NORTH CAROLINA 12-6-21

NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

What the First Thing You Do After Work

SAYS ABOUT YOU How to

SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

UNTANGLING THE BIDDING WAR:

A BUYER’S & SELLER’S PERSPECTIVES

Embracing Smart Homes: Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

COVER STORY

KARIN HEAD

FEATURED AGENTS

JENNIFER BUENAU CAHILL MILLER GROUP SUSAN JAKUBOWSKI

NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

SUSAN JAKUBOWSKI CAHILL & MILLER GROU

When Susan Jakubowski got married, she obstacle t 15 20 25 purchased their first investment home with transactio her husband using their wedding money, get the b starting her long journey into the world “I’m hon of real estate. Susan started her workto delive ing career as a CPA in Manhattan – her have an a husband John is a general contractor. They to leverag have been investingCAHILL and flipping real estate Susan’t d KARIN HEAD JENNIFER BUENAU MILLER GROUP SUSAN JAKUBOWSKI now for more than two decades, earning a lot of sa KARIN limitless wisdom and market knowledge in a premier HEAD the process. Susan, with her family, moved steadily o to North Carolina in 2008, where she now resides in Lake Norman, and has built an extensive When it comes to Tracey Miller and Kelly Cahill make a formidable line and beyond.”

CONTENTS sphere of influence the area her business has top-tier socialprestigious media toCertifi targ realinestate team, as offering their clients grown continuallyservice over and the attentive years. Susan hasa made a thirty to potential buyers, tion. They have a care. With combined 4) HOW TO SPEED UP 22) EMBRACING SMART recognitions t of experience in the industry, Tracey and Kelly name for herself asyears a Top Producing agent in the state lications and theforML FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER DOES NEW offer everyHOMES: client expertise, market knowledge, the Chairman’s C and takes pride in her ability to consistently provide a garner maximum ex and a versatile skillset to help them buy or sell Tate Legendary S TRANSACTIONS TECHNOLOGY REALLY phenomenal experience for her clients. markets locally he Club Award,to amo their home.

Tracey began her career in the industry INCREASE HOME VALUE? networks when she moved to the Charlotte area with frequently her husband after he from military 13) UNTANGLING THE BIDDING Susan is an outgoing person andretired an overall pleas-service. in mutually benefici 26) 4 REASONS WHY MULTIKelly started her journey in real estate after a career WAR: A BUYER’S & SELLER’S ant presence to have around, and she loves nothing the number one agen in bankingTASKING and marketing when ACTUALLY her son began CAN PERSPECTIVES more than guidingkindergarten. people through processpartners, by having the highes Traceythe andtricky Kelly became DERAIL YOUR DAY of buying or selling a home.

She&truly ranking report as of forming the Cahill Millercares Group about through Allen Tate Realtors nine years ago, and they have been the well-being of her clients, and does everything in total sales volume 18) 9 THINGS THE BEST going strong ever since.

LEADERS NEVER SAYshe can to get satisfying results for them. “I love to pass $30M by the my clients,” Susan “A lot of them A says. full-service team, Traceybecome and Kellymy serve the good friends, andCharlotte, I try to make sure including we have South a good In her free time, Su NC region Carolina, handling every aspect of the real estate process. time during the transaction.” Susan’s honest, per- friends, going to Bib “We do everything from A to Z,” Tracey says. “We sonal approach has won her a lot of fans - she gets her family. She is ve take care of our clients from top to bottom, from the majority of her business through referrals from spends a lot of time h Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 staging their homes with our own inventory, to helpsatisfied customers, and find hasabecome pillar her hirefuture, she looks fo ing them contractor.aWhen ourof clients us, mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com they get us, from the start of the process to the finish community in Lake Norman. trajectory and build No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Topwhile Agent letting her bu Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published ® Like any good Realtor , Susan brings a great deal of Carolina. If you’re lo materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. to the table. As a veteran of the industry, she of experience and j To subscribe or change address, send expertise inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. is a veritable font of wisdom who is able to tackle any clients, look no furth Published in the U.S.

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JENNIFER BUENAU

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You can contact Susan at (704) 620-3312 orTop susanj@jcashrealest Agent Magazine her webpage at jcashrealestate.com/agents/susan-jakubow www.

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

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

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 4

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

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

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

Set expectations upfront and often.

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

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

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

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

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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KARIN HEAD Top Agent Magazine

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KARIN HEAD “We take care of our clients during and after the transaction.

We have a private portal for clients to log into if they need help with anything. We aim to be their Realtor® for life.”

“My motto is: work hard, play hard, give big, no drama,” says CEO and Broker of Head Realty Group, Karin Head. Vibrant and determined, Karin exercises her negotiation skills and extensive real 8

estate knowledge to guide clients through the steps of a successful transaction and exceed their expectations every single time. Working with a team of eight incredibly talented agents, she serves buyers and Top Agent Magazine

sellers throughout North Carolina.

Understanding how important her role is in this life changing event What separates Head Realty Group for her clients, Karin approaches it from other teams is their excellent with great care, hoping to remove as customer service, which extends much of the stress as possible and far past the end of a transaction. remain a resource for her clients Top Agent Magazine

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long after it’s over. “We take care of our clients during and after the transaction. We have a private portal for clients to log into if they need help with anything. I like being a trusted resource for them and direct them to excellent plumbers, electricians, or roofers. We always follow up to make sure everything is going well with their property,” she explains, and adds, “We take amazing care of our clients from start to finish, and

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we aim to be their Realtor® for life.”

Whether she’s helping someone find their dream home or sell their property, Karin treats everyone as if they were her only client.

Completing 180 transactions last year, Karin is meticulous when it comes to her marketing technique.

“We truly give our clients cutting edge marketing. We spend money to advertise our listings on a variety

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of social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We do videos, drone shots, and professional photos. Nothing will stop us from getting our clients the best results,” she states.

We’re currently building a church in Brazil, but we also do a lot locally with the schools and children in need, as well as various animal organizations. At any time at our office, we might have a dog, a cat, or a pot-belly pig!” In her spare time, which is increasingly rare, Karin loves to travel and make memories with her family. “My family is the center of my universe,” she says.

Having been blessed in her work, Karin believes it’s important to give back and has instilled that same mentality within her team. “We try to do as much charity work as possible.

Right now, we have a drive going on As she considers the future of her at our office for children with cancer. business, Karin is very hopeful. She Top Agent Magazine

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plans to continue growing her team and mentoring new agents. She also remains focused on providing the best quality service for her clients.

“I enjoy teaching and my goal is to

help other agents attain their own individual success. I know that if I teach them some of what I’ve learned over the years, they’ll be able to give their clients quality service.”

To learn more about Karin Head, email karin@karinhead.com, visit bit.ly/HeadGroupLinks, or call (336) 283–8687. www.

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Untangling the Bidding War: A Buyer’s & Seller’s Perspectives In a competitive marketplace, bidding wars become the norm. While this may put sellers in an excellent position to recoup on their investment, it can push buyers beyond their budgets and test their temperaments in the process. As an agent, how do you navigate both sides of the coin? After all, you want to net the best results for your client—regardless of which side of the closing table they’re on. To fortify your approach to a heated bidding war, here are a few ideas and insights to better clue you in on the perspectives of buyers and sellers alike.

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Buyer’s Perspective: Emotions Running High?

Channel it.

When the market is booming, buyers feel the pressure—especially when affordable inventory is limited. This can create stress, feelings of hopelessness, and impulsivity. As an agent, how do you channel this emotional energy into something positive? Consider asking buyers to put those anxieties and high hopes onto paper. Have buyers outline

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who they are, why they’re inspired to buy a home at this juncture in their lives, and how they see their lives unfolding once they become a homeowner (or repeat homeowner). Think of it as a letter of intent.

Buyers benefit from taking abstract fears and dreams and articulating them on paper. Likewise, this document can serve as a valuable tool during a bidding war. Letters like these can help sellers with multiple offers make a personal, emotional connection with a particular buyer.

Sellers Perspective: Manage expectations.

When multiple offers are rolling in on a property, it’s easy for sellers to get carried away. Numbers are flying, expectations are heightened, and sellers may become hypnotized by higher and higher offers and ideal outcomes. While it’s good to celebrate prime market positioning, it’s also important to maintain an even keel so that your seller’s mind is clear and they’re thinking rationally through their options.

Sometimes the highest offer isn’t necessarily the sure thing. Manage your clients’ expectations by leading by example, offering a balanced perspective, and talking them through all potential outcomes so that they don’t only hone in on the best-case scenario.

During a bidding war, tensions are running high for seller’s too, who will soon begin their next chapter in another home. Keep a cool head and remind your client to see the big picture, recognize that it’s possible for some offers to fall through, and to sit tight until the closing table has been successfully reached.

Buyer’s Perspective: How do you authentically and convincingly convey your interest?

When ten or so offers are in the mix, it can be hard to differentiate your buyer from the next. While numbers will obviously do a lot of the talking, you’d be surprised how much of a difference a 14

personal touch can make. Some popular approaches to standing out include personal letters—as mentioned above—tailored to the property. Was the property in question a family home for years? You might have clients detail their dreams of raising a family inside those walls, rather than tear the property down and rebuild something to boost the lot’s value. Including a family photo is also a good tact for personalizing letters in a bidding war. Likewise, little gifts included with your offer can speak volumes about your personality and due diligence as an agent. It may seem a little cheesy, but when sellers are looking at ten near-identical offers, those personal touches can really paint a compelling, personalized picture.

Seller’s Perspective: How powerful is cash?

Data shows that cash offers—typical of investor clientele—double the chances of having an offer accepted. This goes hand in hand with waiving a financing contingency, which also helped boost the probability of an accepted offer, according to research. Cash is king, however, since offers that aren’t completely reliant on comprehensive financing seem to minimize risk for sellers, who are already eager to see a deal go through. Cash deals also tend to go through quickly, freeing sellers up to pursue their next property and move on to new horizons. While not every buyer has the ability to operate in cash, it’s a worthwhile consideration for those in ultra-competitive markets and with liquid capital.

While the bidding process can be stressful for agents and clients alike, it’s important to remember that it’s a time of opportunity, too. If you want to make the most of it as a seller, data shows that a personal touch can endear buyers to their seller counterparts. For sellers navigating a competitive process, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. For agents, here’s the bottom line: get creative, be resourceful, and use all the tools in your arsenal to achieve the best result for the clients you serve.

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JENNIFER BUENAU Top Agent Magazine

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JENNIFER BUENAU

Jennifer Buenau uses her extensive knowledge and real estate experience to help buyers and sellers navigate every type of transaction. Jennifer got her start in the real estate business 22 years ago when she purchased an investment property with her husband. She quickly fell in love with the industry and eventually obtained her license.

An agent with Keller Williams Select, Jennifer and her team serve buyers and sellers throughout North and South Carolina. Passionate about homeownership, she especially enjoys working with first time homebuyers. “When my husband and I were buying our first property, there was so much information that we had to figure 16

out on our own. I love educating my clients throughout the process and making it easy and understandable for them so that they can feel confident about becoming homeowners. Homeownership is very important for me and it’s something that I want other people to have as well,” she explains.

Jennifer has a high rate of repeat and referral clients, which she credits to her ability for making each transaction smooth and fun.

“After a couple of years and having kids, many homeowners decide to upgrade, and having experienced a seamless transaction with me the first time around, they’re happy to come back.” She continues to stay in touch with past clients through texts and social media.

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Empathetic and caring, Jennifer strives to make her team’s work environment a positive one. “Along with being knowledgeable and always providing our clients with the best service, our team loves to have fun. We are also all about family.

I’ve seen many teams that want to keep building and expanding, but I don’t mind having a smaller team and a more relaxed atmosphere. I want my agents to be able to spend time with their families and have a healthy work life balance. I think that allows them to be able to then give our clients the best service.”

In her spare time, Jennifer loves to roller skate, and drive up to the mountains with her husband in order to unwind. She’s also a busy mom to three boys and enjoys watching them play baseball and football.

Aside from work and family time, she is involved in her community, donates to the local schools, and participates in Keller Williams volunteer programs.

With her business on an upward trajectory, Jennifer is positive about what the future has to bring. “I want to continue providing my clients with excellent care. I would also love for one of my sons to join my team and make it a family business.”

Completing anywhere from $7,000,000 to $9,000,000 in sales volume per year, she’s excited to continue thriving. “I love helping people. My favorite part is when I help a family with kids, and I get to see the children’s excited reaction and the big smile on their faces. That alone makes my job a remarkably rewarding one.”

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To learn more about Jennifer Buenau email jennbuenau@kw.com, visit www.youknowbuenau.com, or call (845) 800 – 5878.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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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CAHILL & MILLER GROUP

Tracey Miller and Kelly Cahill make a formidable real estate team, offering their clients top-tier service and attentive care. With a combined thirty years of experience in the industry, Tracey and Kelly offer every client expertise, market knowledge, and a versatile skillset to help them buy or sell their home. Tracey began her career in the industry when she moved to the Charlotte area with her husband after he retired from military service.

Kelly started her journey in real estate after a career in banking and marketing when her son began kindergarten. Tracey and Kelly became partners, forming the Cahill & Miller Group through Allen Tate Realtors nine years ago, and they have been going strong ever since.

line and beyond.” Tracey and Kelly have earned the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist designation. They have also earned numerous awards and recognitions for their incredible success, including the Chairman’s Circle Designation, the Barbara Tate Legendary Service Award, and the Legends Club Award, among many others.

A full-service team, Tracey and Kelly serve the Charlotte, NC region including South Carolina, handling every aspect of the real estate process.

“We do everything from A to Z,” Tracey says. “We take care of our clients from top to bottom, from staging their homes with our own inventory, to helping them find a contractor. When our clients hire us, they get us, from the start of the process to the finish 20

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What sets Tracey and Kelly apart is the exceptional service they provide. “We’re very hands-on with our clients,” Kelly says. “We communicate clearly and keep them up to date every step of the way.” Attentive and available, Tracey and Kelly operate on the value of placing their clients’ needs first. Their considerate and detail-oriented service extends to their marketing, as they spare no expense to help their clients sell their homes for top dollar. Leveraging the technological resources and reach of Allen Tate, Tracey and Kelly provide every client with broad coverage through the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network, a collective of Top Agencies that allows Tracey and Kelly to advertise their listings across the country and the world. With beautiful staging, and professional, high-end photography, Tracey and Kelly know how to make every property look its best.

For Tracey and Kelly, it is not their impressive sales figures that bring them the most gratification, but rather the ways in which they are able to help their clients. “I love the people,” Tracey says. “They are why I work so hard. I care deeply for my clients, and when I know they’re happy, that is what I find the most gratifying.” For Kelly, the negotiation process offers rewards. “I love helping to secure the best deal for my clients,” Kelly says. “It makes me feel good when I do that for them.”

Dedicated to their community, where they have each lived since 1990, Tracey and Kelly are actively involved in local causes and organizations. They give regularly to foundations that support the local schools, and they have helped organize community events and fundraisers during the holidays, giving away hot chocolate and holding clothing drives for needy families.

When they are not busy helping their clients or giving back their time, Kelly loves to pursue interior design, attend football games, and spend time with her family, while Tracey loves to spend time with her kids, going to the movies or for a hike.

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For more about Tracey Miller and Kelly Cahill, please call 803-487-2357, email Cahill.miller@allentate.com, or visit CahillMillerGroup.AllenTate.com www.

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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 22

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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SUSAN JAKUBOWSKI When Susan Jakubowski got married, she purchased their first investment home with her husband using their wedding money, starting her long journey into the world of real estate. Susan started her working career as a CPA in Manhattan – her husband John is a general contractor. They have been investing and flipping real estate now for more than two decades, earning limitless wisdom and market knowledge in the process. Susan, with her family, moved to North Carolina in 2008, where she now resides in Lake Norman, and has built an extensive sphere of influence in the area as her business has grown continually over the years. Susan has made a name for herself as a Top Producing agent in the state and takes pride in her ability to consistently provide a phenomenal experience for her clients.

Susan is an outgoing person and an overall pleasant presence to have around, and she loves nothing more than guiding people through the tricky process of buying or selling a home. She truly cares about the well-being of her clients, and does everything she can to get satisfying results for them. “I love my clients,” Susan says. “A lot of them become my good friends, and I try to make sure we have a good time during the transaction.” Susan’s honest, personal approach has won her a lot of fans - she gets the majority of her business through referrals from satisfied customers, and has become a pillar of her community in Lake Norman.

Like any good Realtor®, Susan brings a great deal of expertise to the table. As a veteran of the industry, she is a veritable font of wisdom who is able to tackle any

obstacle that might arise during a real estate transaction, and negotiates aggressively to get the best possible prices for her clients.

“I’m honest with my clients when it comes to delivering information,” Susan says. “I have an analytical mind, and I do my best to leverage that to get value for my clients.”

Susan’t detail-oriented approach has led to a lot of satisfied clients as her reputation as a premier agent in Lake Norman has grown steadily over the course of her career.

When it comes to marketing, Susan focuses on social media to target an audience, direct marketing to potential buyers, print advertising in local publications and the MLS to reach a wide audience and garner maximum exposure for each listing. She also markets locally to her vast database of past clients and frequently networks with other agents to cross market in mutually beneficial relationships. Susan is ranked the number one agent in Mooresville’s 28117 zip code by having the highest total volume of sales in the MLS ranking report as of 10/31/21. Susan has closed $26M in total sales volume so far in 2021, and is projecting to pass $30M by the end of the year!

In her free time, Susan enjoys boating, walking with friends, going to Bible study, and spending time with her family. She is very active in her community, and spends a lot of time helping people personally. For the future, she looks forward to continuing her upward trajectory and building relationships and friendships while letting her business thrive naturally in North Carolina. If you’re looking for an agent with boatloads of experience and just as much compassion for her clients, look no further than Susan Jakubowski!

You can contact Susan at (704) 620-3312 or susanj@jcashrealestate.com, and you can visit her webpage at jcashrealestate.com/agents/susan-jakubowski for more information. www.

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4 Reasons Why Multitasking Can Actually Derail Your Day Common wisdom dictates that a master multitasker is likely to garner the most success. After all, doesn’t juggling multiple projects at once mean you’ll work faster than if you took each one as it came? While multitasking is often cited as a desirable skill—and surely serves its purpose now and again—studies show that a mere 2% of individuals can actually multitask effectively. Meanwhile, the remaining 98% might be doing more harm than good by trying 26

to tackle too much at once. Take a look below at some little-known facts about the risky side of waging a routine built on multitasking.

1. Multitasking decreases productivity While multitasking gives us the illusion of completing two tasks at once, it actually means

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our focus and productivity is split. In other words, switching back and forth between two activities doesn’t mean they’ll each be completed sooner; it means that you’re getting half-as-much complete as you would if you focused on a singular task. Multitasking fatigues your brain, elicits stress, and make you less efficient in retaining new information.

2. Multitasking is actually addictive While watching TV or taking a walk, have you ever noticed the impulse to check your smartphone or scroll through your social media feed? Even though we think about multitasking as a workplace skill, it’s also an addictive form of mental stimulation. By satiating our need for distraction with constant check-ins online, we become accustomed to frequent breaks in our focus, training us to crave updates, messages, and push notifications—we even hit refresh when we’ve checked in five minutes prior! This negative habit-building makes it difficult to complete sustained bouts of concentration.

3. Multitasking has negative physical side effects Studies show that those who juggle multiple focus-intensive activities actually show spikes in cortisol, a stress hormone. Likewise, frequent multitaskers display symptoms of sleep deprivation: fatigue, disorientation, and lack of focus. Studies in Europe have recently Top Agent Magazine

discovered that those who consistently multitask may actually show decreases in empathy and emotional control. What’s more, a constant sense of anticipation—readying to switch from one task to another, or persistently checking for e-mail updates—can potentially cause a decrease in overall IQ.

4. Multitasking breeds mistakes When our attention is split between tasks, it’s difficult to perceive and retain detail-oriented information. Because of this, mistakes—typos, clerical errors, mislabeled documents, and the like—occur with greater frequency. We’re in such a hurry to complete a portion of a task and switch to the next project that we lose sight of prompts, deadlines, and tying up loose ends. This means multitaskers are far more likely to overlook a glaring error than an individual who is devoting 100% of their attention to the task at hand.

Now that we understand some of the dangers of multitasking, what can we do about it? While our tech-driven day-to-day might make focusing on a singular task a difficult endeavor, it’s the surest way to produce efficient, error-free work—while cutting down on stress, fatigue, and miscommunication.

Try approaching your tasks for the day with a clear-cut schedule, moving one task at a time down your to-do list. This approach can eliminate some of the inefficiency inherent in multitasking and make for your most productive work routine yet.

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