NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL 11-15-21

NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL EDITION

FEATURED AGENTS NIKIA EVANS JACOB STEINLE RYAN SUNDEN AMBER JOVANELLY CARLY EBERS CARRIE EVANS BENITONE DELILAH ARMENDAREZ EDITH BOURRET

FEATURED AGENTS JEFFREY CHUBB JESSIE COBB

COVER STORY

LAURA URNESS

JILL MULDOON JUSTIN ANNIS KEN CALDER LAURA C. ROWE LINDA BRANDON LINDSAY TAYLOR MEGAN BELL MICHELLE HERRST MIKE DEISING MONA KHORRAMI BANES ROBIN STEWART SANDY GRASSMUCK TERESIA ROSARIO YISROEL WEISS

NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL EDITION

AMBER JOVANELLY RYAN SUNDEN

NIKIA EVANS

Before moving into real estate full-time, A he When it comes to marketing her listings, 9 13 “When I work with clients, 23 28 31 Amber Jovanelly worked as a property s on.

Nikia utilizes all of the considerable I put all of my effort into so resources provided her bysure Keller manager a few years. She had always a making they for areWilliams comfortable and confident kia to gain maximum exposure for her sellbeen fascinated by real estate, though, h throughout the transaction on ers’ properties. Herprocess. inventory posts There are a lot and already had to her license, so in 2012 la of emotions that go all into of the rst over 700 websites, as well as on she and decided to take the leap of faith and b buying selling a not major social mediahome platforms, including and I like to treat moveasinto a career as a real estate agent. a my clients family.” erFacebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. She She has now been working in real estate A ns. creates YouTube well, and does NIKIA EVANS LAURA URNESS videos as JACOB STEINLE RYAN SUNDEN AMBER JOVANELLY for nearly ten years, is the co-owner of id and staging to highlight the strengths $17M in total sales so far this year, and bly targeted EDITH BOURRET of each property,marketing then markets each on looksGoogle. forward to serving many more EVANS BENITONE CARLY EBERSCARRIE Southern p listing extensively online to maximize clients well into the future.Dreams Realty and has estabed exposure. “Presentation is extremely Ryan Sunden has quickly ascended from being a team Due to the reach & one of h important when selling a home, Most In lished her free time, Laura loves spending herself asin onein helpof the premier estate— Evans Benitone became aon YouTube and Social Media Sites so finds Carrie and great self-fulfillment member on another top-producing group to the Teamreally snowbird market is to offered With decade of “It’s stressful bua people now adays startover their homea search time with her family.experience Shevolunteers lives an active erWhen she’s not working, Nikia Helping people is what Jeffrey Chubb was 35 36that 39 This afforded Ryan selling their 40NJ/NY homew hlicensed a focus Realtor in 2008 after32 can amust sense just lifestyle, running and working out in on theclients internet and yourget home look of Leader of the Sunden Group. havingpotential ing them find a situation satisfies agents inof the Columbia Metropolitan area fu mornings, enjoys golf, football and it’s bestreal in those photos and videos.” and athethe rhythm farChurch above erty. people ha of herestate time with Apostolic the opportunity to see first-hand exactly what to doSometimes in sunny Florida.

Nearly 70 Lake in child. She had been interestedhow part beautiful these getaway areas are. her first their needs.

Laura says. “In these changing times, to I watching her grandson play baseball. born do.

It didn’t take him long to find his and what not to do when working with clients and circumstances, from repeat and referral sold homesof in the year Anin advocate for her Laura es,homes New her entire life, of Another key element herpasttransactions success has South Carolina. thorough, aseveral hundred acommunity, year, Edith Through to sad likclf in and God had spent and herhave son’s school.

She the current Director andhosts Ambassadorfour or so, sight unseen, through video’s and ispersonally negotiating high leverage situations.

His interest in that speaks to the trust an helping her role Technology as a vacation rental host, aslocal Chamber Facetime. and social media for her of Commerce love for business and his to provide top time working in other client areas ofevents thebeen per When it comes to and marketing her listings, Bourret has the knowledge theneed like to give tht salesa goes back much further that. “It alldeath. started We his inspire.

Ryan sha honest and deep base ofthan knowledge Inteam her free time been helping year, taking opportunity toandgive have played a big at partMontelac in today’s every every Secretary for the Inletcommunication Coastal Community he grind. people who book Lakeside In today’s market, you want a “I’ve field - she studied real estate finance in CarrieShe uses photography when I was younger,” Ryan recalls. “My mother, ing back because we provi changing markets.” Laura is an excep- Association. has also professional run three marvibrant energy toathons take on the Montréal touch toimplicit maketrust, sure they ft‘H ely well. A twoto imagine what it would like he started his first two comforher the as Leukemia Society and is tionally productive agenttier who putsservice her be of field, Amber provides phenomenal service tofor knowlfriends and fam rcollege, since. thanks to begin her clients!

Another way Nikia gives back to ® National Barbara Sunden, was the Sales Director and our and has experience in the mortto highlight the strengths of each home, with Delilah’s REALTOR well th involved with multiple local charities. clients’ needs first.

She has closed over to actually live there.

“A good percentMary Kay. I learned from day one while sitting at the Program,’” Ryan explains. market.

“Every while day I attending work hard toyearextenthat situation and know gage industry, and includingthe underwriting then teaching advertises each property th community by mentoring and classes clients year in and out. community, anc“ panies High School. in Chicago NYC age of myisbusiness has come through kitchen table Today, watching my motherintegrity with black coffee service, and my clients bec edgeability and by your and appraisal. Over the last 13 years, sively online through media and understand different shifts in social our have usexactly to guw in one hand and a phone in the other, whatalone; it takes they toand understanding invest-Williams my guests,” says Carly. licensing Keller to a number of agents at the herHerthe office.

AtMLS. home, she’s all her Team fb When company has changed, desire to empire. I always Carrie theyou Through her the presencebut in the side.

As a abrokerage office to his be #1 and build global knewmanager, I oping a strategy that is tailor o familyhas built an impressive careerin both Newlocal York and New Jersey also market.

When understand nvestors build about relaxing with family.

“I enjoy cooking for the hadpersonal sales in my blood.”

After college, went into No false promises or treatin inwas Shelby community and the use of on postcards Amber prides herself the service sheRyan offers, riching events, rollou my County, TN, and she nowallows Carly to showstrive clients a variety for excellence and to continue to Delilah started the market, you know what you can do forneed When she’s busy teaching and coaching, but hein found hisindustry way back into gaining rather thannot a person.

We aw works for Hobson Realtors, often Irecand mailers, Carrie is able to generate CARLY EBERS EVANS DELILAH EDITH BOURRET JEFFREY CHUBB time homebuypeople love, or CARRIE just laying that slow, Southern or some of options that best matchback their in needs and does everything inasher power tohemake clients feel and golf tourn sales.

Eventually, says, “I was doing so well that business, our relationships media ognized as one of the finest real estate interest for her listings locally well your clients.”

Inspired to get into the strives to stay connected invaluable behind-the-scenes-exBENITONE ARMENDAREZ me the would and situation. improve what drives him. I left teaching and coaching sports altogether to focus always put the clients first.”J JESSIE is COBB edonthey style of living!”

JILL firms in Memphis.

As a lifelong resident of the business city, to ensure sellers get the best possible price for their comfortable and MULDOON confident throughout the future, Amber Lakeside —a vacation gertiphi onperience real estate full-time.”

Ryantransaction hasn’t looked backand by her mom, she quickly fell nity helps before making the leap to children t ve people from she is incredibly familiar with the localher market, and has homes.

Carrie 30 transactions average each only 90 minutes from on Notrealizing surprisingly, Carly loves getting outdoors in closes her since, and he excels helping his clients achieve their “Ryan listed our house and Focused clients’ needs thatkeeps if on they follow my lead, I’ll be at able to answer process.

She herself available to any Dreams Realty, showc Anyone who’s ever worked Realtor growing needs repairs Seven or updates, shewithin connects in with the industry andselllanded consistent donations.

Shea real estate dreams. six days following ® year established herself an elite agent inShe’s the by find-love and hopes to continue her business in the resorts, orchards, spare time. been boating since she was awith child become an agent. years later, 43 44 and as goals, Jessie Cobb is area a REALTOR their house quickly.

Also, I have the a lot apple of fulfillGoing forward, Nikia wants to grow her business, and His path wouldwhere make a severe turn in his co trust in himher and those his Jill Muldoon comes the questions experience them to trusted contractors within that might come up, and delivers information presence inadvice her ppalachian Trail.determined Every and was a her ski instructor many years.

Sheout loves Farmer’s ing ideal solutions and always advocating for and the years toof come. atbest RE/MAX L’ESPACE, she’s ate about helping w tial bu to get buyers sellers benefit of using the Keller Williams Listing she is one of the Top Agents in New With his team, The Sunden Group at Keller Williams, and appropriately and it pai showing them a few clients have been quick to offer their opinion on uch to do of nearby!”

Markets and gardening, enjoys playing guitar. knowing abeen lot more about thetransparently real estate His network.

She also uses her Iexperience interests her exactly clients. what younger father passed away j they want, with the and best posService, which automatically sends the recipient ofyears. numerous awards, “When was growing Ryan is“I licensed inmy andlistserves 3 states: New Jersey dence and excellent positive attitudeup ar and efficiently. love meeting with clivide about ey’re spending how sheevery should do “Some themfree have Mexico and has been helping clients In they whatof limited time she ings has, to Carrie prioritizes process thanit.when started, and willinvestments and knowledge ofand theFlorida. industry to asset a free as poss (primarily Bergen County) New York, process stress sible terms, so that transaction is a over 1,000 different websites, so including 100% Club, Club, homeless.

It’s a cause lBecause estate investor, Carly Going forward, Carly plans to keep growing her suddenly asherPlatinum he was ready toofsuccessfully embark on ents,” Amber “We have a good time out transaclooking annf of her hands-on, personalized approach to spending time with family.

Ansays. active Annua likely never again stress buying or that isfiguring both competitive and guaran- for successful over in all Indiana and just don’t want toover work with anyone else,” win-win for parties.

She goes out of is even more member buyers can see theprice properties navigate their sserving of her her grandmother, business, continue investing, and working towards Chairman and RE/MAX Hall of Fame. my heart and one I woa clients, Carrie has her an clients incredibly strong her community, she istoheavily involved with her kids’ how bestyear meet their needs and many of my ample experien her way toher make feelBut quickly.in Aside from that,together, I Enrolled haveteed an extenselling aconfident home thehis waymy most of us there do. to bring the seller a maximum profit sophomore college. ty-nin waysnetwork to make she laughs.

“So I’ll be getting license soon.” began with culinary Broker’s license. what she looks forward to and tions ever since.

Delilah arrived at success as an “Overcomer,” referral in fact, she gets all of her business school programs, also does a lot of work with moreofinvolved with in the about their and ofworks tiresive network of other agents on throughout That’s because JillAdvance takes time theirafter investment.

And, course, she nt and pre-pandemic mostdecisions is many helping clients attain athe dream.

“Iupanfront clients end up becoming good friends the transin touch with Aa from repeat clients and referrals, isyears a mainstay figMemphis, organization that promotes ecoat Babson College, he took a semester off to help his he was also lessly anand exceptional real estate the area, whom I have worked with, so they thriving in her business despite chronic health complications. ler Center. Event salesto deliver love creating deep bonds with people, getting to know Edith prides herself on the close personal relationships to explainin her what nomic her clients can expect shows the seller the comps so that they As a R ure in her localexperience. community. She does everything stabilityaction across the city.

For the future, Carrie is closed.” building lasting are parent’s alwaysAmber lookingreal at prioritizes my estate first.” c, so she hit the books their goals and helping them find the best home manage for mother his companies.

He agents of the way. be business confident they are their around dedication centering her on herlisting faith, she develops withThrough clients and the hands-on level oflistings ser-can Looking ahead, Edith is optimistic abou power to help clients find success andevery have astep pleasant looks forward to keeping her clients happyand and her w York and New Jersey, their lifestyle.” organi relationships with clients over meeting her own botess comesthroughout from the transaction process. “I vice experience love referral business thriving while growing her career as a home at the best price point. she is able to provide.

She believes her secret to ing years have in store for her.

She rece Delilah meets each day’s challenges.

“I push forward and or many years. “I have continued managing those companies over the next three is usually doi JESSIE COBB MULDOON Jessie possesses vast knowledge when it OutsideJILL of work Jessie finds time to help her ties to the people I meet job, and it’s my numTop Producingtom Realtor in Memphis. mspirit. investors.

Butthrough line -she she sends postcards forforholidays and home the biggest people have with real It’s wonderful to to themy comes business “One of realof estate.

She iscomplaints community thrive.

Last year, instance, success that, at the core, truly wants to help othsatellite office right in the heart of down strive to overcome the obstacles with my health and think of ber oneallpriority to make them happy,” Carrie says. years while finishing his degree at Babson.

Upon graduious activitie dding make of the deciestate agents is that they feel lost and don’t know what’s Jill is always looking for different ways to support her the highcoo has a degree in Business Management sheto organized a her ham giveaway during the anniversaries all of past clients - andsheas serves such, her customersto base come true. clients trust us where “Everything dooffer. is geared towards finding them ers theirmake their dreams e you’re goingI to positive, as“Our my clients mean more toWall me any health going on,” Jill explains.

“Ihe likethe to build ato rapport with community.

She’s donated andthan hosted fundraisers for plies and has 12 years of working experience holiday season, complete with an appearation moved New York City to work on Street the beach or a has guaranteed idealtohome at the bestI possible value.” By focusing on she receives the bulk of“It her business from referrals and ion do something because they know that weThewill walk them every step anytheir new clients.

Sheorplans to continue at a same-day lender where shesorose to Ithecan position of battle ance by Cat in to the Hat. was awho great experience. people that educate them, giving them the people have lost homes in fires otherwise that tries bring me down,” she says.

“I give it all to building relationships with clients over the cold details customer service.

This y people adoptasthetoafrom Residential Mortgage Backed trader. thewith way, the very beginning all the waythemselves toSecurities theable toin agents socircumstances. thatBut they can achieve their branch manager. It wasknowledge during heroftime lender It’s always an amazing feeling when you’re help repeat clients. they need make aGod well-informed decision found difficult She’s also she’s Carrie has built an expansive sphere ovethe fortransaction, helping people for where I am today.” sof hard to build that she learned how to run a successful business as well someone, especially last year when everyone was on end.feel It’s notabout.” about the was money for us,blood. it’s about making success, and she’s tofor add additio church that they can good an He animal lover, and has volunteered withlooking dog As rescue for the andinfluence interior design.

It’s County.

Real Estate in his moved back to Boston fu of in Shelby the importance of forming long-lasting relationships edge. The smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless.” nnoticed byasher many years, whether that was coordinating adoptions, people really happy.” bers in order to serve more clients thro ing, v considerable as® and anestate agent and a propwithbackground clients. As aand teenager, Jessie’s first jobsin were at twoWith 2008 and embarked hisproviding new real career. team tostrategi Today, ison aexperience REALTOR an Associate Broker with With an analytical a deep understands: “Nikia made Jill brings a greatthedeal of experience toisDelilah that endeavor. transportation, or social media networking and suburbs. local real estate firms, where she acquired knowledge Jessie always looking to expand her business while ting of hermany licenses, Carly facets of real estate, Carrie is and gi erty manager, Amber ishelp more than of handling ing different Keller Williams in the Los Lunas, andcapable New Mexico, his vision o She was propertyfor management for 10 which findEdith dogs aAlbuquerque, home. family.

She of the who day-to-day of ain brokerage.

So it was providing clients with same elite level of service saith rapidly. growth Known her kindness andyears, empathetic nature, skilled That negotiator is ableoperations to consistently get away any challenges a real estate transaction can throw at allowed her to accumulate a wealth of industry knowla natural transition that led her to becoming a licensed they’re accustomed to getting from her.

“I’d like to get a ivity she brings to her where most of RE/MAX, herfight business derives repeatone and referral ng to persuade his at he wouldfrom become process to de optimal results for her clients. “My depth of indusreveals that was her career own personal for her life Contact Carly at 862-268-2808 ® Phone 310-734-1440 |Starting Faxitit comes 310-734-1440 SizzleREALTOR Reels few moreis agents on the team, but it’s for me merging herboon knowledge transactions, edge, particularly toShe buying investment As forimportant the negotiator future of to her who business, Jill plans to keep with h her. a skilled, aggressive works trycreated knowledge has been a , really huge for me of when clients, with out-of-state referrals pouring in from agents who to grow rust her profesorand email carlyebers.re@gmail.com that helped her what’s truly important in life of the top RE/MAX Agents in allI roll ofout New whilea teamhopes resents, runninglending, them business Youenjoyed can contact Carrie atpeople (901) 488-9680 find the right to work with. thevolume redEngland car- and building customer care.

In her first year asunderstand a that properties.

