MINNESOTA 8-10-20

MINNESOTA EDITION

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Business Growth Hack:

THINGS SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE NEVER DO

Absorb Your Clients’ Stress!

MILLENNIAL BUYERS:

Where They Are & What to Know

FEATURED AGENTS

TIFFANY LARSON JENNIFER SNYDER COVER STORY

LYMAN & DENISE JENKINS

MINNESOTA EDITION

Your Local, Full-Service Title Company is proud to congratulate

TIFFANY LARSON 9

TIFFANY LARSON

15

LYMAN & DENISE JENKINS

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

CONTENTS

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JENNIFER

Realtor Jennifer EXP Realty’s The – is a consumma real estate profe lives and works b Rule: treat others wish to be treated on excellence JENNIFER SNYDER service, and a tru the well being o buyers and sellers earned the trust of her clients in the Tw Western Wisconsin markets.

LYMAN & DENISE Jennifer began her career in real estat the apartment search arena, which nec JENKINS 4) 4 WAYS MENTORING 13) CONCIERGE CARE: SERVICES

UP-AND-COMING EMPLOYEES DARIN ELLESTAD | Concierge Inc. MAKES YOU A BETTER Title, AGENT

Office: 763 795-9106 | orders@conciergetitle.com conciergetitle.com 6) BUSINESS GROWTH www.

HACK:Drive ABSORB 13750 Crosstown NW, Suite YOUR 300, Andover, MN 55304 CLIENTS’ STRESS!

31620 Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake, CA 92587

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440

2

obtaining of her real estate license in o

THAT LURE CLIENTS AND with the leasing aspects of that job. “My TRANSFORM YOUR REPUTATION

and her husband were Realtors at the time 21) MILLENNIAL BUYERS: “and they encouraged me to begin wor WHERE THEY ARE & WHATagent.” That was m team as a buyer’s TO KNOWdecades ago, and since then Jennifer ha business on a foundation of honesty, inte 26) 8 THINGS SUCCESSFUL industry PEOPLE NEVER DOknowledge. She has simultane an impeccable reputation as a trustwort advocate who consistently places the nee of her clients ahead of her own interests.

Nearly two-thirds of Jennifer’s consider mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com is based upon referrals and returning c No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without priorsign consent the publisher. Top ofofconfidence in Agent the top-notch cus Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published she provides. “We make sure our clie materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. care of from start to finish, and long af To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. says Jennifer, when asked how she and h managed to inspire such impressive loyal the highly competitive world of real estat Jennifer is committed toMagazine remaining con Top Agent sible to her clients during what is often

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

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

While mentorship is often pitched as a relationship that solely benefits the mentee, there is actually plenty to be gained from becoming a mentor. After all, personal growth goes hand-in-hand with professional growth, and becoming a mentor asks agents to thought4

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

Teaching lessons to others reinforces your own professional values.

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

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

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

Mentorships allows you to see the big picture.

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

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

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

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

Mentoring young agents makes you a better leader.

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

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

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5

Business Growth Hack: Absorb Your Clients’ Stress!

Your business coach or a CRM software sales rep has probably described a number of products or services to help you grow your business. But sometimes the easiest way to increase the deals you’re closing is to simply be present for your clients. In doing so, you’ll find have the power to decrease the stress they feel. And when you decrease their stress, you increase your value to them, leading to new referrals and organic growth.

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You may be thinking, “I have enough stress; how can I find the emotional bandwidth for other people’s stress?” But consider this: As their day-to-day point of contact in this life decision, you are already a strong presence in your client’s lives. Why not allow yourself to be the only seemingly calm part of this process? By asking them what’s on their mind, by truly listening, by showing that you truly understand and even by rolling up

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Top Agent Magazine

your sleeves to relieve some of their grunt work, you’ll prove yourself invaluable.

Think of yourself as the equivalent of an anti-anxiety pill to your clients. All you have to do is form a few easy habits.

Laura and Raj, their agent and their loan officer soon came to learn that Laura’s 80-year-old mother may eventually move in with the family. This news not only helped the agent best meet Laura’s and Raj’s needs for a new home; it gave both the agent and the loan officer opportunities to go above and beyond for their clients. Their REALTOR® connected Laura with a senior services nonprofit near Laura’s mom’s current home that may be able to assist the family.

And their loan officer outlined various, detailed options to Laura and Raj make smart, long-term financial decisions.

Meanwhile, the agent and loan officer earned the trust of Laura and Raj, who felt less worried about the future.

Listen – really listen – with patience Behind every home purchase or sale is a person or a family with a uniquely complex set of needs, motivations, objectives and priorities. Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers are the easiest ways to learn how to make clients’ lives easier. In doing so, you not only show that you’re interested in them as people, but you help yourself discover ways to surprise your clients with service.

Take “Laura and Raj,” for instance – a couple in their 30s who wanted a larger home because their family of five outgrew their first home. By patiently getting to know Top Agent Magazine

Empathize Don’t be afraid to describe your own personal experiences as a homebuyer or seller, explaining how you felt at the time; let your client know you “get” it. The agent who is willing to open up and let buyers and

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7

sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly.

Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted.

Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has 8

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’”

Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares.

If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help.

When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

TIFFANY LARSON Top Agent Magazine

9

TIFFANY LARSON

Considered one of the top producing teams in the state, Top Agent Tiffany Larson leads the Guiding You Home Team at Keller Williams Classic Realty out of Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

Tiffany Larson served eight years in the United States Air Force specializing in avionics. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and went on to work eight years as a National Quality Manager for Siemens Building Technologies. “It was right after I had my son that I started dabbling in real estate,” she recalls.

“We started out as investors – then it seemed like something that would be steady and a great profession for a new mom.” That was 14 years ago, and Tiffany has never looked back.

She now leads the Guiding You Home Team at Keller Williams Classic Realty out of Coon Rapids, Minnesota. “We cover about an hour radius from our office center,” she says. Considered one of the top 10

producing teams in the state, Tiffany’s team moves 85-100 homes per year.

Tiffany reports that her business is 70% repeat and referral clientele. “I am all about networking,” she says. “Getting out there, getting to know contractors and business owners in the community; it’s fundamental to this business. That’s why so many people continue to return or refer friends and family.”

It’s no surprise that her client’s give her stellar reviews for her strong work ethic. One customer recently wrote: “Tiffany is an exceptional real estate agent. Her depth of knowledge about the area was extremely beneficial since we were moving from out of state. In addition, she made us feel like we were Copyright Top Agent Magazine

her #1 client. She connected with us on both a personal and professional level. We will be forever grateful to her for making our home purchase a huge success!”

Tiffany is also a big believer in reaching out to her clients by showing her appreciation. “We hold annual events, movie events, holiday celebrations, anything that brings together the community in a fun way,” she says. She regularly connects through phone calls, sends texts, and mails out a variety of occasion cards.

Before promoting her listings to the public, Tiffany offers services such as decluttering and staging to her clients free of charge. “The selling process is stressful enough,” she notes. “I want to remove as much pressure as possible by taking care of these issues.” When it comes time to advertise the properties, Tiffany utilizes Keller William’s state-of-the-art marketing system. She also posts on social media, print media, and sends out full-color brochures.

What Tiffany loves most about her work is providing the opportunity for a client to attain the dream of home ownership. “At the end of the transaction, when we are at the closing table and I’m handing over the keys, it’s so gratifying to see the smiles on their faces,” she says.

Being a veteran herself, Tiffany is proud to say she is a go-to source in the community for local veterans and their families. “I’m here to help, answer questions, and help them to take advantage of their veteran benefits,” she says.

Married to Rod Larson, she has two teenage boys, Zachary and Jacob. When she is not building her real estate business, she loves spending time with her family at their cabin. She is passionate about supporting organizations such as Trust Vets and enjoys supporting Legacy Christian Academy, Pause 4 Paws, and KW Cares.

As for the future, Tiffany wants to continue to enjoy the steady growth of her business. “I’m not striving to have the biggest business,” she says. “We strive to provide the best quality and service to our clients. If we can do that, we’ll be successful.”

