MICHIGAN 12-21-20

MICHIGAN EDITION

5 TIPS TO GET NEW CLIENTS CONCIERGE CARE: Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD: How to List High When Neighbors Are a Nuisance

FEATURED AGENTS

AIDA OMIDVAR LUANN TAKENS

COVER STORY

JACKSON MATSON

MICHIGAN EDITION

Chicago Title is proud to congratulate

JACKSON MATSON Top Agent and Multi-Million Dollar Producer 7 – Lead of the Takens 17 LuAnn Takens Team at Keller Williams Realty Grand Rapids North in Grand Rapids, Michigan – is rapidly approaching two decades of providing her grateful clientele with excellent, unparalleled customer service. Hardworking, personable and deeply knowledgeable about the real estate industry, buyers or sellers could do no better than to engage LuAnn’s services in their quest to achieve their real estate goals.

LUANN TAKENS

AIDA

This assessment is bor

21 ible reviews she has re OMIDVAR

one posted on Zillow.c the sweetest human bei After receiving a master’s degree exampl an absolute joy to wor in Interior Architecture and Design, he ibly diligent andand juggle Aida Omidvar found herself working her m buying process iswith e with a real estate agent on the sale funds a the weight of home bu of her home. She was inspired to getshoulders. who ne husband’s I involved with staging homes. home t mend “The her for anyone.”

real estate agent I was working with of othe – an expert ma who became a good friendLuAnn kept tellthe day JACKSON MATSON AIDAinOMIDVAR LUANN TAKENS LuAnn began her journey real estate in ing me deeply values the con I can become a good Realtor intentio 2003, following a sixteen-year career in the airline industry. ships she forges with her clients, and since I deal great with people and is pure!

“After 9/11,” she recalls, “the airline I worked for downand maintain them, even long past t encouraged me to get my license.” She eventually did get her on being featured forI began the State sized, so lookingoffor another career. My father phone them or send them cards in th license, and now, Aida says, “I absolutely LOVE it.” This is The glo in law was a Magazine! broker, and he suggested – along with my text, and above all, make personal con Michigan in Top Agent year asbecause an agent and she has been a top quently husband who is alsoAida’s licensedfifth - that I tryworking real estate CONTENTS producer for the last 4 years of her career.

She is a solo agent as her I had gained a lot of customer service experience when LuAnn is involved in community eve and services the area around Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw is that working for the airlines.” Since then, LuAnn has built a the Cultural Committee at Keller W in Michigan. has many everywhere in Specifio thriving business onCounty, a foundation of honesty,Aida integrity and contacts Rapids North, she recently helped 4) 5 TIPS TOa commitment GET 18) THERE GOES THE the states or outside it to help who moving outhospital new fr to placing the needs of herof clients fronther andclients meals asare a thank you to work NEW CLIENTS NEIGHBORHOOD: HOW center during every of transaction. and firemen duringTO the COVID-19 state or internationally! futurepa is working on an idea she hadbusines of an “ 2005 Niles Road, Saint Joseph, MI 49085 LIST HIGH WHEN NEIGHBORS Currently overseeing“My a team of twoare other agents, LuAnn eventAida for the localand Humane clients mostly based on can referrals,” says, she Society hopesan 15) 616-745-1378 CONCIERGE ctic.com |CARE: ARE A NUISANCE make the exceptional claim that almost the entirety of her Control, hoping that all animals attributes her success with this to her personality and genuinely shewill can SERVICES THAT businessLURE is based on repeat clients and referrals, a sure sign getting adopted. Last year she partici caring nature. “Kindness is like Coffee; it awakens your spirit actions of the confidence she inspires in every buyer and seller she her office at the Equest Center of T CLIENTS AND TRANSFORM 22) HOW TO THROW A and improves your day. I like to fill my cup with both” Aida says.

