NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL 2-10-20

NATIONWIDE NATIONWIDE&&INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONALEDITION EDITION

CONNECT BEYOND Welcome Home: REAL ESTATE WORKING WITH to Attract Future Clients RELOCATORS IN TRANSITION

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO HOW TO THROW A NETWORKING EVENT CONVERTING

THAT CAN PUT YOUR BUSINESS INTERNET LEADS ON THE MAP

TO REAL LIFE SALES

Turn Open Houses Into

DESTINATIONS COVER STORY

The Daily Schedule of a Successful Real Estate Agent

Tips on Breaking Into the

LUXURY MARKET FEATURED AGENTS

LYNSEY BILBRUCK TINA BRANINE SHARON BREMER BUCK How toJIM Make Your GLORIA LaFORGIA Commute Productive JENNIFER LEAHY SUSAN McCOY ANTONIO SARMIENTO ALICIA TANKERSLEY CHELENE WEBSTER JUDI WILSON

NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL EDITION

Title Services, LLC is proud to congratulate

Cindy Zebryk 7

CINDY ZEBRYK

Jim McQuade is proud to congratulate

ROSS ASHLEY HABIGER

Lisa Raich is proud to congratulate 16

12

BRIANNA RAGER

KEIT 20

ROSS KEIT

ASHLEY HABIGER

ANDREA FEYEN

on being featured for the State of Kansas

23

ZAULO GONZALEZ

Andrea Feyen had a successful careerMagazine! in information. She also uses it to premarket in Top Agent on being featured for the State ofbefore New they York law enforcement, but after having children listings 32 27 36 39 are posted on the MLS. 40 35 she decided to make a career change and “I sometimes sell houses before they even in Top Agent Magazine!

When Cindy Bond earned her presence in the region for her steady growt become a real estate agent. “I’ve always reach the MLS,” she says. To get the word Bran real estate license in 1996, introducing potential Buyers to the area, isev im Toronto-based real estate agent There are a multitude of other reasons for Moe’s in m had a passion for the work. I’m a native of out about listings, she also“Real spreads estate the wordwasitreal she knew she had found her in my opinion, to showcase the lifestyle affor Arizona and I’ve always helped friends buy throughout her extensive network in the Platinum Title LLC Moe Asgarian is a hardworking growing success. Chief among them are young his thorou from a very age, thedt niche. who She initially started in In addition touses listening to what the client’s (913)running 491-5001 and sell houses. Ireal hit the ground Phoenix area, and all the resources estate professional is and comprehensive marketing strategies, beginni bers Marissa Gillman of Jim McQuade | Mortgage Banker | NMLS ID# 62601 https://platinumtitleksmo.com real estate as a co-owner in a for a home and setting, it is important to u when I got my license in 2012 and I’ve available to her through Berkshire truly dedicated to Village, helping his516-455-4552 with anmobile in-depth and explicitly informative pre-listi a father in choic deve Rea 4200 Somerset Dr., SuiteAndrea 121, Prairieresidential KS 66208 building business their which desiredhas lifestyle. lifestyle been loving it ever since,” she says.

Hathaway, a With reachTheir throughout achieve their buying process that triggers ensures clients are put at ease and fu James.McQuade@CitizensBank.com ANDREA FEYEN MARISSA GILLMAN BRANDI GLOVER CINDY BOND MOE ASGARIAN aand husband in comme BEENU SIKAND serves the Phoenixclients Metropolitan area withhome Arizona, the United States beyond.

She in 1983.

To better service their the emotional decision process toeye pu or selling needs.

It is Moe’s affable knowledgeable about the home buying or selli Citizensbank.com SCHAEFER a focus on the east valley including Mesa,business and to increase the does sell) professional their realphotographs property.” hand estate,for andevery now partne South Service Road, Melville, NY 11747 Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, home, regardless of the price and point,expert and useby personality, coupled rewards with hisof48true process.

Professional photography, oftt the sales process, her mother, a long-tim Queen Creek, andpassion San Tanfor Valley.

“I’ve helps clients prepare their home for sale. she felt becominginternet an agent After media the transaction, leave glowing his chosen industry and social – with anclients international reach her l Marissa’s involvemen lived in the east valley my entire lifeHer so first “We have shot totime get people through was next step. year repuin real estate she certain was about their together. recently s thatthe has resulted in aI stellar make thatone each listing is seen byOne asthe many peop Now, Brandi has establishe know the area extremely well.

It’s where I grew up; it’s recently, door, and photographs, house prep, andindustry marketing a isare absolute.

O awarded ‘Rookie of the Year.’

Most she and experience working with Cindy Bond was tation as someone whoHOUSES cantobe bigas possible, the being fast for top doll agent, with a repu where my kids go to school.

And I use OPEN that knowledge component ofwith that,” sheresult says.

Her timecomplete and sales attention 4) CONNECT BEYOND 25) TURN 45) 6during THINGS ALL SUCCESSmornings herprofessional childhood, she has fon her husband have been owners of Tomlinson Sotheby’s She was very and patient through consistently trusted to place his clients’ needs above his care, communication, and a help my clients,” she INTO explains. pay off, withFUL her listings often selling quicklyDO at competREAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT NEGOTIATORS InternationalDESTINATIONS Realty. Licensed in Idaho and Washington, process ofneighborhoods selling my home. Cindy communic ries of touring alongside her itiveWhen prices.he’s Lastnot yearworking, she closedMoe almost $12 million in more th enjoys nothing own during every transaction.

FUTURE CLIENTS An impressive 80% Cindy serves a wide region Northern frequently about market conditions and Now,and Marissa is entering her fourth yeardaughte in the of her business comes fromwhich repeatincludes transactions, is me one of the topwife sales agents in Arizona.

Brian P. Britt | Kopesky & Britt, LLC spending time with his and two young Today, Brandi serves clients 49) HOW TO THROW Idaho and Eastern Washington, encompassing areas through on all showings.

She did a great job 29) 3 MENTAL TRICKS THAT and referral clients. Her clients ask her to be their Realtor complete with aphilanthropist reputation for hergives creative Moe,HABITS who comes from a background in the Specializing mortgage inHe also ardent who back to City region. sheeye ha 10) Title 5 MORNING A an NETWORKING EVENT up WILL to the theisreceived luxury with afrom difficult situation andThere, my home wa Fairhope Services, LLC again and again because sheCanadian builds andborder. maintains strong Andrea her BA Arizona State University TAKE YOUR BUSINESS tiveTHAT client care, and personal touch. business almost exclusive industry, obtained his real estate license in 2013.

“I was community in a variety of ways, including support segment, Cindy goes above and beyond expectations, close quickly and smoothly.”

TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER CAN PUT YOUR relationships with them for the long-term.

“It’s not a and her MA from Northern Arizona University. She TO THE NEXT LEVEL nolia Ave.,PRODUCTIVE Suite C-1, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 clientele who trust tired of sitting aI’m computer,” he recalls.

“I’m not supports local ICAN, women’s shelters andreferral charities that benefit in-ne with the vast available majority her business consisting of a local job, it’s a behind passion. always toofmy clients, nonprofit she’s involved BUSINESS ON THEbeen MAP Prior to entry into real estate, Marissa w andtowards personable approach to repeat clients Asin Cindy looks the future, she is 24/7.ofWhen clients outgetting toand me,referrals.

Iout respond soon withand since shechildren. washer law enforcement.

Currently she that kind person.

I reach enjoy and asmeeting sick 33) THE DAILYthat SCHEDULE asand possible,” Andrea says.me She understands buying committee, The Team, raising money for not continue She is enthusiastic to luxury as Dream agrowing. buyer and manager mo I’m not pushy—that’s 15) CREATIVEpeople, WAYS TO 53)retail 5 SURE-FIRE WAYS realSAY estate gives the opportunity to meet sits on the Awhat SUCCESSFUL REAL selling a home“Iis OF a huge decision of many and resources to benefit children. setsmade me up apart is ensuring ongoing comes next!

“I“I’m wake upadventure, every day with ex transparent and Ithe also THANK YOU peopleorfrom TO GET MORE REFERRALS decade.

Ready forunderprivileged her next she join all walks ofthink life.”

Moe’s future planslocal include growing his business, wh tiny decisions andcommunication she’s there for her clients each step Recently she teamed up with the community to raise over with my clients and having a passion that somethingthem exciting willthe happen.

Eve ESTATE AGENT to make best decis alongside her mother and hastheparlayed herbalan crea working to maintain a good work/personal of the way. To stay touch withshe pastexplains. clients, Andrea gifts children hospitalized during holidays;life for in what I do,” “It’s very 700 evident totomy unique.

Each day isallanthe opportunity totheir makeo 18) HOW TO SEND 57) Aservice COMPILATION out facts and Currently overseeing an equally dedicated team of five, for himself and his team members.

Above all, howev customer skills to her new career.

In checks in via phone and text, sends home anniversary and she’s been involved in shoe and book drives as well. clients whenON they BREAKING hire me, I’m going to get the difference in someone’s life. My goal is to be SMARTER EMAILS OF GOALS FROM MY 37)that TIPS determine what makes sens cards andaholiday notes, delivers Christmas gifts, and “I utilize my resources to bring good to the community,” and servicing widejob swath of the Toronto area, Moe is his goal to continue providing the very best custom listing ever, Marissa sold a property for $3.8 done and do everything we can to make sure their to others – present and effective in the m CLIENTS INTO THE LUXURY hard worker, and I take a lot meets with them to organize or just sheservice says.

In COACHING her free time, she loves to spend with has built a solid business that iscommunity based onevents a experience foundation available in the Toronto market.

Unsurprisingly, she was latertime named Rooki home search or selling is exceptional.” whether working or enjoying my family.”

22) HOW TO OVERCOME share a coffee. her children and her husband of 20 years, take her kids has mad In that vein, Brandi MARKET of honesty and integrity, with customer-first businessin her company Cindy has abeen the #1 top producer at her previous breaking $10-m YOUR WORKPLACE 60) 5 THINGS YOU CAN to theirYear extracurricular events, gobrokerage, to church, and host professional education since 2007 and has found that affiliating with Sotheby’s ethos. Andrea One result of this is that a significant portion of “I love what I do,” says Moe. “I love the impact Iand get volume during her debut year.

Now, Marissa also runs a Facebook community group, called Sunday family dinners. four of us areYOUR certified scuba FEARS DO TO“All ACHIEVE two years ago.

Applying tha 41) HOW TO MAKE YOUR International Realty brings many benefits.

“Sotheby’s his business is Gilbert based upon past divers, have on people’s lives.”

Chandler Buzz, referrals where shefrom has satisfied over 12,000 so we travel and scuba dive as a family,” she says. the Gillman Group, aoftight-knit team thatvaluedrive BIGGEST GOALS clients is a major International brand has provided a luxury marketing PRODUCTIVE This group isof focused on bringing the commuFor the future, Andrea wants to continue serving her clientsfollowers. and positive wordCOMMUTE mouth.

75% of business through repeat and referral count on, while communica platform any other real estate nity together, giving back,which local exceeds charity involvement, clientscompany well and increase her connections, community, Chicago buyers and sellers trust Marissa’s astut in theevents industry,” she says.community Working with reputable available and responsive,” and sharing of local and valuable andasphere of influence!

CINDY BOND

MOE ASGARIAN

MARISSA BR G

ing featured for the State of Alabama in Top Agent Magazine!

www.

CONTENTS

“It’s because of the service I provide, and the fact that I Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 company combined with truly caring for her personable clients demeanor,difference and commitment to advoa in this business, get results,” answers has Moe, whenher asked how he allowed to flourish as inspires an agent. her clients’ best interests.

“Our motto is LivesoY I make it work on my end, To find out more about Andrea Feyen, mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com such impressive loyalty| and trust in a highly fickle,

be done for my clients.”

Life,” “We’re loyal we work call 480-329-2432, email No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner without priorbeen consent of theMarissa publisher.says.

Top Agent Magazine isand ever-changing industry.

Perhaps thewhatsoever best evidence ofOurAgentAndrea@gmail.com, the “I’m very relationship driven.

Having a Seller/ our clients.

We give our clients the best of bot published by Featureexceptional Publications customer GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent andreafeyen.bhhsaz.com. or visit serviceof he and hisproperties team provide Builder residential and understanding the When listing properties, Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

To subscribe or change address, send We’ll do anything we can to make them hB necessityGilbert for detailed communication during the list can be found Visit in the glowing reviews heFacebook has received, Chandler Buzz group, at facebook.com/chandlergilbertBUZZ For more about Cindy Bond beginning with professional inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. to sell process or buying process, it has provencomfortable, but we’re not afraid to be aggress to be https://

www.

including this one that fully illustrates the care and

please call 208-255-8360 or there, she leverages her wid email cindy.bond@sothebysrealt past clients and fellow indu When listing properties, Marissa applies a nua Topopens, Agent Magazine and dissemination Copyright Top Agent to ensure each property makes a memorable im listing platforms and socia “No two homes are the same,” she explains.

“Ex For more aboutshe Moe closedAsgarian, 73 transactions, b

valuable in my business comes Published in the U.S.dedication Moe puts ainto everyasset transaction: “Moeasisan a Agent,”itCindy explains. Cindy attributes her tenacity, innovation and 2

tireless professional, positive and high-energy Realtor who is great to work with. He has an incredibly strong work ethic, and this allows him and his team to achieve strong results for their clients. He goes above and

homes in their finest and in m to negotiating and fighting for their Copyright Top Agent Magazine

43

ANTHONY GUCCIARDO MARY MAHONEY MARG 51 48 JESSICA MAGAHA DANNY KISIN47& ERIC FUTERMAN

Charismatic, friendly and detertransaction, don’t hesitate to future, leave Taking theAfter New the Jersey As Danny and Eric look towards the they’re With a clients passion for education make changes or updates.

Then I Margie pull upqu When speaking with top agent For and about atolove for others, homes or expired listings to give them a pict market reviews by eager build a helping bigger team.

“We want a team that mined, Anthony Gucciardoreal hasestateglowing their time together.

One Mary Mahoney, veteran of the Pr hasreal always Jessica Magaha quickly going on inlike their she says. storm, Danny will take our clients’ needs intothe consideration weneighborhood,” experienced great success in partners recently said, “Anthony is thehas best of best.

He estate industry, the first impresea she become top real estate agent asks if they have a price point When in mind, and al Kisin and Eric Futerman do,” they asay. the real estate industry. Hearegotmaking knew what to list our house at, and let us know sion one is likely to get is that this in Kansas and Missouri.

Jessica choose the list price.

“I pride myself on givin The Haute working utp 44 his start in high school working exactlyname. what needed toyears behow done Every a Realtor working at can the make top of m spentno12 teaching high rate information so they educate Group a household And matter muchpre-sale. they is grow, their love for estate in ad school English, aswith wellstrong.

