Nationwide Mortgage 6-25-18

NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE EDITION

How to Get the Biggest RECHARGE Out of Your Lunch Hour PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours Why Delegating is the Key to LONG-LASTING SUCCESS TOP MORTGAGE LENDERS

VICTORIA MARKOWSKI RAMON PLASENCIA COVER STORY

IRA MELTZER

3 Beyond-theOffice Activities to INSPIRE A CREATIVE BUSINESS BOOM

NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE EDITION

RAMON PLASENCIA

Ramon Plasencia got his start in the mortgage listing agent invo industry back in 2003 as a Junior solid offer submi 17Loan Offi21 cer at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. For the next fifteen years, he sharpened his skillset as Markowski began her jour- To keepenterprise in touch Victoria parent a consummate lending professional, leading clients, Ramon ney in the mortgage industry more of consistent res bank branches, building diverse experience, active than twenty-five years ago. She through territories, like m and cementing a track record for personalized and face-to-face launched a successful enterprise impending launc service that delivers results. Today, he has as built thefuture. efforts“To one of only three women in the ing in the a steadfast reputation for his commitment to attending broker state of Colorado to own her own it’s our goal to ri ethics, accessibility, and follow-throughmortgage on other events, or company, and she’s since to the programs behalf of his satisfied clientele. Along the trailblazed way, for a mutual be her way to become a Ramon has also earned a host of accolades, the industry a regional leader in command of an inBeyond the offic most recently including as #2 in the PRMGMiyears, I’ve becom esteemed reputation.

Over the course of her multi-decade industry related to her hus IRA MELTZER VICTORIA MARKOWSKI RAMON PLASENCIA ami Branch for Top Volume 2017. tenure, she has in built a business on the tenets of integrity, tena- inforthe theSouthern last eight he says.

“I’m trustworthy, dedict ciousness, and forthright communication. to deliver gifts Today, Ramon heads Team Plasencia, which includes a Junior extremely happyfree and satisfied hours beyon Processor and an Assistant Junior Loan officer.

Under banmy of service Based in Colorado Springs, Victoria headsthe a tightknit teamclients underand being Montana—a fav ner of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, a direct lender, seventy positive reviews online— the banner of Goldwater Bank’s Mortgage Division. There, she town of Queens, Ramon has serves managed to amass the Springs entirety Branch of his business theasuccessful as the Colorado Manager and Senior client she isexperiences also in the based on repeat and referral clientele.

They offer a variety of Mortgage Banker, overseeing the Front Range area, as well as the CONTENTS loan productsimpending for buyerslaunch of all kinds, including optionsLeveraging such as the Topower give back his community, of a branch in Florida. of to Finally, with twe FHA, Conventional, Jumbo, VA, Foreign National, and Bank civic organizations. is aon mem a direct lender and federally charted bank, Victoria and her team tiousHeeye the Statement loans to name only a few.

Partnering with real estate ber of Commerce, the Latin offer clients access to loan varieties of all kinds—from bank stateshe’s come to vB and contacts made during his many yearsDELEGATING intothe banking Chamber of Comm 4) HOW TO GET THE agents BIGGEST 19) WHY IS ment and self-employment options, VA, FHA, and Miami-Dade everything and maintaining sector at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Wachovia Mortgage, ing free hours beyond the in between. In describing her professional philosophy, Victoria ents to the office closi RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR THERamon KEY TOestablished LONG-LASTING Regions Mortgage, and TotalBank, has a his professional community, cites dedication, honesty, and persistent follow-through as the prijust a numberRa to LUNCH HOUR SUCCESS wide sphere mary of influence who to him repeatedly with his family loved drivers of herturn success to date.

“Whenfor wehis commitspent to getting rally ifand your clie proven ability to deliver. more, Team Plasencia clients a loan done,What’s we’re aggressive,” Victoria says.

“Every lender is They’re the mos benefit fromnot a near one-stop-shop mortgage lending model.

Looking ahead there to theis future, equal, and the22) biggest key to having a successful transaction no businR 13) 3 BEYOND-THE-OFFICE PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: “Everything isis todone in-house,” Ramon explains.

