CREATIVE WAYS TO

Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1.How about a streaming video device, like a Roku or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2.Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or terrycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids! 82 3.Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. Ascertain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4.For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5.If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend. Top Agent Magazine

SARAH AYALA

With a people-loving personality and a passion for real estate, Sarah Ayala found her dream career as an agent serving the Riverside County area of Southern California. She got her start about five years ago, while she was in her last year of college. “I was studying for a degree in human resources management, but wasn’t excited about it,” she says. “My mom had her real estate license for years, and was always telling me I’d be good at it.” So, Sarah took her advice and hasn’t looked back since. She loves the close relationships she develops with her buyers/sellers, and is excited to see growth year after year. “We’ve developed such a great network for referrals since we’ve started, which is the largest compliment we could ever ask for. It’s been so wonderful helping the friends and family of our clients.”

It’s clear that Sarah’s commitment to providing superior service is what helps her stand out in this industry. “It’s the personal touch that sets us apart,” she says. “People really respect the fact that I’m casual and we can bond throughout the process.” Clients trust her and know that she is looking out for them. “They feel they’re just chatting with a friend and being helped by a friend.” Whether she’s helping them find their dream home or selling their property for top dollar, she is always going above and beyond to get them towards their goals. When it comes to marketing, Sarah also exceeds expectations, advertising properties all across social media and the MLS. Many clients find her through Instagram, where she posts regularly (@ sarahsayala).

Working with her mom, Tracey, Sarah is able to offer a high level of support and frequent communication. One recent client raved, “Sarah and Tracey were ABSOLUTELY amazing to work with. I’m sure everyone knows how stressful home buying can be, these two women kept us up-to-date, informed, and at peace the whole time. I strongly recommend them to anyone looking to purchase a home. They made us feel so loved and appreciated as clients. Thank you both so much for being so awesome. The most genuine, kind hearted agents, that are truly looking to find your forever home and make sure all your needs are met and you’re comfortable during the whole process. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to work with the Ayalas.”

Sarah’s other passion is her community, and she’s always looking for ways to stay involved. “I interned for the mayor of Riverside for about a year, and at one point I was on seven different boards for the area,” she says. Currently her main focus is the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership. When she’s not busy improving the neighborhood or working, she’s hanging out with family and friends or reading.

Looking ahead, Sarah’s goal is to continue fine tuning her business. “I do want to get my broker’s license and expand to a team one day, but before I do that I want to make sure our processes are good.” No matter where this path leads, she is no doubt going to enjoy every minute of it. “I really just love what I do.”

For more information about Sarah Ayala, please call 951-743-4463 or email ayalasre@gmail.com.

JOSEPH (JOE) BARKA

Joe Barka began his real estate career 8 years ago, but his familiarity with the industry goes back much further than that. “My family is in real estate, so I grew up around it,” Joe says. “I’ve been in the thick of it since way back.” Throughout his years helping clients buy and sell homes in Boston, Joe has set himself apart through his intimate knowledge of the city’s different neighborhoods, as well as his invaluable network of connections in the local real estate world. Joe is the consummate agent who loves to help his clients achieve their real estate goals.

Joe works with clients throughout downtown Boston, with a focus on the Seaport area, South Boston, the Waterfront, and the Fort Point neighborhood. Close to 80% of Joe’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence he inspires. “I pride myself on the relationships I make and sustain,” he says. “When I meet someone new, I try to go beyond real estate and get to know them better. I learn what my clients are interested in and what they like to do in the city, and that helps me to do a better job finding the right property for them.”

Joe’s in-depth knowledge of current developments in the local real estate market is another major advantage. “My clients know that I have the inside scoop on upcoming listings and off-market listings,” he explains. “They know that I have a finger on the pulse of these neighborhoods, and that’s very important in Boston. Because we’re in such a competitive market, it really helps to know about listings before they come on the market. That plus my extensive network of agents and brokers in the city gives me and my clients a leg up.”

When it comes to marketing his listings, Joe emphasizes the important role presentation and effective use of technology play in ensuring maximum exposure. “Now more than ever we’re relying on technology,” he says. “I have a great professional photographer I work with, and I do 3D tours with Matterport. Real estate is very visual, and it’s important to catch people’s attention that way.” Joe uses social media, especially Facebook and Instagram, to disseminate his listings to the public.

Giving back is important to Joe, and he and his wife like to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as to a local dog rescue called Big Fluffy Dogs where they got their own dog. When he is not working, Joe loves playing with his two daughters, ages 4 and 1. He is also an art school graduate and likes to paint.

In the future, Joe plans to continue growing his business year over year and connecting with his client base, and his eventual goal is to start a team of his own. Above all, Joe wants to continue offering his clients the same great personal service they love. “I’m an extrovert, and I love meeting new people,” he says. “I’ve met some of the most interesting people through this job that I probably never would have met otherwise. Getting to meet so many different people and learn from them is a big part of what I love about real estate.”

To find out more about Joe Barka, contact him by phone at 617.784.8760, or by email at joseph@barkarealestate.com. You can also find him online at www.BarkaRealEstate.com