ILLINOIS 3-21-22

ILLINOIS EDITION

INCORPORATE CURRENT EVENTS to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant

If it’s Good for the Soul,

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

FEATURED AGENTS

NANCY ABUALI CINDY ECKOLS ANNE LENZINI VITTORIA LOGLI LIV PARTNERS

HOW TO SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

COVER STORY

LORI JOHANNESON

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

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 4

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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LORI JOHANNESON

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Top Agent Lori Johanneson is the broker and leader of the Naperville, Illinois-based firm, The Lori Johanneson Team— serving clients throughout the suburbs of Chicago.

Top Agent Lori Johanneson a licensed Real Estate broker and team lead of The Lori Johanneson Team with @properties, a Naperville, IL based group dedicated to serving clients throughout the western Chicagoland suburbs.

Lori will be the first person to tell you that she doesn’t know everything. However, in addition to holding an MBA with a focus in small business management, she is also 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

incredibly dedicated to continuing to learn about all things Real Estate. This dedication gives her the knowledge and insight she needs to not only be a great agent to her clients, but also an effective team lead.

“I shadowed an agent in the business, and it was something I could not imagine myself not doing,” said Lori, now 20 years into her Real Estate career. “… I wanted [to be] in a position someday that I could treat it as Top Agent Magazine

a business where I have a team that leverages skills that I may not be as strong in, and [that’s] where I sit today.”

Much like many great industry leaders, Lori was able to effectively utilize her own strengths while leveraging the skills of her Top Agent Magazine

team to drive her business toward its best year yet - closing $36 million in sales working a one-hour circumference in and around Naperville, IL in 2021.

Her team includes a full time Transaction Coordinator, who handles everything from Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

“(For 2022) I just want to continue to search for more people to help. I have a team that is set up to handle more than we currently handle.” contracts to closings; a full time Marketing Director in charge of all listings, including all social media and digital presence; a full time Client Care Specialist; and a full time Buyer Specialist. Between her success last year and her colleagues, she has ambitious plans going forward. “(For 2022) I just want to continue to search for more people to help. I have a team that is set up to handle more than we currently handle.”

Lori said about 75% of her business is referral-based while the remaining 25% comes 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

from her “sphere of influence”. Whether she sold a home last year or 10 years ago, Lori understands the importance of maintaining relationships and keeping her clients up-to-date with the latest information on the housing market. That is why, two years ago, she began leaning more toward pre-marketing to help stay on top of pricing trends.

“We utilize the Private Listing Network to test out different price points and interest in our listings, and [to share the listing] with other agents in the area that would Top Agent Magazine

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potentially have a buyer looking at the price point,” she said, adding that all her listings are professionally staged, professionally photographed, and utilize video walk-throughs and floor plans. “Every listing is on every site that could possibly be used for a home [search], and we use our social media to market it as well.”

A devoted mother of two girls, Lori is also quite active in her community - doing everything from charitable work with a group that provides assistance to children with longterm illnesses to collecting food and clothing donations for the homeless. Lori is also an accomplished athlete having recently completed her first Ironman triathlon - a grueling test of endurance consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, a 116 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run.

To learn more about The Lori Johanneson Team, visit her website at ljhomesellingteam.com, http://

call 630-667-7562, or email lori@ljhomesellingteam.com

12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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Rosenberg & Parker, LLC is proud to congratulate

Lori Johanneson

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

Rosenberg & Parker, LLC AT TO R N E YS AT L AW

Phone: 630-320-2068 | Fax: 630-219-1846 blake@rp-legal.com 1300 Iroquois Avenue, Ste. 210, Naperville, IL 60563

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If it’s good for the soul,

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

Visibility, name recognition and knowing you’re supporting the community that makes your success possible are good reasons to take part in community service. But how is it that some people seem to be able to give time to charities while running their own businesses, managing their own families and households, exercising regularly, attending sporting events and concerts, eating well and sleeping seven or eight hours a night?

The truth is, not all agents are able to do everything so easily. But more important is the fact that no one needs to do everything all of the time. The trick is to make sure that, whatever you do holds meaning.