While she work, shemaximum never felt increasing her to help son an throughout my career,” Carrie says.

As a Contact Memphis hard to get results from each transaction for Nikia at 708-249-3393, ® y purchase and orshould cbenitone@hobsonrealtors.com, know the caliber her reputation. about every week I closed |forgot www.topagentmagazine.com pet my clients, so Iof need agents who the“Just same received thethetitle of Rookie of Year, and thatalso wethe always treat others how we want togrowth, native, Carrie REALTOR is anmag@topagentmagazine.com expert she at navigating market it was her true calling, and in 2011 she her Associate support thathave while maintaining the excellent being inducted in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

In of 100 bysellers, email at SoldByNikia@kw.com, or and visit her website at hobsonrealtors.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine type of patience, strong work ethic, dedication, and high passion for buyers theBroker’s industry has only continued to her clients.

Amber runs a smaller, local Brokerage with or make this andto finding theand besther prices for both and be treated. was get fighting breast a yearsays. and “We referrals,” Delilah allbeen want survive in the license so she“Icould helpmore people fulfillcancer their for customer service that has her to calling card over level ofwould integrity.” join eXp Realty where he would grow since. “I love the people.

I love what 2018, I do.platforms It does LookiA Jeffrey JeffContact is dedica onof all social @SoldByNikia no corporate restrictions and a unique business style dreams homeownership. years.

To that end, she’s also committed to continuing aside from those closest to me, nobody knew about it. not feel like work for me.” Serving clients throughout the this industry, but if you treat a client with the upmost respect, southernliv grow or email Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com everything shewell can about to new tech-clients, being one of the top agents in the state as his Copyright Top Agent Magazine the service she offers iseducation, intimate and personal, and she wouldcontinue get my in the morning, and theniflearning go western suburbs in Illinois, JessieIcurrently works withtreatment regardless of the sales price, instead of looking at a client Ten yearscoordinator, she’s quite a Isuccessful business and methods within the industry. you can her vis tea a buyer’s agent and a transaction asbuilt well asis able tolater meet with clients. think that period ofnology time really as nationwide. has earned eXps top designation the he toHe go beyond expectations to help her clients.

TopaAgent Magazine as dollar bill, you treat them like they’re your as family,impact the Realtors, clients all over a team of professional with lendersBrookstone and real estateCopyright attorneys. serving helped shape me into who I Less am today how treat bin Wilson at 2 847-207-1975 or email Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com Top Agent Magazine new a anDetroit ICON Agent. thanand 1% ofI agents’ companywide Michigan’s Northern Metro suburbs, with most income and referrals will follow.” people.

You never know the type of silent struggles othbusine For Jessie, the key to a successful real estate transaction is in of her transactions occurring Genesee, Livingston, hold this designation. providing an unparalleled level ofers service.

“I think clear through when you meet them.” might be going legacy

JEFFREY CHUBB

DELILAH ARMENDAREZ

JACOB STEINLE

www.

JUSTIN ANNIS KEN CALDERLAURA C. ROWE

LI LINDA BRAND

n CalderLaura didn’t name his brokerage “If Itocould give Ken Calder 10 extra stars I $100,000 for my client, and she just commitment his clients extends C. Rowe began herJustin’s real estate 47 he 48 51 52 55 dicted Realty for nothing. When would! He is very knowledgeable about to keeping in touch with his growing list couldn’t believe it.”

2000.

“Myhehusband and I had ned his career Las Vegasinoffice in 2014, everything real estate including contracts, “I g of past clientele.

He prefers to provide a isioned abought quality ofan service that would property, property management, negotiations, etc. investment and we For Linda Mae Bran say sform the anxiety many of us feel over He is phone very professional and courteous touch, using calls, texts, Giving back to her community is of utmost had a bad experience withpersonal an agent,” experience of buying or selling a home always putting the client first. I would excellent serviceof quick videos to touch him base.

“I treat importance to Laura, and she serves on recalls. told husband, ‘I feeling Laura of excitement.

“Our “I motto is my and recommend to anyone who is serious Eli the rootOutreach of a great my He clients lifelong like the board of the Judeo-Christian y…Sell…Repeat,” Ken explains.

“We better!’ buying friends, or selling a house.” bet I could do this said like about off mise a process that is seamless, edufamily,” To market their listestate transaction. should go tofor it, our and I did.”

In Justin her says. onal, andI fun!

We want serve Ken is also dedicated to findingCenter more (JCOC), which helps the Hampton lon ings, Justin implements comprehensive effortlessly nts so well that year, they can’t wait for the ways toaserve those who have Roads served homeless community.

When she isident first Laura made Rookie of the JUSTIN ANNIS KEN CALDER LAURA C. ROWE LINDA BRANDON LINDSAY TAYLOR har approach that includes social media and t opportunity to get into the market.” their country.

To that end he and his team ® her Laura clients’ needs not working or giving back, enjoys Year for the Hampton Roads Realtors conduct food drives twice a year for Veteran’s Village, edg online advertising, flyers, postcards, and guides them to mak s got theAssociation, experience to fulfill that promise.

Ken of as well spending time with her husband and their as well as Rookie the as keeping abreast of all the financial resources Ore direct Hetopatient also his extento real thoroughly.

Shemail. isMona very and verythem she is therehis formany them. Mon Agent Khorrami recalls eived his Realtor’s license 21 years ago Boston, available veterans to Banes help achieve home ownForleverages Robin Stewart, real estate was always “Everything I touch turns toinTop sold,” says Mike intelligent approach to marketing rrst began heratcareer sphere.

This draws maximum attenbest decisions for tO three-year-old golden retriever Roman, Year her brokerage, William E. 56 59 60 63 64 ng my his Broker’s license in 2016. knowledgeable.

After thehome. interview, I seesta although you are buying a buying her first That experience sive network to spread the earned After the professional ership.

He’s also Chairman of the LVR Risk Reduction Deising, Owner/Broker of Deising Real listings.

Marketing he and employs t edicated herself to his business tion from buyers and helps strategies at the back of potential her mind.

“I was really selves their fam who of Laura’s ads.

Wood Hanna). said, gement lected her for“Imy real estate agent.

As the sing market crash(now he soldHoward there and Graduate Committee. he’s working volun- is the star of manyalso are making one of your changed the trajectory ofWhen her life.notoff She word.

Justin’s strategy has paid for orinclude Estate in Marysville, Michigan.

With more deft utilization of the internet and ess the right way— the client get the highest possible k interested in it, biking so when vedhonto Las where market opporteering his time, enjoys or gettingmy children me process began, I had questions, Ms. Bellmountain Anclients agentachieve with Berk ‘IVegas guess thisheissawa great gift,’ and that was it,”last helping thei ment decisions of your life searched carefully and Ken was very involved his clients: year, he completed eighties and a chance to build something special.

“Part into the outdoors in any way he can.

“I go out every itioned replied right Throughout processI on two says. decades experience andaway. possesssocial media platforms that in provide maxher than clients’ needs“I oftook return their investment.

After the gotthe older decided that I would get my Laura to give back parttobecause off and to find opportunities for bui inrunning, the process, enjoying every minute.

“I’ll HomeServices, Linda helps buyer commitment integrity anb onestrategy ofLaura the transactions, andweekend, this year is on track tomonth double our forbigdeliveringteen a superior service wasMs. andhe I take a digital free everyHathaway year to is driven emains I saw that Bell responds quickly to ing a wealth of industry and local market imum exposure for each of his properties, kinga the time to aget closing, Michelle outAlthough toshe clients t license in place!”

2005,” she reaches explains. ating working environment for questions, oursince.” col-forget unwind.

Nature is to my happy her clients. never finding that perfect home and of where came has from.

“I grewinto upVirginia, in a I’ve been top ever translated a phenom sellers throughout Chesapeake, rt them towards thatagent number. ice to better my works very hard prepare firmly established all of which translates into fast sales for top what they wanted, quarterly to see how they are doing, gues.

Iknowledge, hate the fact that Mike there’s a has huge attrition rate i her initial plan was to work part-time and that, the way that made and me she warmly above everything to get it listed, isfeel,” with you trailer, and before we moved from real estate advocate. wo years ago, surrounding areas. agentshimself in this industry, and not much assistance Going forward, Kenalert wantsthem to continue evolving the not to in as one of the best real estate agents dollar, mention happy clients. edge of the market, to new opportunities the Mona also enjoys recalls.

At the herhis mother encoursve busievery step of the way.” then retire, Robin quicklyRealty, fell in love apartment towith apartment,” Laura says.

“Wecommc eXp Realty, Laura has been a time, ilable toNow them.

Weofemphasize training our agents brokerage model he’s set up with Addicted every daywith For Justin, the greatest reward of job comes from in The Wolverine State.

Honest, direct and back and allowing market, or to remind them of routine nsed in ment.

As a Sunday schoo Lindsay began her career in aged her to get her license.

Mona figured, ® giving Realtor them the resources needShe to “I succeed. and whole eventually his business into the neighborS itexpand andMIKE became increasingly busy. thethey people. love meeting new people, hearing their MEGAN MICHELLE HERRST DEISING MONA KHORRAMI ROBIN STEWART could never afford toServing live in oneLinda, place.

So when I’m forBELL 22 years. serves the Hampton When working with clients can always eof leads up in Ohio, the state holds a special dedicated toare providing his many grateWhen he’s not busy helping his clients ourtruly corporate level agents W-2Growing employees as ing states of California and Utah.

He looks forward to own decisions. maintenance needs on their home. led activities such as clea “Why not?” She wasthe 21.greater After five years ing years of personally buyi BANES s New region, the vast stories, getting to Virginia know them so Iclients know how toOrleans best selling these houses, it’sreal so special toher beMike able to help area, with antaxand emphasis on Beach.

An to Apex, place in Megan’s heart, so she makes sure l—which alleviates some of the complexities addicting even more through his team’s personal SANDY GRASSMUCK fulRoads clients with top-of-the-line customer achieve their estate goals, enjoys on her caring nature and hands-on approa crafting cards for nursin of moonlighting, she was spending most while working as a District i majority of her clients consist of repeats come the job—and we back provide a full health service.

Toledo, Ohio, support them,” Justinandsays.

“It’s sofrom rewarding to get he top with in her field. give donations tohigh-quality local schools.

During people build generational wealth through real estate. impressive 95% ofthrough Laura’s comes TTR time Sotheby’s Internatio service, Mikeand has more thanofearned hison pernothing more than spending with his her business time real estate was growing Real estate broker founder of can beand found out on the lake relaxing onare transaction. a Realtor, Michelle Helping clients who selling and every It’s these traits that have h Lindsay, an avowed horsewo ® urance package.”

Realtors , awarded any free to time, she cana and be found traveling toboat Tennessee, referrals, as goes 67 68she 71 heGrassmuck foundation of Sandy them closing, tothat know that I’ve played awas role in byconsistently I family taught about generational wealth, and it’s drS repeat and referral clients, feat speaks to the Realty, Grassmuck aand or enjoying time the has organized a with clothing bored with her corporate job.

“If I don’t donever fect, five-star overall rating on Zillow.com. family.

He ismany also a long-lasting drummer who relationships plays ultifamily/Commerbuying is a process that requires getting who initially encouraged hei her build Columbus Board of where she and her family relax on Norris Lake. the process easy swimming pool. beyond to achieve their goals. having a transaction strong helping achieve above and t makes commitment to the confidence profession as and athem whole rather amazing toseveral help these young He couples who areand gettrust and she inspires.

“My clients Giving Back, ran aacw this now, Itheir will goals.” never do keep it,” she realized. local bands. is also a passionate where she to know people while they are making onenjoyable, Zillow, Google so oversaw that clients never feel “At first I thought it was business.

“Real estate drive is allfor about service.

I nned just several focusing deson numbers of transactions closed Her reputation for providing exceptional the in last few “This is thenegotiator,” ting started.

It’s not about money incommunity thisYisroel business.

It’s years coming back because abusigreat Laura overwhelmed. overLooking two decades ofI’m believes local community ahead, she hopes toright growtime.” herSandy business in her toppable force.

Mike, aWith Marysville native who previously worked forenormous philanthropist, who gives back to his mulwell as acquisitions an decision.

It is often an When Weiss ent I realized that the job’s flexi t the core of Ken’s holistic approach to good being of service toand other people andand keepin ager Dedicated to his next community, Justin is expanactively involved real Consultant, estate expertise, buyers and sellers involvement has helped her career flourGrowth is alw service helped herincluding reach great heights, she’s Tennessee.

Megan’s chapter is time, all about about helping people take caresue ofwith their children says.

“I’m also a great and I’m ahas Coca-Cola Enterprises as communicator, awhich Route Driver/Salesman, tiple ways, his association the Marysville s. Having happygot agents leads to estate happy clients, estors.

She her real license exciting and Michelle shares in that joy of seeing the real estate industry in ra 2 my passion for barrel can count on her to help them make the ish and advises agents who are just ® Representative with Growing Hopes Farm, an organization which with clients and their families.

I have a ge sion, as she wants to continue helping more people customer service,” For the future of her business, Mona hop now for five years, Mona A full-time REALTOR it a goal to d showing no signs of slowing down. ates a win-win situation for his business, his clients, began his real estate career in 2001.

“My brother was Business Council.

Additionally, Mike produces a local their children’s children.

We’re selling the American really big people person.

I love people!” right decision every “I full startedtime out Real starting out, to their becomegoals. active within 15 took thethem leaptime. into herpeople clients accomplish Likewise, there are passion he knewforhehelping wantedothers to buia lythe care about with theirestate real estate dreams.

“It’s such a rewarding city itself.accountant Whether they need help with buying Justin possesses provides housing for with autism and other to be aOnce trusted advisor forher herof clients.

Y has overseen over $100 Million in sales during this desire to help.

I get in front a clien as a asenior for a real their local associations.

“If you want to the nex Realtor in Grand Rapids,” he says, “and could see automotive show that national celebrities and dream.

How can getarecruits any better than that?” proved to beinvesting, ahervery fulfilling change. times when selling a home or moving is it not joyful business that puts people elling abest home, or property management, goals.”

Lindsay began part-f the more time you putI into it part the more hat isfor for investor, and my love career, for the because profesto also become aoftopthe agent, Itohighly advise of ion the area developmental disabilities.

Justin gives back the she grows, she never wants to delegate time.

Mona is currently Alliance Group immediately get to work together andthe find the card “Ilicense always answer my phone,” Robin explains.

“I ofbusiness ® is also n’s clients seek out hishe team for deep knowledge how much enjoyed it, so Iand decided to getgrown my music acts.

He a takes longtime firefighter for Laura is athere,” military wife two sons, success you have, and has the more people you meet. ything possible to occasion; Michelle understands thatupwards and always sion just grew from shethe recalls. getting involved in your REALTOR regardless the size of“ one or two“The deals annually. tionship with a client. value I provi Sotheby’s International Realty.

The team has food bank, both through the Brokerage and on his own he market and the personal care Addicted Realty SANDY YISROEL WEISS Sandy quickly became a top producer associations and in local leadership store, or send work every day, and Ithat always do what say I will path forand ensuring they can reach their goa Helping someone buy orGRASSMUCK sell their home andTERESIA have a ROSARIO ting toand know them try it myself.”

Mike hit themilitary ground running, and town of Marysville, he is aIthat former President of the and she works with many families who ts across Southeast Michigan with extra care of each client, knowing these are miletransaction.

“I’m never thin was hooked.

I loved Ieveryth more important than the volume sell. I d of 70 years combined experience, appreciates rs,and andstarted have rewarded himpersonal with serving a repeat client and time.

When is not busy his cliown company, roles.

The helping moreand you Mona know, the more transaction brings me Justin great business satisfaction.” plan quickly to gether them talked to inYis aw do.”

Knowing that this is Ione ofAssociation, the largest transacbuilt agood thriving and ever-growing based St. Claire firefighters on whose executive en growing ever since.

Last stones that come with a range of emotions. rral business ofsteadily 80St.percent.

One satisfied client are relocating to the area.

Laura also specializes in about the commission,” clients throughout Charles and St. Louis counties, you’re educated, the more you can help your clients. to be just a face on a sign and brochure Contact Ken at 702-843-6733 theback five to other she canhecount on going and collaborate histoclient-cenents or giving the agents community, enjoys ers make deciressed hisasgratitude like this: Since going full-time, Lind upon asurrounding solid foundation ofwaterfront integrity and aofemail fierce work he hasmake sat for the lasther fifteen years. will help me as well the areas. hold several designations for clients theboard National Association tions her will inwalks their lifetime, Robin or ken@addictedrealty.com Linda clients through every little sed transactions for and over $10 explains.

“I’m thinking ar luxury homes, and she involved and present for the people thatst with.

A native Virginia, Mona hasreimbursement vast firsthand wledge so they canproperties ® d an33+ impressive to the gym, golfing, bowling, and spending time with of REALTORS and I do an education ethic.

Currently overseeing a roster of seventeen other ness that is comprised almo takes thethem time to understand their needs.

