NEW ENGLAND 11-15-21

NEW ENGLAND EDITION

CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY

THANK YOU

FEATURED AGENTS

KRIS COOK ANA PAIVA BRIDGET HOVAN RHONDA MESENBOURG

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REASONS WHY YOUR PROSPECTS AREN'T TURNING INTO CLIENTS

CONNECT BEYOND

HOW TO MAKE YOUR COMMUTE

REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS

PRODUCTIVE

COVER STORY

VICTORIA PIZZARELLI

NEW ENGLAND EDITION

ANA PAIVA

Martha’s V Top Agent Ana Paiva 7– of Wallace & 17 21 who speak Co. Sotheby’s International Realty in her status a Edgartown, Massachusetts – is one of the up on the c best and brightest agents currently workexpansive ing in the Martha’s Vineyard market.

Intelligent, thoughtful and extremely wellAnother re versed in the ins and outs of the RHONDA real estate MESENBOURG VICTORIA PIZZARELLI KRIS COOK ANA PAIVA BRIDGET HOVAN sion in the industry, Ana has built a thriving business With nearly a decade and a half in the real their home for the market and stag Bridgetbased Hovan began her real estate list, but I really do want to see their her thorou on a foundation of honesty, integrity 25my ego, estate industry, Rhonda Mesenbourg22 under-dreams come true. I check the professional photographs tha career in 2019, after leaving the corporate world. done everything in my because I’m there to support them.

I’m marketing, and“I’ve luxury-level customer service. stands what a life-changing event buying or posted with the listing description life, but this has been my true calling,” always trying to save money and be a selling a home can be. That’s why Rhonda social media platformutilization and real estat Bridget says. “I love real estate because very good agent for my people.” andown herschedule team make But they are often able to sell man you can make your and it their business to get well as net Ana began her journey in real estate in 2016, knowmotivation.” well the people whose lives areBridget’s favorite part of real estate listings by reaching out to the exte work hard. It’stoabout Bridgetwhen started she with Williams is helping people. “I love the relaof Sotheby became licensed in order aboutKeller to change.

“We’re going to viewtothework work of agents and potential buye Willis & Smith, where she was awarded tionships,” she says. “The schedule is transaction fromAssistant our clients’ point of view,” built over the years. among oth to the Principal Rising as StarAdministrative in her first year. Now with awesome too. I never want to go back Rhonda explains.

Heather Klosowski Real Estate, Bridget“What’s important to themto a corporate job, because I love the always a f Broker at Wallace & Co. “Not long flexibility after of real estate! I’m a spontagoing be important to us.

Our philosoAfter closing, Rhonda connects works hard to helpisher clientstomake their BRIDGET HOVAN RHONDA MESENBOURG real estate dreamsshe comeisrecalls, true. neous, fun and person, and if a client wants to see a house that,” “I became the Marketing phy to treat clients like they’re family, clients several timesmention throughouth right now, I do everything I can to make it happen. we’ll leave no stone unturned to make sure whether through appreciation event and to refer others.

Coordinator for the office.

I keeping wore upmany hats and return Bridgetand servesReferral the North Shore area of Massachusetts, I pride myself on with everything, I they reach their goal.” written cards to let them know s including Groveland, Georgetown, and Haverhill, have CONTENTS a team of professionals that will ensure a seamin that role, and I learned a lot about the business.”

After as well as southern New Hampshire and Maine. Her less transaction whether the client is buying or selling.” thinking about them. She also sends referralfive business continues to grow,position, apersonally sure sign of Ana the When she is not working, Bridget enjoys walking quent on Rhonda knows just how precarimarket reports let them When she’s not tobusy helpk years in that decided to put her acquired 4) 7 REASONS WHY 20) CREATIVE trust and confidence Bridget inspires in her clients. the beach, being in nature, meditation, and yoga. ous thatto journey can be.

She started herhomes real their is doing ortime whe Anainvestment loves spending knowledge use and selling herself.

YOUR PROSPECTS AREN'T WAYS TO SAY “I’m grateful that people trust me in such an began important career in 2007, housing market good time to buy or sell. role in their life,” estate Bridget says.

