NEW JERSEY 6-29-20

NEW JERSEY EDITION

How to

SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

Top 4 Ways to

Small Yard?

JUICE UP YOUR OPEN HOUSE STRATEGY

Big Statement: How to Make The Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces

FEATURED AGENTS

PHYLLIS CALIANESE LAURA GIACOBBE COVER STORY

CHRISTOPHER CHIN

NEW JERSEY EDITION

PHYLLIS CALIANESE Award winning Realtor Phyllis Calianese – 9 19 of Keller Williams Village Square Realty in Ridgewood, New Jersey – is a hardworking, conscientious and incredibly knowledgeable Realtor who consistently provides the utmost in customer service. In 2019, she was selected as a Bergen County Top Real Estate Agent, based on sales and volume levels, peer recognitions and client endorsements. 2020 has proven to be no exception; adding to her list of accomplishments and industry recognitions, Phyllis was recently CHRISTOPHER CHIN LAURA GIACOBBE highlighted by Forbes Magazine as one of this year’s Outstanding Real Estate Market Leaders.

27

With more than repeat clients a Phyllis truly put action, whether property or a $ hard to establish far transcend the heart of my bus and she works have a very stro

PHYLLIS CALIANESE

Many other fact Phyllis’ success expert marketing of her list Prior to establishing her real estate career in 2011, Phyllis she explains. “My listings spent fifteen years in the corporate world working for go on the market. They’re multiple Fortune 100 companies where she finely honed the we’re ready to go, they lo CONTENTS management and technology skills that inform her approach also specializes in the luxu to real estate today. “After that,” recalls Phyllis, “I took of the Million Dollar Guild 4) CREATIVE MEDITATION FOR 15) TOP 4 WAYS TO JUICE UP Luxury Home S some time off to have my children, and during that interim of Certified time I renovated and sold two properties on my own.

That’s STRATEGY Negotiation Expert (CNE), THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL YOUR OPEN HOUSE when I decided to try real estate as a career.” Phyllis found skilled leader and negotiato success in her new career very quickly after joining Keller of services including clie 6) HOW TO SPEEDWilliams UP FIRST-TIME 24) SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: Village Square Realty, selling more than $10 market analyses, home stag HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS TO MAKE OUT OF million in her first year. “I just HOW hit the ground running,THE and MOST sense financial advice.

I loved it,” she says.

MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES When she’s not working, As a testament to her unending energy and genuine collaborawith her family, is an avid tion with clients, many other prominent real estate institutions walking and hiking. She is have saluted her efforts with the highest honors and distincher community, and she doe tions. Ranking among the top 2% of more than 80,000 of and her participation in the the areaʼs agents in terms of overall client satisfaction, Calianese has been presented with the Five Star Professional Phyllis is truly grateful to th Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 Award for the 7th year in a row. Additionally, out of the over be the largest purchase or mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com 400 agents at Keller Williams Village Square Realty – the thanks to all of my clients, No portion of this issue maynumber be reproduced in any manner without prior has consent of thethe publisher.

Top Agent to partner with one office in the whatsoever NJMLS -Calianese earned opportunity Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published exclusive honor as Number One Individual Agent marking your home. Your trust and materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. another of her significant accomplishments. With over 25 mutual success and my pro To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. million in sales, she is also the proud recipient of the 2019 the industry,” she says.

Published in the U.S. ® NJ REALTORS Circle of Excellence Sales Award® at the prestigious Platinum Level, the highest achievement awarded Calianese represents buye by the affiliation. matters throughout Bergen

CHRISTOPHER CHIN

2

Top Agent Magazine

Phyllis Calianese welcomes your call and can be reached at (2

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

Creative Meditation

for the Real Estate Professional The real estate world can be an industry of intense emotional and psychological pressure. Deadlines, meetings, employee needs, client needs and a hundred other items on which one needs to focus on a daily basis can create an environment that is not only not conducive to mental well-being, but can be outright detrimental.

Learning to quiet the mind has been the focus of meditation for millennia. While those not familiar with the concept of meditation may instinctively think of yoga mats, incense, and chanting when the word “meditation” arises, there are in fact, many forms of meditation that can integrate quite 4

easily into the daily hustle & bustle world of the busy real estate agent.

First, think about when you are alone each day. Here are some possible times to practice mediation during the work day: • When driving to the office in the morning • When driving to a showing or to meet a client • Before your open house begins • After the open house • Driving home in the evening Top Agent Magazine

Repeating a mantra can be very calming, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts.

These are just five examples of times when you can take advantage of meditation techniques to quiet your mind and, by extension, increase productivity. A calm mind is a more thoughtful, better tuned instrument.

Here are some examples of meditations you can try.

1

For when you’re driving, download and listen to any number of audio Guided Meditations available on the internet. YouTube has a generous selection of these, many of which are geared towards success in business.

2 Repeating a mantra can be very calm-

ing, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. It doesn’t matter what words you choose, as long as you feel good about your choice. “I am a success” or “I will approach all of my clients with love today” are two examples. Whatever works for you and gets you into the desired mindset.

Top Agent Magazine

3 Something as simple as listening to pleasant music in your car can be considered meditation, provided it brings you to a place of comfort as opposed to one of spiritual discordance.

4 The most important thing, however, is to take time to find gratitude in everything you do. Count your blessings, be grateful the exciting career in real estate you have built for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered some of these techniques at quieting your mind, you can attempt to find some that work even better for you. Walking, plain silence, or even exercise can have meditative qualities and benefits if practiced on a regular basis.

When you’re truly feeling calm, your clients can sense this. And with this comes the feeling that you can be relied upon to stay focused and calm in any unforeseen circumstances. And in the world of real estate, that’s a highly prized commodity.

5

How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 6

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

Top Agent Magazine ®

7

Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

8

feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

CHRISTOPHER CHIN

Top Agent Magazine

9

“UnlockNJHomes is founded on my belief that a successful real estate business really is a community business.”

In the highly competitive New Jersey markets just outside of New York City, an agent has to be exceptionally driven in order to build a successful business. Christopher Chin’s boundless energy, positive attitude, and unique background in graphic design and marketing have enabled him to do just that. After just five years in the business, Christopher is already the head of a three-person team with Nest Seekers International, and is well on the way towards 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

building his brand, UnlockNJHomes, into a household name.

Like many agents, Christopher didn’t begin his career in real estate, but rather worked for years in retail in New York City. Although he enjoyed life in the city, he never felt that retail was allowing him to reach his highest potential. “No matter where I’m working I’m the kind of person who wants to be the best at whatever I’m doing,” Christopher Top Agent Magazine

says. “Eventually I realized that the amount of time and energy I was putting into being the best retail associate would be better spent building my own business. I have a background in graphic design and marketing, so real estate appealed to me as the best opportunity given my expertise.� After deciding to make the shift, Top Agent Magazine

Christopher first went to work with House of Michelina, one of the top staging companies in the country, where he learned invaluable lessons about both staging and the broader industry itself. Finally in 2016 Christopher decided to take the plunge and founded his own real estate brand/team: UnlockNJHomes.

11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“Working as an agent isn’t about making money, it’s about building meaningful relationships with your clients and working together with your neighbors to improve your community.”

“UnlockNJHomes is founded on my belief that a successful real estate business really is a community business,” Christopher explains. “Working as an agent isn’t about making money, it’s about building meaningful relationships with your clients and working together with your neighbors to improve your community.” In keeping with this ethos, UnlockNJHomes runs several Facebook groups that provide news about the communities they operate in, and recently rolled out UnlockNJHomes Monthly, a digital magazine that highlights local small businesses in the community and Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

provides information about local real estate market trends.

Christopher and the UnlockNJHomes team operate throughout Union, Essex, Somerset, and Morris County, and are currently in the process of expanding into Middlesex and Hudson County. Despite the fact that his brand is fairly new, Christopher is already at the point where more than 70% of his business comes from repeat clients and referrals, and last year he and his team successfully closed the most expensive home ever sold on the Springfield MLS, as well Top Agent Magazine

as one of the top 10 most expensive homes ever sold on the Union MLS in 2019.

Besides his community-based approach to business, Christopher credits his graphic design and marketing background as being the major driver of his success. “Because I am a graphic designer, I’m very meticulous Top Agent Magazine

about our marketing. While most other agents are using these standard online programs that create the exact same generic marketing material for every client, everything we put out is tailored to the specifics of our client’s property and carries our brand,” Christopher tells Top Agent. “Our philosophy is that our client’s listing should Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

stand out amongst all the other listings on the market.”

At the end of the day, Christopher loves his job because he gets to help people. Looking to the future, he has plans to expand his

business into New York City, and is excited to continue growing his team. “I love working as a team leader and helping my agents grow professionally. I want to be someone who is out here as a servant to the community.”

For more information about Christopher Chin, visit unlocknjhomes.com call 908.656.2635 or email Christopher.Chin@unlocknjhomes.com www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine

15

If you combine this dynamic booklet with properly trained closing language, as touched upon below, it is something the average person will either keep and use or pass along to someone they know. A well designed booklet can bring you a lot of business.

data—and they are void of interesting or problem-solving information.

2.Work The Neighborhood A few days prior to your open house, find the names and addresses (from tax records—or elsewhere) of, say, 20 homes in each direction from the Pre-internet, both open houses for open house. resale listings, and model homes for new construction, relied on strategic For the cost of postage and some collateral materials (handouts). Vis- sweat-equity, mail a postcard to these itors were ostensibly looking at sev- 80 homeowners inviting them to the eral competitors at the same time, so open house and offering something collateral materials had to have the unique and compelling—perhaps a power to bring them back to your drawing or giveaway for those willing site—a great call to action, eye- to provide their opinion on the asking catching color, identification of the price of the home (and the entry card, of course, will net you their email benefits of buying your product. address and phone number). People Yet at open houses today, I primarily are generally nosy and like to be see bland information sheets dis- validated, so asking for their opinion cussing features—the listing price, on something happening in their own the square footage, and the standard neighborhood is very appealing.

16

Top Agent Magazine

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

17

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.

18

Top Agent Magazine

LAURA GIACOBBE Top Agent Magazine

19

LAURA GIACOBBE

Laura is the productivity coach for the Keller Williams market center. Operating out of her office in Metuchen, New Jersey, she runs a thriving book of business throughout Union, Middlesex and Monmouth County.

When you sit down and chat with Top Agent Laura Giacobbe, it quickly becomes apparent that you’re speaking to someone who cares deeply about helping others. Laura first got involved in real estate in 2004 when she and her husband began building homes. After enjoying several years of success, Laura branched off and took a job at a fitness company, eventually working her way up to becoming a regional manager. In 2017 she decided it was time for a change, so she got her real estate license and started working as a fulltime agent with Century 21. Laura quickly realized that she missed training younger colleagues, so in April of 2019 she moved to Keller Williams so that she could participate their mentorship program.

Just one year later, Laura is the productivity coach for the Keller Williams market center who houses 20

over 300 agents and is responsible for increasing the productivity of the real estate agents and developing and maintaining a world class real estate training calendar and course curriculum. Operating out of her office in Metuchen, New Jersey, Laura runs a thriving book of business throughout Union, Middlesex and Monmouth County, and has quickly ramped up to the point where last year she closed 30 transactions.

If you ask Laura how she has managed to grow her business so quickly, she will credit her thorough understanding of the industry and passion for helping others as being the primary drivers of her success.

“I know a lot about design and construction because my mom is an architect, my dad is an engineer, and my husband and I have experience building homes,” Laura explains. “But more importantly I love helping Copyright Top Agent Magazine

people, so I always go above and beyond. For example one of my recent clients had a puppy they didn’t like having to keep in a cage. So for every single showing I would take him out for a walk until the showing was done.” This approach clearly resonates with people, as more than 80% of Laura’s business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

When it comes to listing a property, Laura uses professional photographs to create an online advertising campaign that leverages social media to drive attention to her listing. This complements her extensive use of print marketing and open houses.

Laura’s contact with her clients doesn’t end with the close of a transaction. If she is working with a first-time homebuyer, she sends them a celebratory ornament for the Christmas following their purchase. She also uses a combination of phone calls, coffee meetings, and birthday cards to keep in touch with her former clients.

“It really is pretty easy. I get so close with most of the clients I work with that we become friends,” Laura tells Top Agent.

When she isn’t working, Laura loves to draw, read, spend time with her family, and give back to her community. She is a commissioner for the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, a member of the Agent Leadership Council for Keller Williams, was recently elected to the local school board, and has previously served on the zoning board. In addition, since her husband is the mayor of Rahway, Laura is involved in a number of the city’s events as the first lady. She has also been very active helping out with her kid’s schools.

Looking to the future, Laura plans to start her own team, and is excited to grow her business while continuing to mentor new agents. It’s all part of her efforts to help people in her community. “I love helping people find that perfect home. It’s so fulfilling to see the joy on people’s faces when they walk into their new home on closing day.”

Top Agent Magazine

For more information about Laura Giacobbe, visit sellandbuywithlaura.com call 732-259-2718 or email bestrealtor365@gmail.com www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

Laughs!

We’re still here!

Making the workplace happy is what we do.

A Graham Harrop Cartoon can enhance office materials, training manuals and add zing to that worrying power point presentation.

Graham Harrop Cartoons

Companies large and small call on award-winning cartoonist Graham

the power Harrop to create unique, funPutting and of humour to work memorable cartoons especially for them…

for you!

Working with you to highlight aspects of your organization or celebrate that special someone, Graham is just an email away! gtoonist@shaw.ca

grahamharrop.com

22

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

23

Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with 24

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods Top Agent Magazine

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

Top Agent Magazine ®

25

Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

26

Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

PHYLLIS CALIANESE Award winning Realtor Phyllis Calianese – of Keller Williams Village Square Realty in Ridgewood, New Jersey – is a hardworking, conscientious and incredibly knowledgeable Realtor who consistently provides the utmost in customer service. In 2019, she was selected as a Bergen County Top Real Estate Agent, based on sales and volume levels, peer recognitions and client endorsements. 2020 has proven to be no exception; adding to her list of accomplishments and industry recognitions, Phyllis was recently highlighted by Forbes Magazine as one of this year’s Outstanding Real Estate Market Leaders.

Prior to establishing her real estate career in 2011, Phyllis spent fifteen years in the corporate world working for multiple Fortune 100 companies where she finely honed the management and technology skills that inform her approach to real estate today. “After that,” recalls Phyllis, “I took some time off to have my children, and during that interim time I renovated and sold two properties on my own. That’s when I decided to try real estate as a career.” Phyllis found success in her new career very quickly after joining Keller Williams Village Square Realty, selling more than $10 million in her first year. “I just hit the ground running, and I loved it,” she says.

As a testament to her unending energy and genuine collaboration with clients, many other prominent real estate institutions have saluted her efforts with the highest honors and distinctions. Ranking among the top 2% of more than 80,000 of the areaʼs agents in terms of overall client satisfaction, Calianese has been presented with the Five Star Professional Award for the 7th year in a row. Additionally, out of the over 400 agents at Keller Williams Village Square Realty – the number one office in the NJMLS -Calianese has earned the exclusive honor as Number One Individual Agent marking another of her significant accomplishments. With over 25 million in sales, she is also the proud recipient of the 2019 NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® at the prestigious Platinum Level, the highest achievement awarded by the affiliation.

With more than 90% of her business based on repeat clients and referrals, it is obvious that Phyllis truly puts her heart into every single transaction, whether it’s a high end million-dollar property or a $500,000 listing. She also works hard to establish relationships with her clients that far transcend the closing table. Your home is at the heart of my business is a tagline Phyllis employs, and she works hard to earn customer loyalty. “I have a very strong work ethic,” she says.

Many other factors come into play when assessing Phyllis’ success, chief among them her thorough, expert marketing of her listings. “I do a lot of work upfront,” she explains. “My listings are picture perfect when they go on the market. They’re prepared and staged, and when we’re ready to go, they look fresh and polished.” Phyllis also specializes in the luxury real estate market, a member of the Million Dollar Guild, and has earned the designation of Certified Luxury Home Specialist (CLHMS) and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), she has honed her expertise as a skilled leader and negotiator. Phyllis also offers a full range of services including client consultations, comprehensive market analyses, home staging, interior design and commonsense financial advice.

When she’s not working, Phyllis enjoys spending time with her family, is an avid physical fitness buff, and enjoys walking and hiking. She is also committed to giving back to her community, and she does so primarily through her church and her participation in the local Chamber of Commerce.

Phyllis is truly grateful to those who trust her with what might be the largest purchase or sale of their lives. “My sincerest thanks to all of my clients, past, present and future, for the opportunity to partner with you on the sale or purchase of your home. Your trust and support are the reasons for our mutual success and my prominent place amongst the top in the industry,” she says.

Calianese represents buyers and sellers in all real estate matters throughout Bergen County.

Phyllis Calianese welcomes your call and can be reached at (201) 446-3870 (cell) or (201) 445-4300 (office), visit her website at phylliscalianese.com where you will find a property search option offering real-time data. www.

Top Agent Magazine

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 27

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

28

Top Agent Magazine