GEORGIA 3-4-19

GEORGIA EDITION

6 Things You Need to Do to BE A GREAT MENTOR

Keeping in touch –

MODERN EMAIL ETIQUETTE FOR TODAY’S AGENTS

How to Stay in Your Clients’ Lives for the Long Haul FEATURED AGENTS

YELENA GRINCHUK KALIE WILLIAMS

COVER STORY

TIM HUR

GEORGIA EDITION

KALIE WILLIAMS As one of the original members of the Atlanta 7 of Keller Williams’ phenomenally17 branch successful Heyl Group, Top Agent Kalie Williams brings to the table enthusiasm, dedication and a true commitment to providing exceptional customer service. Kalie’s honesty, integrity and passion – coupled with her impressive industry knowledge – has endeared her to her grateful buyers and sellers, and resulted in a growing reputation as an agent who truly cares about her clients.

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thing a lot of people str “but it’s important to stic a quote that I love: ‘If y you’ll never struggle wi stick to my schedule, an have time to worry.”

While extremely person also takes her responsib seriously, and works ha stress as possible from Though she only officially became licensed in clients. “I feel that pre2017, Kalie’s first introduction to real estate very, very important,” s TIM HUR occurred more than YELENA KALIE ten yearsGRINCHUK ago, when she put into action herWILLIAMS home is one of the most stressful even philanthropic inclinations and began working for AmeriCorps and it’s important for me to make sure I’m Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans, post-Hurricane Katrina. success. I will explain to them in advan “I’m from there originally,” says Kalie, “and I was very young that will happened during the transactio at the time, and didn’t know much about construction. I signed a their minds. I create a five-star experien one-year contract with them and ended up teaching adults how to give people the best possible service du build houses. It was kind of a sink-or-swim situation, and I really extraordinarily fulfilling.” enjoyed it. I got to work with a really diverse group of people.

It was a great experience.” Though she then went on to work The reviews Kalie has received for her for other non-profits, she ultimately returned to real estate two appreciation she demonstrates for her cl years ago, and with her construction knowledge and passion for rocated. One review on Zillow.com, on learning even more about the industry, achieved success quickly, perfect five-star overall rating, reads: buoyed partially by her association with the highly-respected best at what she does. She outlined the e multi-office, top-producing Heyl Group, which was recently informed, guided and supported me ever ranked number four of all Keller Williams teams worldwide. “I’m home for showings through closing. Kali really grateful to be surrounded by the caliber of people that I am phone call, text and email…Kalie is a joy at Keller Williams, and more specifically, my team.” and enthusiastically recommend her to d

CONTENTS

4) 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO TO BE A GREAT MENTOR

19) MODERN EMAIL ETIQUETTE FOR TODAY’S AGENTS

13) KEEPING IN TOUCH – A quickly growing percentage of Kalie’s is based The future looks more than bright for HOW TO STAY IN YOUR CLIENTS’ 22)business HOW TOonOVERCOME referrals from clients who appreciate her fierce dedication to ranked among the top ten agents in the LIVES FOR THE LONG HAUL FEARS providing expert real estate advocacy.YOUR While manyWORKPLACE other agents for the future include growing her busi flounder amidst the myriad responsibilities and deadlines required in her profession, Kalie prides herself on her ability to stay organized and focused. “I think time management is some-

and stay abreast of the ever-changing – above all – keep on providing her exemplary service.

Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

For more information about Kalie Williams, Published in the U.S.

please call 770-685-0228 or email Kalie.williams@heylrealestat 2

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6 Things You Need to Do to Be a Great Mentor

Everyone reaches the point in their career where they feel they have gained enough experience and wisdom about business and what it takes to succeed, to actually help someone else achieve the same. Although you may have trained or given advice over the years, taking on the official status as a mentor to someone is a whole new ball game.

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Although mentorship is an unpaid endeavor, you’ll be surprised to find out how much you’ll gain from the experience. You’ll also grow as a business person through the process of teaching someone else. It’s also an endeavor that many will pay forward one day, creating a business atmosphere that is based more on mutual success than competition, which is better for everyone.

