GEORGIA 1-27-20

GEORGIA EDITION

ADDING VALUE TO LISTINGS

& the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities

RECONSIDER REFERRAL-ONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

FEATURED AGENT

JENNIFER MARTIN

Small Yard?

Big Statement:

How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces

COVER STORY

RYAN LEWIS

GEORGIA EDITION

Allison Beldick is proud to congratulate

Jennifer Martin 6

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MARTIN on beingJENNIFER featured for the state RYAN LEWIS of Georgia in Top Agent Magazine!

CONTENTS ALLISON BELDICK | Senior Mortgage Banker

4) ADDINGNMLS VALUE TO #902007 | Licensed in GA & KY 17) SMALL YARD? 470-481-8700 x 5325 | C:OF 404-788-0705 BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO LISTINGS &O:THE ADVANTAGE allisonbeldick@atlanticbay.com MAKE THE MOST OUT OF IDENTIFYING NEIGHBORHOOD atlanticbay.com/AllisonBeldick MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES AMENITIES www.

6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Bldg 600 S 260, Atlanta, GA, 30328

8) RECONSIDER REFERRALONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

22) 8 THINGS SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE NEVER DO

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Adding Value to Listings & the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities Everyone knows the famous real estate phrase: location, location, location. In fact, it is hard to underestimate the pivotal role that a region can play when it comes to determining a home’s value. In today’s competitive market, the littlest things can truly add up—especially when it comes to neighborhood amenities. While most savvy agents know the figures regarding school 4

district ranking and local property taxes, have you ever considered the under-the-radar amenities that drive buyers and bidding wars? To derive the highest value from a listed home, you need to paint a complete picture of the area in which you’re selling. With that guiding principle in mind, let’s consider a few modern amenities and how they add drastically to your bottom line.

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Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites.

A little can go a long way: restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment

Know thy history: creating a narrative of the neighborhood

Everyone has a favorite take-out spot, coffee shop, or neighborhood watering hole. Identifying the key players in an area—such as restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment hotspots—will create a livable picture that prospective buyers can latch onto. Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites. While a cute coffee shop down the street may seem like a bonus instead of a foundational amenity, you never know what kind of homebuyer you might net if you include the cozy characteristics that make a house a home.

As humans, we’re drawn to narratives. Sales pitches and marketing campaigns hinge on an alluring storyline. That’s why understanding a neighborhood’s history can frame and contextualize a property to great effect. After all, buyers aren’t just drawn to sturdy foundations and bedroom counts; they like to imagine their lives unfolding inside those four walls.

Get a sense of the area’s historical timeline, architectural style, noteworthy community members, and the like. Conveying this intriguing information to buyers helps them connect more personally with a property, while understanding the holistic picture of their potential new home.

From here to there: public transportation and commuter access While this rule may not apply to all properties, considering access to public transportation is a major draw for today’s buyers. Especially amidst the more eco-conscious Millennial segment eager to buy within city limits—knowing public transportation access points and schedules can add serious value to listed properties. Also, think outside the box: do nearby thoroughfares boast dedicated bike lanes? Are there plans to expand rail lines to the area in the future? Deliver a confidant picture of the area’s public transportation access and prospective buyers will trust your expertise.

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While it is always good to cover the basics of school districts and property values, it is even more useful to expand your knowledge base and bring a warm, human element to locational knowledge. Not only will you appeal to a younger demographic of homebuyers who values this strategic information, but you will also broaden your understanding of your service area at large. Think of it this way: a neighborhood is far more than a collection of homes on a block. A neighborhood is about atmosphere, access, and a sense of community. If you authentically appeal to this guiding truth, and buyers will surely rise to the occasion.

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JENNIFER MARTIN With a passion for helping others and a love of real estate, Jennifer Martin has become a top agent in the North Atlanta, Georgia region. She got her start in 1999 purchasing investment properties. “I then went into building spec homes and hired a Realtor. I thought I should try becoming an agent, so I got my license,” Jennifer says. “From there I started helping friends, and eventually expanded and went full time.” It’s now been 13 years since she made it into a career, and she’s loving every second of it.

Working as a solo agent at Affinity Realtors, Keller Williams, a large portion of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

“They come back to me and refer me because I’m responsive and I get them results,” she explains.

“Everyone is happy with my service, especially when they’re a first time home buyer. I make them feel comfortable and get them through the process so they understand what comes next. My clients know I’m taking care of them.” Jennifer stays in touch throughout the journey and makes sure everyone is updated at every step. Even if the client has sold and purchased many homes, Jennifer maintains that clarity and support. She knows they are trusting her with a large purchase or sale, and takes her role very seriously.

“For most people, it’s the most expensive purchase or sale of their lifetime. So it’s very emotional. I am patient and am able to smooth the waters. Many transactions have hiccups, and it’s my job to keep everyone calm and get through it.”

When it comes to marketing her listings, Jennifer also goes above and beyond. She goes through each property and hires a professional stager if needed. A professional photographer comes and takes photos as well as a 3D walk through tour. The property is then advertised online through real estate websites and social media.

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After the transaction, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One said, “Jennifer did an amazing job! Our home sold in 3 weeks and we had not even thought about looking at homes until we had an offer. She was very patient with us and understanding of what we wanted and she looked high and low until we found our dream home. Jennifer was very knowledgeable of all the areas we were interested in and we drug her all over Cumming, Buford, Alpharetta, and Milton....all the while confident we would find exactly what we were looking for. If you are either looking to purchase a home or sell your existing home you need to call Jennifer...she will get the job done and will be by your side every step of the way!”

As Jennifer looks towards the future, she is planning on developing out her team and hiring a buyer’s agent.

No matter how much she grows, she will never tire of this business. “I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from helping each person through the transaction.

I love seeing them happy and knowing I’m getting them to this next stage in life.”

For more about Jennifer Martin, please call 470-258-5315 or email jennifer@affinity-realtors.com, or visit affinity-realtors.com www.

Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine Copyright Top

Allison Beldick is proud to congratulate

Jennifer Martin

on being featured for the state of Georgia in Top Agent Magazine!

ALLISON BELDICK | Senior Mortgage Banker NMLS #902007 | Licensed in GA & KY O: 470-481-8700 x 5325 | C: 404-788-0705 allisonbeldick@atlanticbay.com atlanticbay.com/AllisonBeldick

www.

6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Bldg 600 S 260, Atlanta, GA, 30328 Top Agent Magazine

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Reconsider Referral-Only When Planning for the Future

A 100% referral rate is a testament of client happiness. But even a 30% referral rate is proof of client satisfaction. It’s all relative, say some agents. One number pays tribute to past success, which is certainly a story worth telling. But the other might better predict the future. Many agents plan for the idea that 8

working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector.

Unless you are clairvoyant enough to flawlessly predict every market change or every

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Many agents plan for the idea that working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector. life change that your clients and referral partners may experience, it’s wise to maintain an active marketing presence. The reasons vary, however, depending on the goals and trajectory of each individual’s business.

If long-term success, a growing team, a legacy or expansion into new areas are not priorities, then working a sphere of influence may be enough for some agents, especially those who may be in the industry mostly for the love of the business. But for a majority of agents, no matter how much they love their work, their real estate and mortgage businesses are careers, first and foremost.

Let’s start with the team-builders and mentors. Agents and brokers who are building teams are wise to invest in business marketing, advertising and community outreach. Ty Hutchins, who owns and operates Ty & Company Real Estate in Colorado’s Front Range, says that, while she could personally live off referrals alone, her goal is to build up her agents. “I do the marketing piece for my team, so I can help them succeed,” she says. That marketing includes running commercials on TV and in movies theatres, as well as lead generation that identifies potential buyers, sellers and Top Agent Magazine

investors between the Colorado Springs and Denver markets. Her team’s goal, she adds, is to promote their reputation of being honest, hardworking professionals with the reach of a major brand but the personalized approach of a boutique.

