NORTH CAROLINA 11-2-20

NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

Are You Doing Business As You on Facebook?

Is Finding a

NICHE MARKET

9 Things the Best Leaders Never Say

Right for You? How to

FEATURED AGENTS

MELONY BANKS SUSAN DUNCAN JOHN HAYNES KARLA JACKSON BECKY RAMEY LAUREN RICKARD LISA YORK

SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

COVER STORY

MICHELE DEETER BROWNE

NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

Smith Group Realty is proud to congratulate

LISA YORK 7

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KARLA J

JOHN HAYNES KARLA JACKSON BECKY RAMEY LAUREN SUSAN DUNCAN RICKARD

on being featured for the State of MICHELE DEETER LISA YORK North Carolina in Top Agent Magazine! BROWNE

1987, Haynes entered the real professional, narrative write-upsa that d Because and she loves her clients so much, Susan usan Duncan In began her John professional Client-focused, passionbasicreally foundat 30 33 34 37 makesand it a the point to touch base on a regular reer in the nonprofit world, acting as estate appraisal business and with the oneOuter Banks details of why a property should ate about people prospecting.

W basis.

“Whenever I find an item I think e director of an organization dedicated serves, Lauren Rickard finds herself her business, brief exception, has been inshereal estate at the recommended figure, as might interestfor someone, whether it’s inforhelping inner city youth. She went on in an enviable “win/win position sucfinds that som ever since.

Over design the decades that followed, really appreciate that thorough Smith | Smith Group Realty, LLC cess” as a solo agent with mation about the market or news about their run her ownElizabeth successful graphic Coldwell Banker are still the mo 919.718.9027 office he honed this| 919.721.3303 expertisecellbySeaside producing alma mater, I’ll send them a text or email,” d printing company in Raleigh, North Realty. smithgrouprealtyllc.com largescale communities and With of also uncertai she says. “My clients appreciate this.”a great dealShe arolina, but successful ultimately decided she uses a facebook.com/smithgrouprealty eded to followbrokering her dream ofcommercial moving to locations for a world, John has many calls from Lauren’s fascination with architecture and in touch with Karla Jackson began her professional career in To market her listings, Susan reaches out to e coast. “While living in Wilmington, floor plans began early. JOHN She HAYNES was always earlyLAUREN nationwide imprint.

Then, inSUSAN the last five tive buyers citiesofnewsle seek childhood fieldinasmajor the emails, director a 5MELONY DUNCAN RICKARD other area agents with whom she has great worked in commercial realBANKS estate the kid on the building sites checking out “sometimes school, and she really loved it.

But when one ofi years, market haven or “bugout” propertyjus “Inago, the while end, we’re all working to nance, ‘Bringing WallJohn Streetpivoted Capital to a niche the new construction. respect.

Ten years call.”

Lauren’ favorite teachers left, she called to ask ‘why.’ growing considerably in demand: NorthsheCarolina.

“Many peop“ lives of sevour community,” says, Main Street that’s Businesses,’” she recalls. she and her husband better were the managing been real a consist told me she was too busy selling estate “Plus I view this business as a contact sport. analyzed and formulated marketing sustainable living, CONTENTS off-grid, homesteading, preppers are wild-eyed Grizz Six months late eral commercial and residential properties that intrigued me,” she recalls.Banker Outsta I’m happy to assist another agent when theythat ans and successfully securedproperties. financing September of 2014, Karla isn’t gotand, herthe license andr and prepper types, but case, on the Outer Banks, she decided to get her in 2018, 4) HOW TO SPEED ARE DOING BUSINESS have a28) listing, andYOU mostrest are happy to work r over $150 million in commercial real UP FIRST-TIME is history. license and start selling homes. then, she’s earned International “The bulk of my Sterling clients Awar are ASasSince YOU with me well.” ON FACEBOOK? tate projects.” HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS the designations Resort & Second Home Specialist and Under the banner of Retreat Realty, Ltd., and his cated andKarla financially simply loo now headssound, a team ofand agents at 11) IS STARTING A TEAM THE RIGHT 31) 9 THINGS THE BEST Accredited Buyer Representative, and she’s learned that If you ask her what bring Jackson Premier aren’t Realty, as brokered by Susan loves whathas she does because plan. of the Others relationships oon thereafter,national she left that job and moved Sneads Williams, affiliation with toKeller John back-up concerned wi SOLUTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS? LEADERS NEVER SAY “it’s kindshe of easy to sell something you like and believe personal connection goes a Exp, serving North Carolina’s Wake, forges throughout the process. ”It’s so rewarding erry where began practicing real estate as a “hobby” established himself as a unique agent “Iand expert but just want to live sustainably off in,”weadding, love what with I on do buyers and collapse, I love the area that IDurham, with doing a stellar job.”

Johnston, Lee, Harnett, to work closely and sellers in what may be hile looking for19) workEASY in the nonprofit sector.

“Well, BLOG TOPICS FOR 35) DAILY HABITS THAT prepper properties and similar deals. Not As a result, John was WILL theAlamance top age do itland-based in.” one of the dayproducing brings Wayne, Guilford, and coun- someth most important decisions of their lives,”every she l know you can’tYOUR do real estate part time,” she exclaims.

REAL ESTATE BLOG INCREASE YOUR MENTAL STRENGTH ties. than Shehave reports that her volume this as aA is he a that major contributor world“My of prepofdiverse; more 400a local Keller Williams challenges.

