OHIO 10-15-18

OHIO EDITION

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

5 Reasons why

YOU NEED A MENTOR

How to Recognize

TRUE LUXURY PROPERTIES

COVER STORY

Aaron Dolata

FEATURED AGENTS

JUSTIN GERWIG SHELLEY McCOY TONY VANJOHNSON

OHIO EDITION

SHELLEY McCOY

people who call their friends and say, ‘ Shelley McCoy didn’t plan on a career in real 7 15 19 23job for me!’” gosh, she did such a good estate. “I was the front desk receptionist for a title company when I was 18 years old,” she Justin Gerwig had mentality also what promp Va I Fora Shelley doing is a good jobTony for them says. “There were several Realtors® that Although successful career as a restaurant of five-star reviews about the Vanjohns became friends with, and they were all saying, about keeping her clients informed.

“I manager, there was something recent review read, “AfterRea ERA ‘You would be great as a Realtor®!’ I saw the just representing them, I’m teaching them will happen, what and to expect, what’s neO businesses as fascinating, and I had a choice cinnati, about real estate that continued veterans well known com leading them into the light notev of going to college or going into real estate. to I attract him. A local broker agent stak definitely stood outand from dark.”to work for commitm chose real estate.” was always encouraging himthem to in the willing me. He

JUSTIN GERWIG

TON

get into the industry. When new

rity, edgeable suggestions, andand w

Her years in the business havemany taught That first year she was named Rookie of the bu owners took over the restaurant I not only sold my house in how important it is to recharge.

“We Year for Remax in Ohio, and it’s all been up alleled cu AARON DOLATA JUSTIN GERWIG SHELLEY M cCOY he feltTONY VANJOHNSON where Justin worked, more than I originally exp cottage at Lake Erie,” she says. “I like from there. 24 years later Shelley is one of was theand rightout time to water, makejust relax. skills.ItJustin was always ho pr on the helps me come the top Realtors® in Central Ohio, covering itColumbus Tony, an Army Veteran andback the for ® and phone calls no matter the a career change.

He received his real estate license and to of all my clients.” Margarita rest Delaware County, where she’s sold over $100 million worth be a better Realtor chain me full-service feel as if I were his numb of real estate. hit the ground running. Working at RE/MAX Towne & cinnati market, began his journey i Country Realty, he serves Ashland County in Ohio, as well is dedicated his way to to service fill any- need that Shelley’s family her husba when he began purchasing his own in the Coast Guard, and two of their five How has Shelleyasbeen so successful?

“By paying atten- continues surrounding counties.

As hisclose business to grow, knowledgeable, andchildren diligens ing the market crash in 2007, Tony thecredits military.toShe gives to veterans’ charitie tion to the basics,” she explains.”By detailwhich oriented so does his referral being business, he in largely hispersonally from an agent?

I wholehearte moved on from thesays. restaurant busine become a passion of mine,” she She also tak all aspects - from listings to advertising to marketing and follow up routine. truly losing his interest in real est with her.

“We donate everything in between -I’m not missing any information. It’s dedication to service Itto iswork also Solutions Justin’s helpful withNetwork ERA Real and hasnnt for every transaction easy to not pay close attention to the basic parts of real estate Children’s Miracle “My follow up routine is what sets me 5 apart,” he explains.WHY buyer faralmost the best 17) REASONS 4) EMBRACING SMART successsaid, as an“By agent im close,” she says izing proudly. and to get consumed by so many extra things, which is why “Every morning, when I get up, I set up who I need to callcontinues Did to everything we asked a grow by leaps and bou I’m so detail oriented.”

YOU NEED A MENTOR HOMES DOES NEW and follow up with. I check in with past Even clients through HeShelley was with th after 20 years in process. the business, lovesus to lea TECHNOLOGY REALLY email, text messaging, phone calls or thank you letters.” even volunteered some tools Tony and his team have been provid having a lot of fun right now, lea The most basic part of real estate for Shelley is making money things. “I’m really 20) HOW TO His goal is to build with his clients, even after to that sell our home. was service business is now b INCREASE HOME VALUE? new part of RECOGNIZE the business,” shetheir says.

“I’m Justin currently he for her clients.

“They’re trusting me relationships with their most prized the transaction, so they will continue to refer him and think our new home as well.

He s rals.

“I think our clients show us so small developer get out of the apartment industry and possession,” Shelley tells us. “Maximizing theirTRUE homes’ LUXURY PROPERTIES new build condos.

I’mwas helping himwell withabove project approe to make most hard to go their ofthem him the when it money comespossible to theirand realmaking estate needs.

Justin alsowork patient while we hesitat 13) Apotential STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE the financing, I’m splitting upus hisfind parcels for approva them happy is probably rewarding part. Ithrough think that service-oriented background,” says focuses the on most marketing himself lenders and hosting helped a great new ho TO CONVERTING INTERNET the development is done I’ll take care of the actual sal that’s what’s helped me be sustainable over so many years different services to our clients to tr open houses. When it comes to his listings, he markets that’s really exciting for me right now.” and so many different markets.

I get a lot of referrals from as continue possible.”growing Tony hasin through Eager to LEADS TO REAL LIFEprofessional SALES photography and utilizes RE/MAXas seamless

CONTENTS

calming demeanor during where this career patheven leadsthe h tions,anything something his clients deeply else, and loves ever Justin feels much of his success is also due to his brokers, part is helping clients make for his clients is ahome, hallm who encourage a service-oriented culture. “We don’t workGratitude life. It’s finding their real estate, and he works hard for a paycheck, we work to make clients happy. That and the look on their face to wh Phone 888-461-3930mentality | Fax 310-751-7068 he forms with each of them, reach has helped me keep going,” Justin says. This thing worth it.” tinuing basis, just to check in or s mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com clearly reciprocated, if his reviews

International’s database program.

No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be heldTo responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied byMcCoy, its authors. find out more about Shelley To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. visit shelleymccoy.com, email shelley@shelleymccoy.com or call 614 - 374 - 2922.

Published in the U.S. http://

Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/sellingshelley and Instagram at instagram.com/shelleymc https://

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Embracing Smart Homes:

Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

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

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

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Smart home amenities range in price and return.

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

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

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

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Smart home amenities capture the attention of buyers

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

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

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

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Aaron Dolata Top Agent Magazine

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“With my previous career being around construction, it really allows me to help my clients make decisions based not just on the emotions—I can help them look at the greater picture and see what’s going on. Not only on the surface, but behind the walls and let them know how things are built.”

Aaron Dolata Three years ago Aaron Dolata decided to take the leap he had long wanted to take - to get into real estate. “15 years ago I had been interested in it,” Aaron remembers. “But being that I was a husband and a new father, getting into a commission-based industry was a little scary for me.”

Those 15 years gave Aaron a great foundation for becoming a Realtor®. “With my 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

previous career being around construction, it really allows me to help my clients make decisions based not just on the emotions,” Aaron says. “I can help my clients look at the greater picture and see what’s going on. Not only on the surface, but behind the walls and let them know how things are built.”

In fact strong foundations are important for Aaron, not only in terms of the homes he sells but also in terms of the community of Northeast Ohio in which he lives and works.

“I have a high profile in the community,” Top Agent Magazine

“This is not sales to me. This is helping, educating, facilitating, and making dreams come true for people as they buy and sell their homes.”

Aaron says. “I’ve been coaching baseball for 17 years and just recently became the assistant varsity head baseball coach for our local high school.”

That profile—and his other community involvement, including assisting his brokerage in raising $100,000+ for Make-AWish three years running with a charity Top Agent Magazine

golf and dinner outing — helps bring Aaron his clients. Even though he’s only been in business for three years, he estimates that a whopping 75% of his clientele comes to him through referrals.

Being newer to the real estate game gives Aaron exciting perspectives on how to reach out to prospective buyers and sellers. He’s Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“I use drone photography, which helps to generate a lot more interest just because it’s not what everybody is doing yet.” gone all in on social media - “I’m on just about every social media site there is,” he says - but he also has ideas that are ahead of the curve. “I use drone photography, which helps to generate a lot more interest just because it’s not what everybody is doing yet.”

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But Aaron knows that eventually everybody WILL be doing it, so he has built his business on something that cannot be so easily copied: his personality. “I get along with people and I treat them well,” Aaron says. “I don’t treat this as sales. This is not sales to me. This is helping, educating, Top Agent Magazine

facilitating, and making - I hate to sound cliche here - making dreams come true for people as they buy and sell their homes.”

When Aaron first started in real estate he was doing it as a side job. Now it’s his full-time Top Agent Magazine

vocation, and he’s doing so well with it that he can no longer go solo, and he’s begun to scout other agents to work with him. While he’s building a team right now, Aaron has one word very much on his mind: “Sustainability,” he says. “I want to grow my team, Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

but just big enough to where we can still maintain a personal relationship with all our clients. I don’t want it to become a corporation where our clients don’t know who they’re dealing with.”

And who are they dealing with? A man who has a set of guiding principles that inform his every choice. Aaron explains: “I live my life and do my business with the guidance of three words and they are honesty, integrity, and passion.”

To find out more about Aaron Dolata , visit his website at adolata.russellrealty.com, https://www.facebook.com/heringhomes call 440 - 364 - 7031 or email him at aarondolatarealtor@gmail.com http://

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A Step-by-Step Guide to

Converting Internet Leads to Real Life Sales In the era of apps, instantaneous social platforms, and text messaging, it’s little surprise that the modern homebuyer begins his or her search for real estate representation online.

Even if you’ve got a top-notch website or an influential social media presence, how do you connect with web surfers who have yet to commit to the services you offer? Take a look below to learn a few key techniques to bridge the gap between digital interest and real-world sales.

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RESPONSIVENESS IS KEY Like it or not, our digital culture relishes immediacy and instant gratification. With that in mind, be sure to stay on top of online interest forms, e-mails, or newsletter signups. Don’t let an online lead go to waste by taking too long to engage and follow-up.

Things move fast, and it’s easy for potential clientele to forget which websites they’ve visited. Even if your lead isn’t ready to commit then and there, you demonstrate your

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Mastering the fundamentals of digital communication is the first step to converting digital interest into concrete business. accessibility and attentiveness by following up swiftly—a characteristic anyone would seek in an agent or lender.

ENGAGE WITH OPEN-ENDED CONVERSATION When online back-and-forth goes stale, communication drops off quickly. If you’re following up via e-mail, social media, or text, be sure to keep topics focused squarely on the potential client. Ask open-ended questions to give your lead the opportunity to loosen up and engage on a personal level. There’s no better way to cement a digital lead than to take a pointed interest in the specifics of their situation. Doing so transforms the impersonal invisibility of the internet into a true connection.

GIVE ADDED VALUE Plenty of businesses send impersonal, automated messages in response to an online inquiry, but establishing a true connection may mean providing your lead with something of value. Perhaps you’re forwarding a property for sale that fits the interests of your lead, or a relevant article, or maybe you take the time to send a personal message—demonstrable value and a personal touch separate your follow-up response from spam. Other ideas to consider when 14

adding value to your follow-up technique: incorporate area promotions and access to local events, make a date for coffee, or offer a brief consultation free of charge to make the first move.

DON’T STOP MAKING CONTACT If you don’t connect with your internet lead right off the bat—don’t be discouraged. It often takes multiple tries before a follow-up interaction sticks. Folks are busy and frequently flooded with e-mail blasts and junk mail. A lead may not engage without a little prodding that shows you’re committed to their business. Remember: it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

Digital leads don’t have to be difficult to capture. The internet plays a powerful role in funneling modern clientele your way, but in order to take full advantage of the web’s reach, you’ll need to tailor your follow-up technique. Mastering the fundamentals of digital communication is the first step to converting digital interest into concrete business. Keep these tips top-of-mind as you build your online presence and mine the vast world wide web for an endless wealth of clientele. Earning a command of digital lead conversion is the surest way to bolster your business in the ever-evolving digital era.

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JUSTIN GERWIG Although Justin Gerwig had a successful career as a restaurant manager, there was something about real estate that continued to attract him. A local broker was always encouraging him to get into the industry. When new owners took over the restaurant where Justin worked, he felt it was the right time to make a career change. He received his real estate license and hit the ground running. Working at RE/MAX Towne & Country Realty, he serves Ashland County in Ohio, as well as surrounding counties. As his business continues to grow, so does his referral business, which he largely credits to his follow up routine.

“My follow up routine is what sets me apart,” he explains.

“Every morning, when I get up, I set up who I need to call and follow up with. I check in with past clients through email, text messaging, phone calls or thank you letters.”

His goal is to build relationships with his clients, even after the transaction, so they will continue to refer him and think of him when it comes to their real estate needs. Justin also focuses on marketing himself through lenders and hosting open houses. When it comes to his listings, he markets through professional photography and utilizes RE/MAX International’s database program.

Justin feels much of his success is also due to his brokers, who encourage a service-oriented culture. “We don’t work for a paycheck, we work to make clients happy. That mentality has helped me keep going,” Justin says. This

mentality is also what prompted past clients to write dozens of five-star reviews about their experience with Justin. One recent review read, “After meeting several Realtors, some veterans and well known companies, I met with Justin. He definitely stood out from everyone else in the way he was willing to work for me. He listened intently, gave knowledgeable suggestions, and was willing to go the extra mile.

