Laughs!
AGENT STRATEGIES TO GROW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
In real estate, where connections and maintaining relationships with clients are crucial, having a strong social media presence is essential for any REALTOR®. A wellcrafted agent profile on social platforms can not only showcase your expertise but
also help you connect with a wider audience, build trust, and ultimately grow your business. Here are some comprehensive agent-profile tips to elevate your social media presence and establish a strong online persona:
1CREATE AN ENGAGING AND INFORMATIVE BIO
Your bio should introduce you as a real estate expert and spotlight your specialties, service areas, and what makes you unique. Include relevant keywords so you will rank high in a Google search.
2 HAVE A PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE IN PROFILE PICTURES
It’s important to have a clear, high-definition photo of yourself. You should look professional, but at the same time approachable. Wear clothes that align with your brand, and keep the background simple.
3 SHOW OFF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Share your professional success, accomplishments, accreditations, and awards. This will enhance your credibility and make you appealing to potential clients. Those who visit your social media site will know you’re an expert.
4 MAINTAIN A PERSONAL CONNECTION THROUGH POSTS
Buying and selling real estate is a highly personal experience. It’s vital that you showcase your personality and relatability. Clients want to work with someone who they feel comfortable with. Incorporate your hobbies, personal anecdotes, and interests in your posts.
5 HIGHLIGHT YOUR COMMUNITY WORK
Whether you’re sponsoring an event, volunteering, or supporting local businesses, it’s beneficial to show your followers that you care for your community. It will help portray a positive brand image, and demonstrate a dedication to the areas you serve as a REALTOR®.
6 CREATE CONTENT THAT CAPTIVATES
Produce varied and interesting content, balancing listings with insights into the market, news, and tips for buyers or sellers. This will keep your followers engaged and help solidify your status as a top expert in the field.
7 ENGAGE FOLLOWERS
When people comment or message you, it’s important to respond. It’s also great to get conversations going on your social media pages by posing questions with your posts, running polls, or asking for opinions.
8 KEEP TO A SCHEDULE
Post regularly on social media, at times when your audience is most active. This will ensure your posts are being seen by the largest audience possible. And when your followers know when to expect your posts, they will remember to check it out.
9
POST BEHIND THE SCENES INSIGHTS
Offer a look into your everyday life in the real estate world, including preparing for open houses, client meetings, or your office setup. Maintaining an authentic presence will help you connect to your followers.
10 DON’T FORGET ABOUT STORIES AND REELS
Take advantage of Instagram and Facebook’s Stories and Reels. This is where you can post more spontaneous and creative content. Some of the highest engagement on social media happens on these platforms.
11STRATEGIC HASHTAG USE
Use hashtags that are relevant to what you’re posting. You can even create your own hashtag that reflects your brand. When you use a mix of the two, you’ll reach a larger audience.
12 COLLABORATE WITH PEERS
Don’t be afraid to partner up with local businesses, industry influencers, and other professionals. You can cross-promote content and create content together. This will introduce you and your brand to new audiences.
13 CREATE EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
Establish yourself as an expert by sharing knowledge about the real estate market,
process, or regulatory changes. Educating your audience not only demonstrates your expertise but also provides them with valuable information.
14 POST CLIENT FEEDBACK
Feature positive feedback from satisfied clients. Testimonials build trust and provide social proof of your skills and commitment to client satisfaction. Consider creating visually appealing graphics or dedicated posts to showcase these testimonials.
15 QUALITY VISUALS ARE KEY
Invest in high-quality visuals for your posts. Clear and appealing images are crucial in the real estate industry, whether you’re showcasing a property, sharing a personal story, or promoting your services. Professional visuals make a significant impact on social media platforms.
Remember, building a strong social media presence is an ongoing process that requires a blend of creativity, consistency, and genuine engagement. Regularly assess your analytics to understand what resonates with your audience, and adjust your strategy accordingly. By incorporating these agent-profile tips, you can effectively grow your social media presence, establish a meaningful connection with your current and potential clients, and differentiate yourself in the competitive real estate landscape.
JACQUELINE STURM
Jacqueline Sturm: Building Trust, One Client at a Time
When Jacqueline Sturm first stepped into real estate in 2017, it was the result of an unexpected turning point. After being laid off from her corporate career, she and her husband were searching for a home. What should have been an exciting chapter quickly turned frustrating as they encountered unprepared and untrustworthy agents. Instead of giving in to disappointment, Jacqueline found
her calling. “I wanted to become the kind of agent I wish we had—knowledgeable, trustworthy, and truly invested in clients’ best interests,” she shares.
That decision has defined her career. Today, Jacqueline is a respected real estate professional with Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, serving North Jersey with a special focus on The Caldwells as well as
Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties. She has built her business around the same values that first inspired her: integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to creating lasting relationships.
