NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL 5-2-22

NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL EDITION

FEATURED AGENTS

THE DAILY SCHEDULE OF A SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE AGENT

BENNY LIU HEATHER BLAIS MARISOL TORRES ABRIL BURGOYNE ALICIA SWANN CAROLE ARMSTRONG CELENIA MARTINEZ

HOW TO MAKE YOUR COMMUTE PRODUCTIVE

CHRISTY BUCK DAWN A. FOREMAN DELINDA CRAMPTON DONNA KLUG JAVONNA ALEXANDER

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ANTICIPATE YOUR CLIENT'S NEEDS

KARLA BALL LETISHA SCHARFF LYNN DUNN NADINE SIMANTOV ROSY LAKHANI SHERRY WELLS TAWNYA TYREE

COVER STORY

JEREMY NAVARRO

NATIONWIDE NATIONWIDE& &INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONALEDITION EDITION

HEATHER BLAIS MARISOL TORR

“I I d W nvesting time into his busiS also prioritizes his involvemmunity outreach programs it For Tots, Roadrunner Food On Wheels, & TEN-82 1st lo “We are currently working ABRIL BURGOYNE JEREMY NAVARRO BENNY LIU HEATHER BLAIS CELENIA MARISOLMARTINEZ TORRES CAROLE ARMSTRONG our outreach and are excitALICIA SWANN is ose in need.” He also loves e with his including born infamily, Santa Ana, WhenCarole it comes to marketing her listings, It took Alicia Swann a number of years When she’s not working, Alicia says Throughout Armstrong’s life, real advised me of the top offers and we closed mu When Celenia Martinez first entered “I also YouWhether don’t have toyou talk to Candice Kin are 31 32After you 36 financial and life events before she finally find her relaxing 35 at her home up in Mexico and Abril has the advantage of acan weekly estatedecided has always beenadded a passion. raiswithin “Carole is purcha commis Havingweeks.” been a Another successfulwrote, advisor, real estatetofield 17husband years ago, sheShe alsoMarisol Torres hasintoprov o long to realize what makes he to become a REALTOR . ing The her idea in-show the with her daughter.

S when she was 21.

TV thatwas allows showcase her and real was looking for a career with children she readyher to become extremely very helpful and knowledgeable.

She rental property, or are aHea se trigued her in 2007 when she and her found timeBlais to volunteer atreal her estate daughimmediately fell in love with it.

Today, listings inspire.

“It’s been amazing,” Heather came to from a backof the best Realtors in the country a little more flexibility after the birth of her in real estate when properties to the local Sunday, an agent on a full-time basis,area. and Every hasn’t listens and works hard for her clients. She fr husband bought their first home, but she ter’s school, before the pandemic.education But Marisol daughter. decided on real after alaugh lit-years, team works very hard, and we’re ground an or even a estate first time home warmth and quickness to puts y were navigating the herathat listings are featured ABC 4 early itoffor moment since.

“I have found usteacher. aShe perfect home and worked hard passion remains asasstrong aschildhood ever. th didn’t get her license untilregretted 2016. all Even likeonmany realtors, work is never more si REALT tle encouragement from her literally sister, who is inthe the ground selves from up When one of her young kids’ health required her made some of the best friends in the world to get everything done extremely fast.

I ease immediately, and the enthusiasm mselves, and she reEssentials.“I“That we can reach more then, she only worked in the business an arm’s length away. Alicia said still way wake upthan every day enjoying considering purchasing in business, and realizing also aCarole! lotshe by could myself, so brand nowpropertie I’mCounty, trying tome take some off, Heather discovered that on a part-time basis. But on right before a and laugh thattime “I usually find myself id this path, and that means more towith highly recommend Great agent!”

BENNY e was to learn. “We people, give them moreLIU marketing, get has for helping her clients shines thr ing area herself, build a portfolio and earn the kind what I do,” shescrolling With her orworking less. g team. We’re all a family sheexplains. is not type totositsee still fornew long. “I am not COVID hit in March of 2020 something on the Homesnap what than anything,” At Prosperity bigger property, and top dollarshe forexplains. them,” Abril says. and oth of incomeYou’ll sheor had Connecticut in finance.

Now a you full- are also value theas matter-of-fact p stay-at-home mom material!”

Heather says.

“I told her to make the switch Real to becoming listings are popping up.” father and younger brother also workEstate Group in Zebulon, she serves Prosperity Real Estate Group is a promishe credits her previous – “That fledged REALTOR ow how real estate talk to REO specialist An which she discusses her profession. a fulltime REALTOR .

Heather’s background wanted to do more. At the time, we werewith selling careers her new success. asteaching saidand –sh an W the middle region Georgia, nent brokerage in Zebulon it’s located ingof as brokers, it’s become a family Born “I thought, instead ABRIL BURGOYNE Abril’s favorite part of realincluding estate helping ALICIA SWANN ARMSTRONG CELENIA MARTINEZ Going forward, Alicia has somewas definite she thing educates and communicates w ourisCAROLE house, and the broker our listing agent.

“The I love most Pike County.

With 90% of her business in the town’s square.

Carole and the team isn’tinmuch bet commission to do people. “Ibusiness. love meetingCelenia and connecting with plans about where she topersonality be in the “I love it!” she said. “I am in the metro started off with low has deep loa She told me I had awants great “Youand have“There to be really self-driven this difference deriving fromsays. referrals, hasisdevelstay activeagents inmeeting various local events Atlanta area.

I typically service Dekalb, immediate future.

And that includes folmy real estate license.”

Abril new people,” she “I feelCarole like this not be-from when comes to and the all kinds ofresource great industry. It’s very easy to it waste time thatwork, Igrew should come work for her.” Heather income rentals and there. ba th Bobbi Henry, Clayton, and Fulton counties, but I will go wherlowing the is advice she gives to clients sponsor who are pursuing oped a reputation for success and only continuing a number of programs.

“We also go out andgives Carlos Ortiz is one of you and become unmotivated justthose due explains. to people nds with their real estate needs, cause I get to meet people, have fun, and look at beau- at first, but decided was skeptical to get can offer,” Candice “So it c ever a client needs me. I do atolotgrow. of lease purchases and home ownership.

Serving the CONTENTS greater Philadelphia region often ho satisfaction I get from hel in 1977 By focusing on building lasting connections support different non-profits,” Carole says.

With sevthe economics of what’s going on in the es ered that she hadtry a passion for tiful houses!

I love to connect with my clients through her license and give real estate a try.

“I meet forCarole whom helping is second down to who you think will work to help people who can’t get everyone a traditional loan or with she serves, buyers andJersey, sellers are eager is eralnow grandchildren, makes sure topeople always wherehaw country,” Marisol, who works for giveevents as well as Celenia ended up absolutely it! And now said y clients and I love do, offermy story of ofthe being an immigrant andNew educate them about and save money,” Antho that what need aI cash because current market. “Well, I have my broker’s license, so I loving plan to start my for you.” v United Real Estate Strive 212 as a solo nature—an impulse he gets to exercise to return to her for all of their real estate needs. back to their schools.

“I try to give back as much as my per HOW TO INCORPORATE 5 FRESH NEW in28) process ofhere aofteam.

“I about re we three years later.”

The thing I enjoy mostall about real opportunities estate is helping peoown brokerage, ifbuilding not at are, the end this year, then45) prob- HOW TO my job and4)went full-time into of the inthe real estate.

With my knowlagent in Wyomissing, Penn., justwe west of really work with a lot of investo I can, because we’re a small town, and can or brea daily Realtor with Coldwell Banker ably 2023 forsee sure,” sheTO said.

“I’m keeping an open as a And ple find of their OVERCOME YOUR CURRENT EVENTS . The restAPPROACHES is history, andthe inhome her TO edgedreams.” and passion for real estate, they can I seven want to agents make no people mistake—no one tiw Reading. sets me apart from my in ourcommun recruited about here Although Carolehave assists many types of clients, she ofbuyers make a difference for“What businesses and “Real mind with theAs process, aslead should and sellers. team The Blais Group at them in the right position peers isProperties. myharder background.

ICandice. have a masme agent, Abril hasAlicia already been help them.

They see it’s notthrough about the because Choice “I feel very luckyalmo toW than You could WORKPLACE FEARS EMAIL BLASTS AND CONTENT MARKETING atYOUR Quality Real Estate, and it’s a estate, greatbut group ofshe’s peotions about purchasing loves to guide people lifemoney, transitions, especommunity.”

When not working or giving back, works with Georgia-based Virtual Properties The pandemic changed things for real you since aI Gallagher Real Estate, Heather now heads ter’s degree in business administration, ah agents in 2020 Realty, and 2021.

I’m of always smiling from ear to ear just being with them she’s been in the industry since she wa taking advantage the company’s extensive can never give up on your dreams.” wake up every day and have the opporcially senior citizens.

“I’m developing planof tofive. make is attending spending time with herthe profitable.

Onany reta STAY cl ple,” sheRELEVANT says.their Going above andCarole beyond to serve says.

During free tim After andserve I’ve church, beenher abe financial advisor for six aafirst team Heather and her team seeing how excited they to buy Carole house. resources as the firmand is now in itslife 24th year. VPR is are little things for her mother, who was those changes easier on them,” says.

“I want husband, friends and family, or camping. years.

That career was a 100 percent tunity to help someone find their dream Springs Connecticut and Massachusetts, and all 49) THE DAILY SCHEDULE HOW TOthe SPEED UP clients, Celenia’s business is largely referral-based.

It’s with her family. to usepresent the knowledge ofm c a high tech, state-of-the-art more than ounty, and14) primarily serves It’s amazing towith be around thatthey energy.

I lovedecisions it!” to agency help educate them so can make withcareer began in earnest in 2007and as she are planning to get licensedhome,” in RhodeCarlos go and 17 different offices, givingher Alicia explains.

“It’s especially attention to detail and empathetic nature that keeps OF A SUCCESSFUL 33) 3 MIND-BENDING FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER and Utah.

With3,000 one agents buyer’s out stress, andopportunican feel comfortable.” Island No matter who AnAs Carole continues path, sheashopes form gained an toREO in as well. impressive 70% of on as her an unlicensed assistant.

Sheagent got 44 he and her fellow REALTORS® numerous for she sees her repeat and referral rewarding when that person is a firstshe VPR is serving what goals to are,her.

Carole putsEXPAND their even more lasting friendships with her clients.

Being loyal With Quality Real Esta REAL ESTATE AGENT PHILOSOPHIES TO TRANSACTIONS ties to take utilize the tools that offers. or Theclients realtytheir Heather’s business comes from repeat that,find working with her mother 20 clients fi aseeing solid home atuntil a rea after year. Whatcompany makes has Abril needsdesignation first. Sheofcommunicates frequently throughout of their life changing is what brings her earned the annual “Best and referral clients,part a feat thattime speaks to her moments homebuyer, theirToday surprise branch, growth is estate certag YOUR PROFESSIONAL talents to Georgia.

Candic Place to Work” threeto in keep a roweveryone on thethe tment to educating her clientsseveral times, theincluding transaction same page and the most joy. her “Getting involved with these families and trust and she “I and team “I’m solver,” sheconfidence explains. love presentgoal isVirtual continue recru and excitement when weto find a house 4 agents Properties Re 53) MAKE SOCIAL 20)they THINGS YOU CAN at one point, from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the a problem to possibilities never knew answers questionsPERSPECTIVE before they are asked. This helps helping with these transitions is sowith rewarding.

I genu“B Bobbi state’s largest paper. But obviously, Alicia alsoing works A graduate in commu clients all over the Atlanta Metro are andlove opportunities so for them.”

Endless opportunities that everyone remain clearpeople on whatwith stepsmultiple are ahead, options and inely it.” is perfect Copyrightaw Top ients are Latinos, andANTICIPATE many are MEDIA MARKETING DO TO diligently to build her clients.

Group, Gwinnett Walton counties.

In so 2 makes the journey more Fortheir her sellers, she At Quality ike to educate the Latino com- NEEDS we can achieve goals.”

Real CALLING Estate, aand sense of hope to Springs those Eastern Connecticut Stat YOUR CARD 37) 5enjoyable.

THINGS YOU YOUR CLIENT'S advertises listings through her brokerage’s website, her million in sales volume, with around te so they know “I that a out magazines havebuying been sending to past clients, calCelenia is able toACHIEVE offer a wide range of services, “I industry amwith living that sP fo Carlos making got into the inproof 2013, aft of El CAN TO working Facebook page, and lettersDO to the neighborhood.

“I let the end of the year, Christmas cards, texts, business coming fromAgnelli referrals Rea or r having a place to endars live. Itatmeans it a one-stop shop for her clients’ real estate needs.

“I lowest neighborhoods ca Dougla an in the restaurant industry.

He had been lo and calls just toifMINDSET check in and see how they’re doing,” 57) HOW MAKE YOUR BIGGEST people know when we are hosting an open GOALS house, and 24) 5even SIMPLE too. It doesn’t matter them with their marketin joyTO Candice takes in helping them an busines said Alicia, who completedspread 25 transactions last year. with assist renter’s license services, we have a property for themselves.

And I the word within the community.”

Completing new challenge, but the wanted a career that w ouse with me, it just matters thatWILL YOUR COMMUTE SHIFTS THAT vw delivering highest quality of gra serv “I just added my own YouTube channel, so I’ve been To certainly learn morehit about Alicia Swann that sp the broker, and upon around 25 closings for 2021, Carole has management department, I’m a notary public in both show them their fullest p ssibilities HELP of buying a house.” them coming back. posting there quite a bit.

I do a lot of client education, him to meet lots of people while continu 41) MODERN please EMAIL YOU ACHIEVEher stride. call 404-610-0614 or PRODUCTIVE “Client it time job with the broke I make sure to spend time talking to my clients about Pennsylvania andemail New Jersey. I’m also bilingualservice, in Alicia.g.swann@gmail.com I get th a valuable something he had enjo ETIQUETTE FOR YOURso theGOALS process “I approach every transaction as ifth th past clients through giftsand andhow things are going to go.” Spanish and English.” Whether she’s assisting a buyer good opportunity to wor busines Those who work TODAY'S with her have AGENTS nothing but positive his years in theCandice. hospitality industry. wa ties! “If you were my client in “If my clients He can’t hsl generat inrecent purchasing their home,Top orAgent getting the mostsays for things to say. One client said, “I amfirst so pleased and provide an invaluabl Copyright Magazine t we’re going to have parties!

I Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 with the Realtor he worked with when pur I’ll be there for them no matter how and Iitth with Carole. From first time I contacted her sheguides them through every herthe seller’s property, Celenia ghts, parties and events for 310-734-1440 my For more about Carole Armstrong, get, because if homebuyers. they’ve work home, who encouraged him todone looktheinto tors and I dbfe Phone | Faxon310-734-1440 was Johnny the spot. Carole always answered the them aspect ofCarole the transaction.

“Ionhold their hands the | www.topagentmagazine.com mile for them andmag@topagentmagazine.com stay in their en callalong 678-849-8442 or email To find out more about Abril Burgoyne, in the financial position to be able phone or called me back. listed my home mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com agent himself.

He got his license and to ne looked back.” re sure to keep growing along way, and I’m very attentive.

I treat every client like job they armstrongcarole07@gmail.com you can call her 801-824-1083, a Friday and by Monday we had eight offers.

Carole is to help them cross that finish li Thisex fa to portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent is published

by Feature My back.

“It’sMagazine been very rewarding. ast year she helpedNo76 families

process he was attentive in nique needs front and cens a first time buyer he was lways available anytime I or concern. Ended up in the after a great process, made gh a great relationship.”

7

17

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®

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email Abrilutahrealtor@gmail.com one and only of client.

They all have access to cannot me be held responsible for team. H Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions areare takenmy to ensure the accuracy published materials, Top Agent Magazine the restaurant business taught me how a Her relationship with clients doesn’ or visit facebook.com/abrilutahrealtor agent opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

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

Published inMagazine the U.S. a Realt via my directorcell line and send theyinquiry know they can comeCopyright to Anthony has been Top Agent

nd this year she hopes to do the 2

www.

however.

Candice naturally W people andline, learn their particular needs.

It’ Andbuil Bo me for anything.” As the owner of a local convenience in both Massachusetts an ships with people, and many clients and is understand someone what they’reish Top Agentand Magazine store, she often runs into current and pasttoclients.

“They friends by the end of the process. years.

T he closed $2 million in “A in order to just serve them well.” us see me at the parks and at networking events, so we Chrissy

tell them I’ll see them in a couple o

close over $5 million by

CHRISTY BUCK DAWN A. FOREMAN CRAMPTON DONNA KLUG LAURA DELINDA EVANS r of Infinity events theSTACEY holidays and COULTHARD Delinda has always had a competitive Las Vegashosts is one of the top around tourist offer immediately.