I not only sold my house in a timely manner, but also got more than I originally expected through his negotiation skills. Justin was always prompt in responding to emails and phone calls no matter the time of day or night. He made me feel as if I were his number one priority. He went out of his way to fill any need that came up. Justin is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and diligent. What else could you want from an agent? I wholeheartedly recommend his services.”

It is also Justin’s helpful nature that stands out, as one buyer said, “By far the best Realtor I have worked with.

Did everything we asked and then some throughout the process. He was with us through the stressful times and even volunteered some tools for last minute repairs needed to sell our home. Justin was very active in helping us find our new home as well. He showed us multiple homes and was patient while we hesitated and got picky at times. He helped us find a great new home!”

Eager to continue growing in the future, he is excited to see where this career path leads him. Justin can’t imagine doing anything else, and loves every second of his job. “The best part is helping clients make the biggest purchase of their life. It’s finding their home, sometimes their forever home, and the look on their face when they found it makes everything worth it.”

For more information about Justin Gerwig, please call 419 - 564 - 2630 or email justingerwig@remax.net Top Agent Magazine

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5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor As great as it might feel to start your own business, and be solely responsible for its success, at some point, every entrepreneur reaches the limit of their potential, and needs a boost that only experience can provide.

But how do you get a lifetime of experience when you’re just starting out? Sure you can read countless books, but no book can replace the real life experience and advice of a mentor.

Mentors not only provides valuable insights, but they also have access to valuable connections as well. In fact a majority of the Top Agent Magazine

most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country have said that having a mentor early on was instrumental in their success.

Here are some of the reasons why.

1. They’re able to see where you need improvement, when you can’t When you’re working non-stop to get your business off the ground, you might feel sensitive to any criticism from people who aren’t going through what you are. A good

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mentor knows exactly what you’re going though, and has probably made every mistake. When you’re in the thick of it, you might not be able to see where the problems are. A knowledgeable outsider, who knows exactly where you’re at and has only your best interests at heart is just what you need.

When you have a trusting relationship with someone like that, you will be more willing to listen to that brutal honesty, even if that constructive criticism stings.

energy into it. They can see things in a completely logical way and guide you based on the facts rather than emotion. A good mentor helps you work smarter, not harder. They help you focus on your goals and how to get there, as well as setting boundaries for you so you don’t overextend yourself. They teach you how to say no and help you let go when you need to move on from a setback.

2. They will encourage you to think outside of the box

In addition to expertise, building a strong network is something that can only come with time. A mentor will most likely have that already, giving you access to people and resources that would take others years to gain. These connections will lead to opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. It’s also a great confidence boost knowing that your mentor trusts and believes in you enough to invite you into their inner circle.

Years of experience can give someone a great idea of what works and what doesn’t.

They’ve seen things first hand, not just in theory. At the same time, mentors recognize the importance of taking chances, calculating risks, as well as cutting losses and moving on. A good mentor isn’t trying to encourage you to be a carbon copy of them, they are trying to create the best ‘you’ possible. That includes encouraging you to take chances, and then being there pushing you to keep going forward if it doesn’t work out.

A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and 18

4. Networking

5. Encouragement At the heart or it all, a mentor offers you encouragement and motivation along the way, in good times and in bad. After a failure, it can be hard to get back on track and keep forging ahead. It helps to have someone who has spent year getting back up after being known down and coming out stronger than ever. It’s during those moments, when you feel alone and isolated, that having someone around offering you advice and positive feedback will be a much needed salve. They’re your cheerleader, they want you to succeed, and hopefully, you’ll pay it forward one day when you become as successful as them.

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SHELLEY McCOY Shelley McCoy didn’t plan on a career in real estate. “I was the front desk receptionist for a title company when I was 18 years old,” she says. “There were several Realtors® that I became friends with, and they were all saying, ‘You would be great as a Realtor®!’ I saw the businesses as fascinating, and I had a choice of going to college or going into real estate. I chose real estate.”

That first year she was named Rookie of the Year for Remax in Ohio, and it’s all been up from there. 24 years later Shelley is one of the top Realtors® in Central Ohio, covering Columbus and Delaware County, where she’s sold over $100 million worth of real estate.

How has Shelley been so successful? “By paying close attention to the basics,” she explains.”By being detail oriented in all aspects - from listings to advertising to marketing and everything in between -I’m not missing any information. It’s easy to not pay close attention to the basic parts of real estate and to get consumed by so many extra things, which is why I’m so detail oriented.”

