HAWAII 10-4-21

HAWAII EDITION

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WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WORKSPACE WORK FOR YOU FEATURED AGENTS

GRACE KOREYASU PHILIP FUKUSHIMA

PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR WORKING HOURS COVER STORY

5 WAYS TO TRANSFORM RENTERS INTO OWNERS HOW TO BUILD A TEAM THAT WILL WIN BIG

NO MATTER ITS SIZE

ERICA K. AMUNDSON

HAWAII EDITION

PHILIP FUKUSHIMA A resident of the Big Island for more than 7 Philip Fukushima began 17 his twenty years, career in corporate management. After relocating to Hawaii, he began to take an interest in real estate, and seeking an opportunity that balanced his strong business acumen with his passion for helping others, he decided to pursue his license. In the decades since, he has gone on to author an accomplished career as a Realtor and Broker, building an extensive professional network that spans not only the islands, but also the nation.

ERICA K. AMUNDSON GRACE KOREYASU

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well over $20 m remains focused that has anchore our business ha service,” he say communication relationship with I want to unders purchasing a pro a vacation renta or family enjoym

PHILIP FUKUSHIMA

Outside of real dously active in his commun giving back, he has volunteer around the Big Island for mor he’s not with clients, he can relaxing in the ocean with his majesty West Hawaii has to of

Today, Philip is a Broker with Venture Sotheby’s International Real Estate, where he assists clients throughout the entire Kona-Kailua Coast. Specializing in private golf communities, luxury properties, and CONTENTS general real estate around the region, he possesses the insight and integrity needed to facilitate even the tough4) 5 WAYS TO 20) 3 WAYS TO MAKE est transaction.

Looking ahead, Phillip has ex TRANSFORM RENTERS YOUR WORKSPACE When listing a property, Philip leverages the powerful of his business. As his volu INTO OWNERS WORK FOR YOU resources through Sotheby’s International Realty to congrowth, he intends on scaling nect his sellers with a highly targeted database. After assist even more buyers, selle 14) HOW TO BUILD A 23) PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: helping them fully prepare their home for the market, he out the region.

“Above all, I’m TEAM THATbroadcasts WILL WIN WAYS TO it over a blend of digital,4social media, andMAKE Hawaiian property of their dr email campaigns. he also shares his OFit’sYOUR their first home or a legacy BIG NO MATTER ITS SIZEIn the meantime, BETTER USE listings to leading print publications like The Wall Street to their children and grandchi WORKING HOURS Journal or New York Times. down to helping others achiev Elsewhere, Philip is just as hands-on when assisting his buyers,|leaning on his extensive knowledge of the region Phone 310-734-1440 Fax 310-734-1440 to carefully guide them to the right investment for their mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com best interests—whether it’s a two-bedroom condo or a No portion of this issue$15 may be reproduced in anyPossessing manner whatsoever without prior consentinto of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine million house. unmatched insights is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top the premier golf courses, attractions, and regions of the Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

Coast, he cares most about helping his cliTo subscribe or changeKona-Kailua address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. ents realize their ambitions in the market. Moreover, he stays in touch long after the deals are done to ensure each client is fully satisfied and thriving in their new home.

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Over the years, Philip has earned a terrific reputation throughout Hawaii, with the vast majority of his volume

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5 Ways to Transform

Renters into Owners Perhaps the largest demographic of untapped business lies in the rental market. From major cities and suburbs to rural communities—renters across generations are opting to rent rather than own. The question is: why? For starters, many Americans are undereducated about the inventory and financing options available that might suit their budget and lifestyle. Secondly, many would-be homeowners have difficulty 4

visualizing the potential investment of purchasing property, and how homeownership can build wealth and security in the long-term.

As an agent, you’re always on the lookout for potential clientele. Now, to guide renters toward the real estate market, keep a few of these strategies in mind as you meet and greet this untapped demographic.

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Show renters that purchasing a home isn’t impossible

Possibly the biggest hurdle for renters is believing homeownership is possible. Beyond saving for a down payment and boosting credit scores, there are dozen more factors to consider: affording utilities, homeowner’s insurance, renovations, property taxes, and more. Besides that, assembling pay stubs, finding an agent, arranging house tours, negotiating a price, and timing the transition are all major considerations to surmount.

One way to combat this thinking is to make the process transparent and demystified. Find examples of past clients who made the leap successfully, or profile the average buyer in your marketplace and see how that renter compares. Provide evidence that it’s been done before and can be done again, then build a game plan from there.

into play. Consider making a checklist, or step-by-step road-map, that guides clients through the process from start to finish. This way, you’ll manage expectations and create a path to ownership that’s specific, instead of abstract. They won’t have to wonder what goes into buying a home when they can look at an interactive site or read a document and see the steps outlined before them, with you there to guide the way.

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Collaborate with mortgage professionals to find the right financing opportunities

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Help would-be homebuyers create a road-map to ownership

It’s no secret that buying a home can feel overwhelming. Compared to signing a yearlong lease on an apartment, taking on the house-hunting process is a daunting affair.

That’s where your expertise as an agent comes Top Agent Magazine

Many renters aren’t aware of the variety of mortgage financing options out there that cater to first-timers, offer low down payments, or down payment assistance. Most buyers believe that the standard 20% down is a hard and fast rule, when in reality, there’s far more flexibility out there to cater to renters where they are. There are even loan options catering to freelance workers, renovation options, and other unconventional routes to ownership.

Work with a mortgage pro and find the route that suits your renter best.

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pay monthly in a mortgage—while building a lasting asset.

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Compare and contrast rental rates with monthly mortgage payments One way to convince renters to make the shift is to demonstrate the savings potential of paying into a monthly mortgage, rather than throwing away rent on a property they don’t own. To do this, draw up the average rental rates in your area, then find some potential listings that would demand a similar amount in monthly mortgage payments. Sometimes placing these numbers and images sideby-side can prove to renters that what they manage to pay monthly in rent, they can

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Paint the big picture

For most, renting isn’t the most sustainable financial option when it comes to housing.

Rents rise, families grow, and retirement looms.

Building a financial future and homeownership go hand-in-hand. When planned appropriately, buying a home can create a path toward retirement and position homeowners in a better place for further investment in the future. A rental has little security or investment returns to offer, while owning a home makes a renter king or queen of the castle.

Prospecting renters as potential homebuyers may seem like a time-intensive way to cultivate new clients, but logic is on your side.

Keep these tips in mind as you broach the conversation with renters in your hometown.

All it takes is clear-cut value proposition and a listening ear.

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ERICA K. AMUNDSON Top Agent Magazine

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“Being a good Realtor isn’t so different from being a good surfer,” Erica says. “It’s about preparation, patience, and then—when tide, wind, and swell align—swift action.”

As a two-time national women’s surfing champion, Erica K. Amundson knows a thing or two about the importance of making good choices. In surfing and in life, the difference between success and failure often comes down to knowing which wave to catch.

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Take her choice of career. After moving from her home state of Wisconsin and graduating from the University of HawaiiHilo with a double bachelor’s degree in Marine Science and Natural Science, Erica had planned to go on to attend St. George Veterinary School. But her love Top Agent Magazine

for the beauties of Hawaii, together with a deep-rooted fascination with home design, revealed real estate as the right drop-in point for the kind of life she wanted. “I had grown up with family in both construction Top Agent Magazine

and real estate, and so had always been interested in the industry, especially new development. Real estate offered me the opportunity to explore that while staying in the place I’d come to love.”

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Erica immediately set out to learn her new craft, dedicating a year to an apprenticeship in general construction and obtaining an in-depth experience in the custom design process. In 2017 she got her salesperson license and began working at Savio Realty. That first year proved exciting, allowing her the chance to work with HGTV on a production of “House Hunters.” In 2019 she partnered with Carolyn L. Johnson, a senior agent at the company, under whose mentorship she continued to hone her skills. Over her Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

4 years with Savio her team has closed around 150 transactions, with her own repeat client and referral business burgeoning in the last two. It’s no mystery what keeps them coming back.

“I genuinely care about people first,” Erica explains. “I think they pick up on that, which makes for a strong initial connection. I’m also a hard worker on their behalf. As a millennial, I’m both outgoing and tech savvy, and can correspond in any way they like. I’m always available.”

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That would only be skimming the surface, though. Another of Erica’s great strengths is her passion for learning and her determination to master every aspect of her industry. “As a Realtor, it’s not enough to just be a professional in your own field; you need to have a good working knowledge of the other related industries as well if you’re going to serve your clients effectively. It’s my job to understand their needs and circumstances, and then to help them ask the right questions in order to get them into the right home.

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They won’t always know what questions to ask. I will.”

Erica uses professional photographers to create videos for her listings, to which she adds compelling descriptions highlighting each property’s most striking features. The listings are then marketed on her MLS, social media sites, and to agents and past clients within her sphere.

Going forward, Erica has plans to one day open her own brokerage, specializing in Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

“As a Realtor, it’s not enough to just be a professional in your own field; you need to have a solid network and good working knowledge of the other related industries as well if you’re going to serve your clients effectively.” the development and marketing of sustainable luxury properties. In preparation to that end, she recently sold a studio home of her own design. In April of this year she joined the Kihei Wailani Village development team on a project for workforce housing on the island of Maui. An officially licensed broker now, she’s also attending Hawaii Community College’s Architecture and

Design Program—still taking advantage of every opportunity that comes her way, creating a few on her own.

“Being a good Realtor isn’t so different from being a good surfer,” Erica reflects.

“It’s about preparation, patience, and then—when tide, wind, and swell align— swift action.”

For more information about Erica K. Amundson, please call 808-765-7800 or email EricaA@savio.com

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How to Build a Team That Will Win Big No Matter its Size In the real estate world building a team is a goal almost every agent strives towards achieving. Doing business with a team as opposed to solo has numerous advantages. With more agents handling clients as well as other employees specialized in areas such as marketing and administrative support there to assist you; you can greatly increase your business and sales.

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So, when creating a team, logic would tell us that the bigger it is, the better, right? Wrong. When it comes to real estate teams, size doesn’t matter so much as the players you bring onto that team to work with you. A team doesn’t have to be big to win big, and here are the secrets to building a team that wins big no matter its size.

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Hire the Right Team Members

Put Your Team Members in the Right Positions to Win

You’ve probably heard the saying, “you’re only as strong as you’re weakest link.” That idea holds true for any kind of team, including those in real estate. If you have weak members on your team, then it’s not possible to have a strong team. Drawing strong team members to your business is essential.

Finding strong team members is just one part of the equation. As the leader of your team, you now have to assess each member’s strengths and weaknesses and position them appropriately. You want the best player for each role playing that part and catering to their strengths. Choose your team member’s roles wisely, and place each individual in the position where their strengths can shine and they can best contribute to a win for the entire team. Every role is important to the team working smoothly and winning as a whole, so it is important to place each team member in the role most suited to his or her skills.

To better understand what kind of person would make a strong addition to your team, you need to ask yourself what skills and characteristics you want your team members to possess. The strongest members are often ones that share their leader’s values. When you share values with your teammates, you are all running along the same course towards the same goal as one. Your definition of a victory in this case is also your teammates’ definition of it. This helps strengthen even the smallest of numbers because you are all working together toward a common goal.

Another characteristic too look out for in potential team members is a positive attitude. You can teach someone the skills needed in real estate, but you can’t teach someone how to have a positive attitude.

Positive members tend to achieve more due to their optimistic nature, but more importantly, they spread that positive attitude to the rest of the team, which improves every members’ performance.

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Communicating Your Vision to Your Team

Your team members are the key ingredients to ultimate victory, but what recipe do you follow now to lead them to victory? That is what communication is for a winning team; the recipe you will use to

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help best utilize each team member and instruct them on how they need to work together to fulfill the recipe that will lead them to be a winning team. Your team members need to know the plan and you must give them the tools to successfully execute it.

It is up to the leader of a team to help your players see your vision and help them understand what a victory looks like. The goal may seem simple and obvious to you, but you must communicate it over and over again to your team members, so they understand it as well as you do. With different personalities coming together to form a unit, you are going to be dealing with numerous challenges such as competing agendas. You will find this on any team. You must keep the goal and at the forefront of your player’s minds in order to encourage them to put aside their own personal desires in order to come together as one cohesive, single-minded unit and push towards the team’s goal.

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Give Your Team Members the Tools to Help Them Perform at Their Best The final thing all great leaders do is equip their team members with the proper tools and training needed for them to succeed. You have to show them how they can each come together with their different strengths to work as a team towards one unified goal. This involves more than simple skills training, but also endurance, so they can last as a team and win even those matches that seem unending and impossible.

Think of all the challenges that they could possibly face ahead, and clear their path to victory by giving them the necessary training and tools they will need to get past any obstacle. As the leader, you must be prepared to continually communicate the team’s goal and your vision. Use that vision to motivate your team members throughout the journey towards victory.

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GRACE KOREYASU Top Agent Magazine

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GRACE KOREYASU

Grace Koreyasu – Broker-in-Charge at Better Home and Gardens Advantage Realty in Kailua, Hawaii – has more than three decades of experience helping both buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. Honest, hardworking and deeply knowledgeable about both her chosen industry and the Oahu market, Grace has truly earned her exceptional reputation as a Realtor who can be trusted to provide excellent real estate advocacy.

Grace began her illustrious journey in the world of real estate following a career working in the travel industry and for Hawaiian Airlines. After an unexpected layoff, Grace found herself both pregnant and unemployed. “All the jobs I was being offered were entry level,” recalls Grace, “and I just couldn’t afford to do that.”

Fortuitously, someone suggested that Grace explore the idea of real estate.

Initially hesitant, she ultimately decided to get her license. The rest, as they say, is 18

history. Grace took to her new career like a duck to water, achieving impressive levels of success right out of the gate with twelve sales in her first year alone.

Having built her business on a solid foundation of honesty and integrity, Grace can currently claim that almost the entirety of her business is based on referrals, repeat customers and positive word of mouth, a true indicator of the exceptional customer service she is providing. This comes as no surprise as Grace has over 18 years

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of serving on the Honolulu Board of Realtors in Professional Standards Committee for the NAR Code of Ethics. “I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I don’t tell my clients what to do,” muses Grace, when asked how she has managed to accumulate such impressive levels of trust and loyalty amongst those she works with. “It’s a team effort. It’s all about my clients achieving their goals. If they do, I’ve done my job right. I also always let my clients know that they can call me with anything they need, even long after the closing table.”

Grace – who had also considered entering the world of construction but chose real estate instead - is both personally comfortable using construction tools and also has a large network of highly qualified contractors should clients need assistance with remodels or anything else. These skills and connections also come in handy when preparing a listing for market. “I actually know houses. I know how to fix things, and I prepare every property from A to Z,” says Grace. She has even been known on occasion to cover improvement costs up front for her clients.

When she’s not busy making her clients happy, Grace enjoys nothing more than spending time with her family, and she is also deeply passionate about skiing, organizing several annual ski trips for groups of Realtors and clients. Whistler is a favorite destination.

Grace’s plans for the future of her business include sustaining her exceptional annual sales volume, and to add an administrative assistant to the mix. Above all, however, remains her overarching, constant objective: to provide her many clients with the unparalleled customer service that has become synonymous with her name.

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For more about Grace Koreyasu, please call 808-384-1875 or email GraceK@betterhawaii.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

3 Ways to Make Your Workspace Work for You Productivity experts agree that a curated workspace positively impacts productivity and mood, but oftentimes we settle for bland desks and cubicles that lack personalized details or considerations for workflow. Why miss out on the opportunity to optimize your surroundings when it could brighten your day—and boost your performance? Keep in mind some of these tactics to make your workspace your own and reap the benefits along the way.

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DETERMINE YOUR WORKING STYLE AND DECORATE ACCORDINGLY For the creative set, a colorful and art-filled workspace can inspire fresh ideas and reduce stress. Likewise, casual yet aesthetically pleasing furniture, accessories, and décor set an inviting yet functional mood. A pop of color from an office tool—even something as basic as a stapler—can inject a sense of fun and modernism into your daily tasks. For the more analytical, right-brained worker, clean

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lines and zero clutter go a long way. A few well-chosen personal photos in tasteful, unassuming frames can provide a motivating connection to the world beyond the office, while accessories and supplies that are sleek, monochrome, and contemporary inspire a sense of calm efficiency.

BUILD A WORKSPACE WITH YOUR DAILY ROUTINE IN MIND If you find yourself spending hours on the phone per day, or assembling stacks of documents and brochures, or even coming and going from the office with frequency—there are simple adjustments you can make to your workspace that will save you time and energy. If you sit for long hours—responding to e-mails or making calls—try incorporating an ergonomic chair or keyboard wrist-pad to maximize comfort. If you spend a long time assembling presentation materials, then file organizers, trays, and easy-to-pull labels can shave valuable time off your efforts. Lastly, those who step out for frequent meetings can reduce the hassle of being on-the-go by making your space mindfully organized—a coatrack and a dish for your keys by the door, an auto-brew coffeemaker, or an easily edited whiteboard calendar can make jet-setting simpler.