In desthe greater Luzerne County region GROVE HOMES GROUP highly competitive market, you HUDGINS also an need always enjoyed helping people make RACHEL

immersed in

39

streak and enjoys negotiating, thatassists her sellers tinations in the world, andthroughout the city can the yearDonna periodically to doKlug so.43is known 40 44 a traitshe of Pennsylvania,

I am change trying to their save lives,” the island way toMarietta, get there isamong by boat.

“There are serves her, and her clients, well.

When she beReal asthat wild or as subtle as youvery want ita of to skill and savvy stand out multisitive in says for property provi asat continuous successful top agent estate has Situated been part Paige accomplish this is by implementing Rachel Hudgins is of based in to Thebyaspect e she was a Community is important to theedge team and American Quarter Horse Association the northern got married in 2002, she dabbled in investbe.

More than anything, Vegas caters to 68 59 real 64 market analysis at Century 21 Smith Hourigan Group.

60 63 love,”realdeclares Laura Evans while no bridges to the island.

It’s a very Georgia, and does business all across the most excitin ple offers,” she says.

“Above all, I work to neration Foreman, a top producing estate lifegiving decades.

Paige ough strategies.

“Wewhic sp back level isAfter a Maricopa part of who Arizona’s County, veryproperties well the and an ment andbond atmarketing the between suggestion ofrider itsGrove’s visitorsand with anfor unparalleled ofhuge current pricing oneve the She has achieved many sales production west side of the state.

She developed an ent, and graduated from thethisUniversity of thestudy word amongst our brokerage w her husband, she for her real estate hospitality.

Fitting rightChristy in, is where discussing her beloved Island. peaceful existence.

I can ride my bike the Keller industryWilliams they are. volunteers and donates position my buyers in such a way that they for Realty Smith Acadiana. importance of having the right resources the littleawards town of asWickenburg such thereal Diamond interest in estate Masters, as alicense. child, With when only and learns nt $500 in commissions Delinda Crampton, owner of the Crampton Georgia in 1991, she decided to earn her ever we have a listing,” Paige says.

As a member of th he decided tothan frequentlyistoknown local charities while also Emerald Award, Ruby Award, and can win.” would begin her career as a registered With less 200 fulltime residents, around the whole place.” she used to ride with her uncle, a realtor, finds sellin riding lifestyle. an worldwide for its from 2 rentals, trying toShe’s juggle both ahundreds TV ofatREALTO Group, a division of Berkshire Hathaway real estate license.

Although took a in also advertise on expert offindin webs Board Quality Service Awards for Customer career.

Now, the teamrodeo toshe engage giving asevents, he made the rounds showing houses. ing. She lov news career and real estate part-time only provides exceptional cusian and personal trainer, owning abreak togetting property for her buyers. many and has Smith Island is known as the last HomeServices, inhabAside from her work, Laura is passiontises her and listings thr raise her children,Satisfaction. she was intake professional photos, make For many years, she has Rachel admired her uncle and people, esp lastedhissixbusimonths. Pivoting solely to real tomer service. fully grown a back as well. been During Thanksgiving local Multi List. H an years. agent included in the Top the 100 transaction For Dawn, is never truly inent gym in Lafayette.

After 18 years volved in the building industry for thethree home looks its best.” made the county a premier estate, it took her months to get her ted island off the shore of Maryland, ate about being involved in the local ness piqued her interest; needless to say, possibly th ALEXANDER thirtyJAVONNA people. they do aclosed pie giveaway andon ask CRAMPTON people lists properties acros Century 21 Producers in the state of Delinda and her always team 129 transacCHRISTY BUCK herA. FOREMAN DELINDA DONNA KLUG “So IDAWN was staying updated first sale, “but once I did it was like the Rachel obtained her license and has now ever made.

When it comes to her listings, Stacey destination for western-style over, as she consistently keeps in touch eocated business, though, she found KARLA on in overvirtually 200 website Pennsylvania. and dedi- gates opened.” and $65 million in BALL volume last year. for Personable on Chesapeake Bay. The tions island community.

“IDuring am involved home buyer, tomarket donate canned goods theiraslocal current trends,” she says.

After anyand freestaging time, Paige and been working an agent forflood 19GROUP years.on preparing in helping RACHEL HUDGINS OKSANA BOGOTT STACEY COULTHARD LAURA EVANS AUSTIN GROVE HOMES popular sites like cated, buyers and sellers never hesitate sellers their riders everywhere.

And if you Much of itcountry has to do with her approach toLAPP through regular check-ins, pop-bys, and eeking a new opportunity that better Meet Letisha Scharff, both a girl In 2021 Letisha had ahom rZD BRENT MAHAGAN Shameika Lynn Dunn began her career in Lynn 2011 to 2018, having ranked among the that Equipped with over 30 by yearsits of experimarket, neighborhood center as remarwell asher have cliCANDICE KING NATANEL MALKOUKIAN those peothe decisions they’re making, and I won’t thegrosse wide ra sxury recognized worldwide famous everything happens on this island!” her kids were grown and she had stay active in the community.

“M Realtor.com.

Educati Heavily vested in her community, Delinda serves to reach out to for all of their real customer service.

What she does for clients is incredible.

47traditional 48 51 products 52buyer. are a horse looking to the contemporary With the help topenthusiast 1% of agents for rental in the ence, Karla Ball is farspirit from your events—all toold ensure her ecial to property herand entrepreneurial and the involved w ents bring toys for Toys for Tots Paige decided to begin again in real year started the CDAWG Founda Donna, and she ism ho oninto boards her Rotary Club and the the Las Toried, make tax preparation a little less stressful and a appreciation lotI during a professional representing the Texas she produced acliphenome Rachel works with athepartner –isof herthe daughestate needs.

Her entrance this field Austin Lapp has never been athe one-sizetrack to close around $12 million inVegas seemingly advise them to do something wouldn’t do real estate while looking to become more finds the multi-layered Smith Island Cake, She manager of Smith Island local market.

Through it all, though, she Broker.

Taking influence from a family Top Agent Natanel Malkoukian – Managproblems have come up.”

She also stays manage ng for Having entered the world of real estate working directly with the lo energy and derful assistants, she creates professional to move to the center of the action, you are going to Philharmonic.

She also volunteers at her church and supnew incoming agents more sweet, every January and February, she crisscrosses asing your first resources Agnelli provides as one of the in new construction, where she by ter, Peyton Lamb, who just started in money erties— The their Pictures Santa event each year. estate.

Joining Centurywith 21,began her knowledge about new which raises for children who can’t a ents are satisfied in their new homes.

Over cial needs of her family.

Inspired by a getting fits-all kind71 Realtor.

Since his sales volume the end of 2021, Austin 77 78 72born 75 remains committed to the standards member who owned aof prominent estate can match. myself.

It’s about helping them, not about Hill Country where she was Though she thr knowledgeable on investments and investents ticipated in ® and ports aproven handful ofat children underdeveloped countries. official state dessert, and its abundant Cultural Center, owns the island’s only Las Vegas, hand-delivering settlements statements from ingwas Director of Nest amongs measure aachiev home. inreal touch through annual client appreciaer one involved in building spec homes in 2019, Brent Mahagan is a caring to try to put together a“So fund January –New and aDevelopment buyer’s agent, Zach Fox.involume. of the home and the surrounding property want to contact Realtor Stacey Coulthard. construction led to her being a part of a team’s new extracurricular activities,” Paige explains. w am is widely In 2021, the team all pitched in to help in 2013, he haspursue seen people move gets about half of his business from the years, she has earned a fantastic repu- charity friend inthe the license realin estate industry, she easoned investor, brokerages in the area enables that have consistently set apart.

“Integrity company Ohio, she would her That’s not to mention spending with her husband the previous year along withlargest a Seekers Payday candy bar.

This with in the Back Mountain area.

After her children went to time from the money.”

The team averages $10 to $13 million in International in New York – is a tion events, or via interactions on social y.

Her home division.

Soon Paige became so busy that she always giving back to that, and I’m also a board professional who goes out of his way the wrestling team so that ment property.

She has been licensed for a otherwise reshly caught seafood.

To Laura, it’s hair salon, she is a notary, an electoral raised.

After a transitional journey from of work, she mostly en to market the listing on the MLS, social m matters most in our business.

More than own license upon moving to Chicago and ustomer sera local family in need by purchasing for many different reasons, and so knows repeat clients or(ages referrals.

It’s a diverse and their two boys 12 and 14), their two dogs, and past Valentine’s Day, she raffled offcollege, a weekend stay at a to Donna is active in herwith local comm These qm foster she decided pursue her passion and become tation throughout Louisiana, as evidenced ed time was right toaspursue her annual sales, and their rate of repeat and ebuyer, if you are him to spend more time generating new ® hardworking, intelligent real estate profesmedia.

Candice keeps alllater ofthe her clients you the at with encouraged her husband, David Grove, to earn his ber of the 400 North Association of REALTORS pstate anything, I believe in meeting clients where quickly find her niche an investor, reneating out to satisfy her foodie cravings. hotel on the Vegas strip, and in the year she’s hosting to provide his clients with best serget new uniforms next yea Lake.

She belongs to a local Women rankedelementary #1her in home—and them car! and has even up a real estate agent.

Donna’s extensive knowledge about that market knowledge is only part ofa Agent, clientele, and Austin caters to the websites. local dedicated real estate Sheteamed also r A Maricopa County native and who has spent much of imply as loyal resjudge, and very involved with her little over two years while she began with single many gl referral business israpid an astonishing 95%.

Rachel attrieducation to a Top building relationships, sional who has made a ascent in his by her strong rate of repeat clients and se—and the rest is history. updated on the latest market developm she they’re atdriving and putting their interests at very the help- are ovating, owning, and managing vacation several client including a day atconstruction a local license.

It events, wasn’t long before Paige and Dave formed various fundraisers community n Bachelor Massachusetts inventory for buyers. resources new and has Christmas toy drive.

She and doesn’t say goodbye once the vice.

With aJaVonna knack for outside his background, Brent sup what clients need her from their agent. farming community characterized by theathat has been featured in sevbutes this to therenovations large sphere ofbeen influence both she and his servi “I think eventually IIn want to hitrare a $100 million year agents and potential buyers inand her sphere life on the back of athinking horse, Stacey isour living herThose dent, she’s everything her church. the event she does range, taking clients out to the ball game, andhighly providing as aInin solo agent; she has successfully grown warding for forefront of transaction.” rentals doing across Illinois and as Colorado. parchosen industry.

Natanel, who began his belongs toAmerican the Dave, Harvey’s Lake Prot ments with her monthly newsletter. rough. ful to her present clients.

Opportunities await Paige and as they pla Grove Homes Group.

Determined, experienced referrals.

Having completed $22.5 million Legion chapte ROSY LAKHANI Letisha prospers the producing owner land.

She loves spendin in she said.

“When for I reach that point, Ias plan to first Peyton possess, as sales,” welllarge asholtheir capacity personalarea’s Mennonite population, the box and a determination to help enforcement and resp agazine and House As farlife, as marketing, the Christy Buck Team holds open com: W going to want tofound boon for the investors he works with tration and transaction isaAnd over.

She sends clients a drive-in movie date night. for Thanksgiving, she ticular, sheBeautiful that realbest estate gave her able network given her many in the combining her love of horses with her pasInof herlarger freeing time, sheyears enjoys spendin journey in real estate in 2018, and currently t way ® motorcycles, playin move their team to a location.

They wa and focused on service, Paige and Dave have led their power to restore it to its previous glory. have free time, she likes to relax with pull back a bit and spend more time volunteering and NADINE SIMANTOV ized service and a casual and approachable demeanor. her own team (the Dunn Deal Group) and determinati TAWNYA TYREE JAVONNA ALEXANDER KARLA BALL LETISHA SCHARFF LYNN DUNN in volume in 2021 alone, she remains committed to the with Keller y,Team Dawn is a top producing REALTOR hosts her annual Gratitude Gathering at her home, proprocess due to various constraints in Naturally talented at business, Rosy “It didn’t take me long to realize that this well as to those seeking vacation homes Natanel SHERRY WELLS has also won tomultiple houses, virtual open houses, and VIP sneak-peeks of new Outside her career, Karla is referral-based. deeply committed her the broker ability generate a passive income while traveling skiing, kayaking, and hiking.

In the Candice is always looking for ways to give others, buyers and sellers can always well.

He recently started H Today, she’s largely Some her testiand ofcareer West of Weird Properties, “When love what y with family) in the her fr al Business iday and birthday cards, or reaches out works alongside partner Michael Bethony, as atoof lifelong resident of theher area. for helping people the right property to care some world travel, as well.

I’ll stillyou be involved nthony La Penna. course, but perhaps even more so for peocontinue expanding their group, welcoming both team to close almost $75 million in real estate inperhaps 2021.

Most of their clients end up being “friends, family of my situation.

My lender gave up, the Lakhani’s assion aof real estate agent viding each client with afind pumpkin pie. snow skiing.

She has a passion fo community.

On top of supporting Habitat for Humanity, the world, building aemotional legacy service along the way.

While serving as the manager of the family and friends. monials include: “Donna was extremely professional, is a very business,” Austin on the Finger Lakes.

The different needs Nathan proven approach that sets her apart in the region.

“At the ams Realty Acadiana, where she assists clients personal brand.

The Dunn Deal Group better lifest back to her community.

One cause that is ing Who’s Who Real Estate listings.

Christy’s marketing strategies are focused on proone or two days a week, just enough to continue buildcount on him to have their best interHeroes program where first BRENT MAHAGAN NATANEL closed more than half aofthe billion dollars infinish.

REALTOR Tawyna Tyree first began seller gave up, but NOT She put has skyrocketed.

After working inLA theWells justinas much she ANTHONY PENNA AUSTIN LAPP friends or friends friends,” and thus Rachel’s pracCARLOS ORTIZ and experienced people on career board.

With herasoldest Sherry is aher Realtor with Alliance information and“My this has been successful forto them.

She got license in 2003, partnering with Landshut, to see ifatreat there isRAFFETTO anything need.

She Simantov has Nadine feels very blessed to be in athey posialso known as WoW Properties.

As team job,” she states.

She istois thing her real estate allows very ethical and on topof of things from start toreflected she serves on the auxiliary board of Black Ensemble about thisCANDICE job is KING ple shopping for aRosy. home to live in. explains.

“You have bein aShe good listener. his clients are in Austin’s and he ing relationships.” knows how to her clients.

“I think it’s our MARIE-FRANCE VACHON PRICE KAITLIN WHITCHER her skin in the game -completely took full owncommercial sector forBOBBI several years, close to her heart isRYAN the nonprofit orgatween rnal Awards and more! viding useful content while also reaching new prospective working inis real estate on the investment Tawnya is dedicated 55 56 59 60 ocal Cultural Center, Laura realized end of the day, I’m always smarter than the deal.

Because ghout Acadiana and the surrounding communities.

MALKOUKIAN tice almost reference-based.

Rachel offers an interesti Properties in Crosby,TX. She has four in getting buyers to contact her directly. est mind.

Affiliated with eXp Realty, ers receive $1000 dollars to volume in 2021 alone, and the pair are on ®currently children working in her office, it’s a family busi Serving the entire state as the Century 21 #1 Team in serves the areas of West Baton She returned all emails, calls andorganizations. texts almoststill immeTheater, among many other local and level Managing Broker Today, Karla is hundreds a REALTOR idents of Bucks tion where she can help other people.

“I Stacey loves tohave ride inents her leisure time mother for four years before the market crashed of service.

We are allwith about being over-the-top she landed reconnects them during give-back ership of selling my current home in selling ofher businesses, Rosy very ho I’ve always enjoyed meeting people and marketing strategies, which include both side, working alongside her partner by helping leader, she guides her team of five agents. in her local community nization she helped establish to ensure es we children, three grandchildren and lives “Most people already a Realtor plans: “Ihappy think where Ia that people, and the experience has given me a keen eye for clients and keeping in touch with old ones.

In addition to Donna’s future plans include cont track to hit more than one billion in 2022. and anyone who joins is treated just the same.

“Ev Georgia and based in Atlanta, those who work with diately.

She did an excellent job overall, and I would of that, if things start to go sideways, I can quickly recalbining her elite business acumen with her experience he serves clients throughout Colorado closing costs from his comm Meanwhile, she is a Member of the Institute for Luxury with RE/MAX Premier, the Collection Branch of Fine there aPremier large demand for aNewport real Through her love for the island, and her record-breaking 5-7 days and made felt drawnResidential to residential sales.

“I was and exceeding expectations.

For us,aoffice, it’s ahad relationship began herhearing real estate career When itbegan comes to real marketing, Bobbi truly 5Price years.

