NEW JERSEY 2-22-21

NEW JERSEY EDITION

How to Speed Up

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

3 EASY AT-HOME

DIY PROJECTS

WHY EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION MATTERS

TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE

& Can Boost Your Bottom Line

COVER STORY

MEREDITH EXUM

FEATURED AGENTS

IJAZ (JAZZ) MIRZA MARK CUCCUINI

NEW JERSEY EDITION

MARK CUCCUINI For over 20 years, Mark Cuccuini has 7 17 been helping buyers and sellers navigate the New Jersey real estate market.

Mark’s experience, knowledge, and stellar reputation make him an invaluable asset to clients and allow him to effortlessly guide them towards their real estate goals. Those who work with him are guaranteed an agent who has their best interest mind,MIRZA and who MEREDITH EXUM IJAZ in (JAZZ) MEREDITH operates with professionalism, integrity, EXUM and respect.

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MARK CUCCUINI

“I like developing client and making are my only client.

I get very close to about their lives. when we can build client that they not but they are also people they know satisfied with the s he says.

When he is not w As a broker associate at Re/Max Preferred, Mark testing his chef skills in the kit serves clients throughout South Jersey. His busi- his family and friends. Mark a ness integrity and friendly personality have earned a passion project they work on CONTENTS him countless repeat and referral clients throughout a real estate investing website the years. “I work hard to give my clients a great where they offer seasoned advi 4) HOW TO SPEED UP 20) customer experience and to earn theirWHY trust. I EMPLOYEE try to in learning about real estate inv make all my clients feel special because I don’t want MATTERS get started.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER APPRECIATION to treat them like a number and hand them off to other TRANSACTIONS & CAN BOOST YOUR people. I understand how monumental this moment is Going forward Mark plans to BOTTOM LINE and sell houses and grow his b for them, and I view it as my job to make it as stressfree and enjoyable as possible. I take my time to find possible. He wants to keep prov 13) 3 EASY AT-HOME DIY about what they need and what care about. YOU the necessary PROJECTS TOoutINCREASE 22)they 5 THINGS CAN tools and educat We become friends, and I keep in touch with them real estate transactions.

PROPERTY VALUE through the years,” he says. DO TO ACHIEVE YOUR

BIGGEST GOALS

Another important ingredient in Mark’s recipe to success is his extensive marketing strategy. He likes to utilize cutting-edge technology to make his listings stand out from the rest. From professional photogPhone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 raphy, high quality walk-through videos, and drone footage—he stays on top of the latest and greatest mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com technology that has the potential to without help his sellers getof the publisher. Top Agent No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever prior consent top price for their to his are hard work, he the accuracy of published Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA,properties.

Inc. AlthoughDue precautions taken to ensure materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. averages around 50 transactions per year.

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S.

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Mark’s relationship with his clients, and his passion for seeing them succeed and reach their goals, is the driving force that keeps him excited about his work.

To learn more about M please call (609) 9 email mark@markget or visit SouthJerseyH

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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 4

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?

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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.

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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

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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.

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MEREDITH EXUM Top Agent Magazine

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MEREDITH EXUM Top Agent Meredith Exum’s familiarity with her local market, as well as her experience and flexibility, allow her to help all her clients achieve their real estate goals.

Meredith Exum began her real estate career 10 years ago in coastal South Carolina, where she grew up. Now, as a RE/MAX agent, Meredith serves the South Jersey Shore area, working with 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

both coastal and mainland properties.

“We have a unique market here,” Meredith explains, “in that we have 80 miles of oceanfront, where properties are primarily second homes and luxury Top Agent Magazine

living, then we have the mainland sister towns that hug the coast but are not direct oceanfront themselves. These are mostly year-round primary residences. It’s a unique market,” she says, “and it’s a lot of fun and keeps me on my toes.”

Repeat and referral clients form the base of Meredith’s business, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back to work with her again. Her familiarity Top Agent Magazine

with her local market, as well as her experience and flexibility, allow her to help all her clients achieve their real estate goals. “I enjoy being able to move with the needs of my clients,” Meredith says. “In a single day it’s not unusual for me to go from helping firsttime homebuyers on the mainland in the morning who are seeking a neighborhood in a top-notch school district, to having a noon appointment across Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

the bridge discussing $1.5 million new construction in one of our local beach towns.” The ability to morph as needed is an area where Meredith excels.

This is also true when it comes to marketing her listings. “I chose RE/MAX because of their business model,” Meredith says, citing “all the resources the company has to offer as far as advertising, from the internet to printed materials, billboards, buses and

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more.” She also notes the importance of marketing in her particular market, which is within 40 minutes of Philadelphia and 2 hours from New York City. “We have a lot going on here,” she says. “Marketing is a huge part of our business, and I gear most of my marketing toward the city areas because a lot of those folks are your second home buyers. We target that market, while also keeping mainland primary home buyers in mind as well.”

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The results speak for themselves: in 2020, Meredith’s sales volume was close to 50 transactions, coming in at over $12 million.

When she is not working, Meredith loves to travel, especially to visit her family in South Carolina and to seek some sun in Florida. Meredith enjoys fitness, boating, most anything water-related and is a true beach girl at heart.

In the future, Meredith looks forward to taking advantage of new technology to continue growing her business. “The last 3 years have been the most successful years for me so far from a growth Top Agent Magazine

In 2020, Meredith’s sales volume was close to 50 transactions, coming in at over $12 million. standpoint,” she says. “I’ve really found my niche with regard to marketing, keeping in touch with past clients, and taking full advantage of word-of-mouth business.” Meredith’s goal is to double her revenue within couple of years.

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Above all, Meredith says, “There’s nothing more rewarding than guiding someone and helping them navigate the homebuying or selling process. Everyone has a goal in mind when they approach me, and their

goal becomes my #1 goal, too. I work hard to facilitate their needs, get them to the settlement table, and leave them with a smile on their face and positive memories of their experience with me.”

For more information about Meredith Exum, call (843) 251-8366 or email at mpexum@gmail.com.

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3 Easy At-Home DIY Projects to Increase Property Value Most homeowners have a lengthy list of chores and bit projects they intend to accomplish around the house. Oftentimes, those to-do items are completed piecemeal over a long stretch of time, or else sometimes not at all. However, when it comes time to prepare a home for market, all those tasks begin to pile-up and overwhelm. The Top Agent Magazine

list of things to do before the photographer comes or the first open house is held might seem endless, but not if you tackle just a few things here and there as you go. These sorts of projects—easy, DIY, at-home tasks you can accomplish in a few hours or less, with tools you most likely have on hand— go a long way with marginal effort.

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Complete a quick rehab of closets and storage areas Many agents advise clients to declutter and depersonalize their spaces ahead of professional photography and home showings. The idea is to provide prospective buyers with a neutral palette. Not only does this allow them to imagine their own lives unfolding within those four walls, but it also helps make a home’s square footage stand out. One way to add visual space to your home without calling in the contractor is to declutter common storage areas and closets. When buyers can get a complete look at a closet’s capacity, or a pantry’s depth, or the garage’s full functional potential, they get a better sense of a home’s potential and thus, its value.

In that vein, consider decluttering and cleaning your high-traffic storage spaces: the garage, pantries, closets, attics, and basements. Besides, organizing and discarding unwanted items help you prep for a move anyway, while giving potential buyers a peak at how spacious your home really is.

Add easy curb appeal with a bit of sweat equity Sure, curb appeal can arrive in the form of a new mailbox, pathway lighting, or updated house numbers, but it can also come cheaper than that. Curb extends to the upkeep of your lawn, landscaping, and home’s façade, and there are plenty of ways 14

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you can give these zones a refresh without spending anything but time. Keeping your front and back yard green and uniform adds a lux layer to exterior square footage.

Likewise, polishing the outside of your windows, trimming hedges, and sweeping the walkway can make a tidy and wellcared for first impression. There are other measures you can take too. Planting wildflower seeds in empty beds, or collecting some landscaping rocks to frame mulched areas can add a bit of character to your residence. Repainting the front door, ensuring trees are trimmed, and keeping back patios Top Agent Magazine

neat and uncluttered also underscore a home at its finest, which is ripe for buyers to snatch up.

Transform tiled spaces into sparkling clean surfaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens are where sellers can stand to add plenty of value in the process of selling a home. While pricey renovations might be out of the question for some, there are still affordable and time-effective ways you can transform for these spaces for the better. Cleaning,

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bleaching, or redoing your tile grout—in either kitchens, bathrooms, or other tiled spaces—can give these high-trafficked areas a new lease on life. Ensuring windows, mirrors, stainless steel appliances and backsplashes are streak-free and polished also demonstrate to buyers that your home is well-cared for and practically move-in ready. Sometimes, the devil is in the details. You might consider relining drawers, changing out knobs and fixtures,

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or else decluttering cabinets and shelves for a fresher look.

No matter the challenges ahead as you prepare your home for sale, completing a few small tasks every weekend or so can put you miles ahead of the competition.

Without spending a dime, you can add serious value to your home’s bottom line, setting you up for success as you begin your own home-shopping adventure.

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IJAZ (JAZZ) MIRZA Top Agent Magazine

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IJAZ (JAZZ) MIRZA

Ijaz (Jazz) Mirza’s knowledge of houses runs deep. “I first came to real estate from the construction side of the business. I’ve raised houses from the ground up. I’ve done additions, major interior renovations, home inspections—you name it. I’ve got over eight years of experience in this business. So I know what kinds of things to look for when evaluating a home for purchase.”

over fifty houses. I bring a lot of insight to the table, a builder’s eye and tons of experience with negotiations.”

Sharing what he’s learned has been one of the great pleasures of his life. “I’ve been able to help members of my family buy houses, and I’ve helped guide many friends through that process. I know a lot of people interested in

Jazz began as an investor, buying and flipping houses in 2013, before getting his realtor’s license in 2016. Now his clients reap the benefits of his expertise, both in terms of evaluating the property and what kind of offer to make. “I’m also a licensed general contractor. Being in the construction side of the business all of these years, I’ve bought and sold 18

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investing, and they reach out as well. And I even have people who contact me for mentorship, asking to shadow me as I’m working.

It’s very fulfilling.”

Jazz keeps that skillset honed, continuing to purchase property himself even as he serves his clients. Last year he did fifteen transactions, a number he hopes to double next year.

With forty to fifty percent of his business coming from repeat and referrals, that goal seems well within reach.

Much of his business has come from marketing across all of the social media platforms.

“Social media has been a great tool. I post a lot of things on line, advice, that sort of thing.

I send out email blasts to all of my clients, just keeping in touch and letting them know when new properties become available. I also do mailers and conduct open houses, of course.

Anything to tie in to the local community.”

Jazz is very flexible when it comes to working with a client. “With one recent out-of-state client, we conducted the whole deal through WhatsApp,” he laughs.

When he’s not working, Jazz spends part of his time volunteering with the local Islamic school and mosque in Piscataway, serving on the leadership board and organizing events.

To relax, he likes to hang out with his family. “We like traveling, going to Six Flags, children’s museums, that sort of thing. I play soccer with the kids, and I enjoy playing cricket.”

Jazz loves what he’s doing, and he’s excited about the future. “I hope to double my business. Eventually, I want to get my broker’s license and build my own team.”

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Jazz wants to help you if you are looking to buy or sell a home, whether for yourself or for investment. You can call him at 908-380-6304, or email him at JazzHomesNJ@gmail.com.

Check out his profile at zillow.com/profile/JazzHomes or visit linktr.ee/ijazmirza. If you’re looking for a contractor, please visit Jazzhomesconstruction.com www.

www.

www.

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Why Employee Appreciation Matters & Can Boost Your Bottom Line Attracting and retaining talent creates a positive working environment for your business, but it’s also good for your bottom line. When team members come and go constantly, your office becomes a revolving door, with no steady workforce, abiding company culture, or continuity for your clients. What’s more, breaking from your duties to post ads, interview applicants, and train new hires takes up valuable time—and time is money. Instead, creating a working environment with built-in 20

perks and morale boosters makes everyone happy, including you as a leader. You’ll have fewer fires to put out or squabbles to referee if your employees are motivated, feel appreciated, and inclined to work together for the business’s greater good.

In that vein, let’s consider the concrete benefits of employee appreciation and how to apply these principles to your business in meaningful ways.

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What is employee appreciation and how do you enact it?

Whether built-in through perks and benefits or by hosting regular events, employee appreciation is about making your team feel valued and part of a whole. No one wants to feel replaceable or voiceless, so it comes down to this basic truth: employees who feel heard and appreciated invest more in their work and your business. Likewise, no one wants to hop jobs every six months.

Employees desire reliability and consistency in their work options, but they’ll be forced to move on to greener pastures if they don’t feel like their talents and contributions are recognized, or if there isn’t enough value to match their output.

By displaying gratitude through employee appreciation, you’re sending the message that your employees’ efforts are respected and considered integral to your operation’s success. Employee appreciation also sets the right tone for professional relationships in your office to flourish, which makes for better workflow and communication on an interpersonal level. Motivation and morale are closely tied to employee appreciation, so there is a clear symbiotic benefit to investing in your employees’ happiness in order to breed a happier, more productive work environment.

How do you make employee appreciation an active part of your business model? To start, keep it simple. Treat your employees to a bagel spread on a Monday morning to boost morale ahead of the workweek. Or, consider Top Agent Magazine

an employee happy hour on a Friday, or a group lunch mid-week. Well-timed moments of generosity can lift spirits and signal your intuitiveness as a leader, while creating fuel for upcoming projects and deadlines.

If you want to take it to the next level, consider in-office perks from which your employees can derive value or morale. For instance, some offices allow employees to bring in their docile pets. Other offices keep the communal kitchen stocked with sparkling water, fresh fruit, and quality coffee to keep team members satiated. Maybe your office would benefit from a modern décor update, which might make for a more compelling, progressive workspace for your employees to enjoy. Whatever route you take, cultivating a positive office environment can extend employee appreciation on a daily, hands-on basis.

Perks and benefits are another way to build-in employee appreciation and demonstrate your investment in your team. Bike-to-work benefits, subsidies for public transportation or gym membership costs, or even supplying your team with their own smartphone—all demonstrate a company culture that’s focused on fueling your team’s morale and productivity.

While some of these steps may seem like a costly investment, the returns are unequivocal when it comes to lasting employee retention.

Turnover is a blight on your bottom line, so taking a proactive approach to employee appreciation can inspire a dynamic team, lead to a more positive work environment, and boost your financials for the long term.

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5 Things You Can Do To Achieve Your Biggest Goals If there’s one thing successful people can agree on, it’s that setting goals has been key to their success.

Whether you’re creating a five year plan or just settling on what you want to achieve by the end of the day, setting goals gives you the focus and direction you need to complete even the biggest tasks.

But there is a method to setting them. It’s a process that takes careful thought and consideration up front, which is then combined with the hard work necessary to implement your plan. Luckily there are proven methods to goal setting that you can start using immediately.

1. MAKE YOUR GOALS SPECIFIC Yes, it’s fun to think in grand terms of where you want to end up in life and in your career, but it’s better to have a specific goal like “Increase my sales by 25%”, than “Get rich.” When a goal is clear and specific, it allows you to figure out the exact steps you need to take to accomplish it. The more general it is, the more paralyzed you might be when it comes to figuring out what to do since, the choices may be overwhelming.

2. MAKE IT ATTAINABLE Making attainable goals might seem boring, I mean afterall, you want to dream big! But you don’t want to suffer through the disappointment of not reaching your goal, something that may not even be possible at this stage in your life to begin with. One solution to that is creating goal levels. You can have the dream goal, but underneath that you have the realistic goals that are setting up a foundation for achieving the big one. Things that are attainable still take work and effort to achieve. Those small victories will keep you motivated and encouraged to go for the bigger dreams. And don’t forget, those 22

little goals may have been things you wouldn’t have gotten done if you didn’t set out to achieve them, so be proud!

3. PUT A PLAN OF ACTION IN WRITING Your plan of action should include daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. There is something about seeing things in writing and crossing them off the list that is oddly satisfying.The daily goals are especially important in regards to building up those good habits. The first few weeks of your plan of action are critical when it comes to your long term success. Reaching a goal is something you are doing every day, all throughout the day, in numerous ways. Achieving goals is all about creating good new habits.

4. MAKE IT MEASURABLE This is key, since you definitely want to reward yourself for a job well done, and having a goal that is measurable in some way is a sure way to know.

Maybe it’s to increase your lead generation or to cut expenses, whatever the case, have a measurable test you need to meet, as well as a time frame. Then calculate what you have to do to reach that goal. Not only should your goal be specific, but the plan and the measure of success should also be set in stone.

5. ADJUST AS YOU GO You can have all the best laid plans, and you still might quickly realize that what you thought would help you reach your goal, might not be cutting it.

Commitment to reaching your goals is good, but commitment to a plan you know isn’t going to work is not only a waste of time, but will be a devastating blow to your motivation. Sticking to a plan everyday means adjusting it accordingly.

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MARK CUCCUINI For over 20 years, Mark Cuccuini has been helping buyers and sellers navigate the New Jersey real estate market.

Mark’s experience, knowledge, and stellar reputation make him an invaluable asset to clients and allow him to effortlessly guide them towards their real estate goals. Those who work with him are guaranteed an agent who has their best interest in mind, and who operates with professionalism, integrity, and respect.

As a broker associate at Re/Max Preferred, Mark serves clients throughout South Jersey. His business integrity and friendly personality have earned him countless repeat and referral clients throughout the years. “I work hard to give my clients a great customer experience and to earn their trust. I try to make all my clients feel special because I don’t want to treat them like a number and hand them off to other people. I understand how monumental this moment is for them, and I view it as my job to make it as stressfree and enjoyable as possible. I take my time to find out about what they need and what they care about.

We become friends, and I keep in touch with them through the years,” he says.

“I like developing a strong bond with a client and making them feel as if they are my only client. As a real estate agent, I get very close to them and learn a lot about their lives. It means a lot to me when we can build so much trust with a client that they not only take my advice, but they are also happy to refer me to people they know because they’re so satisfied with the service I’ve provided,” he says.

When he is not working, Mark enjoys testing his chef skills in the kitchen and cooking for his family and friends. Mark and his wife also have a passion project they work on in their spare time: a real estate investing website —heyrichgirl.com— where they offer seasoned advice to those interested in learning about real estate investments and how to get started.

Going forward Mark plans to continue to renovate and sell houses and grow his business for as long as possible. He wants to keep providing his clients with the necessary tools and education to make the best real estate transactions.

Another important ingredient in Mark’s recipe to success is his extensive marketing strategy. He likes to utilize cutting-edge technology to make his listings stand out from the rest. From professional photography, high quality walk-through videos, and drone footage—he stays on top of the latest and greatest technology that has the potential to help his sellers get top price for their properties. Due to his hard work, he averages around 50 transactions per year.

Mark’s relationship with his clients, and his passion for seeing them succeed and reach their goals, is the driving force that keeps him excited about his work.

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To learn more about Mark Cuccuini please call (609) 923–3694, email mark@markgetsitsold.com, or visit SouthJerseyHouses.com www.

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