She thenhe sets upone professional photography MARGIE NIXON JESSICA MAGAHA her game, and who – despite ma ANTHONY GUCCIARDOfor Robert DANNY KISIN Builders, MARY MAHONEY Marini we calledthis orindustry texted him aasconcern, Raised in time New Jersey, will remain “Nothing is better time govern coaching softball,with soon postcards it is listed & he ERIC FUTERMAN the Real Estate duo have a long-standing than aschool relationship our clients SZWED hercoming longevity in the before industry – and he where was a host forLINDSAY three alwaysknowlgot back tobuilding us high immediately, regardless of and dance,them and happy. collegiate in love wi edge and love for their home state and have put their seeing It’s a cheergreat feeling.” retains a sincere enthusiasm for in of their model homes. Getting when it was. Heleading. also gave us a list of professionals, She decided to take the After the transaction, clients leave fivepassions toward supporting New Jersey communilisting platforms and social media outlets, Lindsay Szwed launched her career in real Soon she helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.

Having Mr theCARTIER itch for real estate, heestate thencareerand everyone used prompt, and time together.

LAUREN SHAW PARRELLA leap into was real estate when her about their One recently said 61 VIJAY 59 courteous, ties. Danny began his55 real in New York56 we REED 52early VIR ANGELA THOMPSON in addition to creating local buzz through estate back in 2017, after earning her built her business on a foundation of honesty, integrity exh make it husband started investing in and recommend hiring Jessica.

She acted as our b attempted to sell his parents’ industry, did awhere wonderful job. An added bonus that saved us City’s commercial and residential he and knowledge, Mary has earned her stellar reputation open houses, broker tours, etc.

This year, stripes as an assistanttailored in a local real estate renovating properties.

“He suggested I get my license, so and we couldn’t have been more pleased w lis To say that Broker Lauren tell them that as long as I’m not dead or sleeping, they Top-producing, she’s been his skillset to been appease York’s fast-paced hasjob trail to vent my fears and my explains. anxieties asWith I house searched a home as a For Sale ByCartier Owner. Reed His next was aatNew aI thought time searching for people.

We sold our in forresponsive, anincredibly altruistic spirit and a love Mo I’dcares get it about to see ifher I liked “I was responding to ou agent Vijay Virk as ait,”trusted real estate advocate who always her shecan isshe on track tofellsays close *$5-million in places Shaw Parrella reach me,” she with a laugh. firm. Prior to that, she’d been an climate. elemen-“My and cutthroat strategic negotiating forearly 13oryear blazer in the realthrived. estate industry, home just right for me.

Cartier also corresponded with bank, where his natural people skills “One 25 days and closed 4 weeks later with absolutely for real estate, Angela Thompson offe in love with it.”

Jessica has found it an easy transition, and phone calls, no matter how late Realty in Vanc centerprice-point during every customers feels almost “Io allowed me toa win bids for my clients in like an client’s volume,needs withfront an and average of transaction. tary school teacher forskills ten have years, but after no signs as being an agent involves just asother much teaching thehas and thoroughly followed up on everything w truly her calling as a – istim her Ihomes. inshould the top 500 realme daily daymany andas other she kept mefound aware time a Realtor came inranking and said consider problems.”

Columbia a“I d theirhedream I wanted to bringno that drive to or every understatement.

Approaching There $375,000. are reasons for Lauren’s success, roughly Whether working with cross-country move alongside her husband educationoffield does. Today she hasina small team ofrange. fourMargie is a solo agent with an of Realtor in the greater Cleveland pro working profess inJersey thesays.

Cleveland possible listings my price When I had a getting my license,” tors Anthony Hea little tookmarket. his New to give back to the communities with sense of Mary including expert negotiating skills (“I’ve never lost a stayingw is justifiably proud of herdemonstrates association with industry buyers or not sellers, Lindsay and children, she decided to pursue new her job people, all aoftrue whom are mothers.

“We’re a typical When Jessica isn’t working, she’s to he area.

She got her start out of text she also owns her owncommitted staging com that onceboth gave soJuly much me,” saysAs Danny.

After Serving the east5,to and west concern, she addressed it,more overall making my search advice, and hit the ground running.

On 2002, Anthony continues toWe’re grow, hewhen is excited to see empathy for her buyers and bidding war my clients took my advice”) and a leader Keller Williams, and she is a consistent top thC team, we’ve formed a partnership. focused community.

While being a Kansas City her commitment to college clientsVIJAY of allVIRK kinds opportunities. earning license, ANGELA THOMPSON CARTIER REED Since greater LAUREN LINDSAY SZWED buyers and selle thanher 15SHAW yearsshe operating and managing hiswillingworking for Pulte Homes, abo greater Birmingham, Alabama area, t sides of Cleveland, is now in for a home pleasant and rewarding.” sellers, and with a strategic, comprehensive approach to marketing her he received his license, then quickly sold 20 homes what comes next in his career.

He feels real estate on supporting each other so we can each have a healthy leader, she was exposed to various charity producer in their Pocono, PA Market Center.

She began fo PARRELLA through her hard-won Senior Real Estate Lindsay has swiftly established herself oftenShe surpass, th family’s business, Eric as entered into real estate withWe’re a national home builder. her life/work balance. also very empowered women programs.

This established the habit of ness to walk them through listings.

For the latter, Lauren employs professional business comes from repeat clients a her second year herWhat growth in his year.

Seeing his success, his and parents both isasincredibly rewarding in moreofficially ways than “It’s her career in one.

1987 infewer Bucksthan County, before With se objectives.

Specialist designation, which anfirst agent known for diligence, educaaher hunger for reinvention. began a part-time really enjoyed new construction wro making changes in our community and wanting to have which she will always incorporate every step of the transaction photography exclusively, which ensures her prop-into her trajectory has been exponenWhen Cartier isn’t working, she’s spending time with moving to the scenic vacation destination of The Poconos retired from their jobs in 2004 and joined him in real something new every day.

It’s a path that rewards or honesty and integrity, and non-pushy app job quickly turned into a full-time venture.

“Working 600 agents inher the state possess.

“I really tional approach, and personal touch. a positive impact.”

This mentality has resulted in skills their sales and honed from 2004-2008.

Unfortunately and Lauren hasoffered built a me solid career onfamily ayour foundation erties are shown in their best light, and adroit use as of his clients at ease, Vijay has earned repu in 2002, where she has since become recognized a asprocess, aWhen realsays. estate agent an opportunity to tial.

Cartier decided to her or planning for her future.

“I have huge “I strive to focus on customer servic estate. “The rest is history,” he Today he leads you for effort.

I love matching people to their businesstoconsisting entirely of repeat and referrals.

Looking ahead, Jessica hashit. her sights setcha on g have ashe connection with senior citizens and inlocal 2008 was laid when the financial crisis She of honesty, integrity and her ability achieve postitive theclients internet andoff social media platforms, the best Realtors in theaprimarily Surrey, Northexp De utilize my in communications and business market expert.

Currently working with small but W become herexpertise own boss shea chose plans forand 2020,” she says.

“I am excited for the coming TheToday, Gucciardo Realserves Estate Group.

Serving 40 ideal home helping them through the process.” agents in her newly opened third office in L first-time home buyers,” Margie love working with them,” she says.

“I take Lindsay clients under the took a break from real estate working a includes corporate job that dea results for her Facebook.

Alldedicated work in concert to achieve fast sales forshe grow area market. management in a clients. new and fulfilling way,” says Eric.sets me apart consummately team that a Buyer’s ag “I think what really is that I don’t have a sales Kansas.

And no matter how much enter theThere, field real estate. months.”

And no matter how much she grows, she will milebanner radiusofofRE/MAX Albany,toNew York, he hasof continued thethrough process, she guides her clientswit an pride in being able to guide seniors this transiSuburban. turned out tobusiness. be the best fitlove for her personality dollar; not to mention happy clients.

Complementary skillshe setshas and cultivated a long-time friendship background,” Jessica says. “It’s atop relationship doubt every minute of it. nor Agent, annot Administrative Assistant and a Marketing M “I always had an interest in it, so no doubt continue to love every second of her work.

“I to exceed expectations, with the majority of his are making knowledgeable decision tion period in their life and giving them the resources to a business that grew 64% between her second and third Vijay began pregnant his journeywith in real Lauren, who with Realty Executives inout Wayne, between the twoworks entrepreneurs allowed for Ianstand easy her spirit.

During thatcommitment time she became her estate duri I also think because of the education process Specialist, Mary’s to providing her buyers “R Ibusiness decided to inof full-time,” she explains. love helping people make major long-term purchases, repeat clients and referrals. built a to house,” recalls, “and thethey’ experi and successful collaboration.

New Jersey, began herCartier’s journey real estate inthe 2013.

“I really love helping toand lives,” says I change also letapeople’s people know that putininto place.”

When Jessica first started working asof anand make best decision for themselves their family.” years consisting in jump the industry—a promising indicator of Iwhat’s first child.

Thoughts returning jobheshe hated after and sellers with top-of-the-line, concierge style customer su my real agent was not positive.

So agent, utilized herrecalls. lesson planning skills bysparked figuring business now mainly built offaofpolice referrals from for past and I she feel good about helping them the “I was dispatcher six she years,” Lauren, “and making their dreams come true.

Even maternity leave herthroughout to get back to her true passion Wh still tois come.

She serves clients across Chicago’s northpurchase.

Iestate don’t sell anything that service has translated into a business that is based signififu Delivering the best full-service concierge experiI could do better, and signed up for rea out ways toestate helpprocess.” people make solid choices during the that period doing realentire onlythe part though this job can besame stressful, one thank you from clients. athat bachelor’s degree in business manage“People know I get the“During job done,” he says.I was When in real estate.

Around the time, her husband earned her, Beyond office, Lindsay gives back to her community westWith suburbs, particularly Mount Prospect, where she feel confident about.”

She isa hones cantly upon returning clients, positive word of mouth, yo ence is what Danny and Eric deliver every single at the University of British Columbia.

I buying and selling process.

“That took a lot of research time, while getting my master’s degreewith in ineach Human client can make alland the stress go decided away. to work hisBut real estate license the two to team up tothat sea ment and aand master’s in“Ibusiness administration, Cartier he was younger, he would analyze real estate agents and every by toGetting the works lives. have in-depth relationship with every step, so clients trust th time - an “very knowledgeable and finding helped me whatthrough systems work.” it alltransaction boilsfrom downthose toat contributing wouldn’t survive in that industry, becau and referrals she has helped in the past.

Service Counseling. ended up quitting that jobstart with soown many amazing apeople is a wonderful thing.” few years later.

They took with alow-key sen has plethora of skills and an innate ability toIgoget her and athe determine what qualities made them successful Children’s Miracle Network and maintaining herwhen status community here,” says.

“My kids school theshe whole process, from theto honesty beginning was and he communication.

Her their clients knowbrokerage she truly person.”

Ironically, Vijay’s rightquiet choice working he in 2017 for personal reasons, and it was very scary, huge risk both leaving their played jobs toa pursue realinestate full hecall For more information about aboutinterested them, she never pushes them into making helpful in showing us the housescares we were large role the success en clients towards theiristhat goals. or lacking. saw you tobuilt be my personable, as aand “Miracle Agent.”

She also enjoys volunteering and here, my“I office here, andhad I’ve business here.”

“I think one of the reasons my clients refer their friends research on each property and mak having no houses insurance and noaset income.

Fortunately, Lauren, who currently holds a staggering impressive choice.

“Imeet show themout all the outcomes of each option, in and other that he knew would our time but with faith and determination to live a life full Danny Kisin and Eric Futerman, non-pushy, un-salesman-like approach ha helping at Lemons of Love, an organization local to In describing her working style, Lindsay cites her ability but also respectful and not time.at I’ve gotten andoverall family to me is because I stay infor touch with them neighborhood their needs, and mywaste boyfriend thehappen time –to and who is now husband five-star rating on Zillow.com – comprised of appreci they make the decision, they’re able to fully criteria, even made it see when places on my very to his many grateful clients, who of purpose they made it work.

Monument Real Estate Dur please call 908-415-4798 (Eric), Mount Prospect that provides resources to closed,” cancer survito problem-solve, negotiate, manage personalities, and “I would say thatI my me20 to others because listings where wasclients in and out in minutes, asown long after the transaction is says Mary, when – prefer supported while set about working full-time scores glowing testimonials – brokerage has big plans for thatinspections decision, which is super important.” short notice, hemealso helpI setting up able to resell it inthan the Rat their needs rather onfuture.” hisher commissio Services is of a full real estate consisting her 347-385-1652 (Danny), or and caregivers. her service free hours, Lindsay most create calm, fun, yet educational environment for herthem vors asked toIn account for the impressive levels of is trust and of my high of attentiveness customer service. opposed toadegree someone else who stayed for 2 or literally more in 2019.

Iinwent from nothing to everything future.

Growing heron already thriving business chief and recommended professionals to get done.” commission, Margie focuses on of two divisions: residential real estate sales and property you email kisindanny@gmail.com, When comes tolike marketing, Jessica also goes above enjoys timeitspent with her husband and her two chilclients.

“It’s been said that former teachers make loyalty she inspires.

“I tell every client that if ever A said.

Every client isit treated Ihours. think outside the box and show appreciation and care inprevious a six-month period, and I good couldn’t have done among them, as isand her continued mentorship ofthey newer That’s one of the benefits I client think I have, I’m Perhaps the greatest evidence of Maga the ex For more about Jessica towards their goals and helping th management.

They’ve maintained steady growth year trav agenteric8@gmail.com, beyond, creating marketing strategies and ideas that are family needs and schedules are always need help with be itsame a contractor or insurance dren, friends, as well astobeing outside, golfing, and IIt’s really believe that’s true,” she says. without him.

He’s my time rock, and my“Ibiggest supporter.” agents helpanything, them findtraveling, thecustomer level ofcall success that of service Vijay provides is o t about clients. not just -atheir one transaction deal, just Realtors, a my straight shooter.”

Anthony understands that please 913-748-6213 year, arestarts excited tomajority see in what comes next. and tailored to the individual andafter theiror property.

She offchapter hautehomesnj.com visitand their lives. our first priority. of his considerable business policies or refinance they can come to me.

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“I believ diate success as ainterests full-time agent, selling million Poconos, many of the homes I sellclients are vacation properher$12 dog, Stanley. thisconfusing process, and I place my clients first and her clients’ needsfor above all else, and to goes above and often many.

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We estate.

“I think it’s because my clients can tellexplains. Angela only wants One recently said, “Thisof isrealmy second transaction Copyright Top Agent Magazine is bolstered by professional photography, a 3-D tour,says long after the transaction is over!” she says.

“I with truly is eager to advise them on what steps to take to reach that I genuinely care about them,” Lauren, when a transaction her that many Another factor in Vijay’s impressive suc with Cartier. This year she helped me to purchase a proper staging, excellent of course, a such value their business, and“It’s I can veryfun honestly sayspare-no-expense, that myand askedmarketing, how she hasand managed to inspire consumer their goals. really tostrategic, see them excited to buyshe their comprehens have given up on didn’t. new home. She was exceptional in the buying process, marketing his listings.

Afterand making ce don’t look at them dollar signs.

I actually competitive price priorloyalty. to their“Imarket debut.

Then,ashighclients become friends.