REALTORS® and mortgage professionals who seem the most gregarious in their community outreach are those whose giving seems to fill their own souls. When their 14

volunteer efforts or donations directly impact causes they or their clients care deeply about, “giving back” becomes energizing.

Jason O’Quinn of Prime Lending in Dallas Texas, for instance, says that his family’s ongoing work building homes for some of the poorest families in Honduras fills him immeasurably. “It rejuvenates me,” he says.

“There’s quite a dichotomy between the houses we build there and the houses we finance here,” he says. “It refocuses me, going from financing $1 million homes in Dallas to physically laying cinderblock for $10,000 homes in Honduras. Everything has more meaning when we sacrificially give of our time, talent and treasure.”

The longtime “big picture” for Colorado REALTOR® and property manager, Linda

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Todd, for instance, has included giving back to the community, whether serving as a lead carpenter for Habitat for Humanity, making deliveries for Meals on Wheels, or pitching in for the sake of baseball. And through her lifelong passion for baseball, she harmoniously blended her personal interests, her work and her community service. For many years, she was so involved Little League the local league named a new field after her. “I cried for 3 days after they told me that!” She and her husband also started a scholarship fund for junior college baseball players and serve as a host family for the rookie league of the Colorado Rockies, putting up newly drafted players in their home.

For Florida REALTOR® and property manager, Mario Gonzalez, neither his business nor his primary community outreach would exist without the other. A retired U.S. Navy pilot, Mario formed his brokerage, Navy to Navy Homes, when he saw a need for military personnel to find affordable homes to purchase. “We got into it to help, but that led to a full-blown real estate business.” Besides providing opportunities for investment and homeownership, the company donates 35% of every commission to Homes for Heroes, veterans’ groups, or organizations benefiting fire, police, medical organizations, churches and homeless shelters. “We’re small, but we give so much back that we were the top Homes for Heroes company in Florida and

top-five nationwide.” But he does none of this for the attention. His friends may call him the “Humble Hero of Heroes,” but helping is Mario’s passion. “To be such a small business and be the top Homes for Heroes affiliate is mind boggling!”

Like Mario, for many, the best service takes place in simple and quiet ways. Illinois REALTOR®, Susie Scheuber, for example, takes a humble approach to giving back. Although she donates a portion of every commission check to the Children’s Miracle Network, she doesn’t discuss this with clients unless they happen to ask. “I do it because I want to and because, to me, giving back is the right thing to do when you’ve been fortunate in business and life,” says Susie.

We all know how inertia works; the more energized we get by certain behaviors, the more likely we are to continue those behaviors. For some top agents, community outreach has become such a natural routine of their daily lives that they never find it burdensome. A good way to add community service into your life, therefore, is through the causes that mean the most to you. For starters, consider giving a small donation after closing to the charity of your client’s choosing. Learning the different causes that they care about just might foster a new mission for you.

If you have a unique story to share about how your community outreach has impacted your life and your business or inspired others, click here for consideration in our magazines: www.topagentmagazine.com/nominate-a-real-estate-agent-to-be-featured Top Agent Magazine

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NANCY ABUALI A few years ago, Nancy Abuali was going through a personal and professional shift in her life and was thinking about what to do next. “I decided that I wanted to get into real estate because I’ve always been interested in this market,” Nancy recalls. “More importantly, in everything I’ve done, I have always focused on helping and educating people. Since this is one of the biggest personal and financial decisions anyone will make in their life, my passion spoke to this need.” Nancy has owned several businesses over the years, but when she began her real estate career, she knew she had found her purpose. Now in her second year serving the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Nancy is perfecting the winning approach that has allowed her to help so many clients find success in their real estate journey.

Clients value Nancy’s strong communication, keeping them in the loop from the beginning of a transaction to the end, and beyond. “I’ve been able to make a connection with my clients and keep in contact long after that first step into their new home,” Nancy explains. “What I offer my clients over my fellow agents is that I have a strong follow-up. From that first phone call to long after we close the transaction, I keep in contact with them.

It’s so important to serve your clients way past the point of what you think is enough. My strength is that I have compassion for my clients during this huge, life-changing decision. My drive and

my strong work ethic take me over the top, and clients see that.”

The results speak for themselves, as Nancy sees her repeat and referral business flourishing. “Even though I’ve only been doing this a short time, I’ve been able to build a relationship of trust with my clients, and I have had multiple transactions already with some of the same clients.

Whether I rented them a unit and they’re now buying, or I’m working with investors who have made multiple sales and purchases, they’ve come back to work with me again and have entrusted me with their friends and family through referrals.”

Looking toward the future, Nancy plans to engage even more in her local community through the new group she started last summer, the Northwest Suburban Networking Group. She is also looking to pay it forward by starting a scholarship program for local people who want to get into real estate but don’t have the financial means to get started.

Most of all, Nancy looks forward to helping more and more clients achieve their real estate goals. “My favorite part of my career in real estate is the people I get to meet and educate towards this huge step in their lives,” Nancy says.

“I love my job! It doesn’t even feel like a job for me. It feels like a calling.”

To find out more about Nancy Abuali, you can call her at (847) 971-4291, or email at nancyabuali1@gmail.com.

You can find her online at nancyabuali.realpeoplerealty.com www.

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Mason Schroder is proud to congratulate

Nancy Abuali

on being featured for the State of Illinois in Top Agent Magazine!

Mason Schroder |Mortgage Consultant t: (630) 608-8927

masonschroder@anmtg.com ANmtg.com/our-team/mason-schroder www.

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. This is not a commitment to lend. A and N Mortgage Services, Inc. is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee and Equal Housing Lender. 1945 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60642p: 773.305.LOAN (5626) ANmtg.com NMLS No. 19291IL MB.0006638. Serving IL, IN, IA, FL, MI, MN, WI, TN, TX. Offer of credit subject to credit approval. Texas Recovery Fund Notice. For licensing information, visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org and anmtg.com/company-info/licensing/. Mason Schroder LO NMLS No. 2216714

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How to Incorporate Current Events to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant Email marketing is a cost effective and straightforward method of getting your name and services in front of clients with just a few keystrokes. This tried-and-true approach to digital marketing is a favorite of many, and there are countless ways to customize (and maximize) your email blasts to reap superior results. Despite this, many real estate profes18

sionals are content to standardize their email advertising and take a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to capturing interest and leads. While an up-front sales pitch certainly has its uses and benefits, it doesn’t hurt to shake up your routine and refresh your email marketing approach by adding specifics that draw renewed interest from your audience.

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One way to accomplish this is by tying in current events and local happenings to your email blasts. After all, your sphere of influence likely receives countless marketing emails per day. To cut through the noise, sharpen your message with a few specifics that separate your communications from the pack. Not every email should be focused on closing a sale, or else your audience will learn to stop listening.

How do you build your brand, stay top of mind, and keep the lines of communication open with your clientele? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

against an old rival? Do they host themed fan days honoring veterans or catering to families? Tailoring your communications to a local sports franchise’s big news or next event can draw intrigue and provide added value for your clients. Remember, not every communication you send should be focused on pitching and closing a sale, otherwise your audience will tune out your emails altogether. Instead, incorporate fun, community-oriented content that lets readers know you’re a resource for much more than real estate.

Sports news makes a splash

Become a one-stop-shop for holiday fun and seasonal ideas.

People love to rally behind the home team.

Is a regional, local university, or professional sports team in your area headed to the playoffs or the championship? Are they facing off

From Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving, anyone can send an email wishing clients a happy holiday. While the sentiment is a good one, you’ll be one of dozens flooding inboxes with

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your well-wishes. Instead, go beyond the traditional greetings and good tidings and become a hyper-specific resource for clients. Create a gift guide for Mother’s Day, outline family-friendly local events occurring in your area around the holidays, or engage in a promotional partnership with a local business who’s offering a holiday special of their own. In other words, don’t settle for just saying hello during certain times of the year. Instead, up the value of your email blast by offering clients curated information that relates to their interests and area.

Doing so makes your emails a must-read, while demonstrating your ability to go the extra mile.

Pop culture serves as a fun and timely tie-in.

Is a new gaming app sweeping the nation? Have your social media feeds been flooded with the same viral video? Is everyone gossiping about the same TV show premiere? Pop culture tie-ins in your email marketing campaigns can be extremely effective, but in order to for

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them to work, you’ll need to move quickly and keep your focus on the phenomenon, rather than your service pitch. The goal behind pop culture marketing tie-ins is communicating the progressiveness and hip factor of your brand, while capturing timely, topical interest that’s at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be in on a running joke or trend, and if you leverage trending pop culture moments in your email marketing, you’ll be able to draw views and clicks from a wide audience.

Plenty of services offer standardized email marketing templates and content for today’s real estate professionals, and while the motivation behind marketing is transactional, your communications don’t have to be. The surest way to make an impact in your clients’ inboxes is to add original value and break apart from the pack. Consider updating some of your routines with these current events oriented techniques and your email audience is sure to take a second look.

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CINDY ECKOLS Born and raised in the farmlands surrounding Bloomington and Normal, Cindy Eckols has always been passionate about helping others. Upon graduating with a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois, she began her career as a school teacher; however, when a sudden medical emergency forced her out of the field, she went searching for a new opportunity that still spoke to her compassionate personality. After making a full recovery, she pursued her real estate license, drawing influence from her mother, a prominent REALTOR® in the region.

In the 30 years since, Cindy has authored an accomplished career in the business, building a team that has won numerous awards at the local, state, national and international levels and even developing a subdivision. Today, she leads Team Cindy Eckols, powered by RE/MAX Choice, where she assists clients throughout Bloomington and Normal and all of McLean and surrounding counties. With her team ranked #1 in McLean County 2021 closed volume, she earned the distinguished Titan Club honors through RE/MAX in 2015, specializing in everything from residential real estate to farmland properties and vacant acreage. In 2021, she earned the highest RE/MAX award level, the Diamond Club.

dad always taught me that your word and your handshake mean everything,” she says.

“Because of that, I believe in being honest and open with every single client.”

In her career, Cindy has earned a fantastic reputation among clients and colleagues alike, as evidenced by her strong rate of repeat clients and referrals. With her team having completed $44+ million in volume in 2021 alone, she is most fulfilled by the lasting connections she has been able to forge through the real estate industry. “A few years ago, I was contacted by a young couple who were struggling to get approved to purchase their first house. Rather than turning them away, we went out and found them the perfect home in which to raise their family. Over the years, it has meant the world to me to see them—and countless others—flourish in our community.”

When she’s not with clients, Cindy maintains a strong standard for community engagement, having served on numerous committees and boards in the Bloomington/ Normal area and as Volunteer Director at her church.

Most recently, she and her team adopted a family in-need during the holiday season.

When listing a property, Cindy offers her clients a comprehensive approach. After helping them fully prepare for the market, she shares their listing to a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns, giving her sellers a nationwide reach. Throughout the process, she is also there for her clients, ensuring a seamless transaction catered to their best interests.

Cindy also has exciting plans for the future of her business. In the months ahead, she looks forward to growing her team while expanding her reach throughout the region. “I don’t care if it’s a $30,000 property or a $2 million dollar property,” she says. “At the end of the day, I love building a relationship with my clients, putting them at the forefront of our transaction, and helping them realize their dream of home ownership.”

Elsewhere, Cindy is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, leveraging her decades of experience to uncover the right investment for their needs. In fact, she prefers to keep in touch well after the deals are done, making sure her clients are satisfied with their purchases. “My

Cindy would like to express her appreciation to Greg Lee, Sarah Marshall, Denise Evans, Natalie Vazquez and Kyle Graven, the members of Team Cindy Eckols whose hard work and dedication significantly contributes to the team’s success and achievements.

For more about Cindy Eckols email cindy@cindyeckols.com, visit Cindyeckols.com or call 309-532-1616 www.

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ANNE LENZINI Having called Chicago home for over 30 years, Anne Lenzini has always been passionate about service within her community.