Working observes. communityout is so we miliWhen I came toonly the realization I could really make to a the year is on track to hit $12 million, and The she’sbase, talking from I Corolla comes together: connectin ping off-the-grid properties through his blog and extends year-to-date, again in first position. tary new about families, investors. lovehe’s thattodiversity fference in people’s lives by helping A them buy and sellarea 24) and IS FINDING NICHE her business is about 95% repeat and Cape Hatteras, covering about 90 miles of some of the them to achieve their goals and up expert each morning thinking, ‘Who do I get to al estate, I knew thismedia, was my calling.”

That was five as other but heFOR has also served thewake go-to MARKET RIGHT YOU? referral clientele.vice “I use a proactive east coast’s most beautiful beaches, dotted with everyto make the process “ meet today?’” ars ago, and she’s approach to ensure a smooth experifor never such looked topicsback. on a national level.

“There are few After 23 years as an agent and 33 total ye thing from multimillion-dollar estates to eclectic beach sharing her love of the plac ence for both buyerswhat and sellers,” she brokers in our area that handle land exclusively, and estate, John considers lies ahead.

“M cottages.

Noting that ‘real estate is local,” Lauren adds In addition to volunteering for inner city youth“Regardless programs, of what’s usan now works as a solo agent with Ocean Life Reality explains. going within that small group, I’m310-734-1440 the oneSusan that specializes to on retire,” heRealtors, says.

“I love what do.O that, she sat has clients up and down the coast, Lauren’s passion for Ithe on the board of never the Topsail Board oftransaction, rving Onslow County,310-734-1440 focusing on Topsail Island andwhile Phone | Fax in theshe I never let the specializes in the towns she knows best: Corolla, Duck, nity seeps into every part helping to organize community events and fundraisers. rrounding mainland.

With a volume of $6 million in retreats and sustainable properties,” he says. John and it don’t think of it as work. I just plan to mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com Shores, Hawk, Kill Devil andon fifteen on the Archi “This isTV theKitty kind of work that’s dear track to Hills, my heart,” she as says. far this year,has Susan reports that herappearances business isSouthern 50% been offered in reality shows, on the I’m longyears as the good Lo peat and referral clientele. mainly doreproduced this toNags help teeTop forAgent her home HOA, the No portion of this“I issue may be in Head. any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. but has declined due to concerns ofWhen privacy and thator donating me to do time, it.” Susan enjoys not working ople realize Magazine the American dream by of Feature home ownership,” Association. is published Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are takenher to ensure the accuracy of publishedShe donates such activity may interfere with his ability to properly outdoor for activities “I love tennis, fishing, boating, and e notes. “And I believe myMagazine clients know that Iheld am responsible materials, Topthat Agent cannot beLauren opinionson expressed or facts supplied by its authors. promotes listings her own website, www. transaction to her local foo Toserve subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. clients. playing basketball with my 25-year-old she says. thentic and genuinely care.”

Laurenrickard.com, the Coldwell Banker Seasideson,” Realty an active member of Better Published in the U.S. website, and numerous ancillary sites, including Zillow, tion “heavily vested in mai As and for the future of her business, Susanthis hopes toacontinue usan says each time she meets a new client, sherealtor.com, tries homes.com.

She supplements with dunes” on the Outer Banks John operates in the greater Asheville region and its learn everything she can about them. “I ask a combination lot of to grow as well as to develop programs to educate of direct print and email marketing; profes- Topthe 2 Agent Magazine communities, although public past acquisitions about home “I’d love hold classes, uestions,” she surrounding says. “But I do that because I’m looking sional photography, video, andbuying. home staging; andtosocial And outside of work, if La taken him to all parts media ofis so theengagement. state in service ofbegan r a connection.have A genuine client-agent relationship especially for military families, that offer resources When she her real estate career ing,toit is on these beaches y www.

www.

BECKY RAMEY

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

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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?

Top Agent Magazine ®

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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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Top Agent Magazine

LISA YORK

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LISA YORK

Lisa York is a passionate real estate agent dedicated to providing her clients with an elite level of service. She left a career in retail sales to pursue her dream of becoming a REALTOR® in March 2007. Lisa currently works at Smith Group Realty as both a real estate agent and lead auctioneer, and serves clients throughout Central North Carolina. She is also the CEO and Founder of York Auction Group. Thanks to her knowledge, expertise and high level of customer service, Lisa is a multi-million dollar top producing REALTOR® for Smith Group Realty in Sanford, NC.

level of customer service and in-depth communication that I provide them with,” she says.

A big part of Lisa’s quality customer service is based on good communication throughout the transaction, as well as after. In order to stay in touch with past clients she sends out emails as well as personally handwritten notes. Lisa’s

Working with enthusiasm and dedication to customer satisfaction over the years has allowed Lisa to establish a strong rate of repeat and referral clients, who appreciate her attentive approach and genuine care for what’s best for them. “I think my clients like that I listen and pay attention to their exact wants and needs when it comes to purchasing a home, and they appreciate the high 8

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clients appreciate the communication with them through social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Besides utilizing online portals to communicate with clients, Lisa also finds them useful for marketing her listings.

Frequent social interaction is a big part of working in real estate, and for Lisa, it’s also her favorite. As a people person she enjoys being able to constantly meet new clients and get to know them while helping them accomplish one of the biggest purchases of their lives. “It’s very rewarding to be such an integral part of one of the most memorable moments in many people’s lives. I love the people I get to work with, and I usually end up being close friends with them long after the transaction is over. I can’t say enough how blessed I have been to have the clients I’ve had,” she says.

Outside of her real estate work Lisa strives to be an involved member of her community and participates in various causes to help children. She is also NCR RPAC Vice Chair, NAA CAI Advisor, and NAR RPAC Participation Council Member.

When she’s not working or volunteering her time, Lisa enjoys raising New Zealand Kiko Goats with her mother and spending time with her family and friends. She has many professional goals she would like to accomplish in the future, one of them is holding a real estate and auctioneer license in multiple states so that she can help more people find their dream homes.

“I have built my business over the last 13 years and I’m excited to continue serving my clients with the highest level of care.”

Photo credit: Whitney Atkins Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Lisa York please call (919) 880-9225, email lyork@smithgrouprealtyllc.com, or visit smithgrouprealtyllc.com www.

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Smith Group Realty is proud to congratulate

LISA YORK

on being featured for the State of North Carolina in Top Agent Magazine!

Elizabeth Smith | Smith Group Realty, LLC 919.718.9027 office | 919.721.3303 cell smithgrouprealtyllc.com facebook.com/smithgrouprealty www.

www.

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Top Agent Magazine

Is Starting a Team the Right Solution for your Business?

You’ve started your own real estate business and after a slow start, you’ve found your footing and business has really taken off. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Until maybe you’re getting more business than you can handle. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice service for more listings. The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in Top Agent Magazine

business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that. But, at the same down, you don’t want to turn down business either. It’s at this point, a lot of Realtors® consider starting a team. But, how do you know if that’s the right call for you? Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself to help make your decision.

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The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that.

CAN YOU AFFORD IT? First things first, are you really making enough money to warrant hiring help? One of the key things to think about is your ability to generate leads. Are you so busy with your existing contracts, that you have no spare time to generate more business? Then, it might be time to consider your options. Figure out the time you’ll be afforded to generate more business, how many more transactions that will lead

to, and then see if that pays for the assistant’s wages. That should help you easily see if it’s worth the investment. If it’s on the border, you may still want to go for it if you have a lot of confidence in the market and your ability to bring in business. If you’re not quite there yet though, it might be a good idea to look into a virtual assistant until your business is ready to expand.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A TEAM LEADER? Or in other words, how comfortable are you delegating tasks and responsibilities? For some agents, they need to be actively involved in every step of the process. Being a team leader is not only about being able to delegate, it’s about mentoring and guiding your team as well. Not only do you have to help them serve the team

better, you need to look at yourself honestly too, constantly evaluating what you can do better. It’s also your job to set up systems and operations, that are constantly refined with the feedback of your team members. Clear and constant communication is key with your clients as well as your team.

CAN YOU FIND PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR VISION? Of course, the above two points are moot, if you’re unable to find people that you trust and that share your business’ philosophy. Having a supportive and professional team culture is instrumental in a team’s success. These are people you will be working with closely for long hours so you not only need to trust in their expertise and professionalism, you want to find people with a positive attitude. You will all be relying on each other to create seamless trans12

actions in sometimes stressful circumstances.

Having the right team spirit, so to speak, is what will help your business and team grow.

The ultimate goal of a team is to have thriving careers for everyone on board.

So, if you want to see your business grow maybe a team is right for you. It may even give you a little free time for a personal life. We can all dream, can’t we?

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MICHELE DEETER BROWNE Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Michele Deeter Browne is the broker and owner of Deeter Real Estate, the top team in Stanly County and the surrounding areas.

When Michele Deeter Browne meets with a new client, the first thing she asks is: “How can I help you?� Her professional ethos is focused on walking clients through the process of buying or selling a home with as much care and concern as she would if it were her own transaction. With her eighteen 14 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

years of experience and unparalleled dedication, Michele is now the broker and owner of Deeter Real Estate, the top team in Stanly County and the surrounding areas.

Michele Deeter Browne found her path to real estate through her natural desire Top Agent Magazine

Michele has the attention to detail and compassion needed to truly excel in the industry. Her clients appreciate her personal touch. As a result of her dedication to supporting others, 95% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients.

to care for others. She was working in healthcare in 2002 and one of the patients she was taking care of was trying to sell their home. “I assisted them and their Realtor,� Michele says.

During that process, it became clear Top Agent Magazine

When it comes time to market listings, Michele spends the time to get to know both her client and their property. She does a thorough, accurate market analysis to help her client decide on a sale price. She advises them on how to make minor improvements and stage their house for the market. Once the property is ready, she hires professional photographers. She then lists the 15 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“I do not like surprises, and I do not like my clients to be surprised, so I make sure they understand every aspect of the transaction,” Michele says.

property on the MLS and all the major real estate websites, shares it on social media, and with other top agents in the area. The result of this thorough approach is often a quick sale at a very competitive price.

Michele’s clients rave that she is professional, personable, and takes the time to thoroughly explain every step of the process.

“I do not like surprises, and I do not like my clients to be surprised, so I make sure they understand every aspect of the transaction,” she says.

Her favorite part of her work is helping her clients complete transactions that will have a Copyright Top Agent Magazine 16

Top Agent Magazine

positive impact on their lives and finances, sometimes for decades to come. Whether it’s a first time homebuyer, investor, or someone cashing in for retirement, Michele loves the satisfaction of knowing her clients are thrilled with her work.

Michele is known throughout her community for having a giving heart.

She and her team shop for, assemble Top Agent Magazine

and deliver “backpack meals” to students in need at the local high schools and middle schools. Her company has a moving truck they allow anyone in the community, including buyers and sellers, to use free of charge. They also sponsor several families at Christmas.

“God has blessed me in this business and it’s my responsibility to give back,” she says. In her free time, she loves spending time with her four children, Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

who range in age from one-years-old to twenty-three, and her son-in-law.

Michele is grateful that her agency’s stellar reputation in town has led

amazing agents to join her team. “The success of my company is a result of the agents who pull together to help make our family,” she says with a smile.

To find out more about Michele Deeter Browne, you can contact her by email at michele.deeter@gmail.com or by phone at 704-985-4800

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Top Agent Magazine

Easy Blog Topics for Your Real Estate Blog Today, blogging looks a lot different than it did back in 2007, when the platform was just beginning to take off. Successful bloggers don’t choose blog topics on a whim. They think strategically and develop pillar content that their target audience will come back to again and again.

Real estate bloggers should be less concerned with whether the same post already exists (it does) Top Agent Magazine

than with how they can be more informative and helpful than their competition. Your personality is likely the thing that your clients connect with, and your blog is another place where you can let it shine.

Pillar content refers to those evergreen posts that never get old because they are always timely.

Think about those questions that you’ve had to

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answer a hundred, if not thousands of times— that’s your pillar content. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could direct your clients to a blog post or, better yet, they discovered the answer on your website rather than you having to constantly repeat yourself?

Or maybe you helped a client sell their house for much more than they were expecting by conducting a series of small and inexpensive renovations. Tell your readers how you did it.

Evergreen Content

Your clients are likely new to the area. Inform them about upcoming community events or mom-and-pop shops they may have never heard of. Are there hiking trails or parks nearby?

What’s the best place to grab a cup of coffee before work or a beer after? You can spotlight these places regularly as a monthly series.

This should really make up the bulk of your content. The possibilities are endless, and you could easily come up with an entire year’s worth of content with only a few hours of brainstorming.

Here are some examples: You could provide your readers with a list of questions they should ask when interviewing a realtor, the steps to becoming a real estate investor, real estate facts all first-time homeowners should know, steps new parents should take to prepare their home for a baby, recommended vendors for home maintenance, or common real estate terms defined.

You could explain to your readers what they need to know about home staging, which home renovations add the most value to their home, how to research schools or crime rates in specific neighborhoods, what a home association is, or how to start flipping houses and buying foreclosures.

Case Studies Sometimes realtors work with a client for years before they are ready to buy a home. Personal finance blogs are a thing for a reason. People want to see exactly how someone else achieved a shared goal. If you have a close relationship with a client who you helped become a homeowner, consider interviewing this client and writing up a case study that shows exactly how the two of you worked together to achieve this goal.

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Stay Local

There are plenty of real estate news outlets that will be posting about the state of the market—but they won’t be talking about your specific community, and that’s where your blog comes in.

Of course, if you only blog about community functions or properties on the market, then as soon as that event is over or that listing is sold, your content ceases being useful.

The best real estate blogs balance their content by posting a little about all the above. Maintaining a high-quality blog means your prospective clients don’t need to visit several websites to have their questions answered because you’ve done the work for them. It’s a tool that helps you make a great first impression.

If you still need help coming up with blog topics for your real estate blog, consider sending a survey out to your clients. You can send it via email and post it on social media. Ask your clients what real estate problems they need help solving and write your content with their responses in mind.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

BECKY RAMEY Top Agent Magazine

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BECKY RAMEY

Becky Ramey began her real estate career in 2006.

During her 14 years in the business, she has made a name for herself as a hardworking, honest and compassionate Realtor® who always puts her clients’ best interests first. It’s not hard to imagine why she is adding teaching to her repertoire, sharing with Realtors everywhere her best practices through a new online course, The Village Broker, teaching other agents how she’s grown to be a top producer in her small town market.

Becky serves the Franklin market in Western North Carolina. About 75% of Becky’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the confidence she inspires. “Word of mouth is the best advertisement,” Becky explains. “I get referrals and repeat business because I’m known for taking care of people and giving them good customer service. This is easy to do when you have systems in place to help the customers achieve their goals and limiting stressors for them.”

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When it comes to marketing her listings, Becky sets herself apart from the rest with her comprehensive and effective approach. “We’ve got the marketing really dialed in,” she says. “From using professional photographers, drone photographers, and doing video tours, to getting it out to all the third party sites, we have it all down to a system that achieves results.”

The results speak for themselves: last year, Becky closed 104 sales with this year promising to surpass this amount. She has an assistant who helps with all

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the behind the scenes. Their structured procedures assure that her business keeps running smoothly. She has continually been a top producing agent in her MLS for the years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and year to date. Well-known for winning top awards in North Carolina for the state in both Commercial and Residential Sales with Remax, it is easy to see Becky’s growth: 3rd Place Closed Transactions in state of NC 2019, 3rd Place Commercial Commissions Earned state of NC 2019, 5th Place Commission Earned Individual agent in the state of NC 2019, 9th Place Commission Earned Individual NC 2018, 10th Place Commissions Earned Individual NC 2017, 13th Place Commissions Earned Individual NC 2015.

Community involvement is important to Becky.

Within her industry, she has been involved with her local real estate board since 2008, having served in positions including MLS President and Treasurer of the board. She also serves on the board of CareNet, a local nonprofit that provides food and backpack programs, as well as being active in her church. When she is not working or giving back, Becky loves running, hiking, and cooking.

In the future, Becky plans to do more work training other agents, with a focus on how to serve small markets. “I live in a town of 35,000 population and an average sales price of $200,000,” she explains, “and I’m super thankful to be able to close over 100 homes a year. It’s a wonderful business, and I want to teach people how they can succeed in their small markets too.”

Above all, Becky emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and great customer service.

“As a Realtor® part of your job is to help your clients know what their expectations are,” she says. “It’s a very emotional business because you’re dealing with people’s homes and lives, as well as their wallets. It’s important to keep a positive outlook and put yourself in your client’s shoes to really think about what they’re feeling. That helps us be better for them.”

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To find out more about Becky Ramey, call 828-421-2357 or email beckylramey@gmail.com.

You can also find her online at beckyrameync.com and villagebroker.com and on Instagram @thevillagebroker www.

www.

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Is Finding A Niche Market Right for You?

A lot of Realtors® take the ‘jack of all trades’ approach to their businesses, and some are extremely successful with doing it all and doing it well. But taking that approach can also make it hard to stand out if there are a lot of agents in your area taking the same approach.

If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the rest, finding a niche market might be the way to go. Although it might sound limiting at first, with the right branding and marketing, your specialty and expertise may help you lock up a market after you become well known for being the ‘go to’ Realtor® in a certain demographic. Having a niche helps you target your marketing, making it more effective, until eventually people are seeking you out as you build your reputation as the foremost expert in your particular niche.

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Despite the benefits of taking on a specialty, it’s still something that only a small percentage of Realtors® do, which means you have a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor in your area by being ahead of what is sure to be a looming real estate trend.

You want to claim your stake on the niche that best fits not only your passions, but something that fills a void in your market.

If this all sounds good to you, the next step is finding your niche! Here are a few things you need to consider:

There are two approaches to having a specialty, one that is truly your all-consuming passion or a sort of revolving niche, one that changes with the market Top Agent Magazine

In addition to creating a thriving business, finding a niche may even unlock a hidden passion. Does your area have a large historic home inventory? Are you passionate about helping first time home buyers realize their dreams?

Having a personal connection to what you specialize in is always a great way to start out. If you’re passionate about something, you’re almost guaranteed to have the work ethic it takes to have success in a niche market. Once you hone in on a niche, make sure the market data backs up your focus.

Another approach is changing with the market. If you’re truly an expert in a few areas of the business, it might be good to have sort of a revolving niche. In a down market you might specialize in short sales and foreclosures.

When things pick up, you may take your innovative approaches and start applying them to luxury homes.

Whether you take the consistent niche approach or the flexible one, it’s really all about figuring out what best suits you and your market.

Fill a void in your market Maybe you don’t have an instant passion for one particular niche. In that case, there are several areas you can consider. A lot of it will start with really researching and analyzing your market and having a good eye for what future trends will be. Is there a certain demographic that is surging in your area? Cater your business to serve them. Maybe you are fluent in Spanish and your area is seeing a rise in a Latino population, who are emigrating from other countries. Or perhaps, you live in an area that has a larger retirement population. There Top Agent Magazine

are numerous demographics that truly need expert real estate advice. Be the one to fill it.

You can also focus on a particular neighborhood or gated community. Helping people navigate the ins and outs of a particular HOA can be a lifesaver.

Are you already serving a niche?

Of course, sometimes you may already have a niche and are unaware of it. Maybe you are already dealing with a lot of first-time homebuyers. Look over your sales records and see what might already be there, then make it official.

Figure out why you’re drawn to that area and then nail down the reasons you’ve excelled with that niche and use it to create a marketing plan and branding.

Find ways to really sell your expertise Once you figure out your niche, get the training, designations, and certifications that will enhance your expertise. Another way to let it be known that you are the ‘go to’ Realtor® in your particular niche is to become a resource online. Create a website with informative blogs and marketing information. Make a mark on social media where you can link back to your site, so potential clients can actually interact with you.

There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking of going the niche market way with your business, but if you consider everything carefully and focus in on something you can be passionate about, the rewards could be a major win for you and for your clients.

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KARLA JACKSON

Karla Jackson began her professional career in the early childhood field as the director of a 5-Star school, and she really loved it. But when one of her favorite teachers left, she called to ask ‘why.’ “She told me she was too busy selling real estate and that intrigued me,” she recalls. Six months later, in September of 2014, Karla got her license and the rest is history.

Karla now heads a team of agents at Jackson Premier Realty, brokered by Exp, serving North Carolina’s Wake, Johnston, Durham, Lee, Harnett, Wayne, Guilford, and Alamance counties. She reports that her volume this year is on track to hit $12 million, and her business is about 95% repeat and referral clientele. “I use a proactive approach to ensure a smooth experience for both buyers and sellers,” she explains. “Regardless of what’s going on in the transaction, I never let the 26

client see me stressed. It’s so important to stay on track and to head off potential problems before they become actual problems.”

Karla stays true to her motto, “Making Your Realty Dreams a Reality,” so she understands that buying and selling is one of the biggest decisions in a client’s life and views representation and guidance of her clients through this process as

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a true privilege. Well versed in all aspects of the business, she specializes in the active adult, luxury and first time home buyer markets.” Please change the line to reflect that I volunteer in social action and community service events.

Because most of her clients are active seniors, Karla likes to hold events within their specific communities. “It’s so important to keep them active and socializing, especially since they typically aren’t North Carolina natives,” she notes. She also stays in touch with past clientele via phone calls, social media, and special occasion mailers.

Karla markets her listings using a holistic approach.

“Since COVID, most of my promotional activities are online,” she says. “Virtual tours have been huge for us. I’d say most of my senior clients purchase their properties without ever having visited it in person.”

What’s most rewarding for Karla is the opportunity to help people reach their real estate goals. “Everybody has a story, whether it’s a first-time home-buyer or a senior that’s right sizing, and it’s my job to help them find their dream homes,” she says.

Karla strongly believes in giving back to her community and is involved with several local programs.

“I serve as volunteer services coordinator for the high school booster club,” she says. “I’m also active in my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I volunteer with social action and community service events.”

Karla is married to her college sweetheart, and they are rearing three children… all with an eight-year age difference. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, cuddling with her toy poodle, and spending time with family and friends.

With her new team in place, Karla plans to help each of them find their special niches. “It’s my belief that none of us can do everything perfectly, so I want each of them to find a designation they’re good at and excel,” she notes.

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karla@jacksonpremierrealty.com, http://jacksonpremierrealty.com/ Copyright Top Agent Magazine 27

Are You Doing Business As YOU On Facebook?

Are you ‘Doing Business As YOU’ on your personal Facebook page? In other words, are you posting your business content from your personal page?

Yesterday a REALTOR® asked us, “Why should I bother with a company Facebook page? Can’t I just post everything from my profile page?”

The answer lies in what we call division of content. As you may be aware, social media began as just that… social. It was never truly intended for business use.

Over time, as businesses began to see the potential in reaching the masses in a new way, they began to intrude on this communication. Today, it is widely accepted that business will be conducted on all social platforms, but the manner in which we do so (and in which we are received) is still a touchy subject at times.

We believe it’s important to be transparent on social media. Draw the line between communicating as the Person and the Professional. Not only does this help you keep your content separate and appropriate, it also gives the control to your network of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and customers.

They get to decide whether to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ your company page. They get to decide whether they want to see your business related posts. User control is the #1 reason you need a business page if you’re conducting business on Facebook. Wouldn’t you rather have a willing and engaged audience over a forced, potentially reluctant one? We have personally eliminated many of the ‘DBA’ offenders from our news feeds and you have likely done the same.

As in all controversial social media topics, there is some gray area. And that gray area is often subjective, so consider this post food for thought and decide for yourself. We try our best to keep professional content on our business pages, with a couple of exceptions: 1. Philanthropic Promotion: We’re in favor of posting anything that will help an organization in need on both your personal and business pages. Nonprofits often have little to no marketing budget and rely on all of us to promote their good works, so we believe that’s a good line to cross (as long as it’s about the organization, and not you).

2. Recognition Tagging: Facebook does not allow you to tag an individual on your business page. Yes, there are some tricky work-arounds, but they are inconsistent at best. So when it’s truly important for us to recognize and tag an individual, especially someone who has done something nice for us (inviting us as guests on their radio show or podcast, for instance), we will generally post that on the business page first, then share it from our personal pages, along with a comment recognizing and tagging the individual(s) or business who helped us.

Either way (personal or business), remember to be true to the social aspect. Our participation on social media should be about giving, helping, recognizing and connecting…especially when it comes to your business.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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MELONY BANKS Melony Banks graduated with a Master’s Degree in Teaching at West Virginia University. In 1989, she moved to Charlotte, where she initially taught tennis and middle school science. Over time, though, she took an interest in the real estate industry, in particular for the ways it spoke to her compassionate personality and love of helping others. At the encouragement of her husband, Erick, she decided to pursue her license.

“Going into real estate was the best decision I could have made,” she says, “and I couldn’t have made it without Erick. If I’ve ever needed help, he’s been there for me.”

Today, Melony is the Owner of MBA Real Estate, where she and her son, Jackson Bailey, serve clients throughout the Matthews, Charlotte and Union County areas. A thirty-year resident of North Carolina, she has anchored her family business around strong values of community and client advocacy.

When listing a home, Melony offers her clients a suite of services. After helping her sellers prepare their house and supplying professional photography, she shares it over a variety of digital and social media platforms. Moreover, Melony, an expert home stager, can guarantee that a house stands out above the rest. “I know how to transform a property from top to bottom,” she says. “But through it all, I’ll do whatever it takes to add value for my clients.”

very much a family business here. If it weren’t for my husband and two sons, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Melony has a good reason to include her family in the business. Jackson, her oldest son, played golf at Lenoir Rhyne University and earned his Master’s Degree in Finance and Business from Coker University; meanwhile her younger son, Christian Bailey, played golf at Appalachian State University and is currently a rising junior at the school, majoring in computer information systems.

Outside of her career, Melony is an active participant in her community. On top of sponsoring a local golf tournament, the Shamrock Cup, she also helps low income families around her town. When she’s not serving clients or giving back, she can be found playing tennis, spending time with her husband and sons or walking her two beloved dogs.

Going forward, Melony has strong plans for the future. As her volume continues to grow, she intends on seizing on the momentum and building out her team. But no matter what, she will always provide full service to her clients at an unmatched rate. “I’m straightforward with all my buyers and sellers,” she says. “In my experience, honesty has been the key to any successful transaction. When you work with me, what you see is what you get.”

Elsewhere, Melony is just as comprehensive when assisting her buyers. At West Virginia University, she was an All Atlantic 10 Conference Tennis player in singles and doubles, breaking five school records, and she has carried that tenacity and competitive spirit into her negotiations.

“Every deal is different,” she says. “In real estate, you’re constantly dealing with different people and different circumstances. But I love it; no two days are the same.”

Over the years, Melony has earned an outstanding reputation, with the majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. When asked about the secret to her success, she emphasizes the importance of family. “We’re 30

To learn more about Melony Banks please call (704) 668-1228 email melonytennis01@gmail.com, or visit mbasold.com www.

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Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

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you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

1

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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2

6

I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

5

I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

7

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

8

DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

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YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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SUSAN DUNCAN Susan Duncan began her professional career in the nonprofit world, acting as the director of an organization dedicated to helping inner city youth. She went on to run her own successful graphic design and printing company in Raleigh, North Carolina, but ultimately decided she needed to follow her dream of moving to the coast. “While living in Wilmington, I worked in commercial real estate finance, ‘Bringing Wall Street Capital to Main Street Businesses,’” she recalls.

“I analyzed and formulated marketing plans and successfully secured financing for over $150 million in commercial real estate projects.”

Because she loves her clients so much, Susan makes it a point to touch base on a regular basis. “Whenever I find an item I think might interest someone, whether it’s information about the market or news about their alma mater, I’ll send them a text or email,” she says. “My clients appreciate this.”

To market her listings, Susan reaches out to other area agents with whom she has great respect. “In the end, we’re all working to better the lives of our community,” she says, “Plus I view this business as a contact sport.

I’m happy to assist another agent when they have a listing, and most are happy to work with me as well.”

Soon thereafter, she left that job and moved to Sneads Ferry where began practicing real estate as a “hobby” while looking for work in the nonprofit sector. “Well, we all know you can’t do real estate part time,” she exclaims.

“When I came to the realization that I could really make a difference in people’s lives by helping them buy and sell real estate, I knew this was my calling.” That was five years ago, and she’s never looked back.

Susan loves what she does because of the relationships she forges throughout the process. ”It’s so rewarding to work closely with buyers and sellers in what may be one of the most important decisions of their lives,” she observes. “My community is so diverse; we have a military base, new families, investors. I love that diversity and wake up each morning thinking, ‘Who do I get to meet today?’”

Susan now works as a solo agent with Ocean Life Reality serving Onslow County, focusing on Topsail Island and surrounding mainland. With a volume of $6 million so far this year, Susan reports that her business is 50% repeat and referral clientele. “I mainly do this to help people realize the American dream of home ownership,” she notes. “And I believe that my clients know that I am authentic and genuinely care.”

In addition to volunteering for inner city youth programs, Susan sat on the board of the Topsail Board of Realtors, helping to organize community events and fundraisers.

“This is the kind of work that’s dear to my heart,” she says.

Susan says each time she meets a new client, she tries to learn everything she can about them. “I ask a lot of questions,” she says. “But I do that because I’m looking for a connection. A genuine client-agent relationship is so important.”

As for the future of her business, Susan hopes to continue to grow as well as to develop programs to educate the public about home buying. “I’d love to hold classes, especially for military families, that offer resources to empower people in their real estate decisions,” she says.

When not working or donating her time, Susan enjoys outdoor activities “I love tennis, fishing, boating, and playing basketball with my 25-year-old son,” she says.

To learn more about Susan Duncan, email her at susan@oceanlifenc.com, visit oceanlifenc.com/susan-duncan or call (910) 617-7062 www.

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JOHN HAYNES In 1987, John Haynes entered the real estate appraisal business and with one brief exception, has been in real estate ever since. Over the decades that followed, he honed this expertise by producing successful largescale communities and brokering commercial locations for a nationwide imprint. Then, in the last five years, John pivoted to a niche market that’s growing considerably in demand: off-grid, homesteading, sustainable living, and prepper properties.

Under the banner of Retreat Realty, Ltd., and his national affiliation with Keller Williams, John has established himself as a unique agent and expert on prepper properties and similar land-based deals. Not only is he a major contributor to the world of prepping and off-the-grid properties through his blog and other media, but he has also served as the go-to expert for such topics on a national level. “There are few brokers in our area that handle land exclusively, and within that small group, I’m the one that specializes in retreats and sustainable properties,” he says. John has been offered appearances in reality TV shows, but has declined due to concerns of privacy and that such activity may interfere with his ability to properly serve clients.

John operates in the greater Asheville region and its surrounding communities, although past acquisitions have taken him to all parts of the state in service of buyers and sellers. Considering the focused nature of his real estate practice, a significant contingent of his business is driven by repeat and referral clientele in the prepper community who trust his knowledge of the land, and personal approach. “I love getting out, walking the land and exploring,” he says. “I’ve come across old ruins, caves, mineshafts, and I enjoy learning the history of a property. Another aspect that I enjoy is doing analyses and writes-ups of these properties. Rather than the typical CMA, I draft 10 to 12-page 34

narrative write-ups that really dig into the details of why a property should be priced at the recommended figure, and people really appreciate that thoroughness.”

With a great deal of uncertainty in the world, John has many calls from prospective buyers in major cities seeking a safe haven or “bugout” property in western North Carolina. “Many people assume preppers are wild-eyed Grizzly Adams types, but that isn’t the case,” he says.

“The bulk of my clients are well-educated and financially sound, and simply looking for a back-up plan. Others aren’t as concerned with societal collapse, but just want to live sustainably off the land.”

As a result, John was the top producing agent in 2019 out of more than 400 local Keller Williams Agents, and year-to-date, he’s again in first position.

After 23 years as an agent and 33 total years in real estate, John considers what lies ahead. “My plan is never to retire,” he says. “I love what I do. I enjoy it, and it don’t think of it as work. I just plan to continue on the track I’m on as long as the good Lord allows me to do it.”

To learn more about John Haynes email john@retreatrealty.net, call 828–773–8090, or visit retreatrealty.net www.

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Daily Habits That Will Increase Your Mental Strength When it comes to building physical strength, the solutions are obvious, but keeping up your mental strength isn’t as easy as going to the gym. Although physical exercise does help clear your head and relieve stress, there are other things you can do daily that will help your mind be as strong and flexible as your body after a workout. Here’s just a few things you can do to help clear your head and make you more productive.

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DON’T WASTE YOUR BRAIN POWER That might seem obvious, but think about how much mental energy you might use up worrying about negativity or things you have no control over. Instead of focusing on problems, focus on solutions.

This actually take a lot of effort, we’re all conditioned to let worry paralyze us sometimes. Try and catch yourself when you’re 35

wasting time thinking about about past mistakes or current dilemmas you don’t have the power to stop. You really only have so much mental energy, and if you have kids and an especially stressful work situation, that might be even less than normal. Start treating your brain like the precious resource it is. You don’t want to be running on empty when it really matters.

BE MORE POSITIVE Eliminating negative thoughts is essential to increasing your mental strength. Carrying around negativity is like swimming with all of your clothes on. You might be okay at first, but eventually you’ll feel like you can barely stay afloat. Don’t drown in negativity, use positive thoughts as a lifesaver. This doesn’t mean you should ignore things you need to improve, just approach them with solutions rather than beating yourself up. Constant monitoring of this is important since it’s really easy to slide back into negative thinking.

STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE A lot of mental energy can go to dealing with anxiety. One way to deal with that is by forcing yourself to try new things and take on new challenges, that you might normally avoid because they make you feel unsure or scared. Challenge yourself daily, even with small things.

This is definitely something that becomes easier with practice. Start small, and in no time you’ll be taking on things you never 36

thought were possible. The simple task of trying something new every day will have you feeling energized and put you on the path to self-growth.

BE SELF-AWARE Your emotions affect everything you do, even if they’re not at the surface. Recognizing and labeling them is key. A lot of the above exercises require selfreflection. It’s okay to have the emotions you have, understanding why and where those emotions come from allows you to focus on dealing with them rather than just wallowing in them. Being self-aware is also about self-care. Know the things that help relax and rejuvenate you. That way you can handle everyday stresses and remain calm even during the most turbulent times.

BE WILLING TO LEARN A lot of people are still hung up on the idea that learning is a boring and tedious process, but you aren’t in junior high anymore. You can find something you’re actually interested in and immerse yourself in it, which engages your mind like nothing else. Whether it’s learning a new technology that will improve your business or something that will make you a more well-rounded person, the learning process keeps you engaged and open to new ideas. A curiosity about the world and new things is something that all mentally strong people have in common.

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LAUREN RICKARD Client-focused, professional, and passionate about the Outer Banks and the people she serves, Lauren Rickard finds herself in an enviable “win/win position for success” as a solo agent with Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty.

Lauren’s fascination with architecture and floor plans began early. She was always the kid on the building sites checking out the new construction. Ten years ago, while she and her husband were managing several commercial and residential properties on the Outer Banks, she decided to get her license and start selling homes. Since then, she’s earned the designations Resort & Second Home Specialist and Accredited Buyer Representative, and she’s learned that “it’s kind of easy to sell something you like and believe in,” adding, “I love what I do and I love the area that I do it in.”

The area she’s talking about extends from Corolla to Cape Hatteras, covering about 90 miles of some of the east coast’s most beautiful beaches, dotted with everything from multimillion-dollar estates to eclectic beach cottages. Noting that ‘real estate is local,” Lauren adds that, while she has clients up and down the coast, she specializes in the towns she knows best: Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head.

Lauren promotes listings on her own website, www.

Laurenrickard.com, the Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty website, and numerous ancillary sites, including Zillow, realtor.com, and homes.com. She supplements this with a combination of direct print and email marketing; professional photography, video, and home staging; and social media engagement. When she began her real estate career in 2010, it was a very different market, one that taught her

a basic foundation of any sales profession— prospecting. Whenever she feels a slump in her business, she goes back to basics and finds that sometimes “old school” methods are still the most productive.

She also uses a mix of new and old to keep in touch with clients—a mix that includes emails, newsletters, Christmas cards, and “sometimes just a good old-fashioned phone call.” Lauren’s approach works. She has been a consistent recipient of the Coldwell Banker Outstanding Performance Award and, in 2018, received the Coldwell Banker International Sterling Award.

If you ask her what brings people back, she says, ‘a personal connection goes a long way. Of course, along with doing a stellar job.” Lauren says she likes that every day brings something new—new people, new challenges. Working as a realtor, everything she loves comes together: connecting with people, working with them to achieve their goals, providing professional service to make the process “as seamless as possible,” and sharing her love of the place she calls home.

Lauren’s passion for the Outer Banks and her community seeps into every part of her life. She has served for fifteen years on the Architectural Standards committee for her home HOA, the Harbour Bay Home Owners Association. She donates a portion of each real estate transaction to her local food pantry. In addition, she is an active member of Better Beaches OBX, an organization “heavily vested in maintaining and developing sand dunes” on the Outer Banks.

And outside of work, if Lauren isn’t cooking or gardening, it is on these beaches you will find her whenever the weather is good, looking for shells or sea glass.

For more information about Lauren Rickard, please call (252) 202-3519; email lauren@cbseaside.com; or visit laurenrickard.com www.

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