MINNESOTA 10-5-20

MINNESOTA EDITION

Small Yard?

Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out ofTHE Micro PLAYING Outdoor Spaces REAL ESTATE

Thinking of Listing?

Nine Ways to Get Ready

6 WAYS TO GET YOUR CLIENT TO TRUST YOU

FEATURED AGENT

KATRINA ANDERSON COVER STORY

MEGAN STEINMETZ

MINNESOTA EDITION

KATRINA ANDERSON Having a comfortable job in corporate marketing with a steady flow of income made Katrina9Anderson apprehensive about pursuing a career in real estate— something she always felt passion towards. But she decided to finally take the plunge in order to have a more flexible schedule that would allow her to spend more time with her kids. She’s been in the industry for three years now, working with Edina Realty and serving the region of Twin Cities in Minnesota, as well as the surrounding suburbs.

19

to maximize their capabilities and per at hand faster than the average agent. known to train other agents in her o nology tools as well coach others on electronic purchase agreements/contra

Katrina’s strategies have paid off r start, as she sold 12 homes in her ver a REALTOR®, and was awarded Rook in her office. In her second year she s and made the Leadership Circle, and Since entering the real estate industry not too long projected to get into the President Circ ago, Katrina has realized howSTEINMETZ important it is to find KATRINA ANDERSON and dedication do pay off. You have to MEGAN your niche in this business and to double down on it. and self-motivated to achieve results es Open houses and building relationships is where she self-employed. Anything is possible! Y started to prosper. “It’s all about the genuine connection you make for the phone to ring. You definitely have to be a go with someone.” She truly cares about her clients’ best interests and business and for somebody who’s been in the busines wants to develop a mutually beneficial relationship beyond a transof years, this is a huge achievement.” action. More often than not, real estate agents in the business fail at the communication component. Communication is her biggest asset.

What allows Katrina to keep working hard is her g She really wants her clients to know what lies ahead by guiding her ment of the work she does. “It helps to have a pa clients through every step of the way. It can be an overwhelming job so it doesn’t feel like work. A lot of people c process, so making it the best experience possible is the ultimate working weekends or nights, but for me I truly enj 4) THINKING OF LISTING? 15) WHY MILLENNIALS ARE goal. She truly holds the highest standard and is NOW known THE I like HOTTEST educating my clients, and showing them diffe NINE WAYS TOherself GETtoREADY SEGMENT to be “Johnny on the spot.” With the current market conditions as especially those that are pre-market that other agen OF toTHEexist BUYERS MARKET they are, as an agent, you have to be readily available at all times yet, and making them feel empowered in their d perform. “Missed opportunities are not an option in my playbook.” says. She has a type A personality and a “get it done” 6)SheSMALL BIG STATEMENT: is creative YARD? and thinks outside of the box to be that first agent in lends itself well in this business. In the future she wou the homeTO or first offer on THE the tableMOST to have theOUT upper hand. She22) prides6 WAYS build a team become a broker, so that she can con HOW MAKE TOandGET YOUR herself on having a foolproof plan to represent clients on winning both clients and agents.

OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES CLIENT TO TRUST YOU deals with tips and tricks that other agents have not thought of.

Aside from clients, Katrina also likes to help her c Katrina’s prior background has a lot to do with how she succeeds giving back to the local businesses. She runs cont in this business. Only 43% of REALTORS® have completed a media followers to win gift cards to local restaurants, cially vital now during COVID-19. And when she’s n bachelor’s degree. Katrina has a unique set of marketing skills loves to travel, try new restaurants, watch sports, and to leverage various platforms to maximize exposure for her listthat it’s important to get out of your comfort zone in ings and to attract buyers. She has a leadership mentality and has personal confidence. led 310-734-1440 the charge of many| Fax direct310-734-1440 reports in corporate marketing on Phone how to achieve optimal results through marketing initiatives and mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com Going forward Katrina is focused on helping cli campaigns. She can create all her own content pieces, branded She is an expert at both. This is a materials, and design all from scratch due to the training she has No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without priorbuying consentorofselling. the publisher. journey for most people some people only do it received.

