ILLINOIS 9-26-22

ILLINOIS EDITION

6

WAYS TO

GET YOUR CLIENT TO TRUST YOU FEATURED AGENTS

MELISSA CAMPOBASSO VICKI STEVENSON JAMIE BOOK LAUREN CALERO MARIANNE DALY MARIBEL LOPEZ PAUL SIEBERT HOW TO THROW A NETWORKING EVENT

THAT CAN PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP

PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR WORKING HOURS 7 REASONS WHY YOUR PROSPECTS AREN'T TURNING INTO CLIENTS

COVER STORY

MARIAM MOEINZADEH

ILLINOIS EDITION

JAMIE BOOK

VICKI STEVENSON

“I’ll sen Offering7 a high quality13 of life, with end17 25 database less culture, community, and award winreal esta ning restaurants, Chicago is a remarkable before a place to call home. Helping people find the the area right place to set down roots in the Windy neighbo City is Jamie Book, a top producing agent point ou is known for her white glove service.

LAUREN who CALERO PAUL SIEBERT MARIANNE DALY who I th like to consider myself a full real estate referral ribel Lopez packs“Ienough MELISSA from the concierge,” Jamie explains.

Wanting a30 26 29 33 ers. Ma estate knowledge and CAMPOBASSO buyers,” career path with unlimited growth opporstay in erience to take a homebuyer that a lot tunities, Jamie decided on real estate, and clients m shopping around to movbegan working as an assistant for Danielle Dowell at it’s time consuming checkin into a new home. She does The Dowell Group. “I spent a few years working my 20 of t in and out, seeing even the way up in the field, learning as much as possible,” she After working with also sp st difficult deals to compleabout their time tog explains. Today she works as a full-time REALTOR such as . But with Maribel, clients with Jamie was an a serving the greater Chicago region and specializing in ings an rest assured they have the CONTENTS edgeable and alway Chicagoland. During the last couple years, she’s been events backing of Maribel’s adept thing in detail to us focusing on building her business and fostering long24) HOW TO THROW A 4) 7the REASONS WHY Tots, w m through sale and be via phone call, term relationships with past clients.

Whether she’s NETWORKING EVENTitcommunity PROSPECTS AREN'T now. The team’s engage ond. “WeYOUR have never lost a single deal due to financing willing to answer a with buyers, sellers or investors, Jamie gets THAT CAN PUT YOUR TURNINGworking INTO CLIENTS be her assistant, to visit be there towork help whenever up withcharities the client afterand every org sing its with he buyer Maribel says.

“Even ifgoing weto reading, have some hf-homes.com 708-251-1500, cessthem with side,” confidence Sixteen years later wePlayhouse certs, cooking/baking and staying fit.

Beforelocal guiding through aandtoease.

Olympics and Gigi’s which supports Their comprehensive marketing strategy also how minor or ridicu know them andhelps their needs, developing an individuBUSINESS ON THE MAP and wherever Iorcould,” he says.

“Over the years, our relagive my perspective on how I felt t email vicki@hf-homes.com to set sellthem our home contacted tothrown real estate, Marianne spent heraprofessional career in apart andand value for clients.

“We market former vice of local drience of decided athatroller coaster, or a curveball us, 11) PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: creates trust aadds mission ofMarianne acceptance and inclusion forwe inditionship hasattransitioned more to a partnership.”

They president then I try to give mythe sellers the bu home buyers, w plan toDown their goals. be our Realtor again.alized HR where she the keenand ability toneighquickly tivetime It was like having areach family primarily work in developed the they’re city of Chicago, some as well,” he says. “I think this i The keeps in touch viduals with syndrome.

When 27) DAILY HABITS THAT 4 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER USE leads by example, serving ona vulnerab herstal nectteam with that loan officer to partner together, and we identify and resolve any issue has to served member you haven’t seen for a long time! We trusted boring Chicagoland suburbs.

Whenwhich it comes hiringher client because it isto sucheven or where of a Marianne CRM systems and not working the family enjoys spending time WILL INCREASE wellget in he this fast-paced real important estate environment. with our house and knew that she would OF YOUR WORKING HOURS a broker, understands how the decision YOUR isand someone in their home, and general Association on boards like her me upverywith some to overcome itbe and the clossupport.

Nurturing theseway together withthroughout their two children and Lauren’t needed and was abp “I’m there the transaction and afterwards, resolute throughout the sales process.

Her proand his clients feel that.

“I always joke with clients and what other folks think about their MENTAL STRENGTH Associations.

Each team member foaw uses her savvy and connections garnered p”ofMaribel mind for15) their busiparents who live right next door, sometimes fessionalism and knowledge of the industry put our prospective clients, 90 percent of what I do is counseling to get that feedback to them right 6 WAYS YOUR throughout the entir readyTO to GET answer questions and offer advice,” Jamie because this is such a high-pressure, high-stress situais anything that we can do to chang minds at ease.

She was always upbeat and responded tegy.former Ultimately, LaurenTO watching Formula One races on Sundays. to ofdecision, civic whether tha her career asexplains. aTRUST banker banking professional CLIENT YOU tion,” he says. “It’s aof really personal and Iengagement, don’t clients really ap to ourreferral-based texts and emails promptly.

We sold our house With a wide network vendors to refer to, can do so. I think a 100% take that lightly. I enjoy getting to know these people and after a showing.” very quickly and wewith were very happy with theshe wholecan camps or local church congregatio d relationships lenders so navigate cliDuring her free tim she can with touch landscapers, think that personal always helps thelawyers, longevity of process, thanks to Marianne!”

-JB connect herI clients With his personal and thoughtful ap the relationship.” top priority for the Team. s toward mortgages in their best interest.

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 community by contractors, and everyone in between. Throughout the ingthe to see the fruits of his labor pay nt partThrough of people’s lives.20 years in real estate, she has | www.topagentmagazine.com Marianne’s mag@topagentmagazine.com Paul’s a business is run almost entirely oncommurepeats and Paul is having his best year to date, and events.

She is ah process, provides hands-on approach, worked bothmoment on her own and also onJamie a high producof this big life ® referrals.