At the end of the day, they’re firstmy house and to know that I helped make it happen For more about Lauren Shaw Parrella, in choosing homes to view patient with me as I in prime be put they on the mark wantand to help them, believe they deserve it.”change refershape me toto others ranking visibility is achieved across thebecause leadingI online what matter most.” their lives. Many ofisthem call 973-634-3394 or email looked at several houses Another in different photography is used for every listing, en factorneighborhoods, would be Lauren’s commitment toknow thatplease are also interested in purchasing or selling, until I found the perfect place.

Best of all, she wastoable making herself available her clients at all hours. “Iwhich isLaurenParrella@realtyexecutives.com very humbling.”

To learn more about Lindsay Szwed, email listedwithlindsay@outlook.com, Top Agent Magazine 3 to negotiate a great price.

I would highly recommend ListedWithLindsay.com, or call Afterwards, (847) 714-3704 and would call her again ifvisit the need arose.” Another both buyers and Copyright sellers love glowing Topleaving Agent Magazine For more information about Cartier Reed,

REALTOR Vendors and Real Estate Companies— Get Nationwide & International Exposure! www.

Top Agent Magazine is seen by Real Estate Agents and Brokers in every U.S. city and Internationally!

Please contact mag@topagentmagazine.com or call 310-734-1440 for ad rates and information.

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

to Attract Future Clients What kind of content are you sharing on your blog, website, and social media? Does most of it have something to do with buying or selling a home? While sharing the latest market information or tips on how to qualify for a mortgage, or when someone should buy or sell is important and demonstrates your value as a REALTOR®, it shouldn’t be the only subject you cover. If you only focus on real estate, you’ll be missing the chance to connect with future clients that might not be ready to move just yet. By sharing a lot 4

of industry-heavy content, you are only going to appeal to those who are currently in the market rather than a broad base of potential clients.

To pull in those other future clients you want to provide fresh, interesting content that will appeal to those possible future clients that aren’t quite ready to move yet. However, you also want to still tie this content back into your business goals.

So, how do you share content that will speak to a wider audience, but also still be relevant to your business?

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Top Agent Magazine

n

Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

The philanthropic work you do to support your community says a great deal about who you are as a person. Many people will be attracted to working with you because of the charitable works you are involved with. While you may be hesitant to share these efforts because you feel it may come across as bragging, you also need to remember that sharing information about the charitable organizations you support will actually help those organizations. Many of them have small marketing budgets, so any free exposure you can give them helps to promote their cause.

In fact, they want and need you to promote them.

And you can promote them without coming across as a braggart. Focus your content entirely on the organization. Talk about why you support them, how they help the community, and how others can also get involved. This turns what could have been bragging into something that benefits everyone. n

Your Local Community

We humans are connected to each other through our community – our local sports teams, parks, churches, schools, and much more. What better way is there to connect with people in your community than to talk about your community? Demonstrate that you are an expert on your community, and bring that community to your followers. Share information about a local event; perhaps even share the actual event through live-stream video. Interview city officials to get the low-down on the latest development project. Share information with your followers about things they didn’t know about their community. Consult with local historians or the historical society to share interesting information about your community that your followers will want to read. You could even turn it into a series of podcasts or videos. n

Use Your Creativity to Connect

Find creative ways to engage your followers on the topic of real estate. Try engaging your followers in an interactive project such as posting photos of interesting front doors. Doors are the entry point into our homes as well as our private lives. The way we adorn our front door can give someone a sense of our style and personality. Ask followers to submit photos and choose one to post each Friday. Make sure to watermark each photo with your logo at the bottom and include an inspirational quote that ties back to the importance of home. You could also ask your followers to provide a little story or caption to go along with the photo that tells something about them and their home. These kinds of projects are interesting and unique, and clearly connect back to your business. n

Share Your Hobbies

Are you an adrenalin junkie who has bungee jumped from some of the tallest bridges in the world? Are you a foodie that grows your own organic vegetables and fruit? Do you have a Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

5

secret passion for photography? Everyone has hobbies that they enjoy outside of work. When you look past the surface people become quite interesting. People also happen to find interesting people interesting, and tend to remember people based on their distinctive traits. We humans love discovering a person’s behind the scenes story, the mind behind the face. While you don’t want to talk too much about yourself, sharing pieces of your personal life and things that interest you can be a great way to connect with followers. By sharing interesting facts about your life, you will find that many followers will feel a strong, personal connection to you based on your hobbies and personal interests. n

Divulge Interesting Experiences

This is somewhat similar to the idea of sharing your hobbies. Sharing some of your more interesting personal experiences such as a fateful conversation with a stranger or an exciting adventure you had while in another country can be a great way to connect with followers as long as it also relates to some kind of life or business lesson. Talk about experiences you’ve had with clients or purchasing your own home. Experiences that relate to your business are great ways to connect with future clients in a manner that goes beyond the world of business. n

What and Who Inspires You

No matter what you’ve chosen to spend your life doing, you didn’t get there alone. You may have had a mentor that made a special impact on your life or someone already in the business that you looked up to and who perhaps inspired you to get into real estate. You may have found inspiration through a love of architecture or design. People want to know why others do the things they do. Sharing who or what influences you in your personal and business life is a great way to connect with followers. Recognizing that you didn’t get to where you are now by yourself shows humility, and talking about those people that had an influence on you shows others that you stay connected to the world and people around you.

Connecting with potential clients is something that is essential to any REALTOR’S® business. If you’re doing the work to create interesting blog posts and make those connections, you want to make sure that you’re sharing the right kind of content to draw in those future clients. It takes a lot more than simply providing the latest market news. To get the most out of what you share, you need to provide a wide array of interesting content 6

that will draw in a broad range of followers.

Providing the right kind of content can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with future clients and building the right kind of relationship with them right from the start. Connecting through your website or social media and sharing more than just real estate advice will help you build confidence and trust with future clients before you even meet them.

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Top Agent Magazine

CINDY ZEBRYK

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CINDY ZEBRYK Award-winning, multi-million-dollar producer Cindy Zebryk – of Coldwell Banker Reehl Properties in Fairhope, Alabama – is a dedicated real estate professional with nearly three decades of experience under her belt. Armed with a wealth of industry knowledge, a solid work ethic, and a true desire to help her buyers and sellers achieve the best possible outcomes, Cindy has earned a reputation as an honest, trusted and committed real estate agent.

Cindy – recognized as a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist with Million Dollar Guild recognition - began her career in the early nineties, initially working with a real estate developer, before becoming a Broker, and later a full-service Realtor.

Since then, Cindy has earned a slew of recognitions for her success, including being ranked the number one agent for her company every year since 2014. Also, she been included three times among the Coldwell Banker International President’s Elite, which recognizes the top 3% of Coldwell Banker agents nationwide; and a two-time winner of Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Award, recognizing the top 6% of Coldwell Banker agents internationally. She was named Baldwin Realtors 2019 Baldwin’s Local RockStar Award winner.

The best indicator of her success, however, would be that nearly eighty percent of her considerable business is based on referrals from past clients, a true testament to the excellent customer service she provides. “I think it’s because I build a relationship with my clients,” says Cindy, when asked how she manages to inspire such impressive trust and loyalty in those she works with.

“Many become friends of mine. They know that I’m an expert in my business, and they know that I always put their interests front and center.”

There are, of course, many other factors that have contributed to Cindy’s success, including her fierce negotiation prowess and her strategic and comprehensive marketing strategies. Professional photography and 8

video are utilized exclusively, making certain each property is always shown at its best. Great marketing tends to result in quick sales for top dollar, not to mention extremely happy clients.

Cindy – who closes between forty and fifty transactions annually – truly loves what she does for a living. “I really enjoy bringing each transaction to a successful close,” she says, “where everybody is happy, and where I’ve built a relationship with that client.”

Cindy is also very civic-minded, and currently is on the Board of Directors for Baldwin Realtors, and is on the Advisory Council for local charity Victory Health Partners. She is also a part of Impact 100 Baldwin County, which raises funds to provide multiple annual grants for community improvements, and she is an Ambassador for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.

As for future plans, Cindy is continuing business as usual for now, but hopes to help provide an avenue for mentorship of newer, less seasoned agents. Her primary objective remains the same as it has always been: providing the unparalleled level of customer service that has long been synonymous with her name.

For more about Cindy Zebryk, please call 251-680-7964, email cindyzebryk@gmail.com, or visit realtorcindyz.com www.

Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Fairhope Title Services, LLC is proud to congratulate

Cindy Zebryk

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

Brian P. Britt | Kopesky & Britt, LLC Fairhope Title Services, LLC 455 Magnolia Ave., Suite C-1, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 Top Agent Magazine

9

5 Morning Habits to Make Your Day Super Productive For many, most mornings begin with a rush—a rush to get dressed, a rush to find something edible for breakfast, a rush out the door and into rush hour. Likely you have heard articles advising you to set your

alarm early to give yourself some flexibility —which is sound advice, of course—but consider a few of these additional tweaks to your morning routine that can set a productive tone for your day at large.

1. Keep Screens Away Until Breakfast Oftentimes, our first instinct upon waking is to check-in on our phones, tablets, or computers, to scope out the latest social media updates and e-mail correspondence. While diving into the action might seem productive, studies show that waylaying screen time until you’re up and dressed, and have had a good breakfast, will actually make your first pass 10

at all things digital more focused, clear, and efficient. Instead of answering a few e-mails, checking out a friend’s photos, and then hurrying to shower and dress, instead make a resolution to keep the online world at bay for the first half-hour to an hour after you rise, then you’ll approach the digital world with fresh eyes, energy, and adeptness.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

2. Meal Prep Sometimes hitting the snooze button is inevitable, but if you make prepping breakfast the night before a part of your routine, then grabbing something healthy on the go will be a snap—and your stomach will thank you for it. Load up your coffee machine ahead of time, so all you have to do

is hit brew. Or, chop up a fruit salad, mix a smoothie, or simply put a granola bar and a grapefruit in your lunch bag, ready to be grabbed on your way out the door. Even if it’s small or basic, keeping yourself fueled will keep distractions, inefficiency, and mood swings at bay.

3. Queue Up a Podcast on Your Commute Whether you’re driving, biking, or taking public transportation into the office, a podcast is a perfect way to brush up on industry knowledge. Try sourcing a podcast relative to your field and narrated by experts.

Not only will it get you thinking about the topics of your industry—while expanding

your professional vocabulary—it will also wake up your brain and get your head in the game as you prepare to launch your day. Use your commute time to bump up your knowledge and conversation points, and you’ll be ahead of the curve before you reach the office.

4. Begin with a To-Do List When work gets busy, sometimes just getting started is an overwhelming prospect.

Before you dive in to your e-mails and projects, take twenty minutes and be thoughtful as you assess your daily and weekly to-do

list items, then map them. By giving yourself a bullet point system of what you need to accomplish and by when, you can undo some of the anxiety that a busy schedule promotes.

5. Walk It Out, Even If You Missed the Gym While we often rely on coffee for our morning buzz, exercise provides a potent burst of energy that can supercharge your day. But, let’s say you’re running behind and skip the gym—all is not lost! Take fifteen minutes in

the early morning to take a walk around the block a few times. The fresh air and aerobic exercise will wake you up, get your blood moving, and provide your morning with a natural injection of motivation.

Everyone’s morning routine varies, but perhaps the first step is identifying aspects of your routine that could be improved, and tackling them from there. From waylaying

screen time distractions to getting in a little blood-pumping exercise, keep these tips in mind as you launch your most productive morning routine ever.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

11

BRIANNA RAGER

With a talent for business and a love for the latest building trends, Brianna Rager has reached great heights as a Real Estate Agent in the Treasure Valley of Idaho.

She got her first taste of the real estate world during business school when she took a side job working as an assistant to a local real estate agent. From that, she quickly got her license. “I’ve been a Top Producer for my Brokerage and in the Circle of Excellence since I started,” she stated. Working as a solo agent, she makes sure every client is self-guided and well educated throughout each step of the transaction. “I’m a one-person team; I choose not to utilize assistants or transaction coordinators. I make sure that when someone works with Brianna Rager Realty, they get me every step of the way,” she says. Although she helps all types of clients, she is particularly well-versed in New Construction, Investments, and Acreage Properties.

She goes on to say, “While that is my focus, I’ve always had a soft spot for first-time Buyers, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make and I want to see our residents capitalize on it. My preferred Lender is incredible, I wouldn’t be able to do it without her.”

Brianna’s business mainly consists of repeat clients and referrals. It’s her honesty and dedication that sets her apart from others and keeps her clients coming back. “I do exactly what I say I’m going to do,” she 12

says. “I truly work in my clients best interest when I’m representing them. Everyone feels taken care of and protected in their investments.” A review left by a leading Inspector with Boise Home Inspections remarks, “Brianna is one of the most ethical agents I have ever worked with hands down! I am absolutely speechless when it comes to her integrity as an agent.”

Her company is the leading tech brokerage in their region, which she continues to capitalize on to expand her reach. “I always push 3D tours and aerial shots to allow the consumer the ability to virtually walk through homes and the surrounding area without ever having to actually be present.” Brianna has partnered with power house sites like Zillow and Trulia for listing exposure, but focuses the majority of her marketing funds into social media these days. “Social media has been a huge asset to showcase my builders products,” she explains. Once she gets Buyers in the door, she has a one in three success rate of converting them to a client, which is incredibly high.

After the transaction, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “If you are looking to purchase the perfect home for your family, I recommend you work with Brianna Rager!

My husband and I worked with Brianna to purchase our home, we weren’t really sure on how or where to start, she was recommended by a close friend who TopAgent AgentMagazine Magazine Copyright Top

loved working with Brianna. We made the right choice! She was with us every step of the way, answered every ridiculous question we had, and met with us at home on times that worked around our work schedule. She finally helped us find the perfect home for our family in under 2 months. You can’t go wrong working with her!”

Brianna goes on to explain, “Breaking into the new construction market is another side of the business here, and a completely different ball game.” Of the 18,000+ homes sold in the Ada and Canyon County markets in 2019 30% of those were new construction builds and are listed by less than 3% of the licensed agents in their association. “As an Idaho native I want to see the growth coming into Boise bleed quality and set us up for long term success. What my career allows me to do is advocate for high end custom builders, working in thoughtfully designed subdivisions that are fitting the needs of their community.” You can tell Brianna has a lot of respect for the builders she works with, and was proud to showcase their work here.

When Brianna isn’t working, she loves spending time with her family and their dogs on the lake. “It’s easy to understand why Boise continues to be the #1 place to relocate year after year. Beyond our communities, I can be nestled in the mountains in any direction within the hour.” She prefers to focus her charitable work on the community, including sponsoring local sports teams and adopting families during the holidays.

As she looks towards the future, Brianna is intent on expanding her New Construction portfolio and motivated to continue to grow her business. She will never tire of helping people reach their real estate dreams. “I really love getting to the closing table and seeing everyone genuinely pleased with their investment.”

Top Agent Magazine

For more information about BRIANNA RAGER, call/text 208-602-9326 or email brianna.agent@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

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Top Agent Magazine

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 ter-

rycloth 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!

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3. Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. As-

certain 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.