“Technology and leveraging video marketing is changing Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure theand accuracy of She strives to make a lasting impression to ensure the materials, way we Top do business and if cannot you are or adept to it expressed published Agent Magazine benot heldsavvy responsible for opinions or facts supplied by its authors.

To subscribe or change address, inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. to be known for having a professional reputation th you will be behind the send curve.”

44% of buyers look online first brag about to their friends, co-workers, and fam when trying Published in the U.S.to find a home to buy. Everything is digital these days, “Nothing will stop me from always providing the be and she finds that using the tools provided to her through Edina giving it my all.”

Realty gives her a competitive advantage, because she knows how

CONTENTS

2

Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Katrina Anderson

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

Thinking of Listing?

Nine Ways to Get Ready The less time a home spends on the market, the more likely it is to sell at or above list price. That’s why our Top Agents recommend getting a property ready for marketing well before listing. Anyone who is even just starting to think about listing will benefit from some basic upkeep and pre-staging work. Even if you decide now is not the time to list, you’ll enjoy these simple improvements around the home.

With the right local resources, most pre-listing preparations take less than a week and will make the formal staging process simpler for all involved.

Ask Top Agents in your area for referrals of local pros to hire. Once you’ve selected your Top Agent, keep yourself open to his or her opinion on other TLC to help decrease your home’s market time.

1. Inspection: The last thing a seller or buyer wants is a surprise at

inspection. That’s why a complete inspection before listing is so valuable.

Many necessary fixes, such as minor roof or appliance repairs, can be discovered and repaired in less than a week. If inspection uncovers a major issue, any Top Agent will tell you that this knowledge is power; disclosing and expecting to take responsibility will increase buyers’ trust without affecting market time.

2. De-Clutter: Take a little time to pack away surplus furniture items and

extra knick-knacks, papers, books or occasional-use items throughout your house. Remember this may require boxing away video game supplies or packing up comfy throw pillows and blankets. Move these items temporarily into closets, the garage or attic with the assumption of possibly renting a storage unit just before listing.

3. Paint: Whole-house painting is likely not necessary, but consider touching

up baseboard moldings and doorways and open wall spaces in high-use areas 4

Top Agent Magazine

such as bathrooms, the office, family room and indoor recreation spaces.

Also consider a little varnish on the front door or banister.

4. Artwork and Decor: Take a neutral look at your décor. Better yet, ask a

Top Agent to do so. Buyers should be able to picture themselves living in your home. While your Top Agent may not advise you to appear generic, you’ll likely need to thin out any shrine-like displays to family, hobbies or cultural interests.

5. Deep-Clean Housekeeping: After you’ve de-cluttered and touched up

the paint, request a deep cleaning from your housekeeping service and weekly cleanings thereafter. Make sure they pay attention to details like dusting or vacuuming window treatments and lampshades or wiping smudges off door jams and baseboard moldings.

6. Carpets and Rugs: Bring in the pros, but don’t just clean the carpets.

Because the cleaners will be moving furniture anyway, ask them stretch and tighten any buckled areas of carpeting. Doing so now saves the trouble of having to credit your buyer for this following final walk-through. Also consider removing small area rugs to let the beauty of your hardwood floors shine.

7. Look at the Loo: Buyers may not notice a brand-new toilet seat, but they

will turn up their noses at the one with the broken hinges. Freshly replaced toilet seats, faucets or doorknobs in heavily trafficked bathrooms can go a long way in first impressions.

8. “Mow & Blow”: Consider buyers as guests you want to feel welcome

as they ascend the front walk. If you don’t already have one, hire a weekly gardening service to keep up with the mowing, weeding, pruning and basic maintenance outside so you can focus on other things.

9. Staging: Once you’ve selected a staging professional for the finishing

touches, ask them and your Top Agent for final recommendations on day-today upkeep, storage options and what-to-do (or what not to do) while your house is on the market.

