OHIO 6-15-20

OHIO EDITION

4 Ways to

WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST PROCRASTINATION

BEYOND

CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING:

What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

BY THE NUMBERS:

Understanding the True Value of Square Footage

COVER STORY

FEATURED AGENTS

DOREE ADAMS EDITH ROSS

SHANNON GRIMM

OHIO EDITION

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SHANNON GRIMM

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DOREE ADAMS

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EDITH ROSS

CONTENTS 4) BEYOND CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: WHAT IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES MAKE THE MOST SENSE? 13) 9 THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

18) BY THE NUMBERS: UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE VALUE OF SQUARE FOOTAGE 22) 4 WAYS TO WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST PROCRASTINATION

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Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability. Unfortunately, however, not all sellers or agents are willing to do much more than decluttering and cleaning.

Think of the listing as a reflection on yourself. If you didn’t comb your hair, shine your shoes, dress 4

neatly and drive a clean car, people would think you don’t care about yourself. They may wonder, “If he doesn’t care about how he presents himself, how is he going to present my house?” Likewise, not prepare a house for its most beautiful presentation might cast doubt on how the overall marketing will go. And, while not all changes will be immediately noticeable, chances are that what isn’t changed will be noticed.

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Ashley Aguilera, REALTOR®, broker and owner of The Aguilera Team in California’s Murrieta Valley and Temecula, says that after every consultation, her team formulates a game-plan. “We want to set their property apart from everything else on the market, but also fall within the comfort zone of the seller’s lifestyle,” she says. Changes may run the gamut from minor repairs and moving furniture for better flow, to adding accent pieces to harmonize the home’s look or create a “wow” factor before professional photography.

Many agents recommend conducting a professional inspection prior to listing; some will even hire the inspector at their own expense. Of course, any necessary repairs found during inspection and not repaired before listing must be formally disclosed. But wouldn’t it be nice to have no surprises during the buyer’s formal inspection?

In general, some improvements are required, others are low-cost and others pay for themselves

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with lower time on the market, competing offers or higher sale price.

Landscaping & Exterior First impressions begin outside. Be sure to mow and edge the lawn regularly; prune back overgrown trees and hedges; hire a professional to repair uneven pavement (especially if it’s a hazard); remove or replace dying annuals; and clean or repair porches or railings. Are there dry or dead patches of lawn? An inexpensive repair to the irrigation system might be the solution.

While painting an entire house can be extreme, a wise investment is to paint trim, porches, steps or railings that may look tired or have too many colors; choosing a single, neutral color for trim can create a bright, cohesive look. Finally, check the roof, gutters and windows, looking for spots to caulk, shingles to replace, or debris to remove.

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Paint is extremely important if the home has faded or dirty walls, holes or chips on paint or plaster. If an entire paint job is not feasible, at least consider cleaning repairing the obvious and adding a fresh coat of semi-gloss to baseboards, moldings, windowsills, doors, banisters balustrades and built-ins. Don’t overlook the ceilings!

A long-ago leak from a second-floor bathroom may have been completely repaired and moisture abated, but a patched-up ceiling is a red-flag.

Kitchens and baths

Walls, carpets, ceilings and trim Next, it’s time for agent and seller to open up to one another about the interior. Janelle Holte, who leads Seller’s Edge Home Team in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, loves walking into a home knowing that her team will be the driving force behind selling it.

“I like seeing how owners took care of it and raised their family in it,” she says. “But I won’t sugar-coat anything, so I tell them not to shoot the messenger!” She gives it to them straight, explaining what needs to be done to stage it to present well from a buyer’s perspective.

Those changes often include repainting at least the primarily living areas and replacing carpet, especially worn carpet or carpet that has faded or stained beyond what professional carpet cleaning could remedy. Sometimes, all that’s needed is professional carpet stretching to remove any buckling prior to cleaning.

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Most agents agree that the easiest costs to recoup in home improvements prior to selling are those spent in bathroom and kitchen updates. Complete remodels are unwise; you can’t anticipate the style preferences of their buyer. But refinishing, touching-ug up or painting cabinets can create a great impact, while also forcing the seller to remove unwanted or overstocked items from cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls – shiny, new nobs look nice.

Lee Ritchie of Ritchie Realty Group in Columbus, Ohio, gives a reminder to discuss any and all issues up front. “People need to be able rely on the professional who’s presenting, pricing and marketing their home,” she says. An honest and diligent agent will be an open book about the current market conditions, the quality of comparable listings and the potential return-on-investment for improvements.

Some agents, like Debra Dobbs of @properties in Chicago, even roll up their sleeves to help with decluttering and repairs. While not at all required or expected, doing so sure lets sellers see the investment their agent is willing to make for them.

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SHANNON GRIMM Top Agent Magazine

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Serving all of Central Ohio, Top Agent Shannon Grimm works with a team of eleven agents who’ve earned the 2019 Pinnacle of Performance Award given by the Ohio Association of Realtors.

Shannon Grimm got her start in the real estate business more than two decades ago, after a successful run working in marketing for the restaurant industry. Before that, she happily recalls the days when she’d watch the Sunday Morning Home Show—one of the first hints that her intrigue for the industry would one day translate to a career. When she began considering a new professional path, she was excited by the prospect of serving others and blending her interest in homes. She decided to take the leap and become an agent back in 1995 and since then, Shannon 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

has mounted a fruitful career guiding buyers and sellers toward their homeownership goals. Over the ensuing two decades, she has garnered multiple awards and designations, and in 2016 she earned her broker’s license—making her one of twenty-four within her brokerage. She has also earned the designations of Certified New Home Professional and Residential Relocation Specialist—to name a few. While the awards she has received to date run the gamut, a few include 2020 President’s Prestige Award (formerly the 25 Million Dollar Award) bestowed Top Agent Magazine

by the Columbus Board of Realtors, the 2015 and 2017 Sales Manager of the Year Award from the Building Industry Association, and the 2019 Pinnacle of Performance Award given by the Ohio Association of Realtors.

Serving all of Central Ohio, Shannon works with a team comprised of eleven other agents, Top Agent Magazine

one Assistant and a Marketing Director. In cultivating her team of professionals, she’s sourced talented individuals that share her philosophy of people-centric care, valuing client satisfaction over making a quick commission. Her approach to the agent client relationships favors forthrightness and honesty and as a result, clients are equipped with the information necessary to make Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

“I’m always honest, even when the situation is difficult,” Shannon recounts. “Even if it’s not what a client is ideally looking to hear, it’s my job to share the truth. Ultimately, I think that’s what keeps people coming back.” a strategic decision. “Once, I took a client to see a home, and I noticed there was a rug in a funny spot in the house,” she recalls. “I looked underneath it, and sure enough—there was damage.”

It’s that attuned sense for details that add value to her services. Going the extra mile to protect her clients’ interests ensures their long-term success. With a hearty 75% rate of repeat and referral business, Shannon’s ability to deliver results with forethought and consistency drives her business forward. “I’m always honest, even when the situation is difficult,” she recounts. “Even if it’s not what a client is ideally looking to hear, it’s my job to share the truth. Ultimately, I think that’s what keeps people coming back.”

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To market her listings, Shannon stays ahead of the curve when it comes to emerging technologies. Wisely recognizing that the vast majority of today’s buyers begin their housing search online, Shannon has established a comprehensive digital presence to promote and support her listings.

Incorporating aerial drone photography and walkthrough videos, houses are curated to look their best. Plus, harnessing the power of multiple social media platforms, targeted ads connect with the ideal demographics of potential buyers. Shannon also promotes her business and listings monthly on television as part of the morning news—affording broad visibility within the regional market.

To stay in touch with past clients, Shannon sends Top Agent Magazine

out mailers and distributes a magazine publication monthly and holds annual client appreciation events. She also finds it casual and easy to stay in touch via social media, maintaining a tether to those she serves, near and far. Considering her favorite facet of her work, Shannon says: “I love helping people. When a client is able to buy their own home, they’re so happy—and that’s what I do this for. There’s always a lot going on behind Top Agent Magazine

the scenes to make sure things go smoothly, but it’s so worth it in the end.”

As the team leader of Shannon Grimm & Partners Team at HER Realtors and a new construction specialist, Shannon has a talent for successfully matching buyers with builders. Her robust knowledge of Central Ohio builders and their products, floor plans, communities, and pricing along with Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

her understanding of each step of home building gives her an edge.

One of Shannon’s most high-profile promotions is her sponsorship of the annual Central Ohio Builder Expo. It is at this event that she brings together the best builders in Central Ohio and other vendors that are helpful when moving into a new home.