“It’s ge works with. LuAnn lives in East Grand Rapids and works in Rockford, Michigan, doing jobs tha Whenever Aida works with a new client, she tries to put herself YOUR REPUTATION CLIENT APPRECIATION EVENT this market, plus Grand Rapids and all surrounding areas. She needed help with completing. year,” inof60608 their toMichigan. ensure keeps their goals and wishes at that sh large span areasshoes in West Sheshe is quick NO that ONE WILL FORGET 1805 South Paulinaworks Streetin| aChicago, IL the center of the a big investment everyone riences to travel even long distances to help alltransaction. of her clients“It’s sell and LuAnn is aformother and wife and at their budget and it is important,” Aida says.

Additionally, Aida and the buy homes. LuAnn works for Keller Williams Realty, the friends. She enjoys traveling and pho largest Real Estate franchise company Unitedquestions States. wonhelp national recognition bron is always willingintotheanswer and to educate her and isisasure the largest Invention Show in the USA clients. Overall, Aida explains, “The commission doesn’t come commu Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 “I think it’s because first. of myFor knowledge the realsatisfaction estate busi- andtranscription systemcome she has patented me, theofclient’s their happiness your ba ness,” says LuAnn, first. when asked how she has achieved that mag@topagentmagazine.com | Iwww.topagentmagazine.com love to see the big smile on their face then I know I did it impressive level of consumer trust and loyalty. “It also has I love meeting new people,” says LuA No portion of this issue may be reproducedright, in any again” manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top www.

something to do with my high level of professionalism, my

explaining what she likes most about

Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy customer service skills, and my excellent communication help them find a home or sell a home, of published materials, Top Agent MagazineAida’s cannot be held responsible for she opinions expressed or facts supplied by clients can tell that always provides them with topskills. I try to make the home buying or selling process fun, financial decisions for them. I love he its authors. To subscribe or change address,notch, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. personalized One former shared in chapter a and to eliminate as much stress as I can for services. them.” or toclient move on to a new in the Published in the U.S. review, “I am so thankful to have Aida as an agent. I have never

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seen a house sell so fast as she sold mine. She goes above and For more information about LuAnn Takens, beyond helping to sell or buy. All the time she is available and call 616-690-0869, email LuAnnTakens@aol.com, or visit working hard to satisfy her clients. I would likeTop toAgent send her TakensTea a Magazine heartfelt thanks for all she has done over the past month. She http://

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

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5 Tips to Get New Clients If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably built up a healthy percentage of repeat and referral business.

Although it can be tempting to just maintain those relationships rather than generating new business, there’s something to be said for staying on top of 4

your game by never resting on your laurels. Actively pursuing new clients is not only a way to generate more business, but depending on how you do it, it could even lead to a profitable new niche. Here are just a few ways to build up your new client base.

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Become a referral partner with industry peers

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Cold Call Expired and FSBO Listings

Everyone from mortgage lenders, to financial planners, to insurance agents, can be potentially lucrative referral partners for a Realtor®. You may already have great relationships with some that just need to be more formalized. But, you don’t just want to partner with anyone, make sure these are people you also feel completely comfortable referring your clients to - people who share your values and work ethic.

Another avenue to consider is divorce attorneys – yes, you heard that correctly. Helping people go through this difficult period actually requires a very specific skill set.

You need to be able to handle the legal aspects, as well as the emotional ones. There are numerous training courses you can take if you decide to take this route, which could end up being a lucrative and much-needed specialty.

This is a route a lot of agents take when they are just starting out, that usually leads to great success. You probably haven’t cold called since you started out, and this is a great skill to build up again.

It will not only sharpen your sales skills, but could generate a lot more business.

People with For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) and expired listings, are usually very motivated to sell. This is a great chance for you to really hone in on why they need to hire you. Do you offer innovative marketing plans? Access to a large sphere of influence? Expired listing clients are looking for ways to sell a property that seems impossible to move. With FSBOs, you need to show them how you can get them more money in their pocket, even

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with paying you a commission. Pursuing both will really engage your mind to think outside of the box, which will not only get you more business, but make you better at what you do.

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3

Partner up with a Relocation Company

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Become a Builder’s Realtor® of choice

This is another niche market that you can really capitalize on if you want to pursue a new specialty. But, it is a specialty, so getting educated on the process will help you generate the business you want. It’s a complicated area of real estate, you’ll often

times be helping to facilitate dual transactions, as you try and secure a property at the same time you are helping your relocation client sell their previous home. This specialty is becoming an in-demand skill in areas that have major corporate headquarters.

This can be a real score for any Realtor®.

The competition might be fierce to land a client like this, but there are numerous ways to make yourself stand out from the rest.

Gain certifications and become knowledgeable about the construction process. Be wellversed on what trendy materials, features, and finishes will add value to a property.

Get the builder on board with you by offering to take just a segment of the subdivision then wow them with your marketing skills.

Take on properties they haven’t been able to sell. You can even offer to throw an open

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Create a Website that Offers Real Value to Potential Clients

Perhaps the most useful way of getting contact information for people looking to sell is by adding a home valuation feature to your website. When people are first considering selling their home, finding out how much

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house for them. This is another way to show them the level of service they can expect from you. These clients might be harder to land, but the payoff will be enormous.

it is worth is one of the first questions they want answered. By becoming a resource to potential clients (and current clients!), you just might be the first person that comes to mind when they’re actually looking to sell.

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JACKSON MATSON

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As a specialist in the second-home luxury market, Jackson Matson understands clients spend time in a resort community to disconnect, relax, and unwind, and he wants the acquisition or sale of their resort property to also be peaceful, or at least as stress-free as possible.

The resort town of South Haven, southwest Michigan’s lakeshore, and real estate all run in Jackson Matson’s blood. A native of the region who grew up in a large family of realtors and developers, Jackson’s experience, knowledge, and dedication have helped him build a reputation as a “go-to”guy for properties from New Buffalo to Saugatuck, and everywhere in 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

between. As Jackson puts it, he has been “selling the coast for the last twenty years.”

All throughout that time, Jackson has focused not only on building tight lasting relationships with his clients, but also with other realtors—even competitors—in order to keep his finger on the pulse of the community and keep transactions Top Agent Magazine

running smoothly. As a specialist in the second-home luxury market, Jackson understands clients spend time in a resort community to disconnect, relax, and unwind, and he wants the acquisition or sale of their resort property to also be peaceful, or at least as stress-free as Top Agent Magazine

possible. The client is always ultimately in control and Jackson sees his role as much like that of a concierge; whether on the buying or selling side, his goal is to broker the best deal he can in the shortest period of time, all the while making the process seamless and efficient.

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As a solo @Properties broker with one assistant, Jackson reports his average annual sales volume is in the $20-30 million range, with a repeat customer/referral rate of 30%.

For Jackson, relationships with his clients do not end with a sale. He stays in contact through emails, text messages, and social media. He also still values the personal touch afforded by traditional methods of communication like post cards, client appreciation gifts, handwritten notes, and, on occasion, phone calls.

Jackson takes a similar broad-based approach to marketing, noting that for the second-home market, print is alive and well. Many of his clientele live in Chicago, but buyers and sellers Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

also come from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Northern Indianapolis, and Detroit— and Jackson knows the importance of having their eyes on his listings. To do so, he uses all of the marketing tools at his disposal, both digital and traditional: he advertises through Adwerx, posts on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media, and sends massive email blasts to a database of thousands; he also places ads in print publications, including the Chicago Tribune and local newspapers up and down the coast.

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His approach works. As a solo @Properties broker with one assistant, Jackson reports his average annual sales volume is in the $20-30 million range, with a repeat customer/referral rate of 30%. Acknowledging 2020 has been an unusual year, he says he’s already closed $30 Top Agent Magazine

million so far and may reach $40-50 million.

Jackson also reports that @Properties just franchised. Looking to the future, he says he wants to continue to grow along with the brand, add properties to his listings, and potentially build a team, “covering all avenues in the second-home Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

market” and “making sure he doesn’t miss any- with his family and his favorite things are thing for his clients.” boating on Lake Michigan and enjoying the things he seeks to put at the fingertips of his Outside of work, Jackson gives back through clients—“the beautiful lake beaches, light@gives back, donating a portion of transactions houses, and resort communities” he loves and to local charities. Jackson lives on the shoreline knows so well.

