ONTARIO 1-10-22

ONTARIO EDITION

Uncommon Contact:

CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

3 EASY AT-HOME

DIY PROJECTS TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE

Small Yard?

Big Statement: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

FEATURED AGENTS

ANGELA AUGSBURY NIKKI HESSAMI

COVER STORY

Kate Broddick

ONTARIO EDITION

Mitchell H. Weisberg is proud to congratulate

NIKKI HESSAMI 7

NIKKI HESSAMI

ANGELA AU 13

KATE BRODDICK

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ANGELA AUGSBURY

CONTENTS

From a young age, Angela Augsbury knew she wanted to be in the real estate business. She her TO career at 19, focusing first on the 4) SMALL YARD? BIG 19)started 5 TIPS GET administrative on being featured STATEMENT: HOWfor TO Canada MAKE NEW CLIENTSside so she could understand all aspects of client services. “I worked for comMOST OUTMagazine!

OF MICRO inTHE Top Agent mercial brokers, and simultaneously completed OUTDOOR SPACES and master’s 24)my 3 undergraduate EASY AT-HOME DIYdegrees at the University of Ottawa in Communications and PROJECTS TO INCREASE Mitchell H. Weisberg, J.D. | Barrister & Solicitor Urban Studies.” Once she graduated, she decided to become a Real Estate Broker. Joining 11) UNCOMMON CONTACT: PROPERTY VALUE Coldwell Banker Rhodes and Company in email: mwlaw@bell.net | mobile 416 566 7633 CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE 2008, she eventually partnered up with David 23 Ridgevale Drive, Toronto ON M6A 1K9 THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA Sugarman, and they are still together today.

“We serve the greater Ottawa area, and I focus on the downtown region where I specialize in urban neighbourhoods and condos.” Meanwhile, David hones in on the surrounding Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 communities and rural areas. Together they mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com deliver exceptional service to buyers, sellers, investors and developers, while continuously No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

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Kate Broddick

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with 4

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods Top Agent Magazine

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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NIKKI HESSAMI

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NIKKI HESSAMI

Since getting her Realtor’s license in 2018, Nikki Hessami has already built a reputation as someone with her finger on the pulse of Toronto, and as an agent who will always put her client’s best interests first. “I never worry about what I’m going to make at the end of a transaction,” Nikki explains. “I put myself in my clients’ shoes and then advise them based on how well a property matches their needs.”

an ever increasing number of referral clients as she delivers superior service to the Greater Toronto area with Home Leader Realty. As a pre-construction condo specialist, she has helped buyers from all over the world move to Toronto or to find the right properties for their investment portfolio.

“I’m there for my clients every step of the way,” says Nikki. “And I can help them through the

It’s the kind of service Nikki valued herself when she moved to Ontario in 2014. Formerly a university instructor of architecture in Iran, Nikki decided to pursue a career that would allow her to combine her enjoyment of beautiful architecture with her passion for helping people, and for the last three years she has been offering a service built on the core values of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance.

That commitment, her hard work, and her deep knowledge of the industry has garnered Nikki 8

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process in whatever way they need. I’ve even helped people purchase properties remotely, taking them on showings via video calls.”

Last year Nikki closed 12 transactions, and has 18 year-to-date sales in 2021. If the high praise she receives in her clients’ reviews is any indication, those numbers are going to continue climbing every year. One satisfied client summed up her time with Nikki like this: “My experience with Nikki has been nothing short of amazing. She made the process of navigating Toronto’s intimidating real estate market straightforward….Her expertise, professionalism and personable demeanour really sets her apart. I would highly recommend Nikki and plan on utilizing her services in the future.”

Nikki treats clients like they are family, which means protecting them from bad investments as much as helping them find something they like. Her transparency is one of the things that sets her apart from many other agents.

“I educate my clients about the market and the process, and I’m very honest in giving my opinion about a property or the terms they are being offered, because my concern is for their profit and not just a closed transaction.

People appreciate that, and they will keep coming back to you when you demonstrate that kind of care.”

When she’s not working, Nikki likes to hang out with friends and family, meditate, and stay connected with the many people in her sphere through social media. As for the future of her business, she hopes to continue growing her volume by offering the highest-quality service in the industry. Eventually she would like to build a team, sharing her knowledge and methods with new agents in order to help even more people with their homeownership and investment goals.