For Jacqueline, her work goes beyond transactions. “I don’t just work here—I live here,” she says. From the natural
beauty of Grover Cleveland Park to highly rated schools and the warm sense of community, she treasures the area’s charm. Add in the easy commute to New York City, and Jacqueline believes her market offers the best of both worlds. “It’s suburban comfort with city access. Helping people find their place here is something I’m passionate about.”
Jacqueline is a respected real estate professional with Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, serving North Jersey with a special focus on The Caldwells as well as Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.
Jacqueline believes every property deserves to shine. Her marketing strategy combines professional staging and photography with social media, digital and print advertising, and targeted outreach to her extensive network.
Jacqueline believes every property deserves to shine. Her marketing strategy combines professional staging and photography with social media, digital and print advertising, and targeted outreach to her extensive network. “Every home has a story, and I make sure it’s presented beautifully to the right buyers,” she explains.
Her personal brand follows the same model. She markets herself with the same professionalism and consistency she applies to her listings, relying on digital campaigns, community involvement, and relationship-building to stay on top of client’s minds.
One of Jacqueline’s greatest sources of pride is that much of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals. She stays connected through regular checkins, market updates, client appreciation events, and personalized gestures. “The relationships I build don’t end at closing,”
she notes. “Many clients come back when it’s time to buy or sell again, and their referrals are the highest compliment I can receive.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jacqueline is deeply committed
“The relationships I build don’t end at closing,”
Jacqueline notes. “Many clients come back when it’s time to buy or sell again, and their referrals are the highest compliment I can receive.”
to community service. One cause close to her heart is supporting the local animal shelter through the annual Pets with Santa fundraiser. Her mother started the event years ago, and Jacqueline now continues it in her honor. “It’s a way to celebrate her legacy while making a difference for animals and families in our community,” she says.
If she could turn back time, Jacqueline admits she would have started in real estate earlier. “They say if you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work—and that’s how I feel about this career,” she reflects. Her passion for helping others find home, coupled with her dedication to service, has made her a trusted advisor and valued resource across North Jersey.
https://www.instagram.com/jackienjrealtor
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565051890191#
https://www.youtube.com/@jacquelinesturm670
WHAT MARATHON RUNNERS CAN TEACH REAL ESTATE AGENTS ABOUT SUCCESS
Written by Jessica Fisher, Top Agent Magazine Publisher
Success In Real Estate Is A Marathon—Not A Sprint.
Each lesson from marathon runners contributes to real estate agent success.
In the competitive world of real estate, overnight success is more myth than reality. The most accomplished agents
know that true achievement comes not from quick wins, but from consistency, endurance, and a clear, long-term vision. These same principles are what drive marathon runners to the finish line after 26.2 grueling miles.
6 Lessons on Real Estate Agent Success from Marathon Runners highlight
the importance of determination and strategy.
Whether you’re pounding the pavement with sneakers or pounding the phones with prospecting calls, the road to real estate success mirrors the marathoner’s journey in more ways than one. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a lasting, thriving business in real estate, take a few lessons from those who train with relentless dedication.
Learning from marathon runners can help you achieve real estate agent success.
1. Consistency is King
Marathon runners understand that logging consistent miles is the only way to build endurance. There are no shortcuts to race day readiness—only the slow, steady accumulation of effort. Skipping a day of training here and there might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it adds up—and not in a good way.
For real estate agents, consistency is just as critical. Making daily prospecting calls, following up with leads, sending newsletters, posting on social media, and staying visible in your market—even when deals aren’t immediately closing—is how you build a pipeline that sustains your business. Anyone
can have a good week or month, but the agents who succeed long-term are the ones who show up every single day. Rain or shine, easy or hard—that’s what separates the elite from the average.
Daily actions propel you towards real estate agent success.
2. Set Long-Term Goals (But Win Daily)
Runners don’t suddenly wake up and run 26.2 miles. They train for months—or even years—with a clear end goal. But they also celebrate small, incremental wins: finishing a long run, hitting a new personal best, or just showing up on the days they didn’t feel like it.
The best real estate agents take a similar approach. They set ambitious, long-term goals—like closing 50 transactions in a year, growing a team, or breaking into a luxury market. But they also focus on the day-to-day actions: one showing, one listing appointment, one client touchpoint at a time. The daily disciplines are what lead to the big wins.
These incremental actions lead to real estate agent success.
3. Mental Toughness is a Game-Changer
Every marathoner hits what’s known as “the wall,” usually around mile 20. It’s that moment when your body feels like quitting and your mind has to dig deep to push you forward. Without mental grit, many runners don’t make it past that point.
In real estate, “the wall” can look like a month with no closings, a deal that falls apart last minute, or a year of grinding without seeing immediate results. Rejection, disappointment, and uncertainty are part of the business. The agents who make it aren’t the ones who avoid failure—they’re the ones who press on in spite of it.
