MICHIGAN 6-1-20

MICHIGAN EDITION

ADDING VALUE TO LISTINGS

& the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities

Small Yard?

Big Statement:

How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces

FEATURED AGENT

BRITTANY FELDE LINDA LEPOROWSKI

RECONSIDER REFERRAL-ONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE COVER STORY

GINGER BAXTER

MICHIGAN EDITION Best Homes Title Agency is proud to congratulate

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

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BRITTANY FELDE

TRACIE L. MCRAE AREA OPERATIONS MANAGER Phone: (616) 885-9027 Fax: (616) 885-9033 BestHomesTitle.com

GINGER BAXTER

CONTENTS

BEST HOMES TITLE AGENCY, LLC 4949 Plainfield Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 BestHomesTitle.com

4) ADDING VALUE TO LISTINGS & THE ADVANTAGE OF IDENTIFYING NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES

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LINDA LE

Honest and ac Leporowski’s u dedication to pr service have bu tion as one of the real estate expe Like many agen start off workin LINDA LEPOROWSKI but rather trans industry after wo for many year found that the customer service experien a banker was a valuable skill set that allo as an agent.

After more than 19 years in the business, head of a five person team at Keller Willia 17) SMALL YARD? which closed nearly $15 million in trans BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO and is on pace to close between $20 an MAKE THE MOST OUT OF 2020.

MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

If you ask Linda how she has managed business, she will credit her 8) RECONSIDER REFERRAL21) HOWextensive TO MAKE YOUR being a primary driver of her success. “ ONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR COMMUTE PRODUCTIVE that they can trust me, because I am alw THE FUTURE know I have a passion for selling real estat have their best interests in mind ” she ex is to make sure that the client feels under utmost importance that once you listen t Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 timeframe, you work within their paramet take on a client, whether I’m helping them mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com purchase one, I make sure they feel like No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent client. askaccuracy lots ofofquestions Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensureIthe published and guide th options.

Educating your client on the pro materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. important, because it builds trust and Published in the U.S. relationship.”

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The administrative backbone of her Operations Manager, Jeanine Ciccone. Je Top Agent Magazine same work ethic and style as Linda, and

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Adding Value to Listings & the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities Everyone knows the famous real estate phrase: location, location, location. In fact, it is hard to underestimate the pivotal role that a region can play when it comes to determining a home’s value. In today’s competitive market, the littlest things can truly add up—especially when it comes to neighborhood amenities. While most savvy agents know the figures regarding school 4

district ranking and local property taxes, have you ever considered the under-the-radar amenities that drive buyers and bidding wars? To derive the highest value from a listed home, you need to paint a complete picture of the area in which you’re selling. With that guiding principle in mind, let’s consider a few modern amenities and how they add drastically to your bottom line.

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Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites.

A little can go a long way: restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment

Know thy history: creating a narrative of the neighborhood

Everyone has a favorite take-out spot, coffee shop, or neighborhood watering hole. Identifying the key players in an area—such as restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment hotspots—will create a livable picture that prospective buyers can latch onto. Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites. While a cute coffee shop down the street may seem like a bonus instead of a foundational amenity, you never know what kind of homebuyer you might net if you include the cozy characteristics that make a house a home.

As humans, we’re drawn to narratives. Sales pitches and marketing campaigns hinge on an alluring storyline. That’s why understanding a neighborhood’s history can frame and contextualize a property to great effect. After all, buyers aren’t just drawn to sturdy foundations and bedroom counts; they like to imagine their lives unfolding inside those four walls.

Get a sense of the area’s historical timeline, architectural style, noteworthy community members, and the like. Conveying this intriguing information to buyers helps them connect more personally with a property, while understanding the holistic picture of their potential new home.

From here to there: public transportation and commuter access While this rule may not apply to all properties, considering access to public transportation is a major draw for today’s buyers. Especially amidst the more eco-conscious Millennial segment eager to buy within city limits—knowing public transportation access points and schedules can add serious value to listed properties. Also, think outside the box: do nearby thoroughfares boast dedicated bike lanes? Are there plans to expand rail lines to the area in the future? Deliver a confidant picture of the area’s public transportation access and prospective buyers will trust your expertise.