As was Top try to encourage my which has Marie-France Vachon her estate way for optimum exposure.

“Ibe.” alw Kaitlin Whitcher found her passion for think Rouge, Ascension Parish, Livingston There is a Broker and Founder the beginning of COVID-19.

The key many local trails with family or friends.

M in 2007.

While the real estate business was down, who already become established and all real estate need lives.

“I truly care about my clients,” he but it’s always nice when you can [facilin with her Husband and highly re their personal stories anyway, and a heavy social media presence and print of my business to S nager with events that she hosts, and often bumps clients meet their goals and realize a safe and equitable environment for all comes highly recommend her.”

Another read, “Donna’s To stay in with past clients, Rachel swears by herfamily. it happen.

She isblown atouch machine who never always passionate luxury homes, based in the Houston being active on Zillow, she sends out promotional newsHomes Marketing, as well as aproperty,” Sustaining Member ofis Homes Luxury, whereabout sheSprings assists clients throughone here part the It’s89been so rewar Grove Homes Group are consistently away with our clients,” said Delinda, who has been in the real 86 85 81 82 them make red flags about atolot says Anthony. and the Eastern Plains. aofensuring show of appreciation for 7.

“I wanted to getand into aarea, business sets herself apart.

“We do aAfter of print Together they service all of Central Texas. working in the office or in the industry. paying a nomirlping office for 14 over 320 agents, to me if they need and find a different angle that positions my clients ng 25 rental properties and flipping 27 homes with real estate while she was working as a will m career 35 years ago, thanks to the encourHDR photography and Matterp itate] the transaction.”

When following youngest son.

She started outibrate incall the of Raffetto Real Estate at Pointe3 Real his marketing success is state professional who could advise fierce drive, Laura is positive that she with the place she has re Natanel began his career in real estate need his friends are once and future clients.

She she began riding professionally again, competing as a I think taking the time to learn the why ad campaigns. knowledge of the area market was very impressive and stops working (even with 15 stitches so when I earned my license in 2014 I patented “quarterly pop-bys,” which she undertakes says.

“That means going to for them, students at academy she attended inanmarket ardest Misericordia Woman’s Board.

An avid traveler, when out Downtown, Near North, Near South, Near West, estate business for almost 20bat years and hassupport 85 perParish and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Being and innotmini toinwork as aprefers group together and watch everyone g bymakes their guidance, coaching and throughout after, she into them through her volunteer work ood, Clear Lake, Sugarland, letters and sure that clients receive insight fees, they When she’s workin nal amount in REALTOR I would be totally responsible for advertising and online advertising,” she up, Sherry to use Realty Juggler. business twelve years ago and quickly Nadine honed help with anything.”

She understands they do. real estate paralegal for law firms around and ply wants to continue wo of father, who was ahelp commertours onShe each and every oneto ofthro my from her dental surgery and Ihis had toschool, went straight into it,” Rosy says.

Today Estate, Ryan Raffetto isagement arate prominent all listings areof innovating and her response time in getting back me was excellent.” for long-term success.” usband over last 4someone’s years, she has cultivated aher bouony explains.

“I “I can them steer clear homes during holidays, back totocan or other important cent of“Those repeat referral clientele.

“Our team isthat working for the highly reputable Ryan Serhant Team she’s not with clients or giving back, she be found and the the surrounding suburbs.

There, she has cultivated aand behind decision to buy or sell While her husband is an expert custom ties. donates loc with them at various riding events, or barrel racer on the rodeo circuit.

She returned to real high school. students come from visitors interested in purchasing propercan bring about the changes she hopes and succeed.” the transaction.

“We are all in this together,” Paige realized that it would make the most ports her local commun and looking out for their interest 100 oe and more! she even after they have closed on their house.

“This way, It’s“Ia loved highlyeven rated CRM app that autoThe Top Agent atis herIt’s company rformance, and In I’d 2019, either make itSeattle explains.

“I believe in advertising.

Even force her to take rest).” she serves the greater Atlanta region, abetter. minister, Lynn accustomed to engaging persongood deed through ser and began the community.

JaVonna volunteers and people and making frien There areFor many oth the Seacoast of New Hampshire. them ing commercial she has star power can intimidate name real estate marleading the online especially cial real estate agent.

Marie-France got rentals,” she says. certain the ‘little engine that could.’ methat and one other agent, abecame former law enforcement official, moments the year.

Sheplatforms, drives to about 100setting off on her latest vacation, having already explored hands-on approach tothe meet the As needs of any client, from at the legendary Nest Seekers International.

“My perhelps me in serve them People will Austin has helped shape the community workflow to meet the needs of any buyer or seller. in-house, sense tolost have athroughout REALTOR all the local events, like everywhere in the world, and arrive with including its northern suburbs like explains.

“All of our team members work to benefit mates follow up calls, texts, other emails and receiving multiple, consecutive awards. ors directly to put where the repair costs are prohibitive, sends on holidays and special occasi estate full time in 2014, but has never her connecak it on my own,” Bobbi recalls. though very few people do print anymore, At the cornerstone of Donna’s business is honesty and ilding with a mortgage comthey still get to hear what is happening in their neighbories on the island.

She obtained her license shortly after. to see.

“I want everyone to fall in love with this island percent.

But it also means always tella transaction manager, a listing manager (her husband), home builder, Letisha has found the niche participates in Hometow role in Natanel’s su diving into the paperwork and documents, feed 150 houses and drops off desserts or go toys, and thishas an in the 1980’s. some of the newer agents.

But, for ket.

Appreciated for his personalized on social Another essential the diverse cultures and lifestyles in her six ofmedia. the world’s first time home buyers to seasoned investors and corpoher license in 1987, and the rest is history.

Marie-France will also invest in rleston and donates to Habitat for Humanity, The works ally with her community.

Her approachability and she a passion for re Brent knows how to look after others Brent started his team, SOC At every chance she gets, Rosy is Hope stayDuluth, Cherokee, Gwinnett, North so Tawnya decided to get license. tivals and community spective and my mindset were always to after new keep coming back to you if they know you care.” he serves as a member of one of the local planning Sherry has a ton of valuable experience anniversaries.

Sherry normally sets a variety of needs.

It means a lot to me to the team as a whole.

We’re all extremely close and integrity.

“I do what is in my clients’ best interest,” she estate seemed like a good match, I’ve had good luck with print, so I keep Outside her career, Dawn can be found spending quala marketing director, and a part-time admin.” ® tion to the horse-riding scene, or the many wonderful ofing company that allows hood,” Christy says. unique approach undoubtedly contributes to her repuseven continents. rate relocations. would be his expert deeds and title searches,” Kaitlin recalls. keep n to succeed and but I can also connect them with the right ing updated with her current and past Fulton and upbeat Southing Forsyth counties. approach, attitude, and drive for component in his recipe for success is er Williams Real everyone she is always available to call them the truth, helping them avoid Leading the Marie-France Vachon team, photography and pamphlets.

Incredibly, within the first six months “I believe in the imp While many REALTORS and see the beauty and calmness that exists living here. work tirelessly to find their ost say it up 3 6 months in advance to send in residential and undeveloped land development in the same way he did,” recalls Natanel. that allows her toleverages exercise her knowledge stays involved insmall Simpl in stressful times.

Understanding how Homes—where his wife w rI dreams ofproperty, Center for Children, The School of the Deaf boards inaalso the Village of Penn Yan, and has contributed says.

Understanding the importance of each transaccome from a variety of ity backgrounds.”

This results in make sure they are well cared for.” loved houses and IWith knew sales.” investing in it.”

Bobbi is ahusband, member leadership have atohaving trustworthy environment ministry, helping peop clients’ lives, sending them emails andall the entirety ofpeople herhe business derivtation as warm and friendly agent and, subsequently, time with her children, and grandchildren. nnce listing awhich Dawn her ofcreated “It was all really interesting to me.

Ithe got of her license, she sold enough porting businesl brokerage’s internati As for future of herforbusiness, Stacey itWhen gave her opportunity meet. when working with the it decades comes toready each transaction, communication is helping people, strives to provide approaching listings with the same out anniversary greetings client’s sales.

“With thethe East Lake Houston team of 5the on and tofor help.

Nadine is an active she services the greater Montreal area, NADINE SIMANTOV ROSY LAKHANI SHERRY WELLS TAWNYA TYREE as 9 years old, doing tion, she takes the time toaalways get togetknow her clients and a situation that isn’t right them, even “So, during my first nine months of working with that ail side, I’m able people to smooth the process and put the Austin originally entered the industry as a property to the growth of number of the businesses along Main I want to fill the island with good families who care lients perfect home, for Laura, who has watched checking in.

“During the pandemic, I was ing from repeats and referrals, Rosy treats her clients a cohesive team that works diligently to accomplish important and nerve-wracking a transphotographer—in order to moving from California to Colorado of several networking groups, including Looking ahead, Karla has exciting plansproperties forpart the is future of job When property, Karla leverages the extensive thein network of references she always building. eal partlisting time, but love and Blind, as well asatisand several homeless shelters in her commercial and residential an active presence inch key.

Delinda’s mantra “If you have to ask me what’s ofwent homes, her of the land, and get an outreach program tha my estate license as of my Look birthdays, their children’s birthdays and area growing so rapidly developers ods utilized include exceptional service and experiences. mindset, no matter the price point.

“I which clients return to when search of new investlives.

Lynn’s team isthe setsestate example of aexcelAs she looks to the future, Christy plans to open more listen toreal their needs.

Through every step, she offers year solo career. member her local Synagogue and to helping more and more people as An active runner, she also enjoys hitting the many scenic eting and sales experience to equip her clients with including the island of Montreal and the Community involvement is impo Going forward, Candice be adding an administraalso aan Realtor.

Her ting in touch with them, telling them market updates, like family, going above and beyond towill reach their team, I was fortunate enough to get my first exclumanager when an investor reached out to him in 2011 Street.

When he’s not working, he loves spending time if it’s not something they want to hear.

I client goals.

They make the experience so exceptional s, Bobbi to real estate school the Elite 25 and Peak Producers.

She is a her business.

As her volume maintains its steady growth, resources available through RE/MAX Collections to going on, then Ithe haven’t done my job.”

And sometimes to pass the million dollar mark!

A started clear a that part ofpast. these events action can be for clients, takes his agents, andmedia continues purchase anniversaries. buying up all of rural land in Crosby construction I’ve home in shape when we find situation its rich history, and who will honor itsto My many of the island homes become abandoned and left asJaVonna aabout paralegal, and Iall really toa love have guidance and support, eliminating stress and allowing area.

When she’s not working, loves meeting platforms, als Ryan started inadvantage. real estate 16 years ago, give my listings the same levelcontinues ofWHITCHER seeing ifhe they were healthy and ifengagethey needed anygoals.

Empathetic and patient, Rosy envisions herself w, believing strongly in the branches of her agency and increase her speaking KAITLIN estate licensing when not working she iswith an avid card surrounding suburbs. rainmaker for her Marie-France and team.

In 20 CARLOS ORTIZ BOBBI PRICE tive assistant to the team in January, which will allow es. joined her mother MARIE-FRANCE RYAN RAFFETTO horse community grow.

Sh Today Stacey is aclients horse property specialist with West sive project in the Stuyvesant neighborhood she intends on scaling the model of boutique service give her an added After helping them trails around Acadiana. mprehensive strategy.

Starting out, she helps them ments or just advice.

Referrals account for 50%-60% ing and mentoring the her boots on the ground while soaking up tling drug and alcohol ad it’s the little things that make aA big difference.

One examot started.

The rest is history, and of the Pikes Peak Association ofside sign that she was inBedford the right ofhiking, the her good work that ou that past have even asked to join their team. forclients help managing his vacation rentals inmember the his wife and daughter, playing music, and Reach Delinda Crampton at 702-219-3144, and the surrounding areas IFinger have been Rachel utilizes all of the standard methods for marthink my clients value that.” thing from me.” in their shoes, and determines how best to guide them. space for them to make educated decisions.

For buytime and walks them through every step of the promain focus going forward.

“My plan is the marketing aspect of real estate.

I took to co partnering upgive with downtown Seattle concentration.

What sets me apart are Maximum, targeted ® ®buyers to help families that works.” goal is to let the know what living here entails. nre dire conditions, it became a mission to help homes ny inspiring peoplayer.

She especially enjoys Canasta team, Marie-France currently has three was named Keller Williams Amb eyears, versus reactive.

“I expect ments around the country.

She frequently sits on panels at new people, and traveling with her 2-year old daughter, that brought her to real estate in the first place.

In the fully prepare their home for the market, she shares it ple is, every listing gets professionally photographed no VACHON agents to even more attention to their clients.

She’s er license soon after the business, Tawnya has continued to doing,” she explains.

Oc of Brooklyn, which was eight units.

That’s how I got Bobbi has been serving her Realtors , the Denver Board of Realtors , able to integrate large land sales into Sherry believes that it is absolutely “When we first started, about half of our team was like to expand her team, bringing on and USA Realty in Peoria, representing clients all over keting her listings, but prioritizes social media, which email delindacrampton@gmail.com, Lakes area of Upstate New York.

Austin was only 23 bee keeping. ers, this involves her negotiation skills to obtain the their home for the market, providing them with of Lynn’s repeat business.

“My clients are awesome.

She wants to impart he on a few clients for the benefit of the law keep For more about Donn that sweet rural lifestyle. cess.

“I do the best IDelinda to take care of the people be successful, andsixmy become a achieved, household developers to support their highthe in-depth custom video reels always alo matter the price point. says “It’s an honor toto get ®to and meantime, she offers sound advice any aspiring real via adepartment highly targeted oftogether digital and social media focus on sales, helping both commerTawnya loves being ou team members, with a goal set for 2022 of Culture for Canada because about teaching. and She’s very pleased with “Ican want to continue staying loyal to my clients the “Whenever I blend take them out sales tomy see ain property, IMahjong. look business.”

As a solo agent, she tackles the brunt of necessary, when working in real estate, to be involved oasonable the closing to conferences and teaches others about the real estate indusalso putting continuing education classes to 011, when she took and helping them achieve their real and the Pueblo Board of Realtors .

Her my start, and we sold out that whole project within has come to be a great fit for her social and personhome they desire.

She guides the buyers and provides cramptonteam.com, or visit her website at made of past clients,” Paige says. rs in the past I can conEmersyn Marie’.

It’s very remote, so I need to make them aware what ind their loving owners. price.” at the time, but had already established aifsix reputation agents who share her dedication offerin Maricopa County, with ado particular emphasis inknew the firm, and before Ipassion—whatever it,agent Icommunity. was falling in toat ou please callto570-690toleads do what Iteam do.to And Iestate itpushing well, aaren’t client relationship As the first individual atsoit is. her office toIothers, complete egoals. ofleads professional and services. buildings.

He now aconstantly of agents media team collaborates on creating together.

Also, community, and ethical and moral throughout atstaging itaslike I am as buying itphotography for myself,” she explains.

“So professional: “Find your well postcards to the surrounding cial and residential clients buythe and sell properties. snowboarding orexperience spending time aco in one’s She is helping involved in her50 local the work hands to ensure her clients lacking or in IThey’re serve,” he says, and adds, “I try not to overload Southern Colorado. did deals in first When it comes marketing his listme on Facebook.

[They skills and on reach at least 10 agents, with aremain hub to service them. dedication to whether in or each.

I think it isasThe how her team has developed into awas secsuggestions for quality mortgage brokers that they able approach to real estate.

“Social media isgrowing how great relationships with other agents helps to get help train new agents, and is excited to help them build a campaigns, team ofarise vice,” she says. team is try and how to build teams successfully.

With 20+ years months, which tremendous.

We were then given realtor.com/realestateagents/56b316ae0fa417010074bfad On her off hours, you can find her e hard worker and someone people could trust.

As Going forward, Austin wants to continue his often becomes a friendship.”

The sky is the limit my career.”

She doesn’t see herself slowing down any while they are looking at its appearance, I am hon”cethere, said one happy seller. email donna.klug@gm love with real estate each day!”

The rest is mayb customer service.

West Valley.

An enviable 100 percent of her business Embrace itmay and learn as much as you can about it.

In life, neighborhoods. their day-to-day life will look like in this quaint and Chamber Of Commerce and has recently joined the need of anything.

“I don’t hand my clients off to someand assists buyers and sellers throughout the Metro with the pandemic going on, it was imperative to Anthony stays in touch with the investors have their pre-approval in hand in order to write 100 transactions in a year, Dawn looks forward to further she shares her listings to a highly targeted Iensure built my business,” she says.

She also makes myself with too many deals atTawnya one because Ifull and I’m hoping touse every yea real estate industry.

One of thethat ways sheinmonth and h word out about her listings.

“My listings get very og talk about whatawith ond family.