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To learn more about Tiffany Larson, email tiffany@guidingyouhome.com, visit guidingyouhome.com or call (763) 300-3170 www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

Concierge Title is proud to congratulate

TIFFANY LARSON

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

YOUR LOCAL, FULL-SERVICE TITLE COMPANY Office: 763 795-9106 | orders@conciergetitle.com conciergetitle.com www.

13750 Crosstown Drive NW, Suite 300, Andover, MN 55304

31620 Railroad Canyon Road, Canyon Lake, CA 92587

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 14

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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Top Agent Magazine

LYMAN & DENISE JENKINS Top Agent Magazine

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Working under the umbrella of RE/MAX Results, the Jenkins Real Estate Team, led by husband and wife Realtor dynamos Lyman and Denise Jenkins serve clients thoughout Minneapolis.

It would be a difficult thing to argue that a real estate team with over three hundred five-star reviews and an overall perfect rating on Zillow is anything but exceptional in every way. That is the case with The Jenkins Real Estate Team, led by husband and wife Realtor dynamos Lyman and Denise Jenkins. Based in Minneapolis, working under the umbrella of RE/MAX Results, Lyman and Denise have built a solid, thriving business 16 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

on a foundation of honesty, integrity and a steadfast commitment to both their community and to superior customer service.

It was Denise who provided the initial impetus for the couple’s successful foray into the real estate industry, when she transitioned out of a medical sales job and became licensed to sell homes in 2004. Lyman, who she married in 2011, teamed Top Agent Magazine

up with her officially that year, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history. Since then, the couple has demonstrated an impressive, almost intuitive ability to provide their customers with what they need or want, while simultaneously establishing stellar reputations as community-centric, philanthropic-minded business owners. This has translated into a business that is based almost Top Agent Magazine

entirely upon referrals and positive word of mouth, a significant achievement in the highly competitive world of real estate.

There are many other factors that have contributed to that statistic, chief among them being their indefatigable work ethic and the support of their hardworking team members. This 17 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

The Jenkins Real Estate Team provides a more unique experience, as is made evident by their “mobile office,” a tricked-out, hightech van that squires their clients around town in impressive style and is also utilized for community outreach purposes. incredible team includes three additional fulltime professional Realtors: staging expert Debb Kane, photography/visual marketing expert Mark Wingert, and Ben Arndt, who holds a Minnesota Real Estate Appraisal License. The entire team is supported by full-time Assistant Rachel Barrett, who allows everyone to pay closer attention to their clients. “We wanted to have children, but weren’t able to,” explains Lyman, when asked how he and Denise have managed to inspire such loyalty amongst their customers, “so, our business became our baby, and I think because of that we have a stronger dedication to serve than many of our peers.”

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They also provide a more unique experience, as is made evident by their “mobile office,” a tricked-out, high-tech van that squires their clients around town in impressive style and is also utilized for community outreach purposes.

Thorough, comprehensive and intelligent marketing strategies have also elevated the couple’s business, and no expense is spared to make certain that every one of their listings is showcased in its best light. Denise – and her sister – are both staging experts, and professional photography is utilized exclusively, as are other combinations of old-school and Top Agent Magazine

cutting-edge methods to ensure their properties are also seen by as many potential buyers as possible. Quick sales for top dollar – and an annual closing average of around $27 million – are the result.

Any writer could rhapsodize for pages about the virtues and talents of Denise, Lyman and their Top Agent Magazine

team, but one need look no further than their reviews on Zillow to understand their go-aboveand-beyond business ethos that has secured for scores of happy customers their keys to the American Dream. What truly sets their business apart is its heart, and its commitment to bettering the community, whether that means working with school children to show them options for Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

their futures they may not have considered, via the Imagine the Possibilities Program, or through their support of other organizations that include homeless shelters.

“Everything we do in this business, and everything we’ve accomplished,” says Lyman, “is driven by our faith. The most central message in God’s word is to serve and to love others. That’s what we do,

and not just with people who believe the same as we do.” Denise concurs: “I love the relationships we get to build with our clients. I consider them to be our village, and we look to serve them and provide opportunities to serve the community alongside them in many capacities. I also love that they come to depend on us for help even years after the closing table. We find a lot of joy in providing that support.”