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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 16

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 Kansas 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

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How To Send

SMARTER EMAILS

Email is a great tool for agents to use when trying to stay in touch with their past clients, as well as for reaching out to prospective clients. However, used incorrectly it can make your attempts to reach out seem like spam. The secret to using email effectively is making sure that everything you send out does one thing: ensure that you remain relevant to your contacts. To do this you have to get personal. Personalization will go far to ensure that your contacts are actually clicking on your emails. This means that if you do reply on an automated drip email campaign to build business, you need to customize your content so that it delivers something meaningful to each individual recipient. Here are some steps that will help you do exactly that:

1. SEND A WELCOME EMAIL TO

NEW CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS Rather than simply add new contacts to your automated email drip campaign, make sure to send each new contact receives a warm welcome as well. Sending a welcome email along with adding new contacts to your drip campaign is proven to be 86 percent more effective at catching your contact’s attention. Let them know they are welcome and that you appreciate their interest.

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2. NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP

THROUGH YOUR EMAIL To let your potential client know that you are thinking about them by sending them useful content that relates to the process of buying or selling a house. Some great topics include credit score information, ways to save money, regular market updates, what buying in your market is like, information about the neighborhood, tips on how they can prepare their home for sale, and other relevant information. A great way to

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

add to these emails’ punch is to time them so that they coincide with what that individual is going through and dealing with at that time on their path through the buying or selling process.

3. CELEBRATE IMPORTANT DATES

Everyone loves to be noticed and appreciated.

Schedule emails to go to each client that celebrate their purchase anniversary or birthday.

Make sure you include a personal note and your own wishes that the year ahead goes well for them. If you’ve been a bit out of touch with your contacts, you might want to send them a friendly hello.

4.

MOBILE-FRIENDLY EMAILS With our phones being akin to mini computers, most people read their emails on their phone these days. So, it is particularly important to make sure that your emails are rendering well on the smaller screens. If you want to make any kind of impact, you have to run a mobile-friendly email campaign in today’s world. You are going to lose a lot of your audience if they can’t read your email on their phones.

5.

TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR EMAILS AND ALTER ACCORDINGLY The best way to make sure your emails are being read and making the kind of impact you desire is to consistently monitor the analytics,

and see what your readers are actually clicking on and what elements are most popular with your contacts. Going forward you can alter different elements of your email campaign such as content, images, graphics, and even smaller elements like your subject line to draw in more clicks from your readers, and cater to what grabs their attention.

You also want to follow a targeted email strategy. The best way to do this is segment your email list based on the data from your CRM and the demographics of your contacts. Different clients are going to be interested in different content. Long-time clients looking to buy a second home or possibly downsize are going to be interested in completely different content than your first-time buyers. A good way to filter your contacts is by looking at which ones are looking to buy or sell, how far along in the process they are, as well as other important information about them.

6.

DON’T SPAM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES You probably already know that flooding your clients’ emails is big no-no. However, different people have different ideas about what is too much contact. One great way to approach this problem is to ask your clients whether they would prefer weekly, monthly, or occasional emails from you. This way you can cater to each client’s preference.

The emails you send your clients can often be a double-edged sword when it comes to how well they work to bring in business. Following these simple rules will help your emails be as successful as they can possibly be, and will make your contacts much happier with you. So, don’t just send out emails without doing your homework about how to do it right. Your email campaigns can be a powerful tool if you know how to create and utilize them in the right manner.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

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ROSS KEIT Ross Keit was born into the real estate business. His mother, Helen, who has also been featured in the pages of Top Agent Magazine, has over forty years of experience in the industry, while his father, Gordon, joined the team as a second-act career. Naturally, Ross followed in their footsteps to complete their family-style enterprise in The Keit Team. Since launching his own career in real estate, Ross has swiftly established himself as an agent steeped in real estate knowledge, eager to make a very complex process very understandable and transparent, and deeply committed to helping all who he works with achieve their goals.

For the past twelve years Ross and The Keit Team have worked under the banner of Keller Williams Realty Landmark, serving buyers and sellers across Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties of New York. They have a particular focus in the Borough of Queens, where the two Keller Williams Realty Landmark offices have been the number one real estate office in Queens for the past eight years. There, Ross takes an active role in training and mentoring the 650+ agents.

As General Manager of The Keit Team, Ross works with a wide range of clients and is very appreciative that the business is driven almost exclusively through repeat and referral clients who trust his astute insight, guidance, and track record of success. The Keit Team is a top-ranked team and closes 60 to 90 sales yearly, approximately $43 million in sales volume for 2019. “We give clients what we call our 5 Star, Top-Bar Service, and actually have our Keit Team Concierge and Client Care Coordinator to help ensure delivery of this high level of service to our buyers and sellers,” Keit says. “We understand that it’s customer service in combination with our expertise in

marketing, negotiating and problem solving that help us bring the results our buyers and sellers want. Our registered trademark slogan is ‘Moving Across Town, Across the Country or Around the World – We Make Moving Easy!’ We offer that level of attention and comprehensive service to every client we work with.”

In addition to a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University, Ross has completed additional in-depth study and the required number of completed sales transactions necessary to earn a host of real estate industry designations and honors. Ross has earned the Associate Broker designation as well as Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), a Realtor Short Sale Professional (RSSP) and a National Association of Realtors GREEN Agent. Ross was named a Top 20 Under 40 (age) Agent by the Long Island Board of Realtors.

Ross is actively involved in his professional community. He is a member of the Long Island Board of Realtors and is the President of the Northeast Queens Chapter of LIBOR for 2020. He is also a member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the Bayside Business Association, and actively participates in Keller Williams community activities supporting a variety of groups needing volunteer as well as fundraising initiatives. In his free hours, Ross most enjoys time spent with his family and loved ones, golfing, and traveling.

Now with a long legacy of his own—fourteen years— Ross Keit considers what he enjoys most about his chosen field. “I like being able to help guide others successfully through what is one of the biggest emotional and financial moments of their lives,” he says. “It’s so gratifying to help people accomplish their real estate goals and put them on the path to building wealth through real estate!”

To learn more about Ross Keit email ross.keit@kw.com, visit keitteam.com, or call (718) 490–4885 www.

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Jim McQuade is proud to congratulate

ROSS KEIT

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

Jim McQuade | Mortgage Banker | NMLS ID# 62601 516-455-4552 mobile James.McQuade@CitizensBank.com Citizensbank.com www.

48 South Service Road, Melville, NY 11747

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How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

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ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

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TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me, it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

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THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad

after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world.

Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

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COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

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START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence.

A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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ZAULO GONZALEZ

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ZAULO GONZALEZ Zaulo Gonzalez had a personal reason to get into real estate. He had been a technology sales executive for a decade, but his family’s experience with a home loan changed his direction in life. “My parents lost their home in 2009,” he explains. “And it was because the loan they got was a five year ARM and every year after five it kept going up, and nobody had explained that to them. So I told myself I’m not going to let that happen to anyone else.”

Zaulo began his business successfully - his first year goal was $4 million in sales and he broke $4.5 - and that success comes from keeping his clients informed about what is best for them and for their future, down to the smallest detail. “If my clients are looking at a house and think the floors need work or it needs a new carpet I’ll go find three people who can do that service, get quotes and provide that information before we even make an offer,” he says.

He walks his clients through the process, providing them with information up front that gives them a step-bystep idea of how it will all work, and then he continues staying in touch with them throughout the whole transaction. “It’s almost over-communication!” Zaulo laughs.

But his clients appreciate it, and they appreciate the way he gets them want they want… and then some. “My

skills in negotiation are strong,” he says. “Recently there was a house listed at two fifty five, and my client wanted to get it down to two fifty. We actually closed it at two forty five.”

For Zaulo a big perk of the job is getting to know so many people. He tends to become Facebook friends with clients and maintains relationships even after closing. The nature of Las Vegas real estate also means he gets to work with people from all over. “I have clients from Mexico City, California, from New York,” he says. “One thing they all have in common is the smile they have when they finally get the keys. That’s my favorite part.”

When he’s not working, Zaulo loves to spend time reading and supporting local Catholic charities. He stays active, hiking the Red Rocks. He also recently started playing the guitar. “It’s not going well,” he laughs. “But you know what they say - take it one chord at a time.”

Recently Zaulo has been able to use his real estate skills to help his family. His sister recently moved from Colorado to Vegas and was about to buy a home when the loan couldn’t close. Zaulo lept into action, contacting a lender and putting everything together. “Within ten days we were able to close that loan,” he says. “Now she owns a home right down the street from my house.

I’m glad I was able to make that work for her, and that’s the kind of energy I bring not just to my sister, but to all my clients.”

To find out more about Zaulo Gonzalez, visit zaulo.myvegashomefinder.com, call 702-370-4132, or email zaulo.lvrealtor@gmail.com https://

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Turn Open Houses into Destinations People are busy. Even those who are actively looking to buy a house or want to learn about the market for a future purpose have busy schedules.

But with bit of added time, creativity and investment in making open house into destinations, you’ll see greater turnout. And we all know that greater turnout increases the likelihood of offers.

There are several creative ways to hold an open house with a mindset of hospitality and with the goal of providing something of value to each person who attends.

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The neighbors-only open house Some agents embrace the “nosy neighbor” concept as a benefit, not an eye-rolling challenge.

With his client’s permission, Wesley Peters, a Keller Williams broker in the Baltimore Metro Area, often gets the neighbors together before a home hits the market. “We invite other brokers, too, but we include as many neighbors as we can,” he says, explaining that he schedules these events for a Thursday or Friday evening, happy hour-style, rather than midday on a Sunday. They get a better turnout at 5:00 pm than

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midday on a weekend when the neighbors are busy with their lives. In a relaxed setting, conversations flow, neighbors can mingle and catch up, and the buzz begins before the home is listed.

In advance, prepare invitations and hand-deliver them to homes on the streets you and your client agree are best to include. The destination is the event; the value each attendee receives is the social interaction and the removal of any awkwardness over visiting their neighbor’s house.

Your client’s benefit is the buzz.

A turnkey block party any time of year Once a property is listed, some agents take on the role of party planners. Certain streets or neighborhoods, they find, are perfect for lowkey social occasions. In some place, such as neighborhoods with many young families, a bounce-house or games may even ramp up the fun factor. But the idea of a seemingly spontaneous block party during an open house can be easy to pull off, whether you’re serving lemonade and cookies or coffee and pastries. The chance to meet prospective neighbors turns the event into a destination for both buyers and the neighbors; the value comes in buyers’ ability to see how the neighbors interact. Your seller’s benefit is that the grapevine will be filled with happy stories about their home. Tips: By keeping basic supplies in storage, you’ll be ready for a pop-up block party any time. Promote this type of event with targeted social media marketing and fliers or postcards to communities within a short distance of your listing.

Invite other professionals It’s common mortgage lenders to attend open houses. But why not provide even more value to people who attend? Chances are, you have more than a handful of professional partners who welcome an opportunity to join you at your open house. Consider inviting an interior designer, a contractor, a gardener, even a gardener or a painter. Invite them to your broker’s open in advance or give them time to view the property 26

before the open house begins. Then encourage them to stroll the property during the open house or to sit with you. When visitors ask about needs or concerns they may have about the house – such as loan questions, the cost of improvements or upgrades or even remodeling – you’ll be able to introduce them to an expert on the spot. For that matter, your invited pros don’t even necessarily have to be in home-related businesses!

Prospective buyers always want to know about the community when visiting open houses.

Consider inviting representatives of community

organizations, like youth sports group or owners of mom-and-pop retailers to help your visitors get a feel for the neighborhood or town. For this type of open-house, prepare a flyer or card with your community contacts on it so visitors can leave with resources as well as information.

Open house should be about the buzz. They’re about creating a conversation about your listing and making the home memorable to visitors. By giving people a unique experience they won’t forget, you’ll show your sellers how creative you are in meeting their needs.

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BEENU SIKAND

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BEENU SIKAND When Beenu Sikand first got started in real estate, she had just earned her master’s in business administration. “I had two options, one was going for the corporate job, or I could choose real estate which allowed me flexibility to be with my three children,” Beenu explains. She chose real estate, and hasn’t looked back since. “It was the best thing I ever did,” she says.

Every year since, she has increased her business and is only continuing to receive more referrals. Today she has her own business called Legacy Homes International, where she serves buyers and sellers in the greater Indianapolis region. She hopes to also open offices in Michigan and California. “I am able to migrate different clientele from other states into Indianapolis with my unique marketing approach,” she says.

With much of Beenu’s business consisting of referrals and repeat clients, it’s clear she’s going above and beyond expectations. She speaks English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu, so she attracts many people from other countries. “I love real estate because I get to meet so many nice people and am able to be involved in the community,” she explains. She has won numerous awards and accolades in her industry and has served on different boards and committees for non-profit organizations. Staying active in the area has no doubt contributed to Beenu’s success.

Beenu sponsors many local events and charities, especially those relating to India and the local Indian community. Legacy Homes Scholarships is a foundation she just started, which helps 1-2 kids every year either become a real estate agent or pursue higher education. Social media sites also play a part in Beenu’s growth, with around 65% of her business coming from social media marketing. No matter who she is helping, Beenu guides her clients throughout the process and only wants what is best for them.

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After the transaction, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “Beenu is a friend and was my Realtor. I had to take the time to do this because we couldn’t have done it without her help, so thank you Beenu! She was always very quick to reply to my requests for viewings and gave me the advice I needed to help me make it through the entire process as smoothly as possible, while keeping my sanity. Buying a home can be stressful, especially for a novice, so it was a really good idea to have a knowledgeable, flexible, friendly, and professional agent to work with. Friends and family, and anyone looking for an honest review I highly recommend Beenu.”

When Beenu isn’t working, she’s gardening, cooking or hanging out with her family and dog. But she’s also spending a lot of time planning for her future.

She’s currently working with an IT company to create a CRM program which will allow her to easily stay in touch with clients. She is also excited to open up offices outside of Indianapolis, with a long term goal of having an office in Los Angeles.

No matter how much she grows, she will continue to love every minute of her work. “I’m a people person, and it’s been very rewarding for me to help generations of families find or sell their homes.”

For more about Beenu Sikand, please call 317-670-1055 or email beenu.sikand@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

3 Mental Tricks That Will Take Your Business to the Next Level It’s no secret that running a successful business requires careful planning and a tireless work ethic.

Beyond those obvious ideals, it also takes the right mindset in order to capitalize on professional opportunity. In the world of real estate and mortgage lending, mental fortitude is a major component to reaching the next level and achieving longevity in a sector that requires so much self-discipline. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few key mental tricks you can employ to reinvigorate your working philosophy. Incorporate these techniques into your daily mindfulness routine and your business will surely benefit.

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Visualization helps you work efficiently and keep your cool.

This may sound like one of the oldest tricks in the book, but there’s a reason why Olympic athletes and those serving in first-responder positions use visualization as a time-honored mental technique.

Not only does visualizing your daily tasks help you organize your mind, but it amps up your ability to focus on what’s important. Visualization also helps reduce stress in the moment, since you’ve already created a mental expectation of the task ahead.

Whether you’re preparing for a negotiation or a pitch to new a client—visualization primes your brain and affords you an extra sense of control as you tackle your day.

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Distill concepts into their simplest terms for ultimate understanding.