While dAlways is to onhas pace to that volume Planning into theI serves future, Michelle will to their grow as realtor.

There’s a reason they area the worksmile on my client’s knowledge of the area and clients Virginia, DC thecontinue transaction process and beyond.

After time negotiate, a Certified Luxury Home Specialist making sure thatfamily clients are at the heart ofMarketing plan for my agents. want to get asinmuch educalients return to eclipse and friends. agents, Mike can make the impressive claim that nearly Mike’s plans for the future of his business include conan impressive feat by any m Wherever this ing with them, she keeps those needs in mind, and what she does, Sandy has been able to build a business tion as possible.

I truly believe that if somebody wants hile staying withis important value in mythe personal life million, proving year over her team and add support group keepcontinues upanwith and Maryland.

Copyrightto Topher Agent Magazine when weinget to closing.

I (CLHMS) designation. ing,toshe to stay touch and rema mily because of consistent that’s primarily composed of repeat and referral clito make it in this business, they need to be plugged theA entirety his considerable business is based uponto exceed tinued their growth and adding new, like-minded agents to llers receive thor- of the highly competitive wor always extend this same value in my prof second of it. “ strives expectations.

For her buyers, wth. healthy 40 percent of her the increasing volume, ensuring that she’s able to coninto this business to help people“My makepast theirclients dream gwith relationships.

Looking with to the future, noand plans valuable resource for them. ents.

She prioritizes her relationships clients and Justin into theirhas office they to needslow to be down. sharing experitheir homes referrals, returning clients and positive word of the mouth, a factor hisproblems.” team.

Above all, however, remains his seen constant because I’ve what as well.”

Referrals have been driving for her business fact that I real get Robin guides them through every step, finding propm either referrals or repeat clients, tinue offering clients the personalized, high-quality continues to be a resource for them even after the end ences, outcomes, and solutions to homeownership come true.”

Wilson at 847-207-1975 Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com When it comes toemail marketing, Laura compreof the things Heorhopes to form his own uses team aand expand his business. from me probably every month. I send them heofmailers.

“I also a transaction.

“I’ve made a lot of personal relationsignificant achievement in the highly competitive world objective: to provide his many clients with the amazing taking off.

Last year, she brought in $30 million in sales, as personal investments ar above-and-beyond service Michelle service fordevelop which she’s come tobudget be known. erties within their and never pressuring them says.

“I’d like to help newer agents into top producaround thebelieve neighhensive approach to ensure maximum exposure and ships “I from the business, and I enjoy staying inreferrals, touch Going forward, Sandy plans surpassed to continue serving her No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

I do giveaways, and we go to dinner togethe all and she has already that number of real estate. service that hasit long been with has the already name when asked how she has gu ma things that sets deal her apart is that Nearly two years later, Yisroel to make decisions.

When is time to synonymous make offer, sthe results in with my past clients.” clients with honesty integrity.

She’s also rk hard toMegan keep Justin “What I most want isall to give back tothinking get the for her clients.

“Marketing isand Topbest Agenters,” Magazine issays. published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken toan ensure the accuracy clients end up being my friends.” for 2021.

When asked why clients refer new clients to Deising Real Estate. and loyalty amongst those about venturing out into commercial real estate. year. at astart client inof now,” apublished salethe is anxious, and“I many down that path, and has established a r Robin ensures they are competitive while also staying m to finish community.

I do loveaMagazine thisofarea, and I’m to for materials, Top Agent cannot be held opinions expressed or facts supplied by its digital she explains. lot marSandy isthink a creative thinker who’s constantly searching her, Mona says, “Itarget am blunt, anddedicated Iresponsible tell people, straight “I that the faith my clients place in me has a lot clients, I’m always thinkin s for and reassurance is or not a tation for honesty, reliability, within their ideal pricefor range.

At the same time, sellhelping the community real estate.” theproviding best ways to get her clients what they want— authors.

To subscribe change address, inquiry to or mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. and the patienc and Facebook ads, but things aresend staying up, if this isthrough not a not good house investment them. nts leave glowing toketing do with excellent communication,” explains Mike, especially if they’re first-t With over $6,000,000 in sales volume ann whether it’s making sure thatin they love where they live, g texts and messages a reasonable work to Laura solvewith whatever problems ers thorough marketing their listings, To find out more about C. Rowe, One recently said, Iright persuade people not to enjoy buy more often thanwith I of clients on the for long now.

Forsoexample, Ihouses or that they get themarket highest offer on their property.

She when asked how he has managed to inspire much trust home might not be their Linda ismatter a consistent producer.

Butdr guiding astrong client through this importarise, no howflyers, long top it takes.

As an agent ched real about Justin Annis, please call 419-279-7768, Robin utilizing social media, sending out and call 757-374-3758, visit LauraRowe.com reliesdifferent on marketing techniques, which always persuade them to!”

She knows her clients deeply, studjust listed a $1.2 million property and it sold in 48 amongst those he works with.

“I’m a straight shooter, I’m to to know that it’s in a stN include real professional innovative truly compels toheme work ifferent estate photography and For Exit Realty represents clients more information about posting onand various estate sites.Venture, “Ither depends on with enthusiasm ies their lifestyles and families, always asks what or real email laurarowe@laurarowe.com justin-annis.remax.com ellshouses.net, or visit hours for $1.3 million!

I was able to negotiate an not going to do anything that is not in the best interests social media campaigns.

Thanks to her determination, theyValley can build some eq , I had many quesYork’s and that Spring area, Megan Bell,while please call they want using her intuition to understand what Top Agent Magazine 3 as wel where the house is located andMonsey what features it has, as list well as the hard work of her philosophy agents, Grassmuck of my clients.”

This has resulted in numerto my house e Realty represents gets hands-on Nyack, Blooming Grove, and Always w is on pace to complete over guidance 200 614-778-5540 transactions they need. or emailbut I try to do something different with more each house,” There areMonroe. many other facto able, professional, ous industry awards and recognitions, including his meganbell@remax.net To learn about Bra this year. ng assistance where necessary, and, Top AgentLinda Magazine ing to go thatCopyright extra mile, Yisroel findsMae his are

MEGAN BELL MICHELLE

MONA KHORRAMIROBIN BANESSTEWART MIKE DEISING HERRST

TERESIA ROSARIO

the tropical paradise of the Dominan Republic, Teresia Rosario has tablished herself as a trusted and perienced real estate agent. She got r start after moving from Sweden, anting to invest and flip properes. “While my husband and I were oing that, we found it was hard to get sponses from agents,” she explains.

We also had a lot of connections to ople who wanted to buy, so I decided become an agent.” Teresia and her usband started a brokerage, Sosua and abarete Real Estate, where they help uyers, sellers and renters with their al estate goals. Having now been in e industry for around 15 years, she’s come well-known in the Sosua and abarete regions. https://

While some agents in the Dominican Republic

a wealth of knowledge to make you YISROEL WEISS comfortable in what you want or will advise you on what’s not a good idea

During her free time, Teresia like stay active in the community thr missionary work. “I teach people a the Bible, and I’ll also donate food clothing to those in need,” she When she’s not working or giving b she can be found relaxing at home her family. Teresia is passionate a where she lives and loves to enjoy al beauty it has to offer.

In the coming months, Teresia hop add more agents to her team. “I pla start training them and hopefully ope up a new side of my business for investments and properties,” she says. www.

CONTENTS 6) 5 FRESH NEW APPROACHES TO CONTENT MARKETING 11) 4 WAYS MENTORING UP-AND-COMING EMPLOYEES MAKES YOU A BETTER AGENT 20) 5 TIPS TO MAKE NEW HIRES A LONGLASTING SUCCESS 26) 4 EASY WAYS TO REDECORATE YOUR OFFICE THAT WILL BOOST MORALE & IMPRESS CLIENTS 30) CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU

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33) 3 MENTAL TRICKS THAT WILL TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

53) 4 REASONS WHY MULTITASKING CAN ACTUALLY DERAIL YOUR DAY

37) 3 MIND-BENDING PHILOSOPHIES TO EXPAND YOUR PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE

57) 4 WAYS TO WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST PROCRASTINATION

41) 3 SUREFIRE METHODS THAT MAKE FOR A PRODUCTIVE MEETING 45) 3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WORKSPACE WORK FOR YOU 49) 4 QUALITIES OF EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEES

61) 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ACHIEVE YOUR BIGGEST GOALS 65) 5 MORNING HABITS TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PRODUCTIVE 69) PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR WORKING HOURS

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

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5 Fresh New Approaches to Content Marketing A couple of weeks ago we were conducting a workshop when we were asked two excellent questions about content marketing:

• People

don’t want to hear from a roofing company every day. So how do you produce fresh and interesting content for social media that goes beyond your core services and yet ties back to your business?

• Can

you extend your social media presence and content to include personal things (like your hobbies) and how does that affect your overall business image?

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The workshop attendee who asked the first question was right. Almost no one wants to hear from any company every day… especially if all the content is about products and services…and yes, even if they’re giving helpful tips and information. Does that mean you should stop producing excellent daily content related to your business? No, of course not! Content is created for two reasons.

First, to provide knowledge, expertise and even entertainment to your ideal customers in order to achieve top of mind awareness as an authority in your industry. And second, to produce SEO-rich results that keep you at the top of search engines. You must strike a

Top Agent Magazine

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balance between the two, and try to include content that draws people in by being super interesting and entertaining….and yes, sometimes personal.

To help answer those content questions above, here are five different types of content (beyond the traditional stuff) that can give your brand a fresh, unique and balanced approach:

1. PHILANTHROPIC Your community efforts say a lot about who you are, and people will make an extra effort to do business with you as a result of this connection. We’ve consulted business owners who are very hesitant to promote these efforts because they don’t want it to seem as though they are exploiting the charities and organizations—and most especially because they don’t do it for the promotional aspects. They do it to give back. I ask you to keep this in mind. Nonprofit and charitable organizations very often have small marketing budgets. Not only do they rely on outside marketing forces to promote their initiatives, they would likely be forced to close their doors without that support. That means that when someone with a strong brand and presence promotes them, it’s a highly trusted and personal connection, and you can’t buy that kind of support. In other words, they not only need you to promote them, they want you to promote them. But your instincts are correct. It’s not about you. So just make sure your entire content focuses on the organization you’re helping, what they do for the community and how Top Agent Magazine

others can join in the cause. Then it becomes a huge win for all.

2. HOBBIES You bungee jumped from four of the tallest bridges in the U.S. In your spare time, you go fly fishing. You love playing chef and use only locally grown, organic foods. Your friends are always begging you to go to Vegas with your card shark talents. You’ve done mission work in Africa and would like to start your own group. You almost played professional baseball. You have an insane talent for gardening design or bass guitar.

Your family works at a soup kitchen once a month. Ok…you get the picture. And two more words. Reality TV. People are interesting…and people are interested in interesting people. We remember others based on these unique traits. And most of all, people love the story behind the face. Don’t be afraid to share your hobbies. Quite often, it’s the first thing that will personally connect you to a prospect.

3. CREATIVE CONNECTION This one is perhaps our favorite. While we can’t imagine seeing something come across our news feed from a landscaping company every day, imagine this for a moment. What are we always told to remember in this hectic world? Stop and smell the roses, right? So what if…a landscaping company posted a beautiful flower each day, just to remind you to ‘stop and smell the roses’. And at the bottom of that photo (small print), you included

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the type of flower and type of environment needed to make it flourish (moist soil, full sun, etc.). And then, of course, watermarked it with your logo….and a title like, “Sam’s Daily Reminder: It’s Time to Stop & Smell the Roses”. You could even include some great, thought-provoking quotes. It has the personal connection (Sam), the business connection (flowers & logo watermark) and a cool creative connector (pause the meetings and paperwork to take a moment and appreciate life by noticing this beautiful flower). This is a great idea for staying ‘top of mind’ and connecting business with the kind of creative messaging people wouldn’t mind seeing every day.

4. EXPERIENCES This one is similar to hobbies from the personal aspect, but instead of something that identifies us like our hobbies, our experiences are random happenings that can have great interest and meaning to our audience.

Whether you have a unique experience buying a new car or a fateful conversation with a stranger in the airport, if you feel it ties into a life lesson or business lesson you’d like to share, by all means do. The lesson is to keep your radar up 24/7. Any experiences you have which relate to your

ideal customer are an opportunity to connect beyond the business world. And when we do that, we become a part of the family.

5. INFLUENCERS “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”. You’ve probably heard that saying, and the same is true whether you are a teenager or a business owner. Maybe you’ve learned a lot of your business knowledge from Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Warren Buffet…or you like to quote Benjamin Franklin. Perhaps you have some mentors you’d like to recognize and tell why they’re important to you. Sharing the people and things that influence us is what makes us human. No matter how successful your business, you didn’t get there alone. People and circumstances shaped you along the way. Recognizing others for their contribution in our lives, large or small, is important in staying connected and grounded.

We hope these five types of content help you to put a fresh spin on what you share with your audience, whether personal or professional. We believe you must have the combination of both to build an incredible brand.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

NIKIA EVANS Some people stumble over a hole in the sidewalk, complain about it, and move on.

Other people take the time to repair it so that no one else will be tripped up. Nikia Evans has always been the kind of person who stops. “When I purchased my first home in 2001, my experience was not pleasant because of my Realtor, whose service didn’t fulfill my needs,” she explains.

“I knew a lot of other people had probably experienced the same thing, which inspired me to try and bring a better quality of service to the industry.”

Nikia got her license in 2004 and has been helping people turn their dreams into reality ever since. A twostate Realtor, she represents clients in both Chicago and Atlanta with Keller Williams Elite & Keller Williams Peachtree Rd, specializing in helping investors build wealth. She also loves working with first-time homebuyers, especially those who’d never believed they would be able to afford a home. “We have to move people from a renter to a homebuyer mentality. I get a lot of fulfillment out of helping them bridge that gap, showing them what they can afford with the money they’re spending on rent. As for investors, I’ve been very successful over the last 17 years teaching them the many ways to make money in real estate.”

An extraordinary 75 percent of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals, many of them investors. But Nikia’s warmth and dedication to providing the highest quality of service in the business has guaranteed client loyalty across the board, with many people adopting her as the family Realtor. She works hard to build that bond, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by her reviewers. One happy client put it like this: “Nikia made my experience feel as if I was dealing with family. She gave me great advice without attempting to persuade me into any direction and I was able to trust her professional opinion…. I am so pleased with my purchase and I couldn’t have asked for a better realtor to make this dream happen.”

Top Agent Magazine

When it comes to marketing her listings, Nikia utilizes all of the considerable resources provided her by Keller Williams to gain maximum exposure for her sellers’ properties. Her inventory posts to over 700 websites, as well as on all of the major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. She creates YouTube videos as well, and does targeted marketing on Google.

When she’s not working, Nikia volunteers part of her time with the Apostolic Church of God and her son’s school. She personally hosts four client events per year, taking every opportunity to give thanks to her clients! Another way Nikia gives back to the community is by mentoring and teaching classes to a number of agents at her office. At home, she’s all about relaxing with family. “I enjoy cooking for the people I love, or just laying back in that slow, Southern style of living!”

Going forward, Nikia wants to grow her business, and a few clients have been quick to offer their opinion on how she should do it. “Some of them have investments in Indiana and just don’t want to work with anyone else,” she laughs. “So I’ll be getting my license there soon.”

Contact Nikia at 708-249-3393, by email at SoldByNikia@kw.com, or on all social platforms @SoldByNikia Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

Jennifer C. Monahan is proud to congratulate

Nikia Evans

on being featured for the state of Illinois in Top Agent Magazine!

Jennifer C. Monahan | NMLS# 1579428 Sr. Loan Originator

O: 708.296.5000 | F: 773.219.2240 jmonahan@vandykmortgage.com www.vandykmortgage.com | Facebook 201 East Veterans Parkway, Yorkville, IL 60560 Corp. NMLS# 3035

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Top Agent Magazine

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

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

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

Teaching lessons to others reinforces your own professional values.

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

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

Top Agent Magazine

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

Mentorships allows you to see the big picture.

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

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

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

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

Mentoring young agents makes you a better leader.

As a mentor, you’ll often direct the flow of your professional relationship—figuring out which issues to tackle, making an agenda, and imparting lessons in a clear way. These are all characteristics of a leader, and acting in a position of authority as mentor can 12

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

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Top Agent Magazine

LAURA URNESS

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LAURA MARIE URNESS, PA Top Agent Laura Urness specializes in luxury waterfront properties, and places a high value on developing organic and long-lasting relationships with her clients.

In the early 2000s, Laura Urness was working as a mortgage broker in a real estate office, but felt drawn to real estate work, due to the opportunity to live an active lifestyle while working with a lot of people on a daily basis. She decided 14

to get her Realtor®’s license 18 years ago and never looked back, providing phenomenal service to clients across South Florida. With nearly two decades’ experience in the industry combined with an extensive background in finance, Top Agent Magazine

Laura has spent her entire professional life helping people make immense life decisions, and she is uniquely qualified to guide people towards success when buying or selling their home.