Top Agent Magazine

5

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 6

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

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 Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

7

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.

8

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

MEGAN STEINMETZ Top Agent Magazine

9

Top Agent Megan Steinmetz of Keller Williams Classic Realty services clients throughout the Twin Cities and the surrounding areas.

Megan Steinmetz started out in the corporate world, but she always had a passion for real estate, particularly for the ways in which the industry complimented her competitive edge and entrepreneurial spirit. Looking for a change, she finally decided to dive in and attain her license. Once Megan won Rookie of the Year honors at her brokerage, though, she 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

realized that she was onto something special.

“I’ve found my dream job,” she says. “Without a doubt, real estate is what I’m meant to do.”

Today, Megan is a Realtor at Keller Williams Classic Realty where she services clients throughout the Twin Cities and the surrounding areas. Also licensed in Wisconsin, she has Top Agent Magazine

crafted a distinct business model around hard work, loyalty and tenacity.

When listing a home, Megan offers her clients a variety of unique marketing tactics. On top of providing professional photography Top Agent Magazine

and targeting campaigns over social media, she also harnesses her acute knowledge of the region to involve local businesses and generate word-of-mouth buzz about a home. “I give all my clients the white glove experience, no matter who they are,” she says. “Every decision I 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“I give all my clients the white glove experience, no matter who they are,” Megan says. “Every decision I make is specifically designed to get people through the door and make them fall in love with the house.” make is specifically designed to get people through the door and make them fall in love with the house.”

Elsewhere, Megan is a staunch advocate for her buyers, centering her process around education and open communication. Above all, she makes sure that her buyers understand the nuances of a transaction—all to find the right home at the right value to fit their needs. “I’m locked in on protecting my clients’ best interests,” she says. “Bumps in the road happen. But I’m always going to offer solutions, not problems. Above all, my job is to handle the stress of the deal so my clients can enjoy the excitement of the homebuying experience.”

Because of her elite service, Megan has developed an outstanding reputation around the midwest, as evidenced by her career accomplishments and strong rate of repeat clients and referrals. In fact, she continues Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

Top Agent Magazine

to stay in touch with clients long after closing, checking in to ensure that they are satisfied.

“When you work with me, you become a client for life,” she says. “I don’t see my buyers and sellers as commissions; instead, they’re my close friends.”

Outside of her career, Megan is active in her community. On top of being a member of Top Agent Magazine

various Lake Associations, she also volunteers to assist in activities at her local church. Megan also donates and provides her clients with the opportunity to donate their quality furniture and household goods to those pursuing housing stability through the Bridging non-profit program. When she’s not assisting clients or giving back, Megan can be found playing hockey or hanging out with her beloved French Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

bulldog. “He’s my partner in crime,” she says with a laugh. “Wherever I go, he’s by my side.”

Looking ahead, Megan intends on increasing her client base while continuing to establish the relationships and foundations that have brought her

so much success around the Twin Cities. “I love that my clients can put their full trust in me and be protected,” she says. “There’s nothing more fulfilling than sharing the jubilation of a transaction and knowing my clients will be safe and strong for years to come.”

For more information about Megan Steinmetz please email megansteinmetz@kw.com, visit realestatebymegz.com or call (763) 381-9951 www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

Top Agent Magazine

Why Millennials Are Now the Hottest Segment of the Buyers Market

and How You Can Attract Them to Your Home There are many factors when it comes to knowing how to sell your home to the Millennial generation. Millennials are becoming an important part of the buyer market, and to fail to cater to their needs will cut you off from a large and important segment. But, why have Millennials all of a sudden become interested in buying houses when they were perfectly content to rent for the rest of their lives?

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

15

A number of factors contribute to what has recently made Millennials the hottest segment of the Buyers market. One factor is the improved job outlook for Millennials. Millennials took a serious blow during the recession.

Unemployment in this group soared to 14 percent, compared to the 9.6 percent for the population as a whole. But, in recent years that number has been decreasing, with unemployment for Millennials being 9.3 percent this past year.

Rising rents are also contributing to making Millennials more interested in purchasing homes now. Rents have risen so much that buying a home now just makes more sense. Half of all renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Millennials are becoming increasingly stressed over the constantly increasing financial obligation to something that isn’t even theirs to own.

The near-historic low mortgage rates are luring Millennials towards purchasing a home with their promise of affordability. When compared with the skyrocketing rental rates, buying a house looks even more enticing.

Another factor helping Millennials get over the hump of purchasing a house is the lower down payment requirements. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now offering new loan programs that require as little as a 3 percent down payment. This may just be the last push the Millennials needed to turn toward buying a home rather than rent.

So, now that we’ve established that Millennials are finally joining the Buyers market, the next thing that it is important to understand is what exactly Millennials are looking for in a home. What kind of floorplans do they prefer? What locations are they interested in? Here are some of the essentials that Millennials are looking for in a home: • Updated Kitchens and Baths: Almost everyone wants to buy a

home with new kitchen and bath fixtures, but this is especially true for Millennials Buyers. Millennials are going to spend most of their savings on the down payment and furnishings, leaving little room to update the Kitchen and Bath, which are also the most expensive parts of a home to

16

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

update. Millennials who are on a budget simply won’t have the money to sink into those areas. An updated Kitchen and Bath is sure to bring in a younger crowd.

• Big Kitchen with Open Floor Plan: For Millennials, the kitchen has

become the room where they hangout in addition to the family room. This is why having an open space that can transition easily from the kitchen to the TV room is high on the list of things Millennials are looking for in a home. Along a similar vein, Millennials are attracted to an open floor plan rather than one that compartmentalizes the home. This has to do with how Millennials entertain. Millennials want their guests to flow through the rooms and mingle together, rather than be sectioned off in different rooms.

• Home Office: More than 13 million Americans now work from home,

and if you look at the trend, that number is only going to increase as the time goes on. With technology steadily increasing, more Millennials than ever have the flexibility to work from home. But, the home office isn’t just for someone working from home full time. Having a separate space dedicated to work helps people concentrate and focus on work while they are at home. They can separate themselves from the activities going on around the house and have a quiet space where they can set up their workday, plan a presentation, hold a meeting on Skype, or even pay bills.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

17

• Less Maintenance: Many Millennials work different schedules that

don’t conform to the 9 to 5 workday, as well as full social calendars. This doesn’t leave them much time to clean a big house. Lawn services and low-maintenance front yards are particularly appealing, as they take less responsibility to still keep the curb appeal high.

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Millennials have been educated on

keeping the Earth clean from the time they were born. They want to do their part to help the environment and appreciate the long-term cost savings that come with it. Energy-efficient appliances and greener ways to heat and cool the home might end up being the tipping point that makes them choose one house over another.

• Hardwood Floors: Millennials don’t have the time or patience to clean

dirty carpets, especially those that own pets. Hardwood and laminate flooring is easy to mop up if there’s been a mess. The more time they can conserve, the better.

• Good Location: Millennial buyers are looking for homes that are in

proximity to public transportation and have a good walking score. Young Millennial buyers without children are more likely to want a location closer to the action of the city, while Millennials with children would prefer more residential areas.

• Technology: Technology rules the Millennial’s life. They do work on

their computers through an Internet connection and solely use cellphones for communication. They are going to ask about how strong the cell service is and about the Internet service provider. While these amenities are out of the seller’s hands, Millennials are still going to ask these questions, and you will need to know how to answer them.

Knowing what Millennials are looking for in a home will ultimately help you make the necessary changes that will attract these buyers to your home.

Since they are the a serious segment of the market now, updating your home to fit their needs will lead to more buyers and better offers. So, get with the times and embrace the Millennial buyer.