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If you were mentored, you may already have an idea of what it entails, and what you liked or didn’t like in your mentor/mentee relationship. Although it is a personal relationship that will need an individual approach, there are certain things that are key when it comes to being a great mentor: 1. Be a good listener

est about your own failures. It can be a huge relief to find out someone they look up to has gone through similar experiences and still managed to come out on top. As we all know, oftentimes the greatest lessons come from failures, which can be times when our character is truly tested. Building trust through mutual respect and honesty will make every aspect of your mentorship more effective.

You’re basically a sounding board who needs to hear your mentee’s ideas, plans and goals in order to advise them. Strong, constant and clear communication is key to any successful mentoring relationship.

Sometimes just letting them talk things out with you, will lead to them to discovering the solution they were looking for.

2. Set expectations and goals at the start When listening to your mentee in your first meeting about the potential relationship, it’s important to establish the parameters of what that relationship will be: What can you give them? What do they need or expect from you? Once the terms are agreed upon, you may want to set specific goals you’ll be working on together so that there’s a defined plan of action, timeline and result you can both expect.

3. Be honest This is important when it comes to offering them constructive criticism or tough love, but more importantly, you need to be honTop Agent Magazine

4. Get them to think, don’t make decisions for them Sometimes being a mentor is being a bit like a psychologist. By asking certain ques-

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tions you can lead your mentee to their own conclusions about their business dilemmas and strategies to reach their goals. Being a mentor is all about guidance. Build confidence by drawing out the best in your mentee rather than just presenting them with solutions.

5. Look at the situation objectively One of the key strengths you offer your mentee is a complete emotional detachment to their business. You have no sentimental attachment to doing things a certain way or working with an incompetent vendor because you ‘go way back’. Your only motive is what’s best for your mentee and their business. Although emotions cans still get in the way sometimes, having a detached perspective on hand to guide you is invaluable.

6. Don’t just offer constructive criticism, be supportive Yes, being a mentor is sometimes advising your mentee that he’s doing something ineffectively, but your main purpose is to alway approach everything like cheerleader.

You need to let them know that through it 6

all, you are a reliable support to them and have a complete belief in their abilities.

Make sure to always praise their accomplishments.

Remember: your job as a mentor is more about guidance than constant feedback.

Your goal is to help someone become the best they can be, not someone who just does everything the way you do it. You’re helping them build confidence in their own intuition, which will hopefully lead to a lifetime of success, and one day, they too might be a valuable resource to another mentee down the road.

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TIM HUR

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TIM HUR Top Agent Tim Hur is heavily involved in the real estate community and is a Platinum-R President Circle member of the National Association of Realtors RPAC — one of the three in the State of Georgia.

With a passion for real estate and an altruistic spirit, Tim Hur has made great strides in the greater Atlanta real estate market. As the Managing Broker of Point Honors & Associates, REALTORS, he has a team of agents 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

working diligently to serve their clients.

“Most of our agents are bilingual, so we have a good international grasp as well. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to be successful,” he says. “Our team is always focused on Top Agent Magazine

service.” Tim is also heavily involved in the real estate community and is a Platinum-R President Circle member of the National Association of Realtors RPAC – one of the three in the State of Georgia. “I do believe in the importance of giving back to our industry. Having a network of agents throughout the country, serving together and speaking at conferences, allows us to grow with each other. It doesn’t matter where my clients go nationally; I can always assist them by getting them in touch with an agent that can provide great service for them.”

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Much of Tim’s business is based off of referrals from his network or past clients. “A lot of it is just word of mouth. I keep in touch with my past clients, and I’m also a member of multiple multicultural associations. This allows us to market our properties to a much bigger subset of clients.” When it comes to Tim’s listings, he makes sure to offer staging as needed, professional photography, and three dimensional renderings. They also list internationally on the MLS, so listings receives as much exposure by being in front of as many eyes as possible. At the end of 9 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

the day, both buyers and sellers feel that Tim went above and beyond to meet their needs.

“Many of our clients come to us with an idea of where they want to live or what they want before they meet us, but our job is to be the person that is able to fight for them and represent them correctly,” he explains. “A lot of our clients say I fought for them until the end to get what they wanted. That’s what they’re really happy about, that I am able to be an advocate for them.” Also having received multiple designations, including the Certified Residential Specialist designation, allows Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

him to be part of the top 3% of all real estate agents nationwide with the CRS designation.

After the transaction is over, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together.

One said, “Tim is very sharp, professional and has boundless energy. He poured through listings after gauging our ever evolving criteria and continued to deliver good contenders in a challenging market. When we found our home, we felt very comfortable through the process and really appreciated his advice and direction. We would both buy again and sell with Tim.” Another wrote, “Tim took the Top Agent Magazine

time to understand what was most important to me when I began my home search. He explained each part of the home buying process and guided me through each step. What impressed me the most, however, was Tim’s knowledge of the local real estate market and his ability to obtain the best possible Top Agent Magazine

price on my condo. I truly felt as if I had a full service Realtor to work with.�

During any free time, Tim serves on the county school board foundation or staying involved with the local non-profit organizations and multicultural associations. He also Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

loves to travel, attend conferences, and try new foods and restaurants.

Looking towards the future, Tim wants to continue growing as a broker and maintaining his client relationships. Finding just as much joy

from this business as he did at the start of his career 13 years ago, he is eager to see where the future takes him. “It’s all about giving them that great experience. Instead of just providing a transaction, I’m really a part of their lives.

And it’s really fun getting to know each client.”

For more information about Tim Hur, please call 404-512-2322 or email tim@pointhonors.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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HOW TO STAY IN YOUR CLIENTS LIVES FOR THE LONG HAUL

One sign of a great real estate agent is there long list of loyal client following. Part of achieving a great referral base is being a great realtor during the transaction. But, that’s only half of the work. To truly be your client’s realtor for life and keep them coming back to you as well as referring others to you, you have to stay in their lives past the transaction. Keeping in touch with your past clients can be one of the most important parts of your business, and one that many realtors tend to push to the wayside.

Do you stay in your client’s lives, or do you disappear? People refer people that they feel they know well and that they trust, people they consider friends. However, earning and keeping your client’s trust involves maintaining a delicate balance with how much you contact them. Experts recommend reaching out to your clients at least quarterly. But, it’s not just about how often you stay in touch. You also need to be mindful about how you are reaching out to them. Here are some tips on how to keep in touch with your clients for the long haul: Top Agent Magazine

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INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL CONTACT One of the best ways to keep in touch with your clients is to simply give them a call every once in a while. Follow up and see how your clients are doing. Offer them assistance if they need it. Personalized contact helps to ensure that you remain as important to your clients long after the sale as you were during the transaction. Giving your clients a call on special occasions such as birthdays or holidays also makes for a great personal touch.

Of course, nothing beats face-to-face contact. Stopping by to say hello can be a great way to keep in contact. An even better way to catch up and maintain that friendship is to set up a lunch or coffee date with past clients. Giving individual clients your undivided attention goes a long way towards maintaining that bond you formed during the transaction and earning your client’s loyalty and trust. Interactions like this make a lasting impression on your clients.

Of course, many busy REALTORS® may not have time to follow up with every client oneon-one. A great way to still give personal attention to your clients without meeting each and every one for lunch is to throw a client appreciation party. This allows you to get in some face-to-face time with each client and make sure they all get your undivided attention and quality time to catch up with you, even if it’s only for a short time.

Now, if you have a lot of past clients, this can be difficult to manage during one party. One way to get around the numbers problem is to organize smaller events based on client’s interests. Instead of throwing one giant party, host a pool party for the families with kids or a wine and cheese get together for single clients. Hosting special events like these ones goes a long way towards keeping your contact with past clients more personalized and setting you apart from those businesses that simply send them a calendar once a year.

PROVIDE CLIENTS WITH USEFUL NEWS PROVIDE CLIENTS WITH USEFUL NEWS One way that many REALTORS® keep in touch with their clients is by sending them newsletters. This form of contact can be a double-edged sword. You want to make sure you provide them with useful information that reminds them of your value as a real estate professional.

Otherwise your communication will amount to nothing more than spam, and clients will think of you less as a trusted friend and more as a nuisance salesperson.