To give back to her community, Shannon supports the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, with plans to sponsor this year’s Buddy Walk.

Additionally, she is an avid supporter of the organizations Ohio State Booster and Cause for Paws.

In her coveted free hours, she enjoys taking short weekender trips, and hopes to travel more in the future. In considering her business’s prospects, Shannon plans to continue refining her hallmark level service for buyers and sellers, while developing her team’s talents and market presence.

Likewise, she is dedicated to ongoing professional education and regularly takes classes to remain on the cutting edge of the industry and its technological advancements. With a wealth of knowledge and insight already in her arsenal—as well as a genuine investment in her clients’ lives and successes—the years ahead are sure to yield continued triumphs for Shannon Grimm and her team.

To learn more about Shannon Grimm, call (614) 245-0900, visit ShannonGrimm.com, or email RealtorCentralOhio@gmail.com www.

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Things the Best Leaders Never Say

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

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

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

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

1

I’M THE BOSS

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

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

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

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

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

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

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

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

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

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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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DOREE ADAMS Top Agent Magazine

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DOREE ADAMS

Top Agent Doree Adams is the head of the Doree Adams Group, a Keller Williams strategic partner. Based out of her office in Mentor, Ohio, Doree serves clients across Lake, Geauga, and Cuyahoga County.

Honest and experienced, Doree Adams’ expertise and deep commitment to educating her clients about the home buying and selling process have built her a stellar reputation as one of the top residential real estate experts in her community.

Doree first got her start in the industry back in 1987. At the time she was a young mother, and with all the responsibilities that come with raising a family, she wanted to find a job that would give her the flexibility to balance family time with work. Doree had always been interested in real estate, and thought it would be a good match, so she decided to get her license and give it a try.

Thirty-three years and hundreds of transactions later, Doree is now the head of the Doree Adams 16

Group, a Keller Williams strategic partner.

Based out of her office in Mentor, Ohio, Doree runs a thriving book of business across Lake, Geauga, and Cuyahoga County, and her team consistently ranks as one of the best in the area for sales volume.

If you ask Doree how she has managed to enjoy so much success over the course of her career, she will credit both her honesty and the depth and breadth of her experience as being the largest drivers of her business. “There really aren’t any secrets in this industry, and everything will come to light one way or another, so I’ve always believed that being 100% honest was the best policy,” Doree explains. “Beyond that my level of experience is hard to match. I’ve sold rural, urban, suburban, foreclosed, short sale, Copyright Top Agent Magazine

and HUD properties. Every city here has different point-of-sale requirements, so it’s important to work with an agent who understands the cityby-city nuances. Our slogan is “When experience counts, count on Doree Adams group.” Clearly hundreds of local Cleveland residents have taken this to heart, as more than 90% of Doree’s business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

When it comes to marketing, Doree and her team use professional photographs to create a comprehensive online marketing campaign that uses social media to drive attention to her listings. In addition, Doree reaches out through her extensive network of local realtors to build visibility with agents who typically work with demographics of likely buyers.

Outside of work, Doree loves to spend time with her family and enjoy the beautiful parks and nature preserves scattered all across the greater Cleveland area. In addition she enjoys giving back to her community through Keller Williams’s annual Red Day, and is an active member of the St. John’s Evangelist Parish.

At the end of the day, Doree loves her job because she gets to help people. “Buying or selling a home can be very emotional. I have a lot of empathy for people making a serious life change like that, and I love helping them navigate the process,” Doree tells Top Agent. “A lot of people, especially firsttime homebuyers are intimidated by the idea of buying a home, but I pride myself on educating all of my clients so that fear goes away.”

Looking to the future, Doree is excited to expand her business and help mentor new agents on how they can find success in the industry she loves.

“Working as an agent is such a great way to earn a living and have a diverse range of experiences while being active in the community. I’m more than happy to speak with anyone who is interested in learning more about this rewarding career!”

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For more information about Doree Adams, please call 440-478-3565, visit GreaterClevelandOhioDreamHomes.com or email doreeadamsrealtor@gmail.com www.

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By the Numbers:

Understanding the True Value of Square Footage Measuring the square footage of a property may seem like an objective and straightforward task, but you’d be surprised at how many agents and homebuyers misunderstand this pivotal figure.