For more information, please call 269.214.0240; visit michiganluxurylakehomes.com; or email jacksonmatson@atproperties.com www

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Chicago Title is proud to congratulate

JACKSON MATSON

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

2005 Niles Road, Saint Joseph, MI 49085 616-745-1378 | ctic.com www.

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Mike Nielsen is proud to congratulate

Jackson Matson

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

Mike Nielsen | SVP of Mortgage Lending office: 773.435.7920 - cell: 773.620.2870 mike.nielsen@properrate.com | properrate.com/mikenielsen www.

1800 W Larchmont Ave, Suite 301, Chicago, IL, 60613 NMLS ID: 223614 , Proper Rate, LLC; NMLS #1901699; For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org www.

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Concierge Care: Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation It’s a no-brainer: customer service is central to success in the real estate industry. While properties may be the product, this industry really revolves around people and the relationships you cultivate along the way. With that in mind, how would you describe the service you provide? If solid service is the baseline, then to set yourself apart you must deliver service that’s exceptional. But, how? Returning calls and displaying a friendly face won’t necessarily separate you from the pack. If you really want to take your customer service to the next level and build a reputation for white-glove, concierge-level courtesy, then keep a few of the following tips in mind as you create a professional style that’s completely bespoke.

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Make your communications matter For many agents, communication during and after a transaction are perfunctory affairs, with one-sizefits-all newsletters or promotional postcards that feel mass-produced. To really grab the attention of your clientele, you’ll want to build a recognizable brand. To accomplish this, begin by adding value to your regular communications. Clients are likely to bypass your communications if they think your only intent is to sell them something. Focus instead on creating content that’s compelling and dishes out value to your clientele. Just like a favorite blog you revisit again and again for its quality content, con-

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sider your communications as an extension of your brand and identity. A few popular ideas from which clients can derive value include: local restaurant guides, tax tips for homeowners, reports on home values and the marketplace, or highlighting home décor and landscaping trends. Make your communications readable and useful, and your clients past and present will think twice before skipping past your name.

Showcase the lifestyle Clients remember when you go the extra mile, and that additional effort distinguishes run-of-the-mill agents from high-powered professionals. Whether listing or buying, consider a property’s lifestyle.

First, think about a client’s everyday experience.

Where’s the best breakfast spot nearby? How’s access to public transportation or bike paths? Which outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the area?

Where might your client swing by for coffee?

Neighborhood guides that outline the livability of a home and its area not only boost value and highlight potential, but they also demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and connect on a personal level. After all, a home isn’t just a house; a home is all about the daily experience that unfolds within and beyond those four walls. With that in mind, do your homework and make yourself a local expert.

Your clients will feel they’re in good hands and will better envision their future unfolding, all thanks to your thorough legwork.

Customize your approach to clients As an agent, it’s only natural that you build your own daily routines and practices that keep your business running. While it’s necessary to create positive habitats that streamline your workflow, it’s also important to remain adaptable. For instance, Millennial clients may prefer to chat by text, instant 16

message, or email, whereas older clientele may prefer face-to-face time or connecting by phone call.

Adapting your communication style is as simple as a brief discussion: ask your client how they prefer to communicate and adapt accordingly. While it may seem like a small matter, it provides clients with a sense of comfort and control. Again, the key here is communication. Talk with your clients about their preferred methodology. Maybe they prefer a marathon house-hunting trek on a weekend day, or perhaps they rather sift through listings online before making in-person visits to a narrowed list. It’s okay to encourage clients or fill them in on industry norms, but it’s important to create an experience that’s tailored to their style and personality.

Authentically seek feedback While it may feel uncomfortable, asking for feedback during and at the end of a transaction can dramatically improve your working style and professional blind-spots. It can also help you adapt your working style to better suit your respective clients.

Of course, it’s important to be open-minded and to quash the need to be defensive. Not all feedback will be useful, but you can incorporate the parts that are. This not only grows your skillset, but it also demonstrates to clients that you are open to constructive criticism and sincerely prioritize a job well done over personal praise. As a bonus, positive feedback can be parlayed into client testimonials, which are incredibly useful tools to boost your business on the whole.