Pushing through challenges is essential for real estate agent success.
Mental stamina is everything. When you’re in a slump, facing tough competition, or juggling difficult clients, your mindset determines whether you bounce back or burn out.
4. Train for All Conditions
Marathon runners don’t only train on perfect 70-degree days. They run in the rain, snow, heat, and humidity to prepare for anything that might hit them on race day. Flexibility is part of the training process.
Staying adaptable is crucial for enduring real estate agent success.
The same goes for real estate. The market is always shifting—interest rates rise, inventory fluctuates, and buyer sentiment can turn on a dime. Agents who adapt, educate themselves, and stay ahead of trends remain competitive no matter the climate. Whether it’s a seller’s market or a buyer’s one, preparation and adaptability make all the difference.
5. Fuel Matters—Physically and Professionally
A marathoner who neglects nutrition, hydration, or rest won’t make it far on race day. They fuel intentionally—before, during, and after each run—to perform at their peak.
Your health is a key factor in achieving real estate agent success.
Real estate agents face a different kind of endurance challenge, but the principle is the same. Long hours, high stress, and constant availability can drain your energy and enthusiasm. Prioritizing your physical and mental health is not optional—it’s essential. Take breaks. Get enough sleep. Spend time with loved ones. Recharge regularly so that you don’t hit burnout before reaching your full potential.
6. Celebrate the Finish—
Then Start Again
Crossing the finish line of a marathon is a
huge accomplishment, but most runners don’t stop there. After a well-earned celebration and some rest, they start thinking about their next race.
Embrace each milestone as part of your journey to real estate agent success.
The same goes for real estate. Closing a deal is cause for celebration, but it’s not the finish line—it’s a milestone. Reflect on what went well, what could improve, and then turn the page. Growth comes from learning, and each transaction builds your skill, confidence, and reputation. The best agents are always preparing for their next challenge.
Final Mile: Success is a Long Game
Success in real estate isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires the endurance of a marathon runner—the discipline to show up daily, the resilience to overcome obstacles, and the drive to keep improving. Whether you’re a new agent just getting started or a seasoned professional aiming for your next level, remember: you’re not sprinting to a finish line—you’re building a career with staying power.
Real estate agent success is built over time with patience and perseverance.
Commit to the process. Trust your training. And keep running your race.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
AGENTS WITH HEART
A pivotal question we pose to featured agents in Top Agent Magazine is, ‘Tell us about your community involvement.’ This query holds immense significance, not only as a benchmark for nominees but also as a crucial factor contributing to the success and prestige of top agents.
Top Agent Magazine defines community involvement based on three key factors: Events, Associations, and Charities. Beyond serving clients, top agents demonstrate an outstanding commitment to their communities and the place they call home. Their measures involve volunteering time,
Community involvement is not just an extracurricular activity for top agents; it’s an essential element that molds their individuality and professional ethos.
financial contributions to organizations helping those in need, and active participation in community events. This distinctive trait is a testament to how their generosity extends beyond clients, enhancing the lives of those in their surrounding communities.
most fulfilling part of my career is knowing that I will change somebody’s life.”
Take Cindy Ambuehl, a former actress and model who has evolved into one of LA’s most sought-after luxury real estate agents, gracing the cover of Top Agent Magazine. Cindy passionately supports PS Arts, a foundation reinstating arts education in schools. Through events and fundraising initiatives, she’s contributed to maintaining art education for an entire year to 30,000 students.
Consider Josh Flagg, whose enormous rise in real estate landed him a spot on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing and a cover feature in Top Agent Magazine. Despite his stardom, Josh travels throughout America, mentoring brokers, agents, and students, sharing insights on achieving success. He finds fulfillment in transforming lives through his career and shares, “The
These examples are just a peek at how agents engage with their communities. Whether gathering Christmas gifts for underprivileged children, supporting children’s hospitals financially, advocating to end homelessness, or volunteering at local animal shelters, these agents extend their reputation beyond transactions. They’re known not only for their professional success but also for their unwavering support of community causes.
Community involvement is not just an extracurricular activity for top agents; it’s an essential element that molds their individuality and professional ethos. In the real estate landscape, where relationships and integrity are central, active participation in the community builds credibility and fosters meaningful connections. Beyond boosting their reputations, community involvement mirrors a profound commitment to the areas they serve. Agents invested in their communities acquire a deep understanding of local needs and through active engagement, these agents become vital parts of the social tapestry, earning the regard and trust of the community.
“Agents with Heart” displays how top agents have left a mark on the real estate landscape by imbuing their work with heart and soul, influencing lives outside of transactions.
CINDY AMBUEHL
JOSH FLAGG