True square footage provides homebuyers a concrete understanding of their prospective domain, but here’s the problem: the rules to determine a home’s square footage are not always uniform across the board. What’s more, much of 18

a home’s value is determined by its size, so accuracy is certainly important. While many real estate agents have their own systems for determining or confirming a home’s true square footage, it doesn’t hurt to update your practices and become an expert on the subject. After all, you may learn a few techniques that could add value to a listing, or better prepare you in guiding house-hunters on the lookout.

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1. Do your due diligence Most towns and cities have a local records department where floorplans and blueprints are kept on file. It’s worth noting that these records don’t typically include any subsequent additions or remodels on a property, but they still give archive hunters a legal baseline when outlining a property’s square footage. Oftentimes, a straightforward online search of a city or county’s records office can pull the information necessary, or else agents can poke around in person to uncover informative blueprints at the records office. Either way, access to original blueprints or floorplans is a great tool for determining livable square footage. As a bonus,

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original blueprints and floorplans—especially in historic properties—can be intriguing visual aids for prospective buyers, as well.

2. Know the rules While there aren’t universal standards when it comes to measuring square footage, there are general guidelines that can help determine square footage in an authentic way. Per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), here are the official recommendations for measuring a home’s real square footage: n

Called “below grade spaces,” basements and sunrooms beyond a home’s typical

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living quarters do not count toward a home’s true square footage. According to ANSI, even big draws like finished basements don’t count toward a property’s Gross Living Area. Of course, even below grade spaces have their own desirable value and should be outlined as such on listings. n

n

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Did you know the space inside closets and on stairways counts toward a home’s square footage? Even if these areas are relatively small, they still add to a property’s calculable square footage.

When recording square footage, ANSI actually suggests performing measurements from a property’s exterior—though this method does not account for the

thickness of exterior walls, which could skew square footage numbers. n

Just like below grade spaces, a garage, a pool house, or even a guest house should not be included in a property’s Gross Living Area. The rationale at work here is this: if you must go outside to access additional living areas, then they are beyond the square footage scope of the primary dwelling and should not be included in a home’s Gross Living Area.

3. Double-check by doing the dirty work Buyers and sellers have or will make a sizable investment in a property, so isn’t it fair to double-check all the relevant facts and figures

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when it comes to true square footage? If you want to take on the endeavor yourself, here are a few helpful steps to take. n

First, you’ll need a few things to get started, including a tape measure that can measure at least 100 ft., graph paper, and a pencil.

n

Next, choose a room to start measuring wall-by-wall. Measure Wall 1, then proceed to assign each square on the gridded paper a corresponding measurement, rounding to the nearest tenth of a foot for the sake of clarity.

n

From there, draw out the wall you measured and measure the remaining walls in the

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room. Once you’ve completed the room’s measurements, multiply the room’s length and width to determine its square footage. n

As you go measure throughout the home, using your own system to scale, you will construct a failsafe floorplan.

Mastering your craft is everything, and the real estate industry is no different. Every now and again, it’s worthwhile to update your well of information, take matters into your own hands, and continue to innovate with the industry. While square footage may not seem like the juiciest starting off point for such a venture, never forget: mastery of technical knowledge is a sure sign of expertise.

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4 Ways to Win the Battle Against Procrastination One of the most common professional afflictions is procrastination. The funny thing is, everyone knows that procrastination is negative—it’s a waste of time, a creator of stress, and is entirely a problem of our own making. Still, knowing all of this doesn’t necessarily decrease our odds of procrastination. There are plenty of explanations we give when putting work off until the last minute. Perhaps you convince yourself that you work best under pressure, but it’s truer that you’re used to working under pressure by necessity. Maybe you’re a perfectionist and the fear of getting it all wrong puts you off from the task. Whatever the justification may be, overcoming procrastination requires some willpower and technique. With that in mind, take a look at a few tricks below to jumpstart your motivation and nix the last-minute time crunch.

After all, you owe it to yourself and your business to operate like a procrastination-free professional.

1. Make Your Intentions Known As realtors and mortgage professionals, you may serve as your own boss. So, when the time comes to complete a task and you put it off—perhaps you’re only disappointing yourself. This is easily remedied by making a new promise to try again tomorrow. On the other hand, it’s much harder to break promises and commitments to others. Try verbalizing your intent and commitment to your team, or to an assistant who can hold you accountable, or better yet—to a business partner or to a client. Make a hard deadline public and you’re likely to perform for fear of embarrassment or losing face. In a way, this puts the pressure of expectation on you, instead of the pressure of the ticking clock.

2. Take a Baby Step When tasks pile up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

If you’ve got a number of items on your to-do list, including some heavy hitters that require a lot of attention and time, begin by taking on something simple. Identify an easily completed job that needs 22

attention and put it first in your queue. Duties that are straightforward and aren’t time-intensive can lead you to the rest of your to-do list, fueling you with the satisfaction of a task already complete. Even if it’s as small as returning e-mails, or dropping off your dry-cleaning, one simple thing off your list can inspire you to continue on to the next item in the spirit of productivity.

3. Work in Windows If work is the last thing you want to do and you can’t seem to self-motivate, make a compromise with yourself. Agree to work just fifteen minutes, and mean it. This tiny window of time is easy enough to complete, isn’t overwhelming, and you’ve already agreed to move on once time is up. The truth? Odds are that just fifteen minutes of active work will inspire you to keep going. After all, the most difficult part of procrastination is getting started. By putting in those fifteen minutes, you’ll trick yourself into diving into the action.

4. Switch Up Your Environment If you’re stuck in rut when it comes to procrastination and productivity, try changing your surroundings. If the office feels stale and stressful, take your work to the nearest coffee shop and try to tackle your tasks there. Perhaps the quiet, studious ambiance of a library can make you focus, or a picnic table outside the office can stimulate the senses.

Sometimes changing your scenery can breathe new life into your routine and give you the extra push you need to get work done.

There’s no one way to overcome procrastination. In fact, it’s likely a lifelong process of building discipline, finding techniques that work for you, and simply prioritizing your time more effectively. Don’t lose hope—remember these tricks and winning the war will be possible, even if you lose a few battles along the way.

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EDITH ROSS For 27 years, Edith Ross worked in corporate America; however, through it all, she had always harbored a passion for entrepreneurship. Then she discovered the real estate industry at a career fair. Inspired, Edith threw herself into schooling, obtained her license and dove into her new career. Sure enough, the risk paid off: Edith found not only success in real estate, but also a community that underscored her compassion and business acumen.

Today, Edith is a Realtor at Russell Real Estate Services, where she assists buyers, sellers and investors throughout Northeast Ohio. Reaching the status of a Multi-Million Dollar Producer, she has established strong foundations in the industry. In 2019 alone, she was named the Top Producer of her office and ranked in the Top 25 Agents at Russell Real Estate Services.

For Edith, though, success is one of many rewards in her blossoming career. “I get to help people,” she says.

“Nothing is better than assisting clients or getting them on the path to owning their first homes.”

When listing a property, Edith explores a variety of options and marketing outlets. To go along with in-depth social media campaigns, she also utilizes global exposure through Leading RE: Real Estate Companies of the World. Moreover, Edith has built a robust network of investors who help build up communities by buying and renovating distressed properties.

For Edith, though, the process must never overwhelm her clients. When working with buyers and sellers, she makes sure to keep them educated and updated with every step. “I see myself as more of a consultant than a salesperson,” she says. “My clients know their top priorities are my top priorities. They know I care.”

By taking the time to collaborate with her buyers and sellers, Edith has developed close bonds in her Top Agent Magazine

community. The result? Most of her business comes from either repeat clients or referrals. In addition, she maintains long standing relationships with her former clients via phone calls, postcards, newsletters, quarterly magazines, social media and social events. “I take my time with everyone,” she says. “Above all, I want to give them a clear picture of where they’re headed.”

Outside of her career, Edith enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle with her husband, four children, three grandchildren and her Yorkie, Tabby. A longtime resident of Cleveland, Ohio, she leaps at any opportunity to give back to her community, volunteering at food banks, holiday charities and back to school programs through her church. But Edith also aspires to give back through her career, offering donations to the Make a Wish Foundation and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Edith was first drawn to the real estate industry for the ways in which it cultivated her entrepreneurial spirit and allowed her to contribute to her community. By throwing herself into this new career path, she discovered a dream job centered around service and friendship. When she looks ahead at the future, Edith desires to explore real estate investing while continuing to grow her business.

Most of all, though, she looks forward to the many bright opportunities ahead. “It’s a lot of hard work,” she says with a laugh, “but it’s always worth it in the end.”

To learn more about Edith Ross email sellwithedith@gmail.com, visit sellwithedith.com or call (216) 392-3668

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