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Contact Nikki at 416-827-7020, email info@nikkihessami.com or visit nikkihessami.com https://

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Mitchell H. Weisberg is proud to congratulate

NIKKI HESSAMI

on being featured for Canada in Top Agent Magazine!

Mitchell H. Weisberg, J.D. | Barrister & Solicitor email: mwlaw@bell.net | mobile 416 566 7633 23 Ridgevale Drive, Toronto ON M6A 1K9

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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, 12

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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Kate Broddick Top Agent Magazine

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Kate Broddick

As the lead of The Kate Broddick Team, consisting of 11 members, Kate ensures each agent values high quality service and a client-oriented approach. This has led to their immense growth, completing at least 400 transactions per year.

“I look at my team as a space that I want to protect,” Kate Broddick explains, while discussing her journey in real estate. “We only bring on people when there’s enough business to provide them with, as I want everyone on the team to reach their goals.”

As the lead of The Kate Broddick Team, consisting of 11 members, Kate ensures each agent values high quality service and a client-oriented approach. This has led to their immense growth, completing at least 400 transactions per year.

It was Kate’s people-loving personality and interest in investing that initially led

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to her career as an agent. “My husband and I were purchasing properties, and I decided to get licensed to help facilitate that,” she explains. “I really enjoyed the process, and decided to leave my career as a dental hygienist to pursue this full time.” It quickly took off from there, and she’s now been a top agent in Brantford, Ontario for Top Agent Magazine

nine years. With about half of the team’s business deriving from referrals and repeat clients, it’s clear they go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience.

“We have a reputation in the community for providing great service from start to finish,” Kate says. “People come to us because 15 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

they recognize our brand, and have an idea of what to expect when they hire us to buy or sell.” The Kate Broddick Team’s presence is felt throughout the area, as they are endorsed by HGTV’s Scott McGillivray, have a partnership with CHCH Television, and frequently run advertisements on social media. Buyers trust that Kate and her team will do everything possible to get them Copyright Top Agent Magazine 16

their ideal property for the right price, while guiding them throughout the process. Meanwhile, her sellers are confident that Kate’s large network and notoriety will put their listings in front of as many eyes as possible.

After the transaction, clients never hesitate to spread the word about her work. One Top Agent Magazine

Kate loves helping people from all walks of life achieve their real estate goals. “Whether they’re first time homebuyers, empty nesters or unmarried couples, it’s so rewarding to be a part of this chapter in their lives.” recently said, “Phenomenal service. Always available to answer questions and makes you feel like you are her only client. Kate assessed and sold our home in 4 days well above the asking price. When we purchased she guided us to make a competitive but responsible offer ensuring we didn’t pay too much. 5 star service all around.”

Community is a vital part of Kate’s business. She donates her time and money to Top Agent Magazine

causes close to her heart. “We partner with the Brantford General Hospital, and we helped equip two pediatric rooms so newborn babies who needed extra attention didn’t have to leave the room or share equipment with other patients,” she says.

“We also donate clothing and toys to Nova Vida, a women’s shelter in Brantford.” As the mother of three boys, any free time Kate has is spent with her family, including her husband Ryan.

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In the coming years, Kate plans to continue on her current path. She wants to grow organically, and stresses the importance of hiring local agents when looking to buy or sell. “It is important to hire within the community, because those agents will be able to provide

you with expertise in those neighborhoods.”

She loves helping people from all walks of life achieve their real estate goals. “Whether they’re first time homebuyers, empty nesters or unmarried couples, it’s so rewarding to be a part of this chapter in their lives.”

For more about Kate Broddick, contact her by phone at 519-774-6664 or email her at kate@teamkate.ca

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5 Tips to Get New Clients If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably built up a healthy percentage of repeat and referral business.

Although it can be tempting to just maintain those relationships rather than generating new business, there’s something to be said for staying on top of Top Agent Magazine

your game by never resting on your laurels. Actively pursuing new clients is not only a way to generate more business, but depending on how you do it, it could even lead to a profitable new niche. Here are just a few ways to build up your new client base.