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While it is always good to cover the basics of school districts and property values, it is even more useful to expand your knowledge base and bring a warm, human element to locational knowledge. Not only will you appeal to a younger demographic of homebuyers who values this strategic information, but you will also broaden your understanding of your service area at large. Think of it this way: a neighborhood is far more than a collection of homes on a block. A neighborhood is about atmosphere, access, and a sense of community. If you authentically appeal to this guiding truth, and buyers will surely rise to the occasion.

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BRITTANY FELDE Brittany Felde launched her career in real estate nearly six years ago. “I became really interested in the real estate market and it went from there,” she remembers. Driven to make her mark on the industry, Brittany earned her license and her star swiftly rose, resulting in her reputation for communication, regional knowledge, and a personal touch.

Today, Brittany spearheads her work from her home base in Howard City, Michigan, under the banner of Rockgate Real Estate, where she is an Associate Broker.

There, her work with clients has seen her traverse the entire state, from the West-Central region to the Upper Peninsula. “I was born and raised in the county,” she says, “and I do a lot of business here. I know the area very well and have lived in Michigan my whole life. I have a lot of drive to support this area.”

To date, almost the entirety of her business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust her native knowledge, wise counsel, and proven track record of success. “Honesty is at the core of what I do,” she says, “and I try to help my clients enjoy the process. Those are things I hear from feedback. I don’t try to sell them on something that wouldn’t make for the right fit, and I always have their best interests at heart. When I’m working with them, I point out the little details or big-picture consideration they might not always catch.

I put their goals first.”

When it comes to listing properties, Brittany accounts for all marketing avenues. “It all depends on the house,” she explains. Every listing is custom-equipped with high-end documentation that showcases homes in their finest light. From there, premium visibility is achieved across the leading online listing platforms, social media outlets, and MLS boards. Of course, Brittany also hosts open houses, places prints ads, and taps her 6

sizable network of past clients and fellow colleagues, resulting in an ideal buyer in short order. Last year, Brittany closed more than a hundred transactions—an outstanding feat for agents of any stripe. In fact, she is one of the top producers in her local Realtor board, a testament to her staying power.

Beyond the office, Brittany gives back to her community through various commitments and contributions, including her participation on the West Central Association of Realtors and in her role as Chair for the Public Outreach committee. In addition, she supports her area community center, local clothing drives, and hosts several client appreciation events during the year that bring new and familiar faces together.

As for the future, Brittany intends to keep momentum going strong, with the potential of formulating a team in the years to come. Finally, with almost six sterling years in business, Brittany Felde considers what she enjoys most about her chosen field. “I absolutely love what I do,” she says. “This career has allowed me to find success while balancing my family, and that freedom is one of the things I love most about real estate. I’ve always been a people person, and I also enjoy having that daily interaction and the opportunity to help others in my community.”

To learn more about Brittany Felde email RealtyWithBrittany@gmail.com, visit rockgaterealestate.com/brittany-felde, or call (231) 414–3883 www.

Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine Copyright Top

Best Homes Title Agency is proud to congratulate

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

TRACIE L. MCRAE AREA OPERATIONS MANAGER Phone: (616) 885-9027 Fax: (616) 885-9033 BestHomesTitle.com

BEST HOMES TITLE AGENCY, LLC 4949 Plainfield Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 BestHomesTitle.com www.

www.

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Reconsider Referral-Only When Planning for the Future

A 100% referral rate is a testament of client happiness. But even a 30% referral rate is proof of client satisfaction. It’s all relative, say some agents. One number pays tribute to past success, which is certainly a story worth telling. But the other might better predict the future. Many agents plan for the idea that 8

working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector.

Unless you are clairvoyant enough to flawlessly predict every market change or every

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Many agents plan for the idea that working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector. life change that your clients and referral partners may experience, it’s wise to maintain an active marketing presence. The reasons vary, however, depending on the goals and trajectory of each individual’s business.