After starting her career in the garment business, she decided to transition into sales in the early 1990s. Inspired by her husband, himself a successful contractor, and some of their colleagues in the real estate industry, she went on to pursue her license—and the rest is history.

In the 25 years since, she has gone on to author an accomplished career as an agent, building a robust network of satisfied clients that spans the city.

Today, Anne is a Licensed Real Estate Broker for Compass Real Estate where she assists clients throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. Experienced in everything from commercial to residential real estate, sales to leasing, she possesses the expertise, integrity, and insight needed to navigate even the toughest transaction.

When listing a property, Anne prefers an in-depth approach. After helping her clients fully prepare their home for the market, she shares their listing via a blend of highly targeted marketing campaigns which start long before the property hits the market. Moreover, she leverages her own sizable social media presence, as well as the suite of resources available through Compass Real Estate, to give the property as much exposure as possible and to give each seller an added advantage. Forever dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of her industry, though, she is constantly pursuing new training and coaching opportunities to keep her clients updated on the latest market trends.

Meanwhile, Anne is just as hands-on when assisting her buyers. Drawing from her decades of experience in the Chicago housing market, she carefully guides her clients each step of the way, educating and helping them make informed decisions on their future. In fact, she keeps in touch long after the closing to provide them with ongoing support and connect them with her extensive network of contractors, lenders, and real estate professionals.

Through the years, Anne has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Chicago, with the majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. And the key to her success? “I truly enjoy my career,” she says. “I’m married to a contractor, my grandfather was a successful real estate investor and developer, my children work in the business, and our family rehabs homes in our spare time.

Because of that, I bring a wealth of problem solving skills to each transaction.”

Outside of real estate, Anne is deeply committed to her community. On top of volunteering in her area school district and starting a successful silent auction program at one of the city’s top selective high schools, she is the past President of her Neighborhood Association, where she is now leading a new project to restore the beautiful original stone pillars of her neighborhood, The Villa. Recently, she and a longtime friend and business associate from the area launched a women’s networking group in their neighborhood. Aimed at connecting women with other working women to support each other, the group aims to be both social and philanthropic, looking to give back to the community. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found traveling, tending to her home rehabbing projects, or spending quality time with her family.

Continuing to increase her sales volume year over year, Anne has exciting plans for the future of her business that include adding to her team and providing a robust full service to all her clients. New marketing tools and organizational systems will also play a key role in her professional development. As she continues her work within the community, she intends on scaling the boutique model of service that has set her apart in the Chicagoland area. “I genuinely love our city,” she says.

“Through the years, I feel so lucky to have worked with so many great people. No matter the client, I could think of nothing more rewarding than ensuring a smooth transition into their new homes.”

To learn more about Anne Lenzini email anne.lenzini@compass.com, visit compass.com or call (773) 203-2167. www.

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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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VITTORIA LOGLI The daughter of Italian immigrants, Vittoria Logli was raised with a deep appreciation for perseverance and cultural diversity. Raised on the North Shore, she would earn her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and later her MBA in Marketing from DePaul University, launching a successful career in the corporate world.

Over time, though, she found herself seeking a new opportunity that balanced her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for connecting with others. So in 2004, she pursued her real estate license, launched her career as an agent, and has never looked back since.

Today, Vittoria leads her team through @properties, where she assists clients throughout Glenview, Northbrook, Wilmette, and the surrounding areas of the North Shore. Alongside her business manager, Lia Larson, and agents Stephanie Oh and Sonia Cisternino, she has cultivated a boutique process to meet the needs of any seller or buyer.

When listing a property, Vittoria leverages her elite foundations in marketing and advertising to ensure a seamless transaction. An early adopter to digital marketing, she utilizes a blend of highly targeted social media campaigns to place her sellers on the cutting edge. Moreover, she keeps ahead of the latest industry trends through an extensive listing package that includes resources like professional staging and photography, standout videography, drone imaging, and 3D tours. “I love staying on top of the most recent technological developments and keeping our team fresh in terms of what we can offer our clients,” she says.