As an agent or loan officer, you’re likely juggling numerous clients and commitments on any given day. That’s why it helps to distill your responsibilTop Agent Magazine

ities in clear, definitive terms. Let’s say you have a meeting set with a client to outline a marketing approach for their property. You may understand the broad strokes, but beforehand, try verbalizing the exact takeaways you’d like to impart to your client. This may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to clarify your communication and ensure your complete understanding of a subject is to explain it aloud in its simplest terms. This crystallizes your main point and can come in handy if you drift off-topic or need to double-down on your message.

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Accept that mistakes will be made.

While it’s natural to fear failure, sometimes the dread of making an error can overwhelm your ability to perform. As the saying goes: don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

If you accept in advance that set-backs will occur, challenges will come, and things won’t always go accordingly to plan—you’ll be less confounded when hurdles do arise. What matters is keeping an even keel as you sort through unexpected delays or mishaps. Accepting that mistakes will happen allows you to shift your focus towards a solution or contingency plan. In other words, don’t spend your energy trying to achieve perfection. Aim high and work hard, but be in touch with reality: upsets are bound to occur. Accept this and you’ll be ready when they do.

The path to lasting success is ongoing, and there are bound to be challenges along the way. It takes mental fortitude to make it to the top, so keep these tricks in mind as you continue to grow as a person and a professional. Seeing situations in a new light can make all the difference as you adapt, evolve, and take your business to the next level.

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Laughs!

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MOE ASGARIAN Toronto-based real estate agent Moe Asgarian is a hardworking real estate professional who is truly dedicated to helping his clients achieve their home buying or selling needs. It is Moe’s affable personality, coupled with his true passion for his chosen industry that has resulted in a stellar reputation as someone who can be consistently trusted to place his clients’ needs above his own during every transaction.

Moe, who comes from a background in the mortgage industry, obtained his real estate license in 2013. “I was tired of sitting behind a computer,” he recalls. “I’m not that kind of person. I enjoy getting out and meeting people, and real estate gives me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.”

Currently overseeing an equally dedicated team of five, and servicing a wide swath of the Toronto area, Moe has built a solid business that is based on a foundation of honesty and integrity, with a customer-first business ethos. One result of this is that a significant portion of his business is based upon referrals from satisfied past clients and positive word of mouth.

“It’s because of the service I provide, and the fact that I get results,” answers Moe, when asked how he inspires such impressive loyalty and trust in a highly fickle, ever-changing industry. Perhaps the best evidence of the exceptional customer service he and his team provide can be found in the glowing reviews he has received, including this one that fully illustrates the care and dedication Moe puts into every transaction: “Moe is a tireless professional, positive and high-energy Realtor who is great to work with. He has an incredibly strong work ethic, and this allows him and his team to achieve strong results for their clients. He goes above and beyond to make sure you are satisfied as a home buyer, and I highly recommend him to anyone who appreciates quality service.”

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There are a multitude of other reasons for Moe’s evergrowing success. Chief among them are his thorough and comprehensive marketing strategies, beginning with an in-depth and explicitly informative pre-listing process that ensures clients are put at ease and fully knowledgeable about the home buying or selling process. Professional photography, and expert use of the internet and social media – with an international reach – make certain that each listing is seen by as many people as possible, with the result being fast sales for top dollar.

When he’s not working, Moe enjoys nothing more than spending time with his wife and two young daughters.

He is also an ardent philanthropist who gives back to his community in a variety of ways, including support of local women’s shelters and charities that benefit in-need and sick children.

Moe’s future plans include growing his business, while working to maintain a good work/personal life balance for himself and his team members. Above all, however, is his goal to continue providing the very best customer service available in the Toronto market.

“I love what I do,” says Moe. “I love the impact I get to have on people’s lives.”

For more about Moe Asgarian, please call +1-416-837-8000 or email Mo.Asgarian@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine

The Daily Schedule

of a Successful Real Estate Agent Everything you do should be intentional. A busy schedule isn’t the same thing as a productive schedule. Sometimes people write things like “find clients” on their to-do list, but finding clients isn’t actually a task. It’s a goal. Your daily schedule should be created with your goal in mind if you want to be a successful real estate agent, but a goal is too broad to add to your calendar.

Instead, you can break your goal down into projects, break those projects down into tasks, and schedule time in your calendar to complete each task. You’ll find that some of these projects will have an immediate impact on your business, and that those are the tasks that should be completed first.

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The fact is that as a real estate agent you can set your own schedule—if you’re not productive until 10am, then you don’t have to start your day until then. But having a daily schedule means that every day you have a running start on all those other agents who just “wing it.”

You don’t want to feel burned out and busy but like you’re simultaneously not getting a whole lot done. You can only keep up 70+ hour weeks for so long before your body breaks down and both your performance and income drop as a result.

Since every real estate agent’s operating hours look different, the following daily schedule is broken up by the suggested amount of hours you

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should spend on each task rather than specific times of day. However, certain tasks, like prospecting, appointments, and listing presentations should be performed at times when it’s most convenient for clients. If you’re an agent who likes to end their workday at 5 o’clock, remember that this is also the same time your clients are likely ending their day, meaning you might be unavailable for showings during the only time their schedule allows.

3.5 hours – This is that time of day that you should schedule all your appointments and listing presentations. If you are a newer agent, you might use this time instead to do more prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Spend this time waking up, exercising either at home or at the gym, and eating breakfast.

2 hours – Now it’s time to unwind. Use this time to have dinner and spend time with you family. If you have children, this is usually the time of day when they are wrapping up homework assignments and getting ready for bed.

It’s important that you make time for these moments the same way you make time for your work.

2 hours – Use this time before you head to the office to develop a morning routine, if you haven’t already. You can meditate, journal, practice affirmations, or read personal development books to prepare for the day ahead.

1 hour – Once you’re at the office, spend this time to review the day’s schedule, catch up with your assistant or other colleagues, and check the latest industry news. This is also the time of day that you can role play to prepare for appointments.

1.5 hours – Spend this time prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Now it’s time for a lunch break. If you’re a multitasker, you can also use this time to prepare for the afternoon and any meetings you have scheduled or connect with followers on social media.

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.5 hours – Look over the day’s schedule again and ensure you’ve checked every task off your to-do list. While you’re at it, be sure to review tomorrow’s schedule and goals too.

2 hours – Spend these last couple hours before you fall asleep to have quality time with your spouse or perform your self-care routines.

8 hours – Now it’s time for sleep—getting a full night’s rest is crucial if you want every day to be productive.

As you can tell, there’s still some wiggle room left in this schedule, but the important thing is to block out time every day so you can achieve your goals and help your clients.

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CINDY BOND When Cindy Bond earned her real estate license in 1996, she knew she had found her niche. She initially started in real estate as a co-owner in a residential building business in 1983. To better service their business and to increase the rewards of the sales process, she felt becoming an agent was the next step. Her first year in real estate she was awarded ‘Rookie of the Year.’ Most recently, she and her husband have been owners of Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty. Licensed in Idaho and Washington, Cindy serves a wide region which includes Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, encompassing areas up to the Canadian border. Specializing in the luxury segment, Cindy goes above and beyond expectations, with the vast majority of her business consisting of repeat clients and referrals.

“I think what sets me apart is ensuring ongoing communication with my clients and having a passion for what I do,” she explains. “It’s very evident to my clients that when they hire me, I’m going to get the job done and do everything we can to make sure their home search or selling experience is exceptional.”

Cindy has been the #1 top producer in her company since 2007 and has found that affiliating with Sotheby’s International Realty brings many benefits. “Sotheby’s International brand has provided a luxury marketing platform which exceeds any other real estate company in the industry,” she says. Working with a reputable company combined with truly caring for her clients has allowed her to flourish as an agent.

“I’m very relationship driven. Having been a Seller/ Builder of residential properties and understanding the necessity for detailed communication during the list to sell process or buying process, it has proven to be a valuable asset in my business as an Agent,” Cindy explains. Cindy attributes her tenacity, innovation and Top Agent Magazine

presence in the region for her steady growth. “When introducing potential Buyers to the area, it is imperative, in my opinion, to showcase the lifestyle afforded here.

In addition to listening to what the client’s description for a home and setting, it is important to understand their desired lifestyle. Their lifestyle choice is what triggers the emotional decision process to purchase (or sell) their real property.”

After the transaction, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “My experience working with Cindy Bond was excellent.

She was very professional and patient through a lengthy process of selling my home. Cindy communicated with me frequently about market conditions and followed through on all showings. She did a great job working with a difficult situation and my home was able to close quickly and smoothly.”

As Cindy looks towards the future, she is eager to continue growing. She is enthusiastic to see what comes next! “I wake up every day with the expectation that something exciting will happen. Every day is unique. Each day is an opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life. My goal is to be a blessing to others – present and effective in the moment – whether working or enjoying my family.”

For more about Cindy Bond, please call 208-255-8360 or email cindy.bond@sothebysrealty.com 35 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

ANDREA FEYEN Andrea Feyen had a successful career in law enforcement, but after having children she decided to make a career change and become a real estate agent. “I’ve always had a passion for the work. I’m a native of Arizona and I’ve always helped friends buy and sell houses. I hit the ground running when I got my license in 2012 and I’ve been loving it ever since,” she says. Andrea serves the Phoenix Metropolitan area with a focus on the east valley including Mesa, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley. “I’ve lived in the east valley my entire life so I know the area extremely well. It’s where I grew up; it’s where my kids go to school. And I use that knowledge to help my clients,” she explains.

An impressive 80% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients. Her clients ask her to be their Realtor again and again because she builds and maintains strong relationships with them for the long-term. “It’s not a job, it’s a passion. I’m always available to my clients, 24/7. When clients reach out to me, I respond as soon as possible,” Andrea says. She understands that buying or selling a home is a huge decision made up of many tiny decisions and she’s there for her clients each step of the way. To stay in touch with past clients, Andrea checks in via phone and text, sends home anniversary cards and holiday notes, delivers Christmas gifts, and meets with them to organize community events or just share a coffee.

Andrea also runs a Facebook community group, called Chandler Gilbert Buzz, where she has over 12,000 followers. This group is focused on bringing the community together, giving back, local charity involvement, and sharing of local events and valuable community

information. She also uses it to premarket listings before they are posted on the MLS. “I sometimes sell houses before they even reach the MLS,” she says. To get the word out about listings, she also spreads the word throughout her extensive network in the Phoenix area, and uses all the resources available to her through Berkshire Hathaway, which has a reach throughout Arizona, the United States and beyond. She does professional photographs for every home, regardless of the price point, and helps clients prepare their home for sale.

“We have one shot to get people through the door, and photographs, house prep, and marketing are a big component of that,” she says. Her time and attention pay off, with her listings often selling quickly at competitive prices. Last year she closed almost $12 million in transactions, and is one of the top sales agents in Arizona.

Andrea received her BA from Arizona State University and her MA from Northern Arizona University. She supports ICAN, a local nonprofit she’s been involved with since she was in law enforcement. Currently she sits on the committee, The Dream Team, raising money and resources to benefit local underprivileged children.

Recently she teamed up with the community to raise over 700 gifts to children hospitalized during the holidays; and she’s been involved in shoe and book drives as well.

“I utilize my resources to bring good to the community,” she says. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her children and her husband of 20 years, take her kids to their extracurricular events, go to church, and host Sunday family dinners. “All four of us are certified scuba divers, so we travel and scuba dive as a family,” she says.

For the future, Andrea wants to continue serving her clients well and increase her connections, community, and sphere of influence!

To find out more about Andrea Feyen, call 480-329-2432, email OurAgentAndrea@gmail.com, or visit andreafeyen.bhhsaz.com.

Visit Chandler Gilbert Buzz Facebook group, at facebook.com/chandlergilbertBUZZ https://

www.

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Tips on Breaking Into the Luxury Market So, you’ve been doing residential real estate for a while and you’re looking to up your game. A lot of people consider going into the luxury market at that point. Or, maybe you started in the business always intending to specialize in luxury properties and were just learning the ropes before you tackled one of the industry’s most lucrative specialties.

No matter the reason, the luxury market is a whole new ballgame and you don’t want to go into it unprepared. First impressions are everything in this business, especially when you’re dealing with wealthy clients and investors. Here are few things to consider if you’re thinking of going from starter homes to estates.

LEARN HOW THE LUXURY MARKET AND CLIENTELE ARE DIFFERENT As experienced as you might be in traditional real estate, the luxury market is almost like starting at ground zero. Everything from the buyers, to the sellers, and obviously, the properties themselves, will take a new approach.

One of the key ways it is different is that the feeling of exclusivity truly matters. You will be doing more targeted marketing through high-end networking groups as wealthier clients tend to be more comfortable when Top Agent Magazine

you come recommended by people they trust to have the highest standards. There are no mass-marketed open houses. It’s all about private showings. Although professional, one-on-one service is key in this business no matter what the price point, wealthier buyers are accustomed to concierge-style service, and the way to stand out from the rest is to provide service that goes above and beyond what even they expect.

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LOOK THE PART If you’re thinking of going the luxury route, creating high-end branding and marketing yourself properly is of the utmost importance.

That includes your own personal look. You and your business will need a total makeover, or at least a major upgrade. It might even be time to buy that new car you’ve always wanted. It is also key that all of your marketing materials are high end. So start gathering a stable of highly-trained professionals,

photographers, and stagers as every aspect of the service network you’ll be providing complements the brand that you’re selling.

It’s well worth the time to get all of this nailed down and seamless before you even think of entering the luxury market. Another good investment? You want to have an indepth knowledge of all the latest real estate technologies and innovations. Don’t just look the part, actually be on the cutting edge.

SELL THE LIFESTYLE Yes, you’re selling a home, but you’re also selling a lifestyle, which in luxury is almost more important. When someone is spending millions of dollars on a home, they want to see the fabulous life they will be living in their new digs. Really highlight amazing party spaces, unique one of kind features,

and amenities. As with anything of value, things that make a property rare, will automatically make it more appealing to people who can afford the best. It also helps people connect more emotionally with a home, giving it even more value than if you just try and sell it as a good investment.

NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING Networking is an important aspect of this business at every level, but it a vital tool in the luxury market. Most of your referrals and targeted marketing will be done through luxury agent exclusive networking groups. In addition to that, it is even more important in this segment of the business to be actively 38

involved in your community through volunteering and supporting local charitable events. You will not only build a stellar reputation, but you’ll also be giving back to the community you represent, and ultimately, integrity is what it’s all about in this business.

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MARISSA GILLMAN SCHAEFER “Real estate was in my blood from a very young age,” remembers Marissa Gillman Schaefer.

With a father in development, a husband in commercial real estate, and now partnering with her mother, a long-time broker, Marissa’s involvement in the industry is absolute. On Sunday mornings during her childhood, she has fond memories of touring neighborhoods alongside her parents.

Now, Marissa is entering her fourth year in the business, complete with a reputation for her creative eye, superlative client care, and personal touch.

Prior to her entry into real estate, Marissa worked in luxury retail as a buyer and manager for more than a decade. Ready for her next adventure, she joined ranks alongside her mother and has parlayed her creativity and customer service skills to her new career. In her first listing ever, Marissa sold a property for $3.8-million.

