NORTH CAROLINA 11-1-21

NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

TURNING YOUR PROFESSION

INTO A PASSION FEATURED AGENT

KATHY BYRNES 3 BEYOND-THEOFFICE ACTIVITIES TO INSPIRE A CREATIVE BUSINESS BOOM COVER STORY

KATHY TRICE

MODERN EMAIL ETIQUETTE FOR TODAY'S AGENTS

EMBRACING SMART HOMES:

DOES NEW TECHNOLOGY REALLY INCREASE HOME VALUE?

NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

KATHY BYRNES Broker and Realtor® Kathy Byrnes entered 7 finanthe real estate arena after a career in cial planning. Of the decision, she recalls, “I just wanted to start over.” In 2005, at age 55, she moved to North Carolina, where she only knew her daughter. Today, she is part of a mega team at LePage Johnson, an eXp group, which accrued 124 million in sales last year. This year, she expects they will exceed that number. Still, Kathy prefers quality over quantity. She says, “I KATHY TRICE KATHY am not looking to kill it likeTRICE I used to.”

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of communities, fun thing and tax information. “ traffic,” Kathy points out.

In the future, Kathy is ex upcoming Make-A-Wish team will compete. Ag agents, involving the comm ing a big impact for the k that need our help. “It’s thing to help families in ne KATHY BYRNES “Everyone wins.” When with the team, she is active in her chu Kathy covers the entire Charlotte area, but her cruise in her dream car, a ‘65 Shelby specialty is the waterfront properties of Lake Norman. named Stella. “It was on my vision boa “A Michigander at heart, I alwaysCONTENTS loved being on the she explains. “I made that puppy hap water,” she recalls. Other than gorgeous views, Kathy’s in Kaizen, or lifelong learning, Kath 4) favorite EMBRACING 16)and 3 BEYOND-THE-OFFICE part of the SMART job is helping clients discover to a future defining her client’s dre HOMES: DOES NEW ACTIVITIES TO INSPIRE A and traveling define what they are looking for. “They have an idea, up-and-coming agents, TECHNOLOGY REALLY BUSINESS BOOMTony Robbi and with my help, the next thing you know, CREATIVE we are children to an upcoming INCREASE HOME at the closing table,”VALUE? Kathy says. “We got them the words, “Living a life with purpose a perfect house and the perfect piece of land. The21) neighmake it all worthwhile.”

MODERN EMAIL borhood makes sense.

It all fits.”

14) TURNING YOUR ETIQUETTE FOR

PROFESSION TODAY'S AGENTS OverA thePASSION years, Kathy’s tenacity earned her the moniker, INTO

The Junkyard Dog. “I am on it,” she explains. “I don’t quit. I am looking for a solution, not just a win.” At the end of a transaction, Kathy wants everybody she deals with—the sellers, attorneys, and other Phone 310-734-1440 | Faxbuyers, 310-734-1440 agents—to come away from the| transaction satisfied. mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com Yes, it is easy to understand why repeat and referral No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine generate 96%GA, ofInc. her clientele.

Notare long iscustomers published by Feature Publications Although precautions takenago, to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied she worked with one client for the 14th time. A certi- by its authors.

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. fied Mentor, Published in the U.S.she helps other agents too.

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Kathy enjoys many aspects of the job. One passion is marketing. Recently, she wanted to showcase a top-end townhouse. She commissioned a twilight

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Embracing Smart Homes:

Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

Technology and innovation move at a lightning-fast clip, so it can be hard to keep up with all the smart-home trends sweeping the market at a given time. From smart thermostats to security systems accessed through an app on your phone—there are endless options to customize and update your home for the modern era. But which, if any, of these smart home products add 4

value to property in a significant, worthwhile capacity? Especially with new generations of the same products released in quick succession, it can be hard to determine whether it’s worth it to take the plunge. With that in mind, we’ve conducted a deep-dive into the smart home options out there that make the most sense for your bottom line and real estate investments.

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Smart home amenities range in price and return.

There are certain smart home products that won’t break the bank while still adding lovely touches and time-saving features to your space. For instance, a smart thermostat may not run more than a few hundred dollars, but it can take so much of the guesswork and analog nuisance out of programming your home’s internal environment. That said, buyers selling properties with mid-range amenities like this can’t expect a windfall in return. While smart home features can certainly lure buyers and give the sense that a home is attractively modern (and thus move-in ready), it doesn’t mean that you’ll be reaping a sizable monetary reward for your foresight. Conversely, this reality doesn’t mean those smart options

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are without value entirely; it just means that the value of smart home options may be apparent in a different capacity, like luring a particular buyer or creating a desirable, sleek image for a property headed to market.

On the other hand, larger scale smart home amenities that are being left behind for the buyer—like a smart refrigerator or wired sound throughout the property—may be able to lure particular buyers who value high-end details. While it can be difficult to state definitively the value of smart home options, the rule tends to be that the more you put in, the higher the likelihood you’ll reap the investment you sow. Focus your smart home options on home appliances first, then work your way toward security, thermostat, and entertainment options.

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Smart home amenities capture the attention of buyers

Agents must know how to pitch the value of smart home options

Even if you have mostly opted for small or mid-range smart home options, you can still benefit from their presence in a property—even if they don’t inflate your bottom line as a result. Smart home amenities have the power to focus the attention of buyers, sending a clear signal that the previous owners were tech-forward and made an effort to upgrade the property for the contemporary era. Millennial or Gen Z buyers especially value these up-to-date modifications, and the presence of these desirable gadgets can create added interest and drive up value naturally. Likewise, featuring these options in listing photography can also drive interest from younger or high-end buyers looking for move-in ready spaces.

Remember that smart home features are relatively fresh to the market. While some new construction properties are equipped with these smart amenities, just as many homes on the market don’t offer these upgrades and modern flairs. This means that many buyers, of all ages even, aren’t familiar with the benefits and perks of these options, let alone how they’re operated. Before you can derive value from a smart home or smart home features, you’ll need to understand a product’s proper usage, cost, and benefits. Do your homework regarding what smart home features can offer in terms time or cost savings, and be able to show prospective buyers how easy these objects are to use, as well. Do both, and you’ll be in proper command of what smart home features can offer buyers and pitch them accordingly.

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KATHY TRICE Top Agent Magazine

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KATHY TRICE Kathy Trice is a highly effective Broker known for her integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills, and discretion.

With over 3 decades of experience spanning 3 states, Kathy Trice has not only remained relevant in her current market on the Alabama & Florida Gulf Coast for 30 years, but she has a history of record breaking sales, dating all the way back to 1993 and current to 2021.

Specializing in luxury properties, Kathy has 8

served some of the most popular resort and coastal towns in the U.S. She believes your reputation is recognized by the inventory you carry.

Several of her listings have been featured on the cover of the Re/max Collection Magazine, and a house owned by a celebrity located on exclusive Ono Island, was featured in the Private Properties Top Agent Magazine

Collection in the Wall Street Journal.

Just a year after high school, Kathy found her dream career in real estate. However, her parents wanted her to complete her college education, so, after a year in real estate she returned to school to study Civil Engineering.

“After several years of studying, one summer I was offered a job as an agent at the beach on the Alabama Gulf Coast. I was successful, enjoyed working with different types of people, and loved being out of an office. ” At the same time, the Department of Defense offered her a position where she could utilize her education.

But after giving it some thought, Kathy went Top Agent Magazine

with her intuition, and made real estate her main focus. “I threw that letter away and never looked back.”

After working in Gulf Shores, Alabama for several years, Kathy started fresh in western North Carolina after marrying. “My husband and I moved to an area near the ski resorts, and he encouraged me not to work because I didn’t know how to drive in the snow or on ice yet,” Kathy says. After taking a brief foray into hobbies from baking to building wood sheds & dog houses, out of total boredom, they both decided she definitely needed to go back to work. “I came across a big article in the 9

newspaper about the opening of a new luxury home development at the top of the ski slopes, so I decided to go the next day and explain why they should hire me.” The rest was history, and Kathy was running the entire project just eight months later. Working with some of the wealthiest people in the world, she gained valuable connections and was loving every minute of it.

Six years later, she was ready for a change.

“The winters were harsh, and I wanted to go back to the beach, & be closer to my family” Kathy says. “So in 1991, we moved back and stayed here.” Today Kathy is based in Orange Beach, Alabama at RE/MAX of Orange Beach, where she serves the Alabama Gulf Coast and

surrounding areas. With her focus on luxury properties, she has often worked with celebrity clientele, such as pop stars, professional athletes, and famous authors. as they love her vast experience and exceptional customer service. No matter who she is helping, Kathy goes above and beyond to ensure all her clients and customers are happy. She is a highly effective Broker known for her integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills, and Discretion.

In 2004, just as Hurricane Ivan was about to hit, I listed a pre-construction 95 unit Condominium Complex. After the hurricane, the office had no roof, so I had to work from my home office,

This $3.3 million listing was featured in the Wall Street Journal Private Properties Collection.

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which I shared with my 3 dogs, as the category 3 Hurricane had torn my fence down, and downed 42 trees. We were very blessed that none fell on the house or pool, as we were in the house during Ivan. Once I had a generator running, my phone & computer back up, & operating, I immediately started reaching out to clients and other agents. I had an obligation to my seller to get his property sold as quickly as possible regardless of my personal situation.

Within just a couple of weeks, I had 35 contracts and the remainder sold shortly thereafter.

My power was not restored for 2 weeks and it was 90 degrees outside. I have to admit, it got a little easier once I had full power with air conditioning! When the project was completed, the real estate market had turned down, but despite that, I closed 94 out of the 95 units, and successfully took a condo project from ground up to completion & closing.

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I work as an Independent agent, as most of my clients are busy and have limited time. They want to deal with one or two highly effective people at the most to accomplish their real estate goals. However, I am fortunate to have a very qualified, licensed assistant who is bright, resourceful, tech savvy, and trustworthy; and All my clients and co-workers love Briana.

Kathy says, she has worked in practically every market known from hot to cold, flat, upside down, 18% interest rates & anything in between. You have to be out of the box, quick, smart, and resourceful to be successful in any type of real estate market. Just being a face on the internet or having a nice website won’t cut it in every market. She says any agent can sell from the MLS, but not everyone has the talent or tenacity to locate a property not for sale, convince an owner to sell, then coordinate a 11

successful & smooth transaction for both parties, as she often does. Going the extra mile, is why Kathy is a member of the Re/Max Hall of Fame, keeps her in the top percentage of Realtors® in the United States, and accounts for her high volume of repeat and referral business.

anything in the real estate business. Kathy says her honest and straight forward business style appeals to clients and customers in all categories. She is not an agent who tells her clients what they want to hear. and she knows that price is not always the driving factor in luxury real estate.

Kathy’s extensive market knowledge & experience makes her uniquely qualified for just about

Kathy observes that the skills demanded in both luxury and investment markets is always welcomed, as excellence is no accident.

Kathy Trice is a licensed Broker in AL, FL, & NC. For more information please call 251-952-8444, email beachkat@gulftel.com, or visit kathytrice.com www.

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Turning Your Profession into a Passion The old adage goes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

On the other hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day worries and responsibilities of your career, even if you generally enjoy what you do. While there’s no guaranteeing that every day on the job will be a picnic, there are a few steps you can take to vastly improve your morale and transform your profession into a passion.

After all, cultivating a passion for what you do will not only add to your quality 14

of life, but will likely make you more successful in the long run.

BUILD YOUR BASE OF KNOWLEDGE Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A sure way to light a fire in your heart for your daily work is to challenge yourself to learn more and expand your understanding of your field. By doing so, you equip yourself for success, create challenges, and find the most inter-

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esting features of your work—especially those that most appeal to your interests and talents. Try reading the top five books on the topic of your industry, or subscribe to a podcast where thriving professionals offer their two cents. Either way, learning more about your industry is bound to reveal a source of inspiration worth pursuing.

THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

and excelling in your field, you may find that others’ approaches inspire your own.

Likewise, what you learn from other successful, passionate people in your field can help you shape your own office and work life, in turn creating more opportunities for you to fall in love with what you do, all over again.

TAKE RISKS

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS

One of the biggest hindrances of professional passion is falling into a rut. Routines are familiar and everyday responsibilities vie for our energy. But the next time you tackle a task the way that you always have, take a moment and try to refresh your perspective—is there a more clever or efficient way you could approach this project?

Even better: why not take the plunge and do the things you’ve always been meaning to—throw that client appreciation event you’ve put off planning, take the continuing education course you keep forgetting to register for, even try a creative activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

There’s no better way to inject some passion into your life than by going outside your bubble and taking a risk.

Have you ever chatted with someone who was overflowing with energy for what they do? That sort of passion tends to be infectious—often causing us to beg our own questions about professional engagement.

By participating in local organizations or networking with those who are active

Passion comes from all directions—from your own interior journey and from the world around you. To transform your profession into a passion worth having, invest in yourself and venture into the vast world around you. You’ll surely reap the rewards.

Sometimes reinvigorating your passion for your work is about looking outward, rather than inward. Gain some perspective and consider who your work helps in the long run. As a real estate professional—whether you work as an agent, broker, in mortgages, home inspections, or otherwise—your work positively impacts someone else’s home-sweet-home. You make a difference. While it may seem like just another day at the office, taking a moment to visualize exactly who you are helping in the world at large is a great way to add some motivational fire to your daily tasks.

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3 Beyond-the-Office Activities to Inspire a Creative Business Boom Maintaining motivation year-round is a challenge, especially for those who are several years into a demanding real estate career. It’s easy to burn out, get stuck in a rut, or cycle blindly through a well-worn routine. But those that leave an impact on their industry understand that creativity holds the key to innovation and longevity. To stay ahead of 16

the curve and build your brand, you’ve got to take the time to breathe new life into your practice and see things from a new angle. But where to begin?

To invite change, you’ve got to look outside the box—or in this case, beyond the office. If you’re in need of a professional creative make-

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To stay ahead of the curve and build your brand, you’ve got to take the time to breathe new life into your practice and see things from a new angle. over, or at least want to experience a burst of inventive energy, consider some of the activities below. You may just shake up your routine, bend your brain in new ways, and inject some inspiration into your professional path.

Expand your mind through meditation.

You’ve likely heard all about the supposed powers of meditation, and perhaps you’ve long considered it an over-hyped New Age invention. But did you know that some of the foremost entrepreneurs of our era practice this cost-free, mentally restorative routine? From Oprah Winfrey to Steve Jobs, practitioners of meditation cite its stress-relieving principles, in addition to improvements in concentration, energy, self-awareness, and overall health.

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Even mainstream medicine is beginning to understand the preventative and restorative health benefits that meditation affords. As professional fields go, the mortgage and real estate industries require their fair share of emotional labor—you’re tasked with guiding clients through the investment of a lifetime.

Meditation promotes peace and perspective, while reducing stress, adding a new level of self-awareness, and helping you mentally declutter. When it comes down to it, it only makes sense that taking time to go quiet and center your mind helps professionals find wherewithal amidst a hectic industry. Next time you’re feeling drained, out of ideas, or at your wit’s end—consider just fifteen minutes of meditation to get you started. Like most things, it takes some practice. But, if you commit the time, you’ll be thanking yourself later.

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Learn something new.

If you’re facing burnout, then adding a new responsibility to your plate may seem like the least appetizing self-help solution there is.

However, learning a new skill can reinvigorate your understanding of familiar tasks and dilemmas. Plus, learning a new skill doesn’t have to mean formal classes or time-draining homework. Select something that can even kill two birds with one stone. Want to let off some steam, too? Try a kickboxing class that meets just once-a-week. You’ll have something new to look forward to, meet new people, challenge yourself, and earn some feel-good endorphins, 18

too. Want to cut loose and have some fun? Join a board game meet-up group, take a cooking class, or try rock-climbing for the first time. A stimulating new activity will light up long-dormant parts of your brain, and your clients and colleagues will surely notice the influx of energy to your outlook. Still don’t think you have enough time to add something new to the mix? Blend your morning commute with an audio language learning service. The point is to shake-up your habits and introduce a new challenge that’s unrelated to work. Doing so can make you look at things in a new light and boost your mood along the way.

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See new sights.

If you can, there’s no better way to break from routine than to physically separate yourself from your surroundings. There’s nothing more inspiring than traveling to new destinations, experiencing new cultures, and getting a sense of the world’s true vastness. If a trip abroad isn’t in the cards, don’t fret. There are bound to be plenty of places relatively close by that you’ve never seen. And these trips don’t have to break the bank, either. Devote just one or two days to visiting a place you’ve never gone before, like a state park, protected forest, or a small seaside village. Perhaps you’re only a few hours from a National Park you’ve been meaning to visit but have never made time for. Or, there’s a lively city one state over that you’ve always wanted to try. Whatever the destination, near or far, you’ll refresh

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your perspective entirely when removed from all your usual routines. New restaurants, traffic patterns, storefronts, weather—whatever the change may be, you’ll be experiencing everything brand new all around you. Taking the time for trips like these isn’t easy. In fact, making yourself devote those free days may be a difficult task itself. But it’s the most direct way to get a breath of truly fresh air, and when you return home you’ll be able to assess familiar surroundings in a totally new light.

However you decide to add creativity to your professional life, don’t wait. Once you take the plunge, you’ll be regretting you hadn’t done it sooner. After all, the key to longevity is regular maintenance, so do your part and break the mold today.

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KATHY BYRNES Broker and Realtor® Kathy Byrnes entered the real estate arena after a career in financial planning. Of the decision, she recalls, “I just wanted to start over.” In 2005, at age 55, she moved to North Carolina, where she only knew her daughter. Today, she is part of a mega team at LePage Johnson, an eXp group, which accrued 124 million in sales last year. This year, she expects they will exceed that number. Still, Kathy prefers quality over quantity. She says, “I am not looking to kill it like I used to.”

Kathy covers the entire Charlotte area, but her specialty is the waterfront properties of Lake Norman.

“A Michigander at heart, I always loved being on the water,” she recalls. Other than gorgeous views, Kathy’s favorite part of the job is helping clients discover and define what they are looking for. “They have an idea, and with my help, the next thing you know, we are at the closing table,” Kathy says. “We got them the perfect house and the perfect piece of land. The neighborhood makes sense. It all fits.”

of communities, fun things to do, schools, and tax information. “Content drives traffic,” Kathy points out.

In the future, Kathy is excited about the upcoming Make-A-Wish fundraiser. Her team will compete. Agents challenge agents, involving the community, and making a big impact for the kids and families that need our help. “It’s a heartwarming thing to help families in need,” Kathy says.

“Everyone wins.” When not having fun with the team, she is active in her church and loves to cruise in her dream car, a ‘65 Shelby Cobra Replica named Stella. “It was on my vision board for 20 years,” she explains. “I made that puppy happen.” A believer in Kaizen, or lifelong learning, Kathy looks forward to a future defining her client’s dreams, mentoring up-and-coming agents, and traveling with her adult children to an upcoming Tony Robbins event. In her words, “Living a life with purpose and contribution make it all worthwhile.”

Over the years, Kathy’s tenacity earned her the moniker, The Junkyard Dog. “I am on it,” she explains. “I don’t quit. I am looking for a solution, not just a win.” At the end of a transaction, Kathy wants everybody she deals with—the sellers, buyers, attorneys, and other agents—to come away from the transaction satisfied.

Yes, it is easy to understand why repeat and referral customers generate 96% of her clientele. Not long ago, she worked with one client for the 14th time. A certified Mentor, she helps other agents too.

Kathy enjoys many aspects of the job. One passion is marketing. Recently, she wanted to showcase a top-end townhouse. She commissioned a twilight photograph of the townhouse’s terrace under the soft light of a rising moon. Next, she sent the promotion to the entire building, urging them to choose their next neighbor. Even with her creative streak, Kathy values her team. The website features local draws in hundreds 20

Reach out to Kathy at: 704-881-3930 or KBLKNAGENT@gmail.com Top Agent Magazine

Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts. As a real estate agent or a loan officer, how do you stand apart from the noise? What’s more, how do you stay relevant in a digital landscape that’s constantly changing?

For starters, there are a few timeless techniques you can apply to up your skillset when it comes email and digital communication: asking questions that Top Agent Magazine

inspire conversation, politeness, and following up regularly—to name a few. Likewise, there are surely new tricks you can add to your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s outline a few ways you can refine and update your email etiquette to compete in today’s virtual marketplace.

Make your subject line count Too often, we labor over the content of our emails without giving much thought to subject lines.

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Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity.

However, these little headlines can go a long way in luring the consumer to open your email and ultimately click through to your website in search for your services. An enticing subject line should be short and sweet, ideally less than fifty characters.

You might also include the name of the recipient, and be up front (though concise) about the subject matter of your message. Remember: the first thing a client will see is your name and subject line—be sure to make this prime real estate shine.

Think mobile Research tells us that 79% of Americans check their phones within fifteen minutes of waking up. In fact, much of modern day correspondence occurs by smartphone. Accordingly, you’ll want to account for email readability on a mobile phone.

For instance, incorporating paragraph breaks for each new thought allows information to be parceled out in a palatable way for readers utilizing small screens. Also, any sort of graphic flair or links within your email should be shortened and streamlined for mobile consumption. Send yourself an email every now and again and access it from your phone—you’ll be able to double-check that all the elements of your emails are working well on a mobile platform.

Incorporate email tools There are excellent tools out there to enhance your email experience. With just a quick download, 22

you can add spellcheck, a URL address shortening feature, or a delay option that holds emails for thirty seconds before they’re sent. Think about the possibilities! Haven’t you sent an email without including the attachment you intended, or realizing you sent correspondence to the wrong client? If that’s the case, a delay feature can help you save face and build in a window for error— just in case. Regardless of which tools speak to your email habits, there are plenty of add-ons out there that can revamp your digital correspondence style.

Use email to maximize your online presence These days, there are plenty of ways to communicate—email, text, phone, apps, and social media.

When you interact through email, consider it an opportunity to invite your client to follow you elsewhere online. Ensure that your email signature includes unobtrusive, streamlined links to your social media accounts, professional website, or review page. This will build in an opportunity for clients to engage with your brand, and you may even add an online follower for the long term.

Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. Keep these approaches in mind as you reenergize your email technique and fortify your communication in the digital era.

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Laughs!

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