ILLINOIS 7-27-20

ILLINOIS EDITION

24-HOUR TOUCH-UPS to Maximize Your Price List

Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Your Calling Card

COVER STORY

JAYMI BLOCK FEATURED AGENTS

YVETTE JONES KATHY MENIGHAN ERIN STUEDEMANN

ILLINOIS EDITION

YVETTE JONES KATHY MENIGHAN ERIN STUEDEMANN

Erin Stuedemann was aphotograph Realtor-in-training e Jones is very passionate about Menighan what she started out in entertainYvette won’t or market a listing Kathy Meanwhile, Kathy servicesLong herafteb 7 15 16 21 from a very young age.

Her greatest prepaErin She fell in love with ment. real estate until the home is clean and clutter-free.

“I tell Afterwhile living in California for seven with support and education. Mostrem i ration for becoming a Realtor occurred applying ng for the City of Chicago licensing my clients that prospective home-buyers need years, she began seeking a career that spoke in childhood, when learningtantly, she prefers a “concierge men organically to during th room occupancy (SROs) and earned her to imagine themselves living there and they to her ambitions, independence andadapt passion when collaborating on a transaction toshouldn’t new homes a way ofelse’s life. With client tes license in 1995. She joined Real People seewas someone clutter,” she says. for entrepreneurship. One day Chris Eigel, necting a client with other profession a father who was a Rhodes Scholar and warm wo y in 2011 and specializes in housing our Her properties go out on the MLS as well as to a and mother with a spirit for adventure, they Realtor. former President of Koenig and Strey her make sure they have all the tools nS military who are interested in renting, agencies thatolder service veterans. moved Erin and her brother across the was neve in law, suggested that she look to acquire and succeed in their new g, and buying. “I’m sister’s also a father certified country and overseas. By the time she started gent in fi into(MRP) real estate, “I wantare to very take as much stress out ry Relocation Professional by thenoting her scrappy personalsays provides school, Yvette Erin was the the onlyservices Americanshe student We highl ity and communication skills.in “When as possible,” she says. nal Association of Realtors,” shestrong asserts. meaningful bothlearning to her toand toprocess the people she a West African school, adapt to honest th area is the ChicagolandIand surrounding serves.byAageformer veteran herself, began exploring the industry, everything a new culture six. Thehomeless family would JAYMI BLOCK YVETTE JONES KATHY MENIGHAN ERINexpeSTUEDEMANN advocate bs up to 50 miles.” she understands the paintimes and difficulties her relocate eleven more before Erin gradjust clicked,” Kathy says. “Nothing was Forclients her hardworking approach, never use uated from high school. rience and she strives to turn things around.

“I can’t get going to stop me from succeeding.” has earned an outstanding reputation throu When it e has assembled a cohesive team that’s comprised of enough,” she asserts. “I love watching clients entering their theErin Chicagoland area, with the vast majority Fast-forward to 2003, when and her husband Dave continues to demonst oon-to-be husband, a law firm, an inspection firm, a homes for the firstfour time.

One couple recently told me were raising children in the rural community Today, Kathy is the founder of new Homed360 Realtheir Estate volume coming from repeatequipped clients with or referra immers al contractor and lenders that service VA loans. Her they they nevercall thought they have something so nice.

Just home.

Erin could desired a different childhood for her fromsays. prospective buy through @properties, where she has proudly serviced empathize with my clients,” she “This is is “from homeless to homeowner,” and makes it her thinking it makes emotional.” own about children, one inme which moving was something she platform disseminates clients throughout Chicago and the North Shore for tionship-driven business.

Everything I do is on for every client to own a home, build credit, or helped other people do. So, Erin became a licensed Realtor. online listing platform moreand than 21 years. up on the North helping my clients make and that c to run a business. “My team I educate them Having about grown In addition to her designation, she’s also Accredited Today, she hasMRP established herself as a consummate real a change, CONTENTS just under $6 million shegocan a unique Buyers insight her homethan a transaction. want to help rights and give them theShore, tools to out offer and accomRepresentative continuing education estateinto professional and (ABR), thegoes local deeper community expert with in herI office. a reputation honesty, expertise, and aof personal touch. back ofandmyfor every step the way.” their dreams,” she says. town. “I know the town like the instructor a hand,” Loan Signing Agent/Mobile Public Notary.

