NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 2-8-21

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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

Creative Ways to Say

THANK YOU

How to SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

FEATURED AGENTS

ALAN WANG ART ZENDARSKI & TARYN SMITH COVER STORY

OWN MARIN | BARR HANEY + WHITNEY POTTER

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Call 1-800-771-5971 or visit us at www.lgscompliance.com email info@iusecompliance.com Top Agent Magazine

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION L&A Home Styling & Staging is proud to congratulate

BARR HANEY

ART ZENDARSKI & TARYN SMITH

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ALAN WANG

Alan Wang began hi career 17½ years a less-than satisfying experience led him putting his own skil 9 making the industry b working in tech at the OWN MARIN, ART ZENDARSKI ALAN WANG recalls, “and everyt BARR HANEY TARYN SMITH on being featured for+ the State& of WHITNEY POTTER estate was shifting to California in Top Agent Magazine!

It’s not surprising that Art consistently Art Zendarski teamed up with his fiancé, Taryn New customers needed to and beTaryn communicated Smith, two years ago to form the Zendarski receive stellar reviews for their esteemed work quickly were access to inform ethic. One clientgetting recently wrote: Smith Team with Corcoran Global Living in San and Francisco. Between them, they have 45 years of faster and agents simply weren’t keeping experience in real estate and marketing. “I spent Thank you for everything these past few months!

L&A Home Styling & Staging CONTENTS You’ve been patient with our questions, 25 years in real estate communications working need I knew I could fill.”

In the persistent years sin lahomestyling.com with architects and developers,” Art says. “Before when we needed a push, and our expert advisors. cemented histhereputation as anthrough agent with getting my license, I helped Taryn with her open From initial offer strategy, quite a info@lahomestyling.com challengewith of city the violations, we truly could houses, staging the homes. Getting into the busi- uniquealong compassion, skills and exper 4) UNCOMMON CONTACT: 16) CREATIVE WAYS TO SAYyou! We are “moonnot have done this without ness full time seemed like a natural transition.”

Instagram: @lahomestyling his clients achieve their real struck” by our overlook home!estate dreams.

CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE THANK YOU www.

415.519.0271

Thanks to Taryn’s ongoing success and Art’s past

marketing client database, Art reports that their To stay in touch with their clients, Art and Taryn THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA Founder ofin the Alan Wang Realty Grou believe the personal touch.

“Before COVID, we business is primarily repeat and referralAs clientele.

18) EMBRACING SMART HOMES: “Our approach to building a successful real estate used to hold social events and dinner parties,” Art Williams Santa Clara Valley, Alan serves says. “But now, we like toREALLY reach out by phone, text, explains.

6) HOW TO SPEED UP business is to build relationships,” DOES Art NEW TECHNOLOGY and email just to check inNearly and see how100% they’re do-of “Strong relationships are the result of trust.

Trust Valley Silicon region.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERis gained through consistently INCREASE HOME ing. WeVALUE? also keep them updated with important real delivering transparcomes from and referral clients, a trul estaterepeat information, which I know they appreciate.” ency, honesty, and integrity in every transaction.”

TRANSACTIONS featEMPLOYEE that speaks to the trust and confidence 25) WHY “Clients come to us first and foremost as APPRECIATION MATTERS & CAN they trust,” Alan explains. “They know tha BOOST have YOUR BOTTOM LINEin mind and we their best interests Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“sell” them.”

Alan and his team provide a level of diligen tion to detail that sets them apart. “When w mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com any transaction, we put ourselves in our cli No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent if we are buying selling the home,” Alan s Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure theor accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed factsyears supplied its authors. provide unmatc thatorhis ofbyexperience To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. his clients. “Over 17 years you learn many Published in the U.S. often the hard way. I log all those lessons—n head, I systematize them, so that checks ar the way to ensure my customers leverage tho that we can provide as smooth a transaction Top Agent Magazine 3 Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440

Uncommon Contact:

Connecting with Clientele Through Social Media Social media is one of the newest and most powerful tools in an agent or mortgage professional’s arsenal. With just a few keystrokes, you can stay top-of-mind with buyers, sellers, and borrowers near and far, past and present. The key is knowing how to use these mediums to your advantage, working smarter instead of harder to keep the thread of professional relationships intact. With that in mind, here are a few ways you can maximize the pull and power of social media by shifting just a few of your ideas and practices for the better.

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Not everything has to be about business.

While your relationship with a client or fellow vendor began over the course of business, your relationship going forward doesn’t have to be limited. One of the great things about social media is that’s it’s social. Not every comment, post, or communication has to revolve around your business, its metrics, or turning a sale. In fact, you should do your best to branch out and curate a brand and online identity that’s about who you are and

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the lifestyle you’re authentically interested in living. In that vein, consider interacting with clients in an organically-driven way, encouraging them during life’s milestones, reaching out with a local event, restaurant, or news item that’s relevant to their interests or neighborhood. The goal is to be a persistent presence in their lives without feeling like a talking head. Engage as you would like to be engaged with, as a human being with interests and needs and boundaries. Keep that personal thread in mind and your dynamic will shift from past business contact to present resource.

Expand your medium.

Many Realtors are comfortable on Facebook as an interactive meeting to connect with clients, but there are several other mediums where you can connect with clients both past and present, as well as future. Particularly when courting Millennial clientele, the fastest-growing segment of the buying market, a presence on Instagram and Snapchat are key to finding new faces, demonstrating hot properties, and creating an interactive brand as an agent. Not only does this help when you’re listing a property and seeking potential buyers, but it also serves as a perusable portfolio of your work and real estate prowess. You can also use these mediums to interact with clients on an outlet they might feel most comfortable in. Liking pictures, commenting, streaming Instagram Live home tours and Stories are all ways you can build engagement by simply spreading your social media presence around. Likewise, Top Agent Magazine

these photo and video driven mediums are popular for home design ideas, and before and after renovation pictures. When you expand from Facebook into these new platforms, you’ll already have plenty of visual content ready to be transferred and consumed by an expanded audience.

Don’t just react.

Create your own content.

It’s easy enough to post a link to a new listing, or retweet a helpful article on real estate news. Creating your own organic content is a different story, but worth its weight in gold when it comes to luring engagement, ranking higher in search fields, and overall crafting an interactive presence for yourself and your business online—which is where more than 90% of homebuyers and sellers begin their process. Creating your own content can seem risky, or else like no one is listening in a digital world already crowded with information. However, original content is sure to boost personal engagement with your social media pages, guaranteed.

Instead of recycling content, consider posting a video with a Q+A theme for first-time homebuyers, or perhaps posting a live tour of a new listing will perk up your clientele surfing at home.

No matter how you decide to expand your social media presence when it comes to interacting with clients, consistency is key.

Find the ways that work best for you and stick to them, and you’ll watch your audience and business grow in tandem.

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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 6

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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OWN MARIN | BARR HANEY + WHITNEY POTTER Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Barr Haney and business partner and Co-Founder Whitney Potter have established Own Marin as the premier real estate team in Marin County, just north of San Francisco.

Top Agent Barr Haney – Co-Founder of Own Marin in Larkspur, California – is a hardworking, thoughtful and deeply knowledgeable Realtor who consistently places the needs of his clients front and center during every transaction. Working alongside business partner and Co-Founder Whitney Potter and overseeing an equally dedicated team of Realtors (Julia 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Fitzpatrick, Allie Fornesi and Whitney Blickman), Barr and Whitney established Own Marin as the premier real estate team in scenic Marin County, just north of San Francisco, with a number one ranking in Marin from 2015-2020.

Barr and Whitney – longtime friends – and their team have built a thriving business on Top Agent Magazine

a solid foundation of honesty, integrity and best business practices. Own Marin can boast nearly four decades of combined real estate experience, and currently the lion’s share of their business is based upon repeat clients, referrals and positive word of mouth.

“We treat the business like a business,” says Barr, when asked how he manages to inspire such impressive levels of trust and loyalty amongst those he works with. “We try not to be stereotypical agents; we do everything we can for our clients. We are the go-to source Top Agent Magazine

for everything Marin County, and our clients know they can reach out to us – even after the closing table – for recommendations on hiking, biking, restaurants, school questions or anything they need to know about the area.”

With his entire team being native to the area, Barr and Own Marin are able to provide their clients with exceptional value that many of their competitors cannot. “We know all the little ins and outs of Marin County, and our clients can trust they’re making an educated decision based off the local knowledge they Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

“My team and I enjoy problem-solving,” Barr explains. “We love putting the pieces of the puzzle together for our clients, from our initial introduction to learning more about their real estate needs, and then playing matchmaker to get them into the home of their dreams.” receive. We are constantly innovating for our clients so they know they are receiving the best service, support and guidance with their real estate needs.”

There are many other factors that come into play when assessing Barr’s incredible success story, and chief among them would be his intelligent, cutting-edge and leave-no-stone-unturned approach to marketing his many listings.

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“We try to present our properties in a very fashionable, innovative and magazine-ready way,” says Barr, “from the way we prep the home, to staging, and the way we market them on social media. Now more than ever it is vital to have a property stand out and look its best online in order to drive the most amount of traffic through the home.” Another would be his team’s expert negotiation skills, which translate into fast sales for top dollar, not to mention happy clients.

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It’s impossible not to notice the enthusiasm and passion with which Barr approaches his job. “My team and I enjoy problem-solving,” he explains. “We love putting the pieces of the puzzle together for our clients, from our initial introduction to learning more about their real Top Agent Magazine

estate needs, and then playing matchmaker to get them into the home of their dreams.”

Proof of the above and beyond approach taken by the Own Marin team is their nearly 150 glowing five-star online reviews. It can also be found in the fact that the team will have Copyright Top Agent Magazine13

closed over $330 million in sales (153+ transactions) in 2020 alone, with only five total agents on the team.

Barr’s plans for the future of his business are fairly straightforward: to continue building his business, and to organically grow his team with

agents who share his client-first philosophy and who mesh with the family-like work environment he has built. Above all, however, remains Barr’s commitment to providing every one of his buyers and sellers with the unparalleled customer service that has long been synonymous with the Own Marin team.

For more information about Barr Haney, please call 415-847-7347 or email Barr@ownmarin.com

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L&A Home Styling & Staging is proud to congratulate

BARR HANEY

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

L&A Home Styling & Staging lahomestyling.com info@lahomestyling.com Instagram: @lahomestyling 415.519.0271 www.

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Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1. How about a streaming video device, like a Roku

or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2. Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or ter-

rycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids!

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3. Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. As-

certain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5. If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend.

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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 18

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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ART ZENDARSKI & TARYN SMITH Top Agent Magazine

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ART ZENDARSKI & TARYN SMITH

Art Zendarski teamed up with his fiancé, Taryn Smith, two years ago to form the Zendarski Smith Team with Corcoran Global Living in San Francisco. Between them, they have 45 years of experience in real estate and marketing. “I spent 25 years in real estate communications working with architects and developers,” Art says. “Before getting my license, I helped Taryn with her open houses, staging the homes. Getting into the business full time seemed like a natural transition.”

Thanks to Taryn’s ongoing success and Art’s past marketing client database, Art reports that their business is primarily repeat and referral clientele.

“Our approach to building a successful real estate business is to build relationships,” Art explains.

“Strong relationships are the result of trust. Trust is gained through consistently delivering transparency, honesty, and integrity in every transaction.”

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It’s not surprising that Art and Taryn consistently receive stellar reviews for their esteemed work ethic. One client recently wrote: Thank you for everything these past few months!

You’ve been patient with our questions, persistent when we needed a push, and our expert advisors.

From the initial offer strategy, through quite a unique challenge of city violations, we truly could not have done this without you! We are “moonstruck” by our overlook home!

To stay in touch with their clients, Art and Taryn believe in the personal touch. “Before COVID, we used to hold social events and dinner parties,” Art says. “But now, we like to reach out by phone, text, and email just to check in and see how they’re doing. We also keep them updated with important real estate information, which I know they appreciate.”

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Art relies on his marketing skills when marketing listings. “Human beings are very visual,” he explains, “There’s a method to how we approach our photography, videos, and staging in order to make that public connection.”

What the couple love most about their work are the deep relationships they forge. “Communication with clients is our focus as we lead clients through the multiple complex steps in every real estate transaction,” Art says. “For me, the greatest feeling is handing over the keys to firsttime home buyers. Seeing the joy on their faces is so rewarding.”

the delicious food and wine of San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma, Art and Taryn enjoy entertaining at home with family and friends.

As for the future, Art and Taryn want to continue to grow and expand their business. “We love the direction we’re headed and want to maintain that momentum,” says Art. “Working together makes each day a joy.”

Art and Taryn are very involved with their community and strongly believe in giving back.

“We’ve volunteered with the homeless,” Art expresses. “And Taryn continues to volunteer with autistic children. It’s very important to her.”

When not working, Art and Taryn make fitness a priority. Exercise and sports are part of their daily agenda, including hiking, golfing, tennis, weightlifting, spinning, and yoga. Art’s global thinking is shaped by the people he met and the cultures he experienced traveling to several countries around the world. When not enjoying Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Art Zendarski and Taryn Smith, call (415) 350-6701, email art.z@corcorangl.com, taryn.smith@corcorangl.com or visit www.zendarskire.com.

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

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

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

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What is employee appreciation and how do you enact it?

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

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

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

How do you make employee appreciation an active part of your business model? To start, keep it simple. Treat your employees to a bagel spread on a Monday morning to boost morale ahead of the workweek. Or, consider 26

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

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

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

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

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

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ALAN WANG Alan Wang began his real estate career 17½ years ago, after a less-than satisfying homebuying experience led him to consider putting his own skills to use in making the industry better. “I was working in tech at the time,” Alan recalls, “and everything in real estate was shifting to the internet.

New customers needed to be communicated much more quickly and were getting access to information much faster and agents simply weren’t keeping up. It was a need I knew I could fill.” In the years since, Alan has cemented his reputation as an agent with integrity and compassion, along with the skills and experience to help his clients achieve their real estate dreams.

As Founder of the Alan Wang Realty Group and Keller Williams Santa Clara Valley, Alan serves the greater Silicon Valley region. Nearly 100% of his business comes from repeat and referral clients, a truly impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence he inspires.

“Clients come to us first and foremost as a brand that they trust,” Alan explains. “They know that we always have their best interests in mind and we aren’t here “sell” them.”

Alan and his team provide a level of diligence and attention to detail that sets them apart. “When we embark on any transaction, we put ourselves in our clients shoes as if we are buying or selling the home,” Alan says. He adds that his years of experience provide unmatched value to his clients. “Over 17 years you learn many lessons and often the hard way. I log all those lessons—not just in my head, I systematize them, so that checks are done along the way to ensure my customers leverage those lessons so that we can provide as smooth a transaction as possible.”

When it comes to marketing his listings, Alan emphasizes the importance of using technology to ensure maximum exposure. In addition to professional photography, 3D tours, floor plans and drone videos, Alan’s team invests heavily in social media marketing. They advertise on Facebook and Instagram, as well as publishing content to Top Agent Magazine

LinkedIn and Twitter. “We cover the entire social media sphere in different ways and vary our content depending on the platform,” Alan says. “We still use more traditional methods such as neighborhood mailers and flyers, but social media marketing is a critical component of our business.”

Community involvement is important to Alan, and he is passionate about sponsoring events and donating funds and time to the local school district, where his kids are enrolled. His team also holds an annual holiday party that Alan says is “the talk of the town” and a way to thank clients for continually referring his team day in and day out. They also hold community real estate classes such as Homebuying 101 and Investment 101 courses in order to educate the public on real estate. When he is not working or giving back, Alan enjoys cycling, playing volleyball and watching just about all kinds of sports.

In the future, Alan plans to continue growing his business while also maintaining the personal level of service he and his team provide for their clients. “I really love what I do,” he says. “Customers are coming to us because they have a need and they’re looking for someone they trust to help them. They are also looking for someone who is an expert at their craft and will deliver on a great experience and that is what gets me up in the morning. I live to be able to help my clients each every day.”

To find out more about Alan Wang, call 408-313-4352, visit alanwangrealty.com or email alan@alanwangrealty.com www.

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