Unsurprisingly, she was later named Rookie of the Year at her previous brokerage, breaking $10-million in volume during her debut year. Now, Marissa co-leads the Gillman Group, a tight-knit team that drives roughly 75% of business through repeat and referral clientele.

Chicago buyers and sellers trust Marissa’s astute insight, personable demeanor, and commitment to advocating for her clients’ best interests. “Our motto is Live Your Best Life,” Marissa says. “We’re loyal and we work hard for our clients. We give our clients the best of both worlds.

We’ll do anything we can to make them happy and comfortable, but we’re not afraid to be aggressive when it comes to negotiating and fighting for their interests.”

When listing properties, Marissa applies a nuanced eye to ensure each property makes a memorable impression.

“No two homes are the same,” she explains. “Experiences within a home, even square footage, can have different impacts. I’m a visual person who worked for a long time in a highly visual industry, and I understand how to tailor advertising toward that end.” This includes high-end photography that imparts a dynamic, curated look inside homes headed to market, targeted social Top Agent Magazine

media campaigns, and exposure in major publications from The Chicago Tribune to the online Curbed.

Likewise, Marissa is willing to go left-of-center to drum up interest, including hosting a pop-up shop in a less conventional property for sale. “We’re strategic in pricing and negotiating for the best value for our clients,” she says. With an average price range that spans $295,000 to $4-million, Marissa is well-versed in Chicago’s expansive inventory and competitive marketplace.

Beyond the office, Marissa gives back to a number of causes supporting women, particularly Dress for Success, an organization dedicated to helping unemployed women get back on their feet. In her free hours, Marissa most enjoys time spent with her family and loved ones, traveling alongside her husband, cooking, fitness, and interior design.

As for the future, Marissa intends to keep progress going steady as she continues to build her career and relationships in the years to come. Now, with four promising years behind her, Marissa Gillman Schaefer considers what she enjoys most about her chosen path.

“I really like the opportunity to help others through this time of transition,” she reflects. “We genuinely care about our clients and there’s nothing more rewarding than being there for them and making that connection and difference on a personal level.”

For more about Marissa Gillman Schaefer email Marissa.Schaefer@Compass.com, visit gillmangroupchicago.com, or call (312) 560–8400 www.

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BRANDI GLOVER Brandi Glover got her start in real estate seven years ago. At the time, she was in the process of house-hunting, when her Realtor complimented Brandi’s eye and encourage her to try her hand at the business. Intrigued by the challenge, Brandi earned her license, and the rest is history.

Now, Brandi has established herself as an exceptional agent, complete with a reputation for superlative client care, communication, and a personal touch.

Today, Brandi serves clients across the greater Oklahoma City region. There, she has managed to cultivate a business almost exclusively driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust her knowledge, experience, and personable approach to sales. “I’m laidback, and I’m not pushy—that’s not who I am,” Brandi says.

“I’m transparent and I also defer to clients and allow them to make the best decision for their situation. I lay out all the facts and their options clearly, and let them determine what makes sense for them. I’m also a very hard worker, and I take a lot of pride in my work ethic.”

In that vein, Brandi has made it a point to continue her professional education and earned her broker’s license two years ago. Applying that knowledge to her service of clients is a major value-add buyers and sellers can count on, while communication is another. “I’m always available and responsive,” she says. “It makes a huge difference in this business, and that’s what it’s all about.

I make it work on my end, so I can do whatever needs to be done for my clients.”

When listing properties, Brandi covers every base, beginning with professional photography that highlights homes in their finest and most immersive light. From there, she leverages her wide network and database of past clients and fellow industry professionals, broker’s opens, and dissemination across the leading online listing platforms and social media outlets. This year, she closed 73 transactions, breaking her record from the 40

previous year at 68. No matter if she’s working with buyers, sellers, at the entry-level end of the market or luxury estates, Brandi’s track record puts her clients’ interests first. “I work everything the same,” she says, “whether it’s an $8,000 lot to a $500,000 home.”

Beyond the office, Brandi gives back by staying active in her children’s schools, and by supporting her husband, a military servicemember, and their community as a leader of the Family Readiness Group (FRG). She also participates on her local Realtor board. In her free hours, she most enjoys time with her family and friends, meeting new faces around town, and exploring new restaurants in the area.

Now, with seven years of experience and insight, Brandi Glover considers what she enjoys most about her chosen field. “When you buy a home, it’s a big investment, commitment, and decision—which can be really scary,” she says. “So, it makes me feel good that I’ve had a part in that process and can help clients achieve a piece of the American Dream.” Looking ahead, Brandi plans to keep progress going steady as her career continues to flourish. “I hope to grow in whatever direction this industry takes me.”

To learn more about Brandi Glover email BrandiG@OERselect.com, visit OERselect.com, or call 405–278–1095 www.

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How to Make Your Commute Productive The highest caliber business owners and entrepreneurs utilize every minute of their day.

Though this may be a lofty goal, there are certainly ways to make our daily routines more efficient and productive. Consider the morning and evening commute—time blocks that are accounted for every day. For some of us, daily commutes may mean a lengthy drive through gridlock traffic, or perhaps just a quick fifteen-minute crosstown excursion. However short or long your commute may be, there are ways to maximize this component of your daily routine and reap the rewards.

With that in mind, take a look at some ideas below to inject some energy and productivity into your daily commute.

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Listen to the latest industry-centric podcasts or audiobooks Whether you drive, bike, walk, or take public transportation, a commute is the perfect time to tune into an industry-oriented podcast or audiobook as a way of building your skills or getting into the zone for the day. Instead of letting your commute time be passive, you can process insights from leading industry professionals, or develop your skillset on a topic you haven’t yet made time for. Perhaps you’d like to develop your social media presence, or maybe you’d like to tap into the millennial homebuyer market—whatever the case may be, there is audio material out there suited to your interests. What’s more, podcasts are free and easy to incorporate on your smartphone or

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tablet, and there are ample audiobook subscription services out there that make regular listenership cost effective.

Create a mental to-do list to get a head-start on your day, or to prepare for tomorrow Getting your thoughts in order with a straightforward to-do list can help you dive in once you make it to your desk, or serve as a conclusive mental routine to end your work day.

If you drive to and from work and don’t have your hands free, don’t fret. Speaking your to-do list aloud can help you detangle your thoughts and tasks by vocalizing them. You can also try breaking down your to-do list by verbalizing the day’s goals, the week’s goals, and the month’s goals as a way of structuring priorities. If your commute is hands-free, you can incorporate a variety of apps that serve as custom-made todo lists that’ll organizationally map your duties for the day. In either case, use your commute window to identify and name the tasks ahead of you, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running when the time comes to perform.

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Tend to your personal commitments and planning A productive commute can boost your professional performance, but it can also serve your personal growth and out-of-the-office responsibilities, as well. Perhaps you can think out and plan your meals for the week so that you don’t come home burnt out and with nothing in mind for dinner. Maybe you check in with a relative or partner and catch up for a spare twenty minutes.

Not only does this eliminate a few items off of your personal to-do list, it can actually give you a more focused mind at the office. If your personal life is in good order, you’ll be able to devote your full attention to work tasks.

As the old saying goes, there are only so many hours in a day. If you added up all the minutes spent commuting around town, how many hours would amount? Though the trek to and from the office is an engrained part of professional life, it doesn’t have to be a drag. Account for those spare commute windows in productive ways, and in only a month you’ll have devoted a significant portion of your time to bettering yourself as a person and a professional.

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ANTHONY GUCCIARDO Charismatic, friendly and determined, Anthony Gucciardo has experienced great success in the real estate industry. He got his start in high school working for Robert Marini Builders, where he was a host for three of their model homes. Getting the itch for real estate, he then attempted to sell his parents’ home as a For Sale By Owner. His next job was at a bank, where his natural people skills thrived. “One time a Realtor came in and he said I should consider getting my license,” Anthony says. He took his advice, and hit the ground running. On July 5, 2002, he received his license, then quickly sold 20 homes in his first year. Seeing his success, his parents both retired from their jobs in 2004 and joined him in real estate. “The rest is history,” he says. Today he leads The Gucciardo Real Estate Group. Serving a 40 mile radius of Albany, New York, he has continued to exceed expectations, with the majority of his business consisting of repeat clients and referrals.

“People know that I get the job done,” he says. When he was younger, he would analyze real estate agents and determine what qualities made them successful or lacking. “I saw that you had to be personable, but also respectful and not waste time. I’ve gotten listings where I was in and out in 20 minutes, as opposed to someone else who stayed for 2 or more hours. That’s one of the benefits I think I have, I’m just a straight shooter.” Anthony understands that real estate can be a daunting process and that it is often confusing for many. He aims to make it as simple as possible for his clients, which means not overwhelming them. Guiding his buyers and sellers throughout the process and demonstrating his knowledge and confidence in the field has helped him thrive.

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After the transaction, clients don’t hesitate to leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “Anthony is the best of the best. He knew what to list our house at, and let us know exactly what needed to be done pre-sale. Every time we called or texted him with a concern, he always got back to us immediately, regardless of when it was. He also gave us a list of professionals, and everyone we used was prompt, courteous, and did a wonderful job. An added bonus that saved us time searching for people. We sold our house in 25 days and closed 4 weeks later with absolutely no problems.”

As Anthony continues to grow, he is excited to see what comes next in his career. He feels real estate is incredibly rewarding in more ways than one. “It’s something new every day. It’s a path that rewards you for your effort. I love matching people to their ideal home and helping them through the process.”

For more about Anthony Gucciardo, please email amg329@aol.com or call (518) 331-3785 43 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

DANNY KISIN & ERIC FUTERMAN Taking the New Jersey real estate market by storm, partners Danny Kisin and Eric Futerman are making The Haute Group a household name.

Raised in New Jersey, the Real Estate duo have a long-standing knowledge and love for their home state and have put their passions toward supporting New Jersey communities. Danny began his real estate career in New York City’s commercial and residential industry, where he tailored his skillset to appease New York’s fast-paced and cutthroat climate. “My strategic negotiating skills have allowed me to win bids for my clients in their dream homes. I wanted to bring that drive to New Jersey to give a little back to the communities that once gave so much to me,” says Danny. After greater than 15 years operating and managing his family’s business, Eric entered into real estate with a hunger for reinvention. What began as a part-time job quickly turned into a full-time venture. “Working as a real estate agent offered me an opportunity to utilize my expertise in communications and business management in a new and fulfilling way,” says Eric.

Complementary skill sets and a long-time friendship between the two entrepreneurs allowed for an easy and successful collaboration.

Delivering the best full-service concierge experience is what Danny and Eric deliver every single time - “very knowledgeable and helped me through the whole process, from the beginning he was helpful in showing us the houses we were interested in and other houses that he knew would meet our criteria, even made it happen to see places on very short notice, he also help setting up inspections and recommended professionals to get them done.”

A previous client said. Every client is treated like family - their needs and time schedules are always our first priority.

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As Danny and Eric look towards the future, they’re eager to build a bigger team. “We want a team that will take our clients’ needs into consideration like we do,” they say.

And no matter how much they grow, their love for this industry will remain strong. “Nothing is better than building a relationship with our clients and seeing them happy. It’s a great feeling.”

For more information about Danny Kisin and Eric Futerman, please call 908-415-4798 (Eric), 347-385-1652 (Danny), or email kisindanny@gmail.com, agenteric8@gmail.com, or visit hautehomesnj.com www.

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6 Things All Successful Negotiators Do If you think about it, you’ve been negotiating your whole life. As a kid you negotiated constantly with your family, your teachers, and your classmates. If you’re a parent, you’re negotiating probably more than you ever have in your life. But it’s one thing to negotiate staying up late on a school night, people oftentimes have trouble translating those real world negotiation skills into the business world. But the truth is there are a lot similarities.

Expert negotiators all have skills and techniques they bring to the table. It’s quite possible you also have them, and don’t even realize Top Agent Magazine

it. Here’s a look at some traits that are common among expert negotiators.

1. They keep emotion out of the process It’s very easy to feel frustrated, angry and defensive during a negotiation process. But when emotions run high, it’s often difficult to respond with logic and reason. This can be especially difficult if the person you’re negotiating with tries to escalate the situation. As the saying goes, keep calm and carry on. You

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have an end goal in mind, and getting heated won’t help you meet it. If things don’t go your way, remember it’s not personal. Best to leave the table with no hard feelings. Hopefully even though you may not have gotten what you’ve wanted this time around, you’ve established a foundation for success at your next try.

2. They’re reasonable If you don’t ask for what you want you’ll never get it, but at the same time, you need to be reasonable about what you’re asking for. Yes, ask for a little more than you want, so you have some wiggle room to compromise. But if you ask for too much too soon, you might shut down the person you’re negotiating with from the start, or even worse offend them. No one wants to feel like they’re being taken advantage of. Ask for what you deserve and you’ll never go wrong. At the very least you might start the conversation on how that might be possible down the line, if it isn’t just yet.

3. They’re well-prepared Part of being reasonable is being well-prepared. One of the biggest mistakes novice negotiators make is showing up over-confident and under prepared. Have the research and facts to back up what you’re asking for. Show your negotiation partner evidence of why what you’re asking for is not only fair, but necessary. Facts are hard to shoot down. This will also give you the confidence to really push for what you want. It’s not just something you think, it’s something that’s undeniable true. If you go in unprepared you’re more likely to flounder, which will damage your credibility going into future negotiations.

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4. They always strive for a win/win solution for everyone Yes, negotiations are about getting what you want, but as the old saying goes, you get more flies with honey than vinegar. Your negotiation partner might also have reasonable requests that you need to consider. Ultimately, successful negotiations are about compromise on both sides, and ending up with an outcome that benefits everyone.

5. They’re creative Problems and conflict are a natural part of any negotiation. One surefire way to impress, is to head off any impending roadblocks, by coming up with creative solutions. It’s easy to point out problems and be negative. Truly expert negotiators think outside the box, and dazzle with innovative concepts and ideas that leave everyone excited about the process.

6. They’re good listeners Listening in order to really understand where your negotiation partner is coming from is important for two reasons: you not only want to make them feel heard, but knowing what they want is invaluable information you can use to get what you want. At the start, you’re gathering information by asking questions and really hearing what they say, which includes picking up on body language and nonverbal cues as well. This is part of being well-prepared, using every possible thing you can to have an advantage.

Being in control of the situation, and then leading everyone to a successful conclusion all around is what great negotiation is all about.

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JESSICA MAGAHA With a passion for education and a love for helping others, Jessica Magaha has quickly become a top real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri. Jessica spent 12 years teaching high school English, as well as coaching high school softball, dance, and collegiate cheerleading. She decided to take the leap into real estate when her husband started investing in and renovating properties. “He suggested I get my license, so I thought I’d get it to see if I liked it,” she explains. “I fell in love with it.” Jessica has found it an easy transition, as being an agent involves just as much teaching as the education field does. Today she has a small team of four people, all of whom are mothers. “We’re not a typical team, we’ve formed a partnership. We’re more focused on supporting each other so we can each have a healthy life/work balance. We’re also very empowered women making changes in our community and wanting to have a positive impact.” This mentality has resulted in their business consisting entirely of repeat clients and referrals.

“I think what really sets me apart is that I don’t have a sales background,” Jessica says. “It’s a relationship business.

I also think I stand out because of the education process I put into place.” When Jessica first started working as an agent, she utilized her lesson planning skills by figuring out ways to help people make solid choices during the buying and selling process. “That took a lot of research finding what systems work.” But it all boils down to honesty and communication. Her clients know she truly cares about them, and she never pushes them into making a choice. “I show them all the outcomes of each option, and when they make the decision, they’re able to fully own that decision, which is super important.”

When it comes to marketing, Jessica also goes above and beyond, creating marketing strategies and ideas that are tailored to the individual and their property. She starts off with a walkthrough of the home. “I ask if they want to Top Agent Magazine

make changes or updates. Then I pull up recently sold homes or expired listings to give them a picture of what’s going on in their neighborhood,” she says. Jessica then asks if they have a price point in mind, and allows them to choose the list price. “I pride myself on giving them accurate information so they can make educated decisions.”

She then sets up professional photography and sends out coming soon postcards before it is listed and promoted.

After the transaction, clients leave five-star reviews about their time together. One recently said, “We highly recommend hiring Jessica. She acted as our buyer’s agent and we couldn’t have been more pleased with her. She was incredibly responsive, responding to our many texts and phone calls, no matter how early or late. She quickly and thoroughly followed up on everything we asked.”

When Jessica isn’t working, she’s staying active in the community. While being a Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader, she was exposed to various charity and outreach programs. This established the habit of giving back, which she will always incorporate into her life.

Looking ahead, Jessica has her sights set on growing to 25 agents in her newly opened third office in Leavenworth, Kansas. And no matter how much she grows, she will no doubt love every minute of it.

For more about Jessica Magaha, please call 913-748-6213 or email jmagahaonw@gmail.com 47 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

MARY MAHONEY When speaking with top agent Mary Mahoney, veteran of the real estate industry, the first impression one is likely to get is that this is a Realtor working at the top of her game, and one who – despite her longevity in the industry – retains a sincere enthusiasm for helping her clients achieve their real estate goals. Having built her business on a foundation of honesty, integrity and knowledge, Mary has earned her stellar reputation as a trusted real estate advocate who always places her client’s needs front and center during every transaction.

Mary is justifiably proud of her association with industry leader Keller Williams, and she is a consistent top producer in their Pocono, PA Market Center. She began her career officially in 1987 in Bucks County, before moving to the scenic vacation destination of The Poconos in 2002, where she has since become recognized as a local market expert. Currently working with a small but consummately dedicated team that includes a Buyer’s Agent, an Administrative Assistant and a Marketing Specialist, Mary’s commitment to providing her buyers and sellers with top-of-the-line, concierge style customer service has translated into a business that is based significantly upon returning clients, positive word of mouth, and referrals from those she has helped in the past.

quick sales for top dollar, not to mention happy clients.

Professional photography and virtual tours ensure that each listing is showcased in its best light, and her deft utilization of the internet and social media platforms make certain that each of her properties are seen by as many potential buyers as possible. Open houses are also held, and phone calls and postcards are used to stimulate interest from those who live in the same neighborhood.

Mary gets an additional assist through Keller Williams exceptional marketing approach, which syndicates her listings to hundreds of websites internationally.

“I really love what I do,” says Mary, her sincerity obvious.

“I like that I get to help people, whether that’s a client who is buying or selling, or if it’s other, newer agents that I get to mentor and add to my team.” Mary’s passion for industry education is made evident by the numerous seminars she holds annually, often for first-time buyers or investors.

When asked what advice she might have for newer agents, or those contemplating a career in real estate, Mary grows thoughtful for a moment before replying.

“Real estate isn’t something you can do part time and be successful,” she says. “You have to commit to this job full-time, and if you do, you can achieve success beyond your wildest dreams.”

“I think one of the reasons my clients refer their friends and family to me is because I stay in touch with them long after the transaction is closed,” says Mary, when asked to account for the impressive levels of trust and loyalty she inspires. “I tell every client that if they ever need help with anything, be it a contractor or insurance policies or refinance they can come to me. Also, in The Poconos, many of the homes I sell are vacation properties, so I’ll help provide maintenance services like lawn mowing and other things they might need when they aren’t staying there.”

One other major factor in Mary’s continuing success story is her thorough and highly effective approach to marketing her listings, which almost always result in 48

For more about Mary Mahoney, please call 570-242-0112 or email MLMahoney@aol.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine

How to Throw a Networking Event

that Can Put Your Business on the Map It’s hard to argue with the benefits of attending networking events—you make new connections, enjoy industry skill-building conversation, and expand your reach in the local business community. However, have you ever considered the benefits of hosting a networking event?

Instead of attending as a guest, you’ll be the wizard behind it all. Throwing a networking event can position you as a local business leader, and you’ll be able to curate the experience to your tastes and goals. This idea may be tempting, but how do you pull it off? Review some Top Agent Magazine

of our tips and tricks below and you’ll be more than ready to throw a networking event that’ll put you on the map.

MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR GUESTS TO SAY YES. From the outset, try to keep things as simple as possible for your guests. This means that e-invites should be structured, yet conversational.

Include a link to register online so that arriving to your event is seamless and requires no signup sheets or stuffy check-in procedures. Select a venue that’s relatively well-known and central

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Throwing a networking event can position you as a local business leader, and you’ll be able to curate the experience to your tastes and goals. to your area. It should also have easy-to-access parking so that attendance is streamlined and hassle-free. Also consider sending an automated event reminder the day before and the day of the event—that way you’ll set guests up for easy attendance that they don’t have to debate.

CREATE A THEME. Capitalizing on a holiday or local event is a great way to drive attendance to your networking function. While getting to know area professionals is a worthy reason to meet up, you’re likely to engender a livelier ambiance if you incorporate a holiday or theme. This will inspire comradery among your guests, in addition to giving your event a natural focus. Major sporting events, a Thanksgiving themed pie bakeoff, or a spring cleaning themed community volunteer day can generate more interest than your average mixer.

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR GUEST LIST. While you may be trying to keep your invite list industry-specific, you may benefit from casting a wider net. Invite area entrepreneurs, young professionals, collegiate professional organizations, and even friends and family. You never know what sort of connections will be made, and high attendance is key to keeping the energy of your networking event at a high tier. Don’t worry about only collecting info from realtors or brokers or mortgage pros. Instead, create a 50

sense of community so that opportunities flow naturally and conversation remains diverse.

BE THE BOSS. As host, it’ll be your job to play matchmaker and drive conversation at your networking event. This means that you’ll get to know more people, but it also means you’ll be able to create connections between different professionals and businesses. You can maximize your matchmaking abilities by planting a few socially-minded friends around to drive additional conversations. Your goal is to keep people talking and to be outgoing. It should also be your goal to follow-up once the event is complete. Use this as an opportunity to continue to connect different people you met, or to follow-up with coffee or lunch with someone you found interesting. Try sending out a group thank-you e-mail to your guests after the fact, telling them to keep an eye out for your next event, or to get in touch with you for any questions or contact information of fellow attendees.

While it may feel like a risk to throw a networking event, it’s a risk worth taking. By positioning yourself as the host of your event, you’ll drive awareness to your business and brand, and build up the local professional community in a way that’s sure to draw good will your way.

Keep these ideas in mind as you go about planning a memorable networking event of your own, and above all—have a good time and others will follow suit.

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MARGIE NIXON For Margie Nixon, real estate has always been intriguing.

When she decided to start working part-time in real estate in addition to her fulltime government job, she fell in love with it even more.

Soon she realized she could make it her career. Now she’s been in the industry for 13 years, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Margie is a solo agent with an office assistant, but she also owns her own staging company. Serving the greater Birmingham, Alabama area, the majority of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

“I strive to focus on customer service and help a lot of first-time home buyers,” Margie explains. Throughout the process, she guides her clients and makes sure they are making knowledgeable decisions. “I explain a lot, and I also let people know that they’re making a major purchase. I don’t sell anything that I personally don’t feel confident about.” She is honest and transparent at every step, so clients trust that they are making the right choice when working with her. “I do thorough research on each property and make sure it’s a good neighborhood for their needs, and that they will be able to resell it in the future.” Rather than focusing on commission, Margie focuses on getting her clients towards their goals and helping them through this chapter in their lives.

After the transaction, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “Margie is an amazing Realtor! Very patient and hardworking.

She does not give up on her Clients or any transactions and is a true closer. Anyone looking to work with Realtor Margie Nixon should hire her right away, you will not be disappointed. We recently closed a transaction with her that many Realtors would have given up on and she didn’t. She went above Top Agent Magazine

and beyond to make it a smooth successful closing!

THANKS AGAIN MARGIE!” When Margie isn’t working, she’s staying involved in the community through her church, sorority and various non-profit organizations. “We do a lot of community outreach programs at the church, but the one that really stirred my heart is where we gave 125 parents a chance to shop for their kids for this Christmas. Margie is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and she volunteers with a lot of their outreach programs. She also volunteers with FreeWishes Foundation and HOPE, Inc., both organizations are located in Atlanta as well.

As Margie looks towards the future, she is eager to take her staging company to the next level and add at least 15-20 employees. Margie also wants to become one of the top ten agents in her state.

“What I love most about this business is the excitement people have when they find that house they really love.

It is so rewarding to see their faces light up.”

For more about Margie Nixon, please call 205-807-0359 or email myrealtormargie@yahoo.com

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CARTIER REED Cartier Reed has been a trail blazer in the real estate industry, ranking her in the top 500 realtors in the Cleveland market.

Serving both the east and west sides of Cleveland, she is now in her second year and her growth trajectory has been exponential. When Cartier decided to become her own boss she chose to enter the field of real estate.

“I always had an interest in it, so I decided to jump in full-time,” she explains. Cartier’s business is now mainly built off of referrals from past clients. With a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s in business administration, Cartier has a plethora of skills and an innate ability to get her clients towards their goals.

to vent my fears and my anxieties as I searched for a home just right for me. Cartier also corresponded with me daily or every other day and she kept me aware of possible listings in my price range. When I had a concern, she addressed it, overall making my search for a home pleasant and rewarding.”

When Cartier isn’t working, she’s spending time with her family or planning for her future. “I have huge plans for 2020,” she says. “I am excited for the coming months.” And no matter how much she grows, she will no doubt continue to love every second of her work. “I love helping people make major long-term purchases, and I feel good about helping them throughout the entire process.”

“I would say that my clients prefer me to others because of my high degree of attentiveness in customer service.

I think outside the box and show appreciation and care about my clients. It’s not just a one transaction deal, we start building a relationship,” she says. Cartier puts her clients’ needs above all else, and goes above and beyond to serve them. Whether she’s working with a first time home buyer, an empty nester or a retiree, she exceeds every expectation.

After the transaction, clients show their appreciation by leaving glowing reviews about their experience.

One recently said, “This is my second transaction with Cartier. This year she helped me to purchase a new home. She was exceptional in the buying process, in choosing homes to view and patient with me as I looked at several houses in different neighborhoods, until I found the perfect place. Best of all, she was able to negotiate a great price. I would highly recommend and would call her again if the need arose.” Another wrote, “Ms. Cartier Reed was not only knowledgeable about real estate, she was attentive to my needs.

She didn’t push or judge me, but instead allowed me 52

For more information about Cartier Reed, please call 216-772-3562 or email Cartier.Reed@kw.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine

5 Sure-Fire Ways to Get More Referrals

by Bubba Mills

Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to market your services? Just serve and help clients all day—it’s why you chose real estate in the first place, right? To help people. But if you’re like most REALTORS®, you’re likely working your butt off just to get those clients.

So what’s the answer? Referrals— from your current and past clients, family, friends and acquaintances.

Imagine what your business would look like if everyone you knew gave you just one good buying or selling referral. Yeah, savor that feeling for a minute.

savings. Remember this: when you take exceptional care of your clients, they’ll do your marketing for free.

Referrals are where the money is and here are five tips you can start using today to get more: 1. Make your service downright unforgettable. Past clients can’t refer you if they don’t remember you.

Help them remember you by giving them memorable service. Take time to brainstorm ways to increase your service. Remember that referrals are earned, not paid for. By the way, I teach a seminar called Marry Me! Getting Your Clients to Say ‘I Do!’ that gives tips on how to offer service that yields referrals. Visit http://getbubbasnotes.com/marryme and get them free.

Run the numbers. Your average client who sticks with you is worth $25,000 if they move three times (first average commission is $5,000; they move in five years, that’s another $10,000 for the buy and sell. Same with the third 2. Cross promote and partner with move, another $10,000.) Then if the other businesses. Think about all the client refers two people, suddenly local businesses in your city and you’re talking $75,000. And that’s then ask this question: What can I without marketing, so add in that do to help those local businesses Top Agent Magazine

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while promoting my business?

Think coupons for your clients and leaving your business cards in their stores.

3. Think A.B.A.—Always Be Asking. If you don't ask, you don't get referrals. Add a P.S. to your email signature. Something like this: “P.S. If you know anyone thinking of buying or selling real estate, please tell them about ABC Real Estate and hit the reply button and tell us how we can help them!”

Also, put some serious thought into your closing gifts. I’ve given Cutco Knives with my name engraved on the blades. Every time they use the knives, they think of me. Give gifts that have a shelf life.

4. Get involved in your community.

People are more likely to refer to someone they believe is a good person – someone that gives back to the community. And remember, it’s not your signs all over town that make you a community icon; it’s what you do for your community.

Volunteer at retirement centers, help rebuild and paint local parks, serve food at the local soup kitchen, take part in fundraisers and be seen at block parties and street picnics.

5. Show your gratitude when you do 54

get referrals. Thank your referrers for their help, and keep them updated on how the new relationship is going.

The referral system is built on strong relationships and shared value.

Share what’s on your mind. How much time are you spending to get referrals? Can you improve your referral numbers? If not, why not?

What’s preventing you from getting more referrals? What successes or failures have you had with asking for referrals in the past? Please send any comments or questions you have to Article@CorcoranCoaching.com or http://www.facebook.com/Corcoran Coaching.

Bubba Mills is co-owner and executive vice president of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching. com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into Real Estate Companies, Mortgage Companies and Small Businesses. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies.

To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 or visit us at www.Corcoran Coaching.com.

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LAUREN SHAW PARRELLA To say that Broker Lauren Shaw Parrella cares about her customers feels almost like an understatement. Approaching her job with a true sense of empathy for her buyers and sellers, and with a willingness to walk them through every step of the transaction process, Lauren has built a solid career on a foundation of honesty, integrity and her ability to achieve postitive results for her clients.

Lauren, who works with Realty Executives in Wayne, New Jersey, began her journey in real estate in 2013.

“I was a police dispatcher for six years,” she recalls.

“During that period I was doing real estate only part time, while getting my master’s degree in in Human Service Counseling. I ended up quitting that job in 2017 for personal reasons, and it was very scary, having no insurance and no set income. Fortunately, my boyfriend at the time – who is now my husband – supported me while I set about working full-time in 2019. I went from literally nothing to everything in a six-month period, and I couldn’t have done it without him. He’s my rock, and my biggest supporter.”

Despite her initial fears, Lauren found almost immediate success as a full-time agent, selling $12 million in 2019 alone, even while planning her wedding.

Since then, Lauren has firmly established herself as a trusted real estate advocate for her clients. Currently, more than half of her considerable business is based upon referrals and repeat customers, a solid show of confidence and trust in the highly competitive world of real estate. “I think it’s because my clients can tell that I genuinely care about them,” says Lauren, when asked how she has managed to inspire such consumer loyalty. “I don’t look at them as dollar signs. I actually want to help them, because I believe they deserve it.”

Another factor would be Lauren’s commitment to making herself available to her clients at all hours. “I Top Agent Magazine

tell them that as long as I’m not dead or sleeping, they can reach me,” she says with a laugh.

There are many other reasons for Lauren’s success, including expert negotiating skills (“I’ve never lost a bidding war when my clients took my advice”) and a strategic, comprehensive approach to marketing her listings. For the latter, Lauren employs professional photography exclusively, which ensures her properties are shown in their best light, and adroit use of the internet and social media platforms, primarily Facebook. All work in concert to achieve fast sales for top dollar; not to mention happy clients.

“I really love helping to change people’s lives,” says Lauren, “and making their dreams come true. Even though this job can be stressful, one thank you from a client can make all the stress go away. Getting to work with so many amazing people is a wonderful thing.”

Lauren, who currently holds a staggering impressive overall five-star rating on Zillow.com – comprised of scores of glowing testimonials – has big plans for her future. Growing her already thriving business is chief among them, as is her continued mentorship of newer agents to help them find the same level of success that she has.

For more about Lauren Shaw Parrella, please call 973-634-3394 or email LaurenParrella@realtyexecutives.com 55 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

LINDSAY SZWED Lindsay Szwed launched her career in real estate back in early 2017, after earning her stripes as an assistant in a local real estate firm. Prior to that, she’d been an elementary school teacher for ten years, but after a cross-country move alongside her husband and children, she decided to pursue new opportunities. Since earning her license, Lindsay has swiftly established herself as an agent known for her diligence, educational approach, and personal touch.

Today, Lindsay serves clients under the banner of RE/MAX Suburban. There, she has cultivated a business that grew 64% between her second and third years in the industry—a promising indicator of what’s still to come. She serves clients across Chicago’s northwest suburbs, particularly Mount Prospect, where she works and lives. “I have an in-depth relationship with the community here,” she says. “My kids go to school here, my office is here, and I’ve built my business here.”

In describing her working style, Lindsay cites her ability to problem-solve, negotiate, manage personalities, and create a calm, fun, yet educational environment for her clients. “It’s been said that former teachers make good Realtors, and I really believe that’s true,” she says. “I have a passion for teaching and guiding people through this process, and I place my clients interests first and build relationships based on honesty and professionalism. That’s the most important thing, to remember that there’s a person and family at the heart of a transaction.

Whether buying or selling, we’re working with people’s largest asset, and I take that responsibility seriously.”

When listing properties, Lindsay ensures every home is bolstered by professional photography, a 3-D tour, proper staging, excellent marketing, and of course, a competitive price prior to their market debut. Then, highranking visibility is achieved across the leading online

listing platforms and social media outlets, in addition to creating local buzz through open houses, broker tours, etc. This year, she is on track to close *$5-million in volume, with an average price-point of roughly $375,000. Whether working with buyers or sellers, Lindsay demonstrates her commitment to clients of all kinds through her hard-won Senior Real Estate Specialist designation, which fewer than 600 agents in the state possess. “I really have a connection with senior citizens and love working with them,” she says. “I take pride in being able to guide seniors through this transition period in their life and giving them the resources to make the best decision for themselves and their family.”

Beyond the office, Lindsay gives back to her community with each and every transaction by contributing to the Children’s Miracle Network and maintaining her status as a “Miracle Agent.” She also enjoys volunteering and helping out at Lemons of Love, an organization local to Mount Prospect that provides resources to cancer survivors and caregivers. In her free hours, Lindsay most enjoys time spent with her husband and her two children, friends, as well as being outside, traveling, golfing, attending country music concerts, and hanging out with her dog, Stanley.

Looking ahead, Lindsay intends to grow her business organically, with hopes to add new team members in the coming years. Now, with nearly three promising years behind her and a many more to come, Lindsay considers what she enjoys most about her chosen field. “I tell my clients I’m their Realtor for life and always stick around long after the transaction is over!” she says. “I truly value their business, and I can very honestly say that my clients become my friends. At the end of the day, they’re what matter most.”

To learn more about Lindsay Szwed, email listedwithlindsay@outlook.com, visit ListedWithLindsay.com, or call (847) 714-3704 www.

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A Compilation of Goals from My Coaching Clients

By Walter Sanford

Many times, new coaching clients don’t know what to ask for. They don’t get “turned on” until they hear what others are planning to get. Real estate sales is like a buffet – almost anything you can imagine. My clients tweak lead generation, answer objections with value, speed up the process, and don’t get involved in bad deals or with low/no profit individuals. They start seeing their needs met and then seed capital for the future.

It is interesting that many of my second and third year coaching clients have very similar goals. I thought you might be interested in them as well.

1 Transfer 20% of every commission check to an online account like Fidelity.com at the same time as the deposit.

2 Obtain disability insurance.

3 Open a 5-2-9 account for my child’s college education.

4 Set up a plan to pay all non-real estate secured debt that has higher interest rates than the rate on my highest mortgage.

5 Buy one more break even or positive cash flow property with no balloons.

6 Start one in-house lead generation activity aimed at a hot demographic to have less reliance on paid consolidator lead generators.

7 Create a manual for all office activities so we do not forget profitable activities and find it easier to train an assistant.

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8 Break database solicitation down to a call session every working day.

9 Buy a good quality, used vehicle with low mileage.

10 Get up a half-hour earlier and read the Bible.

11 Eat all frogs (distasteful activities) in the first hour of office time.

12 Establish vacation and time off goals.

13 Plan capital improvements to rental properties.

14 Buy guns, ammo, dehydrated food, water, generator or other disaster preparedness items.

15 Create better habits including gym time, walking, running, cardio, weightlifting, less sugar, better food.

16 Determine net worth for comparison with future years.

17 Set friend goals – either increase the number or have deeper relationships.

18 Make a will or better yet, a trust.

19 Refinance into fixed rates.

20 Pay all estimated taxes and keep income taxes current.

21 Institute various plans to increase the “at bats” with sellers.

22 Reduce money on buyer generation and move it to seller generation.

23 Fund retirement accounts.

24 De-clutter using eBay and garage sales.

25 Plan fun activities to look forward to with family.

These top twenty-five represent most of the ideas contained within my clients’ goals for 2016. I hope this will give you some ideas in finding your passion.

Copyright©, Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

To obtain Walter’s training for your business in a seminar or personal coaching, call us at 800.792.5837 to create a plan that works for you. Walter Sanford has been designing and implementing real estate systems for 30 years. One of the most successful REALTORS® and now wealthy from his systems, Sanford teaches his systems and strategies through his products, seminars, and personal coaching producing the best results in the industry. Do what works, do what is proven. Hire Walter Sanford. Call our office at 800.792.5837, email walter@waltersanford.com, or chat with us online at www.waltersanford.com.

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ANGELA THOMPSON With an altruistic spirit and a love for real estate, Angela Thompson has truly found her calling as a Realtor in the greater Cleveland area. She got her start out of college working for Pulte Homes, a national home builder. She really enjoyed new construction sales and honed her skills from 2004-2008. Unfortunately in 2008 she was laid off when the financial crisis hit. She took a break from real estate working a corporate job that turned out not to be the best fit for her personality nor her spirit. During that time she became pregnant with her first child. Thoughts of returning to a job she hated after maternity leave sparked her to get back to her true passion in real estate. Around the same time, her husband earned his real estate license and the two decided to team up to start their own brokerage a few years later. They took a huge risk both leaving their jobs to pursue real estate full time but with faith and determination to live a life full of purpose they made it work. Monument Real Estate Services is a full service real estate brokerage consisting of two divisions: residential real estate sales and property management. They’ve maintained steady growth year after year, and are excited to see what comes next.

Monday evening we viewed the house and presented an offer to the owner. With her help, within a very short time we closed on our new home. During the process she promptly and professionally answered all our phone calls, texts, and emails. She is warm and kind and really cares about making her clients happy. We highly recommend her to anyone in the home buying process!” Another wrote, “Angela helped us navigate the search process and adjusted very easily to our needs when our strategy changed. She was very responsive and professional in our dealings, and did an excellent job managing expectations with seller’s agents. She also helped us think creatively during the negotiation process.”

With the majority of their clients being referrals, they always exceed expectations. While Angela’s husband mainly handles the property management side, Angela focuses on the residential part, as she loves helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership. “I work a lot with first time home buyers. They really trust and listen to me and follow the path I guide them down,” she explains. Angela only wants what is best for them, and is eager to advise them on what steps to take to reach their goals. “It’s really fun to see them excited to buy their first house and to know that I helped make it happen and change their lives. Many of them refer me to others they know that are also interested in purchasing or selling, which is very humbling.”

As Angela and her team continue to grow, she will no doubt love every minute of her work. “Nothing is more rewarding to me than the gratifying feeling I get from doing what I love all while helping people.”

Afterwards, both buyers and sellers love leaving glowing reviews about their time with Angela. One recently said, “Angela was fantastic! We emailed her on a Sunday and

For more about Angela Thompson, please call 216-513-8798 or email realtorangelathompson@gmail.com

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When it comes to staying in touch with those around her, Angela makes sure to do so frequently, sending out seasonal calendars for local sporting teams. She also sends out a magazine every other month and regularly calls, texts or updates them on social media.

During any free time, Angela loves hanging out with her family which consists of her husband and three young children, exercising at OrangeTheory Fitness, and travelling the world. She is also active in the community and gives back frequently to local organizations.

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5 Things You Can Do To Achieve Your Biggest Goals If there’s one thing successful people can agree on, it’s that setting goals has been key to their success.

Whether you’re creating a five year plan or just settling on what you want to achieve by the end of the day, setting goals gives you the focus and direction you need to complete even the biggest tasks.

But there is a method to setting them. It’s a process that takes careful thought and consideration up front, which is then combined with the hard work necessary to implement your plan. Luckily there are proven methods to goal setting that you can start using immediately.

1. MAKE YOUR GOALS SPECIFIC Yes, it’s fun to think in grand terms of where you want to end up in life and in your career, but it’s better to have a specific goal like “Increase my sales by 25%”, than “Get rich.” When a goal is clear and specific, it allows you to figure out the exact steps you need to take to accomplish it. The more general it is, the more paralyzed you might be when it comes to figuring out what to do since, the choices may be overwhelming.

2. MAKE IT ATTAINABLE Making attainable goals might seem boring, I mean afterall, you want to dream big! But you don’t want to suffer through the disappointment of not reaching your goal, something that may not even be possible at this stage in your life to begin with. One solution to that is creating goal levels. You can have the dream goal, but underneath that you have the realistic goals that are setting up a foundation for achieving the big one. Things that are attainable still take work and effort to achieve. Those small victories will keep you motivated and encouraged to go for the bigger dreams. And don’t forget, those 60

little goals may have been things you wouldn’t have gotten done if you didn’t set out to achieve them, so be proud!

3. PUT A PLAN OF ACTION IN WRITING Your plan of action should include daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. There is something about seeing things in writing and crossing them off the list that is oddly satisfying.The daily goals are especially important in regards to building up those good habits. The first few weeks of your plan of action are critical when it comes to your long term success. Reaching a goal is something you are doing every day, all throughout the day, in numerous ways. Achieving goals is all about creating good new habits.

4. MAKE IT MEASURABLE This is key, since you definitely want to reward yourself for a job well done, and having a goal that is measurable in some way is a sure way to know.

Maybe it’s to increase your lead generation or to cut expenses, whatever the case, have a measurable test you need to meet, as well as a time frame. Then calculate what you have to do to reach that goal. Not only should your goal be specific, but the plan and the measure of success should also be set in stone.

5. ADJUST AS YOU GO You can have all the best laid plans, and you still might quickly realize that what you thought would help you reach your goal, might not be cutting it.

Commitment to reaching your goals is good, but commitment to a plan you know isn’t going to work is not only a waste of time, but will be a devastating blow to your motivation. Sticking to a plan everyday means adjusting it accordingly.

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VIJAY VIRK Top-producing, award-winning agent Vijay Virk – of McDonald Realty in Vancouver, British Columbia – is a dedicated, hardworking professional who is committed to helping his many buyers and sellers achieve, and often surpass, their real estate objectives. With a focus on honesty and integrity, and non-pushy approach that puts clients at ease, Vijay has earned his reputation as one of the best Realtors in the Surrey, North Delta and Langley area market.

Vijay began his journey in real estate in 2004. “I had built a house,” he recalls, “and the experience I had with my real estate agent was not positive. So, I decided that I could do better, and signed up for real estate courses at the University of British Columbia. I was told that I wouldn’t survive in that industry, because I was such a quiet person.” Ironically, Vijay’s low-key personality has played a large role in the success he enjoys today. His non-pushy, un-salesman-like approach has endeared him to his many grateful clients, who appreciate his focus on their needs rather than on his commission check.

Perhaps the greatest evidence of the exceptional level of customer service Vijay provides is the fact that the majority of his considerable business is based upon returning clients and referrals. “I believe it’s because I do what I say I’m going to do,” says Vijay, when asked how he manages to inspire such impressive loyalty amongst his customers. “A lot of other agents don’t do that. I’m also very fair, and I don’t push my clients into making a purchase. I may have lost some business over the years because of this, but I prefer to form longtime relationships with my clients rather than focusing on a one-time sale, and I know that they appreciate this.”

Another factor in Vijay’s impressive success story is his strategic, spare-no-expense, comprehensive approach to marketing his listings. After making certain the home is in prime shape to be put on the market, Professional photography is used for every listing, ensuring that they Top Agent Magazine

are always shown in their best light. After that, thorough use of the internet and social media platforms make certain that each property is seen by as many potential buyers as possible, resulting in fast sales and for top dollar, not to mention happy clients.

“I love helping people, and I love this business,” says Vijay. “I love that I can work seven days a week if I want to, and that I’m not tethered by a nine-to-five schedule.

I also love that this business allows me to work with many different types of people; I think that has made me a better person.”

When he’s not working, Vijay enjoys all things music related. He is also passionate about giving back, and does so through a variety of ways, including his support of breast cancer organizations. “My mother had cancer, so that’s very important to me,” he says.

Vijay’s plans for the future include growing his alreadythriving business, and to find ways to broaden his real estate horizons, including venturing into the luxury market arena.

Anyone looking for a top-of-the-line, dedicated real estate professional in the Surrey, North Delta and Langley areas need look no further than Vijay Virk.

For more information about Vijay Virk, please call 1-604-518-9000, email VijayVirk@Gmail.com or visit bchousefinder.com www.

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