His clients become his friends and that is how $10 million in sales individually, an Maribel has grown herhave agency topro m , Maribel hin seven years as licensed REALTOR No portion ofathis issue mayand be reproduced in any manner whatsoeverhas without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent Magazine ing excitement team.

While there can be pros cons to both, nicating frequently with “Ivarious do most their and he treatseveryone them, keepinginvolved. in touch through social histwo partnerinvestment posted $25 million published Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Marianne ishas shifted by toFeature reinvent herself again now platforms.Realty know a lot ofin or people in business grown over the years, annual byhaskeeping her e blished and shebecommunicating now leads media Essence the processherself, of buying Agent Magazine held responsible opinions expressed or facts supplied its authors.revenue New Mexico.

Jami ofcannot the myself, I“Idon’t use brokers abytransaction as a solo broker with @properties taking full controlfor the business who set birthday reminders or closing date just the beginning. “I feel as thoug am, first-time homebuyer To subscribe oryoung change address, send through inquiry toreminders. mag@topagentmagazine.com. transaction first client contact ture for their “I hefeel like buy aof every crew of 10from professionals she Ihas been try to make sure that when I reach back out to clients. thecompany, surface,” says.and “I mean, $10 she coordinator or a marketing coordinator,” she explains.

Published in the U.S. se a family or a couple closing and beyond. folks, I do so with a purpose. I find that the more organic good year because it is my best yet, home oratbuying investment prope embling Kellerexactly Williams inFor2019.

“Our AirBnB. what’s going on in sustainable every deal all ing,an the outreach feels,information, the more the relationship it feels like this could only go u property. Assince Laurenjoining and “I know more call 847-494-4907, As she spreads her new brandand and identity, Mariannebest email gestit’s steps that you will Magazine make in you 1 standard is honesty, the client’s interest first,people, mariannedaly@atproperties.com the future their busi2 of Top Agent times.

Once youLaurenat startFor630-618-6176, hiring other a little more about visit atproperties.com, email psiebert@atproperties.com or c Contact has an unyielding belief in providing outstanding andPaul visit Siebert, MarianneDaly.com tually bring on another says. “It is a purchase that few will yea aff n if that morebit hours get put into it,” connection she says. One clientmeans service. Steadfast service thatemail every clientthat In the next harder to have with clients.” lcaleroremax@gmail.com,

Deeply rooted in her local area and our listings very aggressively, not only equipped with the expertise clients need locally, but to the University of Chicago to help make their real estate dreams as well,” Vicki explains. “We’re right on “Leading You in the into reality, Vicki Stevenson has been Right Direction.”the train line that goes directly there, and involved with the real estate market for both towns have a longstanding history close to 20 years. “Before I became a of a great relationship with the university, REALTOR®, I had been buying, selling, with professors, faculty, and staff living renting, renovating, and building houses in this area and using the Metra Electric with my husband Ryan,” Vicki explains. as their commuting tool.” Overall, Vicki “It finally reached a point where he says, “People are drawn to the fact that said, ‘Why don’t we help other people we don’t just throw houses on the MLS. do this?’ Having been involved in so We market them heavily both locally and many closings and in the renovation of to areas we think would be a good draw.”

MELISSA MARIAM JAMIE BOOK houses, I knew houses really well and VICKI STEVENSON knew theCAMPOBASSO process inside and out. I also was an attorney, The Stevensons are very active in their local commuMOEINZADEH so I understood the legal side of real estate better than nity, working with local government to promote the Marianne your provides touchMarketing deserves!

Marianne’s clients average the agent.”personal It all came together to make Vicki listings villagePaul and sponsoring community events.

When they are treatWhen Siebert got his real estate is beyond whatever w up around is rooted in makand Ryan the ultimateapproach husband-and-wife team to serve license are notinworking, they love spending time with their 2015, he admittedly did more involved with,” he s coupled with a hands-on that ed like family and that’s an aspect of her oing into the their clients. ing a stellar teenage first impression.

That MARIAM MOEINZADEH at their lake house, where they enjoy learning boys thanand earning.

That was okay gives her clients the confidence they need business that is unwavering.

She underkayaking andproperty paddle boarding. like a natumeans highlighting fea-bigger picPaul gets personal w he saw to ensure their experience a Homewood- with Paul because stands that the buying or selling a home can Vicki real and estate Ryan primarily serveis the Top Agent Mariam Moeinzadeh’s focus on customer ing with her tures with staging and sometimes Beyond just puttin ture.

He was going to be a top agent, and Flossmoor market.

“We’ve chosen to be hyper-local, As for what the future holds, Vicki says, “We plan to pleasurable one. Her 20 years in real esbe a very stressful time in her client’s care, heras eye for immaculate staging and because this is the area we know and landscaping, love so much,” that remain steady and continue taking excellent care of her MLS, he makes su required some groundwork be laid.

“I rite parts of as well professional tate has given her the resources needed life.can Often times, moving is accompanied Vicki says. “My mother grew up in Homewood, and linked our clients so meet theirright goals.

We penchant forthey have setunderstand her all of his listings to up with a organization top producer when I in position er hasto been videography overcome which key our inphotography, withgoals marriage, divorce, birthsourand deaths weany live obstacle in Flossmoor, so weisfocus business here. not everyone’s are and the same, and meeting search setup that wo gotthat myto license, basically just market. be a rising star –inessentially, the Chicago We havemarket been #1conditions in the marketwhere here for several footage. years clients’ is makesones. us successful.

In the end, ofwhat loved Marianne’s compassion, er 25 today’s years.complex drone A needs proven pre-marerty, using custom to gather knowledge,” he says.

“I knew if running.” that’s what we’re in this business for. It’s not just buying experience patient understanding natureit allwill ThreeI decades years into estate Chicago market. with rea based in matters! Marianne’s conscien-keting strategy the word out to with all the details a couldn’t a real ton ofand money right off She handles and gets sellingmake houses, it’s helping people.” and agent Mariam is having the take time her a zen attitude that her centered. tious, dedicated, warm andof caring nature always client’s lifekeeps situation into A strong percentage Vicki and Ryan’s business comes would need to know the bat that I wanted to know everything ® bs including the team’s private network ensuring of her life. Her focus on customer care, “TheLOPEZ fact that there is noPAUL pressure on LAUREN CALERO MARIANNE MARIBEL SIEBERT will ensurefrom herreferral clients are arepresented account to make it’s their moving experience clients, testament to theby strong bonds they aboutDALY not to set up a show the industry, the how her eye for immaculate staging andmarket, her me,and morea fun for me,” Mariam Aurora andpartner, that thecomproperty gets great traffic have formed in their community.

“Wewhat are really a true a professional.

Here is one of asfor stress free and as“Ipossible. penchant organization have seamless set her situation says. dothat decorate my listings. I rent each property that top producer handles every to our local area,” Vicki says. “I know the area in position to be a up rising star in the flowers, candles. It’s more fun for me cessfulMarianne’s part- mitted and attention in the first few days past clients had to say: and shows exactly h could come throughout a transaction.” really well, not only the inventory but all the amenities appeal to a buyer. H grewsome up intraction the western suburbs of Chicago HeMarianne began to gain in 2018, $20 million too. My kids went to the schools here andonwere theinvolved market. infirst the park district, so I can speak to all thosein things with he and the property in advance, prior to gett says, and it has been steadily growing since then.

“We were introduced to Marianne early although now she resides in northwest suburban eMax Naperville.

Clients are also drawn to Vicki and Ryan’s tographs taken. At this initial walk2005 whenexperience.” we were looking to buy our first house Arlington Heights, she continues to assist clients and down-to-earth appeal.

“People are attracted to the fact with Down syndrome in After their son was born His business has grown, he says, thanks in large part input on how to maximize the selle in America.that Wewe’re were not familiar home buying very real.

Buying orwith selling a house can be referrals from all over the Chicagoland area. When 5% repeat referral 2017, Lauren her became actively to Marianne the relationships he was able build over clients, that time,she be by updates or even as simple as so overwhelming, andMarianne’s we’re happy toknowledge spend and the time withhusband in this and country but with and isn’t assisting hertoreal estate with his “When we first linked up, I was them soextra they feel comfortable thestressful wholeorganizations process.”

Formentor. more about Vicki & family, Ryan, callattending ment toexpertise, going she thehelped involved such as Special us get throughwith thewith pro- starting enjoys spending time with her con- property is live and Paul is showing

MARIBEL LOPEZ

www.

®

Copyright Top Agent Magazine

www.

www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

7 Reasons Why Your Prospects Aren’t Turning Into Clients Real estate experts suggest prospecting daily so that your sales pipeline never runs dry.

But sometimes all that effort doesn’t translate into results. If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

4

1. You’re Too Slow The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials estimates that there are about 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States alone. Of course, not all these individuals are working in the same markets. Nonetheless, that

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

means that realtors face a lot of competition. If you are slow to respond to messages from prospective clients, someone else is sure to beat you to it. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to return calls and emails within 24 hours.

If you’re too busy working with active clients to return the phone calls and emails of prospective clients, consider hiring a real estate assistant who can help take administrative or marketing tasks off your plate.

2. They Don’t Trust You There are different reasons why a client might not trust you, some of which overlap with others on this list. When a client asks you a question, do you answer it directly or do you sidestep it?

Do you have testimonials and reviews from happy clients publicly available? Do you have an online presence? Social proof of your skills and knowledge is key.

3. You Don’t Seem Knowledgeable Enough Is your client constantly coming to you with new listings or marketing ideas rather than the Top Agent Magazine

other way around? Do they mention real estate and finance terms you’ve never heard of or ask you questions you’ve never thought to ask yourself? Every agent starts somewhere, but if this seems to be a pattern, it’s one clients will pick up on too.

Your clients want to know that you will add value to their home buying or selling experience, and part of that value is your expertise and passion.

4. You Have No Web Presence It’s not enough to be on Zillow or have a Facebook page. There are clients who don’t use these platforms, and at the end of the day, you don’t own the content or your access to it. Both platforms could suddenly go out of business and any following you’ve gained could be lost.

It doesn’t cost much to create and maintain a website today. If customization matters little to you, sometimes you can even get up and running for free. At the very least, it’s a good idea to invest in a domain name because yourwebsite. wordpress.com looks a lot less professional than yourwebsite.com.

Top Agent Magazine ®

5

5. You Don’t Seem to Care When clients don’t think you care, it usually means they don’t feel like you are listening.

You may have systems, processes, and a proven marketing strategy. You may like to get right down to business, but to your client, this isn’t just business—it’s their life and their family’s livelihood.

When your client tells you what’s important to them, they want to make sure that you really hear them. Make sure your body language conveys that. Slow down. Shut your office door.

Make eye contact, nod your head, and pause before you speak so that they understand that you’ve put thought into your words—that they aren’t simply lines from a script.

6. You Use Too Much Jargon Remember that your clients don’t speak real estate. At most, they might buy or sell a home once every few years. They hired you to be their advocate and may even expect you to be a bit of a teacher too. Use layman’s terms so that your

6

client fully understands how the two of you will work together.

7. Your Target Audience Is Everyone Your clients are home buyers and sellers, yes, but who is your ideal client? Some specialties you might consider are college students and recent graduates, working professionals, military families, seniors, CEOs, or other high-profile clients.

As a newer agent, your target audience might be anyone who will hire you, but over time, you might find that you click more with certain clients, that their lifestyle is similar to yours, or that their goals align with your mission. Whatever the reason, marketing your business to this “ideal client” rather than every potential client will make selling your services easier.

Remember: It’s within your power to alleviate your client’s concerns, but understanding why your prospects aren’t turning into clients is a good start.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

MELISSA CAMPOBASSO

7

MELISSA CAMPOBASSO

Working as a paralegal for a real estate attorney, focusing on processing short sales and foreclosures gave Melissa a solid foundation in the behind the scenes mechanics of real estate deals.

That was in 2009, while the industry was struggling to recover from the market crash. Technology based communication back then was primarily through faxing, and things have certainly changed since then. She made a lot of friends in real estate during that time, and they all encouraged her to get her license. With the experience she had and the encouragement of those around her, she jumped in and worked hard joining her cousin, the broker-owner of her office, who became her mentor.

to where she’s needed is just one of the factors that builds up her 95% referral rate. What started out as friends and personal connections making up her client list, the longer she’s in the industry, the more her referrals have become her friends. Some of her referrals come from new interactions, and some are old friends from school that she still keeps in touch with.

Now, Melissa is a member of the COR Team at the office, serving Illinois’ Northwest Suburbs including Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, & Palatine, as well as stretching out to Algonquin, Huntley, & Lake in the Hills, among other areas her clients need to be. The willingness to shift her focus area 8

Top Agent Magazine

She maintains those friendships with handwritten notes, reaching out on birthdays and anniversaries or with little treats and gifts at holiday time. Social media is a great way to stay in front of people and always be top of mind when someone has a question. Melissa acts as a resource, staying a valuable contact after transactions are completed. She has a long list of contractors and agencies at her fingertips, so if you have a question about an HOA situation, or need a roofer or plumber, she’s ready to help.

That social media presence comes into play for marketing her listings as well. Traditional postcards are still a strong part of her promotional plans, as are open houses. Her secret weapon for getting the word out is a strong broker network. While other agents are technically competitors, she finds that working together is beneficial for all sides involved. This multi layered approach put her sales last year at just under $9 million.

Real estate is a lot of things to Melissa, and it is certainly never boring. Anyone who knows her, knows she wants to be busy all the time and is always up for a challenge. She is constantly learning more and more in depth details about the real estate industry, and strives to spread that knowledge to others, so they can make more informed decisions and enjoy success as much as she has. She takes her own success and uses it to help the community around her, from school supply drives for back to school and helping out the schools where her own children attend, to her involvement in the Magnolia Tree Foundation, that supports research and education for those affected by the BRCA genetic mutation. As her influence and success grows, she’ll be doing more and more community work, educating clients and continuing to be an invaluable resource.

Top Agent Magazine

To contact Melissa Campobasso, email melissa@thecorteam.com or call (847) 341-6745.

9

Sergio Giangrande congratulates

Melissa Campobasso

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

SERGIO GIANGRANDE Senior Mortgage Advisor | NLMS# 225247 847-489-7742 | Sergio@GiangrandeTeam.com

GiangrandeTeam.com

www.

1801 S. Meyers Rd. Suite 500 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 10

Top Agent Magazine

Productivity Killers: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours

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

Top Agent Magazine

1. Create a sense of peace and quiet The office may not be your idea of a tranquil oasis, but for most, focus requires quiet and calm to best lend attention to the task at hand. If you find yourself seated next to talkative coworkers or in the center of a bustling office atrium, consider noise can-

Top Agent Magazine

11

celing headphones, earplugs, or carving out an empty conference room for your work day. Turning the volume down creates fewer chances for disruption, allowing you to make the best use of your time.

4.Take your smartphone off the table

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

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

For every to-do list item you complete, allow yourself a fives minute treat, whether that’s a fresh cup of coffee or a walk around the block. Not only will creating a reward 12

system help you stay motivated throughout the day, it will also provide you with much-needed mental breaks that actually boost long-term productivity.

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

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

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

VICKI STEVENSON Deeply rooted in her local area and equipped with the expertise clients need to help make their real estate dreams into reality, Vicki Stevenson has been involved with the real estate market for close to 20 years. “Before I became a REALTOR®, I had been buying, selling, renting, renovating, and building houses with my husband Ryan,” Vicki explains.

“It finally reached a point where he said, ‘Why don’t we help other people do this?’ Having been involved in so many closings and in the renovation of houses, I knew houses really well and knew the process inside and out. I also was an attorney, so I understood the legal side of real estate better than your average agent.” It all came together to make Vicki and Ryan the ultimate husband-and-wife team to serve their clients.

Vicki and Ryan primarily serve the HomewoodFlossmoor market. “We’ve chosen to be hyper-local, because this is the area we know and love so much,” Vicki says. “My mother grew up in Homewood, and we live in Flossmoor, so we focus our business here.

We have been #1 in the market here for several years running.”

A strong percentage of Vicki and Ryan’s business comes from referral clients, a testament to the strong bonds they have formed in their community. “We are really committed to our local area,” Vicki says. “I know the area really well, not only the inventory but all the amenities too. My kids went to the schools here and were involved in the park district, so I can speak to all those things with experience.” Clients are also drawn to Vicki and Ryan’s down-to-earth appeal. “People are attracted to the fact that we’re very real. Buying or selling a house can be overwhelming, and we’re happy to spend the time with them so they feel comfortable with the whole process.”

Their comprehensive marketing strategy also helps set them apart and adds value for clients. “We market Top Agent Magazine

our listings very aggressively, not only locally, but to the University of Chicago as well,” Vicki explains. “We’re right on the train line that goes directly there, and both towns have a longstanding history of a great relationship with the university, with professors, faculty, and staff living in this area and using the Metra Electric as their commuting tool.” Overall, Vicki says, “People are drawn to the fact that we don’t just throw houses on the MLS. We market them heavily both locally and to areas we think would be a good draw.”

The Stevensons are very active in their local community, working with local government to promote the village and sponsoring community events. When they are not working, they love spending time with their teenage boys and at their lake house, where they enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding.

As for what the future holds, Vicki says, “We plan to remain steady and continue taking excellent care of our clients so they can meet their goals. We understand that not everyone’s goals are the same, and meeting our clients’ needs is what makes us successful. In the end, that’s what we’re in this business for. It’s not just buying and selling houses, it’s helping people.”

For more about Vicki & Ryan, call 708-251-1500, visit hf-homes.com or email vicki@hf-homes.com www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

Corby Mortgage is proud to congratulate

Vicki Stevenson

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

_

JEFF SCHNELLER | NMLS# 217765 708-268-5346 | jschneller@corbymortgage.com corbymortgage.com www.