Located in the Palm Beach area, Laura works with a variety of clients throughout Top Agent Magazine

the year to guide them towards making sound real estate decisions, and she finds a great deal of fulfillment in seeing clients satisfied and happy at the closing table. She specializes in luxury waterfront properties, and places a high value on developing organic and long-lasting relationships with her clients. “When I 15

work with clients, I put all of my effort into making sure they are comfortable and confident throughout the transaction process. There are a lot of emotions that go into buying and selling a home and I like to treat my clients as family.” Laura says. “I also strive to stay in touch with all of my clients even after the transaction is closed - I want to be their Realtor® for life.” Laura’s ability to provide an engaging experience for her clients is a major reason for her success as a Realtor®.

Clients simply love working with her, and she gets 80% of her business through referrals for exactly that reason.

As someone who prioritizes maintaining

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contact with clients, Laura uses a variety of avenues to remain a meaningful part of their lives after close. She calls past clients and sends them cards, such as personalized “Me Thinking about You” cards, Birthday cards, Holiday cards, and cards or calls to honor their home anniversaries. Laura states “I have developed deep friendships with many of my clients.” She also sends out property value updates and newsletters that inform clients of market changes and other things going on in the contemporary world of real estate.

When it comes to marketing her listings, Laura uses professional photography

Top Agent Magazine

“When I work with clients, I put all of my effort into making sure they are comfortable and confident throughout the transaction process. There are a lot of emotions that go into buying and selling a home and I like to treat my clients as family.”

and staging to highlight the strengths of each property, then markets each listing extensively online to maximize exposure. “Presentation is extremely important when selling a home, Most people now adays start their home search on the internet and your home must look it’s best in those photos and videos.”

Laura says. “In these changing times, I have sold several homes in the past year or so, sight unseen, through video’s and Facetime. Technology and social media have played a big part in today’s every changing markets.” Laura is an exceptionally productive agent who puts her clients’ needs first. She has closed over Top Agent Magazine

$17M in total sales so far this year, and looks forward to serving many more clients well into the future.

In her free time, Laura loves spending time with her family. She lives an active lifestyle, running and working out in the mornings, enjoys golf, football and watching her grandson play baseball.

An advocate for her community, Laura is the current Director and Ambassador for her local Chamber of Commerce and Secretary for the Inlet Coastal Community Association. She has also run three marathons for the Leukemia Society and is involved with multiple local charities.

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Laura loves working with people, and aims to expand her business and bring more clients into the fold in the years to come.

As one of the top Realtors® in South Florida, Laura provides world class real estate representation and has earned loyalty and respect of hundreds of buyers and sellers, from high net-worth executives and entrepreneur’s to new families

looking for their first home. Her extensive knowledge of the Palm Beach area and impressive marketing skills make her the first choice for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in sunny south Florida! If you’re looking for a Realtor® in South Florida who consistently gets results for her clients and comes to each transaction with enthusiasm and integrity, get in touch with Laura Urness today!

You can contact Laura at (561) 239-1911 or laura@lauramariepa.com. You can also visit her website at lauramariepa.com for more information. www.

LAURA URNESS IS A “CERTIFIED NEGOTIATION EXPERT” (CNE), “RESORT AND SECOND HOME PROPERTY SPECIALIST” (RSPS) & “SELLERS REPRESENTATIVE SPECIALIST” (SRS).

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5 Tips to Make New Hires

a Long-lasting Success Bringing a new employee into the mix is process commonly known as onboarding. The idea behind onboarding is to make the transition from new hire to team member as efficient and pain-free as possible. However, polling shows that some 31% of entry-level and intermediate level hires leave their new posts within just six months of starting. The question is: why?

The hiring and training process is time-intensive and doesn’t come cheap. This means that making 20

a good match for the long haul requires more than just assessments of skill and personality. To ensure a talented new hire sticks around and is truly positioned for success, the onboarding process must be executed with the same care applied during hiring. For a few ideas on how to make the most of the onboarding process, consider the tenets below as you guide your new hire toward long-lasting success within your company.

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1. Be honest about the scope of the role

2. Build in some perks

Let’s say you’re looking to add a new buyers agent or loan processor to your team. You write up the position’s responsibilities, but neglect to mention that you want the new hire to handle a host of administrative tasks, as well. Maybe it doesn’t seem important enough to outline in detail, as it’s the sort of thing the rest of your does. Miscommunications like these are a leading reason why new hires leave their roles.

If there isn’t clarity and transparency about a position’s true responsibilities, then new hires may become quickly disillusioned and seek out greener pastures.

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While stocking the breakroom with bagels every Friday may seem like a small gesture, it’s often those little morale-boosting moves that build loyalty and comradery among the team. Bike-to-work incentives, subsidized gym memberships, and benefits that match the needs of your employees—all are ways to demonstrate appreciation and investment in your team.

Likewise, the right candidate will return the favor and invest his or her energies into their new role.

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3. Get a sense of big-picture career plans

4. Keep the lines of communication open

Another reason new hires move on may have nothing to do with you or your office. In fact, many hires in entry-level or even intermediate roles have doubts about their long-term vision.

That’s why it’s important to be upfront from the beginning regarding a candidate’s five-year plan and ultimate dream job. Maintain realistic expectations when asking these questions, but use it as an opportunity to gage a candidate’s seriousness about the real estate or mortgage industry. Why this line of work over another?

Emphasizing industry longevity and career growth during the interview process can save you drama down the road.

Take a proactive approach in communicating with your new hire. Take time to check in regularly during the first six months of his or her addition. If you can, make time to train new hires yourself—if only for a part of the onboarding process. You’ll forge a deeper professional bond and create an avenue for further questions. All in all, make it clear that you’re personally invested in their presence and talents, and that you care what they have to say. That way, if any issues or doubts arise, you can stay on top of it and work out a solution, rather than lose a new employee.

5. Give new hires meaningful work to do It’s natural to keep the kid-gloves on with new hires, but don’t let that stop you from giving them a chance to shine. New team members will feel empowered and motivated if given meaningful projects to focus on. Don’t relegate their daily duties to busy work as they build experience.

Instead, task new teammates with something challenging, or that draws on a specific skill you hired them for. You’ll instill confidence, demonstrate your commitment to their growth, and with any luck—keep them around for the long haul.

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JACOB STEINLE Top Agent Magazine

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JACOB STEINLE

Jake Steinle began his real estate career while he was growing up in Milwaukee. “My aunt and uncle owned a small portfolio of multi-unit rental properties in and around Milwaukee, and during the summers when I was in college, I worked with them in property management,” Jake recalls. “I did renovations, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, evictions, exterior maintenance and everything in between.” In 2013, Jake started working with luxury rentals at a small firm, Chicago Signature Properties in Lake Shore East. “I got hired on the spot and started from scratch doing rentals, answering phones, chasing down leads, and working on my sphere. They saw my potential, and the rest is history.”

clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence Jake and his team inspire. “We’ve really grown our business organically, which has been great,” Jake says.

Staying in touch with past clients comes naturally to Jake, and in addition to hosting client appreciation parties, he writes handwritten notes to check in and let clients know he is thinking of them on a weekly basis. “I truly feel that working your sphere of influence, your past clients, and your network, is a goldmine for running

Now Jake leads his own team, the Millennium Group at Compass, which he started in March 2020. Jake and his team serve downtown Chicago and the north suburbs. Over 90% of their business comes from repeat and referral 24

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a business. Everyone on our team is naturally social and likes to connect with people, and that shows in our sales and how we run our business.”

When it comes to marketing, Jake says, “We have a comprehensive strategy for marketing all of our listings, both on and off the market. We have access to quite a few off-market channels for our clients, and we’ve sold a lot of real estate on all of those channels.” That’s in addition to sharing listings with the team’s large social media following across all the major platforms, as well as more traditional methods such as postcards, newsletters and mailers. For commercial clients, Jake and his team use platforms including Crexi and LoopNet as part of their comprehensive strategy to gain national exposure for their listings.

Giving back to his community is important to Jake, and he is involved with Habitat For Humanity. “It’s nice to be involved with such a great organization that is related to real estate and housing,” Jake says.

In the future, Jake says, “Our goal is to grow the business to a $50 million-plus sales team over the next 3-5 years. We’re also dedicating ourselves to attacking the multi-family space, which is an untapped market. We have had a lot of success in the past selling 2-4 unit buildings, and with my understanding of that niche of real estate, we would like to become the #1 seller of 2-4 unit buildings in Chicago.”

Above all, Jake looks forward to continuing to help his clients achieve their real estate goals.

“My responsiveness and ability to listen to my clients’ needs has been the number one factor in how I’ve built my business. I’ve gotten here by not cutting corners, being a good listener, and having an eye for potential.”

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To find out more about Jake Steinle, call 414-839-1740, email jake@mgchicago.co, or visit compass.com/agents/jake-steinle www.

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4 Easy Ways to Redecorate Your Office that Will Boost Morale & Impress Clients Your office is a battle-station of sorts. It’s where you field business, launch your communications, and make the magic of your enterprise happen on a daily basis. While you’ll certainly need to have all the functional elements of an office in order to get your work done—desk, chair, internet—have you really considered the physical environment you’ve cultivated in the process? Think of it this way: working all day in a windowless, poorly lit room 26

wouldn’t exactly inspire productivity or morale, would it?

The fact is humans take all sorts of social, behavioral, and emotional cues from our environments.

And as a real estate professional, you likely already understand the power of the visual and the benefits of making a good impression. With all that in mind, how can you redecorate or retool your

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office space in a way that will boost your mood, productivity, and client relationships? For inspiration, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you consider the ambiance and environment in which you conduct business.

1. A little goes a long way Redecorating your office space doesn’t have to break the bank. Style and décor are often about tiny details adding up to make an overall impression. For instance, paint color, plant life, and lighting are all straightforward ways to rejuvenate a room without spending a fortune. Have dark, drab walls? Consider springing for a lighter, fresher color that will breathe new life into your space. Have bare window sills or empty corners?

Buying and potting a few low-maintenance plants like ferns or succulents can add freshness and pops of color to a sparse room. Rely on fluorescent lighting? Consider sprucing up your space with a few well-chosen floor and table lamps that add accents of taste while warming up the tone in your office. A few intuitively placed items can inspire renewed energy.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle One way to make a big change in your office environment without spending a penny is to declutter and reorder. Let’s say you have rows upon rows of crowded, bulky filing cabinets. Try digitizing your records and cut the clutter, opening up square footage in the process. Maybe your desk has faced the same wall for years. Have you considered rearranging your existing furniture and décor? Just by reorganizing the flow of your workspace, you can give your office the cheapest face-lift possible.

You can also make work areas flow more intuitively, based on the processes and collaboration you’ve adapted to over time.

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3. Think like a client Imagine you’re walking into the office for the first time. As a client, what details would stick out? What red flags would come to mind? While you’re used to working in the same space every day, clients are coming into your office with no set expectations. With that in mind, complete a walkthrough of your office area to address eye sores, clutter, and whatever feels unprofessional or amateur. Half the battle of redecorating your space is finding opportunities and seeing things anew, instead of being content with the status quo.

4. Build out your brand Redecorating your space is about aesthetics, but it’s also about creating a unifying setting for your professional brand. If you’re catering to luxury clientele, it makes sense that your office space should appear elegant, high-end, and sophisticated.

If you’re selling second homes out in the country, perhaps a more rugged but well-curated ambiance would set the right tone for your services. Maybe you’re courting the Millennial market or touting your tech-forward approach to real estate. In that case, a modern, sleek, progressive layout would speak to your company’s values and culture.

Whatever the case may be, think of your office environment as an extension of your brand that communicates with clients, motivates your team, and sets the tone for your day-to-day operations.

Even if decorating isn’t exactly in your wheelhouse, there are plenty of simple and philosophical shifts you can make to your space that will maximize your presence and productivity. What’s more, real estate is a business built on relationships—so it doesn’t hurt to create an office where clients are comfortable and confident in the environment you’ve built.

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RYAN SUNDEN

Ryan Sunden has quickly ascended from being a team member on another top-producing group to the Team Leader of the Sunden Group. This afforded Ryan the opportunity to see first-hand exactly what to do and what not to do when working with clients and negotiating high leverage situations. His interest in sales goes back much further than that. “It all started when I was younger,” Ryan recalls. “My mother, Barbara Sunden, was the National Sales Director for Mary Kay. I learned from day one while sitting at the kitchen table watching my mother with black coffee in one hand and a phone in the other, what it takes to be #1 and build a global empire. I always knew I had sales in my blood.” After college, Ryan went into teaching and coaching, but he found his way back into sales. Eventually, he says, “I was doing so well that I left teaching and coaching sports altogether to focus on real estate full-time.” Ryan hasn’t looked back since, and he excels at helping his clients achieve their real estate dreams.

With his team, The Sunden Group at Keller Williams, Ryan is licensed in and serves 3 states: New Jersey (primarily Bergen County) New York, and Florida.

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Due to the reach & one of his areas of expertise, the snowbird market is offered a seamless transition in selling their NJ/NY home and relocating to a home in sunny Florida. Nearly 70% of his business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence Ryan and his team inspire. Ryan shares, “Clients keep coming back because we provide record setting results, implicit trust, and our ‘Home Sold Guaranteed Program,’” Ryan explains. “We provide white-glove service, and my clients become lifelong friends due to understanding exactly what they want and developing a strategy that is tailor fit to each client’s needs.

No false promises or treating the client as a paycheck rather than a person. We are a real family-oriented business, our relationships are genuine because we always put the clients first.”

“Ryan listed our house and we were under contract within six days following a bidding war! We put our trust in him and his advice on pricing it aggressively and appropriately and it paid off. His humble confidence and positive attitude are infectious and made the process as stress free as possible. Well done Ryan!”

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Ryan sees real estate as a tool to help his clients get to where they want to be. “The way I look at it, real estate is a vehicle that I use to not only help my clients, but also my team and myself achieve the goals that we set. It’s a way to elevate their lifestyle and real estate is that mechanism that allows me to help them do just that. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small or large transaction: everyone deserves to be represented in a manner that is nothing less than exemplary, and I make those dreams a reality.” Emphasizing the big picture, Ryan says, “I’m not just a Realtor®, I’m a lifestyle designer. I help people create and design the life that they want through real estate. That’s what gets me excited and makes me want to jump out of bed each and every morning!”

Community involvement is important to Ryan and his team. The Sunden Group also adopted a worthy cause initiative where they donate a percentage of every closing to the Wounded Warrior Foundation or any other charity of their client’s choosing.

“Helping out in the community is a big part of who we are,” Ryan says. “Without the community, we wouldn’t have a business.” With his background as a PE/Health teacher and coach, he helps organize and promote Keller Williams softball games, and he and his team volunteer at the annual Keller Williams Red Day event.

When he is not working or giving back, Ryan enjoys sports, hiking the great outdoors, spending time with his family, friends and loving fiancée Theresa, coaching other Realtors®, and is always learning new skills to enhance his ever-growing business.

In the future, Ryan plans to continue growing his business and eventually reach a point where the entire business will be self-sustaining. “I want us not just to be able to work and function but perform at such a high level that we exceed each goal from the previous year,” Ryan says. He also looks forward to continuing successful initiatives such as The Sunden Group’s Home Sold Guaranteed program. “A lot of agents promise the customer a lot and don’t deliver,” he says. “Instead, we show people that we’re the real deal and we’re putting our money where our mouth is. It separates the people who talk the talk from the people who walk the walk.”

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To find out more about Ryan Sunden, please call 201-739-6443, email rysunden@kw.com or visit thesundengroup.com www.

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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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AMBER JOVANELLY Before moving into real estate full-time, Amber Jovanelly worked as a property manager for a few years. She had always been fascinated by real estate, though, and already had her license, so in 2012 she decided to take the leap of faith and move into a career as a real estate agent.

She has now been working in real estate for nearly ten years, is the co-owner of Southern Dreams Realty and has established herself as one of the premier agents in the Columbia Metropolitan area in South Carolina. Through thorough, honest communication and a deep base of knowledge of her field, Amber provides phenomenal service to clients year in and year out.

Amber prides herself on the personal service she offers, and does everything in her power to make clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the transaction process. She keeps herself available to answer any questions that might come up, and delivers information transparently and efficiently. “I love meeting with clients,” Amber says. “We have a good time figuring out how to best meet their needs together, and many of my clients end up becoming good friends after the transaction is closed.” Amber prioritizes building lasting relationships with clients over meeting her own bottom line - she sends postcards for holidays and home anniversaries to all of her past clients - and as such, she receives the bulk of her business from referrals and repeat clients.

With considerable experience as an agent and a property manager, Amber is more than capable of handling any challenges a real estate transaction can throw at her. She is a skilled, aggressive negotiator who works hard to get maximum results from each transaction for her clients. Amber runs a smaller, local Brokerage with no corporate restrictions and a unique business style the service she offers is intimate and personal, and she is able to go beyond expectations to help her clients.

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Amber’s Team takes their marketing seriously, and are always looking for creative ways to elevate their strategy. They have multiple social media groups with a large collective following, and bolstered by automated email campaigns, they are able to reach a large online audience.

Amber is a prolific producer who finds ideal situations for her buyers and gets premium market prices for her sellers, and she aims to grow her business even further as time goes on.

In her free time, Amber loves spending time with her friends and family. She is heavily involved in her local community, and as an owner of a local business, she and her Team frequently participate in community-enriching events, such as gatherings for the local children and golf tournament fundraisers for charity. For the future, Amber hopes to expand her Brokerage, Southern Dreams Realty, and increase her already considerable presence in her community, while continuing to provide excellent service for all of her clients. If you’re looking for an agent in the Columbia Metro area with ample experience and sharp communication skills, get in touch with Amber Jovanelly today!

Contact Amber at (803) 422-8560 or southernliving.amber@gmail.com, and you can visit southerndreamsrealty.com www.

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CARLY EBERS Carly Ebers isn’t just selling real estate— she’s selling the good life! With a focus on Warwick and Greenwood Lake in New York and Highland Lakes, New Jersey, she’s in the business of helping people find their getaway from the grind.

It’s a market she knows extremely well.

“In 2018, while still living in NYC I made my first real estate investment—a detached lakefront two family on Greenwood Lake in NY. It was my getaway from the big apple for some apple picking! The second home on the property I made into Montelac Lakeside —a vacation rental,” Carly explains. “It’s only 90 minutes from New York City, and close to ski resorts, apple orchards, wineries, breweries, and the Appalachian Trail. Every season of the year there is so much to do nearby!”

In becoming a Realtor and real estate investor, Carly was following in the footsteps of her grandmother, albeit a roundabout route. It began with culinary school, hospitality management and pre-pandemic luxury event sales in Rockefeller Center. Event sales became difficult in a pandemic, so she hit the books for her Realtor’s license in New York and New Jersey, something she’d wanted to do for many years. “I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s wonderful to be able to work with clients and make all of the decisions about the quality of service you’re going to offer.

I hated having to ask permission to do something I considered essential to good customer service. This job allows me to combine my love for helping people with my interest in architecture and interior design. It’s been fantastic!”

Having sold 24 homes since getting her licenses, Carly has been growing her business rapidly. That growth is due in large part to the creativity she brings to her marketing. For instance, she’s created Sizzle Reels for the neighborhoods she represents, running them 32

on YouTube and Social Media Sites so potential clients can get a sense of just how beautiful these getaway areas are.

Another key element of her success has been her role as a vacation rental host, as people who book at Montelac Lakeside begin to imagine what it would be like to actually live there. “A good percentage of my business has come through my guests,” says Carly. Her licensing in both New York and New Jersey also allows Carly to show clients a variety of options that best match their needs and situation.

Not surprisingly, Carly loves getting outdoors in her spare time. She’s been boating since she was a child and was a ski instructor many years. She loves Farmer’s Markets and gardening, and enjoys playing guitar.

Going forward, Carly plans to keep growing her business, continue investing, and is working towards her Broker’s license. But what she looks forward to most is many years of helping clients attain a dream. “I love creating deep bonds with people, getting to know their goals and helping them find the best home for their lifestyle.”

Contact Carly at 862-268-2808 or email carlyebers.re@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 Top Agent Magazine

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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1

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 responsibilities 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 com-

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plete 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.

3

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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CARRIE EVANS BENITONE Carrie Evans Benitone became a licensed Realtor in 2008 after having her first child. She had been interested in homes her entire life, and had spent time working in other areas of the field - she studied real estate finance in college, and has experience in the mortgage industry, including underwriting and appraisal. Over the last 13 years, Carrie has built an impressive career in Shelby County, TN, and she now works for Hobson Realtors, often recognized as one of the finest real estate firms in Memphis. As a lifelong resident of the city, she is incredibly familiar with the local market, and has established herself as an elite agent in the area by finding ideal solutions and always advocating for the best interests of her clients.

Because of her hands-on, personalized approach to serving her clients, Carrie has an incredibly strong referral network - in fact, she gets all of her business from repeat clients and referrals, and is a mainstay figure in her local community. She does everything in her power to help clients find success and have a pleasant experience throughout the transaction process. “I love the people I meet through my job, and it’s my number one priority to make them happy,” Carrie says.

“Everything I do is geared towards finding them their ideal home at the best possible value.” By focusing on building relationships with clients over the cold details of the transaction, Carrie has built an expansive sphere of influence in Shelby County.

With an analytical background and a deep understanding of many different facets of real estate, Carrie is a skilled negotiator who is able to consistently get optimal results for her clients. “My depth of industry knowledge has been a really huge boon for me throughout my career,” Carrie says. As a Memphis native, Carrie is an expert at navigating the market and finding the best prices for both buyers and sellers, Top Agent Magazine

and finds great self-fulfillment in helping them find a situation that satisfies their needs.

When it comes to marketing her listings, Carrie uses professional photography to highlight the strengths of each home, then advertises each property extensively online through social media and the MLS. Through her presence in the community and the use of postcards and mailers, Carrie is able to generate interest for her listings locally as well to ensure sellers get the best possible price for their homes. Carrie closes 30 transactions on average each year and hopes to continue growing her business in the years to come.

In what limited free time she has, Carrie prioritizes spending time with her family. An active member of her community, she is heavily involved with her kids’ school programs, and also does a lot of work with Advance Memphis, an organization that promotes economic stability across the city. For the future, Carrie looks forward to keeping her clients happy and her referral business thriving while growing her career as a Top Producing Realtor in Memphis.

You can contact Carrie at (901) 488-9680 or cbenitone@hobsonrealtors.com, and visit her website at hobsonrealtors.com www.

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DELILAH ARMENDAREZ PEREA In today’s market, you want a REALTOR® with Delilah’s knowledgeability and integrity by your side. As a brokerage office manager, Delilah started in the industry gaining invaluable behind-the-scenes-experience before making the leap to become an agent. Seven years later, she is one of the Top Agents in New Mexico and has been helping clients successfully navigate their transactions ever since. Delilah arrived at success as an “Overcomer,” thriving in her business despite chronic health complications.

Through dedication and centering her business on her faith, Delilah meets each day’s challenges. “I push forward and strive to overcome the obstacles with my health and think of the positive, as my clients mean more to me than any health battle that tries to bring me down,” she says. “I give it all to God for where I am today.”

Today, Delilah is a REALTOR® and an Associate Broker with Keller Williams in Los Lunas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, where most of her business derives from repeat and referral clients, with out-of-state referrals pouring in from agents who know the caliber of her reputation. “Just about every week I get more referrals,” Delilah says. “We all want to survive in this industry, but if you treat a client with the upmost respect, regardless of the sales price, if instead of looking at a client as a dollar bill, you treat them like they’re your family, the income and referrals will follow.”

Delilah’s service to her clients doesn’t stop at the close of a transaction. She forms lasting relationships with past clients who keep her top-of-mind for their realty needs. Delilah says.

“I’ve noticed that not only do I help them, but they help me as well through their friendship, and that in itself says so much.”

When it comes to marketing, Delilah engages a robust digital rollout for each listing. Posts across a wide range of social media platforms put Delilah’s listings right at a buyer’s fingertips, with content on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn showcasing the property’s character and connecting potential buyers to Delilah’s homeowners as people. “I make it all about them and their home, not about me,” Delilah explains.

Annually, Delilah helps her clients in closing between thirty-nine and forty-eight transactions.

As a REALTOR® who cares about her community, Delilah has organized events in Los Lunas around holidays, renting facilities to celebrate with her clients and the public. She also helps to coordinate drives for local schools, collecting essential supplies and over fifty pairs of shoes for students in need. When she’s not working or giving back, Delilah stays active in her church community, and as a youth mentor. An avid cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball fan, Delilah has coached boys and girls teams. When she finds the time, Delilah loves to get away on refreshing camping trips, relaxing in the outdoors with her husband who is her biggest fan and supporter, and her son and daughter who are her why in life and business.

Looking to the future, Delilah is laying the groundwork to grow her business and will soon seek buyers’ agents to join her team. She envisions reaching a point where she can mentor new agents to thrive in their careers, and in turn leverage her business to grow to a level of excellence that will leave a lasting legacy. “Life’s about keeping your head up and not giving up,” Delilah concludes. “Somewhere out there, somebody needs us, is looking to buy or sell, or for some kind of guidance.”

Connect with Delilah via phone at 505-702-9416 (Cell), 505-866-7653 (Office), or email delilahsellsrealestate@gmail.com 36

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3 Mind-Bending Philosophies to Expand Your Professional Perspective

Beyond the day-to-day duties that make your business tick, so much of success is derived from the principles you put in place to guide your business. The foundational tenets you subscribe to can make or break your business for the long-term; they not only influence how you complete routine Top Agent Magazine

tasks, but also impact your growth, your ability to manage a team, and what the future might hold. With all that in mind, here are three philosophies to remember as you strategize your professional life—whether you’re mapping your monthly goals or creating an overarching plan for growth.

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1

Treat Your Business Like a Business

One of the perks of working in real estate is that you’re often able to create and manage your own schedule and volume, but that doesn’t mean you can skimp on the technical details of being your own boss.

No real estate professional worth his or her salt would forgo empowering tools like a business and marketing plan, or spreadsheets to track cash flow and expenses, or regular profit-and-loss statements, or fiscal year budgets and projections. Taking these measures may appear daunting at first— and completing them will certainly require discipline and a learning curve—but harnessing valuable data and information can intelligently inform your professional decisions, strategies, and long-term growth.

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Achieve a Holistic Understanding

When schedules are busy, it sometimes feels like enough to reach the end of the week’s to-do list. But, if you’re planning on a lasting career built on year-to-year growth, it’s not enough to account for the short-term.

By creating daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly, and five-year goals, you’re outlining and quantifying your progress.

While your quarterly and yearly goals may be clear in your mind, what about five years from now? Perhaps you’d like to add to your designations, or incorporate a new team member, or add an additional branch.

No matter how you envision your profes38

sional future, the first order of business is to create a timeline. Once you have a clear deadline in mind, it’s far easier to build out the steps and calendar necessary to achieve your goals.

3 Specificity is Empowering While you may have a general sense of where you’d like to see your business go in the next few months or years, it’s hard to work toward or attain a goal that’s abstract.

To make the most of your time and efforts, you must identify and understand precisely what you’re aiming toward. For instance, instead of planning to add volume to your enterprise, outline a specific, attainable number to work toward. Or, if you’d like to add an administrative staff in the years to come, consider the details of this decision—the money it would take, the type of people you’d want to hire, how many hours per week they’d work, what tasks they would complete, etc. Adding hard details to your goals not only makes them more realistic, but progress is more easily made when you have specific items you can cross off your to-do list along the way.

While there are no 100% fool-proof or guaranteed routes to success, shifting your mindset from the present and the abstract, to the specific and the long-term can have a major impact on your chances of success.

Instead of dreaming of being more productive or successful, do yourself a favor and craft a gameplan you can bank on.

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EDITH BOURRET With over a decade of experience in real estate and a rhythm of far above a hundred transactions a year, Edith Bourret has the knowledge and the vibrant energy to take on the Montréal market. “Every day I work hard to understand the different shifts in our local market. When you understand the market, you know what you can do for your clients.” Inspired to get into the business by her mom, she quickly fell in love with the industry and landed at RE/MAX L’ESPACE, where she’s been the recipient of numerous awards, including 100% Club, Platinum Club, Chairman and RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Edith prides herself on the close personal relationships she develops with clients and the hands-on level of service she is able to provide. She believes her secret to success is that, at the core, she truly wants to help others make their dreams come true. “Our clients trust us because they know that we will walk them every step of the way, from the very beginning all the way to the end. It’s not about the money for us, it’s about making people really happy.”

Known for her kindness and empathetic nature, Edith reveals that it was her own personal fight for her life that helped her understand what’s truly important in life and that we should always treat others how we want to be treated. “I was fighting breast cancer for a year and aside from those closest to me, nobody knew about it.

I would get my treatment in the morning, and then go to meet with clients. I think that period of time really helped shape me into who I am today and how I treat people. You never know the type of silent struggles others might be going through when you meet them.”

A real estate transaction is one of the biggest and potentially most stressful events for many. Able to put herself in her clients’ shoes, Edith understands all the emotions involved and knows how to manage client expectations.

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“It’s really stressful to buy or sell a property. Sometimes people have to do it due to sad circumstances, like a divorce or a death. We like to give them that special touch to make sure they feel supported in that situation and know that they’re not alone; they have us to guide them.”

When she’s not busy working, Edith strives to stay connected to her community and helps children in need through consistent donations. She is also passionate about helping those without housing.

“When I was growing up my father was homeless. It’s a cause near and dear to my heart and one I would like to get more involved with in the future.”

Looking ahead, Edith is optimistic about what the coming years have in store for her. She recently opened her satellite office right in the heart of downtown Montreal where she serves her customers base and welcome any new clients. She plans to continue mentoring her agents so that they can achieve their own individual success, and she’s looking to add additional team members in order to serve more clients throughout the City and suburbs.

To learn more about Edith Bourret email edith.bourret@remax-quebec.com, visit edithbourret.immo, or call 514–606–6156 www.

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JEFFREY CHUBB Helping people is what Jeffrey Chubb was born to do. It didn’t take him long to find his love for business and his need to provide top tier service as he started his first two companies while attending High School. Today, the company has changed, but his desire to strive for excellence and need to continue to improve is what drives him.

His path would make a severe turn in his younger years. His father passed away suddenly as he was ready to embark on his sophomore year in college. Enrolled at Babson College, he took a semester off to help his mother manage his parent’s real estate companies. He continued managing those companies over the next three years while finishing his degree at Babson. Upon graduation he moved to New York City to work on Wall Street as a Residential Mortgage Backed Securities trader. But Real Estate was in his blood. He moved back to Boston in 2008 and embarked on his new real estate career.

Starting his career at RE/MAX, he would become one of the top RE/MAX Agents in all of New England while also being inducted in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. In 2018, Jeffrey would join eXp Realty where he would continue being one of the top agents in the state as well as nationwide. He has earned eXps top designation as an ICON Agent. Less than 1% of agents’ companywide hold this designation.

His focus has shifted in the last year. In 2019 his team would balloon to more than 20 agents. He felt that there was a loss in superior service to the customer and would reorganize the team letting go the majority of agents. With the new team focus that is smaller and laser focused on bringing a better customer experience, he is on pace to sell 60 to 70 homes in 2021 which equates to about $35 million in production. A whopping 40 percent of that business comes from repeat clients and referrals which is a testament to his strategy of focusing on the customer and their needs. His clients return to work with him because of his deep knowledge of the market, as 40

well as for his strong negotiating skills. His finance background has made him a master at solving problems that arise during a transaction, utilizing creative financing and contract mediation strategies to help get his buyers into a home.

Jeffrey has also been recognized as one of the top 500 Real Estate marketers in the country and been keynote speakers on subjects such as Short Sales, How to Prepare for a Changing Market and How to Deliver a Better Customer Experience. At one time he was also a National Real Estate Coach helping other agents around the country. When he’s not working, Jeff is usually doing things with his family, helping with various activities at his children’s school or taking them to the beach or venturing out on his boat.

As for the future of his business, Jeff plans to grow his team strategically, adding a few new agents who share his vision of relationship building and efficiency of process to deliver a first-rate experience for clients. He hopes to grow his volume next year, and has set a goal of 100 closed transactions and a volume of $75 million.

Jeff is dedicated to bringing the highest quality of service to his clients, and continually finding ways to positively impact the health of his community.

If you would like Jeff’s help buying or selling a home, call him at 617-775-7687 or email Jeff@Boston2.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

3 Surefire Methods that Make for a Productive Meeting Sometimes a business meeting can achieve exactly what it sets out to do: communicate, assess actions, set goals, or otherwise. Other times, meetings can feel like a drain on your time and energy, and only advance your agenda in marginal ways. While meetings are an integral form of communication in the professional world, how can you ensure that they are both productive and worthwhile?

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The truth is, it takes intentioned planning to make a meeting a success. A well-curated meeting makes partners and employees feel unified as a team, excited about what’s to come, and motivated to achieve a collective goal. With that in mind, consider a few approaches below to maximize your next meeting and ensure that all parties involved leave with a renewed sense of direction and inspiration.

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1. Create a detailed agenda in advance Oftentimes meetings are scheduled with a loose goal in mind—to hash out the terms of a contract or to strategize a new marketing campaign, for example. To ensure your meeting is productive, time-efficient, and achieves its end, create a detailed agenda in advance. This means breaking down your overarching goal into pieces and outlining what’s required to complete each component. You might also consider making time blocks for each respective component, so there is a clear structure and hierarchy in place. Not only does this ensure that time is used wisely and evenly, but it also creates order and momentum for the greater task at hand. What’s more, you’ll want to distribute this detailed agenda in advance of your meeting, so that all attendees will be familiar with the format and delineated goals of your gathering. This will set a professional tone, while keeping team members and conversation on task.

