8 minute read
ADDING VALUE
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 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.
A little can go a long way: restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment
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.
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.
Know thy history: creating a narrative of the neighborhood
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.
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.
RYAN WOJAN
Ryan Wojan began his real estate career at a residential leasing brokerage in Chicago, working as a leasing agent and managing the office. He then went to work for a property management and commercial development company in Chicago for 4 years before relocating back to Northern Michigan, where he grew up. Ryan has been working in Northern Michigan since summer of 2014, and early on he established himself as a top producer in his area who can help his clients achieve their real estate goals.
With Smith Realty Group in Gaylord, Ryan serves northern Michigan including Otsego, Cheboygan, Montmorency, Crawford, Antrim, and Charlevoix counties. About 70% of his business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence he inspires. “Clients appreciate my attention to detail and communication,” Ryan explains. “We make certain that our clients’ interests are looked out for on a regular basis, and that nothing is missed.”
The personal attention Ryan gives his clients also goes a long way. “In real estate you need to work for your client and not for a commission,” he says. “You have to work for your clients and work in their best interest, even if that means telling them that they shouldn’t pay that much for a property or that a house isn’t the best fit for them. I want my clients to have a good experience and I want to help them make the decision that’s best for them.” do. It’s a simple way to stay in touch with somebody on a more personal level.”
Ryan is proud to be involved in his community, serving on the Board of Directors for the local chapter of Rotary International. He has also sat on committees for the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Board of Directors for the Alpine Regional Tennis Association, which was instrumental in getting workable regulation-size tennis courts in Gaylord. He also is a director on the WaterWonderland MLS Board of Realtors, and he was awarded the Businessperson of the Year Award by the local Chamber last year. When he is not working or giving back, Ryan loves to spend time with his three young boys, and he also enjoys hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and boating.
In the future, Ryan plans to continue growing his team’s brand and expanding to additional locations. Above all, he wants to keep providing high-quality service to his clients. “I enjoy the interaction with clients and the challenge that comes with it,” he says. “I love working with different individuals, rising to the challenge of a difficult prospect or negotiation, and having clients leave the transaction with a smile on their face.”
Staying in touch with past clients is important, and Ryan makes himself available for anything his clients might need. “A lot of people who come to this area are coming here for the first time or buying a vacation home,” he explains. “So I tell all my clients, if you ever need a referral for anybody—whether it’s handyman work, surveyors, or just general info about the area—feel free to continue to use me as a resource. And many of them
To find out more about Ryan Wojan, you can contact him by phone at 312.545.8596, or by email at ryan@smithrealtygaylord.com. You can also find him online at www.smithrealtygaylord.com/Ryan-Wojan
JAMES F. WOOD
James F. Wood started his career in real estate back in 2008. Formerly an accountant, he realized that realty complimented his business acumen and unmatched attention to detail. Today, he is the owner of JFW Realty through Keller Williams Prestige Properties, where he assists clients throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Dual-licensed in both states and lauded for his client service, James offers his buyers and sellers a hands-on advocate for their needs. “Real estate never sleeps,” he says. “No matter when I’m needed, I’m available to answer any questions my clients may have and help them make the right decision.”
When listing a home, James is fully committed to his clients. On top of supplying them with professional photography and videography, he also provides unique resources such as video walkthroughs and floorplans of their home. James then shares his listings over a variety of digital and social media platforms, all while investing in his clients to ensure they get top dollar for their property. “I have no problem spending marketing dollars to boost my listings,” he says. “My mission, above all, is to find my sellers the best return on their investment. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Elsewhere, James is equally helpful to his buyers, guiding them through the process with a blend of expertise and personalized service. Most importantly, he is always there for his clients with the utmost candor. “Honesty is crucial to my business,” he says. “I’m willing to tell my clients if I don’t like a property—just as I’m willing to turn down a listing. My clients know they can come to me for a straightforward answer to their questions.”
James also emphasizes the importance of fighting for his clients. “I’m negotiating every single day. If there’s money to be saved on a home, I’m going to find it. And if there’s an opportunity to drive up a price and create a bidding war, I’m going to jump on it.”
For his commitment to integrity, James has won an outstanding reputation around Massachusetts and Connecticut, with the vast majority of his volume coming from either repeat clients or referrals. However, he takes more satisfaction in the people helped over the course of a transaction. “I get a tremendous sense of gratitude from what I do. There’s nothing more rewarding than finding my clients a place where they can hang their hat and call home.”
Outside of his career, James enjoys spending quality time at home with his beloved family. When he’s looking to relax, he can be found hitting the links or entertaining guests at his home.
Always looking forward, James has strong plans for the future. In the months ahead, he intends on expanding his volume, building a team and providing the same level of open, trustworthy service that has brought him so much success in real estate. “No matter who a client is, I’m going to treat them the same,” he says. “Whether you’re on the buying or selling side, you’re not going to find a more vigilant agent to hold your hand throughout the process. To me, a satisfied customer is the best business strategy—and I pride my work on that statement.”
To learn more about James F. Wood, email jamesfwood@kw.com, visit www.jfwrealty.properties or call (203) 969-8157