Clients react much more positively to communication containing information that is pertinent to their lives. Update your clients on what is going on in their local community and 14

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housing market. Demonstrate your knowledge about the community and the things that are important to your clients. Include information about local cultural events, community news, housing statistics, information on the mortgage market, home maintenance advice, home design tips, and anything else that your clients will find personally useful. Your clients will always be interested in value.

SEND CLIENTS MEMORABLE AND PERSONAL CARDS Sending your clients cards related to important events in their lives and letting them know that you remember those events and care will go a long way towards building and maintaining a close personal relationship with them. You want to make sure your cards stand out, though. Sending popular holiday cards can be a mistake, as they will most likely get lost amongst all of your clients other holiday cards and will be quickly forgotten. Instead send something more personal such as: HOME ANNIVERSARY CARDS: Send cards to each client on the anniversary of the closing of their home.

CONGRATULATORY CARDS: Remember important events such as wedding anniversaries, graduations, new babies, etc.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY CARDS: Instead of just sending your typical birthday card, add something special to yours that will stand out. Include a $1 scratch off ticket or a $5 gift certificate to Starbucks. Make sure to include a handwritten personal note.

GIVE CLIENTS AN UNUSUAL GIFT Make sure the gifts you send your past clients stand out. Send your past clients an odd gift at the beginning of the year or on a holiday. Think outside the box and send things like funny magnets, customized mugs, a personalized piece of wall décor, and other fun and unusual items. A great way to make your gift stand out even more is to include a funny note with it that will catch their attention as well as make them think of you. For example, one cute idea is to send clients a bag of popcorn with the note, “Real estate is popping, give me a call.” You could send a bag of goldfish with a note attached that says, “I’m fishing for your referrals.” Get creative and have a little fun with it, your clients will notice and remember you for it.

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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS

Social networking sites make staying in contact with past clients in a more informal and friendly basis much easier. Connect with your past clients on Facebook. This will help you stay up to date on the important things happening in your pact clients’ lives. In return, it provides you a great platform for keeping those past clients up to date with what is going on in your business as well as keep in contact in a more informal manner. Use Facebook to remind past clients to check their basement after a heavy rain or that they can contact you for help during tax time.

You can even organize your contacts on Facebook into customized lists such as “past clients,” “industry contacts,” etc. This will help you better manage your Facebook contacts.

This will also allow you to view specific news feeds based on these lists and send messages to a particular list of contacts. Don’t forget about the many other social networking sites such as Twitter or LinkedIn either. Utilize this technology to drive personal contact with your clients.

STAY ORGANIZED No matter how you choose to keep in contact with past clients, make sure to be consistent.

Consistency will help you stay organized and diligent about reaching out to your past clients regularly. A tool used by many real estate professionals to stay organized is a customer relationship management solution. Whether you use one that is online or a computer software program, this will help you stay organized when managing your contacts and allow you to set notifications to alert you when you need to contact certain clients, send out gifts, plan a client appreciation event, and many other things throughout the year.

Staying organized and consistent in your contact with past clients will help you continue to build and manage your referral base, as well as open the door to repeat and referral business.

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YELENA GRINCHUK Yelena Grinchuk was born and grew up in Ukraine. She was a biology teacher in Ukraine, but when she immigrated to the United States in 1998 as a persecuted believer, she decided she was ready for a new career. “I wanted to do something different. I love people; I love to help them and educate them, so I decided to go to real estate school,” she explains. Yelena received her license in 2000 and became a full-time agent. She soon had a successful career. In Georgia, real estate agents are not allowed to talk to their clients about payment and loan products unless they have a mortgage license. So three years ago, Yelena studied for and received her mortgage license so she could better serve her clients.

“I want to be as educated as possible, so I can be very helpful and give great advice,” she says. She is a Million Dollar Club Member, 2016-2018 Top Producer and takes pride in being among the top 10% of agents in her company. The City Beat News awarded her with the Spectrum Award of Excellence in Customer Satisfaction several years in a row. Yelena works primarily as a solo agent with Chapman Hall Realtors serving the Atlanta Metro area with a focus on Cherokee, Cobb, Forsyth and North Fulton Counties.