“From progrowing his business and presen have a loan officer on your side who follows ACTIVITIES TO INSPIRE A and underwriting, 4 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER cessing to offering our own appraisal panel with hopes to add new junior lo through and who knows the guidelines.” and closing departments—everything is conducted in our For now, Ramon is content to se CREATIVE BUSINESS BOOM USE OF YOUR WORKING offices for streamlined that accounts for detail.” of building upon the legacy he’s ke Likewise, service Victoria emphasizes theevery importance HOURS steady communication throughout the complexi- community he calls home.

Beyond the ties comprehensive serviceWhether Ramon coordinating and his team with pro- a of a transaction. vide clients Realtor in the midst of one of life’s biggest transitions, referral partner or fielding questions from Finally, with fifteen years of e they also offer an ultra-fast closing process that gives agents clients, she keeps the lines of communication open a steady eye on the future ahea and buyers aand significant market edge.

“We offer quality, roundactive. “It’s so important to stay available and upon what he enjoys most about the-clock accessibility, andboth a lightning pre-approval andjob ing clients get into a home,” he accessible to Realtorsspeed and clients to get the contract process,” Ramon explains.

“We put a lot of time and done well and in a timely manner,” she explains. that path to a financial future thro Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 effort into what wevery do and always gowith above beyond our see that happy expression on yo “I’m personable myand clients andfor referral clients.|We even have the ability to be available to speak to the mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com partners, and many of them become friends of mine rewarding feeling in the world.”

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VICTORIA MARKOWSKI

IRA MELTZER

throughout the process. the road,ofthey come No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever withoutDown prior consent the publisher.

Top Agent Magazine back when it’s time to refinance or buy another is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, home. Above all, or treat your clientsbywell, pick up Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed facts supplied its authors.

To subscribe or change the phone, make sure they know they’re the most emailin RPlasencia@prmg.net, call (305)more 968a address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published the U.S. To learn important person during the transaction, and get the deal done.” or visit RamonPlasencia.net Branch Ma

To learn more about Ramon Plasenc www.

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email Vickie.Ma Besides personality, responsiveness, and execuTop Agent visit Magazine Cop GoldwaterBa tion, Victoria offers her clients an expert’s insight. https://w or visit he Her first-hand experience throughout the industry’s www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create 4

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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IRA MELTZER Top Agent Magazine

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Ira Meltzer Ira Meltzer’s lengthy tenure in the mortgage industry stretches back to 1985. Within two years of launching his career, Ira became the top loan officer nationwide for Coldwell Banker for two years—an impressive debut that would set a trend for the rest of his professional journey. Eventually, Ira set his sights on the next frontier and began working with well-heeled Hollywood clientele and other high-earners who desired a special breed of lending options or equity access. Able to fulfill that niche with foresight and dexterity, Ira 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

established One Million Dollar Plus, where he and his business partner serve as financing advisors, bringing these relationships to the most aggressive private banks to secure multi-million-dollar properties for their clients. Today, the average client loan funded by One Million Dollar Plus is roughly $5 million dollars, and Ira has cemented himself as an advisor in-demand, having recently closed on Hawaii’s largest transaction and home loan to date of $15.6 Million for a home purchase of $22.8 million.

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Based throughout Southern California, Ira caters to both domestic and international clients that seek his particular talent for financing high-end properties. What’s more, the entirety of Ira’s business is generated by repeat and referral clientele, including those recommended by financial advisors, attorneys, CPAs, and mortgage brokers. All told, Ira’s method is steeped in an advisory approach, and he and his partner have funded $4 billion in mortgages to date. Together, they serve as financial stewards and coordinators, loyal to the client rather than to a specific institution.

“I’ve always believed my loyalty was first to Top Agent Magazine

the clients, to help them achieve the highest benefit,” Ira says. “My business partner and I work as advisors, strictly and solely for the client. We have relationships with a select group of private banks and international wealth organizations that fund multi-million-dollar loans for the high net-worth individuals we serve.”

As for his working style, Ira is methodical and thorough in his approach to pairing clients with the ideal financial terms for their investment.

Likewise, his decades of his experience prepare him for loans, properties, and borrowers of all kinds, making him a veritable industry expert.

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“We’re excellent at income analysis and credit evaluation,” he explains. “We determine the best route to match our clients with a private bank, and it’s extremely important that we use the right combinations of documents along the way. We analyze assets and cash flows, and function primarily off of our clients’ personal financial statements and real estate schedules in order to determine where they’re best suited for financing. Then, we put it all together to create a unique lender relationship.”

Drawing upon his deep well of knowledge, Ira understands well that a mortgage profes10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

sional is only as good as his or her reputation.

Accordingly, he leaves no stone unturned and completes comprehensive due diligence in order to position his clients ideally—while maintaining their sense of privacy and confidentiality throughout. In other words, when the rich and famous quietly seek multi-million-dollar financing, they turn to Ira and the powerhouse of Million Dollar Plus. “In forming Million Dollar Plus, we really endeavored to exceed expectations,” Ira says. “Our clients are very satisfied because they see lower rates than they anticipated, and we get them more money than they thought they’d be able Top Agent Magazine

to borrow. Ultimately, we help clients leverage and use their money more effectively in their businesses and investments, helping them match with lower financing rates as exceptional users of credit.” Furthermore, Million Dollar Plus’s sterling track record keeps connections with banking and wealth institutions going Top Agent Magazine

strong, which means favorable terms for Ira’s high-earning clientele.

To give back to the Los Angeles community he calls home, Ira gives to causes close to his heart, including Skid Row’s Midnight Mission and Children’s Hospital L.A. In his remaining Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

free hours, Ira most enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and loved ones, as well as escaping town for his next travel adventure.

Looking ahead, Ira has plans to continue developing his flourishing enterprise, with hopes to bring his unique HNW and UHNW niche services to the growing class of home-seekers in need of specialty loan options. Finally, with thirty-three years of first-rate experience behind him and an unflag-

ging passion for his work, Ira Meltzer reflects upon what he enjoys most about his chosen field and position of leadership at One Million Dollar Plus. “When the end of transaction is successfully reached, it’s so rewarding to see such happy clients,” he says. “We try to repeat that experience for everyone we work with. We are so grateful and humble that we have this opportunity to be of service. At the end of the day, the most tremendous award is that we love what we do.”

To learn more about Ira Meltzer email OneMillionDollarPlus@gmail.com, visit OneMillionDollarPlus.com, www.

or call (760) 808 – 1444 12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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3 Beyond-the-Office Activities to Inspire a Creative Business Boom Maintaining motivation year-round is a challenge, especially for those who are several years into a demanding real estate career. It’s easy to burn out, get stuck in a rut, or cycle blindly through a well-worn routine. But those that leave an impact on their industry understand that creativity holds the key to innovation and longevity. To stay ahead of Top Agent Magazine

the curve and build your brand, you’ve got to take the time to breathe new life into your practice and see things from a new angle. But where to begin?

To invite change, you’ve got to look outside the box—or in this case, beyond the office. If you’re in need of a professional creative make-

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To stay ahead of the curve and build your brand, you’ve got to take the time to breathe new life into your practice and see things from a new angle. over, or at least want to experience a burst of inventive energy, consider some of the activities below. You may just shake up your routine, bend your brain in new ways, and inject some inspiration into your professional path.

Expand your mind through meditation.

You’ve likely heard all about the supposed powers of meditation, and perhaps you’ve long considered it an over-hyped New Age invention. But did you know that some of the foremost entrepreneurs of our era practice this cost-free, mentally restorative routine? From Oprah Winfrey to Steve Jobs, practitioners of meditation cite its stress-relieving principles, in addition to improvements in concentration, energy, self-awareness, and overall health.

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Even mainstream medicine is beginning to understand the preventative and restorative health benefits that meditation affords. As professional fields go, the mortgage and real estate industries require their fair share of emotional labor—you’re tasked with guiding clients through the investment of a lifetime.

Meditation promotes peace and perspective, while reducing stress, adding a new level of self-awareness, and helping you mentally declutter. When it comes down to it, it only makes sense that taking time to go quiet and center your mind helps professionals find wherewithal amidst a hectic industry. Next time you’re feeling drained, out of ideas, or at your wit’s end—consider just fifteen minutes of meditation to get you started. Like most things, it takes some practice. But, if you commit the time, you’ll be thanking yourself later.

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Learn something new.

If you’re facing burnout, then adding a new responsibility to your plate may seem like the least appetizing self-help solution there is.

However, learning a new skill can reinvigorate your understanding of familiar tasks and dilemmas. Plus, learning a new skill doesn’t have to mean formal classes or time-draining homework. Select something that can even kill two birds with one stone. Want to let off some steam, too? Try a kickboxing class that meets just once-a-week. You’ll have something new to look forward to, meet new people, challenge yourself, and earn some feel-good endorphins, Top Agent Magazine

too. Want to cut loose and have some fun? Join a board game meet-up group, take a cooking class, or try rock-climbing for the first time. A stimulating new activity will light up long-dormant parts of your brain, and your clients and colleagues will surely notice the influx of energy to your outlook. Still don’t think you have enough time to add something new to the mix? Blend your morning commute with an audio language learning service. The point is to shake-up your habits and introduce a new challenge that’s unrelated to work. Doing so can make you look at things in a new light and boost your mood along the way.

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See new sights.

If you can, there’s no better way to break from routine than to physically separate yourself from your surroundings. There’s nothing more inspiring than traveling to new destinations, experiencing new cultures, and getting a sense of the world’s true vastness. If a trip abroad isn’t in the cards, don’t fret. There are bound to be plenty of places relatively close by that you’ve never seen. And these trips don’t have to break the bank, either. Devote just one or two days to visiting a place you’ve never gone before, like a state park, protected forest, or a small seaside village. Perhaps you’re only a few hours from a National Park you’ve been meaning to visit but have never made time for. Or, there’s a lively city one state over that you’ve always wanted to try. Whatever the destination, near or far, you’ll refresh

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your perspective entirely when removed from all your usual routines. New restaurants, traffic patterns, storefronts, weather—whatever the change may be, you’ll be experiencing everything brand new all around you. Taking the time for trips like these isn’t easy. In fact, making yourself devote those free days may be a difficult task itself. But it’s the most direct way to get a breath of truly fresh air, and when you return home you’ll be able to assess familiar surroundings in a totally new light.

However you decide to add creativity to your professional life, don’t wait. Once you take the plunge, you’ll be regretting you hadn’t done it sooner. After all, the key to longevity is regular maintenance, so do your part and break the mold today.

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VICTORIA MARKOWSKI Victoria Markowski began her journey in the mortgage industry more than twenty-five years ago. She launched a successful enterprise as one of only three women in the state of Colorado to own her own mortgage company, and she’s since trailblazed her way to become a regional leader in command of an esteemed reputation. Over the course of her multi-decade industry tenure, she has built a business on the tenets of integrity, tenaciousness, and forthright communication.

Based in Colorado Springs, Victoria heads a tightknit team under the banner of Goldwater Bank’s Mortgage Division. There, she serves as the Colorado Springs Branch Manager and a Senior Mortgage Banker, overseeing the Front Range area, as well as the impending launch of a branch in Florida. Leveraging the power of a direct lender and federally charted bank, Victoria and her team offer clients access to loan varieties of all kinds—from bank statement and self-employment options, to VA, FHA, and everything in between. In describing her professional philosophy, Victoria cites dedication, honesty, and persistent follow-through as the primary drivers of her success to date. “When we commit to getting a loan done, we’re aggressive,” Victoria says. “Every lender is not equal, and the biggest key to having a successful transaction is to have a loan officer on your side who follows through and who knows the guidelines.”

Likewise, Victoria emphasizes the importance of steady communication throughout the complexities of a transaction. Whether coordinating with a Realtor referral partner or fielding questions from clients, she keeps the lines of communication open and active. “It’s so important to stay available and accessible to both Realtors and clients to get the job done well and in a timely manner,” she explains.

“I’m very personable with my clients and referral partners, and many of them become friends of mine throughout the process. Down the road, they come back when it’s time to refinance or buy another home. Above all, treat your clients well, pick up the phone, make sure they know they’re the most important person during the transaction, and get the deal done.”

Besides personality, responsiveness, and execution, Victoria offers her clients an expert’s insight.

Her first-hand experience throughout the industry’s many fluctuations ensures clients are in the hands of seasoned financial counsel. Likewise, Victoria’s Top Agent Magazine

parent enterprise is in the midst of steady growth—a surefire sign of consistent results. In addition to forging expansions into other territories, like Southern California and parts of Arizona, their impending launch of the Florida office promises more branches in the future. “There are a lot of shifts in the market right now and it’s our goal to rise to the occasion and lead the way when it comes to the programs and options available,” Victoria says.

Beyond the office, Victoria gives back by avidly supporting causes related to her husband’s work as a local firefighter. Each Christmas for the last eight years, she’s volunteered with the FFD Toy Drive to deliver gifts to community children in need. In her remaining free hours beyond the office, Victoria most enjoys family travel to Montana—a favorite destination—and back east to visit her hometown of Queens, New York. Always pursuing professional growth, she is also in the midst of concluding her law degree.

Finally, with twenty-five years of service behind her and an ambitious eye on the path ahead, Victoria Makowski considers what she’s come to value most about her career: the service of others and maintaining the reputation that clients rely upon. “Getting clients to the closing table is key,” she explains. “My clients aren’t just a number to me. Integrity is everything. Growth comes naturally if your clients are treated the way they deserve to be treated.

They’re the most important part of our business and without them, there is no business.”

To learn more about Victoria Markowski, Branch Manager, NMLS#846622 email Vickie.Markowski@GoldwaterBank.com, visit GoldwaterBank.com, call (719) 602 – 9381, https://www.facebook.com/pg/MTGbanking/about/ or visit her Facebook page here. www.

All rates and programs are subject to change without notice.

Goldwater Bank, N.A. NMLS# 452955 is an equal housing lender.

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Why Delegating is the Key to Long-lasting Success Delegating isn’t a dirty word. In fact, it’s the secret weapon of some of the most successful real estate leaders out there. Those that want to succeed and lead a business built to last understand that delegating is the key to growth and longevity. While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

DELEGATING DEVELOPS YOUR MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE Have you ever considered that delegating tasks and responsibilities can help you, as Top Agent Magazine

a leader, develop your managerial skills?

While the main objective of delegation is to distribute work in a balanced, efficient way, it’s also a chance to assign tasks with insight, calibrating your team in the process.

Consider delegation an opportunity to build strengths and address weaknesses on your team by choosing specific tasks for specific employees. You can also work on and expand your communication skills, find ways to streamline your delegation tactics, and create opportunities for collaboration. Don’t just delegate blindly, be thoughtful in how you parcel out the workload and responsibilities. Doing so will allow you to fortify your

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While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

management skills, in addition to lightening your load for the better.

DELEGATING BUILDS COLLECTIVE CONFIDENCE Another byproduct of delegating is that it builds collective confidence in the ranks of your office. By giving employees the chance to flex their skills and control their own small slice of the pie, you’ll be fostering a sense of responsibility and growth on your talent roster. Not only will your staff benefit from the chance to step out on their own, but the team will also benefit as a whole, as each member will attack their duties with a renewed sense of confidence and competence. This collective aptitude will translate to clients and industry colleagues, who will sense the power of a practiced, well-calibrated team in which each member has the chance to shine.

DELEGATING SHARPENS WEAK SPOTS IN OFFICE COMMUNICATION Proper delegation requires clear communication and the careful outlining of responsibilities, goals, and expectations. By regularly delegating to staff, you’ll be giving the whole office the chance to curtail careless communication habits and establish a new benchmark for quality correspondence. Begin by setting an example by clearly communicating delegated responsibilities, leaving the door open for 20

questions, and by making progress reports the standard. After a while, these good habits will become engrained in your team, and your office will benefit from a uniform and effective communication style, no matter the project.

DELEGATING TURNS ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTO A TEAM WIN The ultimate goal of delegating duties is to get the job done, but when you practice delegation, each team member will have a stake in the outcome. In other words, a job well done can be celebrated by all. Giving your team the chance to invest themselves in an overarching project allows for a big pay-off once success is achieved. Not only does this boost morale and provide meaningful motivation for daily work, but it also builds a sense of comradery among the ranks. What’s more, team members will know they’re taken seriously and considered valuable to the team’s dynamic. And don’t forget: a job well done is a reward in and of itself, but it also doesn’t hurt to demonstrate your gratitude for a team goal accomplished.

Delegating responsibilities isn’t a new idea, but the benefits are more plentiful than most imagine. With that in mind, capitalize on opportunities to delegate and you’ll not only be bolstering your business, but building your team and your own professional profile for the long haul.

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RAMON PLASENCIA Ramon Plasencia got his start in the mortgage industry back in 2003 as a Junior Loan Officer at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. For the next fifteen years, he sharpened his skillset as a consummate lending professional, leading bank branches, building diverse experience, and cementing a track record for personalized service that delivers results. Today, he has built a steadfast reputation for his commitment to ethics, accessibility, and follow-through on behalf of his satisfied clientele. Along the way, Ramon has also earned a host of accolades, most recently including as #2 in the PRMGMiami Branch for Top Volume in 2017.

listing agent involved to make sure we have a solid offer submitted by our client.”

Today, Ramon heads Team Plasencia, which includes a Junior Processor and an Assistant Junior Loan officer. Under the banner of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, a direct lender, Ramon has managed to amass the entirety of his business based on repeat and referral clientele. They offer a variety of loan products for buyers of all kinds, including options such as FHA, Conventional, Jumbo, VA, Foreign National, and Bank Statement loans to name only a few. Partnering with real estate agents and contacts made during his many years in the banking sector at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Wachovia Mortgage, Regions Mortgage, and TotalBank, Ramon has established a wide sphere of influence who turn to him repeatedly for his proven ability to deliver. What’s more, Team Plasencia clients benefit from a near one-stop-shop mortgage lending model.

“Everything is done in-house,” Ramon explains. “From processing and underwriting, to offering our own appraisal panel and closing departments—everything is conducted in our offices for streamlined service that accounts for every detail.”

Beyond the comprehensive service Ramon and his team provide clients in the midst of one of life’s biggest transitions, they also offer an ultra-fast closing process that gives agents and buyers a significant market edge. “We offer quality, roundthe-clock accessibility, and a lightning speed pre-approval and contract process,” Ramon explains. “We put a lot of time and effort into what we do and always go above and beyond for our clients. We even have the ability to be available to speak to the

To keep in touch with his vast network of past clients, Ramon and his team stay connected through active monthly calls, social media, and face-to-face time. Whether he’s supporting the efforts of Realtor referral partners in attending broker opens, lunch-and-learns and other events, or parlaying marketing efforts for a mutual benefit—Ramon’s relationships in the industry are well-established. “Over the years, I’ve become a well-known professional in the Southern Florida financing landscape,” he says. “I’m trustworthy, dedicated, and I have a portfolio of extremely happy and satisfied customers. Above all, I value my clients and being of service.” In fact, Ramon enjoys over seventy positive reviews online—an unequivocal testament to the successful client experiences he cultivates.

To give back to his community, Ramon is active in a variety of civic organizations. He is a member of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Latin Builders Association, and the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, as well. In his remaining free hours beyond the office and his commitments within his professional community, Ramon most enjoys quality time spent with his family and loved ones.

Looking ahead to the future, Ramon has plans to continue growing his business and presence in the South Florida market, with hopes to add new junior loan officers to his talent roster.

For now, Ramon is content to serve his clients faithfully, while building upon the legacy he’s keenly established in the Florida community he calls home.

Finally, with fifteen years of experience under his belt and a steady eye on the future ahead—Ramon Plasencia reflects upon what he enjoys most about his chosen field. “I love helping clients get into a home,” he says. “When you can provide that path to a financial future through homeownership, and you see that happy expression on your clients’ faces—it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world.”

To learn more about Ramon Plasencia email RPlasencia@prmg.net, call (305) 968 – 5960, or visit RamonPlasencia.net www.

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Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

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

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

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

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

4.Take your smartphone off the table

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

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

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

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

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

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

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