2. Reserve off-topics ideas and comments for later Too many meetings are derailed when an off-topic question or comment is made and hijacks the attentions of attendees. While it’s natural that outlying issues may arise when all team members are gathered, you can ward off distractions by creating a so-called holding area for off-topic talking points. This holding area will serve as the receptacle for any off-topic or lower priority addendum, and you can create a chunk of time towards the end of your meeting to readdress those 42

points separately. Once you’ve achieved the highest priority goals of your meeting, you can then return to the items in your holding area. Note: be sure to familiarize your staff with this approach so that the expectation is already in place and interruptions won’t distract from your meeting’s true intent.

3. Conclude every meeting with a brief summary and action items The very last thing you should do before concluding your meeting is to reemphasize the main takeaways of your gathering and outline a specific list of action items. Again, successful meetings are clear and give attendees a sense of direction. That’s why reiterating action items—or next steps in need of completion—to each respective employee is an essential component of a productive meeting. Likewise, summarizing main takeaways unifies a team’s understanding of what’s important and why the meeting was called in the first place. Ending on a concrete yet proactive note helps launch team members toward the next event in their day and gives them a sense of confidence as they tackle their duties.

Meetings don’t have to be a formality or a bore. When planned and executed with incisiveness, they can inspire your talent roster and streamline productivity in your office.

Especially in the world of real estate, ensuring everyone is on the same page and doing their jobs effectively is key to success and longevity. Put a little planning into your next meeting, and you’ll save yourself valuable time and energy as you move forward.

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JESSIE COBB Focused on realizing her clients’ needs and goals, Jessie Cobb is a REALTOR® determined to get her buyers and sellers exactly what they want, with the best possible terms, so that every transaction is a win-win for all parties. She goes out of her way to make her clients feel confident about their decisions and works tirelessly to deliver an exceptional real estate experience.

Jessie possesses vast knowledge when it comes to the business of real estate. She has a degree in Business Management and has 12 years of working experience at a same-day lender where she rose to the position of branch manager. It was during her time with the lender that she learned how to run a successful business as well as the importance of forming long-lasting relationships with clients. As a teenager, Jessie’s first jobs were at two local real estate firms, where she acquired the knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a brokerage. So it was a natural transition that led her to becoming a licensed REALTOR®, merging her knowledge of transactions, lending, business and customer care. In her first year as a REALTOR® she received the title of Rookie of the Year, and her passion for the industry has only continued to grow since. “I love the people. I love what I do. It does not feel like work for me.” Serving clients throughout the western suburbs in Illinois, Jessie currently works with a buyer’s agent and a transaction coordinator, as well as a team of professional lenders and real estate attorneys.

For Jessie, the key to a successful real estate transaction is providing an unparalleled level of service. “I think clear and honest communication is a crucial component of a great transaction. I’m always available to speak with my clients and help them with any questions or concerns. I believe that what you do for people always comes back to you.” Striving to provide sellers with creative marketing solutions, she uses a mixed-method approach to get her listings sold. “When I price houses, I price them aggressively. I do my homework and I tell my clients upfront Top Agent Magazine

that if they follow my lead, I’ll be able to sell their house quickly. Also, I have the benefit of using the Keller Williams Listing Service, which automatically sends my listings to over 1,000 different websites, so even more buyers can see the properties quickly. Aside from that, I have an extensive network of other agents throughout the area, whom I have worked with, so they are always looking at my listings first.”

Outside of work Jessie finds time to help her community thrive. Last year, for instance, she organized a ham giveaway during the holiday season, complete with an appearance by The Cat in the Hat. “It was a great experience.

It’s always an amazing feeling when you’re able to help someone, especially last year when everyone was on edge. The smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless.”

Jessie is always looking to expand her business while providing clients with the same elite level of service they’re accustomed to getting from her. “I’d like to get a few more agents on the team, but it’s important for me to find the right people to work with. I roll out the red carpet for my clients, so I need agents who have the same type of patience, strong work ethic, dedication, and high level of integrity.”

To learn more about Jessie Cobb please call (630) 745–8228 or email jessie.cobb@kw.cm Copyright Top Agent Magazine 43

JILL MULDOON Anyone who’s ever worked with Realtor Jill Muldoon comes out of the experience knowing a lot more about the real estate process than when they started, and will likely never again stress over buying or selling a home the way most of us do.

That’s because Jill takes the time up front to explain what her clients can expect every step of the way.

“One of the biggest complaints people have with real estate agents is that they feel lost and don’t know what’s going on,” Jill explains. “I like to build a rapport with people so that I can educate them, giving them the knowledge they need to make a well-informed decision that they can feel good about.”

Jill brings a great deal of experience to that endeavor.

She was in property management for 10 years, which allowed her to accumulate a wealth of industry knowledge, particularly when it comes to buying investment properties. While she enjoyed that work, she never felt it was her true calling, and in 2011 she got her Associate Broker’s license so she could help people fulfill their dreams of homeownership.

Ten years later she’s built quite a successful business with Brookstone Realtors, serving clients all over Michigan’s Northern Detroit Metro suburbs, with most of her transactions occurring in Genesee, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties. These days, most of her clients are either repeat or referrals, a tribute to the personalized service Jill provides and the hard work she puts into building a relationship with her clients. “I’m a good listener, and I get to know people well.

So once I’ve shown them a couple of homes, I can do the shopping for them. I see homes through their eyes.

I’ve found people homes they loved that they’d never even asked about. A lot of my work is matchmaking!”

For her listings, Jill helps the owner stage their home to appeal to the broadest number of buyers. If the house

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needs repairs or updates, she connects them to trusted contractors within her network. She also uses her experience and knowledge of the industry to set a price that is both competitive and guaranteed to bring the seller a maximum profit on their investment. And, of course, she shows the seller the comps so that they can be confident they are listing their home at the best price point.

Jill is always looking for different ways to support her community. She’s donated and hosted fundraisers for people who have lost their homes in fires or otherwise found themselves in difficult circumstances. She’s also an animal lover, and has volunteered with dog rescue for many years, whether that was coordinating adoptions, providing transportation, or social media networking to help find dogs a home.

As for the future of her business, Jill plans to keep increasing her volume and building a team to help support that growth, while maintaining the excellent customer service that has been her calling card over the years. To that end, she’s also committed to continuing education, learning everything she can about new technology and methods within the industry.

Contact Jill at 248-701-1677 or email jillmuldoonhomes@gmail.com

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3 Ways to Make Your Workspace Work for You Productivity experts agree that a curated workspace positively impacts productivity and mood, but oftentimes we settle for bland desks and cubicles that lack personalized details or considerations for workflow. Why miss out on the opportunity to optimize your surroundings when it could brighten your day—and boost your performance? Keep in mind some of these tactics to make your workspace your own and reap the benefits along the way.

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DETERMINE YOUR WORKING STYLE AND DECORATE ACCORDINGLY For the creative set, a colorful and art-filled workspace can inspire fresh ideas and reduce stress. Likewise, casual yet aesthetically pleasing furniture, accessories, and décor set an inviting yet functional mood. A pop of color from an office tool—even something as basic as a stapler—can inject a sense of fun and modernism into your daily tasks. For the more analytical, right-brained worker, clean

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lines and zero clutter go a long way. A few well-chosen personal photos in tasteful, unassuming frames can provide a motivating connection to the world beyond the office, while accessories and supplies that are sleek, monochrome, and contemporary inspire a sense of calm efficiency.

BUILD A WORKSPACE WITH YOUR DAILY ROUTINE IN MIND If you find yourself spending hours on the phone per day, or assembling stacks of documents and brochures, or even coming and going from the office with frequency—there are simple adjustments you can make to your workspace that will save you time and energy. If you sit for long hours—responding to e-mails or making calls—try incorporating an ergonomic chair or keyboard wrist-pad to maximize comfort. If you spend a long time assembling presentation materials, then file organizers, trays, and easy-to-pull labels can shave valuable time off your efforts. Lastly, those who step out for frequent meetings can reduce the hassle of being on-the-go by making your space mindfully organized—a coatrack and a dish for your keys by the door, an auto-brew coffeemaker, or an easily edited whiteboard calendar can make jet-setting simpler.

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ADD EASY DETAILS THAT ENRICH YOUR WORKING EXPERIENCE While organization and décor can rally productivity and mood, there are also a few extra details you can introduce to your workspace to improve the quality of your working life.

Healthy, easy to grab-and-go snacks—think nuts, homemade trail mix, and fresh fruit— can keep your energy up without the sugar crush or guilt. If there’s a window nearby, a hard-to-kill plant like a philodendron or a fern not only cleanse the air around you, but also provide a welcome connection to the natural world. Being prepared in a pinch is another great way to make your workspace work for you: a spare tie, a tube of lip balm, hand sanitizer, or a box of Band-Aids can save you a trip to the store when an unexpected need arises.

While we take great pains to make our homes our sanctuaries—complete with the decorations, furniture, and food we favor—we often overlook our work areas, even though we spend a sizable portion of our week sitting at the same desk. Challenge yourself to add a few of these personalizing, productivity-boosting details to your work area and bring the comfort of home to your working life.

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JUSTIN ANNIS Justin Annis is a real estate agent for modern times. Driven, ambitious, and motivated, Justin has gotten off to a strong start in his career, serving his clients with honesty and dedication.

Before he began his journey in real estate, he worked in customer service, which started him envisioning a professional future that would allow him to help and serve others. “I loved working with people, and I was thinking of ways to help people even more,” Justin says. “That’s when I thought about real estate. I understood that real estate would allow me to help people with one of the biggest purchases of their lives and support them towards achieving their dreams. That was two years ago, and I’m so happy I made the leap. I love every day of what I do.”

Now a solo agent with RE/MAX in Toledo, Ohio, Justin has built a stellar reputation on the foundation of putting relationships first. Along with having a strong background in marketing, Justin has earned several designations. He is a certified Property Stager Consultant, Pricing Strategy Advisor, and Seller Representative Specialist. Born and raised in Toledo, Justin possesses an on-the-ground expertise and a passion for the area that his clients love.

With his integrity, his work ethic, and his client-centered approach, Justin has already earned an impressive repeat client and referral rate. His clients return to him and refer him to friends and family because of his unique ability to build long-lasting relationships.

“I’m trustworthy, which I think is one of the things that brings my clients back,” Justin says. “I believe that communication is key, and I work hard to keep my clients in the loop at every step, from start to finish through the process.”

Justin’s commitment to his clients extends to keeping in touch with his growing list of past clientele. He prefers to provide a personal touch, using phone calls, texts, and quick videos to touch base. “I treat my clients like lifelong friends, like family,” Justin says. To market their listings, Justin implements a comprehensive approach that includes social media and online advertising, flyers, postcards, and direct mail. He also leverages his extensive professional network to spread the word. Justin’s strategy has paid off for his clients: last year, he completed eighteen transactions, and this year he is on track to double that number.

For Justin, the greatest reward of his job comes from the people. “I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and getting to know them so I know how to best support them,” Justin says. “It’s so rewarding to get them to closing, and to know that I’ve played a role in helping them achieve their goals.”

Dedicated to his community, Justin is actively involved with Growing Hopes Farm, an organization which provides housing for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Justin also gives back to the food bank, both through the Brokerage and on his own personal time. When Justin is not busy helping his clients or giving back to the community, he enjoys going to the gym, golfing, bowling, and spending time with family and friends.

Looking to the future, Justin has no plans to slow down.

He hopes to form his own team and expand his business.

“I’d like to help newer agents develop into top producers,” Justin says. “What I most want is to give back to the community. I love this area, and I’m dedicated to helping the community through real estate.”

To find out more about Justin Annis, please call 419-279-7768, email justin@justinsellshouses.net, or visit justin-annis.remax.com https://

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KEN CALDER Ken Calder didn’t name his brokerage Addicted Realty for nothing. When he opened his Las Vegas office in 2014, he envisioned a quality of service that would transform the anxiety many of us feel over the experience of buying or selling a home to a feeling of excitement. “Our motto is ‘Buy…Sell…Repeat,” Ken explains. “We promise a process that is seamless, educational, and fun! We want to serve our clients so well that they can’t wait for the next opportunity to get into the market.”

He’s got the experience to fulfill that promise. Ken received his Realtor’s license 21 years ago in Boston, and earned his Broker’s license in 2016. After the housing market crash he sold his business there and moved to Las Vegas where he saw great market opportunities and a chance to build something special. “Part of our strategy for delivering a superior service was creating a better working environment for our colleagues. I hate the fact that there’s a huge attrition rate for agents in this industry, and not much assistance available to them. We emphasize training our agents and giving them the resources they need to succeed.

All of our corporate level agents are W-2 employees as well—which alleviates some of the tax complexities that come with the job—and we provide a full health insurance package.”

That commitment to the profession as a whole rather than just focusing on numbers of transactions closed is at the core of Ken’s holistic approach to good business. Having happy agents leads to happy clients, which creates a win-win situation for his business, his clients, and the city itself. Whether they need help with buying or selling a home, investing, or property management, Ken’s clients seek out his team for the deep knowledge of the market and the personal care Addicted Realty offers, and have rewarded him with a repeat client and referral business of 80 percent. One satisfied client expressed his gratitude like this:

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“If I could give Ken Calder 10 stars I would! He is very knowledgeable about everything real estate including contracts, property management, negotiations, etc.

He is very professional and courteous always putting the client first. I would recommend him to anyone who is serious about buying or selling a house.”

Ken is also dedicated to finding more ways to serve those who have served their country. To that end he and his team conduct food drives twice a year for Veteran’s Village, as well as keeping abreast of all the financial resources available to veterans to help them achieve home ownership. He’s also Chairman of the LVR Risk Reduction Graduate Committee. When he’s not working or volunteering his time, Ken enjoys mountain biking or getting into the outdoors in any way he can. “I go out every weekend, and I take a digital free month every year to unwind. Nature is my happy place!”

Going forward, Ken wants to continue evolving the brokerage model he’s set up with Addicted Realty, and eventually expand his business into the neighboring states of California and Utah. He looks forward to addicting even more clients through his team’s personal and high-quality service.

Contact Ken at 702-843-6733 or email ken@addictedrealty.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

4 Qualities of Exceptional Employees Hiring a new employee is one of the more stressful parts of being a business owner. After all, you’re taking someone on and trusting that they’ll not only be a valuable addition to the team, but won’t do anything to hurt your business’s hard earned reputation.

Sometimes a person comes in and you click right away, and other times you might be blown away by an impressive resume. But there are things you should look for that might not be as obvious at first. Employees that have the following qualities are ones you should seek out, because they will definitely be well worth the time and energy you invest in them.

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1. They have the confidence to be innovative There’s a reason people are drawn to those who think outside the box. Not only do innovations often lead to an extremely profitable business, even when that thinking doesn’t pan out, creative thinking is something that will energize your business and will motivate more employees to start taking chances.

Innovative thinkers also usually have great leadership skills. Ironically, you want an employee who isn’t afraid to speak up to authority and is someone who knows how to bend the rules without breaking them. They know that

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the success of the team and business is what’s most important, as long as it’s done ethically and with respect for everyone involved.

2. They are constantly reviewing their past performance A good employee looks forward, but they also look back. They are always evaluating what worked and what didn’t work in past performances and then adjusting their plans going forward accordingly. If they are coming off a big win, they know how to capitalize on that by using the momentum and cementing in everyone’s minds the value that they add to the team.

If things didn’t go as planned, they assess what they can do better next time, and they don’t get bogged down in insecurity. They take responsibility and they have confidence that they won’t repeat past mistakes. They know that failure is a temporary state, and are able to learn lessons from their mistakes, that will make them a better employee going forward.

While no one wants to fail, having the confidence to try something and fail will one day let you strike gold. Someone who lets failure shut them down, leads to a dead end and will soon make them a dead weight on your team.

3. They value teamwork Even though an exceptional employee might be a rising star, they realize that success is 50

not an individual endeavor, it relies strongly on who you’re working with. Exceptional employees make sure that everyone is contributing and valued for their input. They put the interests of the company above their own, and thrive in an environment where ideas and information are shared freely.

Shared success is the ultimate goal for every project. Exceptional employees have the confidence to know that even when they’re not singled out for praise, they’re an irreplaceable component of a larger machine.

4. They are self-motivated learners A key thing to remember is that while experience is a valuable commodity, intelligence and intellectual curiosity is usually something that can’t be taught. Yes, you might request employees get additional training or attend seminars, but exceptional employees will be seeking out educational opportunities constantly. Even if they don’t have a lot of money for weekend retreats, they will be getting books from the library, downloading audiobooks, and most importantly, taking advantage of one their greatest resources, YOU. Exceptional employees know that the way to stay ahead is to always be at the forefront of new technology and systems. They don’t see educating themselves as a burden, they actually enjoy it. They realize that everything they take in, will one day make them not only an exceptional employee, but an exceptional boss as well.