“We’re really enjoying the ings, Carlos meets contemporary own business by sharing her experiences.

“It’s ealty, representing other projects in the neighborhood.

I’ve been able todouble As team leaders, Paige and Dave that all memtime soon, and isbuyers eager totime see what next few years ingcurrent intheir on the details searching for defects.”

Rosy relationships inand the industry, she isinsight an ideal person to lead discussions are] constantly sending [me] people.” successful agents the native ofarea. the area, he also had into the business, bringing on and training new agents, investservices most of the Dallas-Fort Worth Juggling multiple deals every exactly what he’s success comes down toresiseizing opportunities and placone else.

Igreat prefer a personal touch with all my clients.

Ithe Historical Society for her town’s 100th anniversary. history, and for the past 17 years, Kaitlin You can reach Ras Today Letisha mainly focuses on farms, ranch, tion home on North Padre Island, Seattle present potential buyers an authentic peek inside comes from referrals or repeat clients, many of whom my home such a forward, JaVonna wants to continue to grow her of personalized brochures for each listing, which quiet fishing village.”

Because I care so much for the island, I’d like to see will present.

“My customers are my family, I just love only wants what isGoing best for them, and understands is one of the leading agents for The Platinum coverage, not just here, but outside of this area as About 80% of Marie-France’s business comes from give back is by volunteering to help a local w Copyright Top Agent Magazine nelling real estate.” place where we are all at.”

She really unications from he’s worked with, often just to see how scaling the model of compassionate service that brought of digital and social media campaigns.

Always want to treat each person with the utmost care and my team wanting to help the people that n bers are on the same page and maintain the same core build my reputation from that success and start branchabout creating something that everyone—agents and ea with a focus on and Metroplex area and East Texas, specializing in comtobeing being amost REALTOR s a whole Elsewhere, department dediand share her While she teaches marketing where they areknowledge. at, than which means ainof heavy ing yourself position for long term success.”

Karla is just asin attentive when assisting work from beginning tohelping close with them.”

Sherry attends Community Baptist Church inthe Crosby localhow market, and 2015 decided to begin offering in homes his team to help them be successful.

“Iicated love valued realas been helping her clients achieve their This orhost rlmiller1013@ include photos, neighborhood statistics, and much the without them ever having to has step outthem.” has much stress this process can he present.

Rathershe Copyright begun to semi , where she and her small team serve Colorado well,” says. are horse owners and competitive riders themselves. y step of the way!” business, and plans to double the number of families she repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that shelter in Montreal. continues to grow she looks forward mercial properties, houses, multifamily and land. wants to see the team succeed.

Nadine is also looking value of putting the client first.

Acknowledging that ing out into other areas, including downtown Brooklyn.” dential and acreage.

Since this gal and relaxing atand the beach with her hT her buyers, drawing her decades of experience toand clients alike—want to be aindustry part of,” says Candice.

“I’m 2021 she closed $5properties, where many of her friends have trusted tothe-rachel-hudgins-tea sell their of the neglected properties improved cared respect, and work as hard as I country can to make sure they help, not for them toher help me grow and he ge her to real estate in the first place.

Along the way, she nome toUniversity, go above and beyond, she also connects her nships the team makes. strategies and tips, the most important piece of pushing themfrom to make decisions, she gives them all ing that knowledge to buyers and sellers full time.

He in a position to help both my clients my agents. and anyone betting te Anthony began they are doing, but also to alert them to new opportuniemphasis on social media, targeted marketing on real estate goals. took and passed more information.

His impeccable client service and ability to connect side,” he says. s and theher surrounding area.

This includes all team. careand about clients havi After years ofbyworking inShe real she has homes. isestate, alsocliinvolved in local “I clubs hermy Sherry believes her experience along with her comthoughtfully the right investment for their best demonstrates the trust and confidence she inspires.

Lynn’s service skills are top notch.

Her churches and envisions “The rodeo world is small,” Stacey explains. and team cover Bucks to onboard acustomer team member who isfive coming this isnew one ofrelatively the largest transactions someone can the uncover tools, knowledge and advice necessary forlasting them Soon came aexpanding on Long Island City consisting very excited about our future.” dor.” percent of that serves in the coming year.

She has also teamed up get what they want and that we have aproject great time want keep mentoring them and the advice is to build connections with clients.

“Our big mistake. bought out aof boutique brokerage and has been delivSometimes I feel like Iwith won the lottery.” company with ove to clients personally is drawn from the high percentintends on her community outreach and mensne90 with herinterests. database and extensive sphere of influLaura’s mission has been quite successful so far, lives on twenty-seven acres, countryside land remains loves to spend time with her two c“ ter 23 years Google, and all of the dedicated real estate websites sible experience and thathelp means m built up a business huge network ofcompeople eager to to work with Paso County, as well as parts Pueblo, Teller, Looking to the future, Bobbi says, “I plan to keep child’s booster club.

“I’m pretty involved in the communication skills are the keys to her success.

Clients al Estate his senior year to help ties, for which he is constantly on the lookout.

On the This knowledgeable approach has earned her to choose what is right for their unique needs.

The “More than three-quarters of my is Looking to the future, Marie-France says, make in their lifetime, Paige and Dave take their roles ng areas.

One of Nadine’s newer way of her school.

Finally, she will be increasing her of 77 units, and – after splintering off from the Ryan repeat clients.

The “So I know that network very well.

And I’ve built my Having worked as a solo agent for most of her career, emphasizes that it’s ents know that she is not only there for them, but versities to educate yo ut showing appreciation to relationship starts at the closing table, it doesn’t end at the ering excellent service to his clients ever since.

“I fell age of repeat and referral clients.

Ryan understands Ryan’s passion for helping others extends beyond doing it.

I really go to bat for them.” successful and move out on their own.”

18, JaVonna has closed another agent to form The Emerald Abundance Group, so everyone walks away from the closi her.

Right now, around 90% of her business comes same goes for her sellers, with Rosy wanting them to appreciate Sherry’s hands-on approach and it has been munity.

Not as much as some agents but I do things I’m as, Park counties.

An impressive 98% of Bobbi’s going like I’m going.

I’m 79 and feel like I’m 60! a fantastic reputation throughout the Chicagoland area, torship with up-and-coming agents.

“Ijoined love the unlimited ensuring aaseamless transaction. she managed toZillow complete five transactions in clients her ooking like or Realtor.com.

All his beneseriously.

“We are professional, and we domareverything ing back to meof because clients were happy with my been inCarol real estate for years, I am For more about Paige and David rnd instance, has no qualms about marketing campaigns to counter the competitive aoffor passionate area of expertise for Letisha.

Her qualihas recently her team asthinkin aGrov lic Serhant Team and joining forces with Bethony in 2019 His work ethic impressed rare occasions he is not working, Anthony enjoys nd her dedication get the most for property in the shortest amount she says.

“I always look forward to w from repeat and referral clients.

Ain lot of her clients reputation as someone who iswhen very familiar with both Kaitlin took on her longtime friend Lavigne as35 is creating relatio the importance of placing client needs atto the forefront real estate and into his personal life.

He’s aand sponsor acoming very effective way of residential property and feel that I are can contribute to.” into love with the process,” says Austin.

“It’s agenerating blessing eng. heart the business and closing table,” she says. with the vast majority of their her volume from repeat ss comes from repeat and referral clients, a feat I’m going keep working until I can’t, and Iinterested have no ick success to the great named to denote the long-term prosperity she hopes to they trust that Lynn is being 100% honest and up wealth manageme potential of our business,” she says.

“Whether I’m breakwe can to find our buyers their dream home at a great services,” she explains.

“I have quite a few raving fans my legacy.

I want to have a solid team with of drive. time.

“I Her advertise all my listings online, through would allow fit from “In Your Corner,” the weekly informational please call 770-757-2773 or email ause she has a lot of ket and help her buyer’s agents attract more business. a major coup: the tallest residential building in New clients and building new relationship investors as well, who specifically seek out Tawnya, very first weekend as an agent.

“I was worried that vice is what keeps referrals.

Her recent land sales have been very complex a of buyer’s agent.

Carol has beenClub, in real 22 years, my network o and referrals.

“I’m especially passionate about of each transaction and and ensuring that clients achieve thefamily, Washington Athletic theestate Seattle Yachtforalso towas be able to help that’s always my focus. the area and the unique needs ofdue horses.

My clients peaks tofication theclients trust and confidence she inspires. plans to retire before then.”

Above all, Bobbi heand offered apeople, full spending time with his or playing golf, basketas aas Master Naturalist allows her to share her future looks fruitful Letisha as Brent focuses on forming lasting bonds with clients rosymyrealtor.com, and all the major real my website price, and get our sellers the most their properraduating first year, to her achieve for her clients.

“Seeing people alooks dream towill herfor knowledge andis experience oncan both sides as well!

These clients will refer me toachieve their friends, help them build their clientele, and also grovehomesgroup@youneedresults.co When not working or contributing tonear herown community, and time consuming, soadvice she relies heavily on referrals York outside of the Manhattan skyline tower consisting and work with buyers, With apushing clear focus, Nadine and her team continue front throughout their transaction.

She empathetic forever blueprint for th ing the glass ceiling or embracing a new challenge, I where, Dawn isnumber, just attentive when assisting her uing tocoming vlog he posts on YouTube.

“I offer on buying assisting first time home buyers and encouraging young and works with buyers so Kaitlin specialize in listfriendships.

I care their desired outcomes.

“I’m all about building relaClub.

In addition, he donates to various causes tsattract keep back because they like me and forward to continuing to be there for her clients.

“I terage’s was aoffer low but then I asked my friend on I’m not concerned about clients to buy or sell estate platforms,” she explains.

Producing anywhere rely on me to help them find the right property ofstories, the industry.

“Iway have afor legalikes up with myofinvesting and treats them just how he’d want to802 be treated. tynew in the shortest amount of time.”

One they REO team.

“It was acall ball and football with his friends and coworkers.

As for Sherry to spend time with her family go on for property purchases.

Her residential sales volfamily, and colleagues.” care mine.

I also have aorgoal of expanding knowledge of the flora, fauna, ecosystems as she local agents to join her team, grow people to invest,” says.

“After all, estate is aand of 67 $1.1 Billion sellout which irmore dream homes.

Together they to be award winning top producers. tojob serving her clients. they’ve struggled toward, and witnessing the joy on their from $25 to $35 million incurrent volume every year, it’s ings.

“Carol isunits, absolutely awesome, and this has not necessarily abo about Christy 832-517-8414, tionships with my clients.

Ireal want toand be their broker and dear to his heart, including those aiming to been help could think of nothing more rewarding than seeing my s.

Leaning on her background in renovating he done,” Bobbi says.

“I she get aBuck, lot ofand repeat love serving my clients, and they can feel that Iand really oyed during or selling, tips for homeowners, or updates on always tries to put herself in her client’s shoes. bring.

“I’m honored to as much as giving people the information they need to background because I’m able to walk them through ume averages 16 20 transactions per year, but this vacation.

She enjoys acenters variety throughout of activities with her he mainland how many transactions she had done in riding and training.” it were my own,” “I’m not in it for the money.

People are not just numterrific vehicle to generate lasting wealth.” clear of she’s exceeding expectations. market the province of Que as of this writing is more than 50% sold. repeat business by way refera great way to streamline our business.

We love our many families I rk with top agents, learn a lot, the future of his business, Anthony’s short-term goal for life.

Whether it’s their first home, a second investthe LGBTQ community, Homelessness, and Cancer ss, and in some cases I’ve worked with three do care about them.” the process while also helping them with analyzing ping people,” JaVonna faces when I hand them the keys to their new home—is make the right decision for themselves and their walks her listings with potential buyers.

Letisha notes, keep thatgame small town and homegrowh family like hiking, nights and movies. has slowed down since startingfamon land sales.

Typicallytheir clients through transactions.

After all,watching these deciigning homes as well as building her own investas impressed trends in the market.” hristy@christybuckteam.com or christybuckteam.com Lynn projects sincerity and gladly goes above and leep, I work can’t sleep.

For 8visit years, Marie-France has been with Keller elsewhere inthe Canada.”

Above all, Marie-Franc bers to me.

I want to help them find forever homes Noafamily! portion of this issue may be reproduced inmake any manner whatsoever without prior consent ofhe publisher. her first year, while working at a big brokerage, and ssed to in profession she dynamic, and our clients love it too.” what’s important to deals.

I assist with sourcing financing and everything tions of the same I care about my people, ment, or their children’s home, I want to sure Research in Seattle.

In his spare time, loves to ski, To learn more about Karla Ball In the future, Sherry plans on expanding into resishe has one large land deal per year and that one deal Past customers love to tell others about their time with ily.

I’m good at my observations, so if shape Top Agent Magazine is seen by Real Estate Agents Over the years, Karla hascommunicating earned numerous awards and service for this area’s invesisthat to double his volume next year.

He looks forward toempire ele been able to do, many the reward drives me to keep working hard!”

Currently, Natanel and Michael are representing multirchasing his sions not only their own financial future, but also portfolio, she thoughtfully guides them to the right w the waters amazing how many families are moving to the Hill to pass her country to hersame sone Williams, acan company she was drawn to because they forward to continuing to provide the inhouse between to make sure that the deal makes ittaken across She laughs, before adding, “The is usually the Rosy.

One recently said, “Rosy Lakhani!

What I all dmurky excels in.

“I love real estate. and create memories.

When my son passed away, I hink that“It’s shows.

They feel that, and that makes can net as much as of her residential sales in that dential sales for her surrounding area.

However, land Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are to ensure the accuracy beyond doing what she considers good deeds that are please call (312) 396-4017 that they’re pleased with the experience,” he explains. renovate his Palm Springs homes, and spend time t’m turned out she completed four transactions in her designations, including multiple Top Producer honors I don’t thinkthisa lady? particular transaction is Was right for someFor more about Rosy Lakhani, ple new development projects in all five boroughs of the say about She is SIMPLY SUPERB. keel to put themselves the closing table,” she says. not a full time agent. becoming an Carlos reaches out frequently to past clients to see dove into it headfirst and never many years of helping investors, and hopes to begin sales have been very lucrative and she would like to year combined. their legacy for generations to come.” investment for their best interests.

“But in this are known for the sophistication of their models and real estate experience to all her clients. ® about.”

With Great Island Realty, Kaitlin serves Strafford comfortable with me.” and inIwife every U.S. city and Internationally! sionate about Nadine’s netwith his beloved dog, Charlie. lastBrokers thing we talk orheld email karlaball@remax.net that is just money.

You can’t take itWhen ofit.” published materials, Top Agent be responsible for expressed orafacts suppliedBrokerage. by its from from the Chicago Association oflook REALTORS call 770-363-7676 Country so can raise their family with aincorporates vegetable Properties as Legacy O one, I’ll they advise them to something else.” reciprocated with more repeat business.

Lynn trying to buy a beautiful home that for me &Magazine mymoney fell cannot ntire first year!

That’s when Ilearned knew that wasn’t doing Bigplease Apple, along with aopinions big, recent aNew 35-story, continue makingget: inroads there.

She450 is also considerafford a home, myworking systems.

Marie-France also her own sysCounty and Rockingham County in Hampshire, Emphasizing education, Ryan believes in walking or email rosymyrealtor@gmail.com ever looked if there’s anything he can do for them, whether it dpassionate she jokes about with about somein love with.

There were too many ifs & buts in the building his own portfolio soon. you when you die.

But your memory can live authors. To subscribe orwith change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. When it comes to marketing, Tawnya relies heavily on When feeling a overwhelmed listing, Sherry initiates a “Coming ing Letisha hiring aAngeles. new assistant to help withStacey the complexity Copyright Top Agent Magazine unitto building in downtown Los “I feel incrediContact at 623-606ine!” began in her work, she started garden, ahisinflock of chickens, and some land explore.” is excited to be your Top A amily feel the of Bobbi’s temsmarketing into the process.

“When I’m meeting new buyers bad.” covering the area from the Seacoast toher the Lakes Region.

Copyright Top Agent clients through theSoon” transaction process step-byHeading into 2022, Ryan will remain true to his core Please contact mag@topagentmagazine.com doo having aalso buyer before themakeup end her network and unique toMagazine reach audixperience inshows has anything tohonesty do with real estate or not.

He’s also campaign tofor attract buyers.

This integrates the of strategies the land deals.

“Residential sales have always been on through others aForeman, very long time.

Memories are Stacey understands.

As a member of the Professional That foundation of has helped Austin build bly fortunate,” says Natanel.

For more about Dawn A. please call 337-280-3492, or email scoulthardre@gmail Her granddaughter and partner, Jade, is a licensed About of Kaitlin’s business comes from repeat or sellers, I usewith a questionnaire to 50% really understand step to know what adding to expect throughout the values and consistently advocate for find their Copyright Top Agent ence.

She’s always available via to text and phone calls eally a at testament hersuccessful success classic yard aprocess. heavyAs social media presence my Magazine passion; helping a first time home and buyer administrative assistants tocommitment ensure the qualCountry properties. toend listen active in his community with the volunteer work he ’t theto finish a to very business over thesignage last six years. always going to be more important than money.”

Rodeo Association, National Barrel Horse Association or call 310-734-1440 for ad rates and information.

For more about Tawn and has been working with Bobbi for 12 years. referral clients, an impressive feat that demonstrates the to answer client questions and chat about listings.

“Education leads to empowerment.

I’m a people perhis clients’ best interests and provide them with what their real estate project is and what they’re looktor for two years now, licensed and a professional photographer with aerials and virdream home is very rewarding.

That’s of my ’s given sorelationmuch of herand timeowner to. of Wine Trail Properties, he leads Fortunate, yes, but backed by deep industry and market oneplease email dawnforeman@kw.com, or visit dawnforeman.kw.com lds strong broker a call 214-430With the ferocious speed at which the modern world ity of her service didn’t go down due to increased ’s important does with local elementary schools, helping build a obbi’s daughter, Jade’s mom Lori, is unlicensed From working with so many different people over Letisha an outdoorsy professional, she is also either.While JaVonna’s trust and confidence she inspires.

Part of what keeps tual Sherry issays. able to give just the right amount ofContact favorite things.” son, conand Iis want my clients to be happy and to feel highest level of service while making their dreams ingtours. for,” she “Then I have a meeting with them Austin atmore 315-882-2343 knowledge that keeps both developers and buyers flock-orLaura To learn about nd Connecticut.

In his first year emailEvans realtor.tawnya have become good team of around a dozen agents who deliver exceptional the years, she has become a connector and resource the team’s transaction coordinator for over 30 clients coming back is Kaitlin’s dedication and work Outside of work and his wife areservices. deeply looking for float forand the Torchlight Parade inBrent Old or confident about the decisions they’re making.

MySaybrook, goal come true. currently looking two For 33more ab moving, it’s no surprise that many deciding to beginning workload.

This was the of the Dunn where Iare go deeper into their answers, because I want Top Agent Magazine Top Agent Magazine sThat’s come away from their gsAfter in touch with past clients ing him for hisHe’s “I think aDeal lottoofhire it has to addido clever in utilizing her social skills.

She relies on maremail alapp@winetrailproperties.com the closing, Iis service to Yates County and theinto surrounding area.

Ontotoethic. in addition to another part-time assistant, Contact Candice at 404-660-9565 To learn more about Sherry Wells, email sellitwithsherry@gmail.com, email ladylauraevans@gmail.com, “I love being busy,” Kaitlin says.

“I can’t sit still, sales volume and is on pace to To learn more about Brent Maha to help people build wealth, manage their investtional agents and is launching a new website along involved their local community.

He serves as the please c them feel that I’m there help them out and be of participating insays. his “Icommunity’s “Trunk or being Treat” g to communicate and adverunplug and relocate to Bobbi more remote areas.

Adding to328-8700 with different, yet being consistent and thinking Group.

Currently working onhis building a really database, make real estate y.

“It’s agood family thing here!” of weeks.

Because har.com/sherry-wells/agent_swwells call (281) or visit Copyright Top or email myrealtorcandice@gmail.com and that serves my clients well because I’m dediketing, phone calls, visits, and sharing chats over a cup ments, and grow—whichever way that is,” he says. with interactive email newsletters.

In addition, greater service to them.

I present all the strategies that email brentm@socodream.co email Nata Vice President of not the working Ellicott Metro District 2021.

Heonhas found or callwhen (443) .the Sheend also of mails postcards and event Halloween.

When he’s or the givoutside box,” saysBoard Natanel, asked235–4649 how he has

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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

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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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JEREMY NAVARRO Top Agent Magazine

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JEREMY NAVARRO Being in the top 2% in the entire network of over 50,000 agents and running the #1 team for the Albuquerque Metro Area, Top Agent Jeremy Navarro has earned consistent national recognition from Berkshire Hathaway.

When Jeremy Navarro sets his mind to something, there is nothing that will stand in his way. After working as an account manager for a major company, he felt inspired to start his own business.

After earning his license, he spent the 8

mornings working at his salaried position and the evenings growing his real estate business. Jeremy earned Rookie of the Year in his first year, and by the second year he was resigning from his previous career and making real estate his full-time Top Agent Magazine

focus. “I’ve been super blessed, I love what I do,” Jeremy explains.

Being in the top 2% in the entire network of over 50,000 agents and running the #1 team for the Albuquerque Metro Area, Jeremy has earned consistent national recognition from Berkshire Hathaway.

Jeremy has proven to have what it takes to maintain a high-ranking, successful Top Agent Magazine

real estate business while also influencing innovation and expansion for his brokerage. Jeremy has now acquired a position as Partner and Vice President in the Berkshire Hathaway Central New Mexico operations.

Most of his business derives from repeat clients and referrals, as he provides a high level of service to everyone he assists. “I 9

truly believe people invest in people they like. I always tell my team our clients work with us because they like us. So it’s very important for us to show them who we are.” Jeremy develops a personal connection to each client, which helps him not only establish lasting relationships, but also leads him to a better understanding of what they are looking for in their real estate journey. He then creates an individualized plan to get them towards their goals, whether it’s buying their dream home or selling their property for the most in the shortest amount of time. Even after the transaction, Jeremy

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ensures he’s available for questions, and always keeps them updated on any news about the market. “I start the communication right from the start, reaching out to them on special occasions like birthdays and asking them about their home.”

Knowing that this can be a stressful time for his buyers and sellers, he does everything possible to create an easy, straightforward experience. One client said, “Jeremy made the transition from out of state seamless. He was welcoming and knowledgeable in introducing me to the neighborhoods of Albuquerque. As we

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narrowed the process he was attentive in keeping my unique needs front and center. Finally, as a first time buyer he was patient and always available anytime I had a question or concern. Ended up in the perfect place, after a great process, made possible through a great relationship.”

Aside from investing time into his business, Jeremy also prioritizes his involvement with community outreach programs such as Toys For Tots, Roadrunner Food Bank, Meals On Wheels, & TEN-82 1st Responders. “We are currently working on expanding our outreach and are excited to help those in need.” He also loves spending time with his family, including Top Agent Magazine

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his wife and their two young sons.

There are plans to grow the Jeremy Navarro Realty Group but it’s important to Jeremy that his team’s growth consists of quality over quantity. His plans

are to expand with resources, education & tools for the team to perform at a high standard. “Our biggest focus is on our client quality control, because the better we treat our clients, the more our business grows.”

For more information about Jeremy Navarro, call 505-377-4070 or email jeremynavarrorealtor@gmail.com

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

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 14

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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BENNY LIU Top Agent Magazine

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BENNY LIU

There are not many people out there who can view a property one time and recall all the details of it from memory — enough to create an exact floor plan. For Realtor® Benny Liu, however, it’s all in a day’s work as this rare ability coupled with his strong people skills set him apart in the industry. 12 years ago, his friend introduced him to real estate and Benny hasn’t looked back since. He earned his license and has built a reputable business representing residential homebuyers and sellers in Runcorn, Brisbane with a very localized, boutique approach.

total. Nowadays, however, clients seek him out after hearing about his strong reputation for success. For every thirty or so clients he works with, at least one is a repeat client because of the high level of service he provides.

Benny began in the industry with very few contacts, which led him to take the oldschool approach of door-knocking to come up with leads. At one point, he thought that he had met almost every homeowner in the Runcorn area, which has about 4,000 homes 18

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After more than a decade in the business, Benny has honed in on his market and really gotten to know the Runcorn area and its people well. “The more you list, the more you sell, the more knowledge you have, and the easier it gets,” he says. He now plans to grow production and his team so that they can expand to a radius of up to five kilometers more. “Ultimately, I would like to double what I’m doing at the moment,” he says.

When it comes to marketing, Benny spends a lot of time keeping in touch with past clients through phone calls and emails. He’s very established in his area, so many people contact him knowing that he is an expert on the different neighborhoods and has in-depth information about the market. He does a lot of online marketing and social media as well as more traditional marketing strategies like print media, including newspapers. He also puts up signs throughout the community, from the local cafes to bus stops.

“I love that I get to do something different every day — it’s not a traditional 9 to 5,” he says. “While my process is the same with every deal, I get to meet with different people and every scenario is unique. It’s very rewarding - you put in the hard work and you see the results a few months later.” Being a great problem solver who can think on his feet and still love what he does every day keeps Benny motivated. “The most important thing for me has been to concentrate my local community — in being very present and an active part of everything going on.

I love this area and wouldn’t work to work anywhere else.”

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To learn more about Benny Liu, please call 0431-420-796, email benny.liu@raywhite.com or visit bennyliu.raywhite.com www.

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Things You Can Do to Anticipate Your Client’s Needs First and foremost, the real estate industry is a customer service business. The key to any successful real estate business is one that can build a reputation by providing an unsurpassed level of care. That usually means a transaction that is seamless and stress-free as possible throughout the whole process. Your client’s experience is what keeps them not only coming back, but gets them to recommend you to their friend and family.

tise. By showing you can not only anticipate their needs, but have insight into any potential problems that might arise, they will have complete confidence in you. Achieving that level of trust is the key to a transaction that is as stress-free as possible.

The key to creating a great experience is anticipating your client’s needs. They are relying on your professionalism and exper-

From the moment, you meet a po-tential client, your goal should be to find out not only what they are looking for as far as their real estate

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GET TO KNOW YOUR CLIENTS ON A PERSONAL LEVEL

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goals, but who they are as a person. Listening and asking the right questions from the start is one of the most important aspects of the job.

You almost have to become an amateur psychologist, really honing in on the emotional reasons behind their real estate transaction.

Taking time upfront not only gives you valuable insight into your client, but it is the first impression your clients have that you truly care about them, and that this isn’t just another commission check for you. This goes miles in helping them feel comfortable enough to rely on your guidance.

Knowing who your client is on a deep level will help you navigate the transition ups and downs, allowing you to anticipate the best way to handle it.

SPOT POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND PROVIDE SOLUTIONS Having insight into your client’s per-sonality type will come in handy when you anticipate an upcoming snag in the transaction. Most people find the process to be stressful even under the best of circumstances. One of the best rules of thumb is to always provide the solutions to anticipated problems when you present them to the client.

This should be the case even when the problem isn’t on you. Anything that can ruin a client’s overall experience can reflect poorly on you, whether you deserve it or not. This is a business philosophy called “zero risk”. You don’t want to take any chances with having an unsatisfied customer.

This is where your experience in the business pays off. You’ve probably seen most things and can easily anticipate problems that are Top Agent Magazine

likely to delay the process. Remember you are in charge. You are the expert. And, remember, part of avoiding potential problems is making sure your client knows what to expect upfront, always communicate openly and honestly.

Telling people what they want to hear and knowing you can’t deliver it, is destined to fail, and will always reflect poorly on you.

FIND WAYS TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Recognizing ways to exceed a cus-tomer’s needs is just as important as looking out for potential problems, when it comes to creating an exceptional experience. Have a vetted list of trusted service providers. Be hands on.

There are Realtors® who are out there helping clients pack, mowing lawns, and picking kids up from school. They are there for a client in ways that are unexpected. Having one thing taken off your plate during a stressful period in your life can feel like a lifesaver and is not soon forgotten. It is those “little” things that will turn a client into a lifelong advocate for your business.

TAKE IN FEEDBACK A good service provider is always trying to do better. Many Realtors® have clients fill out surveys after the transaction is over. This serves two purposes. It helps you become better at your job and it shows your clients that you care about them and their opinions. You can also use social media to get feedback via analytics and interactions. All of this information can then be used to create better customer experiences in the future. After all, this is a customer service industry. Treat it like one and you’re bound to succeed.

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HEATHER BLAIS

Heather Blais came to real estate from a background as an early childhood education teacher.

When one of her young kids’ health required her to take some time off, Heather discovered that she is not the type to sit still for long. “I am not stay-at-home mom material!” Heather says. “I wanted to do more. At the time, we were selling our house, and the broker was our listing agent.

She told me I had a great personality and that I should come work for her.” Heather was skeptical at first, but decided to get her license and give real estate a try. “I ended up absolutely loving it! And now here we are, three years later.”

inspire. “It’s been amazing,” Heather says. “My team works very hard, and we’re building ourselves literally from the ground up. I had to learn a lot by myself, so now I’m trying to mentor my team. We’re all a family working together.”

Heather’s teaching background shows in the way she educates and communicates with her clients.

As team lead of The Blais Group at Gallagher Real Estate, Heather now heads a team of five. Heather and her team serve Connecticut and Massachusetts, and all are planning to get licensed in Rhode Island as well. An impressive 70% of Heather’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, a feat that speaks to the trust and confidence she and her team 22

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“I am a true believer that everyone has to mesh well, because people are trusting me with a purchase of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

We need to build that foundation of trust, and I always make sure they’re comfortable. I’m available to answer their calls and texts at any time.”

Another crucial element of Heather’s team is her husband, an HVAC property manager who helps Heather’s clients with the repairs that listings sometimes require. “It’s a team effort with my husband. He will come and take time out of his night or weekend to do whatever he needs to do to so we can get the transaction done. He has been a major part of my success, and when he’s not doing that, he’s helping with the kids. We try to make it a family effort and show our kids: This is what hard work looks like, and this is what a partnership looks like.”

Heather and her team enjoy giving back to the community, and they help out with a local food drive in Sturbridge every Thanksgiving. When they are not working or giving back, Heather and her husband love hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and doing anything outdoors with their kids. She and her husband are big car enthusiasts, and she says, “The kids love it!

They are motorheads because of my husband!”

Looking toward the future, Heather says, “I would love to continue to build up the Blais Group. We would like to see more people on the team, but we’re picky and choosy who we hire. We want to make sure they’re good workers and that I can help them, take them on and give them the best resources possible. We represent Gallagher Real Estate, and we need to make sure they have the work ethic we’re looking for.” Above all, Heather says, “I have so many people to thank for everything I have.

I’m so thankful for all my clients: repeat, new, old—everyone!”

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To find out more about Heather Blais, please call/text 413-544-0914, email heatherblaisrealty@gmail.com, or visit gogallagher.com/agents/heather-blais www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 23

5 Simple Mindset Shifts That Will Help You Achieve Your Goals

Everyone knows that a positive attitude is one of the key steps to achieving success. It’s very easy to let negativity bring you down and oftentimes, people end up quitting at the first set back. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a negative person, you’re probably doing numerous things you don’t even realize are holding you back.

Recognizing these negative mindsets, and then implementing simple mindset shifts, are sure to help you not only create a more positive outlook, but a more successful outcome to whatever goal you’re trying to achieve.

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1

Turn jealousy into admiration

It’s very easy to look at someone who has what you want, and feel envious, which quickly turns into criticism and excuses about why you weren’t able to get what they seemed to get with ease. This is something successful people never do. Instead, they recognize that the only thing keeping them from success is themselves.

If you want what someone else has, you should look to them as a role model. What

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are they doing that you aren’t? There’s probably more to their story than you’re giving them credit for. Someone else’s success doesn’t hinder your ability to do the same, but constantly having a ‘life’s not fair’ attitude definitely will.

2

Tackle the things you dread doing first

We all procrastinate to some extent. Usually it’s things we don’t want to do. But when you put something like that off, it creates a serious cloud over your whole day.

Experts recommend getting those things out of the way first. Not only do get it crossed off your list, but you will feel energized by your accomplishments and tackle the day with even more force.

3

Don’t make decisions based on emotion

Reaching goals, especially long term ones, can have a lot of ups and downs. The key to achieving them is to stay level-headed during setbacks, really focusing on your plan and how the setback fits into your long term vision.

If you have a solid plan in place, you could be destroying months of hard work with one rash emotional decision, that is probably coming from a place of panic.

When you’re feeling emotional...wait.

It really is that simple. Wait it out until Top Agent Magazine

you’re back in a rational state of mind and take it from there.

4

Learn to love feedback

It’s very easy to be thrown off by negative feedback or constructive criticism. No one likes it. But when it comes to achieving your goals, you need to be able to hear it, assess it and then make an unemotional decision about what it means to you and your success.

In fact the business world’s most successful leaders are there because they not only take in that feedback, they actually constantly ask for it. Fresh perspectives on what you’re doing are always valuable. When you’re in the thick of it, it can be hard to see what needs improvement. Asking a trusted peer or advisor can be instrumental in keeping the momentum on reaching your goal going.

5

Replace a fixed mindset with a growth mindset

You might be wondering what the difference between the two are. A fixed mindset thinks that growing intelligence or skills is impossible, while a growth mindset thinks those things can be developed.