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Become a referral partner with industry peers

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Cold Call Expired and FSBO Listings

Everyone from mortgage lenders, to financial planners, to insurance agents, can be potentially lucrative referral partners for a Realtor®. You may already have great relationships with some that just need to be more formalized. But, you don’t just want to partner with anyone, make sure these are people you also feel completely comfortable referring your clients to - people who share your values and work ethic.

Another avenue to consider is divorce attorneys – yes, you heard that correctly. Helping people go through this difficult period actually requires a very specific skill set.

You need to be able to handle the legal aspects, as well as the emotional ones. There are numerous training courses you can take if you decide to take this route, which could end up being a lucrative and much-needed specialty.

This is a route a lot of agents take when they are just starting out, that usually leads to great success. You probably haven’t cold called since you started out, and this is a great skill to build up again.

It will not only sharpen your sales skills, but could generate a lot more business.

People with For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) and expired listings, are usually very motivated to sell. This is a great chance for you to really hone in on why they need to hire you. Do you offer innovative marketing plans? Access to a large sphere of influence? Expired listing clients are looking for ways to sell a property that seems impossible to move. With FSBOs, you need to show them how you can get them more money in their pocket, even 20

with paying you a commission. Pursuing both will really engage your mind to think outside of the box, which will not only get you more business, but make you better at what you do.

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Partner up with a Relocation Company

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Become a Builder’s Realtor® of choice

This is another niche market that you can really capitalize on if you want to pursue a new specialty. But, it is a specialty, so getting educated on the process will help you generate the business you want. It’s a complicated area of real estate, you’ll often

times be helping to facilitate dual transactions, as you try and secure a property at the same time you are helping your relocation client sell their previous home. This specialty is becoming an in-demand skill in areas that have major corporate headquarters.

This can be a real score for any Realtor®.

The competition might be fierce to land a client like this, but there are numerous ways to make yourself stand out from the rest.

Gain certifications and become knowledgeable about the construction process. Be wellversed on what trendy materials, features, and finishes will add value to a property.

Get the builder on board with you by offering to take just a segment of the subdivision then wow them with your marketing skills.

Take on properties they haven’t been able to sell. You can even offer to throw an open

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house for them. This is another way to show them the level of service they can expect from you. These clients might be harder to land, but the payoff will be enormous.

Create a Website that Offers Real Value to Potential Clients

Perhaps the most useful way of getting contact information for people looking to sell is by adding a home valuation feature to your website. When people are first considering selling their home, finding out how much

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it is worth is one of the first questions they want answered. By becoming a resource to potential clients (and current clients!), you just might be the first person that comes to mind when they’re actually looking to sell.

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ANGELA AUGSBURY

From a young age, Angela Augsbury knew she wanted to be in the real estate business. She started her career at 19, focusing first on the administrative side so she could understand all aspects of client services. “I worked for commercial brokers, and simultaneously completed my undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Ottawa in Communications and Urban Studies.” Once she graduated, she decided to become a Real Estate Broker. Joining Coldwell Banker Rhodes and Company in 2008, she eventually partnered up with David Sugarman, and they are still together today.

“We serve the greater Ottawa area, and I focus on the downtown region where I specialize in urban neighbourhoods and condos.” Meanwhile, David hones in on the surrounding communities and rural areas. Together they deliver exceptional service to buyers, sellers, investors and developers, while continuously 22

growing their client base year after year.

“Almost all of our business is based on referrals and repeats,” Angela explains. She credits their dedication and service to their success. “My clients’ needs are very important. I always make sure the expectations are clear from the outset, and that I thoroughly understand what they are looking for.”

Throughout the journey, she is honest and goal-oriented, wanting to exceed their expectations. “We pay attention to every detail, and I think that’s why David and I have reached great heights in this industry.”

When it comes to serving their buyers, they take the time to determine the client’s budget and what an ideal property looks like for them.

This is most especially emphasized with investor clients looking to expand their investment Top Agent Magazine

portfolio. They then search tirelessly until it’s found and negotiate to get them the best deal possible. For their sellers, they spread the word far and wide about each property. “We have strong MLS marketing, create a marketing plan that is tailor made to each property and ensure that the given properties’ strengths are highlighted.”

Community service is an integral part of Angela’s work and she is active in several groups and organizations. “I serve on the Leadership Team of the Condominium Director’s Group (CGD) as their Communications Director. The CDG is a grassroots organization established to serve as a community for condominium board directors to support one another and learn.” When she lived at The Gardens II, she also served as a Condominium Board President for five years. Currently living in the Glebe Annex area she is active with the Glebe Annex Community Association and serves on their committees. “Real estate is not just about relationships, it’s also about community involvement. I strongly believe in giving back to my community that has given so much to me. Supporting local businesses, volunteering – it’s not just good business it’s being a good community member.” During her off hours, she loves being an active mom to her two young boys.

Angela has recently joined the management team at Coldwell Banker Rhodes, where she will focus on helping to grow and mentor their team of agents. No matter where her path leads, she will always prioritize her clients’ experiences, as she loves seeing them happy. “It is so rewarding to connect someone with a property they want, or get someone great value for their home. We make the process easy, and they get to enjoy the journey.”

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To contact Angela Augsbury, Real Estate Broker, please call 613-236-9551, email aaugsbury@cbrhodes.com or visit her website at OttawaSweetDeal.com www.

Angela most recently received the Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society Award in 2020 based on her real estate sales production.

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3 Easy At-Home DIY Projects to Increase Property Value Most homeowners have a lengthy list of chores and bit projects they intend to accomplish around the house. Oftentimes, those to-do items are completed piecemeal over a long stretch of time, or else sometimes not at all. However, when it comes time to prepare a home for market, all those tasks begin to pile-up and overwhelm. The 24

list of things to do before the photographer comes or the first open house is held might seem endless, but not if you tackle just a few things here and there as you go. These sorts of projects—easy, DIY, at-home tasks you can accomplish in a few hours or less, with tools you most likely have on hand— go a long way with marginal effort.

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Complete a quick rehab of closets and storage areas Many agents advise clients to declutter and depersonalize their spaces ahead of professional photography and home showings. The idea is to provide prospective buyers with a neutral palette. Not only does this allow them to imagine their own lives unfolding within those four walls, but it also helps make a home’s square footage stand out. One way to add visual space to your home without calling in the contractor is to declutter common storage areas and closets. When buyers can get a complete look at a closet’s capacity, or a pantry’s depth, or the garage’s full functional potential, they get a better sense of a home’s potential and thus, its value.

In that vein, consider decluttering and cleaning your high-traffic storage spaces: the garage, pantries, closets, attics, and basements. Besides, organizing and discarding unwanted items help you prep for a move anyway, while giving potential buyers a peak at how spacious your home really is.

Add easy curb appeal with a bit of sweat equity Sure, curb appeal can arrive in the form of a new mailbox, pathway lighting, or updated house numbers, but it can also come cheaper than that. Curb extends to the upkeep of your lawn, landscaping, and home’s façade, and there are plenty of ways Top Agent Magazine

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you can give these zones a refresh without spending anything but time. Keeping your front and back yard green and uniform adds a lux layer to exterior square footage.

Likewise, polishing the outside of your windows, trimming hedges, and sweeping the walkway can make a tidy and wellcared for first impression. There are other measures you can take too. Planting wildflower seeds in empty beds, or collecting some landscaping rocks to frame mulched areas can add a bit of character to your residence. Repainting the front door, ensuring trees are trimmed, and keeping back patios 26

neat and uncluttered also underscore a home at its finest, which is ripe for buyers to snatch up.

Transform tiled spaces into sparkling clean surfaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens are where sellers can stand to add plenty of value in the process of selling a home. While pricey renovations might be out of the question for some, there are still affordable and time-effective ways you can transform for these spaces for the better. Cleaning,

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bleaching, or redoing your tile grout—in either kitchens, bathrooms, or other tiled spaces—can give these high-trafficked areas a new lease on life. Ensuring windows, mirrors, stainless steel appliances and backsplashes are streak-free and polished also demonstrate to buyers that your home is well-cared for and practically move-in ready. Sometimes, the devil is in the details. You might consider relining drawers, changing out knobs and fixtures,

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or else decluttering cabinets and shelves for a fresher look.

No matter the challenges ahead as you prepare your home for sale, completing a few small tasks every weekend or so can put you miles ahead of the competition.

Without spending a dime, you can add serious value to your home’s bottom line, setting you up for success as you begin your own home-shopping adventure.

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