2409 W 104th St., Chicago, IL 60655

14

Top Agent Magazine

6 Ways to Get Your Client to Trust You The word “REALTOR®” can leave a sour taste in some people’s mouths. Many of today’s home buyers and sellers grew up during the 2009 recession. They are wary of anything Top Agent Magazine

or anyone who comes off as too salesy, and they want to work with individuals who they can trust.

But how do you prove to someone you’ve likely never met that you can be trusted?

Top Agent Magazine ®

15

1

Put Testimonials or Case Studies on Your Website

When something goes wrong, own up to your mistakes. Don’t hide bad news from your clients. Be upfront and responsive.

Testimonials and case studies are social proof that you have both the experience and the skills to do the job your clients are hiring you for. People often leave testimonials when they are either incredibly disappointed or extremely happy with the service they were provided, so they’re a good indication to prospective clients of the treatment they’ll receive.

Case studies, which you can post on your blog or website, have much of the same effect, but even more than testimonials, case studies demonstrate your real estate and finance expertise because they explain how you achieved a specific set of results.

2

Be Responsive and Accessible

Can your clients reach you easily? That doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7, but you should respond to your clients within a few hours of receiving their message. When agents don’t respond to their clients’ calls or emails for days on end or fail to provide them with a direct line of contact, their clients’ experience can quickly become frustrating.

Agents are busy but so are their clients. If you constantly show up late to or reschedule meetings, your clients won’t feel like their time is respected or their business is valued. Make sure you set a realistic schedule for yourself rather than spreading yourself too thin.

3

Be Honest and Transparent

Sometimes you don’t have the answer to a client’s question. Be honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and the limits of your knowledge. A good response might be, “I don’t know, but I can find out.” Be transparent with your clients, and they’ll respect you for it.

You should always act in their best interest.

16

4

Go the Extra Mile

If you do the bare minimum, that’s what your clients will remember. Their experience won’t be memorable, and they won’t gush about you in online testimonials or in real life to people they know who could use your services. It’s that simple.

5

Put Yourself in Your Client’s Shoes

Clients understand that you need to earn money, but that doesn’t mean they want to feel like they’re just a dollar sign to you. Be empathetic to your client’s concerns, even if you’ve heard it all before. Your clients should know that you are there for them.

6

Be Consistent

Being responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable shouldn’t be an act. If you “turn on” your personality for clients and then suddenly become a different person when they leave the room, it’s likely that the cracks in your mask will eventually become apparent.

But “faking it till you make it” is so common it’s become a cliché. When we are starting out, we don’t always have the systems or resources in place to create a smooth client journey, from onboarding to closing, so instead we constantly try to reinvent the wheel. Give yourself time to pause, slow down, and reevaluate your workflow. Creating systems creates

consistency, and those systems can and should be constantly updated.

Developing trust between you and your clients will take time, but doing these things can give you a running start.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

MARIAM MOEINZADEH

17

“Leading You in the Right Direction.”

MARIAM MOEINZADEH Top Agent Mariam Moeinzadeh’s focus on customer care, her eye for immaculate staging and her penchant for organization have set her in position to be a rising star in the Chicago market.

Three decades years into real estate and agent Mariam is having the time of her life. Her focus on customer care, her eye for immaculate staging and her penchant for organization have set her in position to be a rising star in the 18

Chicago market. She handles it all with a zen attitude that keeps her centered.

“The fact that there is no pressure on me, it’s more fun for me,” Mariam says. “I do decorate my listings. I rent flowers, candles. It’s more fun for me Top Agent Magazine

rather than pushing it to get a listing or pushing it to make a deal.

It seems to be working well because it’s what I like to do. It’s like a hobby, but also I get rewarded.”

Rewarding customers with full concierge service, Mariam specializes in luxury listings that include her own special touches from finding temporary housing to staging.

Mariam, an Iranian immigrant, eased her way into real estate, at first investing in rental properties with her family 30 years ago. She rehabbed and managed properties, aspects of the business she could do without being a Realtor®.

Then, in 2014, she found her focus. “I decided to get my license and be more proactive,” she says.

“At first, I took it a little bit easy, but now I’m loving it and I’m full blast on it.” Mariam’s education and background set her apart from other agents. She holds a master’s degree in industrial enterprise systems engineering from the University of Illinois, and she has put her database analysis skills to good use, not only for managing client contacts, but also for analyzing markets to help customers Top Agent Magazine

19

make smart decisions.

As a solo agent, Mariam has seen her annual sales volume double in recent years, reaching $10 million for the past year. She makes her mark in Chicago’s luxury highrise market with an exacting eye for detail and an unmatched level of service. The effort earns Mariam the referrals that power her business. “Whoever works with me, they like me because I just

20

Top Agent Magazine

go above and beyond and give full concierge service to them.

Even the things that are not related, I take care of them. So I do get a lot of referrals.”

Mariam’s well-rounded approach to life helps her stay calm in a tumultuous real estate market. She practices tai chi and routinely attends meditation retreats. “It gives me some boost of energy,” she says. “I do get more from peoTop Agent Magazine

21

ple. That’s why I can counsel all kinds of different types of my clients. I deal with them very happily because I am not fighting to get there. Exercising and meditating is the first thing that I do besides work.” Mariam is also known around a highrise community in Chicago’s south loop for her real estate advice and involvement with the neighborhood.

The more work Mariam has put into meeting customer needs, the more her business has blossomed. She expects more of that growth in coming years. While her influence has spread by word of mouth, she plans to advertise more to reach a broader audience.

She recently has earned her license in Florida and begun setting up shop in Naples. With the additional clientele, Mariam is adding two agents to her team at Compass. “With my team getting expanded, we have more leverage in all aspects of real estate–social media, advertising and also being involved with the clients.”

To learn more about Mariam Moeinzadeh, visit compass.com/agents/mariam-moeinzadeh, email mariam.moeinzadeh@compass.com or call 312.448.8212 www.

22

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

23

How to Throw a Networking Event

that Can Put Your Business on the Map

It’s hard to argue with the benefits of attending networking events—you make new connections, enjoy industry skill-building conversation, and expand your reach in the local business community.

However, have you ever considered the benefits of hosting a networking event?