Then there are the growers. Khrista Jarvis and Nicole Jung of The Khrista Jarvis Team in the San Francisco Bay Area, are on a considerable growth track. “We’re the #1 team in our area and the top team in Compass Real Estate nationally,” explains Khrista. While high marks for service on behalf of their clients have led them to these heights, they know that they must continue to evolve and market their brand. “We do a good deal of social media marketing for our listings and for our business,” she says. Their names, therefore, are frequently linked to sentiments of trust, dependability and market knowledge, both in their marketing and in their reviews.

Next, there are those who weathered the worst of times. Susan Roche entered real estate sales in 2003, following several years of property management in North Carolina.

The key to her sustained triumphs through major market swings lies in her long-range planning. “If the market starts to dip or fall,

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I have safety nets in place,” says Susan Roche, team leader of Simply Real Estate, based in Charlotte. “When it’s a seller’s market, I still plan for a buyer’s market and when it’s a buyer’s market I plan for a seller’s market..” In other words, no matter how comfortable her existing work may feel, she networks consistently. She also employs a full-time marketing director who leads several projects including ongoing research, events and social media exposure in addition to listings marketing. By staying ahead of market changes, Susan knows she can unfailingly represent her clients’ best interests while still maintaining a safety net for her business.

Even professionals with more than three decades’ experience and deep referral networks know the importance of business

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marketing. Cathy Richards, co-owner with Nancy Dalaska of Epic-Wasatch Homes in Park City, UT, entered real estate in 1987 and still draws at least a fifth of her business from lead generation, social media marketing and community outreach. Her business partner, Nancy, adds that real estate is about much more than their own business. “We love collaborating and brainstorming with other agents to help them prosper,” says Nancy. “We believe the healthier the market, the better we all are.”

Regardless of market conditions, even the best reputation can’t guarantee long-term success. To sustain and grow, it’s wise to feed your business by increasing exposure, remaining flexible and maintaining systems for customer service, networking, research, marketing and lead-generation.

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RYAN LEWIS Top Agent Magazine

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RYAN LEWIS In the industry for 6 years, Top Agent Ryan Lewis and team — Ryan Lewis & Associates serve all of the metropolitan Atlanta area and boasts an 85% rate of repeat clients and referrals.

After building homes before the recession, a friend asked Ryan Lewis if he ever thought about becoming an agent. This planted the seed in Ryan’s head and he soon earned his real estate license. He’s now been in the industry for 6 years and has a team 12 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

called Ryan Lewis & Associates. With an operations manager and an administrative assistant/agent, Ryan is able to continually exceed expectations. Serving all of the metropolitan Atlanta area, around 85% of his business consists of repeat clients and Top Agent Magazine

referrals. He believes it’s his integrity, more than anything, that helps set him apart from others.

“Our clients know we are always going to have their best interest at heart with every deal,” he explains. “I just wrapped up a call with a first time homebuyer and after Top Agent Magazine

going through the home inspection report I advised him and his wife to continue the search since the home was in need of extensive repairs that the sellers refused to correct. We take the time to understand not only their immediate goals but 5 and 10 year goals to fully comprehend how we can help them build wealth through 13 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“Ryan Lewis and his team were wonderful to work with. Throughout the process, they were patient, communicative (regularly checking in but not overly frequent), and quick to jump on things when I saw houses I wanted to look at or change my search criteria.”

—Testimonial

real estate.” Ryan is always honest and upfront, even if it’s something his clients don’t want to hear. He would rather help his clients make educated choices so they feel confident. “We make sure they have the information they need at their fingertips, and that they understand what their options are.” Throughout the process, Ryan also stays in touch via phone, text and email.

No question is left unanswered, and he is always reachable. After the transaction, he stays in touch periodically as well as reaching out on birthdays and holidays.

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Afterwards, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together.

One recently said, “Ryan Lewis and his team were wonderful to work with.

It took me more than a year to find a house, but that was due to my indecision and lack of time during some parts of the year to take on house-hunting.

Throughout the process, they were patient, communicative (regularly checking in but not overly frequent), and quick to jump on things when I saw houses I wanted to look at or change my search criteria. He and his team took all of my questions and concerns Top Agent Magazine

very seriously. When I did find my house, Ryan and his team guided me through the negotiation period, and he worked closely with my lender and his own contacts to make a two week closing period happen. I always knew the next steps and where we were in the process.�

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When Ryan isn’t working, he’s giving back to his community through his membership on the Agent Leadership Committee and sponsoring events like coat drives and toy drives. He also sponsors Clark’s Kids which gives Christmas gifts to foster children who otherwise wouldn’t receive presents.

As he looks towards the future, he has his sights set on growth. “We want to expand into other areas and add a few new team members.”

There’s no doubt he will love every second of it. “My favorite part about this business is helping people accomplish a goal of their own. It’s so rewarding.”

For more information about Ryan Lewis, please call 678-616-6518 or email ryan@ryanlewisandassociates.com

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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 Top Agent Magazine

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 18

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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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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8

Things Successful People Never Do

There always seems to be people around you who find success with ease, but trust me, that is NOT the case. Although luck can often times play a role in someone’s success, most of the time it’s due to hard work and avoiding bad habits.

The best way to find your own success is to implement some of qualities you see in people you admire into your own life. The hard work part is still up to you, but by shifting your perspective a bit, and NOT doing some of the following

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things, that success might happen a little quicker.

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DON’T JUST WING IT

Successful people plan everything. Not only do they have yearly goals, but weekly and sometimes daily ones as well. By giving your time a purpose, and a clearly defined goal, you’ll eliminate the time you spend haphazardly doing things that might not be a priority. It will also make you feel less scattered, which is always a good thing.

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THEY DON’T TAKE ON MORE THAN THEY CAN ACHIEVE

Successful people take on what they can do well, and no more. That all starts with a daily ‘do to’ list. They always make sure their list is manageable and then they don’t sleep until that list is completed. If you find yourself not finishing your list, assess whether it was too much or if you slacked off. You’ll be surprised at the feeling of accomplishment you feel when you finish your list. Not finishing will bring you down, so make sure you aren’t biting off more than you can chew.

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THEY DON’T WORK HARDER, THEY WORK SMARTER

Yes, having a strong work ethic is key, but that doesn’t mean you should waste time on things that will have less of an impact on your success. Focus on the things that will give you the most bang for your buck. Better to spend the majority of your time there, than spread yourself thin on numerous tasks.

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THEY DON’T TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE

This might seem like a bad call in business, but successful people know when to cut your loses and move forward. Anything or anyone, that frustration into your life, is never a good thing.

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REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKES

Similar to not trying to please everyone, successful people are also diligent about accepting when something isn’t working Top Agent Magazine

and moving on from mistakes. Yes, you learn from them, but don’t repeat them. Part of being innovative is trying new things, that will keep you fresh and energized, but learning how to let go is an equally important part of the equation.

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GO FOR THE SHORT RUN SOLUTION

Successful people are in it for the long haul and therefore thinking long term. When you have a plan for success and the patience to see it through, while you might have a slow start, you’re establishing a foundation for long term success. Going for the easy fix, usually doesn’t pay off.

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PAY ATTENTION TO THE NAYSAYERS

Lets face it, we all have people in our lives who might be a little more pessimistic than is healthy to be around. You can’t change them, all you can do is not let them drag you down into their ‘glass half full’ mentality. Have your plans and goals, be confident about them. When you’re insecure, that’s when you’re most vulnerable to those types of people.

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THEY NEVER QUIT

That doesn’t mean letting go of things that aren’t working. It means having an end goal.

Whatever obstacles or challenges come up, you take them on, always with that end goal in sight. Successful people know that adversity and overcoming those challenges, is how you grow, and will ultimately make you a better business person.

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