People with a growth mindset are more likely to expand beyond their comfort zone, since they really believe almost anything is possible with hard work. And if it isn’t?

They’re willing to give it a try. Being willing to try and fail, is a key element to reaching even the most lofty goals.

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MARISOL TORRES

Having been a successful financial advisor, Marisol Torres was looking for a career with a little more flexibility after the birth of her daughter. She decided on real estate after a little encouragement from her sister, who is in the business, and realizing she could also brand herself, build a portfolio and earn the kind of income she had in finance. Now as a fullfledged REALTOR® she credits her previous careers with her new success.

commission business, so I kind of knew going into real estate that you have to work hard.”

Marisol will celebrate her third year as a REALTOR® in April 2022, handling Berks County, Schuylkill County, and the surrounding area. Though solo, she works with her sister and other agents in her office on a co-op basis – “That really can help someone grow,” she said – and last year she closed 62 transactions for

“You have to be self-driven in this industry. It’s very easy to waste time and become unmotivated just due to the economics of what’s going on in the country,” said Marisol, who works for United Real Estate Strive 212 as a solo agent in Wyomissing, Penn., just west of Reading. “What sets me apart from my peers is my background. I have a master’s degree in business administration, and I’ve been a financial advisor for six years. That career was a 100 percent 26

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$7.2 million in production. One of her main goals to continue growing her business is to build a marketing strategy that utilizes the MLS, her future website, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

“For me, it gives me joy helping people especially at a time when it’s difficult. I strongly believe housing and homeownership is the American dream, but it’s hard now to accomplish that dream when some people don’t have cash on hand,” Marisol said. “It’s very satisfying to help people who thought they would never be homeowners and make that realization come true for them.”

It’s that same core belief that has led to her long-time involvement in community service. Marisol sits on her local Board of REALTORS® and chairs The Neighborhood Housing Services board, which is a nonprofit in her town whose mission is to help with affording housing and first-time buyers. Said Marisol: “I’ve been involved in the community since before I was 18, knocking on doors for people running different campaigns and getting involved in organizations. From there I just kind of ran with it.”

Going forward she plans to spend as much time with her loved ones, especially her three-yearold daughter Valentina, and squeeze in a little poker when she can. And, of course, to build her business.

“I would like at least a 20-25 percent (yearly) increase. I would like to get to the point where I am closing up to 100 transactions a year and $10 million plus in production,” Marisol said. “I also want to mentor and help other agents, and possibly build a team. Doing it alone is possible, but you can go so much further with a team that is capable of doing much more than you can.”

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Contact Marisol Torres at her office at 610-372-0212 or on her cell at 484-400-6722, email marisoltorresrealtor@gmail.com or visit her website at marisolltorres.com www.

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How to Incorporate Current Events to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant Email marketing is a cost effective and straightforward method of getting your name and services in front of clients with just a few keystrokes. This tried-and-true approach to digital marketing is a favorite of many, and there are countless ways to customize (and maximize) your email blasts to reap superior results. Despite this, many real estate profes28

sionals are content to standardize their email advertising and take a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to capturing interest and leads. While an up-front sales pitch certainly has its uses and benefits, it doesn’t hurt to shake up your routine and refresh your email marketing approach by adding specifics that draw renewed interest from your audience.

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One way to accomplish this is by tying in current events and local happenings to your email blasts. After all, your sphere of influence likely receives countless marketing emails per day. To cut through the noise, sharpen your message with a few specifics that separate your communications from the pack. Not every email should be focused on closing a sale, or else your audience will learn to stop listening.

How do you build your brand, stay top of mind, and keep the lines of communication open with your clientele? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

against an old rival? Do they host themed fan days honoring veterans or catering to families? Tailoring your communications to a local sports franchise’s big news or next event can draw intrigue and provide added value for your clients. Remember, not every communication you send should be focused on pitching and closing a sale, otherwise your audience will tune out your emails altogether. Instead, incorporate fun, community-oriented content that lets readers know you’re a resource for much more than real estate.

Sports news makes a splash

Become a one-stop-shop for holiday fun and seasonal ideas.

People love to rally behind the home team.

Is a regional, local university, or professional sports team in your area headed to the playoffs or the championship? Are they facing off

From Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving, anyone can send an email wishing clients a happy holiday. While the sentiment is a good one, you’ll be one of dozens flooding inboxes with

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your well-wishes. Instead, go beyond the traditional greetings and good tidings and become a hyper-specific resource for clients. Create a gift guide for Mother’s Day, outline family-friendly local events occurring in your area around the holidays, or engage in a promotional partnership with a local business who’s offering a holiday special of their own. In other words, don’t settle for just saying hello during certain times of the year. Instead, up the value of your email blast by offering clients curated information that relates to their interests and area.

Doing so makes your emails a must-read, while demonstrating your ability to go the extra mile.

Pop culture serves as a fun and timely tie-in.

Is a new gaming app sweeping the nation? Have your social media feeds been flooded with the same viral video? Is everyone gossiping about the same TV show premiere? Pop culture tie-ins in your email marketing campaigns can be extremely effective, but in order to for

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them to work, you’ll need to move quickly and keep your focus on the phenomenon, rather than your service pitch. The goal behind pop culture marketing tie-ins is communicating the progressiveness and hip factor of your brand, while capturing timely, topical interest that’s at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be in on a running joke or trend, and if you leverage trending pop culture moments in your email marketing, you’ll be able to draw views and clicks from a wide audience.

Plenty of services offer standardized email marketing templates and content for today’s real estate professionals, and while the motivation behind marketing is transactional, your communications don’t have to be. The surest way to make an impact in your clients’ inboxes is to add original value and break apart from the pack. Consider updating some of your routines with these current events oriented techniques and your email audience is sure to take a second look.

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ABRIL BURGOYNE Abril Burgoyne was born in Santa Ana, California but grew up in Mexico and moved back to the US when she was 21.

She became interested in real estate when she and her husband were navigating the industry as buyers themselves, and she realized how much there was to learn. “We had decided to buy a bigger property, and at the time I didn’t know how real estate worked,” Abril recalls. “I thought, instead of paying somebody a commission to do it for us, I should get my real estate license.” Abril started helping out friends with their real estate needs, and she quickly discovered that she had a passion for real estate. “I love my clients and I love what I do, so I decided to quit my job and went full-time into real estate,” Abril says. The rest is history, and in her three years as a full-time agent, Abril has already been among the Top 500 Utah agents in 2020 and 2021.

Abril lives in Davis County, and primarily serves the counties of Salt Lake and Utah. With one buyer’s agent working for her, she sees her repeat and referral business growing year after year. What makes Abril different is her commitment to educating her clients and opening their eyes to possibilities they never knew existed. “Most of my clients are Latinos, and many are immigrants like me. I like to educate the Latino community about real estate so they know that buying a house is not just about having a place to live. It means you can make money, too. It doesn’t even matter if they end up buying a house with me, it just matters that they learn about the possibilities of buying a house.”

Abril stays in touch with past clients through gifts and parties—especially parties! “If you were my client in the past, you know that we’re going to have parties! I love to have movie nights, parties and events for my clients. I go the extra mile for them and stay in their lives.” Those parties are sure to keep growing along with Abril’s business: last year she helped 76 families to buy or sell a home, and this year she hopes to do the same or more.

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When it comes to marketing her listings, Abril has the added advantage of a weekly TV show that allows her to showcase her properties to the local area. Every Sunday, all of her listings are featured on ABC 4 Essentials. “That way we can reach more people, give them more marketing, and get top dollar for them,” Abril says.

Abril’s favorite part of real estate is helping people. “I love meeting and connecting with new people,” she says. “I feel like this is not work, because I get to meet people, have fun, and look at beautiful houses! I love to connect with my clients through my story of being an immigrant and educate them about all of the opportunities in real estate. With my knowledge and passion for real estate, they can see I want to help them. They see it’s not about the money, because I’m always smiling from ear to ear just being with them and seeing how excited they are to buy their first house.

It’s amazing to be around that energy. I love it!”

To find out more about Abril Burgoyne, you can call her 801-824-1083, email Abrilutahrealtor@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/abrilutahrealtor

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ALICIA SWANN It took Alicia Swann a number of years and life events before she finally decided to become a REALTOR®. The idea intrigued her in 2007 when she and her husband bought their first home, but she didn’t get her license until 2016. Even then, she only worked in the business on a part-time basis. But right before COVID hit in March of 2020 something told her to make the switch to becoming a fulltime REALTOR®.

“I love it!” she said. “I am in the metro Atlanta area. I typically service Dekalb, Henry, Clayton, and Fulton counties, but I will go wherever a client needs me. I do a lot of lease purchases and try to help people who can’t get a traditional loan or that need a cash offer because of the current market.

The thing I enjoy most about real estate is helping people find the home of their dreams.”

Alicia works with Georgia-based Virtual Properties Realty, taking advantage of the company’s extensive resources as the firm is now in its 24th year. VPR is a high tech, state-of-the-art agency with more than 3,000 agents and 17 different offices, giving Alicia and her fellow REALTORS® numerous opportunities to take utilize the tools that VPR offers. The realty company has earned the annual designation of “Best Place to Work” several times, including three in a row at one point, from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the state’s largest paper. But obviously, Alicia also works diligently to build her clients.

“I have been sending out magazines to past clients, calendars at the end of the year, Christmas cards, texts, and calls just to check in and see how they’re doing,” said Alicia, who completed 25 transactions last year.

“I just added my own YouTube channel, so I’ve been posting there quite a bit. I do a lot of client education, so I make sure to spend time talking to my clients about the process and how things are going to go.”

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When she’s not working, Alicia says you can find her relaxing at her home with her husband and daughter. She also found time to volunteer at her daughter’s school, before the pandemic. But like many realtors, work is never more than an arm’s length away. Alicia said with a laugh that “I usually find myself scrolling on Homesnap to see what new listings are popping up.”

Going forward, Alicia has some definite plans about where she wants to be in the immediate future. And that includes following the advice she gives to clients who are pursuing home ownership.

“Well, I have my broker’s license, so I plan to start my own brokerage, if not at the end of this year, then probably 2023 for sure,” she said. “I’m keeping an open mind with the process, as should buyers and sellers.

The pandemic changed things for real estate, but you can never give up on your dreams.”

To learn more about Alicia Swann please call 404-610-0614 or email Alicia.g.swann@gmail.com

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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.

2

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 profes34

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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CAROLE ARMSTRONG Throughout Carole Armstrong’s life, real estate has always been a passion. After raising her children she was ready to become an agent on a full-time basis, and hasn’t regretted it for a moment since. “I have made some of the best friends in the world on this path, and that means more to me than anything,” she explains. At Prosperity Real Estate Group in Zebulon, she serves the middle region of Georgia, including Pike County. With 90% of her business deriving from referrals, Carole has developed a reputation for success and is only continuing to grow. By focusing on building lasting connections with everyone she serves, buyers and sellers are eager to return to her for all of their real estate needs.

Although Carole assists many types of clients, she loves to guide people through life transitions, especially senior citizens. “I’m developing a plan to make those life changes easier on them,” Carole says. “I want to help educate them so they can make decisions without stress, and can feel comfortable.” No matter who she is serving or what their goals are, Carole puts their needs first. She communicates frequently throughout the transaction to keep everyone on the same page and answers questions before they are asked. This helps everyone remain clear on what steps are ahead, and makes the journey more enjoyable. For her sellers, she advertises listings through her brokerage’s website, her Facebook page, and letters to the neighborhood. “I let people know when we are hosting an open house, and spread the word within the community.” Completing around 25 closings for 2021, Carole has certainly hit her stride.

Those who work with her have nothing but positive things to say. One recent client said, “I am so pleased with Carole. From the first time I contacted her she was Johnny on the spot. Carole always answered the phone or called me back. Carole listed my home on a Friday and by Monday we had eight offers. Carole Top Agent Magazine

advised me of the top offers and we closed within weeks.” Another wrote, “Carole is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. She listens and works hard for her clients. She found us a perfect home and worked hard to get everything done extremely fast. I highly recommend Carole! Great agent!”

Prosperity Real Estate Group is a prominent brokerage in Zebulon as it’s located in the town’s square. Carole and the team stay active in various local events and sponsor a number of programs. “We also go out and support different non-profits,” Carole says. With several grandchildren, Carole makes sure to always give back to their schools. “I try to give back as much as I can, because we’re a small town, and we can really make a difference for businesses and people in our community.” When she’s not working or giving back, Carole is attending church, spending time with her husband, friends and family, or camping.

As Carole continues on her path, she hopes to form even more lasting friendships with her clients. Being part of their life changing moments is what brings her the most joy. “Getting involved with these families and helping with these transitions is so rewarding. I genuinely love it.”

For more about Carole Armstrong, call 678-849-8442 or email armstrongcarole07@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 35

CELENIA MARTINEZ When Celenia Martinez first entered the real estate field 17 years ago, she immediately fell in love with it. Today, that passion remains as strong as ever.

“I still wake up every day enjoying what I do,” she explains. With her father and younger brother also working as brokers, it’s become a family business. Celenia started off with low income rentals and grew from there.

Serving the greater Philadelphia region as well as New Jersey, Celenia is now in the process of building a team. “I have recruited about seven agents here at Quality Real Estate, and it’s a great group of people,” she says. Going above and beyond to serve her clients, Celenia’s business is largely referral-based. It’s her attention to detail and empathetic nature that keeps clients loyal to her.

“I’m a problem solver,” she explains. “I love presenting people with multiple options and opportunities so we can achieve their goals.” At Quality Real Estate, Celenia is able to offer a wide range of services, making it a one-stop shop for her clients’ real estate needs. “I assist with renter’s license services, we have a property management department, I’m a notary public in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I’m also bilingual in Spanish and English.” Whether she’s assisting a buyer in purchasing their first home, or getting the most for her seller’s property, Celenia guides them through every aspect of the transaction. “I hold their hands along the way, and I’m very attentive. I treat every client like they are my one and only client. They all have access to me via my direct cell line and they know they can come to me for anything.” As the owner of a local convenience store, she often runs into current and past clients. “They see me at the parks and at networking events, so we just naturally become part of each other’s lives.”

When it comes to marketing her properties, Celenia utilizes social media and the internet to spread the word. “I post on the MLS, and host open houses,” she explains.

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“I also use the HomeSnap app, which has proven to be great in getting my listings sold quickly.” In the past two years, the vast majority of Celenia’s properties have sold within 17 days or less.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Celenia has deep ties to her community. She gives back to various local charities and often hosts and attends neighborhood events where she answers questions about real estate. “We love getting the community involved in asking questions about purchasing a house or selling a home,” she says. During any free time, she is relaxing and being present with her family.

With Quality Real Estate recently opening a second branch, growth is certainly in Celenia’s future. “My goal is to continue recruiting and training new agents.”

Endless opportunities await her, and she hopes to instill a sense of hope to those in lower income communities.

“I am living proof that someone from the lowest of the lowest neighborhoods can get out and make something for themselves. And I would love to mentor others to show them their fullest potential.”

For more about Celenia Martinez, please call 267-694-0246 or email celeniam211@gmail.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 38

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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CHRISTY BUCK Christy Buck, Broker/Owner of Infinity Real Estate Group has been immersed in the real estate industry since she was a young girl. She is a 3rd generation realtor who found her passion for the industry through her family. In 1998, she decided to take the plunge and start her career. Now, 24 years later, she has successfully grown a boutique brokerage with over thirty people.

Whether you’re a first time-home buyer, selling your home, in the luxury market, wanting to find a commercial property or wanting to invest in properties— The Christy Buck Real Estate Team is widely known for their top-notch customer service. Christy’s team has been ranked #1 in Brazoria County since 2014 and has been featured in several magazines like Oprah Magazine and House Beautiful Magazine. The Christy Buck Team has also won multiple awards over the years including Who’s Who Real Estate Agent, Houston Business Journal Awards and more!

The Christy Buck Team is based in the Houston area, including Pearland, Friendswood, Clear Lake, Sugarland, Katy, The Woodlands, Conroe and more! In 2019, she opened a “one-stop-shop” building with a mortgage company, title company and roofing company that allows buyers and sellers convenience when working with the Christy Buck Team. Christy sets an example of excellence for her team to follow, believing strongly in the importance of being proactive versus reactive. “I expect our team, from the agents to the closing department to provide the best customer service,” she says. The team is thoroughly devoted to keeping relationships with current and past clients and even has a whole department dedicated to nurturing the relationships the team makes.

Christy is very adamant about showing appreciation to her clients since they are the heart of the business and

hosts events around the holidays and periodically throughout the year to do so.