A staggering 95% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients. What keeps her clients coming back and eager to refer their friends and family to Yelena? She’s honest, trustworthy, easy to work with, knowledgeable and meticulous throughout the process. “I make sure everything—from A to Z—is done right. I’m dedicated and put all my efforts into not just having a regular transaction, but having a purchase where buyers get a sweet equity, right on the spot, and sellers will get top dollar back in their pocket,” she says. Yelena is also committed to ongoing professional training so she’s always up to date with resources and information. To stay in touch with past clients, Yelena sends an informative monthly newsletter, as well as holiday and birthday cards, and notes for special occasions. Each

year, she gives her past clients calendar magnets to keep her top of mind throughout the year. A former client even mentioned, “I’ve had your business card on my fridge for ten years!” .

When it comes time to prepare a property for listing, Yelena meets with her sellers and explains the entire process to them, answering any additional questions they may have. She does a walk-through of the house with them, suggesting any changes or minor repairs that could be made to increase the value of the home. She hires professional photographers and videographers to capture the best features of the listing and create video tours. When everything is ready to go, Yelena posts each listing on the MLS and all of the major real estate websites. She sends flyers to surrounding neighborhoods and conducts a thorough campaign on social media.

But most importantly, she spreads the word about the listing among her wide sphere of influence, including all of her former clients and the other top realtors in her area. The result is often a quick sale at a very competitive price. After working with Yelena, her clients rave that she always ensures that the transaction process is smooth, easy and worry-free.

What does Yelena like most about her work? “I just love helping people! It’s in my nature. Whatever I do, I do it as if for God,” she says. Dedicated to giving back to her community, Yelena donates and volunteers with charities that support the homeless, elderly people, widows, and orphans. During the holidays, she provides homecooked meals and gifts for underserved children. She has participated in mission trips to Cuba, Spain, Italy, and Ukraine.

In her cherished free time, Yelena loves to read, travel, and enjoy her lovely backyard. “I’m very thankful that God gave me the opportunity to live in America and for my children to experience the freedoms here. This makes me extremely grateful,” she says.

For the future, Yelena would like to continue to expand her presence on social media and YouTube so she can be on the same page with millennial buyers and fully understand their needs. She is planning to continue working with the middle age generation, as well as baby boomers. With her commitment to her clients and her education, she’s sure to achieve those worthy goals!

To find out more about Yelena Grinchuk, email ygrinchuk@comcast.net, call (404) 642-7772, or visit: yelenasellscherokee.com, yghomes.georgiamls.com, or Facebook/YelenaGrinchukRealEstate www.

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Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts. As a real estate agent or a loan officer, how do you stand apart from the noise? What’s more, how do you stay relevant in a digital landscape that’s constantly changing?

For starters, there are a few timeless techniques you can apply to up your skillset when it comes email and digital communication: asking questions that Top Agent Magazine

inspire conversation, politeness, and following up regularly—to name a few. Likewise, there are surely new tricks you can add to your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s outline a few ways you can refine and update your email etiquette to compete in today’s virtual marketplace.

Make your subject line count Too often, we labor over the content of our emails without giving much thought to subject lines.

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Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity.

However, these little headlines can go a long way in luring the consumer to open your email and ultimately click through to your website in search for your services. An enticing subject line should be short and sweet, ideally less than fifty characters.

You might also include the name of the recipient, and be up front (though concise) about the subject matter of your message. Remember: the first thing a client will see is your name and subject line—be sure to make this prime real estate shine.

Think mobile Research tells us that 79% of Americans check their phones within fifteen minutes of waking up. In fact, much of modern day correspondence occurs by smartphone. Accordingly, you’ll want to account for email readability on a mobile phone.

For instance, incorporating paragraph breaks for each new thought allows information to be parceled out in a palatable way for readers utilizing small screens. Also, any sort of graphic flair or links within your email should be shortened and streamlined for mobile consumption. Send yourself an email every now and again and access it from your phone—you’ll be able to double-check that all the elements of your emails are working well on a mobile platform.

Incorporate email tools There are excellent tools out there to enhance your email experience. With just a quick download, 20

you can add spellcheck, a URL address shortening feature, or a delay option that holds emails for thirty seconds before they’re sent. Think about the possibilities! Haven’t you sent an email without including the attachment you intended, or realizing you sent correspondence to the wrong client? If that’s the case, a delay feature can help you save face and build in a window for error— just in case. Regardless of which tools speak to your email habits, there are plenty of add-ons out there that can revamp your digital correspondence style.

Use email to maximize your online presence These days, there are plenty of ways to communicate—email, text, phone, apps, and social media.

When you interact through email, consider it an opportunity to invite your client to follow you elsewhere online. Ensure that your email signature includes unobtrusive, streamlined links to your social media accounts, professional website, or review page. This will build in an opportunity for clients to engage with your brand, and you may even add an online follower for the long term.

Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. Keep these approaches in mind as you reenergize your email technique and fortify your communication in the digital era.

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How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

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ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

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TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me, it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

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THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad 22

after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world.

Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

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COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

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START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence.

A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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KALIE WILLIAMS As one of the original members of the Atlanta branch of Keller Williams’ phenomenally successful Heyl Group, Top Agent Kalie Williams brings to the table enthusiasm, dedication and a true commitment to providing exceptional customer service. Kalie’s honesty, integrity and passion – coupled with her impressive industry knowledge – has endeared her to her grateful buyers and sellers, and resulted in a growing reputation as an agent who truly cares about her clients.

Though she only officially became licensed in 2017, Kalie’s first introduction to real estate occurred more than ten years ago, when she put into action her philanthropic inclinations and began working for AmeriCorps and Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans, post-Hurricane Katrina.

“I’m from there originally,” says Kalie, “and I was very young at the time, and didn’t know much about construction. I signed a one-year contract with them and ended up teaching adults how to build houses. It was kind of a sink-or-swim situation, and I really enjoyed it. I got to work with a really diverse group of people.

It was a great experience.” Though she then went on to work for other non-profits, she ultimately returned to real estate two years ago, and with her construction knowledge and passion for learning even more about the industry, achieved success quickly, buoyed partially by her association with the highly-respected multi-office, top-producing Heyl Group, which was recently ranked number four of all Keller Williams teams worldwide. “I’m really grateful to be surrounded by the caliber of people that I am at Keller Williams, and more specifically, my team.”

A quickly growing percentage of Kalie’s business is based on referrals from clients who appreciate her fierce dedication to providing expert real estate advocacy. While many other agents flounder amidst the myriad responsibilities and deadlines required in her profession, Kalie prides herself on her ability to stay organized and focused. “I think time management is some-

thing a lot of people struggle with,” says Kalie, “but it’s important to stick to a schedule. There’s a quote that I love: ‘If you know your priorities, you’ll never struggle with time management.’ I stick to my schedule, and because of that I don’t have time to worry.”

While extremely personable and upbeat, Kalie also takes her responsibilities as a Realtor very seriously, and works hard to remove as much stress as possible from the transaction for her clients. “I feel that pre-framing the situation is very, very important,” she explains. “Buying a home is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, so it’s important for me to make sure I’m setting my clients up for success. I will explain to them in advance the timeline of things that will happened during the transaction, and that tends to ease their minds. I create a five-star experience for them. That I get to give people the best possible service during this stressful time is extraordinarily fulfilling.”

The reviews Kalie has received for her work illustrates that the appreciation she demonstrates for her clients is absolutely reciprocated. One review on Zillow.com, on which site she holds a perfect five-star overall rating, reads: “Kalie is absolutely the best at what she does. She outlined the entire process at the start, informed, guided and supported me every step from prepping my home for showings through closing. Kalie replied quickly to every phone call, text and email…Kalie is a joy to work with and I highly and enthusiastically recommend her to do the same for you.”

The future looks more than bright for Kalie, who was recently ranked among the top ten agents in the Heyl Group. Her plans for the future include growing her business, continuing to learn and stay abreast of the ever-changing real estate industry, and – above all – keep on providing her buyers and sellers with exemplary service.

For more information about Kalie Williams, please call 770-685-0228 or email Kalie.williams@heylrealestate.com Top Agent Magazine

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