If long-term success, a growing team, a legacy or expansion into new areas are not priorities, then working a sphere of influence may be enough for some agents, especially those who may be in the industry mostly for the love of the business. But for a majority of agents, no matter how much they love their work, their real estate and mortgage businesses are careers, first and foremost.

Let’s start with the team-builders and mentors. Agents and brokers who are building teams are wise to invest in business marketing, advertising and community outreach. Ty Hutchins, who owns and operates Ty & Company Real Estate in Colorado’s Front Range, says that, while she could personally live off referrals alone, her goal is to build up her agents. “I do the marketing piece for my team, so I can help them succeed,” she says. That marketing includes running commercials on TV and in movies theatres, as well as lead generation that identifies potential buyers, sellers and Top Agent Magazine

investors between the Colorado Springs and Denver markets. Her team’s goal, she adds, is to promote their reputation of being honest, hardworking professionals with the reach of a major brand but the personalized approach of a boutique.

Then there are the growers. Khrista Jarvis and Nicole Jung of The Khrista Jarvis Team in the San Francisco Bay Area, are on a considerable growth track. “We’re the #1 team in our area and the top team in Compass Real Estate nationally,” explains Khrista. While high marks for service on behalf of their clients have led them to these heights, they know that they must continue to evolve and market their brand. “We do a good deal of social media marketing for our listings and for our business,” she says. Their names, therefore, are frequently linked to sentiments of trust, dependability and market knowledge, both in their marketing and in their reviews.

Next, there are those who weathered the worst of times. Susan Roche entered real estate sales in 2003, following several years of property management in North Carolina.

The key to her sustained triumphs through major market swings lies in her long-range planning. “If the market starts to dip or fall,

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I have safety nets in place,” says Susan Roche, team leader of Simply Real Estate, based in Charlotte. “When it’s a seller’s market, I still plan for a buyer’s market and when it’s a buyer’s market I plan for a seller’s market..” In other words, no matter how comfortable her existing work may feel, she networks consistently. She also employs a full-time marketing director who leads several projects including ongoing research, events and social media exposure in addition to listings marketing. By staying ahead of market changes, Susan knows she can unfailingly represent her clients’ best interests while still maintaining a safety net for her business.

Even professionals with more than three decades’ experience and deep referral networks know the importance of business

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marketing. Cathy Richards, co-owner with Nancy Dalaska of Epic-Wasatch Homes in Park City, UT, entered real estate in 1987 and still draws at least a fifth of her business from lead generation, social media marketing and community outreach. Her business partner, Nancy, adds that real estate is about much more than their own business. “We love collaborating and brainstorming with other agents to help them prosper,” says Nancy. “We believe the healthier the market, the better we all are.”

Regardless of market conditions, even the best reputation can’t guarantee long-term success. To sustain and grow, it’s wise to feed your business by increasing exposure, remaining flexible and maintaining systems for customer service, networking, research, marketing and lead-generation.

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GINGER BAXTER Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Ginger Baxter is the owner and lead listing agent of Ginger Baxter Group, a Keller Williams strategic partner, where she heads an eight-person team, based out of their office in Northview.

When you sit down to chat with Ginger Baxter, it quickly becomes apparent that you’re speaking to a true real estate expert.

Over her 21-year career as an agent, Ginger has helped hundreds of clients buy and sell homes all across the price spectrum in a variety of locations. At the same time, her work as a developer has helped her cultivate a deep understanding of the investment, 12 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

design, and construction sides of the industry. Given the depth and breadth of her expertise, it comes as no surprise that Ginger has built herself a stellar reputation as one of the go-to residential real estate experts in the Grand Rapids area.

Upon graduating from Central Michigan University, Ginger initially became a personal Top Agent Magazine

trainer and nutritionist, but after working for several years decided to take her father’s advice to pursue a career in real estate. Now she is the owner and lead listing agent of Ginger Baxter Group, a Keller Top Agent Magazine

Williams strategic partner, where she heads an eight-person team. Based out of their office in Northview, Ginger and her team operate throughout Grand Rapids and anywhere within one hour’s drive from the city.