The most basic part of real estate for Shelley is making money for her clients. “They’re trusting me with their most prized possession,” Shelley tells us. “Maximizing their homes’ potential to make them the most money possible and making them happy is probably the most rewarding part. I think that that’s what’s helped me be sustainable over so many years and so many different markets. I get a lot of referrals from

people who call their friends and say, ‘Oh my gosh, she did such a good job for me!’”

For Shelley doing a good job for them is all about keeping her clients informed. “I’m not just representing them, I’m teaching them what will happen, what to expect, what’s next. I’m leading them into the light and not keeping them in the dark.”

Her years in the business have taught Shelley how important it is to recharge. “We have a cottage at Lake Erie,” she says. “I like to get out on the water, just relax. It helps me come back home and be a better Realtor® to all my clients.”

Shelley’s family is dedicated to service - her husband was in the Coast Guard, and two of their five children serve in the military. She personally gives to veterans’ charities. “It’s become a passion of mine,” she says. She also takes that dedication to service to work with her. “We donate to the Children’s Miracle Network for every transaction that we close,” she says proudly.

Even after 20 years in the business, Shelley loves to learn new things. “I’m really having a lot of fun right now, learning a new part of the business,” she says. “I’m currently helping a small developer get out of the apartment industry and get into new build condos. I’m helping him with project approvals on the financing, I’m splitting up his parcels for approval. Once the development is done I’ll take care of the actual sales, and that’s really exciting for me right now.”

To find out more about Shelley McCoy, visit shelleymccoy.com, email shelley@shelleymccoy.com or call 614 - 374 - 2922. http://

Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/sellingshelley and Instagram at instagram.com/shelleymccoy https://

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How to Recognize True Luxury Properties What to Consider Other Than Location When luxury home buyers are looking for a new abode, they are often advised to pay most of their attention to location, location, location. And it’s true that good locations often have better properties, but if you’re only looking at location then you might be forgetting what it is in a luxury property that makes it luxury. You could view a property in a great location, and because you completely ignored any of the other factors that make a property high end, you might find that once you move in, you aren’t as pleased with the actual house itself as you thought you would be. Here are the other things you should look out for when purchasing a luxury home: • Architectural Uniqueness: The simple fact is that good

architecture retains its value. Do your homework on architects and find the ones that have a good track record of designing beautiful, but practical homes. Don’t simply pay attention to how the building looks today. Consider how it will look in a few decades. Keep an eye out for the “bones” of the building, and decide whether they will stand the test of time or not. Things such as a solid foundation, high-grade materials, unusual details, and artistic components are good aspects to consider.

Will the structure hold up well or will it degrade and crumble without constant upkeep? That funky molding may look artistic today, but in ten years will it be considered artistic or just plain weird?

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• Practical Layout: Make sure you have enough room to live

in comfort. As a buyer of luxury property, you probably have quite a busy social schedule. You want to make sure that the layout will lend itself to helping you maintain clear separation between your social areas and private ones. You don’t want guests having to go back into your bedroom to use the bathroom. Look out for places with stairwells, awkward columns, long hallways, and other wastes of space.

• Unobstructed Views and Light: You want to live in

a home that gives you lots of natural light, such as one that is open to the outdoors. That natural light will improve your mood, as well as the resale value. The openness of a space filled with natural light will make you feel more comfortable and happy in your new home. What about the view? Do you see a Do you park, a bridge, a river, or a skyline? Is the see a park, fantastic view out your window protected? a bridge, You’ll need to understand the surrounding air a river, or a rights and zoning allowances of neighboring buildings to understand the possible risks. skyline?

• Windows: Windows are the primary source of losing heat and

cooling. Make sure they are double-paned with good insulation that will protect your home against weather and noise. Unless the windows are already like this, it is unlikely that the condo or co-op board will allow you to install your own.

• Ceiling Height: Consider the cubic footage of the property.

You want to look for high ceilings that increase the openness of a room.

Of course, you don’t want to go too high. Above 14 feet will get you diminished marginal returns.

• Storage: If you’re a woman, you will understand this one. We need

lots of closets and additional storage room to fit all of our clothes, shoes, jackets, hats, purses, etc. However, lucky for you, your potential home’s existing closet square footage will not limit you from putting in more storage space. Custom closet companies can create any kind of storage

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space you desire. You will have to, however, make sure that your new home does have an area that you can turn into this storage space.

• In-Unit Laundry: In-unit laundry has become necessary for

any luxury home or apartment. Do you really want to have to trek down flights of stairs to use the basement laundry? If you still consider it wasted space, you can convert it into more closet space.

• The Gym: Having a fitness area nearby is an amenity that is especially

important, particularly in winter when you don’t feel like walking to the gym a few blocks down.

One thing to consider is the Do you really want of the gym in relation to have to trek down size to the size of the building in flights of stairs? light of common area fees.

• Move-In Ready: I’d advise against buying time-consuming and

frustrating fixer-uppers no matter how much you want to add custom kitchens, finishes, fixtures, and other characteristics. Choose a property that already has all of these amenities taken care of. These properties have already had the same designers you would hire fashion the house at a fraction of the cost you would pay to have them do it after you move in. In this light, it is worthwhile to pay a little extra for the move-in ready home.

• Reputation: Pay attention to the reputation of the building. A

property that has a good reputation tends to retain its value. You can easily find this out online on posts, and established locals are likely to have an opinion.

If you want to buy luxury property that is really worth it’s price, then I would suggest adding these points to your list of things your new home must have.

If you want to get a high quality home that is a true luxury, you’ll want to watch out for these aspects as well as the location. Some properties might claim to be luxury based on their location, but when compared against this list, they don’t make the cut. So, don’t be fooled by imposters, and make sure you find a true high-end property.

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TONY VANJOHNSON Tony Vanjohnson – Team Lead of Vanjohnson Realty Concepts at ERA Real Solutions Realty in Cincinnati, Ohio – has achieved his top agent status through hard work, a commitment to honesty and integrity, and a desire to provide his many buyers and sellers with unparalleled customer service.

Tony, an Army Veteran and the former owner of a seven-unit chain of full-service Margarita restaurants in the greater Cincinnati market, began his journey in real estate back in 2000, when he began purchasing his own rental properties. Following the market crash in 2007, Tony lost a few of his assets and moved on from the restaurant business to consulting gigs, never truly losing his interest in real estate. In 2015, he signed on with ERA Real Solutions and hasn’t looked back since. Realizing success as an agent almost immediately, Tony’s business continues to grow by leaps and bounds, year after year.

Tony and his team have been providing such exceptional client service that their business is now based significantly on referrals. “I think our clients show us so much loyalty because we work hard to go well above their expectations. Being from a service-oriented background,” says Tony, “we provide a lot of different services to our clients to try to make every transaction as seamless as possible.” Tony has also become known for his calming demeanor during even the most arduous of transactions, something his clients deeply appreciate.

Gratitude for his clients is a hallmark of Tony’s approach to real estate, and he works hard to maintain the relationships he forms with each of them, reaching out to them on a continuing basis, just to check in or say hello. That gratitude is clearly reciprocated, if his reviews on Zillow.com and other

sites are any indication. “Tony is a great Realtor. My fiancé and I were searching for our first home for the two of us and our two-year-old. He made what could have been an intimidating process feel a lot easier and less stressful. He made us feel like he had our best interests in mind, and he was always available to answer any questions we had. Once he even cancelled his plans to show us a house we really wanted to see before it was sold. Yesterday marked a week since we closed on our house and we could not be happier. So, if you’re looking for a Realtor I definitely recommend Tony,” reads just one of dozens.

An expert marketer of his listings, Tony takes care to always use professional photography and video to ensure his listings are seen in their very best light. “I also do syndicated listings with lead providers like Zillow, Trulia or Realtor.com,” he says. “I also utilize Facebook or any other internet avenue that will provide our clients with the greatest exposure, in order to sell their home for top dollar, and quickly.”

What Tony enjoys most about what he does is the charge he gets from working with his clients. “I get a certain energy from it,” he explains. “You’re not just a Realtor; you’re a mentor and a counselor. There is so much more to the process than just the transaction. I love helping my clients and giving them the confidence they need in order to make good decisions.”

Looking to the future, Tony’s plans are to continue to grow his team to a higher level so that each of his team members can be given the opportunity to brand themselves and grow their own business, all while sacrificing none of the amazing customer service that has become his calling card. “We go above and beyond finding or selling homes within our network,” says Tony. “We’re constantly working as a team in order to help our clients achieve their real estate goals, whether they’re a firsttime home buyer, an investor, or someone who is listing to retire. We really push the envelope on helping them attain that.”

For more information about Tony Vanjohnson, please call 937 - 510 - 0690 or email tony@tonyvanjohnson.com Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Magazine