NEW ENGLAND 5-9-22

NEW ENGLAND EDITION

BEYOND

MILLENNIAL BUYERS:

CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING:

Where They Are & What to Know

What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

How to Answer the Inevitable Question:

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU?

FEATURED AGENTS

CLIFF HYPPOLITE ABIGAIL ROSE BILL TIERNEY COVER STORY

FEMION MEZINI

NEW ENGLAND EDITION

ABIGAIL ROSE

CLIFF HYPPOLITE When she started her real estate career in

coming from referrals, she works har

A longtime resident of the Boston 9 area, investment for their 19 to uncover the right 20 2020, Abigail Rose was looking for more keep in touch. Her 23 favorite thing to d liff Hyppolite has always been passionneeds. Always believing in going above thanHe a job.

Shegetwanted to help people. “I and beyond, he thoughtfully gift giving. te about helping others. would educates his “For Thanksgiving, I’ll enjoy that I can do that through my career,” pies.

For Easter, I’ll do littleCurrently Easter bas is start with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s clients throughout the transaction to help says.

Real estate often moves fast and it them make well-informed decisions for the kids Her Department, where heshe built a successful onthat my clients have.” and havi could be easy to forget that this is the bigis to make each buyer feel like her areer serving those in his community. their future. “In our business, you have in Coha gesthome, purchase most people will ever make. to be dedicated to your clients customer.

“I do a lot of personal letters After purchasing his first though, above all Bill Tiern something exciting has happened in “I estate. value In that and I take it very seriously. else,” he says. “Real estate is aifseven-dayse took an interest in real particdrawn client’s I justinenjoy lar, he was drawn to And, the ways whichmeeting people and being a-week commitment, and I make surelife I’m– they have a baby on theto he business complemented his part outgoing available when my clients need graduatin a special of their journey.” or me.” they got a new job – I love to send t FEMION MEZINI those CLIFF HYPPOLITE ABIGAIL ROSE BILL TIERNEY ersonality and drive to empower out a handwritten note.” It’sCollege, what sets n his community. Inspired, Cliff later a fantasAbigail Rose’s journey into real estate began Over the years, Cliff has earned apart, she says. “Even though I’m wor successfu ecided to pursue his early. license“My and launch tic reputation throughout Massachusetts, mom makes jokes about how I with a bunch of people at the same t services; however, he eventuall n award-winning career an agent, establishing a And Florida, and Rhode Island, with the nearmy entirety wasasa baby in a real estate office.

I was client offeels like they’re the only fresh etwork of satisfied clients hisAvolume referrals. reallyand justcolleagues born intothat it,”spans she says. little coming from repeat clients and and theyopportunity feel special.”that afforded h he state. But most recently, he decided to elevate his Now averaging close to $8 million in annual volume, for his growing family while stil older, Abigail now works as an independent CONTENTS work to the next level and start his team. he remains committed to what matters most. “There’s broker in her family’s real estate business. “My parents Abigail is building community connections as well, entrepreneurial spirit. Drawing fr nothing more rewarding than helping people find their are the brokers and owners, so that’s pretty cool,” she unteering withthe theSouth Salvation Army and a local wom oday, Cliff is the Broker and Owner of Secure Realty dream home. Whenever I see the smile on a client’s Shore, he then decided 4) says.

HOW TO ANSWER THE 15) MILLENNIAL BUYERS: “I would consider myself an independent agent. shelter. In hertate free time, you’ll probably find Ab license—and the rest is histor nvestments, LLC., where he assists clients throughout face on the day of their closing, I’m reminded of what We all work closely as an office, together, but we don’t spending time with her family or enjoying an aftern QUESTION: & WHAT Quincy, Boston, andINEVITABLE the surrounding areas of the South WHY this is all about.” WHERE THEY ARE he has authored an accomplished work as a team.

So it’s really when my clients are workat the beach only 10 minutes away. hore. Also licensed in Florida and Rhode Island, he ness, establishing a network of TO KNOW SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU? ing with is just with me.”

Abigail as founded his team around theme. coreThis values of openOutside his values career, her Cliff is active within his comcolleagues theincoast. with LAER Realty “they Looking forward, Abigail seesspans growth her fu ess, compassion, andaffiliation expertise, which allow him to Partners munity, because contributing to numerous local charities and that help us stay a local boutique brokerage while giving us Working on a Rhode Island license so she can better DAILY HABITS 6)even BEYOND meet the demands of the toughestCLEANING transaction. causes throughout21) the year.

A lifelong learner,THAT when ® the same resources as the big guys.” viceback, her customers, Abigail says it’s always been a he’s not with clients or giving he can be found wit Today, Bill is a REALTOR WILL INCREASE YOUR AND DECLUTTERING: WHAT the city—enjoying people. “IReal really don’t to sound cliche, When listing a property, Cliff offers his clients a comstudying law or exploring the all Estate, that mean where he assistsb MENTAL STRENGTH IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES rehensive strategy. After thembeen fullyborn prepare Boston has but to offer.

She helping may have into real estate, Abigail always felt like my purpose on this earth was reall Scituate, Cohasset, and the surro heir home for theMAKE market, heTHE shares it viaway both the has found herMOST own to service the south coast of help people.”

SENSE? of his thebusiSouth Shore. There, he has egional MLS and a series of highly winning targeted acamLookingaward ahead,her Cliff has exciting plans for Massachusetts, best Realtor® first aigns. Along the way, leverages extensive ness. Asis his volume maintains its steady ing growth, he personality with his elite busi yearheout.

“A big his social media presence huge for me. etwork of Brokers, investors, and real estate prointends on expanding his reach throughout the region And, that’s just really how I got my start, too. It’s just the needs of any buyer or seller. essionals to give eachbeen client an consistent,” added advantage in “I’m whiledefinitely further mentoring very she says. lucky.” the rising agents on his team. he market, ensuring a Abigail seamlessdoesn’t transaction In the though, he looks forward to the clicountcatered on lucktoto keep hermeantime, business growPhone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 When listing a property, Bill eq heir best interests. ents and opportunities that await in the city he loves. ing. Instead, she relies heavily on forming relationships comprehensive strategy. After h “Our team believes in honesty, loyalty, anda integrity,” mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com built on trust and honesty. “I think that| my clients apprelsewhere, Cliff is just as attentive when assisting his he says. “With every transaction, we treat our clients as for the market, he shar their home ciateof the fact I’m very knowledgeable and very No portion this issue that may any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top uyers, drawing from his acute knowledge ofbe thereproduced region ifinthey were members of our own family.”

BILL TI

FEMION MEZINI

getedto blend and social m honest about the market,” she says.

“It’s a personal rela- precautions are taken Agent Magazine is published

by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although ensure of thedigital accuracy tionship that I create withMagazine them. We start be offheld as strangers from or start finish,byhe keeps thi of published materials, Top Agent cannot responsible for opinions expressed factstosupplied and To wesubscribe genuinely closing table as friends.” its authors. or leave changethe address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. stress-free, ensuring a seamless t Published in the U.S. www.

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Those relationships are responsible for her success.

Since getting her license in June of 2020, Abigail has sold more than 20 homes. And with most of her business

each client’s best interests.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine Elsewhere,

Bill is just as attentiv buyers, leveraging his years of ex the right investment for their nee Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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How to Answer the Inevitable Question:

Why Should I Choose You? In some markets, a real estate agent is competing against thousands of other individuals and teams. There are only so many bells and whistles—so many buzz words you can throw at prospective clients. To a buyer or seller who has interviewed several other agents already, all of it begins to blend together and every realtor sounds as though they’re reading off the same script.

Your clients want to know why they should choose you. They want to know what makes you different. It’s highly likely they’ll even 4

ask you this question directly in your initial interview, but as an agent, you might have a hard time coming up with a response that either you or your clients are truly satisfied with.

To answer your client’s why you must go back to your own why.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU HAVE THAT OTHERS DON’T? Just because there are other agents in your area doesn’t mean those agents have the

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same skills that you do. We each bring our own backgrounds and experiences to the table. What comes naturally to you? Maybe it’s your negotiating skills or your ability to connect people that sets you apart from the rest.

WHAT PART OF THE BUSINESS DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST? There are skills and then there are passions.

In real estate, there’s so much to enjoy.

There’s the opportunity to match a family with the right home and the sense of safety and comfort that brings their loved ones.

There’s the ability to give someone a sense of financial security by advocating and negotiating on their behalf. And then there’s the houses and neighborhoods themselves— the architecture, history, and community.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS? When you look at your client list and the portfolio of work that you’ve built over the years, what are you most proud of? Sure, there are financial rewards, but there are also other accomplishments that your prospective clients will likely be eager to hear about, such as happy client testimonials, a thriving referral business, volunteer and charity work, or even how you lift and support your own team.

Everyone needs money, but those other accomplishments and how you speak about them show your client what kind of person Top Agent Magazine

you are and if that’s the type of person they want to work with.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? Real estate might seem like your entire world at times, but you also have a life outside of work. Maybe you like music or traveling or being outdoors. The best part about being a realtor is that there are often ways you can thread these interests into your work, like hosting client functions and events.

WHAT DOES YOUR CLIENT CARE ABOUT THE MOST? Let’s face it, your clients likely care the most about only a few things: saving or making the most money, doing it as soon as possible, and making sure that doing so isn’t too stressful. Your response to your client’s question—why should I choose you?— should address these concerns.

Maybe you excel at creating systems that make the selling process efficient and profitable for your client. Or maybe you excel at providing a personalized experience for homebuyers.

Try out a few responses. You might even start with a template: My [skills or passions] helps me [provide this service] because I can [achieve my client’s goal].

Like most things in life, coming up with a compelling and concise response for why clients should hire you will take time and practice.

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Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability. Unfortunately, however, not all sellers or agents are willing to do much more than decluttering and cleaning.

Think of the listing as a reflection on yourself. If you didn’t comb your hair, shine your shoes, dress 6

neatly and drive a clean car, people would think you don’t care about yourself. They may wonder, “If he doesn’t care about how he presents himself, how is he going to present my house?” Likewise, not prepare a house for its most beautiful presentation might cast doubt on how the overall marketing will go. And, while not all changes will be immediately noticeable, chances are that what isn’t changed will be noticed.

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Ashley Aguilera, REALTOR®, broker and owner of The Aguilera Team in California’s Murrieta Valley and Temecula, says that after every consultation, her team formulates a game-plan. “We want to set their property apart from everything else on the market, but also fall within the comfort zone of the seller’s lifestyle,” she says. Changes may run the gamut from minor repairs and moving furniture for better flow, to adding accent pieces to harmonize the home’s look or create a “wow” factor before professional photography.

Many agents recommend conducting a professional inspection prior to listing; some will even hire the inspector at their own expense. Of course, any necessary repairs found during inspection and not repaired before listing must be formally disclosed. But wouldn’t it be nice to have no surprises during the buyer’s formal inspection?

In general, some improvements are required, others are low-cost and others pay for themselves

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with lower time on the market, competing offers or higher sale price.

Landscaping & Exterior First impressions begin outside. Be sure to mow and edge the lawn regularly; prune back overgrown trees and hedges; hire a professional to repair uneven pavement (especially if it’s a hazard); remove or replace dying annuals; and clean or repair porches or railings. Are there dry or dead patches of lawn? An inexpensive repair to the irrigation system might be the solution.

While painting an entire house can be extreme, a wise investment is to paint trim, porches, steps or railings that may look tired or have too many colors; choosing a single, neutral color for trim can create a bright, cohesive look. Finally, check the roof, gutters and windows, looking for spots to caulk, shingles to replace, or debris to remove.

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Paint is extremely important if the home has faded or dirty walls, holes or chips on paint or plaster. If an entire paint job is not feasible, at least consider cleaning repairing the obvious and adding a fresh coat of semi-gloss to baseboards, moldings, windowsills, doors, banisters balustrades and built-ins. Don’t overlook the ceilings!

A long-ago leak from a second-floor bathroom may have been completely repaired and moisture abated, but a patched-up ceiling is a red-flag.

Kitchens and baths

Walls, carpets, ceilings and trim Next, it’s time for agent and seller to open up to one another about the interior. Janelle Holte, who leads Seller’s Edge Home Team in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, loves walking into a home knowing that her team will be the driving force behind selling it.

“I like seeing how owners took care of it and raised their family in it,” she says. “But I won’t sugar-coat anything, so I tell them not to shoot the messenger!” She gives it to them straight, explaining what needs to be done to stage it to present well from a buyer’s perspective.

Those changes often include repainting at least the primarily living areas and replacing carpet, especially worn carpet or carpet that has faded or stained beyond what professional carpet cleaning could remedy. Sometimes, all that’s needed is professional carpet stretching to remove any buckling prior to cleaning.

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Most agents agree that the easiest costs to recoup in home improvements prior to selling are those spent in bathroom and kitchen updates. Complete remodels are unwise; you can’t anticipate the style preferences of their buyer. But refinishing, touching-ug up or painting cabinets can create a great impact, while also forcing the seller to remove unwanted or overstocked items from cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls – shiny, new nobs look nice.

Lee Ritchie of Ritchie Realty Group in Columbus, Ohio, gives a reminder to discuss any and all issues up front. “People need to be able rely on the professional who’s presenting, pricing and marketing their home,” she says. An honest and diligent agent will be an open book about the current market conditions, the quality of comparable listings and the potential return-on-investment for improvements.

Some agents, like Debra Dobbs of @properties in Chicago, even roll up their sleeves to help with decluttering and repairs. While not at all required or expected, doing so sure lets sellers see the investment their agent is willing to make for them.

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FEMION MEZINI

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Working only with buyers and serving Boston and surrounding regions, Top Agent Femion Mezini goes where his buyers are and stays focused on getting them the property that they want, under the best terms possible.

Femion Mezini discovered his passion for real estate after college, when he visited the Virgin Islands. “I ended up loving St. John, and I had money saved up from summer jobs,” Femion explains. “So, I used those funds for a down payment on a small piece of land there.” After subdividing it and within six months, the property was worth twice as much. Shortly thereafter, Femion enrolled in graduate school where he completed both an MBA and a law degree, in just two and a half years. Working full-time as a lawyer, he also completed an LL.M in banking and finance at Boston University. But Femion felt something was missing, and he wanted to pursue a path he had more interest in. Already intrigued by real estate, he obtained his broker’s license 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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in 2007. He joined Buyers Brokers Only, LLC in 2009 and quickly hit his stride, becoming a top producer in his first two years as an agent.

Working only with buyers and serving Boston and surrounding regions, Femion goes where his buyers are and stays focused on getting them the property that Top Agent Magazine

they want, under the best terms possible.

Based on his experience and education, he’s able to offer unparalleled advice and guidance. “I would never suggest my client do anything I wouldn’t do myself,” he explains. He spends time managing his clients’ expectations while educating them on current market conditions. This in turn alleviates stress and allows buyers 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“What I love most is being there for them. Buying a house is a huge milestone, and it can be overwhelming.

Knowing I was there to hold their hand and simplify everything, that is such a great feeling.” to make informed decisions. Along the way, he listens closely to their feedback about the properties they see. His extensive experience means he can identify potential problems in a home, steering his buyers away from bad investments.

Femion’s expertise and unmatched knowledge for the current market allows him Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

to create competitive yet budget-minded offers. One client recently said, “We ended up getting the first home we put a bid on, and Femion successfully negotiated a deal at $15k below the listing price.

When the mortgage lender [appraised] the house, it [appraised] $10k more than we paid, getting us some instant equity.”

Those who work with him appreciate his Top Agent Magazine

honesty, with one recalling, “He quickly got us into showings, gave us candid advice on the properties, and helped us find the perfect home. He was always Top Agent Magazine

available to answer all of our questions and it was such a relief to have an expert on our side when making such an important decision.”

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As Femion continues to reach great heights, he is eager to keep building lasting relationships with his clients. “What I love most is being there for them. Buying

a house is a huge milestone, and it can be overwhelming. Knowing I was there to hold their hand and simplify everything, that is such a great feeling.”

For more about Femion Mezini, please call 508-801-7122 or email femion@gmail.com

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Millennial Buyers: Where They Are & What to Know Homebuyers and sellers come from all walks of life. If you’ve been an agent for long, you’ve likely worked alongside a wide variety of folks—from first-timer homeowners and down-sizers, to second home searchers and those finally hunting for their dream home. While there is hardly a shortage of diversity in the housing market, there Top Agent Magazine

is one generation that is making big strides in homeownership these days: Millennials.

Millennials can be loosely defined as those between the ages of twenty-two to thirtyseven. As you can see, this constitutes a wide swathe of the population. If you’re an agent who stands to learn a bit more about

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a demographic whose influence and homeownership goals are rapidly evolving, tune in below for a few pointers that can help you expand a segment of your clientele in the process.

Where do Millennials prefer to buy?

Many Millennials came of age during or immediately following the Great Recession, and as such, many of them relocated or returned to mid-size cities and smaller communities where the cost of living was most affordable. Of course, there are countless Millennials that call the U.S.’s major cities home—especially those in the

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tech industry. The good news is that you can court Millennial clientele no matter where you service area is located. That said, community amenities are of great importance to this generation. They value public transportation, green space, and entertainment—from coffee shops and topnotch restaurants to farmer’s markets and boutiques. Emphasizing those attributes will be key in selling to Millennials and locating neighborhoods they’re most interested in.

What sort of communication do Millennials prefer?

Most Millennials are digital natives, or close to. That means they grew up learning

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how to navigate digital spaces, and prefer to communicate through mediums like email, text, and social media. This isn’t to say that Millennials aren’t good communicators, but they’re often on the go, and have learned to research and shop online. To accommodate this, it’s best to build a presence across the most popular listing portals and social media platforms. Although, it’s not enough to establish a site and wait for the calls to come in. Responsiveness is a key factor for Millennials, who expect speedy response times. Make sure you’re checking your inbox frequently, responding accordingly, and engaging with your audience online. This will let Millennials know

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that you’re savvy, available, and understand the value of their preferred method of communication.

Are Millennials ready to buy?

It’s a common misconception that Millennials are uninterested in the rite of passage of purchasing a home. While Millennials maybe waiting a bit longer than their parents did to buy a home, there are good reasons to explain this phenomenon. For starters, Millennials entered the job market during the downturn, which means they are more conservative when making big purchases, and have to play catch-up to reach a sound

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financial position. Likewise, student loan debt has proved a major financial inhabitation for Millennials. Instead of socking away a few hundred a month to save for a home, they’re forking over that cash to pay down their educational loans. How does a Realtor compete with this reality? For starters, a bit of understanding goes a long way. Work with your mortgage partners to find financing possibilities that cater to this younger demographic. Recognize that Millennials—like most buyers—have some trepidations when buying a home.

Also consider fielding Millennial clientele with the long view in mind. You might be 18

courting them for months or more until they’re ready to take the plunge, but they’re also famous for their reviews. When a job is done well, Millennials shout it from the rooftops—or at least share it a dozen time from their phone.

As time passes, Millennials will continue to dominate the marketplace when it comes to buying and selling homes. A little self-education on this powerful demographic can go a long way. If you know your clients and your audience, you’ll be in a far better position to serve their interests and make a customer for life.

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CLIFF HYPPOLITE A longtime resident of the Boston area, Cliff Hyppolite has always been passionate about helping others. He would get his start with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, where he built a successful career serving those in his community.

After purchasing his first home, though, he took an interest in real estate. In particular, he was drawn to the ways in which the business complemented his outgoing personality and drive to empower those in his community. Inspired, Cliff later decided to pursue his license and launch an award-winning career as an agent, establishing a network of satisfied clients and colleagues that spans the state. But most recently, he decided to elevate his work to the next level and start his team.

Today, Cliff is the Broker and Owner of Secure Realty Investments, LLC., where he assists clients throughout Quincy, Boston, and the surrounding areas of the South Shore. Also licensed in Florida and Rhode Island, he has founded his team around the core values of openness, compassion, and expertise, which allow him to meet the demands of even the toughest transaction.

When listing a property, Cliff offers his clients a comprehensive strategy. After helping them fully prepare their home for the market, he shares it via both the regional MLS and a series of highly targeted campaigns. Along the way, he leverages his extensive network of Brokers, investors, and real estate professionals to give each client an added advantage in the market, ensuring a seamless transaction catered to their best interests.

Elsewhere, Cliff is just as attentive when assisting his buyers, drawing from his acute knowledge of the region

to uncover the right investment for their needs. Always believing in going above and beyond, he thoughtfully educates his clients throughout the transaction to help them make well-informed decisions on their future. “In our business, you have to be dedicated to your clients above all else,” he says. “Real estate is a seven-daysa-week commitment, and I make sure I’m available when my clients need me.”

Over the years, Cliff has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Massachusetts, Florida, and Rhode Island, with the near entirety of his volume coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Now averaging close to $8 million in annual volume, he remains committed to what matters most. “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people find their dream home. Whenever I see the smile on a client’s face on the day of their closing, I’m reminded of what this is all about.”

Outside his career, Cliff is active within his community, contributing to numerous local charities and causes throughout the year. A lifelong learner, when he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be found studying law or exploring the city—enjoying all that Boston has to offer.

Looking ahead, Cliff has exciting plans for his business. As his volume maintains its steady growth, he intends on expanding his reach throughout the region while further mentoring the rising agents on his team.

In the meantime, though, he looks forward to the clients and opportunities that await in the city he loves.

“Our team believes in honesty, loyalty, and integrity,” he says. “With every transaction, we treat our clients as if they were members of our own family.”

To learn more about Cliff Hyppolite, please call (617) 592-5086, email chsecurerealty@gmail.com, visit securerealtyma.com www.

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ABIGAIL ROSE When she started her real estate career in 2020, Abigail Rose was looking for more than a job. She wanted to help people. “I enjoy that I can do that through my career,” she says. Real estate often moves fast and it could be easy to forget that this is the biggest purchase most people will ever make.

“I value that and I take it very seriously.

And, I just enjoy meeting people and being a special part of their journey.”

Abigail Rose’s journey into real estate began early. “My mom makes jokes about how I was a baby in a real estate office. And I was really just born into it,” she says. A little older, Abigail now works as an independent broker in her family’s real estate business. “My parents are the brokers and owners, so that’s pretty cool,” she says. “I would consider myself an independent agent.

We all work closely as an office, together, but we don’t work as a team. So it’s really when my clients are working with me. This is just with me.” Abigail values her affiliation with LAER Realty Partners because “they help us stay a local boutique brokerage while giving us the same resources as the big guys.”

She may have been born into real estate, but Abigail has found her own way to service the south coast of Massachusetts, winning a best Realtor® award her first year out. “A big social media presence is huge for me.

And, that’s just really how I got my start, too. It’s just been very consistent,” she says. “I’m definitely lucky.”

Abigail doesn’t count on luck to keep her business growing. Instead, she relies heavily on forming relationships built on trust and honesty. “I think that my clients appreciate the fact that I’m very knowledgeable and very honest about the market,” she says. “It’s a personal relationship that I create with them. We start off as strangers and we genuinely leave the closing table as friends.”

Those relationships are responsible for her success.

Since getting her license in June of 2020, Abigail has sold more than 20 homes. And with most of her business 20

coming from referrals, she works hard to keep in touch. Her favorite thing to do is gift giving. “For Thanksgiving, I’ll give pies. For Easter, I’ll do little Easter baskets for the kids that my clients have.” Her goal is to make each buyer feel like her only customer. “I do a lot of personal letters. So, if something exciting has happened in my client’s life – they have a baby on the way or they got a new job – I love to send them out a handwritten note.” It’s what sets her apart, she says. “Even though I’m working with a bunch of people at the same time, my client feels like they’re the only one and they feel special.”

Abigail is building community connections as well, volunteering with the Salvation Army and a local women’s shelter. In her free time, you’ll probably find Abigail spending time with her family or enjoying an afternoon at the beach only 10 minutes away.

Looking forward, Abigail sees growth in her future.

Working on a Rhode Island license so she can better service her customers, Abigail says it’s always been about the people. “I really don’t mean to sound cliche, but I always felt like my purpose on this earth was really to help people.”

To learn more about Abigail Rose, email arose@rosehomesrealestate.com or call 508.789.2853 Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine Copyright Top

Daily Habits That Will Increase Your Mental Strength When it comes to building physical strength, the solutions are obvious, but keeping up your mental strength isn’t as easy as going to the gym. Although physical exercise does help clear your head and relieve stress, there are other things you can do daily that will help your mind be as strong and flexible as your body after a workout. Here’s just a few things you can do to help clear your head and make you more productive.

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DON’T WASTE YOUR BRAIN POWER That might seem obvious, but think about how much mental energy you might use up worrying about negativity or things you have no control over. Instead of focusing on problems, focus on solutions.

This actually take a lot of effort, we’re all conditioned to let worry paralyze us sometimes. Try and catch yourself when you’re 21

wasting time thinking about about past mistakes or current dilemmas you don’t have the power to stop. You really only have so much mental energy, and if you have kids and an especially stressful work situation, that might be even less than normal. Start treating your brain like the precious resource it is. You don’t want to be running on empty when it really matters.

BE MORE POSITIVE Eliminating negative thoughts is essential to increasing your mental strength. Carrying around negativity is like swimming with all of your clothes on. You might be okay at first, but eventually you’ll feel like you can barely stay afloat. Don’t drown in negativity, use positive thoughts as a lifesaver. This doesn’t mean you should ignore things you need to improve, just approach them with solutions rather than beating yourself up. Constant monitoring of this is important since it’s really easy to slide back into negative thinking.

STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE A lot of mental energy can go to dealing with anxiety. One way to deal with that is by forcing yourself to try new things and take on new challenges, that you might normally avoid because they make you feel unsure or scared. Challenge yourself daily, even with small things.

This is definitely something that becomes easier with practice. Start small, and in no time you’ll be taking on things you never 22

thought were possible. The simple task of trying something new every day will have you feeling energized and put you on the path to self-growth.

BE SELF-AWARE Your emotions affect everything you do, even if they’re not at the surface. Recognizing and labeling them is key. A lot of the above exercises require selfreflection. It’s okay to have the emotions you have, understanding why and where those emotions come from allows you to focus on dealing with them rather than just wallowing in them. Being self-aware is also about self-care. Know the things that help relax and rejuvenate you. That way you can handle everyday stresses and remain calm even during the most turbulent times.

BE WILLING TO LEARN A lot of people are still hung up on the idea that learning is a boring and tedious process, but you aren’t in junior high anymore. You can find something you’re actually interested in and immerse yourself in it, which engages your mind like nothing else. Whether it’s learning a new technology that will improve your business or something that will make you a more well-rounded person, the learning process keeps you engaged and open to new ideas. A curiosity about the world and new things is something that all mentally strong people have in common.

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Area Specialist BILL TIERNEY Currently residing in Scituate and having previously lived in Cohasset for 25 years, Bill Tierney has always been drawn to real estate. After graduating from Hobart College, he would build a successful career in financial services; however, he eventually started seeking a fresh opportunity that afforded him time to be there for his growing family while still complementing his entrepreneurial spirit. Drawing from his deep roots in the South Shore, he then decided to pursue his real estate license—and the rest is history. In the years since, he has authored an accomplished career in the business, establishing a network of satisfied clients and colleagues that spans the coast.

Today, Bill is a REALTOR® with Michelle Larnard Real Estate, where he assists clients throughout Scituate, Cohasset, and the surrounding communities of the South Shore. There, he has combined his outgoing personality with his elite business acumen to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Bill equips his clients with a comprehensive strategy. After helping them prepare their home for the market, he shares it via a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns. But from start to finish, he keeps things lighthearted and stress-free, ensuring a seamless transaction catered to each client’s best interests.

Elsewhere, Bill is just as attentive when assisting his buyers, leveraging his years of experience to uncover the right investment for their needs. In fact, once the deals are done, he enjoys keeping in touch through

frequent check-ins, handwritten cards, and yearly wine tasting events. But most of all, he loves welcoming clients to the South Shore waterfront—from its locally owned stores like Austin Lyne’s The Good Sport, to its boutique cafes and bakeries like Seabird Coffee Co. and French Memories.

Over the years, Bill has earned a fantastic reputation throughout the South Shore, with the vast majority of his volume coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Now averaging over $15 million in annual volume, he remains committed to the proven standard of integrity and candor that has consistently set him apart. “There’s never any pressure coming from me,” he says. “I don’t mind if a client finds their dream home today, next week, or next year; I just want them to find the right fit for their needs. Each time, I tell them to remember Rule #1: There will always be another house.”

Outside his career, Bill is dedicated to his community.

On top of having previously served on the board of the Cohasset Education Foundation, he also co-chaired the Junior Sailing program at the Cohasset Yacht Club. When he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be found spending time at home with his family or visiting the beach with his chocolate lab, Coco.

As his volume maintains its steady growth, Bill intends on building his team while scaling the vision of kind-hearted service that brought him to the business in the first place. “At the end of the day, real estate should be fun,” he says. “These transactions represent a new beginning, whether you’re listing a home or purchasing one. They don’t have to be hard or stressful, and they should absolutely be filled with laughter.

That’s what I want to bring to my clients, all while adding value each step of the way.”

To learn more about Bill Tierney, email bill.tierney@williamtierney.net, visit Williamtierney.net or call (617) 653-1955 www.

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