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As a residential developer, Ginger understands the real estate market on a much larger scale than the typical agent, and she passes along this perspective to all of the clients she works with.

As a residential developer, Ginger understands the real estate market on a much larger scale than the typical agent, and she passes along this perspective to all of the clients she works with. “Right now we are purchasing a 130 acre site for our next development project. That won’t be ready for at least three years, so I’m always thinking about the future and looking at the big picture,” Ginger explains.

Besides her expertise, Ginger credits her integrity as being one of the major drivers of her success. “I’m a very honest person, so I care more about telling my clients the truth Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

than closing a deal.” Her honest approach clearly resonates with people, as more than 75% of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

When clients list a property with Ginger they gain access to her team’s first-inclass marketing strategies. After ensuring the home looks its best, Ginger’s team has professional photographs taken to create a postcard campaign that is sent out to the property’s 200 closest neighbors. Next they implement a comprehensive social media advertising campaign that begins when they officially list the property online on the MLS. Top Agent Magazine

If the listing is priced at or above $250,000, the team will then use “sly dial” software to leave 1000 additional neighbors in the area prerecorded voicemails promoting the listing’s upcoming open house. Ginger has enjoyed tremendous success utilizing this methodology, frequently creating bidding Top Agent Magazine

wars for her listings. In fact, during the 18 months prior to the onset of the Coronavirus shutdown, Ginger had successfully sold 14 homes within 24 hours of the open house.

In her spare time, Ginger loves to spend time with her family, watch her kids play Copyright Top Agent Magazine 15

sports, and give back to her community. Her business sponsors the Rockford lacrosse program and every year participates in the Rockford summer parade. With the outbreak of COVID-19, Ginger and her team have offered to deliver groceries and other needed supplies to a number of their former clients’ homes. Outside of work, she helps run Promise Books, a charity started by her mother, which distributes mini

Bibles to communities and charities all across the world.

Looking to the future, Ginger is excited to grow her business and continue mentoring members of her team. “There are so many things I love about my job. Maybe the biggest is that I love teaching and nurturing the people that work for me, so that they feel empowered to grow.�

For more information about Ginger Baxter, visit gingerbaxtergroup.com, call 616-437-0559 or email ginger@gingerbaxter.com. www.

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with Top Agent Magazine

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods 18

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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LINDA LEPOROWSKI Honest and accessible, Linda Leporowski’s upfront style and dedication to providing premier service have built her a reputation as one of the go-to residential real estate experts in Michigan.

Like many agents, Linda didn’t start off working in real estate, but rather transitioned into the industry after working in banking for many years. She quickly found that the customer service experience she gained as a banker was a valuable skill set that allowed her to excel as an agent.

After more than 19 years in the business, Linda is now the head of a five person team at Keller Williams Leporowski, which closed nearly $15 million in transactions last year, and is on pace to close between $20 and $25 million in 2020.

If you ask Linda how she has managed to build such an extensive business, she will credit her upfront style as being a primary driver of her success. “My clients know that they can trust me, because I am always honest. They know I have a passion for selling real estate and will always have their best interests in mind ” she explains. “The key is to make sure that the client feels understood. It is of the utmost importance that once you listen to their goals and timeframe, you work within their parameters. When I first take on a client, whether I’m helping them sell a house or purchase one, I make sure they feel like they are my only client. I ask lots of questions and guide them through their options. Educating your client on the process is extremely important, because it builds trust and a good working relationship.”

The administrative backbone of her business is her Operations Manager, Jeanine Ciccone. Jeanine mirrors the same work ethic and style as Linda, and they have developed a deep trust and understanding of one another that promotes efficient work flow.

For all her listings, Linda uses an outstanding professional photographer and an in-house marketing director to leverage 20

the latest online advertising techniques to ensure her clients’ properties receive the attention they deserve. Linda marries these online ads with more conventional efforts to promote her listings such as yard signs and mailers.