It’s no secret that real estate is a busy, self-determined business. While your client care may feel all accounted for, there is always room to grow. Professionals at the top of their field know this and never stop building out their repertoire. If you want to take your business to the next level and create an imprint that’s synonymous with concierge care, then keep these ideas in mind as you build your relationships and your brand.

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AIDA OMIDVAR After receiving a master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Design, Aida Omidvar found herself working with a real estate agent on the sale of her home. She was inspired to get involved with staging homes. “The real estate agent I was working with who became a good friend kept telling me I can become a good Realtor since I deal great with people and encouraged me to get my license.” She eventually did get her license, and now, Aida says, “I absolutely LOVE it.” This is Aida’s fifth year working as an agent and she has been a top producer for the last 4 years of her career. She is a solo agent and services the area around Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw County, in Michigan. Aida has many contacts everywhere in the states or outside of it to help her clients who are moving out of state or internationally!

“My clients are mostly based on referrals,” Aida says, and she attributes her success with this to her personality and genuinely caring nature. “Kindness is like Coffee; it awakens your spirit and improves your day. I like to fill my cup with both” Aida says.

Whenever Aida works with a new client, she tries to put herself in their shoes to ensure that she keeps their goals and wishes at the center of the transaction. “It’s a big investment for everyone at their budget and it is important,” Aida says. Additionally, Aida is always willing to answer questions and help to educate her clients. Overall, Aida explains, “The commission doesn’t come first. For me, the client’s satisfaction and their happiness come first. I love to see the big smile on their face then I know I did it right, again”

example, she enjoys supporting and helping women in Iran which is her motherland. She contributes funds and supplies to young girls who need an education and a safe home to live along with a group of other women. “At the end of the day you’ll be at peace if your intentions are good and your heart is pure!” Aida says.

The glowing reviews that Aida frequently receives are no surprise, as her favorite part of real estate is that her clients become friends.

Specifically, she enjoys “making new friends.” Her goal for the future is to continue growing her business, and in particular, Aida hopes to expand her team so that she can focus more on client interactions and less on the paperwork.

“It’s getting better and better every year,” Aida says, and she knows that she can learn from her experiences to help her clients succeed as well. “I care about them, and they feel it,” Aida says, and as her business expands, she is sure to share her talents with more and more people in her community. Aida believes life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving!

Aida’s clients can tell that she always provides them with topnotch, personalized services. One former client shared in a review, “I am so thankful to have Aida as an agent. I have never seen a house sell so fast as she sold mine. She goes above and beyond helping to sell or buy. All the time she is available and working hard to satisfy her clients. I would like to send her a heartfelt thanks for all she has done over the past month. She has been professional, helpful, and made this the best real estate experience I have ever had.”

When she is not working with real estate, one of the most important things in Aida’s life is giving back to less fortunate people. She explains, “In general, I try to help as much as I can,” which includes raising money and supporting others in whatever ways are possible. Aida does not only do this in her own community, but also other countries around the world. For Top Agent Magazine

For more about Aida Omidvar, call (248) 568-2292 or email dreamluxuryproperties@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

There Goes the Neighborhood:

How to List High When Neighbors are a Nuisance Troublesome neighbors are a relatively common issue that agents come across. You can control the image of your client’s property and you can control your listing presentation, but you can’t always control what’s happening on your client’s street. How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers?

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First of all, it takes tact and a gameplan. With that in mind, let’s consider a few ways you can maintain a listing’s viability and competitive edge—even when bothersome neighbors are involved. Here are a few common neighborly scenarios agents encounter and how to diffuse them to your advantage.

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How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers? It takes tact and a gameplan.

as a courtesy introduction to the neighborhood.

While it may seem like needless busy work, it can dramatically improve prospective buyers’ perceptions of the area. Plus, you may positively ingratiate yourself with neighbors in the area and demonstrate your above-and-beyond service to your clientele in the process.

Is the neighbor’s landscaping an eyesore?

Here’s your recourse.

Most towns and cities have established ordinances regarding yard upkeep. If any of the properties adjacent to your listing are wildly overgrown, littered with junk, or otherwise in a state of obvious disrepair—take it up with the city. Rather than get directly involved at first glance, you might loop in city officials whose job it is to monitor clean-up efforts on rundown yards and properties. If this doesn’t work, you may have to take a more hands-on approach.

Start by thinking small and operating from a place of authenticity and neighborly service.

You might explain to the neighboring tenant that you’re listing and offer to mow their lawn Top Agent Magazine

Are there foreclosed or abandoned homes on your client’s block?

Do your homework.

It may take a little research and digging to figure out the banking entity that owns a foreclosed home, but it’s well worth the effort. Banks are typically required to maintain foreclosed homes on at least a basic level. If you’re worried about

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squatters, an unsightly façade, or general disrepair of a neighboring foreclosed property—go to the source. Sometimes banks take their time in hiring a third party to maintain a foreclosed property, but with some proactive prodding on your part, you may be able to speed the process along and resolve eyesores even before prospective buyers come calling. Remember: the squeaky wheel gets the grease. An improved bottom line will be your reward for those few prodding phone calls and emails.

Noisy, nosy, or annoying neighbors?

Don’t be discouraged.

Obnoxious neighbors can really rain on a seller’s parade, especially the kind of neighbor 20

that takes their less-than-stellar behavior to their porch, front yard, or sidewalk. While this sensitive issue may seem daunting, there are a few official channels you can utilize to thwart the issue before getting personally involved. If the neighborhood in question is governed by an HOA, you might take it up with them. If the troublesome neighbor is harassing passersby or taking to the sidewalk—in other words, public space—then you may be able to involve local authorities in worst-case scenarios. Of course, it’s always possible to talk to troublesome neighbors faceto-face, but do so with caution and with safety as the priority. Always reason gently and empathetically, utilizing I... phrasing, instead of accusatory You... phrasing. After all, some neighbors are clueless about their impact on the neighborhood and may adjust their behavior after being called out. If the issue persists and no third-party authority can help, then you may have to disclose the neighbor’s issues to prospective buyers, depending on the disclosure laws in your region. While this may seem like a blow, you can at least rest easy knowing you pursued all the potential avenues for resolution available. Likewise, your client will likely appreciate your thorough efforts to resolve the issue.

While troublesome neighborhoods can bring down an optimistic mood when listing a property, sometimes being real estate is all about being resourceful. With diligence, digging, and a little follow-up, you just may be able to resolve some of the issues plaguing your neighborly plot.

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LUANN TAKENS Top Agent and Multi-Million Dollar Producer LuAnn Takens – Lead of the Takens Team at Keller Williams Realty Grand Rapids North in Grand Rapids, Michigan – is rapidly approaching two decades of providing her grateful clientele with excellent, unparalleled customer service. Hardworking, personable and deeply knowledgeable about the real estate industry, buyers or sellers could do no better than to engage LuAnn’s services in their quest to achieve their real estate goals.

LuAnn began her journey in real estate in 2003, following a sixteen-year career in the airline industry.

“After 9/11,” she recalls, “the airline I worked for downsized, so I began looking for another career. My father in law was a broker, and he suggested – along with my husband who is also licensed - that I try real estate because I had gained a lot of customer service experience when working for the airlines.” Since then, LuAnn has built a thriving business on a foundation of honesty, integrity and a commitment to placing the needs of her clients front and center during every transaction.

Currently overseeing a team of two other agents, LuAnn can make the exceptional claim that almost the entirety of her business is based on repeat clients and referrals, a sure sign of the confidence she inspires in every buyer and seller she works with. LuAnn lives in East Grand Rapids and works in this market, plus Grand Rapids and all surrounding areas. She works in a large span of areas in West Michigan. She is quick to travel even long distances to help all of her clients sell and buy homes. LuAnn works for Keller Williams Realty, the largest Real Estate franchise company in the United States.

“I think it’s because of my knowledge of the real estate business,” says LuAnn, when asked how she has achieved that impressive level of consumer trust and loyalty. “It also has something to do with my high level of professionalism, my customer service skills, and my excellent communication skills. I try to make the home buying or selling process fun, and to eliminate as much stress as I can for them.”

