HAWAII 8-9-21

HAWAII EDITION

5 Ways to

Transform Renters into Owners

3 Mental Tricks that Will

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

BY THE

NUMBERS:

COVER STORY

JACQUELINE LITTLE FEATURED AGENT

KURTIS BECKER

Understanding the True Value of Square Footage

HAWAII EDITION

KURTIS BECKER

When Kurtis Becker was preparing that Kurtis had our bes 9 19 to graduate from college, he was mind rather than just tryi encouraged to pursue real estate as a a property. We strongly career. “My mom is the Vice President Kurtis if you are looking t for Coldwell Banker, and kept telling on the Big Island!” Ano me I’d be really good at this,” he “Customer service was explains. He decided to take the class beyond anything I ever e and earn his license, which soon led bought a condo without to him falling in love with the field. “I it in person and Kurtis w met with a broker here in Kona, and in knowing what was i JACQUELINE LITTLE KURTIS BECKER decided to work with him. I haven’t us and was honest with looked back since.” Today he is the out good and bad feature team lead of Hawaii Global Luxury properties and we were Group, serving the Kona side of the the perfect condo for us.”

CONTENTS Big Island. The vast majority of his business consists of repeats and referrals, which When Kurtis isn’t working, he’s stayin stands as a testament to his THAT superior service. 15) BY THE the community through the Jonathan 4) 3 MENTAL TRICKS NUMBERS: Foundation. “We help feed those in n WILL TAKE YOUR BUSINESS UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE “We’re voted in the top ten for client satisfaction focus on children,” Kurtis explains. Dur TO THE LEVEL SQUARE FOOTAGE within theNEXT state, so we have a lot of people VALUE telling OF time, he’s playing basketball, hanging friends and family about us,” Kurtis says. By priori- beach, paddleboarding or hiking.

6) 5 WAYS TO TRANSFORM 21) HOW TO GET THE tizing client happiness and going above and beyond RENTERS OWNERS RECHARGE expectations,INTO everyone leaves the transaction BIGGEST with a Looking towardsOUT the future, Kurtis wa satisfying experience. “It’s our attention to detail on LUNCH luxury sales.

“I will grow it from the OFand YOUR HOUR being honest, that’s what keeps them coming back. take that same idea to each island. We’d We have their best interests at heart.” Knowing this a presence all over the state.” In the me is one of the largest transactions in his clients’ lives, loving every minute of his current pa he offers guidance and |support every step of the way. satisfying to help people find or sell a ho Phone 310-734-1440 Fax 310-734-1440 With a deep knowledge of construction and building mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com materials, Kurtis is also able to |provide valuable Noinsight portion ofabout this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever the quality of homes and how muchwithout prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy renovations might cost. “We can look at two homes of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by areTosimilar, I can address, tell mysend buyers home itsthat authors. subscribebut or change inquirywhich to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. cost more to build and has better quality materials.

That can help them make a decision.”

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After working with Kurtis, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently

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3 Mental Tricks That Will Take Your Business to the Next Level It’s no secret that running a successful business requires careful planning and a tireless work ethic. Beyond those obvious ideals, it also takes the right mindset in order to capitalize on professional opportunity. In the world of real estate and mortgage lending, mental fortitude is a major component to reaching the next 4

level and achieving longevity in a sector that requires so much self-discipline. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few key mental tricks you can employ to reinvigorate your working philosophy. Incorporate these techniques into your daily mindfulness routine and your business will surely benefit.

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Visualization helps you work efficiently and keep your cool.

This may sound like one of the oldest tricks in the book, but there’s a reason why Olympic athletes and those serving in first-responder positions use visualization as a time-honored mental technique. Not only does visualizing your daily tasks help you organize your mind, but it amps up your ability to focus on what’s important. Visualization also helps reduce stress in the moment, since you’ve already created a mental expectation of the task ahead. Whether you’re preparing for a negotiation or a pitch to new a client—visualization primes your brain and affords you an extra sense of control as you tackle your day.

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Distill concepts into their simplest terms for ultimate understanding.

As an agent or loan officer, you’re likely juggling numerous clients and commitments on any given day. That’s why it helps to distill your responsibilities in clear, definitive terms. Let’s say you have a meeting set with a client to outline a marketing approach for their property. You may understand the broad strokes, but beforehand, try verbalizing the exact takeaways you’d like to impart to your client.

This may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to clarify your communication and ensure your com-

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plete understanding of a subject is to explain it aloud in its simplest terms. This crystallizes your main point and can come in handy if you drift off-topic or need to double-down on your message.

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Accept that mistakes will be made.