Linda’s contact with her clients doesn’t end with the close of a transaction. She will call them throughout the year to check in. In addition, Linda is strong believer in using fun to keep her clients engaged. As part of this, she sends out Detroit Tiger Magnets in the spring, Michigan and Michigan State magnets at the start of football season, and magnets with holiday recipes around Christmas. She also sends out an annual Christmas card which focuses on a different theme each year. “Last year my letter was about how to bring joy into your life,” Linda explains. “There’s a lot of people out in the world that are suffering from depression and addiction, so I gave a list of different activities you can do to try and bring more happiness into your life.”

Besides her letter, Linda helps donate food every Christmas to members of her church who are in need, and volunteers with Goodfellow. She also supports St Jude and Susan B Koman Organizations and will always help her past clients in need by attending any of their benefits or fundraisers.

With an eye to the future, Linda is excited to continue building her business while living up to her professional philosophy. “My mantra is to always be honest and true to yourself, and everyone you work with. I’m excited to continue supporting and educating my clients.”

For more about Linda Leporowski, please visit lindaleporowski.com, call 735-502-0456 or email leporoll@gmail.com www.

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How to Make Your Commute Productive The highest caliber business owners and entrepreneurs utilize every minute of their day.

Though this may be a lofty goal, there are certainly ways to make our daily routines more efficient and productive. Consider the morning and evening commute—time blocks that are accounted for every day. For some of us, daily commutes may mean a lengthy drive through gridlock traffic, or perhaps just a quick fifteen-minute crosstown excursion. However short or long your commute may be, there are ways to maximize this component of your daily routine and reap the rewards.

With that in mind, take a look at some ideas below to inject some energy and productivity into your daily commute.

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Listen to the latest industry-centric podcasts or audiobooks Whether you drive, bike, walk, or take public transportation, a commute is the perfect time to tune into an industry-oriented podcast or audiobook as a way of building your skills or getting into the zone for the day. Instead of letting your commute time be passive, you can process insights from leading industry professionals, or develop your skillset on a topic you haven’t yet made time for. Perhaps you’d like to develop your social media presence, or maybe you’d like to tap into the millennial homebuyer market—whatever the case may be, there is audio material out there suited to your interests. What’s more, podcasts are free and easy to incorporate on your smartphone or

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tablet, and there are ample audiobook subscription services out there that make regular listenership cost effective.

Create a mental to-do list to get a head-start on your day, or to prepare for tomorrow Getting your thoughts in order with a straightforward to-do list can help you dive in once you make it to your desk, or serve as a conclusive mental routine to end your work day.

If you drive to and from work and don’t have your hands free, don’t fret. Speaking your to-do list aloud can help you detangle your thoughts and tasks by vocalizing them. You can also try breaking down your to-do list by verbalizing the day’s goals, the week’s goals, and the month’s goals as a way of structuring priorities. If your commute is hands-free, you can incorporate a variety of apps that serve as custom-made todo lists that’ll organizationally map your duties for the day. In either case, use your commute window to identify and name the tasks ahead of you, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running when the time comes to perform.

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Tend to your personal commitments and planning A productive commute can boost your professional performance, but it can also serve your personal growth and out-of-the-office responsibilities, as well. Perhaps you can think out and plan your meals for the week so that you don’t come home burnt out and with nothing in mind for dinner. Maybe you check in with a relative or partner and catch up for a spare twenty minutes.

Not only does this eliminate a few items off of your personal to-do list, it can actually give you a more focused mind at the office. If your personal life is in good order, you’ll be able to devote your full attention to work tasks.

As the old saying goes, there are only so many hours in a day. If you added up all the minutes spent commuting around town, how many hours would amount? Though the trek to and from the office is an engrained part of professional life, it doesn’t have to be a drag. Account for those spare commute windows in productive ways, and in only a month you’ll have devoted a significant portion of your time to bettering yourself as a person and a professional.

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