For more information about Lyman & Denise Jenkins, call 612-490-2733 or email TeamJenkins@Results.net

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 20

Top Agent Magazine

Millennial Buyers: Where They Are & What to Know Homebuyers and sellers come from all walks of life. If you’ve been an agent for long, you’ve likely worked alongside a wide variety of folks—from first-timer homeowners and down-sizers, to second home searchers and those finally hunting for their dream home. While there is hardly a shortage of diversity in the housing market, there Top Agent Magazine

is one generation that is making big strides in homeownership these days: Millennials.

Millennials can be loosely defined as those between the ages of twenty-two to thirtyseven. As you can see, this constitutes a wide swathe of the population. If you’re an agent who stands to learn a bit more about

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a demographic whose influence and homeownership goals are rapidly evolving, tune in below for a few pointers that can help you expand a segment of your clientele in the process.

Where do Millennials prefer to buy?

Many Millennials came of age during or immediately following the Great Recession, and as such, many of them relocated or returned to mid-size cities and smaller communities where the cost of living was most affordable. Of course, there are countless Millennials that call the U.S.’s major cities home—especially those in the

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tech industry. The good news is that you can court Millennial clientele no matter where you service area is located. That said, community amenities are of great importance to this generation. They value public transportation, green space, and entertainment—from coffee shops and topnotch restaurants to farmer’s markets and boutiques. Emphasizing those attributes will be key in selling to Millennials and locating neighborhoods they’re most interested in.

What sort of communication do Millennials prefer?

Most Millennials are digital natives, or close to. That means they grew up learning

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Top Agent Magazine

how to navigate digital spaces, and prefer to communicate through mediums like email, text, and social media. This isn’t to say that Millennials aren’t good communicators, but they’re often on the go, and have learned to research and shop online. To accommodate this, it’s best to build a presence across the most popular listing portals and social media platforms. Although, it’s not enough to establish a site and wait for the calls to come in. Responsiveness is a key factor for Millennials, who expect speedy response times. Make sure you’re checking your inbox frequently, responding accordingly, and engaging with your audience online. This will let Millennials know

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that you’re savvy, available, and understand the value of their preferred method of communication.

Are Millennials ready to buy?

It’s a common misconception that Millennials are uninterested in the rite of passage of purchasing a home. While Millennials maybe waiting a bit longer than their parents did to buy a home, there are good reasons to explain this phenomenon. For starters, Millennials entered the job market during the downturn, which means they are more conservative when making big purchases, and have to play catch-up to reach a sound

Top Agent Magazine ®

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sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly.

Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted.

Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has 24

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’”

Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares.

If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help.

When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

JENNIFER SNYDER Realtor Jennifer Snyder – of EXP Realty’s The Snyder Team – is a consummate, dedicated real estate professional who lives and works by the Golden Rule: treat others as one would wish to be treated. With a focus on excellence in customer service, and a true concern for the well being of her many buyers and sellers, Jennifer has earned the trust of her clients in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin markets.

Comprehensive, thorough marketing is another hallmark of Jennifer’s approach to selling homes.

Professional photography is utilized exclusively to ensure each listing is shown in its best light, and she is known to personally stage her listings free of charge. “I make their house look the very best it can,” she says.

“We’re very picky about our photography, and our photographer is one of the pioneers of aerial photos.”

That, couple with adroit use of social media platforms and the internet make certain each property is seen by as many potential buyers as possible. Quick sales for top dollar, not to mention grateful clients, is the most common result.

Jennifer began her career in real estate working in the apartment search arena, which necessitated the obtaining of her real estate license in order to work with the leasing aspects of that job. “My sister Monica and her husband were Realtors at the time,” she recalls, “and they encouraged me to begin working on their team as a buyer’s agent.” That was more than two decades ago, and since then Jennifer has built a solid business on a foundation of honesty, integrity and vast industry knowledge. She has simultaneously earned an impeccable reputation as a trustworthy real estate advocate who consistently places the needs and wants of her clients ahead of her own interests.