She the alsopockets. has a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing/ Beyond the office, Eri she says. “I know the schools, the secrets, 4) PLAYING THE REAL ESTATE 17) 24-HOUR TOUCH-UPS Erin spearheads her work as Realtor under the banner local level, particularl e’s business is 100% repeat and never referralchanged.” clientele.

‘For THESE public relations andTO a Master’s Degree in Human Resource That’s Outside of YOUR her career, Kathy values giving ba MATCHMAKER— FOLLOW MAXIMIZE PRICE LIST of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, serving clients and community organ ast 17 years, I’ve been working with veterans who Development/Instructional Design. her community.

She and her inspir across the greater southwest Chicago area, her tagline thehusband, Illinois Valley Sym 8 or DATING RULES TO ENSURE YOU come back to me refer clients to me,” she says.

“I billboards Home - Your Dreamspearheaded - Your When listing a property, Kathy offersonher clients reading a sharp “Your their son, Emmett, Happy2You, a she most enjoys spend YOUR WITH THE ove and care forMATCH them, and they know CLIENT it.”

One charitableErin event that Yvette founded is the annualand 100 22) 4 WAYS MENTORING Realtor.” has amassed a following of repeat home and at their fam attention to detail. Starting out, she assists them with dation to support Down Syndrome awarenes Prettyreferral Pursesclientele for Female Veterans. This involves that constitutes the majority of donations her busiPERFECT HOME FOR THEM UP-AND-COMING EMPLOYEES AsThrough for the future, Eri preparing and presenting their home, providing a host of other associated initiatives.

Happy ot surprising that her clients give her stellar reviews. of 100+ containalike essential and ness. purses Buyers that and sellers turn to gifts her for heraccessopatient steadily as she contin MAKES YOU A food BETTER AGENT options Yvette’s for professional photography.

She alsofirst-hand teams up Kathy is also able to music. host art shows to further su approach, regional knowledge, and proven track e one prior customer recently: genuine care ries for women.

The event also features and with aninSOCIAL interior a dear“This friend, ensure with special needs herwith community.

Now, nearly two record.

“I can try to have a personal soft when it a in MEDIA oncern for all is 13) really MAKE amazing this daydesigner, of “fast and haswho been going on for 6families years and now andtouch It’s always to her name, Erin Stu comesshe tolists. real estate,” she says. “I’m not aggressive when thatwhich a home looks pristine by the time it When ” The deliberateMARKETING care with sheYOUR handled me was success,” says.

CALLING working with my clients, and I try to make sure people most about her chos erful. I too would recommend her tothe anyone renting or utilizes digital and social marketing property, Kathy After years in the entertainment industry, CARD feel comfortable with Yvette their decisions. full-time, I’m every day,” she says. ng for a home.”- W. Muhammad Whenhouses. she’s not working, loves toI’m ride herinto motorcymedia campaigns, as well as open Elsewhere, decided delve real estate, where she coul family-oriented, and I love working with people.” As the what the ide “It’s my around favoritethe thing to do outside ofher the strong job,” she and I love she harnesses her long-standingcles. connections others using Lo number-one agent in her office, Erin focuses on commu- business nothing acumen. more gratifyin e maintains quality contact with past and present says.

She is also crafty and creates seasonal arts & crafts for city to better link a home with its potential ahead to the future, sheisenvisions grow nication buyer. and connection. Erin’s mother, Norma Cotner, the placesteady they’ll raise t s by sending out cards four to five times a year. “I gift baskets and candle making. also a licensed Realtor andHomed360, assists Erin inhaving a multitude thein home retire builtofa life thethey’ll communi ubscribe to a service blasts out texts to Fax my renter Phonethat 310-734-1440 310-734-1440 ways, including utilizingloves.

Norma’s Seniors Estate business, and continu Through it all, |though, Kathy specially catersinher “This is aReal 24/7 career,” she says.

“But ele to check in and make sure they’re doing okay,” she As she continues to expand her business, Yvette wants dreams they have.”

Certification. workflowshe to sent her clients’ needs.

“It on the brought so much fulfilment to my mag@topagentmagazine.com | towww.topagentmagazine.com During the Covid-19 pandemic, out special addalla depends lease-to-own program for veterans who emotional are still listing,” she says.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to properly When I call one of my clients, I feel as if I’m c that said, “Just and let knowin anybuilding credit.without “I’mmore looking forward to advancing that Nochecking portion of in,” this issue mayeveryone be reproduced manner their whatsoever prior consent ofErin the publisher.

