MISSOURI 9-9-19

MISSOURI EDITION

Small Yard?

Big Statement:

How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces

RECONSIDER REFERRAL-ONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

MICHELE FITZGERALD COVER STORY

ADDING VALUE TO LISTINGS

& the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities

FEATURED AGENT

ASHLEY HABIGER

MISSOURI EDITION

Lisa Raich is proud to congratulate

ASHLEY HABIGER 6

ASHLEY HABIGER

11

MICHELE FITZGERALD

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

CONTENTS

Platinum 4) ADDING VALUE TO Title LLC (913) 491-5001 OF LISTINGS & THE ADVANTAGE https://platinumtitleksmo.com IDENTIFYING NEIGHBORHOOD 4200 Somerset Dr., Suite 121, Prairie Village, KS 66208 AMENITIES

17) SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

8) RECONSIDER REFERRALONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

22) 5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A MENTOR

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published 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.

Published in the U.S.

2

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

5

ASHLEY HABIGER Ashley Habiger arrived in real estate by way of law. After six years practicing at large Kansas City firms, she was ready for her next professional path.

“I knew real estate would provide a more direct way to interact with and help people on a daily basis,” she remembers. “That’s exactly what I was looking for, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Now, three years since her industry debut, Ashley has swiftly established a reputation as an exceptionally resourceful agent with the track record to match.

Serving the Kansas City metro area, Ashley has already generated a significant amount of business through referral clientele alone. “My clients know that I’m going to work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals,” she says. “I brought the same work ethic and dedication I had as an attorney into my real estate practice, and I’m relentless when it comes to finding buyers the right home and helping sellers maximize their investment.” What’s more, Ashley’s unique professional background positions her as an expert negotiator with a knack for details. “Having a legal background really sets me apart,” she says, “because I approach things analytically, but I’m also able to think creatively and tackle issues from various angles.”

When marketing properties, Ashley has a multipronged action plan that begins with high-end professional photography, aerial shoots, and video walkthroughs.

From there, digital listing platforms and targeted marketing across social media outlets secures optimal exposure in short order. She also mines her database to create regional buzz amongst fellow agents. Ashley is on track to close roughly forty transactions this year, with an average price point of $200,000 and the majority of her listings off the market in under thirty days. “This is a people business,” Ashley says. “That’s 6

something I appreciate. Every day, my clients place their trust in me. The ability to make an impact is my favorite part of what I do.”

Beyond the office, Ashley is active in a variety of causes. For more than a decade, she’s been an active mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She has also supported After the Harvest, which delivers fruits and vegetables to those without access to fresh produce. In her free hours, she most enjoys time spent with her family and friends. She also enjoys exercise, reading, and escaping to her family’s cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks.

As for the future, Ashley intends to keep momentum steady as she continues to grow her business and presence in the regional marketplace. Now, with three prime years of experience and insights behind her, Ashley looks ahead. “When I think big picture and long term,” she says, “I have individual goals that I’m trying to hit as an agent, but there is also an important overarching goal in mind, as well. I want to find ways to best position myself for the future to stay ahead of the curve by providing the most value for my clients.”

To learn more about Ashley Habiger email AHabiger@reecenichols.com, visit HabigerGroup.com, or call (913) 732–9531 www.

Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Lisa Raich is proud to congratulate

ASHLEY HABIGER

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

Platinum Title LLC (913) 491-5001 https://platinumtitleksmo.com 4200 Somerset Dr., Suite 121, Prairie Village, KS 66208 Top Agent Magazine

7

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

Top Agent Magazine ÂŽ

Top Agent Magazine

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,

Top Agent Magazine ®

9

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

10

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

MICHELE FITZGERALD Top Agent Magazine

11

MICHELE FITZGERALD When Michele Fitzgerald found herself at a crossroads in life, she decided to get her Real Estate Broker’s License, and after 20 years in the business, she still loves what she does. Michele founded her own company in 2004, Above & Beyond Realty, and services all of St. Louis Metropolitan area as well as St Charles, Franklin, Lincoln, Jefferson & Warren Counties in Missouri. She’s currently working on adding new members to her team 12 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

and is excited about what the future holds. By prioritizing customer service and communication, Michele has seen her business grow year after year. Most of her clients come from referrals, a testament to her success in helping them towards their goals. Michele has experience in new construction as well, spending over 3 years working side by side a builder and getting to know a new build from the ground up.

Top Agent Magazine

“My parents raised me to work hard and to always be good to people,” Michele says. “I’m all about providing a higher level of customer service and making the entire process enjoyable for my clients. I don’t want them to feel that it’s just a business transaction, because it’s not. It’s one of the largest transactions most of us make in our lives and it needs to Top Agent Magazine

be a positive experience.” Michele enjoys the journey with each client, and guides them throughout, making sure no questions are left unanswered. Communication is vital at every point of the process, so she makes sure there is open communication every step of the way.

“I think that everyone really wants to know that they have that agent in their corner who 13 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

will listen to their needs and figure out how to make it happen”, she explains. “I really feel that the one on one personal touch gets lost sometimes with the larger teams or companies and so my focus really is on the individual client. If you love what you do it shows, and you will be successful.” Michele’s goal is to make sure that every client gets their home sold or purchased and at the end of the day they are ecstatic about their experience with Above & Beyond Realty. “I hold myself to a very high standard and strive to be better at what I do every day,” Michele says. Michele’s clients are very appreciative of her and the extra mile she goes for each of them.

