NEW JERSEY 8-9-21

NEW JERSEY EDITION

TIPS ON BREAKING INTO THE

LUXURY MARKET

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE

Are You A VALUE-ADDED AGENT?

COVER STORY

JULIAN FUENTES

FEATURED AGENTS

SCOTT KURKOWSKI EVA MIRAGLIOTTA

NEW JERSEY EDITION

SCOTT KURKOWSKI

EWA “EVA” MIRAGLIOTTA

ott Kurkowski found his passion The Fuentes Teammarket his listings, Ewa “Eva” Miragliotta initially took an takes timeScott to findde th real estate in college, when a a comprehensive and ta 7 19 23 interest in real estate in 2009,prioritizes following the client “But throughout th ntor noted his entrepreneurial strategy to match the to strength the purchase of her first home. Inspired by available answe experience, offering rit and guided him towards needs of each property, leverA that experience, she was driven to learn clients may have. more about the industry, and soon found the digital biggest platf finan every client an array of mediaofand rsuing a career in the industry. social thatbusireal estate perfectly complimented her eversocial make.”media th a Bachelor’s Degree in “I believe our unique services, from professional background in sales and manss marketing, Scott is uniquely marketing is unmatched in agement, along with her passion bespoke for helping marketing compass sitioned to help his clients reach area,” Scott For says.her“We’ve s others. Since then, she has gone on toexpert author counsel, no has earned a fanta to ir financial goals through real doing virtual tours, and an exceptional career as an agent. Eva is one out New Jersey, w ate. “I love real estate, and howtop Realtors® for Coldwell received positive feedback matter of the Bankerthe price point. her volume comin gives me the ability JULIAN to Realty be my save the seller’s and buyer’s where she assists her KURKOWSKI clients through- EVA MIRAGLIOTTA and referrals. Ha FUENTES SCOTT n person,” Scott says. out “Every so everyone is happy.”

Clifton, NJ and the surrounding areas. Leveraging Realtors® awards including “We create a brand around a house, strong communication skills, market expertise, and Circle of Excellence Sales Aw y, I’m meeting people, her seeing which sounds like a million-dollar tireless gaining work ethic, she has cultivated a specialized International Sterling Society, w faces, seeing new properties, knowledge Dedicated to hisyou community, ideology, but when bring it Scott works as a p process to meet the their needs of any buyer or seller. coach inthe strong the market, and helping people reach real his ownvalues time that for have Capeanch Ex to sional a lowersoccer price range, it’s totally career in the first place.

“My CONTENTS ate goals.”

SoccerJulian Clubsays. and “I Middle Township High School do-able,” sit down When listing a home, Eva equips her clients with a always with me,” she s with every client and say, me consult Soccer Program.

He‘Tell donates a portion of each comprehensive strategy provenabout through years They of tell I’ll always have time for them, yourherhouse.’ mehis choice, agent with Blue Homes Real Estate in Avalon, New transactions to a charity of donations 4) ARE YOU A 17) 3 SUREFIRE METHODS experience. Right from the start she is there to helpthe them give them honest answers— memories about house,I’llwhat sey, Scott serves all of Cape May County.

A native are matched by his Brokerage.

When Scott is no VALUE-ADDED AGENT? THAT MAKE FOR A fully prepare their property for they’ll the market, miss, providing what they love, and he area, Scott has an on-the-ground and we helping clients or giving hiswith time, he lov PRODUCTIVE sellers with a knowledge suite of professional marketing When she’s not clients, Ev highlighttechniques those MEETING things in theback 13) TIPS ON BREAKING INTO eep passion for the areaincluding he serves.

“It’s a special spend timeselling with his his with dog, he R professional photography, blended targeted qualityfamily, time atand home videos.

We’re thefiancé, lifestyle THE LUXURY MARKET 20) INCORPORATING digital and social media and cising, or traveling. she ai ce,” Scott says. Boasting wonderful towns andcampaigns, a that“Ithe love totraditional play golf and stay active, asButwell house offers.

We provide CHARITABLE GIVING INbeach,” YOUR methods like flyers to the surrounding neighborhoods. having beensays. deeply i with the what geous coastline, including the Barrier Islands, the buyers advantage ofrealities living atofheritage, the Scott Along the way, though, she also shares her listings community surrounding Clifto having that house will mean for REAL ESTATE PRACTICE a offers premier beach access along with a strong with those in her own extensive professional sphere, them family. We highse of community.

Forand thetheir future, Scott has no plans to slow dow light the area and access to localforward, Eva has strong all to give her clients an added advantage.

Going looks forward to growing his business and his amenities. We have a videoher series business. With her volum w in his third Scott delivers expertise, including real estate to of demonstrate the lifestyle of speElsewhere, Eva310-734-1440 is top-notch just as hands-on when assisting yearly growth, she investme intends o Phoneyear, 310-734-1440 | Fax tomer care to every client.

He has already earned love this career,” Scott says.

“I can’t imagine cific areas so buyers can see what her buyers. As a fifteen-year resident of Clifton, she service while building her team mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com getting.” eat clients and referrals due to his strong work ethic else.” to excited about the new clients a applies her acute understandingthey’ll ofanything the be local market No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent guide herclient clients to the investment foraretheir “I truly cherish all the d his personable approach.

“Any will tellright you Magazine is published

by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions takenbest to ensure ahead. the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. interests.

Moreover, she keeps t I give my full attention to them whenever they in touch long after the in real estate,” she says. “From To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. deals are done through frequent check-ins and even to helping them find their drea ed,” Scott says.

“I pay Published in theclose U.S. attention to details. I’m theIoccasional becoming good friends with more rewarding than buildin y accessible to my clients. work hardgift, to often establish them well beyond their transaction. “Sometimes, it with each and every client.” ationships, both on a friendship level as well as a 2 Top Agent Magazine fessional level.” Scott has knowledge of construcFor more information about Ewa “Eva” Miragliotta, n and renovation, and he is committed to his own

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

Are You a Value-Added Agent?

I’ll bet if I asked ten real estate agents, all ten would answer ‘yes’ to that question. Yet, when I ask agents how they are value-added, they say things like: • I communicate regularly with my clients.

• I have a written listing presentation.

• I am honest.

• I am trustworthy.

Are these ‘value-added’ attributes? Or, does the client expect these attributes and services?

4

Are these exceptional services or average services? I’m writing this article at the beginning of a New Year. It’s a perfect time to re-assess your professionalism and master being that ‘value-added’ agent.

Client Expectations are Higher than Ever Unfortunately, too many real estate agents assume they are ‘value-added’ because they are providing the services they want to provide— Top Agent Magazine

the services they think the client values. However, there’s a real client out there, and the client has different expectations. How do I know that? Because so few agents regularly survey their clients. In fact, when I’m speaking to an audience, I survey them, and find that less than 25 percent gather after-sale surveys! So, the majority of agents don’t know if the services they are providing are average or exceptional.

Why Bother Being Exceptional?

• Because you want to set yourself apart.

• You want to create client loyalty.

• You want to create at least 50 percent of your business from client referrals (the latest National Association of Realtors survey Profile of Members found that the average Realtor got only 18 percent of their business from referrals. That’s a hard and expensive way to run a real estate business!

• Because you want to run a more pleasant, profitable business.

Four Actions Value-Added Agents Take How can you identify value-added agents? By their actions. Here are four actions I believe show agents that are above just ‘average’. The principle here is:

Watch the actions, not the words.

If I were a manager, or a seller or a buyer, and I wanted to find a value-added agent, here’s what I would look for: Top Agent Magazine

1. Has a database and populates it This agent is committed long-term to his clients and to his business. He uses a contact management program (CRM) to manage ‘leads’, so none are lost — and clients do not feel neglected. After all, it takes much longer today to convert a ‘lead’ to a sale than it used to take.

Actively using and maintaining a CRM means the agent is committed to forming long-term professional relationships over time.

Other demonstrable actions concerning the agent’s CRM are: • Has a rapid-response method to deal with Internet inquiries and other inquiries via email. (The average client expects a response within eight hours—but a recent survey showed the average agent responded in 50 hours!).

• Has a method to follow up on all leads until they ‘buy or die’. As a client, that means I won’t get lost. As a seller, it means my agent will follow up with all leads and give it 100 percent to sell my home.

2. Invests in the technology and follow-up pros have This agent makes every decision based on their vision of their career at least three to five years in the future. For example, instead of selling someone a house anywhere just to get a sale, my value-added agent sells only in an area they define as their ‘target area’. That way, they’ll get known, and can build on their reputation.

The value-added agent has the ‘guts’ to turn down business! Because they care more about the well-being of the client than getting one grimy commission check, they learn to 5

‘tell the truth attractively’, and work harder to retain the client than to make one commission.

Adding those Client Benefits to your Dialogue

3. Works for referrals, not just sales I said the agent learns to ‘tell the truth attractively’, even if the buyer or seller may not want to hear it. For example, if it’s in the best interests of the seller to list their home at a lower price, the value-added agent has the strategies and the statistics to prove that the seller won’t be well served by pricing higher.

Of course, it’s not enough to actually take these actions. You need to explain to the client why these actions are in their best interests, and how you stand apart from most agents by employing them. Why? Because your client won’t know you run your business so professionally.

And, the client probably doesn’t know most agents don’t run their businesses this way!

And, this value-added agent has the intestinal fortitude to walk away if they know the home will not sell at the client’s desired price (but doesn’t have to too many times because they create a stellar reputation amongst their clientele).

TIP: Always show your clients, don’t just tell them. You do have a Professional Portfolio and evidence on your website, don’t you?

4. Keeps the buyers and sellers’ best interests in mind Our value-added agent makes every decision to grow trust, not just to make a fast buck. For example, the agent sits down with a prospective couple and finds out they can’t purchase right away and creates a plan with them to save for their down payment. Then, the agent keeps in touch over a period of months, offering helpful information and market updates.

Put Yourself to the Test

How many of these actions P. S. Managers and team leaders—two tips do you exhibit?

What do you want to work on to become a true 1. Call each of your agents’‘value-added’ phone mails.

What’s the impre agent?

Are they professional? Do they state the company n TIP: represent your culture and image?

Managers, give your agents a 2. Create a quick class in phone messaging using the ‘test’ on these four points.

In other words, this agent practices seller or buyHow many pass? this blog. er agency representation, not ‘agent agency’!

Copyright ©, 2016 Carla Cros

Carla Cross,CRB, CRB, MA, is theoffounder andSeminars, president Carla Cross & Carla Cross, MA, President Carla Cross Inc.,ofand Carla real management and sales.

Herspecializing internationally s Crossestate Coaching, is an international speaker in realbest-selling estate management and Running business planning for all professionals. agents, Up and in 30 Days, is real nowestate going into its 5thHer edition sevenexperience internationallyas published books, including Up and Running in 30 Days , vast a top-selling agent and award-winning manage and 20 agent and management programs have helped thousands of real sales podium, blending her musical background with her proven estate professionals to the greater productivity and teaches profitability.someone Reach Carla strategies (she uses piano AND even to at play—f 425-392-6914 or www.carlacross.com. and practical). Find out more at www.carlacross.com.

6

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

JULIAN FUENTES Top Agent Magazine

7

JULIAN FUENTES Julian is the leader of the Fuentes Team, a group of five experienced and dedicated agents. In New Jersey, Julian helps clients across the state and provides exceptional value to every transaction.

With a strong background in marketing, Julian Fuentes leverages his skillset and passion to provide exceptional value to each of his clients. After opening his own marketing firm, Julian helped his father, who is a Broker, grow his business, 8

an experience that shaped Julian’s understanding of the real estate industry and that led him to decide to become a Realtor® himself. “I got an inside look at what Brokerages need and what clients are looking for,” Julian says. After starting Top Agent Magazine

this past January, Julian has already achieved incredible success, completing over twenty transactions and $10 million in sales volume. “All my success has come from my work ethic, my faith, and my marketing skills,” Julian says. “I love what I do.”

Five months ago, Julian started working at his father’s Brokerage, Family Real EsTop Agent Magazine

tate, which has served clients for over ten years. Julian is the leader of the Fuentes Team, a group of five experienced and dedicated agents. In New Jersey, Julian helps clients across the state and provides exceptional value to every transaction.

The Fuentes Team boasts a high percentage of repeat and referral business, a testament to their hands-on, thorough, and personable approach. “Just in my 9

first months, I’ve already accumulated a lot of referrals from how I treated my clients,” Julian says. “I treat them like a friend. They have a better transaction, and they become long-term clients.”

The Fuentes Team prioritizes the client experience, offering every client an array of unique services, from bespoke marketing to expert counsel, no matter the price point. “For any agent that comes into our Brokerage, Signature Media, my marketing firm, is completely free,” Julian says, “so they get an in-house marketing

10

firm free of charge. It’s the same for our clients. They get all their materials tailored.

We have an in-house film and production agency. No other Brokerages offer anything like that. It adds so much value for our clients, who get access to professional videography and photography for free. On top of that, we are all about family here. No matter the price range, we give the client the best experience.”

With his extensive marketing experience, Julian offers every client a unique strategy to position their home effectively.

Top Agent Magazine

The Fuentes Team prioritizes the client experience, offering every client an array of unique services, from bespoke marketing to expert counsel, no matter the price point.

“We create a brand around a house, which sounds like a million-dollar ideology, but when you bring it to a lower price range, it’s totally do-able,” Julian says. “I sit down with every client and say, ‘Tell me about your house.’ They tell me memories about the house, what they’ll miss, what they love, and we highlight those things in the videos. We’re selling the lifestyle that the house offers. We provide buyers with the realities of what having that house will mean for them and their family. We highlight the area and access to local amenities. We have a video series to demonstrate the lifestyle of specific areas so buyers can see what they’ll be getting.”

Top Agent Magazine

11

Energetic, passionate, and dedicated, Julian has a bright future. “Our core values are innovation, passion, and empathy. We want to do things no one has done, which is risky, but we believe in the future of this company and the future of our agents.” With plans to create

a Family Fund to help clients financially, Julian and his team will continue to center the client experience in everything they do. “My priority is to maintain the high quality of service within our expansion,” Julian says. “If we stick to our values, we will not fail.”

To find out more about Julian Fuentes, call 908.477.7529 or 908.353.4700, email julianf@familyrealestatenj.com, or visit familyrealestatenj.com www.

12

Top Agent Magazine

Tips on Breaking Into the Luxury Market So, you’ve been doing residential real estate for a while and you’re looking to up your game. A lot of people consider going into the luxury market at that point. Or, maybe you started in the business always intending to specialize in luxury properties and were just learning the ropes before you tackled one of the industry’s most lucrative specialties.

No matter the reason, the luxury market is a whole new ballgame and you don’t want to go into it unprepared. First impressions are everything in this business, especially when you’re dealing with wealthy clients and investors. Here are few things to consider if you’re thinking of going from starter homes to estates.

LEARN HOW THE LUXURY MARKET AND CLIENTELE ARE DIFFERENT As experienced as you might be in traditional real estate, the luxury market is almost like starting at ground zero. Everything from the buyers, to the sellers, and obviously, the properties themselves, will take a new approach.

One of the key ways it is different is that the feeling of exclusivity truly matters. You will be doing more targeted marketing through high-end networking groups as wealthier clients tend to be more comfortable when Top Agent Magazine

you come recommended by people they trust to have the highest standards. There are no mass-marketed open houses. It’s all about private showings. Although professional, one-on-one service is key in this business no matter what the price point, wealthier buyers are accustomed to concierge-style service, and the way to stand out from the rest is to provide service that goes above and beyond what even they expect.

13

LOOK THE PART If you’re thinking of going the luxury route, creating high-end branding and marketing yourself properly is of the utmost importance.

That includes your own personal look. You and your business will need a total makeover, or at least a major upgrade. It might even be time to buy that new car you’ve always wanted. It is also key that all of your marketing materials are high end. So start gathering a stable of highly-trained professionals,

photographers, and stagers as every aspect of the service network you’ll be providing complements the brand that you’re selling.

It’s well worth the time to get all of this nailed down and seamless before you even think of entering the luxury market. Another good investment? You want to have an indepth knowledge of all the latest real estate technologies and innovations. Don’t just look the part, actually be on the cutting edge.

SELL THE LIFESTYLE Yes, you’re selling a home, but you’re also selling a lifestyle, which in luxury is almost more important. When someone is spending millions of dollars on a home, they want to see the fabulous life they will be living in their new digs. Really highlight amazing party spaces, unique one of kind features,

and amenities. As with anything of value, things that make a property rare, will automatically make it more appealing to people who can afford the best. It also helps people connect more emotionally with a home, giving it even more value than if you just try and sell it as a good investment.

NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING Networking is an important aspect of this business at every level, but it a vital tool in the luxury market. Most of your referrals and targeted marketing will be done through luxury agent exclusive networking groups. In addition to that, it is even more important in this segment of the business to be actively

14

involved in your community through volunteering and supporting local charitable events. You will not only build a stellar reputation, but you’ll also be giving back to the community you represent, and ultimately, integrity is what it’s all about in this business.

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

15

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

16

Top Agent Magazine

3 Surefire Methods that Make for a Productive Meeting Sometimes a business meeting can achieve exactly what it sets out to do: communicate, assess actions, set goals, or otherwise. Other times, meetings can feel like a drain on your time and energy, and only advance your agenda in marginal ways. While meetings are an integral form of communication in the professional world, how can you ensure that they are both productive and worthwhile?

Top Agent Magazine

The truth is, it takes intentioned planning to make a meeting a success. A well-curated meeting makes partners and employees feel unified as a team, excited about what’s to come, and motivated to achieve a collective goal. With that in mind, consider a few approaches below to maximize your next meeting and ensure that all parties involved leave with a renewed sense of direction and inspiration.

Top Agent Magazine ®

17

1. Create a detailed agenda in advance Oftentimes meetings are scheduled with a loose goal in mind—to hash out the terms of a contract or to strategize a new marketing campaign, for example. To ensure your meeting is productive, time-efficient, and achieves its end, create a detailed agenda in advance. This means breaking down your overarching goal into pieces and outlining what’s required to complete each component. You might also consider making time blocks for each respective component, so there is a clear structure and hierarchy in place. Not only does this ensure that time is used wisely and evenly, but it also creates order and momentum for the greater task at hand. What’s more, you’ll want to distribute this detailed agenda in advance of your meeting, so that all attendees will be familiar with the format and delineated goals of your gathering. This will set a professional tone, while keeping team members and conversation on task.

2. Reserve off-topics ideas and comments for later Too many meetings are derailed when an off-topic question or comment is made and hijacks the attentions of attendees. While it’s natural that outlying issues may arise when all team members are gathered, you can ward off distractions by creating a so-called holding area for off-topic talking points. This holding area will serve as the receptacle for any off-topic or lower priority addendum, and you can create a chunk of time towards the end of your meeting to readdress those 18

points separately. Once you’ve achieved the highest priority goals of your meeting, you can then return to the items in your holding area. Note: be sure to familiarize your staff with this approach so that the expectation is already in place and interruptions won’t distract from your meeting’s true intent.

3. Conclude every meeting with a brief summary and action items The very last thing you should do before concluding your meeting is to reemphasize the main takeaways of your gathering and outline a specific list of action items. Again, successful meetings are clear and give attendees a sense of direction. That’s why reiterating action items—or next steps in need of completion—to each respective employee is an essential component of a productive meeting. Likewise, summarizing main takeaways unifies a team’s understanding of what’s important and why the meeting was called in the first place. Ending on a concrete yet proactive note helps launch team members toward the next event in their day and gives them a sense of confidence as they tackle their duties.

Meetings don’t have to be a formality or a bore. When planned and executed with incisiveness, they can inspire your talent roster and streamline productivity in your office.

Especially in the world of real estate, ensuring everyone is on the same page and doing their jobs effectively is key to success and longevity. Put a little planning into your next meeting, and you’ll save yourself valuable time and energy as you move forward.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

SCOTT KURKOWSKI Scott Kurkowski found his passion for real estate in college, when a mentor noted his entrepreneurial spirit and guided him towards pursuing a career in the industry.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in business marketing, Scott is uniquely positioned to help his clients reach their financial goals through real estate. “I love real estate, and how it gives me the ability to be my own person,” Scott says. “Every day, I’m meeting people, seeing new faces, seeing new properties, gaining knowledge of the market, and helping people reach their real estate goals.”

An agent with Blue Homes Real Estate in Avalon, New Jersey, Scott serves all of Cape May County. A native to the area, Scott has an on-the-ground knowledge and a deep passion for the area he serves. “It’s a special place,” Scott says. Boasting wonderful towns and a gorgeous coastline, including the Barrier Islands, the area offers premier beach access along with a strong sense of community.

Now in his third year, Scott delivers top-notch customer care to every client. He has already earned repeat clients and referrals due to his strong work ethic and his personable approach. “Any client will tell you that I give my full attention to them whenever they need,” Scott says. “I pay close attention to details. I’m very accessible to my clients. I work hard to establish relationships, both on a friendship level as well as a professional level.” Scott has knowledge of construction and renovation, and he is committed to his own professional growth and achievement. “My athletic background gives me some competitiveness, which serves my clients well,” Scott says.

To keep in touch with past clients, Scott makes sure to touch base every month and during the holidays. To Top Agent Magazine

market his listings, Scott deploys a comprehensive and tailored strategy to match the strengths and needs of each property, leveraging social media and digital platforms.

“I believe our social media brand marketing is unmatched in this area,” Scott says. “We’ve started doing virtual tours, and we’ve received positive feedback. We save the seller’s and buyer’s time, so everyone is happy.”

Dedicated to his community, Scott works as a professional soccer coach in his own time for Cape Express Soccer Club and Middle Township High School Boys Soccer Program. He donates a portion of each of his transactions to a charity of his choice, donations which are matched by his Brokerage. When Scott is not busy helping clients or giving back his time, he loves to spend time with his fiancé, family, and his dog, Rookie.

“I love to play golf and stay active, as well as take advantage of living at the beach,” Scott says.

For the future, Scott has no plans to slow down. He looks forward to growing his business and his areas of expertise, including real estate investment. “I love this career,” Scott says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

To find out more about Scott Kurkowski, call 609-425-5952, visit bluehomesgroup.com or email scott@bluehomesgroup.com http://

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

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 20

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

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine ®

21

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

22

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

EWA “EVA” MIRAGLIOTTA Ewa “Eva” Miragliotta initially took an interest in real estate in 2009, following the purchase of her first home. Inspired by that experience, she was driven to learn more about the industry, and soon found that real estate perfectly complimented her professional background in sales and management, along with her passion for helping others. Since then, she has gone on to author an exceptional career as an agent. Eva is one of the top Realtors® for Coldwell Banker Realty where she assists her clients throughout Clifton, NJ and the surrounding areas. Leveraging her strong communication skills, market expertise, and tireless work ethic, she has cultivated a specialized process to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

takes time to find the right home,” she says.

“But throughout the process, I am always available to answer all the questions my clients may have. After all, these are some of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make.”

For her compassionate approach, Eva has earned a fantastic reputation throughout New Jersey, with the vast majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. Having attained multiple Realtors® awards including the prestigious NJCAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award and Million Dollar International Sterling Society, she remains focused on the strong values that have anchored her award-winning career in the first place. “My clients know they can always consult with me,” she says. “They can trust that I’ll always have time for them, I’ll never be pushy, and I’ll give them honest answers—no matter what.”

When listing a home, Eva equips her clients with a comprehensive strategy proven through her years of experience. Right from the start she is there to help them fully prepare their property for the market, providing sellers with a suite of professional marketing techniques including professional photography, blended targeted digital and social media campaigns, and traditional methods like flyers to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Along the way, though, she also shares her listings with those in her own extensive professional sphere, all to give her clients an added advantage.

When she’s not with clients, Eva can be found spending quality time at home with her beloved family, exercising, or traveling. But she is also committed to her heritage, having been deeply involved with the Polish community surrounding Clifton through the years.

Going forward, Eva has strong plans for the future of her business. With her volume maintaining its rapid yearly growth, she intends on scaling her model of service while building her team. But most of all, she is excited about the new clients and opportunities that lie ahead. “I truly cherish all the people you get to know in real estate,” she says. “From meeting with someone to helping them find their dream home, there’s nothing more rewarding than building lasting relationships with each and every client.”

Elsewhere, Eva is just as hands-on when assisting her buyers. As a fifteen-year resident of Clifton, she applies her acute understanding of the local market to guide her clients to the right investment for their best interests. Moreover, she keeps in touch long after the deals are done through frequent check-ins and even the occasional gift, often becoming good friends with them well beyond their transaction. “Sometimes, it

For more information about Ewa “Eva” Miragliotta, email Eva.Miragliotta@cbmoves.com, visit EwaNJAgent.com or call (973) 851-4131.

You can also follow Eva on Instagram @eva_miragliotta. www.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine ®

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine