a dull moment in this business!” To stay in touch, Sarah sends quick texts, has listing cards printed, and is of course on Zillow with her team. They also do professional photos and videos as well as social media posts.

Fitness may not be her career path anymore, but it’s still a large part of Sarah’s life. When she’s not working, you’ll find her exercising with two separate local running groups. She runs for enjoyment, but she also makes time to give back to the community wherever possible. “The organizer of one group is ex-military and he does this event called Run for the Fallen that we support every year. Jacksonville is a big military community and we are very proud of that,” she explains.

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In addition, Sarah has a 4.5 year old and 2 month old, who keep her and her husband very busy at home. When they go out, they enjoy seeing shows and eating at local restaurants like Wicked Barley Brewing Company, which is right on the water. “You can never get bored of this area. There are all these little cute areas that I love exploring,” she says.

Looking to the future, Sarah’s team has plans to grow, both internally by adding more team members and in volume of clients and homes. With her competitive spirit, she’s always trying to improve, establish new markets, and meet new goals in the industry. Last year, Sarah did just shy of $7 million in sales volume and she’s expecting to exceed that this year. “I’m very goal-oriented and I set a number and work towards it,” she says. “Still, the number one thing is to focus on customer service. The numbers are great, but it’s more about my reputation and how I treat people.”

For more about Sarah Brockner, call 904-422-7075, email sarah@agentsofshieldsteam.com or visit agentsofshieldsteam.com www.

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Creative Meditation

for the Real Estate Professional The real estate world can be an industry of intense emotional and psychological pressure. Deadlines, meetings, employee needs, client needs and a hundred other items on which one needs to focus on a daily basis can create an environment that is not only not conducive to mental well-being, but can be outright detrimental.

Learning to quiet the mind has been the focus of meditation for millennia. While those not familiar with the concept of meditation may instinctively think of yoga mats, incense, and chanting when the word “meditation” arises, there are in fact, many forms of meditation that can integrate quite Top Agent Magazine

easily into the daily hustle & bustle world of the busy real estate agent.

First, think about when you are alone each day. Here are some possible times to practice mediation during the work day: • When driving to the office in the morning • When driving to a showing or to meet a client • Before your open house begins • After the open house • Driving home in the evening 17

Repeating a mantra can be very calming, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts.

These are just five examples of times when you can take advantage of meditation techniques to quiet your mind and, by extension, increase productivity. A calm mind is a more thoughtful, better tuned instrument.

Here are some examples of meditations you can try.

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For when you’re driving, download and listen to any number of audio Guided Meditations available on the internet. YouTube has a generous selection of these, many of which are geared towards success in business.

2 Repeating a mantra can be very calm-

ing, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. It doesn’t matter what words you choose, as long as you feel good about your choice. “I am a success” or “I will approach all of my clients with love today” are two examples. Whatever works for you and gets you into the desired mindset.

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3 Something as simple as listening to pleasant music in your car can be considered meditation, provided it brings you to a place of comfort as opposed to one of spiritual discordance.

4 The most important thing, however, is to take time to find gratitude in everything you do. Count your blessings, be grateful the exciting career in real estate you have built for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered some of these techniques at quieting your mind, you can attempt to find some that work even better for you. Walking, plain silence, or even exercise can have meditative qualities and benefits if practiced on a regular basis.

When you’re truly feeling calm, your clients can sense this. And with this comes the feeling that you can be relied upon to stay focused and calm in any unforeseen circumstances. And in the world of real estate, that’s a highly prized commodity.

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Area Specialist BRADY BRADY PEVEHOUSE PEVEHOUSE It was with his first first house purchase in the 90s that Brady Pevehouse realized that he had the education, discipline, and dedication to do what it would take to be be successful successful in in the the real real estate estate take to market.

Heobtained obtainedhishis license market. He license and and for for nearly 20 years has been an expert nearly 20 years has been an expert guide guide and consultant to hismany many clients. clients. and consultant to his He works with with his his team team of of seven seven agents agents He works to cover coast to coast in central Florida. to cover coast to coast in central Florida. Their Their area includes Orange, Seminole, Brevard, area includes Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Polk, Polk, and Osceola counties and is still in the growand Osceola counties and is still in the growing ing process. This area is known for a large migraprocess. This area is known for a large migration tion of people typically from places far distant of people typically distant from from central Florida.from Thisplaces often far means potential central Florida. often means buybuyers have littleThis knowledge of the potential area and don’t ers have little of the don’t know where to knowledge start in finding the area right and home.

He know where to start in finding the right home.

He recommends them to local agents who know the recommends to local agentsin who the characteristicsthem of each location orderknow to help characteristics of each location in order their to help the client get the property that matches rethe client get property matches their requirements thethe best.

“Therethat is so much diversity quirements the best.

“There is so much diversity in this area and so many variables that it is imin this area andout sothe many variables that it is and important to find lifestyle, employment, portant find out thehas lifestyle, and activitiesto each client so weemployment, can match their activities each client wethat canjust match needs to the right spothas andso find righttheir fit.” needs to the right spot and find that just right fit.”

His client base is about 25% repeat and referral since therebase is not in the His client is much about turnover 25% repeat andextended referral time frames of his client's ownership.

He makes since there is not much turnover in the extended himself available clients ownership. by letting them know time frames of histoclient’s He makes he is there for whatever that might arise. himself available to clientsissue by letting them know “When clients have any problem they know to he is there for whatever issue that might arise. call me.clients I let them I am athey resource ev“When have know any problem knowfor to call erything their house. they arefor going to me. I let about them know I am aIfresource everymake a repair orhouse. modifiIf cation or something that thing about their they are going to make

would big financialor decision, a repairbeor amodification somethingI counsel them make a plan.

Somethat would be to a big financial decision, times it can make more sense move I counsel them to make a plan.toSomeinstead creating an expensive times it of can make more sense toupdate move or remodeling.

We look over the options instead of creating an expensive update and I help themWe make best or remodeling. lookthe over thechoice.” options and I help them make the best choice.”

His marketing strategies involve making each listing has ample to His sure marketing strategies involvetime makbe a minimum ingseen. sure “Our each listings listing have has ample time standard of four days on the market to be seen. “Our listings have a minimum stanpackage offering maximum exposure. We include dard of four days on the market package offering virtual tours, aerial photos, and other professionmaximum exposure. We include virtual tours, al photography. Each property is approached difaerial photos, and other professional photograferently. We include floor-plans with every listphy.because Each property is approached differently.

We ing often people are buying sight unseen. include this floor-plans listing because Having makes it with easierevery to look at photos and often people are buying sight unseen.

Having make a decision.” His strategies are successful and thiswork makes it easierbehind to look photosThe andvolume make his is mostly theatscenes. a decision.”

His strategies are$40 successful and his his team produces is between and 50 million. work is mostly behind the scenes. The volume his team $40 and million.

When notproduces at work, ishebetween is spending time50 with his 9 year old and 5 year old kids taking them on varWhenoutdoor not at work he is spending time his withkids his to9 ious adventures.

Brady wants yearthe oldbenefi and 5ts year old in kids taking them onplans scefeel of being nature.

They have nic spending north shore tours and other outdoor activities. for a month on the road creating plenty of family and of memories.

His They havetime plans forplenty spending a month on thefuture road plans in business for antime evenand greater expansion, creating plenty ofare family plenty of memperhaps to the north, and maybe someday ories. His future plans in business are for angoing even statewide, although he knows this would be a very greater expansion, perhaps to the north, and maybe large undertaking.

Meanwhile, his success has been someday going statewide, although he knows this enough that the American Dream TV network would be a very large undertaking. Meanwhile, has his selected Brady do six episodes featuring Dream agents success has beentoenough that the American in withBrady the fito rstdoepisode about TVdifferent network markets, has selected six episodes Central Coast, which with also ties into featuringFlorida’s agents inSpace different markets, the first his family's love of the outdoors. episode about Space Coast.

TO RE REAC B R ADY U SE: TO A C H BRA DY PPEVEH EV EHO OU SE:

Phone: 407.625.5583 Email: brady@floridaishome.com brady@floridaishome.com 407.625.5583 •• Email: oridaishome.com Website: flfloridaishome.com www.

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with 20

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods Top Agent Magazine

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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JILL STONE With crystal blue waters, soft sandy beaches and warm weather throughout the year, the greater Palm Beach County region is a true paradise. One of its most sought-after towns, Jupiter, has attracted the rich and famous for decades. Its beloved lighthouse, waterfront properties and small community vibes make everyone who visits feel at home. Top real estate agent Jill Stone explains, “Nearly 1,000 people are moving to Florida each day. It is a magical time.”

She was one of those people, relocating from Massachusetts to Tequesta to live near her sister. Leaving a thriving real estate business behind, she was inspired to bring her talents to Palm Beach County after meeting and learning about the local top producing Meyer Lucas Team. “My sister owns a coffee shop, Perk Tequesta, and while I was enjoying a visit I saw the Compass awning across the way,” Jill explains. “I quickly followed and connected with Team Principal and Leader Holly Meyer Lucas on Instagram, learned that our values aligned, and knocked down her door to join her team.” Jill quickly hit her stride, and is now one of Holly’s top senior advisors.

Serving Palm Beach County and specializing in Jupiter, Jill’s superior service and client-first mentality have enabled her to flourish. The Meyer Lucas Team is wellknown in the region and due to Holly’s relationships - they often assist professional athletes and other celebrities with their real estate pursuits. The Meyer Lucas Team’s main goal is to provide a positive experience to everyone they serve, no matter the price point. Jill works diligently to guide each buyer and seller through their transaction, teaching them along the way. When questions are asked, she answers promptly, and is always available to them. With a previous career in sales, Jill understands the importance of excellent customer

service, and prioritizes building lasting relationships with her clients.

This white-glove approach is also apparent in the way the team markets listings.

“Our listing manager is with me from the get go,” Jill says. “We head over to the initial appointment and we implement a strategic plan to draw attention to the special aspects of each property.”

This typically starts with listing a home as ‘Coming Soon,’ then hosting a debut open house weekend on a Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. The team markets heavily on all the top social media platforms and ensures they have the most stunning quality photos. “By implementing all of these techniques, we are setting our sellers up to receive the best possible offers with the best possible terms.” It’s clear this is working, with the team recently closing a record-breaking sale in West Palm Beach.

During her free time, Jill stays active in the community through her sons’ basketball teams, and also participates in weekend beach clean ups. Loving where she lives, Jill enjoys relaxing with her family on the boat or soaking up the sun. “I typically work seven days a week, but at the end of the day, we love to go for a walk on the beach or in the neighborhood.”

Jill is showing no signs of slowing down, with her sights set on continuous growth. She’s started mentoring new agents on the team, and is teaching them the tools and skills they need to keep their clients happy and in return earn referral-based business. “There’s always a way in real estate to prevent most bumps and extinguish ‘fires’ even before they happen.” Her passion for what she does is palpable, and she can’t imagine herself in any other field. “It just feeds my heart and soul to know that I can make a difference in someone’s life.”

For more about Jill Stone, please call 413-237-7052 or email jill.stone@compass.com

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