18

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

KATRINA ANDERSON Having a comfortable job in corporate marketing with a steady flow of income made Katrina Anderson apprehensive about pursuing a career in real estate— something she always felt passion towards. But she decided to finally take the plunge in order to have a more flexible schedule that would allow her to spend more time with her kids. She’s been in the industry for three years now, working with Edina Realty and serving the region of Twin Cities in Minnesota, as well as the surrounding suburbs.

Since entering the real estate industry not too long ago, Katrina has realized how important it is to find your niche in this business and to double down on it.

Open houses and building relationships is where she started to prosper. “It’s all about the genuine connection you make with someone.” She truly cares about her clients’ best interests and wants to develop a mutually beneficial relationship beyond a transaction. More often than not, real estate agents in the business fail at the communication component. Communication is her biggest asset.

She really wants her clients to know what lies ahead by guiding her clients through every step of the way. It can be an overwhelming process, so making it the best experience possible is the ultimate goal. She truly holds herself to the highest standard and is known to be “Johnny on the spot.” With the current market conditions as they are, as an agent, you have to be readily available at all times to perform. “Missed opportunities are not an option in my playbook.”

She is creative and thinks outside of the box to be that first agent in the home or first offer on the table to have the upper hand. She prides herself on having a foolproof plan to represent clients on winning deals with tips and tricks that other agents have not thought of.

Katrina’s prior background has a lot to do with how she succeeds in this business. Only 43% of REALTORS® have completed a bachelor’s degree. Katrina has a unique set of marketing skills to leverage various platforms to maximize exposure for her listings and to attract buyers. She has a leadership mentality and has led the charge of many direct reports in corporate marketing on how to achieve optimal results through marketing initiatives and campaigns. She can create all her own content pieces, branded materials, and design all from scratch due to the training she has received. “Technology and leveraging video marketing is changing the way we do business and if you are not savvy or adept to it you will be behind the curve.” 44% of buyers look online first when trying to find a home to buy. Everything is digital these days, and she finds that using the tools provided to her through Edina Realty gives her a competitive advantage, because she knows how

to maximize their capabilities and perform the tasks at hand faster than the average agent. She has been known to train other agents in her office on technology tools as well coach others on how to send electronic purchase agreements/contracts.

Katrina’s strategies have paid off right from the start, as she sold 12 homes in her very first year as a REALTOR®, and was awarded Rookie of The Year in her office. In her second year she sold 15 homes, and made the Leadership Circle, and this year she’s projected to get into the President Circle. “Hard work and dedication do pay off. You have to be committed and self-motivated to achieve results especially being self-employed. Anything is possible! You can’t wait for the phone to ring. You definitely have to be a go-getter in this business and for somebody who’s been in the business only a couple of years, this is a huge achievement.”

What allows Katrina to keep working hard is her genuine enjoyment of the work she does. “It helps to have a passion for your job so it doesn’t feel like work. A lot of people complain about working weekends or nights, but for me I truly enjoy what I do.

I like educating my clients, and showing them different properties especially those that are pre-market that other agents don’t know exist yet, and making them feel empowered in their decisions,” she says. She has a type A personality and a “get it done” attitude, which lends itself well in this business. In the future she would even like to build a team and become a broker, so that she can continue coaching both clients and agents.

Aside from clients, Katrina also likes to help her community by giving back to the local businesses. She runs contests for social media followers to win gift cards to local restaurants, which is especially vital now during COVID-19. And when she’s not working she loves to travel, try new restaurants, watch sports, and show her kids that it’s important to get out of your comfort zone in order to gain personal confidence.

Going forward Katrina is focused on helping clients, whether buying or selling. She is an expert at both. This is a life-changing journey for most people and some people only do it once or twice.

She strives to make a lasting impression to ensure she continues to be known for having a professional reputation that past clients brag about to their friends, co-workers, and family members.

“Nothing will stop me from always providing the best service and giving it my all.”

To learn more about Katrina Anderson email katrinaanderson@edinarealty.com or call (952) 215–1554 Top Agent Magazine

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

Laughs!

20

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

21

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 22

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 ®

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine

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 ®

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine