NEW JERSEY 6-28-21

NEW JERSEY EDITION

Welcome Home: WORKING WITH RELOCATORS IN TRANSITION TOP 4 WAYS TO

JUICE UP YOUR

OPEN HOUSE STRATEGY

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING

FEATURED AGENTS

JENNIFER KLEIN CAROLYN BARDACH

IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE

COVER STORY

MICHELE GARZIO

NEW JERSEY EDITION

CAROLYN BARDACH JENNIFER KLEIN

Top Agent Carolyn Bardach – Team including 7 17 23 Leader of The Bardach Team at Berkshire Senior Re Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Buyers Properties in Morristown, New Jersey – is Collection a truly dedicated real estate professional has helped who has built a remarkable business based and recog on a solid foundation of honesty, integrity winner of and deep industry and local market knowlAward for edge. With her emphasis on providing BHHS Ne excellent customer service, Carolyn has Club from MICHELE GARZIO JENNIFER KLEIN CAROLYN BARDACH Jennifer is also very knowledgeable With a background in finance, Jennifer Klein estate, well-equipped to flourish more than earned her was stellar reputation as in the real estate the process. Her expertise and communi industry. “I’ve always loved this business, I’ve results in happy clients that love to sprea a trusted and highly effective estate Other fac always adapt moved a lot inreal my life, so I realized I should word about her work. She is the ever-changing market, and looking become a licensed REALTOR© and give my advocate for both buyers and sellers alike.

Carolyn’sfo dream a shot,” she says. Jennifer hit the ground ways to add value to her client’s exper expert being able to running about nine years ago and hasn’t looked “This career really requiresher back since. By providing superior service and and change our procedures to figure out Carolyn began her adventures in the world of real estate and intelligent market guidance at every step, the vast majority of her to help people, which was really apparen CONTENTS the pandemic,” says. sales “We’v business derives from clients andAmerica, referrals. year with in 2002, following a lengthy career inrepeat corporate translate intoshefast Serving Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean in the past year that this particular role is working for Casio Electronics.

“Ihasended up being laid happy clients.

Counties, Jennifer a team which of herself and ahouse few buyer’s off from my job after consists buying a little following a agents.

Understanding that this is one 4) INCORPORATING 13) TOP 4 WAYS TO 20) WELCOME divorce,” recalls Carolyn. invited Carolyn is also heavil of the “I biggest chaptersmy in aRealtor person’s over for life, and my her team go above and CHARITABLE GIVING JUICE UP YOUR OPEN HOME: lunch and was telling herJennifer about situation, she WORKING and gives back in a and beyond to get their clients what IN YOUR REAL HOUSE STRATEGY WITH RELOCATORS suggested that I get my through her participat theyreal want. estate license. Since I was ESTATE PRACTICE unemployed, I signed “My up for classes. My first yearINinTRANSITION the provides support to s main thing is responsiveness,” “PeopleRealtor can alwaysAssociation’s reach business I achieved theJennifer Newsays.

Jersey JBWS. She is also a Tr me, I always have my phone with me bronze level for sales,andwhich was a majorAfter accomplishNorth Central Jersey As I’m on top of everything.” helping people and me.” sell real ment, and there was noyears looking backbuyfor and is their Chairper Action Committee.

Copyright Top Agent A Ma Since then, Carolyn’s business has continued to grow active committee mem Phone 310-734-1440 Fax she 310-734-1440 and thrive,| and currently oversees a team of equally Legislative Committee mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com dedicated agents. Additionally, the lion’s share of her Committee since 2019. based inupon repeat and referred NJAR’s 2021 Safety Ad No portion of thisbusiness issue may beisreproduced any manner whatsoever without priorclients, consent of an the publisher.

Top Agent Magazine is published

by Feature Publications Inc.excellent Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published accurate barometer ofGA,the customer service she materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

Carolyn’s plan for the provides.

“Isend think a tolot of that has to do with my brutal To subscribe or change address, inquiry mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in thehonesty,” U.S. team and business, and says Carolyn, when asked how she achieves technology to better as such impressive levels of trust in loyalty in such a she leads. competitive market. “I would never sell a client a home Top Agent Magazine I wouldn’t live in myself.”

“What I love best abo

MICHELE GARZIO

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Incorporating Charitable Giving in Your Real Estate Practice

As real estate professionals, taking part in the community and serving others is central to a long-lasting practice. After all, agents are in the business of homeownership, building a financial future, and helping their clients begin new and fruitful chapters. With that in 4

mind, how might an agent deliver that spirit of service in a broader sphere?

The truth is, charitable giving offers nothing but upsides. Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it

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Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network.

also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network. If charitable giving is an idea you’ve toyed with, or a practice you’ve engaged in only now and again, here are a few ways to make it a foundational element of your business and a win-win for all.

Find causes that speak to you.

Donating funds or resources can feel anonymous if you’re divorced from the organization you’re working with. While national and international charitable organizations are certainly effective and worthwhile, you might consider partnering with local chapters of those organizations, or identifying hyper-local organizations that address need in your state, county, town, or even your own neighborhood. The first step to establishing a charitable relationship is to find a cause that you genuinely care about. For many, animal rescue is a tangible cause where resources and volunteership are always welcome. For others, children’s health and advocacy is a calling. Regardless Top Agent Magazine

of your personal passion, participation can be big or small. From sponsoring a local youth sports league to partnering with an area animal shelter for their annual spay-athon event—there are all sorts of ways to make a difference.

Unite your team for the common good.

One way to make charitable giving a staple is to do it in arm and arm with others. Supporting a local cause is a great way to bring your team together in a unifying capacity. Hosting coat drives in winter, blanket drives for local animal shelters, or backpack drives for needy students at the start of the new school year— all are straightforward and highly useful, direct ways to give to your community as a team. It’s also important to set collective goals as a way of keeping people motivated and accountable over time. Offices are productive, but often hectic spaces.

Injecting a collective goal with a positive, tangible result can create an ambiance of goodwill and generosity—both of which are worthwhile attributes to cultivate as

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the leader of your team. Lastly, consider timely giving as a way of connecting your team to their community. Natural disasters, local fundraising drives, and improvement funds are all direct ways your team can contribute, while they themselves reap the benefit in the community.

Include clients in the process.

You’ve likely heard of charitable donations made in the name of your client as an alternative to the classic closing gift, but there are a few ways you might update this method of giving. For starters, consider including your clients in the selection process. Do they have a special cause that’s close to their hearts? Likewise, you might

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consider making regular, consistent giving a part of your routine post-closing. Instead of following up with your yearly poinsettia plant or pumpkin, you might find a cause in their neighborhood or township that you can support in their name. It’s wise to choose something apolitical, but a cause that’s hyperlocal to their area demonstrates unique thoughtfulness.

There are plenty of ways in which society as a whole can benefit from charitable causes that build goodwill in the world, support those less fortunate, and bolster a positive future. Incorporating charitable giving in your business model is a generous way to make this mentality a central tenet of your team and a defining characteristic for your clients to remember.

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MICHELE GARZIO

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Top Agent Michele Garzio with Smires & Associates Real Estate, assists clients throughout Mercer County, Burlington County, and the surrounding areas.

For Michele Garzio, real estate has always been a family business. Her father, a commercial broker, has been selling real estate for over fifty years, and before him, her extended family left a distinguished legacy in the industry. In fact, the street Michele came of age on, Pintinalli Drive, was even named after her grandfather for all the 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

work he did in their community through real estate. But rather than following them into the business, Michele carved her own path, serving as a paralegal for 25 years.

In 2015, though, she finally decided to pursue her real estate license and join Ed Smires, a close friend and esteemed broker, at his agency.

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Today, Michele is an agent for Smires & Associates Real Estate, where she assists clients throughout Mercer County, Burlington County, and the surrounding areas. By combining her expertise with her agency’s extensive resources, she has cultivated a boutique workflow to meet the needs of any transaction. “Smires & Associates is a truly great place to be,” she says. “Ed is a hands-on broker; he helps us with everything, and he’s always available to lend additional support for our clients.”

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When listing a home, Michele prefers a comprehensive approach. After helping her clients fully prepare their house for the market, she shares it over both the regional MLS and a blend of targeted digital and social media campaigns. Elsewhere, she gives her sellers an added advantage through trusted outlets like Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

“First and foremost, I believe in being honest, open, and upfront with my clients,” Michele says. “ I won’t just tell them what they want to hear; instead, I’ll tell them the truth and find solutions to any problems that may arise over the course of their deal.” listings in local newspapers, all to ensure they maximize their value. But Michele is just as savvy when aiding her buyers, leveraging her years of experience and background as a paralegal to advocate on their behalf and guide them to the right home for their best interests. “First and foremost, I believe in being honest, open, and upfront with my clients,” she says.

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“I won’t just tell them what they want to hear; instead, I’ll tell them the truth and find solutions to any problems that may arise over the course of their deal.”

For her expertise and personable service, Michele has earned a fantastic reputation throughout New Jersey, with the vast majority of her volume coming from referTop Agent Magazine

rals. She has also uncovered a distinct niche in the market: Her husband is a prominent divorce attorney in the area, and she has developed an expertise in assisting his clients with their transitions into new homes.

Outside her career, Michele is tremendously active in her community. On top Top Agent Magazine

of supporting meal trains and making frequent donations to her church, she also participates in various local fundraisers throughout the year. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she enjoys spending quality time on the beach with her family or taking care of her beloved golden retriever, Penny.

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Michele has strong ambitions for the future of her business. As her volume maintains its steady growth, she intends on expanding her reach throughout the region. More than anything, though, she looks forward to empowering even more buyers and sellers in her community. “I enjoy helping any-

one who is looking for a fresh start,” she says. “Whether I’m working with a recently divorced client or a first time homebuyer, I love seeing them find what they’re looking for. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching my clients get on their own and succeed.”

To learn more about Michele Garzio, email Garzio.michele@gmail.com, visit smiresandassociates.com or call (609) 259-1414 www.

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Top 4 Ways to Juice Up Your Open House Strategy

by Rob Flitton

I go to open houses, but not just because of my profession or interest in architecture and interior design. I go to open houses to see how effective real estate agents are at selling. It has been rather eyeopening because there is very little selling going on—the average open house strategy needs work.

1.Build a Dynamic Open House Booklet After they leave, open house visitors will discard a one-page for-sale info sheet naming a home’s features. But they will keep, and possibly use, a 6 or 8 page booklet loaded with interesting items that directly solve problems for them.

Perhaps “selling” is considered an outdated skill, or that it feels socially awkward for agents to be regarded as a salesperson. But if you’re a real estate agent, you are a salesperson. At most of the open houses I go, I see money floating out the door every time a visitor leaves because of the agent’s inability or refusal to sell.

It will require some strategic thought to nail the content and design, but perhaps include: (i) descriptives about the benefits of buying the property you’re showing, and not just data, (ii) compelling reasons why they should consider working with you along with a web link to search for listings on your website, (iii) a web link telling them how to get a prompt, written estimate on the value of their home, or to find out what other homes in their neighborhood sold for, (iv) possible discounts on real estate related services—maybe a reduction in fees from your preferred lender, or a reduced home inspection price, (v) possible discounts on non real estate related items.

An open house is a lucrative opportunity to find buyer or seller clients –selling the listing itself may also be the goal, but an agent should not pass up this chance.

There are 4 distinct strategies an agent can immediately employ to juice up their open houses and get awesome leads.

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youcombine combinethis thisdynamic dynamic booklet booklet If Ifyou withproperly properly trained trained closing closing lan lanwith guage,asastouched touchedupon upon below, below, itit is is guage, somethingthe the average average person person will will something eitherkeep keepand anduse useororpass pass along along to to either someonethey theyknow. know.AAwell well designed designed someone booklet canbring bringyou youaalot lotof ofbusiness. business. booklet can

data—and interesting data—andthey theyare arevoid voidofofinteresting or problem-solving problem-solvinginformation. information.

the14 square footage, and the standard

Top Agent Magazine neighborhood is very appealing.

2.Work 2.Work The TheNeighborhood Neighborhood A A few few days daysprior priortotoyour youropen openhouse, house, find the names and addresses (from find the names and addresses (from tax 2020 tax records—or records—orelsewhere) elsewhere)of,of,say, say, homes in each direction from the homes in each direction from the Pre-internet, both open houses for open house.

Pre-internet, both resale listings, andopen modelhouses homes for for open house. resale and model homes for For the cost of postage and some new listings, construction, relied on strategic For the costmail of apostage some new construction, relied on strategic postcardand to these collateral materials (handouts).

Vis- sweat-equity, sweat-equity, mail a postcard collateral materials (handouts). homeowners inviting them to to these the itors were ostensibly looking at Vis sev-- 80 ostensibly looking at sev 80 homeowners inviting them to itors were eral competitors at the same time, so open house and offering somethingthe eral competitors at thehad same time,the so unique open house and offering something collateral materials to have and compelling—perhaps a collateral hadback to have the drawing unique or and compelling—perhaps power tomaterials bring them to your giveaway for those willing a giveaway willing power to great bring call themtoback to your drawing provideortheir opinionfor onthose the asking site—a action, eye- to of the their homeopinion (and theon entry catching color,call identification the price to provide the card, asking site—a great to action, ofeyecourse, net(and youthe their email benefitscolor, of buying your product. price of thewill home entry card, catching identification of the of address and will phone People of course, netnumber). you their email benefits of buying your product.

Yet at open houses today, I primarily are generally nosy and like toPeople be address and phone number). bland houses information dis- validated, so asking theirlike opinion are generally nosyforand to be Yetseeat open today, sheets I primarily cussing features—the listing price, on something hap pening in their own see bland information sheets dis- validated, so asking for their opinion very appealing. the square footage, andlisting the standard on somethingishap pening in their own cussing features—the price, neighborhood

And, it is best to mail them again right after the open house to talk about what happened.

“From our Saturday open house, we discovered 3 qualified and eager buyers that are now looking for a home in this neighborhood—if you would like to know what your home is worth for these buyers to consider, please give me a call.”

dynamic booklet and say: “Please enjoy our open house, and am hoping you’ll do me a favor. This booklet is loaded with great information about, and if you become interested at some point in buying or selling, would you please call and give me the opportunity to earn your business? Or if you happen to know someone now who is looking now, would you kindly pass this booklet onto them?”

Also, adding on door-knocking or If they reply with a “don’t know” type flyer-hanging to your mailings boosts of answer this usually means they are your neighborhood equity even more. indeed looking but are just not ready yet to reveal this to you, so you will 3.Close and Qualify need to work to make a connection.

Engage every single visitor in closing Good consultative sales connections dialogue, because every single visitor are made when you can make them feel you’re not pushy and are able to is there for a reason. directly resolve their problem.

While smiling, with shoulders erect, and maintaining suitable distance, A “yes” type of response is great, but look them in the eye and offer your you should take the qualifying step of handshake while stating your full asking them if they’re working with another agent. If they are, the dyname and company—and then ask: namic booklet comes in handy again: “Are you out looking to buy a home “If for any reason your agent is today?” unavailable to show you homes, I can be reached at the phone number in There are 4 categories of answers, this booklet. Plus, it contains fantastic and any answer they provide is an resources for searching online and a opportunity to get to the marrow of discount on financing.” what they need. There are “nos”, “don’t knows,” “yeses,” and “other.” If you can’t get a sandwich, get a bite.

If they are definitive about looking, If they reply with a “no” variety of and don’t have an agent, then they are answer, then you can hand them your available for you to work with and Top Agent Magazine

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here again you need the right type of closing and qualifying dialogue.

The goal here is to evoke from them their home-buying goals so that you can match and narrow down to a single opportunity. It’s a mistake to present multiple listings to a buyer at once. Ask broad questions and then narrowing questions followed up by “if-then” questions.

Example: “What types of functions do you want in your new home, or activities near your neighborhood?”

Followed by something like, “is the number or size of bedrooms important to you?” Followed by, “so if I can show you the kind of home we just described, are you ready to go see it and possibly make an offer?”

4.Have Interactive Tech Tools Onsite It is the worst feeling to engage someone as a potential client at an open house and then have no tools available to solve their problem— don’t assume they aren’t going to want to do business right away.

If you’re engaging a potential buyer, you better be able to instantly gratify their desire to see viable homes online so internet access and an easily view-able screen are necessary. They may ask you to go see other homes in-person, so you need to have a coagent available to either show them those homes, or spell you off as host while you do. You may be asked to write up an offer for them so you will need the tools and ability to create and e-sign documents.

Naturally, any objections or “nos” you receive in this process are just fan- When a potential listing client is in tastic opportunities to learn about their front of you, you need to be able to needs and earn a connected trust. show them recent comparable sales and may even be asked to list their The “other” thing they might tell you home and will need the tools and is that they’re not a buyer at all, but a ability to create and e-sign documents potential seller. Potential sellers often for taking that listing. go to open houses to find out how their home stacks up, but are you It happens sometimes—but it never aware what the number one reason happens if you’re not ready. they attend open houses is?

Potential sellers go to open houses to Rob Flitton is a Seattle Real Estate Mardirectly or indirectly interview you, a keting specialist helping independent agents to increase their income. Email Rob potential listing agent. And they hire robflitton@gmail.com at any time or call/ confident, prepared professionals. text him at 206-612-2314.

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JENNIFER KLEIN

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JENNIFER KLEIN

With a background in finance, Jennifer Klein was well-equipped to flourish in the real estate industry. “I’ve always loved this business, I’ve moved a lot in my life, so I realized I should become a licensed REALTOR© and give my dream a shot,” she says. Jennifer hit the ground running about nine years ago and hasn’t looked back since. By providing superior service and guidance at every step, the vast majority of her business derives from repeat clients and referrals.

Serving Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean Counties, Jennifer has a team which consists of herself and a few buyer’s agents. Understanding that this is one of the biggest chapters in a person’s life, Jennifer and her team go above and beyond to get their clients what they want.

estate, Jennifer is also very knowledgeable about the process. Her expertise and communication results in happy clients that love to spread the word about her work. She is always adapting to the ever-changing market, and looking for new ways to add value to her client’s experience.

“This career really requires being able to pivot and change our procedures to figure out ways to help people, which was really apparent this year with the pandemic,” she says. “We’ve seen in the past year that this particular role is more

“My main thing is responsiveness,” Jennifer says. “People can always reach me, I always have my phone with me and I’m on top of everything.” After years helping people buy and sell real 18

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necessary than ever, as people want to improve their quality of life and need agents to assist them in doing so.”

Helping people with their real estate goals often means having an exceptional marketing plan in place to get them the most for their listings. Every property Jennifer sells includes professional photographs and advertising on all the major social media platforms. “I post all of my listings on my personal and business Facebook pages, as well as Instagram,” Jennifer says.

Clients leave glowing reviews about their time with Jennifer, with one recently saying, “Jen is an amazing agent. My experiences with her over the past seven years have truly been amazing. She goes above and beyond. She has integrity and always responds promptly.

I think what strikes me the most is Jen gives the same service if I’m selling a million dollar home or just a rental for an investment property. There is no one I could recommend more than Jennifer. She is a superstar.”

When Jennifer isn’t working, she’s staying active in the community through sponsoring various sports teams that her kids are a part of, or participating in Keller Williams Red Day. “We identify one local cause to help out every year. One year we did a total rehab of a volunteer fire department, painting the walls, putting in new furniture, and new flooring.”

During any free time, she’s hanging out with her family, trying new restaurants, or traveling.

Wherever Jennifer’s path leads these next few years, she will no doubt enjoy every minute of it. It’s been a dream career for her, and she can’t imagine doing anything else. “I just love being able to see my impact on people’s lives and knowing I am helping them accomplish their goals.”

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For more about Jennifer Klein, please call 646-591-1601 or email jklein@kw.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

Welcome Home:

Working with Relocators in Transition People stage moves for all sorts of reasons.

From the joyous and pre-planned, to the unfortunate and unexpected, new chapters begin with the help of an agent. When you’re working with buyers from a different region, state, or country, the typical complications of a transaction can be compounded. So, what’s a savvy agent to do?

For starters, envision the big picture. Relocators have extra obstacles between them and 20

their dream home. They don’t necessarily know which neighborhoods are ideal for their lifestyle, what they should budget for utilities, what type of homeowner’s insurance is ideal, or how they can tour, let alone close, on a house from afar. All in all, it’s a tall order, but if you can manage a relocation transaction successfully, you could tap into a sizable pool of clientele. Think of it this way: if you’re the shining star of a relocator’s moving process, their word-of-mouth praise could be

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exponential. Likewise, a winning reputation within that client’s corporate sphere could lead to lucrative, stable referrals and partnerships for years to come. Here are a few key ways to help clients navigate the relocation process with minimal stress and maximum results.

Create a full-scale timeline for you and your client that makes expectations clear.

Moving is already one of life’s biggest stressors, but relocations have a dozen more moving parts that your average deal. Consider creating a master-plan of sorts to help you and your client visualize the steps required to achieve success in the midst of a relocation.

Even from afar, your client will be able to refer to the roadmap you’ve set. Likewise, this makes sure you and your client are on the same page regarding expectations, timelines, and checklists. Assemble an articulated, overarching gameplan also helps demystify the process and lower stress. Instead of clients wondering what’s next, what’s needed, who to call, and when to be ready—handy guidelines of your own devising will be at their fingertips.

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Attune your communication style so that nothing goes overlooked or miscommunicated.

Establish early on how your client prefers to communicate and which methods should be excluded. Also, make sure to outline what timeframes are ideal to communicate in, and how often they expect to hear from you with status updates or follow-ups. Some clients might prefer a more hands-off approach that lets you manage most details behind the scenes with updates only when progress is made. Most clients in the midst of a serious relocation, however, will prefer to be in touch more frequently. Customizing is key. If they prefer text messages and emails over calls, that’s a helpful detail to know from the outset. If they prefer face-to-face video chats or can only speak after business hours—those are also key parameters to work within. The less mystery and hassle, the better.

Be a local resource with vetted recommendations and vendors on-hand.

Relocating homeowners may not know the best neighborhoods and their amenities, or where the best school districts are, which areas are high-traffic, or where their dollar might stretch a little further. Identifying your clients’ goals can help narrow this field, but you’ll also want to be careful not to overwhelm them with information. After all, they’re taking on a huge life transition and making a move as an outsider. You’ll want to serve as a onestop-shop who can remove some steps and stress from their organizational obligations.

Have a contractor who can get a head-start on home projects while clients make the move?

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Excellent. Or, perhaps you can provide an out-of-state agent referral so that clients can sell their existing property in a timeline that works in conjunction with their new purchase. Make yourself a community expert and a connector, and you’ve won a client— and their referrals—for much longer than a single transaction.

Think outside the box when weighing variables.

Relocations aren’t your typical transaction.

You’ll need to do a bit more planning to avoid pitfalls along the way. For instance, have you considered how you’ll tour homes with clients if they live hundreds of miles away?

Are there time zone differences to factor in?

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If clients are relocating from another country, are there any special visa or naturalization considerations? How will their belongings travel? Are there pets to relocate? There are plenty of questions to ask and plan for, but the key is to be communicative and thorough up front. The more information and planning time you have, the smoother the transition will go.

There are certified real estate agent designations you can pursue that set you apart for your experience when it comes to relocations, but in lieu of those—arm yourself with the planning details and methods that will make your client a raving fan. In the process, you’ll up your game, create a happy client, and hopefully field similar business for years to come.

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CAROLYN BARDACH Top Agent Carolyn Bardach – Team Leader of The Bardach Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties in Morristown, New Jersey – is a truly dedicated real estate professional who has built a remarkable business based on a solid foundation of honesty, integrity and deep industry and local market knowledge. With her emphasis on providing excellent customer service, Carolyn has more than earned her stellar reputation as a trusted and highly effective real estate advocate for both buyers and sellers alike.

Carolyn began her adventures in the world of real estate in 2002, following a lengthy career in corporate America, working for Casio Electronics. “I ended up being laid off from my job after buying a little house following a divorce,” recalls Carolyn. “I invited my Realtor over for lunch and was telling her about my situation, and she suggested that I get my real estate license. Since I was unemployed, I signed up for classes. My first year in the business I achieved the New Jersey Realtor Association’s bronze level for sales, which was a major accomplishment, and there was no looking back for me.”

Since then, Carolyn’s business has continued to grow and thrive, and she currently oversees a team of equally dedicated agents. Additionally, the lion’s share of her business is based upon repeat and referred clients, an accurate barometer of the excellent customer service she provides. “I think a lot of that has to do with my brutal honesty,” says Carolyn, when asked how she achieves such impressive levels of trust in loyalty in such a competitive market. “I would never sell a client a home I wouldn’t live in myself.”

One of the keys to Carolyn’s success story would have to be her commitment to staying abreast of her chosen industry, having earned multiple prestigious designations

including Certified Relocation Specialist, Senior Real Estate Specialist, Accredited Buyers Representative and Luxury Collection Specialist. This commitment has helped her manifest a slew of awards and recognitions, most notably as the winner of the NJAR Circle of Excellence Award for the years 2003 – 2020 and the BHHS New Jersey Properties Chairman’s Club from 2016 – 2020, among others.

Other factors that have figured into Carolyn’s successful business would be her expert negotiation skills and thorough and intelligent marketing strategies that, combined, translate into fast sales for top dollar, not to mention happy clients.

Carolyn is also heavily involved in her community, and gives back in a variety of ways, particularly through her participation with an organization that provides support to survivors of domestic abuse, JBWS. She is also a Trustee board member within the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors (NCJAR) and is their Chairperson for the Realtor Political Action Committee. Additionally, she has been an active committee member for New Jersey Realtor’s Legislative Committee and Professional Standards Committee since 2019. In 2021, she became part of of NJAR’s 2021 Safety Advisory Group.

Carolyn’s plan for the future includes growing her team and business, and to remain abreast of industry technology to better assist her clients and the agents she leads.

“What I love best about this business is that people are looking to me for guidance,” says Carolyn. “I like that they know they’re in good hands. It makes me feel great to help someone find the perfect home.”

For more information about Carolyn Bardach, please call 973-229-2851 or email CBardach2@gmail.com Top Agent Magazine

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