“I know all my just clientsas the In the future, Bridget says,went “I plan to keep doing what TURNING INTO CLIENTS THANK YOUis a beautiful island,” she will give me glowing and I She work jumped really hardintoI’m doing, to continue and being there for my overreviews, the cliff. commercial realworking estate, for that.” people, because they my boss. really excited whichsuccess taught heras a lot about production andand theare unique Rhonda has trails, always riding been committed to the my bike, enjw Ana found a Realtor quickly, she hasI’m more for the future, I’m excited for today, and I’m grateful needs ofher business clients.

“It just reinforced how much her community, and currently on two CONNECT BEYOND TO Her client-focused approach sets Bridget “I want for what have.honest, It’s not just23) me, it’s HOW a team effort, and forMAKE a walk andserves just enjoyi than14) earned solidapart. reputation as Ian hardworkwhat we do impacts everyone’s life.

It felt good helping committees.

She’ll begin work with the Newpo to bring affordability to my clients,” she explains.

“It’s I love it!”

REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT YOUR COMMUTE ing and deeply knowledgeable agent who consistently not about me, it’s my aboutclients them. I’m really good at that help- allowed them to create the find spaces Board next year. She’s also volunteered with T FUTURE CLIENTS PRODUCTIVE ing clients with transitions.

Life has its ebb and flow, we use every day.” of her clients front andCenter, sheltercurrently in Westerly.holds When Ana, who places things the needs and wants cen- a homeless and I just try to be a really good person and be empasome time to herself, Rhonda spends it with fa thetic about stressfulevery it can be. transaction.

That’s the secret ing on Zillow.com, has b ter how during “I definitely pride myself When moved Rhode enjoys going to the beach and listening to the su to my success. I can relate she to people, and Ito love having Island in 2010 she brought 310-734-1440 Fax 310-734-1440 business. on Phone listening to hearing my clients helpingtothem achieveastheir conversations with people and their| stories.

I that same dedication andand commitment her clients’ running and cycling. “I want to elev never take for granted the relationships I’ve made in needs into the residential working withsingle a boutique mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com clients, especially first-tim desired goals,” says Ana.sector, “I give every one of my any part of my life.” agency until 2018 when she formed MCRG with Keller Going forward, Rhonda wants to keep growin No portion of the this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent Magazine however, remains her con customers same luxury service, regardless of the price Williams.

Representing buyers and sellers all over Rhode asthe many clients as she materials, can, while is published by Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure accuracy of published Top mentoring n Being a trusted resource andFeature steady guide is especially viding her clients with point of the and property. definitely care about them.” important inAgent a challenging market.

“I anything Magazine cannot bewill helddoIresponsible for opinions expressed or facts suppliedso bythat its authors.

Island Southeastern Connecticut, Rhonda closed 54 they can successfully grow their ownthe bu for my clients,” Bridget explains.

“I put myself out To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. transactions last year for a sales volume of $20 million, become synonymous with there and try to realize their Published in the U.S.goals. I will share the To find outfrom more repeat about Bridget Hovan, with over 75 percent of that business coming marketCurrently, data and comps tonearly help set their theexpectations, entirety of 978-994-2442, Ana’s overall business call clientswith andprices referrals. know MCRG will liveemail up tobridgethovan@gmail.com its especially in this market so highThey and over or visit zillow.com/profile/BridgetHovan 2is based upon repeat clients and referrals, an accurate Top Agent Magazine promise to be “Your Shore Thing”: barometer of the excellent customer service she provides.

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mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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7 Reasons Why Your Prospects Aren’t Turning Into Clients Real estate experts suggest prospecting daily so that your sales pipeline never runs dry.

But sometimes all that effort doesn’t translate into results. If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

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1. You’re Too Slow The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials estimates that there are about 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States alone. Of course, not all these individuals are working in the same markets. Nonetheless, that

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If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

means that realtors face a lot of competition. If you are slow to respond to messages from prospective clients, someone else is sure to beat you to it. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to return calls and emails within 24 hours.

If you’re too busy working with active clients to return the phone calls and emails of prospective clients, consider hiring a real estate assistant who can help take administrative or marketing tasks off your plate.