When she’s not working, Jennifer is an ardent philanthropist who supports multiple charitable organizations, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Children’s Miracle Network, to name just two. She also enjoys spending time with her family, and she has recently taken up golf as a means to relax.

Nearly two-thirds of Jennifer’s considerable business is based upon referrals and returning clients, a sure sign of confidence in the top-notch customer service she provides. “We make sure our clients are taken care of from start to finish, and long after the sale,” says Jennifer, when asked how she and her team have managed to inspire such impressive loyalty and trust in the highly competitive world of real estate. Personally, Jennifer is committed to remaining constantly accessible to her clients during what is often an emotional, convoluted transaction process that is, most likely, the largest transaction they will make in a lifetime. “I’m available to them in the evenings and on weekends, and if I’m not available to show them a home, someone on my team is.”

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When asked about her plans for the future of her business, Jennifer points to maintaining her very successful status quo – her client-centric approach and excellent customer service skills will never waver.

“Professionalism is my top priority,” she explains, “and treating people with respect. I’m completely in this for my clients.”

For more about Jennifer Snyder, please call 651-592-6600 or email Jennifer@TheSnyderTeam.com 25 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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Things Successful People Never Do

There always seems to be people around you who find success with ease, but trust me, that is NOT the case. Although luck can often times play a role in someone’s success, most of the time it’s due to hard work and avoiding bad habits.

The best way to find your own success is to implement some of qualities you see in people you admire into your own life. The hard work part is still up to you, but by shifting your perspective a bit, and NOT doing some of the following

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things, that success might happen a little quicker.

1

DON’T JUST WING IT

Successful people plan everything. Not only do they have yearly goals, but weekly and sometimes daily ones as well. By giving your time a purpose, and a clearly defined goal, you’ll eliminate the time you spend haphazardly doing things that might not be a priority. It will also make you feel less scattered, which is always a good thing.

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2

THEY DON’T TAKE ON MORE THAN THEY CAN ACHIEVE

Successful people take on what they can do well, and no more. That all starts with a daily ‘do to’ list. They always make sure their list is manageable and then they don’t sleep until that list is completed. If you find yourself not finishing your list, assess whether it was too much or if you slacked off. You’ll be surprised at the feeling of accomplishment you feel when you finish your list. Not finishing will bring you down, so make sure you aren’t biting off more than you can chew.

3

THEY DON’T WORK HARDER, THEY WORK SMARTER

Yes, having a strong work ethic is key, but that doesn’t mean you should waste time on things that will have less of an impact on your success. Focus on the things that will give you the most bang for your buck. Better to spend the majority of your time there, than spread yourself thin on numerous tasks.

4

THEY DON’T TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE

This might seem like a bad call in business, but successful people know when to cut your loses and move forward. Anything or anyone, that frustration into your life, is never a good thing.

5

REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKES

Similar to not trying to please everyone, successful people are also diligent about accepting when something isn’t working Top Agent Magazine

and moving on from mistakes. Yes, you learn from them, but don’t repeat them. Part of being innovative is trying new things, that will keep you fresh and energized, but learning how to let go is an equally important part of the equation.

6

GO FOR THE SHORT RUN SOLUTION

Successful people are in it for the long haul and therefore thinking long term. When you have a plan for success and the patience to see it through, while you might have a slow start, you’re establishing a foundation for long term success. Going for the easy fix, usually doesn’t pay off.

7

PAY ATTENTION TO THE NAYSAYERS

Lets face it, we all have people in our lives who might be a little more pessimistic than is healthy to be around. You can’t change them, all you can do is not let them drag you down into their ‘glass half full’ mentality. Have your plans and goals, be confident about them. When you’re insecure, that’s when you’re most vulnerable to those types of people.

8

THEY NEVER QUIT

That doesn’t mean letting go of things that aren’t working. It means having an end goal.

Whatever obstacles or challenges come up, you take them on, always with that end goal in sight. Successful people know that adversity and overcoming those challenges, is how you grow, and will ultimately make you a better business person.

Top Agent Magazine

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