Top Agent please call (8 For about Stuedemann, thebyhome.” one toofensure my friends.” around if theyMagazine need assistance. mission,” she precautions says. ismarket published Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although are taken the accuracy of published

email estuedemann@coldwellhomes.com, visit b

materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

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

To learn more Jones, To learn moreemail about yjonesrpr@gmail.com, Kathy Menighan, please call (312) 213-0549, Published in the U.S. about Yvette

www.

call (312) 593-8901 visit realpeoplerealty.com/agents/61562/Yvette+Jones, email Kathy@homed360.com, visitoratproperties.com or Emmettkyoshiart.com www.

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Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker –

Follow These 8 Dating Rules to Ensure You Match Your Client with the Perfect Home for Them When you think a bit more about it, the ultimate goal of a real estate agent serving a client is really to match them up with the perfect house for them, almost the way a matchmaker tries to find two people that will fit well together as a couple. When people are looking for a house, they often treat the process as a quest for “the one” house that will fulfill their dreams of living in the house of their dreams. Don’t be fooled. It is always a search for “the one”, at least when it comes to helping a couple or family find a home.

When you look at your client’s search for a home in this manner, then you might begin to notice some pretty obvious similarities 4

between shopping for a home today and online dating. In this day and age most people live a substantial part entire lives online. People socialize with their friends on Facebook, they meet potential friends in forums and online communities, and we now even search for our perfect mate online. Shopping for a home also happens to usually start online. When they begin this search, make no mistake; they are looking for the “one.” These people then turn to you, the REALTOR® to play matchmaker for them. It is your job to wade through the pool of eligible homes (bachelors) and sort through all the ones that are too expensive, too nerdy, not cute enough, not smart enough, etc. until you find the “one.”

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It makes sense then to consult the tried and true practices in matchmaking that help those professionals find the right people for each other, and see if any of them could also apply for matching your clients with their dream home. You’ll find that these 8 dating rules may just show you the secret to matching your clients with the perfect home.

back to the store if you’re not happy with your new home. It’s best to first help your client get prequalified. This is a tangible step that shows they are ready to move on to a new home. You want to make sure they are completely over their love affair with their previous home. You can even ask them for a sign or proof that they’re ready to move on.

Who Is In and Not In Your Client’s League? Know Your Client’s Price Range:

Be Genuine, Not Superficial

When a person is looking for a mate, it is a waste of time for them to even consider those potential mates that are clearly out of their league. These people won’t even stop to give them the time of day.

In the world of real estate the idea is the same. There is no point showing your clients houses that they can’t afford and will simply lust after without having any real chance of purchasing the house. It is your job to keep your client ground in reality, and help them be realistic in terms of price when choosing their next home.

Never Let Your Client’s First Impression of a Home Rule Their Decisions

Make Sure Your Client is Ready to Move On From Their Last Dream Home You’re job is also to make sure that your client is truly ready to move on from their previous home. This is a long term commitment, and they need to be absolutely sure they actually want to buy a new house. You can’t simply take the receipt Top Agent Magazine

When trying to manage the many pitfalls of online dating, on inevitably goes on a date where the other person looks nothing like their picture online. That can be just as big of a problem when looking for a house. When clients show you a particular house they want to visit, ask them to name something about the house that they like other than the aesthetics. This way you can see if they are simply infatuated with the way the house looks in those pictures, or if there is a deeper interest in the home that could become a deeper connection between your client and the house.

When your client first sees a house they have already been lusting after in their mind, they’re often so excited to finally be looking at it, especially if it does in fact look as good as it did in the pictures.

Make sure to encourage them to take some time before making such a big com-

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mitment, and don’t let their excitement push them into making a rash decision. It is your job to keep them grounded in reality. Push for your clients to do an inspection to make sure the house isn’t hiding any dark secrets. Sometimes the most charming facade can hide tons of slime and deadly mold.

Follow Your Heart (or Gut) People often laugh at and ridicule the idea of love at first sight, but when it comes to homes, the phenomenon can certainly happen. Your client may just find their perfect dream home at the very first place you take them. If you have a client that does insist this is the case, then you don’t want to try and rationalize with them or talk them out of their decision. You do, however, want to make sure you are watching out for their interest and make sure your clients take all the necessary precautions before they jump in headfirst.

See What Other People See in The Home – Do They See What Your Client Sees?

Have you come to the conclusion that your clients are being blinded by all of the twinkling windows and crystal clear water glistening in the backyard pool, and can’t see that the house they’ve fallen in love with is really just a dirty animal (maybe a pig) dressed up in nice clothes and lipstick. Ask your client if they would be willing to look at the house again with 6

their close friends, family, and anyone else they trust for a second opinion there to see it with them. If the house really is a dud, they’ll be able to see past any personal bias your client might have to the truth. They will be able to help your client see through the shining facade

Celebrate the Happy Union!

When a couple gets married they tend to throw a big party and celebrate their union. The same goes for the closing.

Your clients have just essentially married the house of their dreams, and now it’s time to rejoice. Congratulate them on their new union. Show your support for their new homeowner status by going to their housewarming party.

Help Your Clients Maintain Their Dream Home & Ensure a Lifetime of Happiness You can’t just disappear after the transaction is finished. Become their realtor for life by showing your clients how to maintain their dream home. Act as their resource for other professionals they may need to maintain the house such as handymen, plumbers, electricians, etc. Show them how to keep up with home maintenance so they don’t ignore problems that surface and end up with a much larger issue than they started with. Help them make sure their dream home lasts so they can live happily ever after in their home for a lifetime.

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JAYMI BLOCK

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Top Agent Jaymi Block oversees the Keller Williams’ Magnolia team–based out of Oak Lawn, IL–primarily covering Chicago, the southwest suburbs and northwest Indiana.

Jaymi Block was just out of college when she took a real estate course just to see what it would be like. She was so impressed by the business, she got licensed. “I love helping people,” she says. “Being a real estate agent allows me to advocate so much; it just feels right.”

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Eighteen years later, Jaymi oversees the Keller Williams’ Magnolia team–based out of Oak Lawn, IL–primarily covering Chicago, the southwest suburbs and northwest Indiana.

“Working with a team has been so fulfilling,” she says of her newly formed group. “I enjoy watching each person striving and achieving Top Agent Magazine

his or her goals. Plus, we are truly there for each other and know there is always help. We have all committed to creating a life worth living. It’s an extraordinary feeling!”

Jaymi has reached the epitome of success with a business that’s 85% repeat and referral Top Agent Magazine

clientele. “I believe they come back to me because of the trust, resources, and pragmatic advice given, “ she asserts. “The real estate process can be very intense, so I am always our clients’ loyal & fierce advocate and they know I will always do what is possible and in their best interest.”

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“The real estate process can be very intense, so I am always our clients’ loyal & fierce advocate and they know I will always do what is possible and in their best interest.”

Jaymi says she takes full advantage of Keller Williams’ cutting edge technology in order to maintain quality outreach to clients and promote listings to the fullest extent. These specialized tools enable her team to engage all demographics of buyers and sellers and include print, emails and social media. “We also are creating more consistent client appreciation events throughout the year and developing signature closing gifts.”

According to Jaymi, her marketing techniques vary and are tailored per listing. “We sit down with our clients and listen to their needs. This way we are better able to assess how we will be featuring the property.” All listings are Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

pushed-out to multiple top real estate sites in addition to social media ads, posts, and videos.

“People want to see truth and honesty through their agent and the property they may want to buy.”

The aspect of the job that Jaymi likes the most is watching the smiles on her clients’ faces when they get into a new home and/or are able to begin that next chapter. “It can be a family that finally has a yard for the kids, grandparents that are moving out-of-state closer to grandchildren, and many times it also means creating wealth through investments bought and sold,” she states. “Now I get to watch that Top Agent Magazine

same excitement being experienced by my team members. That feels like an accomplishment.”

Giving back to the community is very important to Jaymi and she is currently working with team Magnolia to create their own charity.

In the meantime, she participates in Keller Top Agent Magazine

Williams’ Red Day, an annual day of service dedicated to renewing, engaging, and donating to local communities.

When she’s not working, Jaymi spends time with her four children. “We engage in lots of activities like dance and sports, “ she says. She Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

also believes in giving her kids travel experience.

“Wherever we go, I want them to appreciate the people, culture, and history.”

country. It’s the trend of the future and I like to keep ahead of the game and am fortunate to have a referral network spanning the globe.”

Because of her love of world travel. Jaymi has applied to her board’s Global Committee. “Our world is getting smaller, “ she says. “For second homes, more people are buying out of the

Jaymi will continue with forward momentum of her successful business. “It’s all about staying informed, leveraging experience, and working in your clients’ best interest.”

To learn more about Jaymi Block, call (708) 655-5000, email jaymiblock@kw.com, or visit MagnoliaKw.com www.

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Top Agent Magazine

Make Social Media Marketing Your Calling Card These days, it’s no secret that buyers begin their home search online. As the industry continues to take a digital turn, Realtors in the know must learn to utilize a whole new range of tools available to them—and for good reason. Social media is a dynamic hybrid of personal contact and targeted marketing. To make the most of this new medium, agents can’t settle for the occasional post and expect results.

Instead, let’s consider a few techniques that will make your social media presence Top Agent Magazine

interactive, unmissable, and effective in generating business.

Your Profile is a Portal Ideally, you’ll have profiles across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and otherwise—but no matter what portal you’re utilizing, make sure your profile page is up-todate, well-curated, and easily navigated.

Consider your profile a landing page.

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Your photo, location, contact information, homepage, and a brief bio should all be readily visible so that potential clients can get an immediate sense for who you are and what your voice is. If a client wants to connect with you, it should be obvious how to do so. You might also incorporate a few savvier tools that make your profile more engaging—like hashtags. These searchable tags can help you lure potential clientele and give your audience a chance to explore deeper. #DreamHome #JustListed and #HomeInspiration are popular, existing tags to choose from, but you can cultivate your own hashtag by consistently tagging posts, which gives clients an extensive thread to comb through.

Interacting with Your Audience Posting regularly is great way to appear in feeds, but engaging with your audience is just as important—and it helps you reach a new audience in the process. It’s a positive start to like your audience’s posts, pictures, and statuses, but commenting takes your engagement a step further and separates you from typical respondents. It’s also important that you diversify your engagements. In other words, don’t center every communication around your business, propositioning your services, or trying to sell. If applicable, present your value-add, but otherwise steer your engagement towards the personal. Let your clients know that you’re there, you’re human, and 14

ready to work at their pace. Which leads us to our next point...

Blending the Professional with the Personal Engaging with your audience is one thing, but what about generating original content?

How do you strike the right balance between a Call to Action, industry updates, and a personal touch? Think of it this way: any post you create should provide a point of connection for your audience.

Sometimes, you might be sharing a family photo, or commenting on some unifying current event—like the Super Bowl! Other times, you may be sharing a Coming Soon listing, or providing tips to spruce up a home for spring. Regardless, you should focus on quality. Is your copywriting engaging? Does it express your unique voice and personality, while maintaining clarity? Are you giving your audience something to connect with, even if you are sharing property photos or advertising an open house? Instill some fun and some personalization to every piece of content you make, so that clients can picture the voice and person behind the post.

Things are always changing on the social media frontier, but some rules never shift.

Adding clarity, consistency, and personality to your online presence are three surefire ways to grow your business and make social media second nature.

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YVETTE JONES Yvette Jones is very passionate about what she does. She fell in love with real estate while working for the City of Chicago licensing single room occupancy (SROs) and earned her sales license in 1995. She joined Real People Realty in 2011 and specializes in housing our US military who are interested in renting, selling, and buying. “I’m also a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP) by the National Association of Realtors,” she asserts.

“My area is the Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs up to 50 miles.”

Yvette has assembled a cohesive team that’s comprised of her soon-to-be husband, a law firm, an inspection firm, a general contractor and lenders that service VA loans. Her motto is “from homeless to homeowner,” and makes it her mission for every client to own a home, build credit, or learn to run a business. “My team and I educate them about their rights and give them the tools to go out and accomplish their dreams,” she says.

Yvette’s business is 100% repeat and referral clientele. ‘For the past 17 years, I’ve been working with veterans who either come back to me or refer clients to me,” she says. “I truly love and care for them, and they know it.”

It’s not surprising that her clients give her stellar reviews.

Wrote one prior customer recently: Yvette’s genuine care and concern for all is really amazing in this day of “fast and easy.” The deliberate care with which she handled me was wonderful. I too would recommend her to anyone renting or looking for a home.”- W. Muhammad Yvette maintains quality contact with past and present clients by sending out cards four to five times a year. “I also subscribe to a service that blasts out texts to my renter clientele to check in and make sure they’re doing okay,” she says. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she sent out special notes that said, “Just checking in,” and let everyone know she’s around if they need assistance.

Yvette won’t photograph or market a listing until the home is clean and clutter-free. “I tell my clients that prospective home-buyers need to imagine themselves living there and they shouldn’t see someone else’s clutter,” she says.

Her properties go out on the MLS as well as to agencies that service veterans.

Yvette says the services she provides are very meaningful both to her and to the people she serves. A former homeless veteran herself, she understands the pain and difficulties her clients experience and she strives to turn things around. “I can’t get enough,” she asserts. “I love watching clients entering their new homes for the first time. One couple recently told me they never thought they could have something so nice. Just thinking about it makes me emotional.”

In addition to her MRP designation, she’s also Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), continuing education instructor and a Loan Signing Agent/Mobile Public Notary. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing/ public relations and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development/Instructional Design.

One charitable event that Yvette founded is the annual 100 Pretty Purses for Female Veterans. This involves donations of 100+ purses that contain essential gifts and accessories for women. The event also features food and music.

“This has been going on for 6 years now and It’s always a success,” she says.

When she’s not working, Yvette loves to ride her motorcycles. “It’s my favorite thing to do outside of the job,” she says. She is also crafty and creates seasonal arts & crafts for gift baskets and candle making.

As she continues to expand her business, Yvette wants to add a lease-to-own program for veterans who are still building their credit. “I’m looking forward to advancing that mission,” she says.

To learn more about Yvette Jones, email yjonesrpr@gmail.com, visit realpeoplerealty.com/agents/61562/Yvette+Jones, or call (312) 593-8901 www.

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KATHY MENIGHAN Kathy Menighan started out in entertainment. After living in California for seven years, she began seeking a career that spoke to her ambitions, independence and passion for entrepreneurship. One day Chris Eigel, former President of Koenig and Strey and her sister’s father in law, suggested that she look into real estate, noting her scrappy personality and strong communication skills. “When I began exploring the industry, everything just clicked,” Kathy says. “Nothing was going to stop me from succeeding.”

Meanwhile, Kathy services her buyers with support and education. Most importantly, she prefers a “concierge mentality” when collaborating on a transaction, connecting a client with other professionals to make sure they have all the tools needed to acquire and succeed in their new home.

“I want to take as much stress out of the process as possible,” she says.

Today, Kathy is the founder of Homed360 Real Estate through @properties, where she has proudly serviced clients throughout Chicago and the North Shore for more than 21 years. Having grown up on the North Shore, she can offer a unique insight into her hometown. “I know the town like the back of my hand,” she says. “I know the schools, the secrets, the pockets.

That’s never changed.”

When listing a property, Kathy offers her clients a sharp attention to detail. Starting out, she assists them with preparing and presenting their home, providing a host of options for professional photography. She also teams up with an interior designer, a dear friend, who can ensure that a home looks pristine by the time it lists. When marketing the property, Kathy utilizes digital and social media campaigns, as well as open houses. Elsewhere, she harnesses her long-standing connections around the city to better link a home with its potential buyer.

Through it all, though, Kathy specially caters her workflow to her clients’ needs. “It all depends on the listing,” she says. “I’ll do whatever it takes to properly market the home.”

For her hardworking approach, Kathy has earned an outstanding reputation throughout the Chicagoland area, with the vast majority of her volume coming from repeat clients or referrals. “I empathize with my clients,” she says. “This is a relationship-driven business. Everything I do is about helping my clients make a change, and that change goes deeper than a transaction. I want to help them every step of the way.”

Outside of her career, Kathy values giving back to her community. She and her husband, inspired by their son, Emmett, spearheaded Happy2You, a foundation to support Down Syndrome awareness and other associated initiatives. Through Happy2You, Kathy is also able to host art shows to further support families with special needs in her community.

After years in the entertainment industry, Kathy decided to delve into real estate, where she could help others using her strong business acumen. Looking ahead to the future, she envisions steady growth of Homed360, having built a life in the community she loves. “This is a 24/7 career,” she says. “But it has brought so much emotional fulfilment to my life.

When I call one of my clients, I feel as if I’m calling one of my friends.”

To learn more about Kathy Menighan, please call (312) 213-0549, email Kathy@homed360.com, visit atproperties.com or Emmettkyoshiart.com www.

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24-Hour Touch-ups to Maximize Your List Price Sometimes it takes a full-scale overhaul to prepare a house for market. Other times, only a series of small adjustments are required to make a listing’s true potential shine. Whether you’re gearing up for an open house, assessing a list price, or maximizing a property’s appearance prior to photography—the devil is in the details. However, touch-ups and refreshes don’t have to dominate your schedule or break the bank. For a few ideas of where Top Agent Magazine

to begin, consider our handy check-list below for quick home projects that will fortify your bottom line.