Instead of attending as a guest, you’ll be the wizard behind it all. Throwing a networking event can position you as a local business leader, and you’ll be able to curate the experience to your tastes and goals. This idea may be tempting, but how do you pull it off? Review some of our tips and tricks below and you’ll be more than ready to throw a networking event that’ll put you on the map.

MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR GUESTS TO SAY YES. From the outset, try to keep things as simple as possible for your guests. This means that e-invites should be structured, yet conversational. Include a link to register online so that arriving to your event is seamless and requires no sign-up sheets or stuffy check-in procedures. Select a venue that’s relatively well-known and central to your area. It should also have easy-to-access parking so that attendance is streamlined and hassle-free. Also consider sending an automated event reminder the day before and the day of the event—that way you’ll set guests up for easy attendance that they don’t have to debate.

CREATE A THEME. Capitalizing on a holiday or local event is a great way to drive attendance to your networking function. While getting to know area professionals is a worthy reason to meet up, you’re likely to engender a livelier ambiance if you incorporate a holiday or theme. This will inspire comradery among your guests, in addition to giving your event a natural focus. Major sporting events, a Thanksgiving themed pie bake-off, or a spring cleaning themed community volunteer day can generate more interest than your average mixer.

24

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR GUEST LIST. While you may be trying to keep your invite list industry-specific, you may benefit from casting a wider net. Invite area entrepreneurs, young professionals, collegiate professional organizations, and even friends and family. You never know what sort of connections will be made, and high attendance is key to keeping the energy of your networking event at a high tier. Don’t worry about only collecting info from realtors or brokers or mortgage pros. Instead, create a sense of community so that opportunities flow naturally and conversation remains diverse.

BE THE BOSS. As host, it’ll be your job to play matchmaker and drive conversation at your networking event. This means that you’ll get to know more people, but it also means you’ll be able to create connections between different professionals and businesses.

You can maximize your matchmaking abilities by planting a few socially-minded friends around to drive additional conversations. Your goal is to keep people talking and to be outgoing. It should also be your goal to follow-up once the event is complete. Use this as an opportunity to continue to connect different people you met, or to follow-up with coffee or lunch with someone you found interesting. Try sending out a group thank-you e-mail to your guests after the fact, telling them to keep an eye out for your next event, or to get in touch with you for any questions or contact information of fellow attendees.

While it may feel like a risk to throw a networking event, it’s a risk worth taking. By positioning yourself as the host of your event, you’ll drive awareness to your business and brand, and build up the local professional community in a way that’s sure to draw good will your way. Keep these ideas in mind as you go about planning a memorable networking event of your own, and above all—have a good time and others will follow suit.

Top Agent Magazine®

Top Agent Magazine

JAMIE BOOK Offering a high quality of life, with endless culture, community, and award winning restaurants, Chicago is a remarkable place to call home. Helping people find the right place to set down roots in the Windy City is Jamie Book, a top producing agent who is known for her white glove service.

“I like to consider myself a full real estate concierge,” Jamie explains. Wanting a career path with unlimited growth opportunities, Jamie decided on real estate, and began working as an assistant for Danielle Dowell at The Dowell Group. “I spent a few years working my way up in the field, learning as much as possible,” she explains. Today she works as a full-time REALTOR® serving the greater Chicago region and specializing in Chicagoland. During the last couple years, she’s been focusing on building her business and fostering longterm relationships with past clients. Whether she’s working with buyers, sellers or investors, Jamie gets to know them and their needs, developing an individualized plan to reach their goals.

“I’m there throughout the transaction and afterwards, ready to answer questions and offer advice,” Jamie explains. With a wide network of vendors to refer to, she can connect her clients with landscapers, lawyers, contractors, and everyone in between. Throughout the process, Jamie provides a hands-on approach, communicating frequently with everyone involved. “I do most of the communicating myself, I don’t use a transaction coordinator or a marketing coordinator,” she explains.

“I know exactly what’s going on in every deal at all times. Once you start hiring other people, it’s a little bit harder to have that connection with clients.”

When it comes to marketing her listings, Jamie makes sure she’s reaching as many people as possible.

“I’ll send out email blasts to agents in our database, post on social media and every real estate platform,” she explains. Even before a property goes live, she’s farming the area and sending out mailers to alert neighbors of the upcoming listing. “I’ll point out some qualities of the home and who I think might be a good fit for it, and from there I’ll receive calls from potential buyers,” she says. “It’s something different that a lot of agents don’t always do because it’s time consuming, but I think it’s so worth it.”

After working with Jamie, clients love to tell others about their time together. One recently said, “Working with Jamie was an absolute delight! She is very knowledgeable and always took the time to explain everything in detail to us. She was very responsive whether it be via phone call, email or text. And she was always willing to answer any question we had, regardless of how minor or ridiculous we thought it was! Being first time home buyers, we had no idea what we were doing or where to even start. Jamie had all the resources we needed and was able to guide us and hold our hands throughout the entire process!”

During her free time, Jamie loves to stay active in the community by participating in local activities and events. She is also heavily focused on improving two investment properties she owns in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jamie’s sister has a short term rental company, and she helps Jamie rent the units out on AirBnB. In the next few years, Jamie hopes to grow her business to new heights. “I’m focusing on marketing and within the next five years, I hope to grow my business to new heights. My goal is to be the best agent I can.”

For more information about Jamie Book, please call 773-876-5260 or email jamie@thedowellgroup.com

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine®

25

LAUREN CALERO Agent Lauren Calero grew up around real estate so, for her, going into the family business seemed like a natural choice. Today, working with her father is one of her favorite parts of the job! Lauren’s father has been in the business for over 25 years.

Together, they serve an area based in the West Chicago suburbs including Naperville, Plainfield, Aurora and Bolingbrook. Their successful partnership resulted in over $20 million in sales last year with ReMax Naperville.

Lauren credits their 75% repeat and referral business to a commitment to going the extra mile for their clients, guiding them through a seamless, positive experience that creates trust and lasting satisfaction. The team keeps in touch with clients with the aid of a CRM systems and dedicated social media support. Nurturing these client relationships is top of mind for their business philosophy and strategy. Ultimately, Lauren would love to achieve a 100% referral-based business.

Home is such an important part of people’s lives.

Lauren loves being part of this big life moment for her clients, sharing in their excitement and guiding them through the process of buying a home whether it’s a first-time homebuyer choosing a place to raise a family or a couple purchasing a retirement property. As Lauren and her father look toward the future of their business, they plan to eventually bring on another team member to help grow and expand on the success of their business.

26

Marketing listings is rooted in making a stellar first impression. That means highlighting property features with staging and sometimes landscaping, as well as professional photography, videography and drone footage. A proven pre-marketing strategy gets the word out to the team’s private network ensuring that the property gets great traffic and attention in the first few days on the market.

After their son was born with Down syndrome in 2017, Lauren and her husband became actively involved with organizations such as Special Olympics and Gigi’s Playhouse which supports a mission of acceptance and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. When they’re not working the family enjoys spending time together with their two children and Lauren’t parents who live right next door, sometimes watching Formula One races on Sundays.

Contact Laurenat 630-618-6176, email lcaleroremax@gmail.com, or visit her website at listwithlenz.com www.

Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Daily Habits That Will Increase Your Mental Strength When it comes to building physical strength, the solutions are obvious, but keeping up your mental strength isn’t as easy as going to the gym. Although physical exercise does help clear your head and relieve stress, there are other things you can do daily that will help your mind be as strong and flexible as your body after a workout. Here’s just a few things you can do to help clear your head and make you more productive.

Top Agent Magazine

DON’T WASTE YOUR BRAIN POWER That might seem obvious, but think about how much mental energy you might use up worrying about negativity or things you have no control over. Instead of focusing on problems, focus on solutions.

This actually take a lot of effort, we’re all conditioned to let worry paralyze us sometimes. Try and catch yourself when you’re 27

wasting time thinking about about past mistakes or current dilemmas you don’t have the power to stop. You really only have so much mental energy, and if you have kids and an especially stressful work situation, that might be even less than normal. Start treating your brain like the precious resource it is. You don’t want to be running on empty when it really matters.

BE MORE POSITIVE Eliminating negative thoughts is essential to increasing your mental strength. Carrying around negativity is like swimming with all of your clothes on. You might be okay at first, but eventually you’ll feel like you can barely stay afloat. Don’t drown in negativity, use positive thoughts as a lifesaver. This doesn’t mean you should ignore things you need to improve, just approach them with solutions rather than beating yourself up. Constant monitoring of this is important since it’s really easy to slide back into negative thinking.

STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE A lot of mental energy can go to dealing with anxiety. One way to deal with that is by forcing yourself to try new things and take on new challenges, that you might normally avoid because they make you feel unsure or scared. Challenge yourself daily, even with small things.

This is definitely something that becomes easier with practice. Start small, and in no time you’ll be taking on things you never 28

thought were possible. The simple task of trying something new every day will have you feeling energized and put you on the path to self-growth.

BE SELF-AWARE Your emotions affect everything you do, even if they’re not at the surface. Recognizing and labeling them is key. A lot of the above exercises require selfreflection. It’s okay to have the emotions you have, understanding why and where those emotions come from allows you to focus on dealing with them rather than just wallowing in them. Being self-aware is also about self-care. Know the things that help relax and rejuvenate you. That way you can handle everyday stresses and remain calm even during the most turbulent times.

BE WILLING TO LEARN A lot of people are still hung up on the idea that learning is a boring and tedious process, but you aren’t in junior high anymore. You can find something you’re actually interested in and immerse yourself in it, which engages your mind like nothing else. Whether it’s learning a new technology that will improve your business or something that will make you a more well-rounded person, the learning process keeps you engaged and open to new ideas. A curiosity about the world and new things is something that all mentally strong people have in common.

Top Agent Magazine

MARIANNE DALY Marianne provides the personal touch coupled with a hands-on approach that gives her clients the confidence they need to ensure their real estate experience is a pleasurable one. Her 20 years in real estate has given her the resources needed to overcome any obstacle which is key in today’s complex market conditions where experience matters! Marianne’s conscientious, dedicated, warm and caring nature will ensure her clients are represented by a true partner, a professional. Here is what one of Marianne’s past clients had to say: “We were first introduced to Marianne in early 2005 when we were looking to buy our first house in America. We were not familiar with home buying in this country but with Marianne’s knowledge and expertise, she helped us get through the stressful process with confidence and ease. Sixteen years later we decided to sell our home and contacted Marianne to be our Realtor® again. It was like having a family member you haven’t seen for a long time! We trusted Marianne with our house and knew that she would be very resolute throughout the sales process. Her professionalism and knowledge of the industry put our minds at ease. She was always upbeat and responded to our texts and emails promptly. We sold our house very quickly and we were very happy with the whole process, thanks to Marianne!” -JB

deserves! Marianne’s clients are treated like family and that’s an aspect of her business that is unwavering. She understands that buying or selling a home can be a very stressful time in her client’s life. Often times, moving is accompanied with marriage, divorce, births and deaths of loved ones. Marianne’s compassion, patient and understanding nature will always take her client’s life situation into account to make their moving experience as stress free and seamless as possible.

Marianne grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and although now she resides in northwest suburban Arlington Heights, she continues to assist clients and referrals from all over the Chicagoland area. When Marianne isn’t assisting her real estate clients, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending concerts, reading, cooking/baking and staying fit. Before real estate, Marianne spent her professional career in HR where she developed the keen ability to quickly identify and resolve any issue which has served her well in this fast-paced real estate environment.

Through Marianne’s 20 years in real estate, she has worked both on her own and also on a high producing team. While there can be pros and cons to both, Marianne has shifted to reinvent herself again now as a solo broker with @properties taking full control of every transaction from first client contact through closing and beyond.

As she spreads her new brand and identity, Marianne has an unyielding belief in providing outstanding client service. Steadfast service that every client Top Agent Magazine

For more information, call 847-494-4907, email mariannedaly@atproperties.com and visit MarianneDaly.com www.

29

MARIBEL LOPEZ Maribel Lopez packs enough real estate knowledge and experience to take a homebuyer from shopping around to moving into a new home. She does day in and out, seeing even the most difficult deals to completion. But with Maribel, clients can rest assured they have the full backing of Maribel’s adept team through the sale and beyond. “We have never lost a single deal due to financing on the buyer side,” Maribel says. “Even if we have some kind of a roller coaster, or a curveball thrown at us, we connect with that loan officer to partner together, and we come up with some way to overcome it and get the closing.” Maribel uses her savvy and connections garnered in her former career as a banker banking professional to build relationships with lenders so she can navigate clients toward mortgages in their best interest.

referrals or repeat customers. Maribel and her Team stay in contact with those clients throughout the year, checking in with about 15 to 20 of them each week. She also sponsors client events such as fun family gatherings and loves caused-based events such as a Toys for Tots, which is under way now. The team’s community engagement spills over into its work with local charities and organizations. Maribel, a former vice president of the local Boys & Girls Club, leads by example, serving on her local Parent Teacher Association and on boards like her local Home Owners Associations. Each team member focuses on their choice of civic engagement, whether that be with volunteer camps or local church congregations. Giving back is a top priority for the Team.

With seven years as a licensed REALTOR®, Maribel has established herself, and she now leads Essence Realty Team, a crew of 10 young professionals she has been assembling since joining Keller Williams in 2019. “Our No. 1 standard is honesty, and the client’s best interest first, even if that means more hours get put into it,” she says. One way Maribel and her Team take care of their clients is by applying an integrated strategy to marketing each listing.

All listings get the full treatment – professional photos, videos and staging – as well as the team’s ahead-of-thecurve social media marketing. While it is not uncommon for agents to market on Facebook and to a growing extent, Instagram, the Essence team (mostly Gen Y and Gen Z) has mastered outreach through Snapchat and TikTok too.

“It just really shows them how far we’re willing to go for the client – 100 percent.” The team consistently uses their fanbase to aid in finding properties for buyers, especially this last spring when properties were scarce.

Maribel has grown her agency to more than $30 million in annual revenue by keeping her eye on the bigger picture for their clients. “I feel like buying a home, selling a home or buying an investment property is one of the biggest steps that you will make in your adult life,” Maribel says. “It is a purchase that will affect the wellbeing of your family, and even generations after. We have clients buying lake houses right now for the sole intent to pass it on to their family. Just being able to be part of somebody’s journey that way feels amazing. It’s rewarding on so many levels.”

Clients appreciate the candor and focus on them, leading to about 90 percent of Maribel’s business coming from

For all the success Maribel has found so far, she is just getting started. An agent hire this year begins Essence’s expansion into commercial real estate. Having closed out sales in a new home subdivision, Maribel looks ahead to initiate a new construction division. The next year will see the opening of Essence Realty’s property management division. Maribel personally will continue flipping houses with her husband as she prepares to launch a new staging company.

To learn more about Maribel Lopez, please call 630.888.2113 visit teamessence.kw.com or email essencerealtyteam@gmail.com https://

30

Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

31

Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com

grahamharrop.com 32

Top Agent Magazine

PAUL SIEBERT When Paul Siebert got his real estate license in 2015, he admittedly did more learning than earning. That was okay with Paul because he saw the bigger picture. He was going to be a top agent, and that required some groundwork be laid. “I linked up with a top producer right when I got my license, basically – essentially, just to gather knowledge,” he says. “I knew if I couldn’t make a ton of money right off the bat that I wanted to know everything about the industry, the market, and how a top producer handles every situation that could come up throughout a transaction.”

He began to gain some traction in 2018, he says, and it has been steadily growing since then.

His business has grown, he says, thanks in large part to the relationships he was able to build over that time, starting with his mentor. “When we first linked up, I was going to be her assistant, to be there to help whenever and wherever I could,” he says. “Over the years, our relationship has transitioned more to a partnership.” They primarily work in the city of Chicago, and some neighboring Chicagoland suburbs. When it comes to hiring a broker, he understands how important the decision is and his clients feel that. “I always joke with clients and prospective clients, 90 percent of what I do is counseling because this is such a high-pressure, high-stress situation,” he says. “It’s a really personal decision, and I don’t take that lightly. I enjoy getting to know these people and I think that personal touch always helps the longevity of the relationship.”

Paul’s business is run almost entirely on repeats and referrals. His clients become his friends and that is how he treats them, keeping in touch through various social media platforms. “I know a lot of brokers or people in the business who set birthday reminders or closing date reminders. I try to make sure that when I reach back out to folks, I do so with a purpose. I find that the more organic the outreach feels, the more sustainable the relationship

is beyond whatever transaction we were involved with,” he says.

Paul gets personal with marketing as well.

Beyond just putting a property on the MLS, he makes sure to directly market all of his listings to buyer agents with a search setup that would return said property, using custom marketing materials with all the details a buyer or their broker would need to know to decide whether or not to set up a showing. He makes sure each property that he represents looks and shows exactly how it should to best appeal to a buyer. He does so by walking the property in advance, prior to getting professional photographs taken. At this initial walk-through, he provides input on how to maximize the seller’s return, whether it be by updates or even as simple as some styling. Once the property is live and Paul is showing the home, he follows up with the client after every single showing. “I try to give my perspective on how I felt the showing went and then I try to give my sellers the buyer agent’s perspective as well,” he says. “I think this is so important for the client because it is such a vulnerable experience having someone in their home, and generally people are curious what other folks think about their property. So it is best to get that feedback to them right away. Because if there is anything that we can do to change it for next time, we can do so. I think clients really appreciate that closure after a showing.”

With his personal and thoughtful approach, it is rewarding to see the fruits of his labor pay off in such a big way.

Paul is having his best year to date, hovering right around $10 million in sales individually, and collectively, he and his partner have posted $25 million to date. As much as business has grown over the years, Paul feels like this is just the beginning. “I feel as though I’m just scratching the surface,” he says. “I mean, $10 million feels like a good year because it is my best yet, but generally speaking, it feels like this could only go up.”

For more about Paul Siebert, visit atproperties.com, email psiebert@atproperties.com or call 847.525.8287 www.

Top Agent Magazine

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 33

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

34

Top Agent Magazine