ILLINOIS 6-1-20

ILLINOIS EDITION

Embracing Smart Homes: Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

UNTANGLING THE BIDDING WAR: A Buyer’s & Seller’s Perspectives

FEATURED AGENTS

TRACY ANDERSON OCTAVIO MARTINEZ JANINE SASSO

5 Ways to

TRANSFORM RENTERS INTO OWNERS COVER STORY

RANDI LYNN & STEVE QUIGLEY

ILLINOIS EDITION

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RANDI LYNN & STEVE QUIGLEY

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TRACY ANDERSON

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OCTAVIO MARTINEZ

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JANIN

Janine Sass from colleg childhood soon found paced field her commu ambitious a JANINE SASSO recommend er-in-law, into real es industry proved itself a perfect mat and compassionate personality.

Today, Janine is a Realtor for 3 CONTENTS team at Coldwell Banker Residen she services clients throughout th Chicago. Through her tireless d 4) 5 WAYS TO TRANSFORM 18) EMBRACINGofSMART HOMES: she has established a strong founda RENTERS INTO OWNERS DOES NEW TECHNOLOGY with a great deal of her volume c REALLY INCREASE HOME VALUE? hood involvement and referrals. “ 13) WHY EMPLOYEE can trust me,” Janine says. “I alwa do THE and live up to my promises.”

APPRECIATION MATTERS 25) UNTANGLING

& CAN BOOST YOUR BOTTOM LINE

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BIDDING WAR: A BUYER’S Janine utilizes a precise approach w & SELLER’S PERSPECTIVES

Through tech savvy social media ca catered landing pages, she can max tial while ensuring that it reach prospective buyers. By encouragin engagement on social media, she c Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 her listings will leave a strong imp mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com More importantly, No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent though, Janine Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensuremarketing the accuracystrategies of publishedto fully tell the materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. a big believer in narrative and s To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

“When I build a game plan for a h Published in the U.S. its emotional value along with Through everything, Janine leans o tive attitude that has won her an ou Top Agent Magazine the industry.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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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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RANDI LYNN & STEVE QUIGLEY Top Agent Magazine

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RANDI LYNN & STEVE QUIGLEY Top Agents Randi Lynn and husband Steve with Coldwell Banker Realty assist clients throughout Orland Park and its surrounding areas, including Frankfort, New Lenox and Manhattan.

Randi Lynn Quigley has been around real estate for her entire adult life, starting out as a marketing specialist and growing into a licensed broker. Prior to the birth of her fourth child, her husband, Steve Quigley, 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

attained his license as well. The couple has been working closely together ever since, specializing in everything from residential properties to luxury listings to farmland acquisition.

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Today, Randi Lynn and Steve are Realtors for Coldwell Banker Realty, where they assist clients throughout Orland Park and its surrounding areas, including Frankfort, New Lenox and Manhattan. Through innovative and attentive service, they have forged a strong reputation in their community. “We become friends with all of our clients,” Randi Lynn says. “They’re not just a sale; they’re part of the family.”

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When marketing a listing, Randi Lynn and Steve provide their clients with a comprehensive list of options. On top of crafting targeted email and online campaigns, they also provide professional photography and videography, including drone footage and lifestyle tours of the listing property. “We don’t just stick a sign in the ground and walk away,” Randi Lynn says. “Instead, we put the time and effort into making sure the house sells.”

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“We’re constantly researching new trends in the industry to stay on the cutting edge,” Randi Lynn says. By honing their craft, the couple has earned numerous accolades, claiming the Quality Service Award and Multi-Million Dollar Producer status at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Most of all, Randi Lynn and Steve appreciate their client relationships. Because the couple has worked in a wide variety of situations, from first time home buyers to farmland properties to corporate relocations, they have developed a robust network of friends in the industry. As such, the vast majority of their business comes from repeat clients or referrals. “We take our clients to heart,” Randi Lynn says. “Each one Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

is equally important to us—no matter what their situation may be.”

Even though Randi Lynn and Steve have grown into accomplished real estate professionals, they are always looking for ways to improve. “We’re constantly researching new trends in the industry to stay on the cutting edge,” Randi Lynn says. By honing their craft, the couple has earned numerous Top Agent Magazine

accolades, claiming the Quality Service Award and Multi-Million Dollar Producer status at Coldwell Banker Realty.

give back to their community, serving on the Seniors Real Estate Council and Chamber of Commerce at Manhattan, Illinois.