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LAURA C. ROWE Laura C. Rowe began her real estate career in 2000. “My husband and I had bought an investment property, and we had a bad experience with an agent,” Laura recalls. “I told my husband, ‘I bet I could do this better!’ He said I should go for it, and I did.” In her first year, Laura made Rookie of the Year for the Hampton Roads Realtors® Association, as well as Rookie of the Year at her brokerage, William E. Wood (now Howard Hanna). “I said, ‘I guess this is a gift,’ and that was it,” Laura says. “I took off running, and I’ve been a top agent ever since.”

Now with eXp Realty, Laura has been a Realtor® for 22 years. She serves the whole Hampton Roads area, with an emphasis on Virginia Beach. An impressive 95% of Laura’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, a feat that speaks to the trust and confidence she inspires. “My clients keep coming back because I’m a great negotiator,” Laura says. “I’m also a great communicator, and I’m a really big people person. I love people!”

Laura is a military wife and has two grown sons, and she works with many military families who are relocating to the area. Laura also specializes in luxury properties and waterfront homes, and she has a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation.

When it comes to marketing, Laura uses a comprehensive approach to ensure maximum exposure and get the best deal for her clients. “Marketing is all digital now,” she explains. “I do a lot of target marketing and Facebook ads, but things are not staying on the market for long right now. For example, I just listed a $1.2 million property and it sold in 48 hours for $1.3 million! I was able to negotiate an Top Agent Magazine

extra $100,000 for my client, and she just couldn’t believe it.”

Giving back to her community is of utmost importance to Laura, and she serves on the board of the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center (JCOC), which helps the Hampton Roads homeless community. When she is not working or giving back, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and their three-year-old golden retriever Roman, who is the star of many of Laura’s ads.

Laura is driven to give back in part because of where she came from. “I grew up in a trailer, and before that, we moved from apartment to apartment,” Laura says. “We could never afford to live in one place. So when I’m selling these houses, it’s so special to be able to help people build generational wealth through real estate.

I was never taught about generational wealth, and it’s amazing to help these young couples who are getting started. It’s not about money in this business. It’s about helping people take care of their children and their children’s children. We’re selling the American dream. How can it get any better than that?”

To find out more about Laura C. Rowe, call 757-374-3758, visit LauraRowe.com or email laurarowe@laurarowe.com www.

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LINDA BRANDON For Linda Mae Brandon, excellent service is at the root of a great real estate transaction. She effortlessly identifies her clients’ needs and guides them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

An agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Linda helps buyers and sellers throughout Chesapeake, Virginia, and surrounding areas.

When working with Linda, clients can always count on her caring nature and her hands-on approach to every transaction. It’s these traits that have helped her build many long-lasting relationships in the business. “Real estate is all about service. I enjoy being of service to other people and keeping up with clients and their families. I have a genuine desire to help. Once I get in front of a client, we immediately get to work together and find the best path for ensuring that they can reach their goals.”

Linda walks her clients through every little step of the transaction process and beyond. After a closing, she continues to stay in touch and remains a valuable resource for them. “My past clients hear from me probably every month. I send them texts, I do giveaways, and we go to dinner together. My clients end up being my friends.”

With over $6,000,000 in sales volume annually, Linda is a consistent top producer. But what truly compels her to work with enthusiasm and

dedication is the knowledge that at the end of the day she is helping others get through a very crucial moment in their lives. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest transactions a person will make in their lifetime, and her goal is to make sure that it’s a smooth ride for her clients. “We’re not just agents. We are fixers. We are problem solvers.

That’s what we do. We take the burden of selling your home, or purchasing your home, and we make sure the process is seamless and easy.”

When she’s not working, Linda loves spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. “I’m extremely proud of my daughters and my grandchildren. My free time is spent making memories with my family.”

Going forward, Linda is focused on expanding her business and continuing to mentor other agents so that they can reach their own success and serve their clients with honesty and professionalism.

She is also passionate about giving back to others through volunteer work and donations, and her dream is to start her own nonprofit organization one day. For now, she is focused on helping women through her coaching. “I have a coaching license specifically because I have a deep desire for every young woman who works with me to know that they can do, and achieve, anything they set their minds to. I was a teen mom at 15, and now I am a successful businesswoman who has raised two successful daughters. My passion in life is to show other women that it can be done regardless of the circumstances, because, as my favorite Bible verse calls on us to do, ‘we walk by faith, not by sight.’”

To learn more about Linda Mae Brandon email Linda@LindaBrandonHomes.com, visit LindaBrandonHomes.com, or call (757) 405 – 8516. www.

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4 Reasons Why Multitasking Can Actually Derail Your Day Common wisdom dictates that a master multitasker is likely to garner the most success. After all, doesn’t juggling multiple projects at once mean you’ll work faster than if you took each one as it came? While multitasking is often cited as a desirable skill—and surely serves its purpose now and again—studies show that a mere 2% of individuals can actually multitask effectively. Meanwhile, the remaining 98% might be doing more harm than good by trying Top Agent Magazine

to tackle too much at once. Take a look below at some little-known facts about the risky side of waging a routine built on multitasking.

1. Multitasking decreases productivity While multitasking gives us the illusion of completing two tasks at once, it actually means

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our focus and productivity is split. In other words, switching back and forth between two activities doesn’t mean they’ll each be completed sooner; it means that you’re getting half-as-much complete as you would if you focused on a singular task. Multitasking fatigues your brain, elicits stress, and make you less efficient in retaining new information.

2. Multitasking is actually addictive While watching TV or taking a walk, have you ever noticed the impulse to check your smartphone or scroll through your social media feed? Even though we think about multitasking as a workplace skill, it’s also an addictive form of mental stimulation. By satiating our need for distraction with constant check-ins online, we become accustomed to frequent breaks in our focus, training us to crave updates, messages, and push notifications—we even hit refresh when we’ve checked in five minutes prior! This negative habit-building makes it difficult to complete sustained bouts of concentration.

3. Multitasking has negative physical side effects Studies show that those who juggle multiple focus-intensive activities actually show spikes in cortisol, a stress hormone. Likewise, frequent multitaskers display symptoms of sleep deprivation: fatigue, disorientation, and lack of focus. Studies in Europe have recently 54

discovered that those who consistently multitask may actually show decreases in empathy and emotional control. What’s more, a constant sense of anticipation—readying to switch from one task to another, or persistently checking for e-mail updates—can potentially cause a decrease in overall IQ.

4. Multitasking breeds mistakes When our attention is split between tasks, it’s difficult to perceive and retain detail-oriented information. Because of this, mistakes—typos, clerical errors, mislabeled documents, and the like—occur with greater frequency. We’re in such a hurry to complete a portion of a task and switch to the next project that we lose sight of prompts, deadlines, and tying up loose ends. This means multitaskers are far more likely to overlook a glaring error than an individual who is devoting 100% of their attention to the task at hand.

Now that we understand some of the dangers of multitasking, what can we do about it? While our tech-driven day-to-day might make focusing on a singular task a difficult endeavor, it’s the surest way to produce efficient, error-free work—while cutting down on stress, fatigue, and miscommunication.

Try approaching your tasks for the day with a clear-cut schedule, moving one task at a time down your to-do list. This approach can eliminate some of the inefficiency inherent in multitasking and make for your most productive work routine yet.

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LINDSAY TAYLOR “I get very close to my clients,” says Broker Lindsay Taylor, of Keller Williams Portland Elite. “I don’t just write up an offer for them, it’s a much more long-term proposition.” Honest, hardworking and deeply knowledgeable about the Portland, Oregon market and the real estate industry overall, there are few Realtors better suited to helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Lindsay’s commitment to integrity and excellent customer service has translated into a phenomenal reputation as a trusted real estate advocate.

Lindsay began her career in real estate in 2016, following years of personally buying and selling real estate, and while working as a District Manager for a chain of gyms.

Lindsay, an avowed horsewoman, says it was her husband who initially encouraged her to get her real estate license.

“At first I thought it was a crazy idea,” she recalls, “until I realized that the job’s flexibility would allow me to pursue my passion for barrel racing while also pursuing my passion for helping others achieve their home ownership goals.” Lindsay began part-time, with the intent of doing one or two deals annually. “But after I did my first deal, I was hooked. I loved everything about it.”

and communication skills. Thorough, intelligent marketing that relies heavily on deft utilization of social media ensures that each of her many listings are seen by as many potential buyers as possible. Combined, these result in fast sales for top dollar, not to mention happy – and returning and referring -clients.

When she’s not working, Lindsay – who holds a perfect, five-star overall rating on Zillow.com - enjoys nothing more than competing at rodeos as a barrel racer, and she can frequently be found doing business from the back of her horse trailer, and she has even been known to bring one of her horses to a showing. Lindsay is also a weekly volunteer at Randall Children’s Hospital, entertaining and providing comfort to children and babies dealing with medical issues. She also spearheads a charity that provides blankets for those children, and this year alone they collected over 500 of them, many of which were donated by Lindsay’s clients.

As for the future of her business, Lindsay is currently weighing the idea of establishing a team, and becoming licensed in Idaho, where she spends much time snowmobiling with her husband. Above all, however, remains her constant, unwavering objective: to establish long-lasting relationships with clients that transcend the closing table, and to provide them with the excellent customer service that has become her calling card.

Since going full-time, Lindsay has built a thriving business that is comprised almost entirely of referral clients, an impressive feat by any measure, but even more so in the highly competitive world of real estate. “I think it’s because I’ve seen what real estate has done for me as far as personal investments are concerned,” says Lindsay, when asked how she has managed to build so much trust and loyalty amongst those she works with. “So, for my clients, I’m always thinking of the next step for them, especially if they’re first-time home buyers. That first home might not be their dream home, but it’s important to me to know that it’s a step in the right for them and that they can build some equity.”

There are many other factors that come into play when assessing Lindsay’s ever-growing success story, and chief among them would be her highly effective negotiation Top Agent Magazine

For more information about Lindsay Taylor, call 503-515-9035 or email LindsayT@kw.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 55

MEGAN BELL For Megan Bell, the journey into real estate started in 1993. “After earning my license, I entered the property management field,” she says. Spending some time honing her skills, she eventually transitioned into real estate sales, where she remains today. Delivering superior service to everyone she works with, and going above and beyond expectations, Megan’s business is largely referral-based. Licensed in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, she leads The Megan Bell Group at RE/MAX Apex, where she’s consistently ranked as the top in her field.

As the top 1% of all Central Ohio Realtors®, awarded the $5, $10 and $25 Million Dollar Columbus Board of Realtors® Awards, and rated highly on Zillow, Google and Real Satisfied, Megan is an unstoppable force.

“Much of my growth is due to my customer service,” she says. “People can tell I genuinely care about them and their future.” Wanting only what is best for her buyers and sellers, she does everything possible to achieve their goals. This means getting to know them and their needs and developing a plan to get them there. She never pressures her buyers to make decisions, only arming them with knowledge so they can make the best choices. When it’s time to negotiate, she ensures they are competitive while staying within their budget. Meanwhile, her sellers receive thorough marketing of their listings, with their homes being advertised online and through mailers. “I also host open houses, put door hangers around the neighborhood, and more,” she says. This results in Megan closing about 100 transactions each year.

After working with Megan, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “I decided to sell my house. I researched different real estate companies and interviewed different real estate agents. When I met Ms. Megan Bell, I had many questions and wanted to learn her plan to list my house to sell. Ms. Bell is very personable, professional, and knowledgeable. She answered my questions 56

thoroughly. She is very patient and very knowledgeable. After the interview, I selected her for my real estate agent. As the process began, I had questions, Ms. Bell replied right away. Throughout the process I saw that Ms. Bell responds quickly to my questions, works very hard to prepare everything to get it listed, and is with you every step of the way.”

Growing up in Ohio, the state holds a special place in Megan’s heart, so she makes sure to give back through donations to local schools. During any free time, she can be found traveling to Tennessee, where she and her family relax on Norris Lake.

Looking ahead, she hopes to grow her business in Tennessee. Megan’s next chapter is all about expansion, as she wants to continue helping more people with their real estate dreams. “It’s such a rewarding career, because the more time you put into it the more success you have, and the more people you meet.

Helping someone buy or sell their home and have a good transaction brings me great satisfaction.”

For more information about Megan Bell, please call 614-778-5540 or email meganbell@remax.net Top Agent Magazine

4 Ways to Win the Battle Against Procrastination One of the most common professional afflictions is procrastination. The funny thing is, everyone knows that procrastination is negative—it’s a waste of time, a creator of stress, and is entirely a problem of our own making.

Still, knowing all of this doesn’t necessarily decrease our odds of procrastination. There are plenty of explanations we give when putting Top Agent Magazine

work off until the last minute. Perhaps you convince yourself that you work best under pressure, but it’s truer that you’re used to working under pressure by necessity. Maybe you’re a perfectionist and the fear of getting it all wrong puts you off from the task. Whatever the justification may be, overcoming procrastination requires some willpower and technique. With

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that in mind, take a look at a few tricks below to jumpstart your motivation and nix the lastminute time crunch. After all, you owe it to yourself and your business to operate like a procrastination-free professional.

1. Make Your Intentions Known As realtors and mortgage professionals, you may serve as your own boss. So, when the time comes to complete a task and you put it off—perhaps you’re only disappointing yourself. This is easily remedied by making a new promise to try again tomorrow. On the other hand, it’s much harder to break promises and commitments to others. Try verbalizing your intent and commitment to your team, or to an assistant who can hold you accountable, or better yet—to a business partner or to a client.

Make a hard deadline public and you’re likely to perform for fear of embarrassment or losing face. In a way, this puts the pressure of expectation on you, instead of the pressure of the ticking clock.

2. Take a Baby Step When tasks pile up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’ve got a number of items on your to-do list, including some heavy hitters that require a lot of attention and time, begin by taking on something simple. Identify an easily completed job that needs attention and put it first in your queue. Duties that are straightforward and aren’t time-intensive can lead you to the rest of your to-do list, fueling you with the satisfaction of a task already complete. Even if it’s as small as returning e-mails, or dropping off your dry-cleaning, one simple thing off your 58

list can inspire you to continue on to the next item in the spirit of productivity.

3. Work in Windows If work is the last thing you want to do and you can’t seem to self-motivate, make a compromise with yourself. Agree to work just fifteen minutes, and mean it. This tiny window of time is easy enough to complete, isn’t overwhelming, and you’ve already agreed to move on once time is up. The truth? Odds are that just fifteen minutes of active work will inspire you to keep going. After all, the most difficult part of procrastination is getting started. By putting in those fifteen minutes, you’ll trick yourself into diving into the action.

4. Switch Up Your Environment If you’re stuck in rut when it comes to procrastination and productivity, try changing your surroundings. If the office feels stale and stressful, take your work to the nearest coffee shop and try to tackle your tasks there. Perhaps the quiet, studious ambiance of a library can make you focus, or a picnic table outside the office can stimulate the senses. Sometimes changing your scenery can breathe new life into your routine and give you the extra push you need to get work done.

There’s no one way to overcome procrastination.

In fact, it’s likely a lifelong process of building discipline, finding techniques that work for you, and simply prioritizing your time more effectively. Don’t lose hope—remember these tricks and winning the war will be possible, even if you lose a few battles along the way.

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MICHELLE HERRST When Michelle Herrst began her career as a realtor, she dedicated herself to building her business the right way— by always putting her clients’ needs first. That meant taking the time to get to know them and what they wanted, sharing her knowledge of the market, and then stepping back and allowing them to make their own decisions.

Prior to becoming a Realtor, Michelle spent 25 years in Multifamily/Commercial Management where she oversaw large portfolios as well as acquisitions for institutional investors. She got her real estate license in 2003 and in 2015 took the leap into full time Real Estate sales, which proved to be a very fulfilling change.

Representing clients across Southeast Michigan with RE/MAX, she’s been growing steadily ever since. Last year, Michelle closed 33+ transactions for over $10 million in sales, and is on pace to eclipse that volume in 2021 with $13 million, proving consistent year over year business growth. A healthy 40 percent of her business comes from either referrals or repeat clients, who appreciate the above-and-beyond service Michelle provides. One of the things that sets her apart is that she understands that a client in a sale is anxious, and answering questions and providing reassurance is not a 9-5 task. Answering texts and messages in a reasonable time is essential to guiding a client through this important decision.

Each seller Michelle represents gets hands-on guidance and provides staging assistance where necessary, and, of course, professional photography for her listings, a service not every agent offers. If a home needs a bit of makeover to help it appeal to the market, Michelle will offer resources for the necessary work to freshen things up and highlight a home’s best features. She then deploys a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes marketing on all of the social media platforms as well as direct marketing to agents and those in her Top Agent Magazine

sphere. This draws maximum attention from potential buyers and helps the client get the highest possible return on their investment. After the closing, Michelle reaches out to clients quarterly to see how they are doing, alert them to new opportunities in the market, or to remind them of routine maintenance needs on their home.

Helping clients who are selling and buying is a process that requires getting to know people while they are making an enormous decision. It is often an exciting time, and Michelle shares in that joy of seeing her clients accomplish their goals. Likewise, there are times when selling a home or moving is not a joyful occasion; Michelle understands that and always takes extra care of each client, knowing that these are milestones that come with a range of emotions.

Planning into the future, Michelle will continue to grow her team and add support to her group to keep up with the increasing volume, ensuring that she’s able to continue offering clients the personalized, high-quality service for which she’s come to be known.

Contact Michelle at 248-228-7730 or email michelleherrst@gmail.com

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MIKE DEISING “Everything I touch turns to sold,” says Mike Deising, Owner/Broker of Deising Real Estate in Marysville, Michigan. With more than two decades of experience and possessing a wealth of industry and local market knowledge, Mike has firmly established himself as one of the best real estate agents in The Wolverine State. Honest, direct and truly dedicated to providing his many grateful clients with top-of-the-line customer service, Mike has more than earned his perfect, five-star overall rating on Zillow.com.

Mike, a Marysville native who previously worked for Coca-Cola Enterprises as a Route Driver/Salesman, began his real estate career in 2001. “My brother was a Realtor in Grand Rapids,” he says, “and I could see how much he enjoyed it, so I decided to get my license and try it myself.” Mike hit the ground running, and quickly built a thriving and ever-growing business based upon a solid foundation of integrity and a fierce work ethic. Currently overseeing a roster of seventeen other agents, Mike can make the impressive claim that nearly the entirety of his considerable business is based upon referrals, returning clients and positive word of mouth, a significant achievement in the highly competitive world of real estate.

“I think that the faith my clients place in me has a lot to do with excellent communication,” explains Mike, when asked how he has managed to inspire so much trust amongst those he works with. “I’m a straight shooter, I’m not going to do anything that is not in the best interests of my clients.” This philosophy has resulted in numerous industry awards and recognitions, including his being named by Hour Detroit Magazine as being among the top five percent of all real estate professionals in the Metro Detroit area, and his consistent ranking among the top five agents for sales in St. Clair County.

There are many reasons for Mike’s ascension to the top of his profession, and chief among them would be his fierce negotiation skills and his comprehensive, 60

intelligent approach to marketing his many listings. Marketing strategies he employs include deft utilization of the internet and social media platforms that provide maximum exposure for each of his properties, all of which translates into fast sales for top dollar, not to mention happy clients.

When he’s not busy helping his clients achieve their real estate goals, Mike enjoys nothing more than spending time with his family. He is also a drummer who plays with several local bands. He is also a passionate philanthropist, who gives back to his community in multiple ways, including his association with the Marysville Business Council. Additionally, Mike produces a local automotive show that recruits national celebrities and music acts. He is also a longtime firefighter for the town of Marysville, and he is a former President of the St. Claire firefighters Association, on whose executive board he has sat for the last fifteen years.

Mike’s plans for the future of his business include continued growth and adding new, like-minded agents to his team. Above all, however, remains his constant objective: to provide his many clients with the amazing service that has long been synonymous with the name Deising Real Estate.

You can contact Mike Deising at: 810-650-7360 or Mike@DeisingRealEstate.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

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 conTop Agent Magazine

sideration 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

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Your plan of action should include daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. 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 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 62

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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MONA KHORRAMI BANES Top Agent Mona Khorrami Banes recalls buying her first home. That experience changed the trajectory of her life. She searched carefully and was very involved in the process, enjoying every minute. “I’ll never forget finding that perfect home and the way that made me feel,” she warmly recalls. At the time, her mother encouraged her to get her license. Mona figured, “Why not?” She was 21. After five years of moonlighting, she was spending most of her time on real estate and was growing bored with her corporate job. “If I don’t do this now, I will never do it,” she realized.

“This is the right time.”

A full-time REALTOR® now for five years, Mona has overseen over $100 Million in sales during this time. Mona is currently part of the Alliance Group of Sotheby’s International Realty. The team has upwards of 70 years combined experience, and Mona appreciates the five other agents she can count on and collaborate with. A native of Virginia, Mona has vast firsthand knowledge of the area and serves clients in Virginia, DC and Maryland.

Referrals have been the driving factor for her business taking off. Last year, she brought in $30 million in sales, all referrals, and she has already surpassed that number for 2021. When asked why clients refer new clients to her, Mona says, “I am blunt, and I tell people, straight up, if this is not a good house or investment for them.

I persuade people not to buy houses more often than I persuade them to!” She knows her clients deeply, studies their lifestyles and families, and always asks what they want while using her intuition to understand what they need.

Mona is always there for her clients, even after the transaction is complete. Former clients still turn to her for her advice, even years after settlement. She wants to always be the first person her clients think of when they need help, so she always makes sure that her clients know that Top Agent Magazine

she is there for them. Mona believes that, although you are buying a home, you are also making one of your biggest investment decisions of your life. So she strives to find opportunities for building equity for her clients.

Mona also enjoys community involvement. As a Sunday school teacher, she led activities such as cleaning parks and crafting cards for nursing homes. At TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, she has organized a clothing drive for Women Giving Back, and ran a Toys for Tots drive for the last few years.

For the future of her business, Mona hopes to continue to be a trusted advisor for her clients. Yet, as much as she grows, she never wants to delegate away her relationship with a client. “The value I provide in this job is more important than the volume I sell. I don’t ever want to be just a face on a sign and brochure. I want to be involved and present for the people that are trusting me as their realtor. There’s a reason they are hiring me. This is an important value in my personal life, and I plan to always extend this same value in my professional career as well.”

Reach out to Mona at: mbanes@ttrsir.com , 703-909-5620, or dcarealiving.com www.

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ROBIN STEWART For Robin Stewart, real estate was always at the back of her mind. “I was really interested in it, so when my children got older I decided that I would get my license in 2005,” she explains. Although her initial plan was to work part-time and then retire, Robin quickly fell in love with it and became increasingly busy. Serving the greater New Orleans region, the vast majority of her clients consist of repeats and referrals, as she consistently goes above and beyond to achieve their goals.

Her reputation for providing exceptional service has helped her reach great heights, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

“I always answer my phone,” Robin explains. “I work every day, and I always do what I say I will do.” Knowing that this is one of the largest transactions her clients will make in their lifetime, Robin takes the time to understand their needs. While working with them, she keeps those needs in mind, and strives to exceed their expectations. For her buyers, Robin guides them through every step, finding properties within their budget and never pressuring them to make decisions. When it is time to make an offer, Robin ensures they are competitive while also staying within their ideal price range. At the same time, sellers enjoy thorough marketing of their listings, with Robin utilizing social media, sending out flyers, and posting on various real estate sites. “It depends on where the house is located and what features it has, but I try to do something different with each house,” she says. Whether she’s assisting a buyer or a seller, Robin offers a plethora of technologies to make their transaction easier, including Digisign, SkySlope and social media just to name a few.

Glowing reviews are posted about Robin’s work, as clients love telling others about their experiences.

One recently said, “There is no one who knows New 64

Orleans like Robin Stewart. A longtime New Orleans resident herself, she knows all the details about the neighborhoods; the houses; the history of the area; the schools; and more. She is a masterful negotiator and treats her clientele like members of her family.

She is welcoming, friendly, professional, and everything one could want in an agent. You will love having Robin Stewart as your agent and on your side while buying or selling your home!”

Growth is always on Robin’s mind, so she has made it a goal to do two things every day that will lead her to the next transaction. “Whether it’s giving my business card to the person behind me at the grocery store, or sending out an email to someone I haven’t talked to in awhile, I’m consistently doing things that will help me reach more people.”

Wherever this path takes her, she will soak up every second of it. “I just love the flexibility of it and the fact that I get to meet new people all the time.”

For more about Robin Stewart, please call 504-251-7442 or email robin.m.stewart@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

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 Top Agent Magazine

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.

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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.

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SANDY GRASSMUCK Real estate broker and founder of Grassmuck Realty, Sandy Grassmuck makes the transaction process easy and enjoyable, so that clients never feel overwhelmed. With over two decades of real estate expertise, buyers and sellers can count on her to help them make the right decision every time. “I started out as a senior accountant for a real estate investor, and my love for the profession just grew from there,” she recalls.

Sandy quickly became a top producer and started her own company, serving clients throughout St. Charles and St. Louis counties, as well as the surrounding areas.

Always making sure that clients are at the heart of what she does, Sandy has been able to build a business that’s primarily composed of repeat and referral clients. She prioritizes her relationships with clients and continues to be a resource for them even after the end of a transaction. “I’ve made a lot of personal relationships from the business, and I enjoy staying in touch with my past clients.”

Sandy is a creative thinker who’s constantly searching for the best ways to get her clients what they want— whether it’s making sure that they love where they live, or that they get the highest offer on their property. She relies on strong marketing techniques, which always include professional photography and innovative social media campaigns. Thanks to her determination, as well as the hard work of her agents, Grassmuck Realty is on pace to complete over 200 transactions this year.

Sandy is immersed in her local community and finds ways to help where she can. “We’re involved with Responder Rescue. I’m also the immediate past president for my local association, as well as the current president for Women’s Council of REALTORS® for the state of Missouri.” When she’s not working, Sandy Top Agent Magazine

can be found out on the lake relaxing on a boat or enjoying family time by the swimming pool.

Sandy believes her local community involvement has helped her career flourish and advises agents who are just starting out, to become active within their local associations. “If you want to become a top agent, I highly advise getting involved in your REALTOR® associations and in local leadership roles. The more you know, the more you’re educated, the more you can help your clients. I hold several designations for the National Association of REALTORS® and I do an education reimbursement plan for my agents. I want them to get as much education as possible. I truly believe that if somebody wants to make it in this business, they need to be plugged into their office and they need to be sharing experiences, outcomes, and solutions to problems.”

Going forward, Sandy plans to continue serving her clients with honesty and integrity. She’s also thinking about venturing out into commercial real estate.

To learn more about Sandy Grassmuck please call (314) 486–8333, email sandy@grassmuckrealty.com, or visit grassmuckrealty.com www.

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TERESIA ROSARIO In the tropical paradise of the Dominican Republic, Teresia Rosario has established herself as a trusted and experienced real estate agent. She got her start after moving from Sweden, wanting to invest and flip properties. “While my husband and I were doing that, we found it was hard to get responses from agents,” she explains.

“We also had a lot of connections to people who wanted to buy, so I decided to become an agent.” Teresia and her husband started a brokerage, Sosua and Cabarete Real Estate, where they help buyers, sellers and renters with their real estate goals. Having now been in the industry for around 15 years, she’s become well-known in the Sosua and Cabarete regions.

“While some agents in the Dominican Republic only show their buyers their own listings, I show my clients everything,” Teresia explains. “I find the property they are interested in and I take them to see it.” Teresia also handles all of the details, from helping them find a lawyer to assisting them with construction permits. “I will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals and make it a smooth experience.” For her sellers, she also goes above and beyond, advertising her listings through various websites, social media and newsletters. “When I find something that I know specific buyers would like, I send it to them,” she says. “My website also comes up very high on the first page of a Google search.”

Those who work with Teresia love to tell others about her, leaving five-star reviews online. One recently said, “Teresia is one of the best agents I have dealt with in many, many years. Her service goes way beyond the requirements for a real estate agent. If you are looking to buy a condo, land, house or development, Teresia has 68

a wealth of knowledge to make you feel comfortable in what you want or will even advise you on what’s not a good idea!”

During her free time, Teresia likes to stay active in the community through missionary work. “I teach people about the Bible, and I’ll also donate food and clothing to those in need,” she says.

When she’s not working or giving back, she can be found relaxing at home with her family. Teresia is passionate about where she lives and loves to enjoy all the beauty it has to offer.

In the coming months, Teresia hopes to add more agents to her team. “I plan to start training them and hopefully opening up a new side of my business for investments and hotel properties,” she says.

Wherever her path leads, she will undoubtedly soak up every minute of it, as she truly loves what she does. “I get the privilege to be in the most beautiful sceneries, and be around the happiest people. It’s never boring.”

For more about Teresia Rosario, call +18297141947 or email teresiaderosario@gmail.com

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Productivity Killers: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours

Even on the busiest of days, it can be hard not to get distracted by social media, smartphones, chatty colleagues, or personal to-do list items. So how do you keep your professional blinders on and power through your tasks with efficiency? Practice these four tips and witness your productivity skyrocket—easing stress and bringing renewed energy to your daily duties.

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1. Create a sense of peace and quiet The office may not be your idea of a tranquil oasis, but for most, focus requires quiet and calm to best lend attention to the task at hand. If you find yourself seated next to talkative coworkers or in the center of a bustling office atrium, consider noise can-

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celing headphones, earplugs, or carving out an empty conference room for your work day. Turning the volume down creates fewer chances for disruption, allowing you to make the best use of your time.

4.Take your smartphone off the table

2. Organize your workspace A messy work area breeds anxiety and distraction, but a clean and organized desk inspires efficiency. If you’ve got a busy day ahead, take fifteen minutes and organize your workspace: gather miscellaneous papers into their proper place, dispose of out-of-date or unnecessary documents, or give your keyboard a dusting. Not only does cleaning and organizing your workspace prepare you for the work ahead, it also helps you transition to a productive, goal-oriented mindset.

3.Create a goal-oriented reward system Coffee breaks, coworker catch-up, and social media check-ins tend to break up our workflow on an hourly basis. Instead of trying to go cold turkey on these workplace routines, reframe them as rewards.

For every to-do list item you complete, allow yourself a fives minute treat, whether that’s a fresh cup of coffee or a walk around the block. Not only will creating a reward 70

system help you stay motivated throughout the day, it will also provide you with much-needed mental breaks that actually boost long-term productivity.

The number one productivity killer in this day and age? Smartphones. With access to endless social media portals, web browsing, text conversations, and games, smartphones are one-stop shops for distractions. While you may not want to delete apps from your phone, try leaving your smartphone in a locked desk drawer until your next break, or safely in your car. By simply putting your smartphone out of your line of sight, the impulse to distract yourself is muted.

Even though technology and the modern office create ample opportunity for distraction, making these few small adjustments can go a long way in safeguarding your productivity. After all, a productive day allows you to enjoy your time at home and outside the office, without the worry of incomplete tasks and looming deadlines darkening your day. Keep these productivity tricks in mind as you mount your daily to-do list and you’ll be thanking yourself tomorrow.

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YISROEL WEISS When Yisroel Weiss entered the real estate industry in 2020, he knew he wanted to build a business that puts people first, regardless of the size of the transaction. “I’m never thinking about the commission,” Yisroel explains. “I’m thinking about the smile on my client’s face when we get to the closing. I got into this business to help people make their dreams of homeownership come true.”

Nearly two years later, Yisroel has already guided many down that path, and has established a reputation for honesty, reliability, and the patience to work with clients to solve whatever problems may arise, no matter how long it takes. As an agent with Exit Realty Venture, he represents clients in New York’s Monsey and Spring Valley area, as well as Nyack, Blooming Grove, and Monroe. Always willing to go that extra mile, Yisroel finds his area of service continually expanding. The positive energy he brings to the job is hard to match, and that work ethic and attitude has earned him a referral business of 100 percent. You only have to read through his reviews to understand why. One very happy client expressed his satisfaction like this: “Mr. Weiss has done an amazing job finding me the perfect home.

Very knowledgeable and helpful. Always available with lightning fast response time for every detail.

Very honest and transparent. And a great personality to boot! Highly recommend!”

Yisroel markets his listings through a variety of means, from print ads in local newspapers to email alerts sent to the considerable number of agents and potential buyers within his sphere. He conducts open houses and goes door knocking around the listing neighborhood as a matter of course. “When I get a listing, the whole community knows about it very Top Agent Magazine

quickly,” Yisroel laughs. “I love talking to people and connect with them very easily. I’ve also been able to consistently deliver my clients top dollar on their investment with a very short time on the market. I work hard to make sure every transaction goes smoothly, and to make sure my clients are happy at the end of the day.”

When he’s not showing homes, Yisroel spends part of his free time looking for ways to strengthen his community, and is active with his local synagogue. A dedicated husband and proud father of two children, he loves family time at home. Yisroel unwinds from a long day by listening to music, or swimming.

As for the future of his business, Yisroel naturally wants to continue to grow, while providing the same superior service for which he’s come to be known over the last two years. He recently hired a full-time secretary to help him handle the increasing volume generated by his referrals. He feels blessed to have the opportunity to assist people in one of the most important financial decisions of their lives, and looks forward to many years of service as a Realtor.

If you would like Yisroel’s help buying or selling a home, call 845-422-5238 or email yw@exitrv.com.

Please be sure to check out his mobile business card by texting yweiss to 85377.

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