2. They Don’t Trust You There are different reasons why a client might not trust you, some of which overlap with others on this list. When a client asks you a question, do you answer it directly or do you sidestep it?

Do you have testimonials and reviews from happy clients publicly available? Do you have an online presence? Social proof of your skills and knowledge is key.

3. You Don’t Seem Knowledgeable Enough Is your client constantly coming to you with new listings or marketing ideas rather than the Top Agent Magazine

other way around? Do they mention real estate and finance terms you’ve never heard of or ask you questions you’ve never thought to ask yourself? Every agent starts somewhere, but if this seems to be a pattern, it’s one clients will pick up on too.

Your clients want to know that you will add value to their home buying or selling experience, and part of that value is your expertise and passion.

4. You Have No Web Presence It’s not enough to be on Zillow or have a Facebook page. There are clients who don’t use these platforms, and at the end of the day, you don’t own the content or your access to it. Both platforms could suddenly go out of business and any following you’ve gained could be lost.

It doesn’t cost much to create and maintain a website today. If customization matters little to you, sometimes you can even get up and running for free. At the very least, it’s a good idea to invest in a domain name because yourwebsite. wordpress.com looks a lot less professional than yourwebsite.com.

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5. You Don’t Seem to Care When clients don’t think you care, it usually means they don’t feel like you are listening.

You may have systems, processes, and a proven marketing strategy. You may like to get right down to business, but to your client, this isn’t just business—it’s their life and their family’s livelihood.

When your client tells you what’s important to them, they want to make sure that you really hear them. Make sure your body language conveys that. Slow down. Shut your office door.

Make eye contact, nod your head, and pause before you speak so that they understand that you’ve put thought into your words—that they aren’t simply lines from a script.

6. You Use Too Much Jargon Remember that your clients don’t speak real estate. At most, they might buy or sell a home once every few years. They hired you to be their advocate and may even expect you to be a bit of a teacher too. Use layman’s terms so that your

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client fully understands how the two of you will work together.

7. Your Target Audience Is Everyone Your clients are home buyers and sellers, yes, but who is your ideal client? Some specialties you might consider are college students and recent graduates, working professionals, military families, seniors, CEOs, or other high-profile clients.

As a newer agent, your target audience might be anyone who will hire you, but over time, you might find that you click more with certain clients, that their lifestyle is similar to yours, or that their goals align with your mission. Whatever the reason, marketing your business to this “ideal client” rather than every potential client will make selling your services easier.

Remember: It’s within your power to alleviate your client’s concerns, but understanding why your prospects aren’t turning into clients is a good start.

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VICTORIA PIZZARELLI

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Top Agent Victoria Pizzarelli owns her own independent brokerage, Green Space Realty Group, located in Cranston, Rhode Island— repeat and referrals make up 95% of her clientele.

Thirty years ago in Manhattan, NY, Top Agent Victoria Pizzarelli, whom friends call Vickie, took a job as a receptionist at a real estate office. A broker friend, another woman, needed an assistant and convinced Vickie to get her license. Later, Vickie became an agent and ascended the ranks, 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

though she took a break when her children were small. She moved the family to Rhode Island to restart her career. She owned two brokerages within the same franchise for 7 years, one in Rhode Island and one in Southeastern Massachusetts before deciding it was time to go independent in 2020.

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Today, Vickie owns her own independent brokerage, Green Space Realty Group, located in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Over the years, she built a solid sphere of influence, and now repeat and referrals make up 95% of her clientele. Clients Top Agent Magazine

become part of Vickie’s family. “Weddings, christenings, wedding showers, baby showers, parties, I go to all of them,” Vickie says.

She friends past clients on her Facebook personal page. When they have a life event going on, she reaches out, calling or sending a card. “During Covid, I checked in with Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

all my elderly clients,” she recalls. “If the need was there, I dropped grocery bags off at their doorsteps.” Vickie also throws customer appreciation events, like barbeques and photo opportunities with Santa Clause, “for the kids and dogs,” she explains.

Other services also set Vickie above the pack. One is the home warranties which Vickie offers all buyers. “Many are first-time homebuyers, and I want to give them peace of mind,” she says. To market listings, Vickie uses kvCORE and Core ListingMachine, which automatically outsources listings to social media platforms. She also organizes professional photoshoots and videos. “But I prefer live videos,” she says. “They are more personal in real-time.” For example, she has a new construction site going up, and will head over and take a video to showcase completed components.

Last year, Vickie’s sales topped $25 million, though it is not closings she most enjoys but teaching. The way she sees it, “New agents get their licenses and then flounder.” A merge with eXp Realty is in the works, which will allow her the opportunity to invest in her dream of facilitating workshops.

Specifically, she seeks to aid single mothers. “Women avoid the industry because they are afraid. It’s very scary,”

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she says, speaking from experience. “I jumped in the pool, and it wasn’t easy, and I worked my tail off. It’s intimidating, and single moms think they don’t have time. But I can teach them how.”

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Along with helping other mothers find success in the real estate business, Vickie sits on the Greater Providence Board of Realtors and works with the grievance committee, the broker forum, and the professional Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

development committee. Aside from working and contributing to her community, Vickie loves to spend time in her garden.

“It’s my Zen place,” she says, “where I can shut everything off and relax.” For the future of her business, Vickie plans on

taking her new agent trainings national.

“That aspect of the industry is lacking,” she says. “There is no hands-on training. New agents and working mothers are getting left behind. I want to do something about that.”

Reach out to Vickie at 401-432-4129, vickie.greenspacerealtygroup.com, vickie@greenspacerealtygroup.com, facebook.com/RealtorinNewEngland, linkedin.com/in/vickiepizzarellibroker, twitter.com/Greenspacerealt, instagram.com/vickierebroker https://

www.

www.

https://

www.

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

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

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

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

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

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Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

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

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

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

Your Local Community

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

Use Your Creativity to Connect

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

Share Your Hobbies

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

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

Divulge Interesting Experiences

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

What and Who Inspires You

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

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

that will draw in a broad range of followers.

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

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KRIS COOK Top Agent Magazine

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KRIS COOK

In 2006, Kris Cook was selling her home, and the agent helping her told her she would be a wonderful Realtor.® She took the hint and got her license. Now, she has been working as a full-time solo agent with a transaction coordinator in Westfield, MA for 15 years, and serves all of Pioneer Valley with care and compassion. Incredibly hard-working and deeply experienced, Kris has built an impressive career and developed an expansive sphere of influence in her locale thanks to her ability to consistently get optimal results for her clients.

self into each relationship I build through my work, and I think that’s very apparent to people.” Kris’s brand of personalized and honest service has done wonders for her ability to generate business and develop her sphere, as she gets 80% of her business from repeats and referrals from satisfied clients.

Kris loves her work, and puts a lot of emotion into what she does. As someone who genuinely cares about her clients and their well-being, Kris works hard to make sure her clients find success in every transaction, and she maintains relationships with them that last long after the transaction is closed. “I truly believe my heart is what keeps people coming back,” Kris says.

“I always give 110% and I put a lot of my18

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Thanks to Kris’s vast experience in the world of real estate, she is uniquely capable of deftly navigating transactions and finding solutions to her clients’ problems. She looks first and foremost to meet clients’ specific needs, and has a large network of contacts to find them the answers they need. “I’m a one-stop shop. I’ve got numbers for all sorts of vendors at hand, and if I don’t know the answer to a question, I can call someone to get it,” Kris says. Kris’s professional network allows her to provide thorough and comprehensive service to all of her clients, and she is an agent anyone wants on their side when buying or selling a home.

Kris employs a marketing team to advertise her listings across social media and search engines, as well as within the home’s neighborhood to generate interest locally. Kris loves holding client appreciation events to give back to the people who support her, and is looking to ramp up regularly scheduled touches to past clients in the next year. Kris takes pride in her level of production - she closed 60 transactions last year and is projecting to exceed that number by the end of 2021.

In her free time, Kris loves traveling and spending time with her three children. As a longtime resident of Pioneer Valley, she is heavily involved with her local community, including being on the Board of Westfield Pantry and supporting her youngest son’s school activities, such as the baseball team. Kris enjoys being a solo agent as it allows her to maximize the amount of 1-on-1 communication she gets with her clients, and she hopes to continue providing that high quality of service to folks across Pioneer Valley as she continues to grow her business. “When you love what you do, it’s not really work,” she says. If you’re looking for an agent who puts everything into the service she provides, get in touch with Kris today!

Real estate photos by: Seven Roads Real Estate Media.

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To learn more about Kris Cook please call (413) 244-1143, email kriscooksells@gmail.com or visit kriscookcares.com www.

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Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1. How about a streaming video device, like a Roku

or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2. Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or ter-

rycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids!

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

certain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5. If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend.

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ANA PAIVA Top Agent Ana Paiva – of Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty in Edgartown, Massachusetts – is one of the best and brightest agents currently working in the Martha’s Vineyard market.

Intelligent, thoughtful and extremely wellversed in the ins and outs of the real estate industry, Ana has built a thriving business based on a foundation of honesty, integrity and luxury-level customer service.

Ana began her journey in real estate in 2016, when she became licensed in order to work as Administrative Assistant to the Principal Broker at Wallace & Co. “Not long after that,” she recalls, “I became the Marketing and Referral Coordinator for the office. I wore many hats in that role, and I learned a lot about the business.” After five years in that position, Ana decided to put her acquired knowledge to use and began selling homes herself.

Ana found success as a Realtor quickly, and she has more than earned her solid reputation as an honest, hardworking and deeply knowledgeable agent who consistently places the needs and wants of her clients front and center during every transaction. “I definitely pride myself on listening to my clients and helping them achieve their desired goals,” says Ana. “I give every single one of my customers the same luxury service, regardless of the price point of the property. I definitely care about them.”

Currently, nearly the entirety of Ana’s overall business is based upon repeat clients and referrals, an accurate barometer of the excellent customer service she provides.

“I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I like to build long lasting relationships with my clients. I also like to make certain they fully understand the transaction process, whether they are buying or selling,” says Ana, when asked how she has managed to generate so much trust and loyalty amongst those she works with.

There are numerous other factors that have contributed to Ana’s ever-growing success story. The fact that she speaks fluent Portuguese enables her to assist the large Top Agent Magazine

Martha’s Vineyard population of those who speak that language. Additionally, her status as a local native gives her a leg up on the competition, providing her with expansive market knowledge.

Another reason behind Ana’s rapid ascension in the real estate industry would be her thorough and thoughtful approach to marketing, which relies heavily on deft utilization of social media platforms, as well as networking with the global roster of Sotheby’s International Realty agents, among other methods. The result is almost always a fast sale for top dollar, not to mention happy clients who continue to return and to refer others.

When she’s not busy helping clients achieve their goals, Ana loves spending time outdoors. “Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful island,” she says, “and I love exploring the trails, riding my bike, enjoying the beach, taking my dog for a walk and just enjoying nature.”

Ana, who currently holds a perfect, five-star overall rating on Zillow.com, has big plans for the future of her business. “I want to elevate it and be able to help more clients, especially first-time buyers,” she says. Above all, however, remains her constant objective: to continue providing her clients with the top-of-the-line service that has become synonymous with her name.

For more about Ana Paiva, please call 508-858-9652 or email Ana@Wallacemv.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

BRIDGET HOVAN Bridget Hovan began her real estate career in 2019, after leaving the corporate world. “I’ve done everything in my life, but this has been my true calling,” Bridget says. “I love real estate because you can make your own schedule and work hard. It’s about motivation.”

Bridget started with Keller Williams Willis & Smith, where she was awarded Rising Star in her first year. Now with Heather Klosowski Real Estate, Bridget works hard to help her clients make their real estate dreams come true.

Bridget serves the North Shore area of Massachusetts, including Groveland, Georgetown, and Haverhill, as well as southern New Hampshire and Maine. Her referral business continues to grow, a sure sign of the trust and confidence Bridget inspires in her clients.

“I’m grateful that people trust me in such an important role in their life,” Bridget says. “I know all my clients will give me glowing reviews, and I work really hard for that.”

Her client-focused approach sets Bridget apart. “I want to bring affordability to my clients,” she explains. “It’s not about me, it’s about them. I’m really good at helping clients with transitions. Life has its ebb and flow, and I just try to be a really good person and be empathetic about how stressful it can be. That’s the secret to my success. I can relate to people, and I love having conversations with people and hearing their stories. I never take for granted the relationships I’ve made in any part of my life.”

Being a trusted resource and steady guide is especially important in a challenging market. “I will do anything for my clients,” Bridget explains. “I put myself out there and try to realize their goals. I will share the market data and comps to help set their expectations, especially in this market with prices so high and over

list, but I really do want to see their dreams come true. I check my ego, because I’m there to support them. I’m always trying to save money and be a very good agent for my people.”

Bridget’s favorite part of real estate is helping people. “I love the relationships,” she says. “The schedule is awesome too. I never want to go back to a corporate job, because I love the flexibility of real estate! I’m a spontaneous, fun person, and if a client wants to see a house right now, I do everything I can to make it happen.

I pride myself on keeping up with everything, and I have a team of professionals that will ensure a seamless transaction whether the client is buying or selling.”

When she is not working, Bridget enjoys walking on the beach, being in nature, meditation, and yoga.

In the future, Bridget says, “I plan to keep doing what I’m doing, to continue working and being there for my people, because they are my boss. I’m really excited for the future, I’m excited for today, and I’m grateful for what I have. It’s not just me, it’s a team effort, and I love it!”

To find out more about Bridget Hovan, call 978-994-2442, email bridgethovan@gmail.com or visit zillow.com/profile/BridgetHovan www.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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RHONDA MESENBOURG With nearly a decade and a half in the real estate industry, Rhonda Mesenbourg understands what a life-changing event buying or selling a home can be. That’s why Rhonda and her team make it their business to get to know well the people whose lives are about to change. “We’re going to view the transaction from our clients’ point of view,” Rhonda explains. “What’s important to them is going to be important to us. Our philosophy is to treat clients like they’re family, and we’ll leave no stone unturned to make sure they reach their goal.”

Rhonda knows personally just how precarious that journey can be. She started her real estate career in 2007, just as the housing market went over the cliff. She jumped into commercial real estate, which taught her a lot about production and the unique needs of business clients. “It just reinforced how much what we do impacts everyone’s life. It felt good helping my clients find spaces that allowed them to create the things we use every day.”

When she moved to Rhode Island in 2010 she brought that same dedication and commitment to her clients’ needs into the residential sector, working with a boutique agency until 2018 when she formed MCRG with Keller Williams. Representing buyers and sellers all over Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut, Rhonda closed 54 transactions last year for a sales volume of $20 million, with over 75 percent of that business coming from repeat clients and referrals. They know MCRG will live up to its promise to be “Your Shore Thing”:

their home for the market and staging it for the professional photographs that will be posted with the listing description to every social media platform and real estate website.

But they are often able to sell many of their listings by reaching out to the extensive network of agents and potential buyers they’ve built over the years.

After closing, Rhonda connects with her clients several times throughout the year, whether through appreciation events or handwritten cards to let them know she’s been thinking about them. She also sends them frequent market reports to let them know how their investment is doing or whether it’s a good time to buy or sell.

Rhonda has always been committed to the welfare of her community, and currently serves on two education committees. She’ll begin work with the Newport County Board next year. She’s also volunteered with The Warm Center, a homeless shelter in Westerly. When she gets some time to herself, Rhonda spends it with family. She enjoys going to the beach and listening to the surf, as well as running and cycling.

Going forward, Rhonda wants to keep growing to serve as many clients as she can, while mentoring new agents so that they can successfully grow their own businesses.

“Our clients can feel confident that when they work with us they’re going to be taken care of,” says Rhonda.

“Not just during this one transaction, but into the future, through our proprietary four-point plan that protects their investment as they transition into different chapters of their lives.”

For their sellers, Rhonda and her team deploy a comprehensive marketing strategy, assisting them in preparing Top Agent Magazine

Contact Rhonda at 401-326-2928 or email rmesenbourg@kw.com

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mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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