Outside of their career, Randi Lynn and Steve love spending time with their kids. But the couple also cherishes any opportunity to

Looking ahead to the future, the couple hopes to grow their business while scaling the boutique approach they currently offer each and

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every client. “We’ll never grow so large that it interferes with our client relationships,” she says. Elsewhere, they are always seeking new ways to train or gather information, bolstering their forward-thinking approach to the market. “In our business, nothing is guaranteed,” Randi Lynn says. “The industry is evolving every single day, so we have to evolve with it.”

For Randi Lynn and Steve, real estate is more than a career. Through caring and industrious service, they have solidified their place in the community. “You have to lead with passion,” Randi Lynn says. “If you’re genuine with people and stay true to yourself, life will fall into place.”

To learn more about Randi Lynn & Steve Quigley email SellYourHomeQuigley@gmail.com or call (708) 446-0328 Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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Why Employee Appreciation Matters & Can Boost Your Bottom Line Attracting and retaining talent creates a positive working environment for your business, but it’s also good for your bottom line. When team members come and go constantly, your office becomes a revolving door, with no steady workforce, abiding company culture, or continuity for your clients. What’s more, breaking from your duties to post ads, interview applicants, and train new hires takes up valuable time—and time is money. Instead, creating a working environment with built-in Top Agent Magazine

perks and morale boosters makes everyone happy, including you as a leader. You’ll have fewer fires to put out or squabbles to referee if your employees are motivated, feel appreciated, and inclined to work together for the business’s greater good.

In that vein, let’s consider the concrete benefits of employee appreciation and how to apply these principles to your business in meaningful ways.

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What is employee appreciation and how do you enact it?

Whether built-in through perks and benefits or by hosting regular events, employee appreciation is about making your team feel valued and part of a whole. No one wants to feel replaceable or voiceless, so it comes down to this basic truth: employees who feel heard and appreciated invest more in their work and your business. Likewise, no one wants to hop jobs every six months.

Employees desire reliability and consistency in their work options, but they’ll be forced to move on to greener pastures if they don’t feel like their talents and contributions are recognized, or if there isn’t enough value to match their output.

By displaying gratitude through employee appreciation, you’re sending the message that your employees’ efforts are respected and considered integral to your operation’s success. Employee appreciation also sets the right tone for professional relationships in your office to flourish, which makes for better workflow and communication on an interpersonal level. Motivation and morale are closely tied to employee appreciation, so there is a clear symbiotic benefit to investing in your employees’ happiness in order to breed a happier, more productive work environment.

How do you make employee appreciation an active part of your business model? To start, keep it simple. Treat your employees to a bagel spread on a Monday morning to boost morale ahead of the workweek. Or, consider 14

an employee happy hour on a Friday, or a group lunch mid-week. Well-timed moments of generosity can lift spirits and signal your intuitiveness as a leader, while creating fuel for upcoming projects and deadlines.

If you want to take it to the next level, consider in-office perks from which your employees can derive value or morale. For instance, some offices allow employees to bring in their docile pets. Other offices keep the communal kitchen stocked with sparkling water, fresh fruit, and quality coffee to keep team members satiated. Maybe your office would benefit from a modern décor update, which might make for a more compelling, progressive workspace for your employees to enjoy. Whatever route you take, cultivating a positive office environment can extend employee appreciation on a daily, hands-on basis.

Perks and benefits are another way to build-in employee appreciation and demonstrate your investment in your team. Bike-to-work benefits, subsidies for public transportation or gym membership costs, or even supplying your team with their own smartphone—all demonstrate a company culture that’s focused on fueling your team’s morale and productivity.

While some of these steps may seem like a costly investment, the returns are unequivocal when it comes to lasting employee retention.

Turnover is a blight on your bottom line, so taking a proactive approach to employee appreciation can inspire a dynamic team, lead to a more positive work environment, and boost your financials for the long term.

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TRACY ANDERSON, JD

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TRACY ANDERSON, JD

“My detail oriented background as an attorney helps me anticipate problems before they happen.

I try to solve them ahead of time.”

With a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others, Tracy Anderson has found the perfect path in real estate. With a past career as a lawyer, Tracy is uniquely qualified to help buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Earning her real estate license in 2006, she quickly saw the market at its best and its worst. “It was a really challenging time, but I didn’t know any different,” Tracy explains. Prevailing through the recession, today she is making great strides and beginning to build a team. “I brought on another agent in fall of 2019, and hired my sister as my assistant in January. She is also in the process of getting her license.” Serving the western suburbs of Chicago, the vast majority of her business consists of repeat clients and referrals, a testament to her dedication and superior service.

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“I’m responsive and give my honest opinion,” Tracy says. “I point out things that might not be perfect.” Tracy only wants what is best for her clients, and isn’t afraid to steer them away from properties that may not suit them. “My detail oriented background as an attorney helps me anticipate problems before they happen,” she explains. “I try to solve them ahead of time.”

With years of experience in real estate, she also has a keen eye for design, and is able to help clients visualize how a home would look or what potential it has. Whether she’s helping her buyers get the best property for an ideal price or getting the most for her sellers, she goes above and beyond expectations.

After the transaction, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently Copyright Top Agent Magazine

said, “Tracy helped us sell our condo and buy a house. She was always very responsive, helpful, and listened well to our wants. We had a very quick sale on our condo (two offers in 48 hours) and were able to secure the house we wanted.

Tracy helped us early on as we were planning ahead and checked in regularly until we were ready to actively begin the process. She never pressured us to act or think in one way or another, but listened and offered her professional guidance.

She’s fun to work with as well. I would highly recommend her.” Another wrote, “Tracy helped me buy my very first home this year. It was a short sale, and she was absolutely wonderful throughout the whole process. I was very impressed with her responsiveness; I never felt like I was on my own. I recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell!”

When Tracy isn’t working, she’s giving back to the community. She donates a portion of every transaction through Compass Cares and hosts fundraisers. Tracy has served on the Hinsdale Historical Society Board of Directors and Women’s Board, the Wellness House’s Board of Directors, the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club and The Lane School PTO. Tracy was named one of Hinsdale’s ‘Fifty Under Fifty’ by the Community House.

As Tracy looks ahead, she is excited to continue growing her team. “I love that it’s not the same type of work every day, but I also love the people. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of this chapter in their lives.”

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For more information about Tracy Anderson, please call 630-452-3108 or email tracy.anderson@compass.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

Embracing Smart Homes:

Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

Technology and innovation move at a lightning-fast clip, so it can be hard to keep up with all the smart-home trends sweeping the market at a given time. From smart thermostats to security systems accessed through an app on your phone—there are endless options to customize and update your home for the modern era. But which, if any, of these smart home products add 18

value to property in a significant, worthwhile capacity? Especially with new generations of the same products released in quick succession, it can be hard to determine whether it’s worth it to take the plunge. With that in mind, we’ve conducted a deep-dive into the smart home options out there that make the most sense for your bottom line and real estate investments.

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Smart home amenities range in price and return.

There are certain smart home products that won’t break the bank while still adding lovely touches and time-saving features to your space. For instance, a smart thermostat may not run more than a few hundred dollars, but it can take so much of the guesswork and analog nuisance out of programming your home’s internal environment. That said, buyers selling properties with mid-range amenities like this can’t expect a windfall in return. While smart home features can certainly lure buyers and give the sense that a home is attractively modern (and thus move-in ready), it doesn’t mean that you’ll be reaping a sizable monetary reward for your foresight. Conversely, this reality doesn’t mean those smart options

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are without value entirely; it just means that the value of smart home options may be apparent in a different capacity, like luring a particular buyer or creating a desirable, sleek image for a property headed to market.

On the other hand, larger scale smart home amenities that are being left behind for the buyer—like a smart refrigerator or wired sound throughout the property—may be able to lure particular buyers who value high-end details. While it can be difficult to state definitively the value of smart home options, the rule tends to be that the more you put in, the higher the likelihood you’ll reap the investment you sow. Focus your smart home options on home appliances first, then work your way toward security, thermostat, and entertainment options.

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Smart home amenities capture the attention of buyers

Agents must know how to pitch the value of smart home options

Even if you have mostly opted for small or mid-range smart home options, you can still benefit from their presence in a property—even if they don’t inflate your bottom line as a result. Smart home amenities have the power to focus the attention of buyers, sending a clear signal that the previous owners were tech-forward and made an effort to upgrade the property for the contemporary era. Millennial or Gen Z buyers especially value these up-to-date modifications, and the presence of these desirable gadgets can create added interest and drive up value naturally. Likewise, featuring these options in listing photography can also drive interest from younger or high-end buyers looking for move-in ready spaces.

Remember that smart home features are relatively fresh to the market. While some new construction properties are equipped with these smart amenities, just as many homes on the market don’t offer these upgrades and modern flairs. This means that many buyers, of all ages even, aren’t familiar with the benefits and perks of these options, let alone how they’re operated. Before you can derive value from a smart home or smart home features, you’ll need to understand a product’s proper usage, cost, and benefits. Do your homework regarding what smart home features can offer in terms time or cost savings, and be able to show prospective buyers how easy these objects are to use, as well. Do both, and you’ll be in proper command of what smart home features can offer buyers and pitch them accordingly.

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OCTAVIO MARTINEZ Top Agent Magazine

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OCTAVIO MARTINEZ

Top Agent Octavio Martinez of HomeSmart Connect, proudly services clients throughout Lake County and the surrounding areas.

Octavio Martinez first considered going into the real estate industry during the purchase of his first house.

At the time, his Realtor suggested that he explore obtaining his license, noting Octavio’s open-hearted personality and outstanding communication skills.

The timing was perfect. “I was looking to make a career change,” Octavio says. So he heeded the advice, earned his license and dove into the business, serving as a Realtor for RE/MAX for six years.

It was tough at first. But through tenacity and hard work, he found a foothold in the market.

Today, Octavio is a Realtor for HomeSmart Connect, where he proudly services clients throughout Lake County and the surrounding areas. Over the years, he has won an outstanding reputation in the community, with the vast majority of his volume coming from either repeat clients or referrals. “I love to 22

guide people,” he says. “For me, real estate is an ongoing process of education.”

When listing a property, Octavio provides his clients with a comprehensive blend of modern and traditional approaches. On top of targeted digital marketing campaigns over social media, he also spreads the word about a property through mailers and his industry connections. But Octavio most of all enjoys hosting his open houses. “I’m huge on them,” he says. “Open houses give me the opportunity to connect with buyers face-to-face and find a right match for the property.”

When working with buyers, Octavio views himself less as a salesman and more as a consultant, guiding clients to their prospective dream home. “Constant communication is key in our business,” he says. “It’s Copyright Top Agent Magazine

not about the transactions; it’s about the people. First and foremost, I have to give my clients the trust and knowledge of the market required to make strong decisions.”

Octavio takes his responsibility to his clients seriously, maintaining contact with them long after closing to ensure that their needs are met. Once a year, he even hosts a Christmas party for all his clients, where they can take pictures with Santa and enjoy some holiday treats. “My clients are like a second family,” he says. “No matter the problem, they can count on me to help.”

Outside of his career, Octavio tries to give back to his community as much as possible. In the recent past, he was a volunteer at his church, lending assistance to the most needed. Elsewhere, he values spending time at home with his wife and three children.

Looking ahead to the future, Octavio recognizes the potential for growth in his business. In the coming months, he hopes to build out his team, which would allow him to provide a larger clientele with the same unmatched service. For now, though, the path is clear.

“Keep going,” he says. “I’ve developed a really solid foundation here with homeowners in my community.”

When Octavio first dabbled in real estate, he was seeking a change in his career. In the industry, though, he found an ideal outlet for his outgoing and empathetic personality. “I love helping others—not just in real estate, but in life,” he says. “There is nothing more rewarding.”

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To learn more about Octavio Martinez email tavi0298@gmail.com, call (224) 639-5090, or visit facebook.com/octaviomartinezrealtor www.

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Untangling the Bidding War: A Buyer’s & Seller’s Perspectives In a competitive marketplace, bidding wars become the norm. While this may put sellers in an excellent position to recoup on their investment, it can push buyers beyond their budgets and test their temperaments in the process. As an agent, how do you navigate both sides of the coin? After all, you want to net the best results for your client—regardless of which side of the closing table they’re on. To fortify your approach to a heated bidding war, here are a few ideas and insights to better clue you in on the perspectives of buyers and sellers alike.

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Buyer’s Perspective: Emotions Running High?

Channel it.

When the market is booming, buyers feel the pressure—especially when affordable inventory is limited. This can create stress, feelings of hopelessness, and impulsivity. As an agent, how do you channel this emotional energy into something positive? Consider asking buyers to put those anxieties and high hopes onto paper. Have buyers outline

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who they are, why they’re inspired to buy a home at this juncture in their lives, and how they see their lives unfolding once they become a homeowner (or repeat homeowner). Think of it as a letter of intent.

Buyers benefit from taking abstract fears and dreams and articulating them on paper. Likewise, this document can serve as a valuable tool during a bidding war. Letters like these can help sellers with multiple offers make a personal, emotional connection with a particular buyer.

Sellers Perspective: Manage expectations.

When multiple offers are rolling in on a property, it’s easy for sellers to get carried away. Numbers are flying, expectations are heightened, and sellers may become hypnotized by higher and higher offers and ideal outcomes. While it’s good to celebrate prime market positioning, it’s also important to maintain an even keel so that your seller’s mind is clear and they’re thinking rationally through their options.

Sometimes the highest offer isn’t necessarily the sure thing. Manage your clients’ expectations by leading by example, offering a balanced perspective, and talking them through all potential outcomes so that they don’t only hone in on the best-case scenario.

During a bidding war, tensions are running high for seller’s too, who will soon begin their next chapter in another home. Keep a cool head and remind your client to see the big picture, recognize that it’s possible for some offers to fall through, and to sit tight until the closing table has been successfully reached.

Buyer’s Perspective: How do you authentically and convincingly convey your interest?

When ten or so offers are in the mix, it can be hard to differentiate your buyer from the next. While numbers will obviously do a lot of the talking, you’d be surprised how much of a difference a 26

personal touch can make. Some popular approaches to standing out include personal letters—as mentioned above—tailored to the property. Was the property in question a family home for years? You might have clients detail their dreams of raising a family inside those walls, rather than tear the property down and rebuild something to boost the lot’s value. Including a family photo is also a good tact for personalizing letters in a bidding war. Likewise, little gifts included with your offer can speak volumes about your personality and due diligence as an agent. It may seem a little cheesy, but when sellers are looking at ten near-identical offers, those personal touches can really paint a compelling, personalized picture.

Seller’s Perspective: How powerful is cash?

Data shows that cash offers—typical of investor clientele—double the chances of having an offer accepted. This goes hand in hand with waiving a financing contingency, which also helped boost the probability of an accepted offer, according to research. Cash is king, however, since offers that aren’t completely reliant on comprehensive financing seem to minimize risk for sellers, who are already eager to see a deal go through. Cash deals also tend to go through quickly, freeing sellers up to pursue their next property and move on to new horizons. While not every buyer has the ability to operate in cash, it’s a worthwhile consideration for those in ultra-competitive markets and with liquid capital.

While the bidding process can be stressful for agents and clients alike, it’s important to remember that it’s a time of opportunity, too. If you want to make the most of it as a seller, data shows that a personal touch can endear buyers to their seller counterparts. For sellers navigating a competitive process, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. For agents, here’s the bottom line: get creative, be resourceful, and use all the tools in your arsenal to achieve the best result for the clients you serve.

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JANINE SASSO Janine Sasso initially graduated from college with a focus in early childhood education. But she soon found herself seeking a fast paced field that could balance her communal values with her ambitious approach to life. At the recommendation of her mother-in-law, she explored going into real estate. Sure enough, the industry proved itself a perfect match for her hardworking and compassionate personality.

Today, Janine is a Realtor for 3 Keys Home Group, a team at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, where she services clients throughout the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Through her tireless devotion to her clients, she has established a strong foundation in her community, with a great deal of her volume coming from neighborhood involvement and referrals. “My clients know they can trust me,” Janine says. “I always do what I say I will do and live up to my promises.”

Janine utilizes a precise approach when listing a property.

Through tech savvy social media campaigns and specially catered landing pages, she can maximize a home’s potential while ensuring that it reaches a vast network of prospective buyers. By encouraging such high levels of engagement on social media, she can also guarantee that her listings will leave a strong impression.

sale events. Elsewhere, she helps the local fire stations put on open houses for the public.

At home, Janine loves spending time with her family and finding relaxation in the outdoors. Having been born and raised in Germany, she finds tremendous joy in traveling around the world and exploring different cultures with her husband and two children.

But Janine also uses her time away from work to further her enthusiasm for the real estate industry. She provides an online coaching service, The Hyper Local Real Estate Agent, for fellow realtors, which specializes in teaching the same Neighborhood Marketing Strategies that have won Janine a solid business foundation in her community.

She also hosts the podcast, Real Estate Without the Fluff, that explores various topics pertaining to the state of the market. “I’m always working,” she says with a laugh.

“But that’s because real estate is more than a job for me— it’s my passion.”

When Janine looks to the future, she envisions the steady growth of her team and the possible expansion of her business into other states. More than anything, she is excited to continue assisting clients with the specialized service that has anchored her business philosophy. “We’ve found a wonderful place in our community,” she says. “I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for my business and my clients.”

More importantly, though, Janine uses these innovative marketing strategies to fully tell the story of a home. “I’m a big believer in narrative and storytelling,” she says.

“When I build a game plan for a house, I want to capture its emotional value along with its monetary value.”

Through everything, Janine leans on the driven and positive attitude that has won her an outstanding reputation in the industry.

Outside of her career, Janine maintains an active role in the community. In Hoffman Estates, she helps organize and sponsor an annual garage sale, recruiting over 100 homeowners to make it one of the area’s biggest garage Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Janine Sasso email Janine@3KeysRealEstateGroup.com, visit janinesasso.com or call 847-754-1835 www.

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