While it’s natural to fear failure, sometimes the dread of making an error can overwhelm your ability to perform. As the saying goes: don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

If you accept in advance that set-backs will occur, challenges will come, and things won’t always go accordingly to plan—you’ll be less confounded when hurdles do arise. What matters is keeping an even keel as you sort through unexpected delays or mishaps. Accepting that mistakes will happen allows you to shift your focus towards a solution or contingency plan. In other words, don’t spend your energy trying to achieve perfection. Aim high and work hard, but be in touch with reality: upsets are bound to occur. Accept this and you’ll be ready when they do.

The path to lasting success is ongoing, and there are bound to be challenges along the way. It takes mental fortitude to make it to the top, so keep these tricks in mind as you continue to grow as a person and a professional. Seeing situations in a new light can make all the difference as you adapt, evolve, and take your business to the next level.

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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 6

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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JACQUELINE LITTLE Top Agent Magazine

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With over a decade of experience, Broker Jacqueline Little at Royal Realty, helps clients navigate the real estate market in Oahu and Maui.

As the broker in charge at Royal Realty, Jacqueline Little believes in hard work and being a formidable advocate for her loyal clients. Learning the ropes of the business from her mother at a young age, Jacqueline officially became involved in real estate right out of college, when she got into property management. With over 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

a decade of experience, she now helps clients navigate the real estate market in Oahu and Maui.

At the heart of Jacqueline’s business is her core belief in creating long-lasting relationships with clients. “I am much more interested in developing in-depth Top Agent Magazine

relationships with people to truly understand their needs and help them meet their goals. I’ve become close friends with many of my clients, which I think speaks to the type of trust that we develop during Top Agent Magazine

the transaction process,” she explains, and adds, “In addition to the tight-knit relationships, I also think a lot of clients come back to work with me, or recommend me to their friends and family, because they’re 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Always striving to go above and beyond for her clients, Jacqueline is a natural problem-solver who believes in out-of-thebox solutions. “I try to do more than just what’s conventional.” impressed by the level of my real estate knowledge. A lot of real estate agents in Hawaii don’t do property management and sales at the same time.”

Always striving to go above and beyond for her clients, Jacqueline is a natural problem-solver who believes in out-of-the-box Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

solutions. “I try to do more than just what’s conventional. A good example would be my marketing strategy. I provide my clients with custom ‘for sale’ signs and I’m active on social media platforms like YouTube. I also provide virtual tours and staging for all of my listings at no extra cost to the seller,” she says.

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Outside of work Jacqueline is passionate about giving back her time and taking an active role in the community. She is on the Bone Marrow Advisory Board that looks over the budget and financing for the local Bone Marrow Donor Registry and participates in an annual golf tournament dedicated to the cause. When she’s not busy, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and traveling.

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Going forward, Jacqueline is focused on helping other agents achieve success in real estate and become confident when facing challenges so that they can give their clients an elite level of service during every transaction. “My goal is to continue supporting other agents at Royal Realty, to help them grow and become more well-rounded professionals,” she says. She’s also happy to advise anyone Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

who needs guidance in the area of real estate. “I love helping people and forming close relationships with them. At the end of the day, I don’t see this as a job but as something that I truly enjoy doing, whether there’s financial compensation

involved or not. So, whatever I can do to give insight to anyone that needs it, I’m always available for a phone conversation or an office chat. And that goes for the rental side as well as the buying and selling side.”

To learn more about Jacqueline Little please email jlittlera@gmail.com, visit royalrealtyllc.com, or call 808–294–6386. www.

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By the Numbers:

Understanding the True Value of Square Footage Measuring the square footage of a property may seem like an objective and straightforward task, but you’d be surprised at how many agents and homebuyers misunderstand this pivotal figure.

True square footage provides homebuyers a concrete understanding of their prospective domain, but here’s the problem: the rules to determine a home’s square footage are not always uniform across the board. What’s more, much of Top Agent Magazine

a home’s value is determined by its size, so accuracy is certainly important. While many real estate agents have their own systems for determining or confirming a home’s true square footage, it doesn’t hurt to update your practices and become an expert on the subject. After all, you may learn a few techniques that could add value to a listing, or better prepare you in guiding house-hunters on the lookout.

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1. Do your due diligence Most towns and cities have a local records department where floorplans and blueprints are kept on file. It’s worth noting that these records don’t typically include any subsequent additions or remodels on a property, but they still give archive hunters a legal baseline when outlining a property’s square footage. Oftentimes, a straightforward online search of a city or county’s records office can pull the information necessary, or else agents can poke around in person to uncover informative blueprints at the records office. Either way, access to original blueprints or floorplans is a great tool for determining livable square footage. As a bonus,

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original blueprints and floorplans—especially in historic properties—can be intriguing visual aids for prospective buyers, as well.

2. Know the rules While there aren’t universal standards when it comes to measuring square footage, there are general guidelines that can help determine square footage in an authentic way. Per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), here are the official recommendations for measuring a home’s real square footage: n

Called “below grade spaces,” basements and sunrooms beyond a home’s typical

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living quarters do not count toward a home’s true square footage. According to ANSI, even big draws like finished basements don’t count toward a property’s Gross Living Area. Of course, even below grade spaces have their own desirable value and should be outlined as such on listings. n

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Did you know the space inside closets and on stairways counts toward a home’s square footage? Even if these areas are relatively small, they still add to a property’s calculable square footage.

When recording square footage, ANSI actually suggests performing measurements from a property’s exterior—though this method does not account for the

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thickness of exterior walls, which could skew square footage numbers. n

Just like below grade spaces, a garage, a pool house, or even a guest house should not be included in a property’s Gross Living Area. The rationale at work here is this: if you must go outside to access additional living areas, then they are beyond the square footage scope of the primary dwelling and should not be included in a home’s Gross Living Area.

3. Double-check by doing the dirty work Buyers and sellers have or will make a sizable investment in a property, so isn’t it fair to double-check all the relevant facts and figures

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when it comes to true square footage? If you want to take on the endeavor yourself, here are a few helpful steps to take. n

First, you’ll need a few things to get started, including a tape measure that can measure at least 100 ft., graph paper, and a pencil.

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Next, choose a room to start measuring wall-by-wall. Measure Wall 1, then proceed to assign each square on the gridded paper a corresponding measurement, rounding to the nearest tenth of a foot for the sake of clarity.

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From there, draw out the wall you measured and measure the remaining walls in the

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room. Once you’ve completed the room’s measurements, multiply the room’s length and width to determine its square footage. n

As you go measure throughout the home, using your own system to scale, you will construct a failsafe floorplan.

Mastering your craft is everything, and the real estate industry is no different. Every now and again, it’s worthwhile to update your well of information, take matters into your own hands, and continue to innovate with the industry. While square footage may not seem like the juiciest starting off point for such a venture, never forget: mastery of technical knowledge is a sure sign of expertise.

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KURTIS BECKER When Kurtis Becker was preparing to graduate from college, he was encouraged to pursue real estate as a career. “My mom is the Vice President for Coldwell Banker, and kept telling me I’d be really good at this,” he explains. He decided to take the class and earn his license, which soon led to him falling in love with the field. “I met with a broker here in Kona, and decided to work with him. I haven’t looked back since.” Today he is the team lead of Hawaii Global Luxury Group, serving the Kona side of the Big Island. The vast majority of his business consists of repeats and referrals, which stands as a testament to his superior service.

“We’re voted in the top ten for client satisfaction within the state, so we have a lot of people telling friends and family about us,” Kurtis says. By prioritizing client happiness and going above and beyond expectations, everyone leaves the transaction with a satisfying experience. “It’s our attention to detail and being honest, that’s what keeps them coming back.

We have their best interests at heart.” Knowing this is one of the largest transactions in his clients’ lives, he offers guidance and support every step of the way.

With a deep knowledge of construction and building materials, Kurtis is also able to provide valuable insight about the quality of homes and how much renovations might cost. “We can look at two homes that are similar, but I can tell my buyers which home cost more to build and has better quality materials.

That can help them make a decision.”

After working with Kurtis, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “We purchased our condo on the Big Island with Kurtis. Kurtis was great! He was patient with us during our search for the right property. We felt Top Agent Magazine

that Kurtis had our best interest in mind rather than just trying to sell us a property. We strongly recommend Kurtis if you are looking to sell or buy on the Big Island!” Another wrote, “Customer service was above and beyond anything I ever expected. We bought a condo without ever seeing it in person and Kurtis was interested in knowing what was important to us and was honest with us pointing out good and bad features in various properties and we were able to find the perfect condo for us.”

When Kurtis isn’t working, he’s staying active in the community through the Jonathan Dale Miller Foundation. “We help feed those in need, with a focus on children,” Kurtis explains. During any free time, he’s playing basketball, hanging out at the beach, paddleboarding or hiking.

Looking towards the future, Kurtis wants to focus on luxury sales. “I will grow it from there, and then take that same idea to each island. We’d like to have a presence all over the state.” In the meantime, he’s loving every minute of his current path. “It’s so satisfying to help people find or sell a home.”

For more information about Kurtis Becker, please call 808-430-6785 or email kbkonarealestate@gmail.com 19 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create Top Agent Magazine

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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