This assessment is borne out by the incredible reviews she has received, including this one posted on Zillow.com: “LuAnn is one of the sweetest human beings I have met. She is an absolute joy to work with. She is incredibly diligent and juggles every aspect of the buying process with ease. She helped lift the weight of home buying off mine and my husband’s shoulders. I would highly recommend her for anyone.”

LuAnn – an expert marketer and negotiator - deeply values the connections and relationships she forges with her clients, and works hard to nourish and maintain them, even long past the closing table. “I’ll phone them or send them cards in the mail. I’ll email and text, and above all, make personal contact with them.”

LuAnn is involved in community events as well. As part of the Cultural Committee at Keller Williams Realty Grand Rapids North, she recently helped orchestrate giving out meals as a thank you to hospital workers, ambulance drivers and firemen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently she is working on an idea she had of an “emptying the shelters” event for the local Humane Society and Kent County Animal Control, hoping that all animals will have a fair chance of getting adopted. Last year she participated and helped with her office at the Equest Center of Therapeutic Riding in Rockford, Michigan, doing jobs that the stable operation needed help with completing.

LuAnn is a mother and wife and loves her family and friends. She enjoys traveling and photography. She has also won national recognition and is a bronze medalist at INPEX, the largest Invention Show in the USA, for a unique medical transcription system she has patented.

I love meeting new people,” says LuAnn, a devout Christian, explaining what she likes most about what she does, “and to help them find a home or sell a home, both of which are huge financial decisions for them. I love helping them get settled, or to move on to a new chapter in their lives.”

For more information about LuAnn Takens, call 616-690-0869, email LuAnnTakens@aol.com, or visit TakensTeam.kw.com http://

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How to Throw a Client Appreciation Event No One Will Forget Clients are the foundation of any flourishing enterprise, and this is particularly true in real estate—an industry where relationships are central. Demonstrating your gratitude to former and current clientele is a winning way to cultivate your network, while upping your potential referrals and creating face-to-face time with the individuals that make your business tick. Keep in mind a few of the tips below as you stage a client event that will positively impact your brand, while conveying your appreciation to those who have driven your business all year.

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Supersize Your Guest List Inviting former clients to your client appreciation bash is only the first step in crafting your guest list. To really expand your sphere of influence, invite neighbors, local business owners and staff, old friends, family, associates, fellow alumni from your alma mater, and the like. Think of your client appreciation event as a celebration of business bringing people together. Expand your guest list and you’ll create a coveted, in-person opportunity to forge relationships and broaden your reach.

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An appreciation event may be geared toward your clients, but if done correctly it can also provide a fun-filled venue for your employees to enjoy a morale boost.

Consider A Sponsor Client appreciation events shouldn’t skimp on the details, but you don’t want to break the bank, either. To defray the cost of a client appreciation event, consider enlisting local businesses as co-sponsors. Not only does this approach ease the price tag of throwing a party, but it also creates an easy partnership between you and other entrepreneurs—widening your database and making for a memorable and generous event.

ship, or the Super Bowl is coming up quick, tailoring client appreciation events to already-established happenings can create an organic tie-in and boost your attendance numbers in the process. Throw a gingerbread house decorating party during the holiday season, or throw a barbeque during the Fourth of July. Capitalizing on a naturally occurring theme creates the opportunity for comradery between you and your guests.

Apply A Personal Touch

Don’t Forget To Reward Your Employees An appreciation event may be geared toward your clients, but if done correctly it can also provide a fun-filled venue for your employees to enjoy a morale boost, as well.

By encouraging your employees to cut loose at this celebratory event—instead of having them run interference all night—your team will feel appreciated and validated, too.

Theme Your Event Whether the area’s high school sports team has made it to the state championTop Agent Magazine

Invitations may seem like a small detail, but they shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Consider handwriting some of your invitations for the clients you remember well, or for business associates who you regularly partner with. Personalizing invitations to key players is the surest way to a confirmed RSVP. Cultivating your network of professional connections is an essential part of driving business, and client appreciation events not only create memories between you and your clientele, but also inspire your to step back, reflect, and give thanks to those who keep your business booming.

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