“In this business, we’re always pivoting, always changing, always evolving, and it’s always exciting!”

But Vittoria is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, leaning on her in-depth knowledge of the North Shore

to uncover the right home for their best interests. In fact, she prefers to keep in touch long after the closing through regular check-ins and even the occasional gift, such as pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving— all to make sure her clients are satisfied in their new homes. Over the years, she has earned a fantastic reputation throughout the Chicagoland area, with the vast majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Fluent in Italian, Vittoria has also upheld the family heritage that continues to inspire her accomplished career. “Having been raised in an ethnic family, I’ve never forgotten my roots. Because of that, I have an easier time relating to my clients—regardless of their background.”

Outside her career, Vittoria is dedicated to her community, serving as a Glenview Public Library Foundation Board Member. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found practicing yoga, reading, gardening, spending quality time with her husband and four children, or exploring all the small businesses, local restaurants, and scenic parks the North Shore area has to offer.

Looking ahead, Vittoria has strong ambitions for the future of her business. Having completed $38 million + in volume in 2021 alone, she looks forward to adding new agents to her team while scaling up her digital marketing department. Along the way, she remains committed to the high-touch approach that has set her apart in the city she loves. “For me, it’s not about the transaction; it’s about the relationship,” she says. “There’s nothing more satisfying than meeting new people, building authentic connections, and helping my clients move to the next phase of their lives.”

To learn more about Vittoria Logli, please call (847) 867-0360, email vittoria@atproperties.com, or visit vittorialogli.com www.

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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.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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 26

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.

4

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.

5

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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LIV PARTNERS After a successful career in the sales industry, Stefanie Ridolfo was looking for a more personally fulfilling career path.

Passionate about helping others and skilled at building lasting connections, she decided upon real estate. Once she started, she instantly fell in love with her work, and continued to grow. “My husband, Vince, saw that I was having too much fun, and decided to join me in real estate,” Stefanie explains.

Vince started his professional life as a loan officer, and felt his skills in the mortgage industry would translate well into real estate. The two have reached great heights as a team. Called the LIV Partners, they now have two buyer’s agents and an operations team by their side. LIV Partners serves the suburbs of Chicago and acts as a full-service company, handling every detail of the buying and selling process.

“We help our clients with everything, from A to Z,” Stefanie says. One way they do so is by offering a full spectrum approach to listing properties. “We recently launched a sister company called LIV Design, so one of our specialties is going into a home and recommending what is needed in order to get top dollar,” she explains.

“Then we send in our design team and we do all the remodeling. Our final step is going in and professionally staging it.” With a 5,000 square foot warehouse in Elk Grove and a moving truck, they are able to handle each aspect, from selling the property to designing, remodeling and staging. They remain just as thorough with their buyers, getting to know them on a deep level and guiding them through the process. Whether their clients are avid investors or first time buyers, they can

expect constant communication and updates.

Word of mouth is one of the LIV Partners’ main ways of growing their business. Clients love to tell others about their time together, as they are consistently impressed by the support, guidance and results they’ve received. One recently said, “We had a fantastic experience with LIV Partners! They made the process of selling our investment property so easy and smooth. Everyone on this team has such a professional and caring attitude. We are incredibly grateful for everything that was done for us.

We will be using them in any future real estate projects and recommending them to our friends and family.”

Throughout the year, LIV Partners hosts client appreciation events to show their gratitude and give back to the community. “We just had a coat drive where our past clients came out and donated coats to those in need,” Stefanie says. “We do a charity golf outing, and this year we’re focusing on raising awareness and funds for ALS.” Every fall, they host a pumpkin farm event, so past clients and their families can enjoy a moment of autumn.

In the next few years, Stefanie and Vince would like to expand into other markets, including Arizona, Florida and other parts of Illinois. Wherever their path leads, they are undoubtedly going to enjoy every moment of it. “We just really enjoy helping people make better choices with their real estate investments. Being able to educate them and guide them through this time is so important.”

For more information about LIV Partners, please call 630-200-2120 or email stefanie.ridolfo@compass.com Top Agent Magazine

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