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ADD EASY DETAILS THAT ENRICH YOUR WORKING EXPERIENCE While organization and décor can rally productivity and mood, there are also a few extra details you can introduce to your workspace to improve the quality of your working life.

Healthy, easy to grab-and-go snacks—think nuts, homemade trail mix, and fresh fruit— can keep your energy up without the sugar crush or guilt. If there’s a window nearby, a hard-to-kill plant like a philodendron or a fern not only cleanse the air around you, but also provide a welcome connection to the natural world. Being prepared in a pinch is another great way to make your workspace work for you: a spare tie, a tube of lip balm, hand sanitizer, or a box of Band-Aids can save you a trip to the store when an unexpected need arises.

While we take great pains to make our homes our sanctuaries—complete with the decorations, furniture, and food we favor—we often overlook our work areas, even though we spend a sizable portion of our week sitting at the same desk. Challenge yourself to add a few of these personalizing, productivity-boosting details to your work area and bring the comfort of home to your working life.

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PHILIP FUKUSHIMA A resident of the Big Island for more than twenty years, Philip Fukushima began his career in corporate management. After relocating to Hawaii, he began to take an interest in real estate, and seeking an opportunity that balanced his strong business acumen with his passion for helping others, he decided to pursue his license. In the decades since, he has gone on to author an accomplished career as a Realtor and Broker, building an extensive professional network that spans not only the islands, but also the nation.

Today, Philip is a Broker with Venture Sotheby’s International Real Estate, where he assists clients throughout the entire Kona-Kailua Coast. Specializing in private golf communities, luxury properties, and general real estate around the region, he possesses the insight and integrity needed to facilitate even the toughest transaction.

When listing a property, Philip leverages the powerful resources through Sotheby’s International Realty to connect his sellers with a highly targeted database. After helping them fully prepare their home for the market, he broadcasts it over a blend of digital, social media, and email campaigns. In the meantime, he also shares his listings to leading print publications like The Wall Street Journal or New York Times.

well over $20 million in annual sales, he remains focused on the model of service that has anchored his career. “The key to our business has always been customer service,” he says. “That starts with great communication and building a lasting relationship with every client. Above all, I want to understand their end-goal when purchasing a property, whether it’s to have a vacation rental for supplemental income or family enjoyment.”

Outside of real estate, Philip is tremendously active in his community. A strong believer in giving back, he has volunteered to coach youth soccer around the Big Island for more than twenty years. When he’s not with clients, he can be found playing golf or relaxing in the ocean with his family—enjoying all the majesty West Hawaii has to offer.

Looking ahead, Phillip has exciting plans for the future of his business. As his volume maintains its steady growth, he intends on scaling his standards of service to assist even more buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the region. “Above all, I’m here to get my clients the Hawaiian property of their dreams,” he says. “Whether it’s their first home or a legacy estate they want to pass on to their children and grandchildren, this business comes down to helping others achieve their goals.”

Elsewhere, Philip is just as hands-on when assisting his buyers, leaning on his extensive knowledge of the region to carefully guide them to the right investment for their best interests—whether it’s a two-bedroom condo or a $15 million house. Possessing unmatched insights into the premier golf courses, attractions, and regions of the Kona-Kailua Coast, he cares most about helping his clients realize their ambitions in the market. Moreover, he stays in touch long after the deals are done to ensure each client is fully satisfied and thriving in their new home.

Over the years, Philip has earned a terrific reputation throughout Hawaii, with the vast majority of his volume coming from repeat clients or referrals. While averaging 22

To learn more about Philip Fukushima email philip.fukushima@corcoranpacific.com or call (808) 989-3200 Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Productivity Killers: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours 3.Create a goal-oriented reward system

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

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

For every to-do list item you complete, allow yourself a fives minute treat, whether that’s a fresh cup of coffee or a walk around the block. Not only will creating a reward system help you stay motivated throughout the day, it will also provide you with much-needed mental breaks that actually boost long-term productivity.

1. Create a sense of peace and quiet The office may not be your idea of a tranquil oasis, but for most, focus requires quiet and calm to best lend attention to the task at hand. If you find yourself seated next to talkative coworkers or in the center of a bustling office atrium, consider noise canceling headphones, earplugs, or carving out an empty conference room for your work day.

Turning the volume down creates fewer chances for disruption, allowing you to make the best use of your time.

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

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

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

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