Community is very important to the team and giving back is a huge part of who they are. Christy volunteers and donates frequently to local charities while also getting the team to engage in giving back as well. During Thanksgiving they do a pie giveaway and ask people to donate canned goods for their local neighborhood center as well as have clients bring toys for Toys for Tots during their Pictures with Santa event each year.

In 2021, the team all pitched in to help a local family in need by purchasing them a car!

As far as marketing, the Christy Buck Team holds open houses, virtual open houses, and VIP sneak-peeks of new listings. Christy’s marketing strategies are focused on providing useful content while also reaching new prospective clients and keeping in touch with old ones. In addition to being active on Zillow, she sends out promotional newsletters and makes sure that clients receive market insight even after they have closed on their house. “This way, they still get to hear what is happening in their neighborhood,” Christy says.

As she looks to the future, Christy plans to open more branches of her agency and increase her speaking engagements around the country. She frequently sits on panels at conferences and teaches others about the real estate industry and how to build teams successfully. With 20+ years in the industry, she is an ideal person to lead discussions and share her knowledge. While she teaches marketing strategies and industry tips, the most important piece of advice is to build lasting connections with clients. “Our relationship starts at the closing table, it doesn’t end at the closing table,” she says.

To learn more about Christy Buck, call 832-517-8414, email christy@christybuckteam.com or visit christybuckteam.com www.

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DAWN A. FOREMAN “I’ve always enjoyed helping people make a positive change in their lives,” says Dawn Foreman, a top producing real estate agent for Keller Williams Realty Acadiana.

She would begin her career as a registered dietician and personal trainer, owning a prominent gym in Lafayette. After 18 years in the business, though, she found herself seeking a new opportunity that better spoke to her entrepreneurial spirit and the financial needs of her family. Inspired by a good friend in the real estate industry, she decided the time was right to pursue her license—and the rest is history.

Today, Dawn is a top producing REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Acadiana, where she assists clients throughout Acadiana and the surrounding communities.

Combining her elite business acumen with her experience owning 25 rental properties and flipping 27 homes with her husband over the last 4 years, she has cultivated a boutique workflow to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Dawn leverages her decades of marketing and sales experience to equip her clients with a comprehensive strategy. Starting out, she helps them prepare their home for the market, providing them with a suite of professional staging and photography services.

From there, she shares her listings to a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns. Always driven to go above and beyond, she also connects her sellers with her database and extensive sphere of influence, ensuring a seamless transaction.

Elsewhere, Dawn is just as attentive when assisting her buyers. Leaning on her background in renovating and redesigning homes as well as building her own investment portfolio, she thoughtfully guides them to the right home investment for their best interests. “But in this

highly competitive market, you also need skill and savvy to stand out among multiple offers,” she says. “Above all, I work to position my buyers in such a way that they can win.”

For Dawn, the transaction is never truly over, as she consistently keeps in touch through regular check-ins, pop-bys, and appreciation events—all to ensure her clients are satisfied in their new homes. Over the years, she has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Louisiana, as evidenced by her strong rate of repeat clients and referrals. Having completed $22.5 million in volume in 2021 alone, she remains committed to the proven approach that sets her apart in the region. “At the end of the day, I’m always smarter than the deal. Because of that, if things start to go sideways, I can quickly recalibrate and find a different angle that positions my clients for long-term success.”

Outside her career, Dawn can be found spending quality time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

An active runner, she also enjoys hitting the many scenic trails around Acadiana.

As the first individual agent at her office to complete 100 transactions in a year, Dawn looks forward to further scaling the model of compassionate service that brought her to real estate in the first place. Along the way, she intends on expanding her community outreach and mentorship with up-and-coming agents. “I love the unlimited potential of our business,” she says. “Whether I’m breaking the glass ceiling or embracing a new challenge, I could think of nothing more rewarding than seeing my clients through their transactions. After all, these decisions shape not only their own financial future, but also their legacy for generations to come.”

For more about Dawn A. Foreman, please call 337-280-3492, email dawnforeman@kw.com, or visit dawnforeman.kw.com http://

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Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts. As a real estate agent or a loan officer, how do you stand apart from the noise? What’s more, how do you stay relevant in a digital landscape that’s constantly changing?

For starters, there are a few timeless techniques you can apply to up your skillset when it comes email and digital communication: asking questions that Top Agent Magazine

inspire conversation, politeness, and following up regularly—to name a few. Likewise, there are surely new tricks you can add to your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s outline a few ways you can refine and update your email etiquette to compete in today’s virtual marketplace.

Make your subject line count Too often, we labor over the content of our emails without giving much thought to subject lines.

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Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity.

However, these little headlines can go a long way in luring the consumer to open your email and ultimately click through to your website in search for your services. An enticing subject line should be short and sweet, ideally less than fifty characters.

You might also include the name of the recipient, and be up front (though concise) about the subject matter of your message. Remember: the first thing a client will see is your name and subject line—be sure to make this prime real estate shine.

Think mobile Research tells us that 79% of Americans check their phones within fifteen minutes of waking up. In fact, much of modern day correspondence occurs by smartphone. Accordingly, you’ll want to account for email readability on a mobile phone.

For instance, incorporating paragraph breaks for each new thought allows information to be parceled out in a palatable way for readers utilizing small screens. Also, any sort of graphic flair or links within your email should be shortened and streamlined for mobile consumption. Send yourself an email every now and again and access it from your phone—you’ll be able to double-check that all the elements of your emails are working well on a mobile platform.

Incorporate email tools There are excellent tools out there to enhance your email experience. With just a quick download, 42

you can add spellcheck, a URL address shortening feature, or a delay option that holds emails for thirty seconds before they’re sent. Think about the possibilities! Haven’t you sent an email without including the attachment you intended, or realizing you sent correspondence to the wrong client? If that’s the case, a delay feature can help you save face and build in a window for error— just in case. Regardless of which tools speak to your email habits, there are plenty of add-ons out there that can revamp your digital correspondence style.

Use email to maximize your online presence These days, there are plenty of ways to communicate—email, text, phone, apps, and social media.

When you interact through email, consider it an opportunity to invite your client to follow you elsewhere online. Ensure that your email signature includes unobtrusive, streamlined links to your social media accounts, professional website, or review page. This will build in an opportunity for clients to engage with your brand, and you may even add an online follower for the long term.

Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. Keep these approaches in mind as you reenergize your email technique and fortify your communication in the digital era.

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DELINDA CRAMPTON Delinda has always had a competitive streak and enjoys negotiating, a trait that serves her, and her clients, well. When she got married in 2002, she dabbled in investment properties and at the suggestion of her husband, she study for her real estate license. With only $500 in commissions from 2 rentals, trying to juggle both a TV news career and real estate part-time only lasted six months. Pivoting solely to real estate, it took her three months to get her first sale, “but once I did it was like the flood gates opened.”

Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and the city can be as wild or as subtle as you want it to be. More than anything, Vegas caters to its visitors with an unparalleled level of hospitality. Fitting right in, this is where Delinda Crampton, owner of the Crampton Group, a division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, provides exceptional customer service.

Delinda and her team closed 129 transactions and $65 million in volume last year.

Much of it has to do with her approach to customer service. What she does for clients is incredible.

To make tax preparation a little less stressful and a lot more sweet, every January and February, she crisscrosses Las Vegas, hand-delivering settlements statements from the previous year along with a Payday candy bar. This past Valentine’s Day, she raffled off a weekend stay at a hotel on the Vegas strip, and later in the year she’s hosting several client events, including a day at a local driving range, taking clients out to the ball game, and providing a drive-in movie date night. And for Thanksgiving, she hosts her annual Gratitude Gathering at her home, providing each client with a pumpkin pie.

She knows how to treat her clients. “I think it’s our level of service. We are all about being over-the-top and exceeding expectations. For us, it’s a relationship with our clients,” said Delinda, who has been in the real estate business for almost 20 years and has an 85 percent rate of repeat and referral clientele. “Our team is the ‘little engine that could.’ It’s me and one other agent, a transaction manager, a listing manager (her husband), a marketing director, and a part-time admin.”

When it comes to each transaction, communication is key. Delinda’s mantra is “If you have to ask me what’s going on, then I haven’t done my job.” And sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. One example is, every listing gets professionally photographed no matter the price point. Delinda says “It’s an honor to get to do what I do. And if I do it well, a client relationship often becomes a friendship.”

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Heavily vested in her community, Delinda serves on the boards of her Rotary Club and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. She also volunteers at her church and supports a handful of children in underdeveloped countries.

That’s not to mention spending time with her husband and their two boys (ages 12 and 14), their two dogs, and eating out to satisfy her foodie cravings.

“I think eventually I want to hit a $100 million a year in sales,” she said. “When I reach that point, I plan to pull back a bit and spend more time volunteering and perhaps some world travel, as well. I’ll still be involved one or two days a week, just enough to continue building relationships.”

Reach Delinda Crampton at 702-219-3144, email delindacrampton@gmail.com, visit her website at cramptonteam.com, or www.

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DONNA KLUG In the greater Luzerne County region of Pennsylvania, Donna Klug is known as a continuous successful top agent at Century 21 Smith Hourigan Group.

She has achieved many sales production awards such as the Diamond Masters, Emerald Award, Ruby Award, and Quality Service Awards for Customer Satisfaction. For many years, she has been an agent included in the Top 100 Century 21 Producers in the state of Pennsylvania. Personable and dedicated, buyers and sellers never hesitate to reach out to her for all of their real estate needs. Her entrance into this field began in new construction, where she was involved in building spec homes in the Back Mountain area. After her children went to college, she decided to pursue her passion and become a real estate agent. Donna’s extensive knowledge about new construction and renovations has been very helpful to her present clients.

Today, she’s largely referral-based. Some of her testimonials include: “Donna was extremely professional, very ethical and on top of things from start to finish.

She returned all emails, calls and texts almost immediately. She did an excellent job overall, and I would highly recommend her.” Another read, “Donna’s knowledge of the area market was very impressive and her response time in getting back to me was excellent.”

At the cornerstone of Donna’s business is honesty and integrity. “I do what is in my clients’ best interest,” she says. Understanding the importance of each transaction, she takes the time to get to know her clients and listen to their needs. Through every step, she offers guidance and support, eliminating stress and allowing space for them to make educated decisions. For buyers, this involves her negotiation skills to obtain the home they desire. She guides the buyers and provides suggestions for quality mortgage brokers so that they may have their pre-approval in hand in order to write 44

an offer immediately. In today’s market, she assists her sellers in getting the most for property by providing an up-to-date market analysis which will explain the current pricing on their home.

As a member of the Luzerne County Board of REALTORS®, she advertises her listings through them on the local Multi List. Her brokerage also lists properties across the United States on over 200 websites, including many popular sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. Education is important to Donna, and she is honored to teach the new incoming agents the proper way to measure a home.

Donna is active in her local community at Harvey’s Lake. She belongs to a local Women’s Group that does various fundraisers and community service, and also belongs to the Harvey’s Lake Protective Association.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and hiking. In the winter, she enjoys snow skiing. She has a passion for traveling, something her career in real estate allows her to pursue.

Donna’s future plans include continuing to help her clients meet their goals and realize their dreams.

For more about Donna Klug, please call 570-690-2579 or email donna.klug@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

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

your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether.

Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

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Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step.

By just naming it and then talking it out in

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me,

ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

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TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

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it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

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THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

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

Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off.

Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world. Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

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COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, 46

Start thinking of fears as challenges.

As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed.

you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

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START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed.

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

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

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JAVONNA ALEXANDER Occasionally you run into one of those people who just has a bigger motor, a seemingly boundless energy that no one else can match.

JaVonna Alexander graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate with a dual degree; one of which is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from her study abroad in Landshut, Germany.Following her studies, she landed a job as a business finance manager with the federal government. Soon after, she obtained her Real Estate license and began serving/assisting clients in Charleston and the surrounding area realize their dreams of homeownership. She only does real estate part time, but don’t try telling that to her clients.

“After working with other realtors in the past I can confidently say JaVonna is the best!!” said one happy seller.

“She made the process of me selling my home such a breeze. She was truly there every step of the way!”

Since being in real estate in 2018, JaVonna has closed 100+ deals. She attributes her quick success to the great mentors she encountered in her first year, and to her sense of purpose when it comes to serving her clients.

“I’ve always had a heart for helping people,” JaVonna explains. “Given the volume I’ve been able to do, many people are shocked to learn that I’m not a full time agent.

I truly believe that when you’re passionate about something, it comes naturally.”

It’s not just about closing deals either. JaVonna’s concern is for making sure her clients come away from their experience better equipped to make good real estate decisions for the rest of their lives. To that end, she is very upfront and detail oriented about the process when she first meets them, and she conducts many homebuyer seminars throughout the year. “I try to educate my clients so they understand how to prepare to be homeowners and what to expect during the process and after. I want them to have the knowledge to feel comfortable with Top Agent Magazine

the decisions they’re making, and I won’t advise them to do something I wouldn’t do myself. It’s about helping them, not about the money.”

JaVonna doesn’t say goodbye once the transaction is over. She sends clients holiday and birthday cards, or reaches out to see if there is anything they need. She reconnects with them during give-back events that she hosts, and often bumps into them through her volunteer work in the community. JaVonna volunteers and donates to Habitat for Humanity, The Hope Center for Children, The School of the Deaf and Blind, as well as several homeless shelters in her area. When she’s not working, JaVonna loves meeting new people, and traveling with her 2-year old daughter, Emersyn Marie’.

Going forward, JaVonna wants to continue to grow her business, and plans to double the number of families she serves in the coming year. She has also teamed up with another agent to form The Emerald Abundance Group, so named to denote the long-term prosperity she hopes to achieve for her clients. “Seeing people achieve a dream they’ve struggled toward, and witnessing the joy on their faces when I hand them the keys to their new home—is the reward that drives me to keep working hard!”

To learn more about JaVonna please call 843-345-1111 or email javonnasellsrealestate@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 47

KARLA BALL Equipped with over 30 years of experience, Karla Ball is far from your traditional Broker. Taking influence from a family member who owned a prominent real estate company in Ohio, she would pursue her own license upon moving to Chicago and quickly find her niche as an investor, renovating, owning, and managing vacation rentals across Illinois and Colorado. In particular, she found that real estate gave her the ability to generate a passive income while traveling the world, building a legacy of service along the way.

Today, Karla is a REALTOR® and Managing Broker with RE/MAX Premier, the Collection Branch of Fine Homes and Luxury, where she assists clients throughout Downtown, Near North, Near South, Near West, and the surrounding suburbs. There, she has cultivated a hands-on approach to meet the needs of any client, from first time home buyers to seasoned investors and corporate relocations.

When listing a property, Karla leverages the extensive resources available through RE/MAX Collections to give her clients an added advantage. After helping them fully prepare their home for the market, she shares it via a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns, as well as postcards to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Elsewhere, Karla is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, drawing from her decades of experience to thoughtfully uncover the right investment for their best interests. This knowledgeable approach has earned her a fantastic reputation throughout the Chicagoland area, with the vast majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. “I’m especially passionate about assisting first time home buyers and encouraging young people to invest,” she says. “After all, real estate is a terrific vehicle to generate lasting wealth.”

Over the years, Karla has earned numerous awards and designations, including multiple Top Producer honors from the Chicago Association of REALTORS® from 48

2011 to 2018, having ranked among the top 1% of agents for rental products in the local market. Through it all, though, she remains committed to the proven standards that have consistently set apart. “Integrity matters most in our business. More than anything, I believe in meeting clients where they’re at and putting their interests at the forefront of our transaction.”

Outside her career, Karla is deeply committed to her community. On top of supporting Habitat for Humanity, she serves on the auxiliary board of the Black Ensemble Theater, among many other local organizations.

Meanwhile, she is a Member of the Institute for Luxury Homes Marketing, as well as a Sustaining Member of Misericordia Woman’s Board. An avid traveler, when she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found setting off on her latest vacation, having already explored the diverse cultures and lifestyles in six of the world’s seven continents.

Looking ahead, Karla has exciting plans for the future of her business. As her volume maintains its steady growth, she intends on scaling the model of boutique service that brought her to real estate in the first place. In the meantime, she offers sound advice to any aspiring real estate professional: “Find your passion—whatever it is.

Embrace it and learn as much as you can about it. In life, success comes down to seizing opportunities and placing yourself in position for long term success.”

To learn more about Karla Ball please call (312) 396-4017 or email karlaball@remax.net Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

The Daily Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.5 hours – Spend this time prospecting and appointment setting.

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

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

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

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

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

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LETISHA SCHARFF Meet Letisha Scharff, both a country girl and a professional representing the Texas Hill Country where she was born and raised. After a transitional journey from elementary education to a Top Agent, Letisha prospers as the producing owner and broker of West of Weird Properties, also known as WoW Properties. As a team leader, she guides her team of five agents.

Together they service all of Central Texas.

While her husband is an expert custom home builder, Letisha has found the niche that allows her to exercise her knowledge of homes, her love of the land, and get her boots on the ground while soaking up that sweet rural lifestyle.

Today Letisha mainly focuses on farms, ranch, residential properties, and acreage. Since this country gal lives on twenty-seven acres, countryside land remains a passionate area of expertise for Letisha. Her qualification as a Master Naturalist allows her to share her knowledge of the flora, fauna, and ecosystems as she walks her listings with potential buyers. Letisha notes, “It’s amazing how many families are moving to the Hill Country so they can raise their family with a vegetable garden, a flock of chickens, and some land to explore.”

While Letisha is an outdoorsy professional, she is also clever in utilizing her social skills. She relies on marketing, phone calls, visits, and sharing chats over a cup of coffee to stay in touch with clients. She is affiliated with various organizations, including ABOR, SABOR, the Texas Alliance of Land Brokers, Lands of Texas, Land Broker MLS and is also involved in the local Chamber of Commerce. “Marketing is multifaceted,” she states and makes a point to stay involved in her community. Beyond the extra efforts necessary in her chosen career, she shares that her job “doesn’t feel like a job when I get to make friends and help people to realize their dreams!” As a result, more than 75% of her business is referrals and repeat business.

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In 2021 Letisha had a record year where she produced a phenomenal $43 million in volume. Though she thrives in her sphere of work, she mostly enjoys the people, building relationships, and perusing the land. She loves spending time outdoors!

“When you love what you do, it’s not a job,” she states. She is incredibly active in her local community when she isn’t working in the office or showing properties. She donates to local food pantries, participates in Hometown Missions, and stays involved in Simple Promise Farms, an outreach program that assists those battling drug and alcohol addiction.

On her off hours, you can find her enjoying her vacation home on North Padre Island, fishing, boating, and relaxing at the beach with her husband. She also loves to spend time with her two children. Her son has recently joined her team as a licensed agent. The future looks fruitful for Letisha as she plans to hire local agents to join her team, grow her volume and keep that small town and homegrown feel. She hopes to pass her country empire to her son to continue WoW Properties as a Legacy Brokerage. One thing is sure, Letisha is excited to be your Top Agent for all Hill Country properties.

To learn more about Letisha Scharff, call 512-789-5715, visit WoWProperties.com or email wow4Letisha@gmail.com www.

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LYNN DUNN Shameika Lynn Dunn began her career in real estate while looking to become more knowledgeable on investments and investment property. She has been licensed for a little over two years and while she began as a solo agent; she has successfully grown her own team (the Dunn Deal Group) and personal brand. The Dunn Deal Group currently serves the areas of West Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish, Livingston Parish and New Orleans, Louisiana. Being a minister, Lynn is accustomed to engaging personally with her community. Her approachability and leadership have created a trustworthy environment which clients return to when in search of new investments or just advice. Referrals account for 50%-60% of Lynn’s repeat business. “My clients are awesome.

They’re constantly pushing me on Facebook. [They are] constantly sending [me] people.”

Lynn’s customer service skills are top notch. Her clients know that she is not only there for them, but they trust that Lynn is being 100% honest and up front throughout their transaction. She is empathetic and always tries to put herself in her client’s shoes.

Lynn projects sincerity and gladly goes above and beyond doing what she considers good deeds that are reciprocated with more repeat business. When Lynn began feeling overwhelmed in her work, she started adding administrative assistants to ensure the quality of her service didn’t go down due to increased workload. This was the beginning of the Dunn Deal Group. Currently working on building a database, the team keeps open lines of communications with all it’s clients. Newsletters help keep past clients up to date with upcoming events, dinner invitations and new listings. Lynn also likes leveraging Facebook’s messaging tools for a more personal experience and front row seat into her clients lives.

Marketing comes naturally to Lynn and helps spark her creativity. She loves hosting open houses and other types of marketing events for listings. Last year 52

Lynn grossed $3.3M in sales volume and finds the most satisfaction in helping clients achieve a dream that they may have otherwise thought impossible. Working with single mother’s is especially rewarding for Lynn because she can see the determination they have in providing a better lifestyle for their children.

There is a shared sentiment in real estate and in ministry that you are performing a good deed through service. Lynn can relate because she has a passion for real estate due to her passion for ministry, helping people feel renewed, and changing lives. Lynn’s team is continually growing and coaching and mentoring them has brought her great joy.

She wants to impart her knowledge, customer service skills and experience onto them and help groom more successful agents in the industry. Looking ahead, Lynn has begun to host seminars on wealth building at local churches and envisions hosting seminars at local universities to educate young adults on wealth building and wealth management. Keeping God first is Lynn’s forever blueprint for the future and whatever it might bring. “I’m honored to be having this conversation.”

To contact Shameika Lynn Dunn email Itsadunndeal@kw.com, call (225) 230-5151 or visit realtor.com/realestateagents www.

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Make Social Media Marketing Your Calling Card These days, it’s no secret that buyers begin their home search online. As the industry continues to take a digital turn, Realtors in the know must learn to utilize a whole new range of tools available to them—and for good reason. Social media is a dynamic hybrid of personal contact and targeted marketing. To make the most of this new medium, agents can’t settle for the occasional post and expect results.

Instead, let’s consider a few techniques that will make your social media presence Top Agent Magazine

interactive, unmissable, and effective in generating business.

Your Profile is a Portal Ideally, you’ll have profiles across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and otherwise—but no matter what portal you’re utilizing, make sure your profile page is up-todate, well-curated, and easily navigated.

Consider your profile a landing page.

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Your photo, location, contact information, homepage, and a brief bio should all be readily visible so that potential clients can get an immediate sense for who you are and what your voice is. If a client wants to connect with you, it should be obvious how to do so. You might also incorporate a few savvier tools that make your profile more engaging—like hashtags. These searchable tags can help you lure potential clientele and give your audience a chance to explore deeper. #DreamHome #JustListed and #HomeInspiration are popular, existing tags to choose from, but you can cultivate your own hashtag by consistently tagging posts, which gives clients an extensive thread to comb through.

Interacting with Your Audience Posting regularly is great way to appear in feeds, but engaging with your audience is just as important—and it helps you reach a new audience in the process. It’s a positive start to like your audience’s posts, pictures, and statuses, but commenting takes your engagement a step further and separates you from typical respondents. It’s also important that you diversify your engagements. In other words, don’t center every communication around your business, propositioning your services, or trying to sell. If applicable, present your value-add, but otherwise steer your engagement towards the personal. Let your clients know that you’re there, you’re human, and 54

ready to work at their pace. Which leads us to our next point...

Blending the Professional with the Personal Engaging with your audience is one thing, but what about generating original content?

How do you strike the right balance between a Call to Action, industry updates, and a personal touch? Think of it this way: any post you create should provide a point of connection for your audience.

Sometimes, you might be sharing a family photo, or commenting on some unifying current event—like the Super Bowl! Other times, you may be sharing a Coming Soon listing, or providing tips to spruce up a home for spring. Regardless, you should focus on quality. Is your copywriting engaging? Does it express your unique voice and personality, while maintaining clarity? Are you giving your audience something to connect with, even if you are sharing property photos or advertising an open house? Instill some fun and some personalization to every piece of content you make, so that clients can picture the voice and person behind the post.

Things are always changing on the social media frontier, but some rules never shift.

Adding clarity, consistency, and personality to your online presence are three surefire ways to grow your business and make social media second nature.

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NADINE SIMANTOV Top Agent Nadine Simantov has been assisting the residents of Bucks County, PA for over 25 years. As Top Selling Agent in her office for 14 years and counting, Nadine honed her skills while selling commercial real estate in Manhattan in the 1980’s.

Now a Partner at Keller Williams Real Estate, she manages a team of 5 which she started after a 20 year solo career.

As a partner of a real estate licensing school, she meets many inspiring people and is passionate about teaching.

“I absolutely love to teach. I think it is a very cathartic way to talk about what happened that week in real estate.”

Geographically, Nadine and her team cover Bucks County and surrounding areas. One of Nadine’s newer agents on her team for instance, has no qualms about traveling an hour because she has a lot of drive. Her other team members attract and work with buyers, helping them find their dream homes. Together they generate 95% of their repeat business by way of referrals! Nadine feels blessed to work in a profession she truly loves, enjoys and excels in. “I love real estate.

I love selling. I’m passionate about it.” Nadine’s network is extensive and she jokes about working with sellers on a listing and having a buyer before the end of the day. But, it’s really a testament to her success in an industry that she’s given so much of her time to.

Nadine enjoys staying in touch with past clients and she uses a daily blog to communicate and advertise regularly to them. She also mails postcards and interacts with her peers on social media to keep them up-to-date on all her transactions. Lately, marketing new listings as “Coming Soon” has become a great vehicle for getting offers. Nadine is an excellent negotiator and her team consistently exceeds $24M in sales volume each year.

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Nadine feels very blessed to be in a position where she can help other people. “I try to encourage my office, which has over 320 agents, to call me if they need help with anything.” She understands she has star power that can intimidate some of the newer agents. But, for everyone she is always available to call on and ready to help. Nadine is an active member at her local Synagogue and when not working she is an avid card player. She especially enjoys Canasta and Mahjong. She’s very pleased with how her team has developed into a second family. “We’re really enjoying the place where we are all at.” She really wants to see the team succeed. Nadine is also looking to onboard a new team member who is coming by way of her school. Finally, she will be increasing her marketing campaigns to counter the competitive market and help her buyer’s agents attract more business.

With a clear focus, Nadine and her team will continue to be award winning top producers.

To learn more about Nadine Simantov please call (215) 858-2068, email nadinesimantov@gmail.com, or visit nadinesimantovandcompany.com/nadine-simantov.htm

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ROSY LAKHANI Naturally talented at business, Rosy Lakhani’s career as a real estate agent has skyrocketed. After working in the commercial sector for several years, selling hundreds of businesses, Rosy felt drawn to residential sales. “I was always passionate about luxury homes, so when I earned my license in 2014 I went straight into it,” Rosy says. Today she serves the greater Atlanta region, including its northern suburbs like Duluth, Cherokee, Gwinnett, North Fulton and South Forsyth counties.

With the entirety of her business deriving from repeats and referrals, Rosy treats her clients like family, going above and beyond to reach their goals. Empathetic and patient, Rosy envisions herself in their shoes, and determines how best to guide them.

“Whenever I take them out to see a property, I look at it like I am buying it for myself,” she explains. “So while they are looking at its appearance, I am honing in on the details and searching for defects.” Rosy only wants what is best for them, and understands how much stress this process can present. Rather than pushing them to make decisions, she gives them all the tools, knowledge and advice necessary for them to choose what is right for their unique needs. The same goes for her sellers, with Rosy wanting them to get the most for their property in the shortest amount of time. “I advertise all my listings online, through my website rosymyrealtor.com, and all the major real estate platforms,” she explains. Producing anywhere from $25 to $35 million in volume every year, it’s clear she’s exceeding expectations.

process due to various constraints in my situation. My lender gave up, the seller gave up, but NOT Rosy. She put her skin in the game - took full ownership of selling my current home in a record-breaking 5-7 days and made it happen. She is a machine who never stops working (even with 15 stitches from her dental surgery and I had to force her to take rest).”

At every chance she gets, Rosy is staying updated with her current and past clients’ lives, sending them emails and checking in. “During the pandemic, I was always getting in touch with them, telling them market updates, seeing if they were healthy and if they needed anything from me.”

“I want to continue staying loyal to my clients and the community, and remain ethical and moral throughout my career.” She doesn’t see herself slowing down any time soon, and is eager to see what the next few years will present. “My customers are my family, I just love helping them.”

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Past customers love to tell others about their time with Rosy. One recently said, “Rosy Lakhani! What can I say about this lady? She is SIMPLY SUPERB. Was trying to buy a beautiful home that me & my wife fell in love with. There were too many ifs & buts in the 56

For more about Rosy Lakhani, please call 770-363-7676 or email rosymyrealtor@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SHERRY WELLS Sherry Wells is a Realtor® with Alliance Properties in Crosby,TX. She has four children, three grandchildren and lives in Newport with her Husband and youngest son. She started out in the business twelve years ago and quickly became The Top Agent at her company receiving multiple, consecutive awards.

Sherry has a ton of valuable experience in residential and undeveloped land sales. “With the East Lake Houston area growing so rapidly and developers buying up all of the rural land in Crosby and the surrounding areas I have been able to integrate large land sales into my business.” As a solo agent, she tackles the brunt of the work hands to ensure her clients aren’t lacking or in need of anything. “I don’t hand my clients off to someone else. I prefer a personal touch with all my clients. I work from beginning to close with them.”

information and this has been successful in getting buyers to contact her directly.

“Most people already have a Realtor® but it’s always nice when you can [facilitate] the transaction.” When following up, Sherry prefers to use Realty Juggler.

It’s a highly rated CRM app that automates follow up calls, texts, emails and anniversaries. Sherry normally sets it up 3 - 6 months in advance to send out anniversary greetings for client’s birthdays, their children’s birthdays and purchase anniversaries.

Sherry believes that it is absolutely necessary, when working in real estate, to be involved in one’s community. She is involved in her local Chamber Of Commerce and has recently joined the Historical Society for her town’s 100th anniversary.

Sherry attends Community Baptist Church in Crosby where many of her friends have trusted her to sell their homes. She is also involved in local clubs and her child’s booster club. “I’m pretty involved in the community. Not as much as some agents but I do things I’m interested in and feel that I can contribute to.”

Sherry believes her experience along with her communication skills are the keys to her success. Clients appreciate Sherry’s hands-on approach and it has been a very effective way of generating residential property referrals. Her recent land sales have been very complex and time consuming, so she relies heavily on referrals for new property purchases. Her residential sales volume averages 16 - 20 transactions per year, but this has slowed down since starting on land sales. Typically she has one large land deal per year and that one deal can net as much as all of her residential sales in that year combined.

When not working or contributing to her community, Sherry likes to spend time with her family or go on vacation. She enjoys a variety of activities with her family like hiking, game nights and watching movies.

In the future, Sherry plans on expanding into residential sales for her surrounding area. However, land sales have been very lucrative and she would like to continue making inroads there. She is also considering hiring a new assistant to help with the complexity of the land deals. “Residential sales have always been my passion; helping a first time home buyer find their dream home is very rewarding. That’s one of my favorite things.”

When marketing a listing, Sherry initiates a “Coming Soon” campaign to attract buyers. This integrates the classic yard signage with a heavy social media presence and a professional photographer with aerials and virtual tours. Sherry is able to give just the right amount of

To learn more about Sherry Wells, email sellitwithsherry@gmail.com, call (281) 328-8700 or visit har.com/sherry-wells/agent_swwells www.

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TAWNYA TYREE REALTOR® Tawyna Tyree first began working in real estate on the investment side, working alongside her partner who had already become established in the industry. After paying a nominal amount in REALTOR® fees, they realized that it would make the most sense to have a REALTOR® in-house, so Tawnya decided to get her license.

Incredibly, within the first six months of having her license, she sold enough commercial and residential properties to pass the million dollar mark! A clear sign that she was in the right side of the business, Tawnya has continued to focus on sales, helping both commercial and residential clients buy and sell properties.

Tawnya services most of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area and East Texas, specializing in commercial properties, houses, multifamily and land.

After five years of working in real estate, she has built up a huge network of people eager to work with her. Right now, around 90% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients. A lot of her clients are investors as well, who specifically seek out Tawnya, due to her knowledge and experience on both sides of the industry. “I have a leg up with my investing background because I’m able to walk them through the process while also helping them with analyzing deals. I assist with sourcing financing and everything in between to make sure that the deal makes it across the closing table,” she says.

When it comes to marketing, Tawnya relies heavily on her network and unique strategies to reach her audience. She’s always available via text and phone calls to answer client questions and chat about listings.

From working with so many different people over the years, she has become a connector and resource 60

just as much as she is a REALTOR®.

Tawnya is dedicated to making her clients happy by helping them with any and all real estate needs.

When she’s not working, Tawnya supports her local community by attending all the local events, like the various festivals and community benefit events.

“I believe in the importance of supporting small businesses and having an active presence in our area. Being a part of these events shines a light on the good work that our community is doing,” she explains. On the weekends, Tawnya loves being outdoors, whether snowboarding or spending time at a nearby lake.

Juggling multiple deals every month, Tawnya is dedicated to being a REALTOR® and as her client base continues to grow she looks forward to growing her team. “I care about my clients having the best possible experience and that means making sure that everyone walks away from the closing table happy.” she says. “I always look forward to working with new clients and building new relationships.”

For more about Tawnya Tyree, please call 214-430-9291 or email realtor.tawnya@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Laughs!

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