Refresh grout for a sparkling clean look.

Perhaps the quickest and most cost-effective way to make bathrooms, kitchens, and other tiled areas shine is to refresh grout until it looks

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good as new. Specialty grout stain removers and cleaners are inexpensive and sold at most home improvement stores. Plus, the project only takes a bit of elbow grease and an hour or two for a major makeover effect. Suddenly, dark, stained, and worn-down bathrooms gleam as if tile has just been placed.

Create mood lighting with soothing bulbs and fixtures.

A warm white light from specially chosen LED bulbs creates a welcoming environment when potential buyers come calling.

If outdated fixtures are bringing down a home’s otherwise modern styling, consider more design-neutral replacements that won’t

detract from the property’s charms. These are inexpensive but highly noticeable and impactful upgrades that shift a home’s ambiance for the better.

Repaint doors for an updated and inviting entryway.

It may sound like a hassle, but repainting doorways with a fresh coat signals a wellkept property—and that’s before prospective buyers even pass through the threshold. You can also change out generic doorknobs and switch-plates to add an updated flare while on a budget. Color-of-the-year trend choices can turn heads, while neutral paint choices signal less hassle for future homeowners.

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scrub, or with the addition of new shelves or styled bulbs.

Make windows shine— both inside and out.

Cleanliness goes a long way in communicating a well-cared for home in which buyers can imagine themselves. Cleaning the inside and outside of windows not only refreshes a room, but it allows light to infuse the space while appealing to the move-in ready crowd.

Closet spaces are not an afterthought.

Every prospective buyer wants storage options, and you’ve surely led a home tour where guests inspect closets and pantries.

Don’t let these hidden spaces go overlooked. Make sure they’re clean, cleared as much as possible, and you can even touch them up with fresh paint, a good

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Remove tough appliance stains with a bit of elbow grease.

If you’re packaging appliances with the sale of a property, you’ll want to make sure those big-ticket items are also in top shape to showcase their value. Stainless steel polish, electric cooktop polish, and stain removing pads for the kitchen sink can make your appliances look five years younger with nothing more than an hour or two’s labor.

Organize garage and basement areas to maximize storage and hint at bonus space.

It may take a labor of love, but organizing and decluttering these special storage spaces

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can add significant value to a property. Instead of telling prospective buyers how much storage space there is—let these areas speak for themselves by giving them a neutral, airy bout of cleansing. That way, craft-lovers, car aficionados, and buyers with interest in renovating basement areas can witness the potential immediately.

Individually, these bit to-do list items might seem like extra work without the promise of 20

a major return. But combined? These small tasks go a long way in crafting a home’s image and projecting pure potential. After all, prospective buyers imagine their lives unfolding inside those walls. That’s why cobbling together these small-scale projects can have a big payoff in the end. Not only will a home present itself in a cohesive, attractively-packaged form, but it can also translate to higher interest and a significant pay-off—in more ways than one.

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ERIN STUEDEMANN Erin Stuedemann was a Realtor-in-training from a very young age. Her greatest preparation for becoming a Realtor occurred organically in childhood, when learning to adapt to new homes was a way of life. With a father who was a Rhodes Scholar and a mother with a spirit for adventure, they moved Erin and her older brother across the country and overseas. By the time she started school, Erin was the only American student in a West African school, learning to adapt to a new culture by age six. The family would relocate eleven more times before Erin graduated from high school.

Fast-forward to 2003, when Erin and her husband Dave were raising their four children in the rural community they call home. Erin desired a different childhood for her own children, one in which moving was something she helped other people do. So, Erin became a licensed Realtor.

Today, she has established herself as a consummate real estate professional and the local community expert with a reputation for honesty, expertise, and a personal touch.

Erin spearheads her work as Realtor under the banner of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, serving clients across the greater southwest Chicago area, her tagline on billboards reading “Your Home - Your Dream - Your Realtor.” Erin has amassed a following of repeat and referral clientele that constitutes the majority of her business. Buyers and sellers alike turn to her for her patient approach, first-hand regional knowledge, and proven track record. “I try to have a personal and soft touch when it comes to real estate,” she says. “I’m not aggressive when working with my clients, and I try to make sure people feel comfortable with their decisions. I’m full-time, I’m family-oriented, and I love working with people.” As the number-one agent in her office, Erin focuses on communication and connection. Erin’s mother, Norma Cotner, is also a licensed Realtor and assists Erin in a multitude of ways, including in utilizing Norma’s Seniors Real Estate Certification.

Long after the closing table has been reached, Erin remains a resource for her clients, applying the same care and attention given during the course of a transaction. One recent client testimonial had this to say about Erin’s warm working style: “Erin is a phenomenal Realtor. She is kind and easy to talk to. She was never pushy yet she was patient and diligent in finding our family the perfect home.

We highly recommend Erin! She will remain honest throughout the process and will help advocate for the needs of her clients. I will never use or recommend another Realtor!”

When it comes to listing properties, Erin continues to demonstrate her knowhow. All homes are equipped with immersive documentation to elicit interest from prospective buyers. From there, Coldwell Banker’s platform disseminates listings across a range of leading online listing platforms and outlets. Last year, Erin sold just under $6 million in volume, ranking as the top agent in her office.

Beyond the office, Erin gives back to her community on a local level, particularly through service in various school and community organizations, and as a board member of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra. In her free hours, she most enjoys spending time with family and friends at home and at their family cabin on the Mississippi in Iowa.

As for the future, Erin intends to keep progress moving steadily as she continues to grow her business.

Now, with nearly two decades of experience and insight to her name, Erin Stuedemann considers what she enjoys most about her chosen field. “There’s something new every day,” she says. “I love working at selling homes and I love what the idea of home means to people. There’s nothing more gratifying than working with a couple to find the place they’ll raise their family, or helping someone find the home they’ll retire in. I hope to continue to grow in this business, and continue to help my clients with whatever dreams they have.”

For more about Erin Stuedemann, please call (815) 343–7091, email estuedemann@coldwellhomes.com, visit buyandsellwitherin.com www.

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4 Ways Mentoring Up-and-Coming Employees Makes You a Better Agent In the world of real estate, there are always new agents joining the ranks. Even if you’ve been practicing for just a few short years, you’ve likely learned your fair share of lesson along the way. As an agent, much of your working philosophy is derived from first-hand experience and your work on the ground. This means that new agents are less prepared for the inevitable curveballs of the industry. That’s where you come in.

While mentorship is often pitched as a relationship that solely benefits the mentee, there is actually plenty to be gained from becoming a mentor. After all, personal growth goes hand-in-hand with professional growth, and becoming a mentor asks agents to thought22

fully explore and demonstrate their own ideologies, practices, and rationale. With that in mind, take a look at some of the benefits of mentorship below, and you’ll get a sense of why counseling new agents can be a boon to your own business.

Teaching lessons to others reinforces your own professional values.

Showing the ropes to young agents is a great way to brush-up on your foundational skills.

Verbalizing and demonstrating processes, or walking through the rationale behind negotiation tactics—all cause mentors to think through their established practices and outline in detail why they’ve chosen this route over an

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alternative. This helps older agents fine-tune their routines, while getting back in touch with the critical thinking that went into constructing those habits.

Mentorships allows you to see the big picture.

surely sharpen your ability as the head of a team. What’s more, you’ll be building skills of empathy, understanding, teaching, and constructive criticism. Working on those skills will better your practice and your ability to lead in your office.

After a lengthy industry tenure, it’s not uncommon for battle-worn agents to lose some steam and begin to burn out. By devoting some time to mentoring up-and-coming agents, you’ll get back in touch with your early days, remembering the excitement, the trials, and the hard lessons gleaned. Spending time with the next generation of real estate professionals can reinvigorate your practice, as seeing the business from the eyes of an eager amateur can inject energy into your working life.

You’ll benefit from seeing things from a new perspective.

Just as working with young agents can help you remember your career’s big picture, you may also benefit from working alongside someone with a new perspective. Young agents bring a different set of skills and awareness to their work, and established agents can benefit from a fresh take. If technology isn’t your strong suit, or you’re interested in tapping the Millennial homebuyer market, working with a younger agent is an excellent way to see through fresh eyes.

Mentoring young agents makes you a better leader.

As a mentor, you’ll often direct the flow of your professional relationship—figuring out which issues to tackle, making an agenda, and imparting lessons in a clear way. These are all characteristics of a leader, and acting in a position of authority as mentor can Top Agent Magazine

While some may balk at the time commitment or energy required to take on a mentee or two, you might consider it an act of ongoing education or professional development. While your mentee will undoubtedly benefit from access to your expertise, there’s certainly much to be gained from taking the time to cultivate tomorrow’s real estate leaders.

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