As her company’s name demonstrates, Michele goes above and beyond expectations. This holds true through her marketing as well, with Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

Michele focusing on the Internet to spread the word about her listings. “I post the listings on every site imaginable and social media so I know I’m getting in front of as many people as I possibly can. If something doesn’t work, then I think outside the box and get creative.

We live in a world where technology has taken over. We have to be swift, knowledgeable, and due diligent with everything we do. Our goal as a company is to make the process as painless as possible and make sure that we are exceeding the expectations of our clients.”

After the transaction is over, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together.

One recently said, “Michele helped me find my first home when I moved to St. Louis and then she helped me sell that home so I could move to Arizona. She will go above and beyond to Top Agent Magazine

help make your sale or purchase go smoothly.

An example of her helping me was locating a contractor to replace a piece of drywall that the Buyers of my home wanted replaced in the garage. I kept thinking this is going to cost me a fortune, but Michele found a contractor quickly and it was under $100.00. She will always be there for you!”

Another one of Michele’s clients said, “If we could give her 10 stars we would. She takes the time to answer questions and has the patience Top Agent Magazine

of a saint. Whether it’s your first time buying a home or the 100th time the care she provides is outstanding. We felt her personality was awesome! She is not overbearing, not intimidating, full of knowledge and you’re treated as a valued person regardless of your budget.

Michele Rocks!”

During any free time, Michele is giving back to the community through various non-profit organizations, including Children’s Hospital and St Jude’s in St. Louis, Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Urban Impact (a non-profit holistic community outreach program for the youth of Pittsburgh’s North Side). She also loves spending time with her husband Dan and 3 children, Daniel, Elli & Molly. Some of Michele’s favorite past times are gardening, golfing, traveling, biking, reading, and of Copyright Top Agent Magazine 15

course spending time with friends. Michele has a fashion merchandising background and loves to look chic so she also sells for a local jewelry company and is a Mary Kay representative as time permits.

As time goes on, Michele falls even more in love with her career, and can’t imagine doing

anything else. “It’s all about the relationships. I take pride in what I do, do it with integrity, and every person I’ve worked with has become a friend to me. I will be selling Real Estate when my husband retires,” Michele says. “I love to work and love all the people that I get to meet in this business. I can’t imagine the day when I won’t be selling anymore.”

For more about Michele Fitzgerald please call 636.352.8420 or email Michele@aboveandbeyondstl.com

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 16

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

17

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine

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 ®

19

Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

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

grahamharrop.com  20

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

21

5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor As great as it might feel to start your own business, and be solely responsible for its success, at some point, every entrepreneur reaches the limit of their potential, and needs a boost that only experience can provide.

But how do you get a lifetime of experience when you’re just starting out? Sure you can read countless books, but no book can replace the real life experience and advice of a mentor.

Mentors not only provides valuable insights, but they also have access to valuable connections as well. In fact a majority of the 22

most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country have said that having a mentor early on was instrumental in their success.

Here are some of the reasons why.

1. They’re able to see where you need improvement, when you can’t When you’re working non-stop to get your business off the ground, you might feel sensitive to any criticism from people who aren’t going through what you are. A good

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

mentor knows exactly what you’re going though, and has probably made every mistake. When you’re in the thick of it, you might not be able to see where the problems are. A knowledgeable outsider, who knows exactly where you’re at and has only your best interests at heart is just what you need.

When you have a trusting relationship with someone like that, you will be more willing to listen to that brutal honesty, even if that constructive criticism stings.

energy into it. They can see things in a completely logical way and guide you based on the facts rather than emotion. A good mentor helps you work smarter, not harder. They help you focus on your goals and how to get there, as well as setting boundaries for you so you don’t overextend yourself. They teach you how to say no and help you let go when you need to move on from a setback.

2. They will encourage you to think outside of the box

In addition to expertise, building a strong network is something that can only come with time. A mentor will most likely have that already, giving you access to people and resources that would take others years to gain. These connections will lead to opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. It’s also a great confidence boost knowing that your mentor trusts and believes in you enough to invite you into their inner circle.

Years of experience can give someone a great idea of what works and what doesn’t.

They’ve seen things first hand, not just in theory. At the same time, mentors recognize the importance of taking chances, calculating risks, as well as cutting losses and moving on. A good mentor isn’t trying to encourage you to be a carbon copy of them, they are trying to create the best ‘you’ possible. That includes encouraging you to take chances, and then being there pushing you to keep going forward if it doesn’t work out.

A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and Top Agent Magazine

4. Networking

5. Encouragement At the heart or it all, a mentor offers you encouragement and motivation along the way, in good times and in bad. After a failure, it can be hard to get back on track and keep forging ahead. It helps to have someone who has spent year getting back up after being known down and coming out stronger than ever. It’s during those moments, when you feel alone and isolated, that having someone around offering you advice and positive feedback will be a much needed salve. They’re your cheerleader, they want you to succeed, and hopefully, you’ll pay it forward one day when you become as successful as them.

Top Agent Magazine

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine