ONTARIO 7-1-22

ONTARIO EDITION

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TIPS TO GET NEW CLIENTS

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING

How to Get the Biggest Recharge Out of Your Lunch Hour

IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE

FEATURED AGENTS

SHELLY GRACEY SAAD MANSOOR

COVER STORY

JEFF GODREAU

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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 4

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

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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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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 6

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.

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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JEFF GODREAU Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Jeff Godreau with Royal LePage Peifer Realty assists clients throughout ChathamKent, Lakeshore, and the surrounding areas.

Raised in Chatham-Kent, Jeff Godreau took a winding road to his current status as a leading real estate agent in his community. He would begin his career working in an out of town factory, but following a frightening motorcycle accident, he found himself seeking a fresh start that better spoke to his passion for helping others.

After making a full recovery, he decided the time was right to return to Chatham-Kent with a vision of becoming a top producing agent in his hometown. Sure enough, he would soon realize his goal, completing 111 ends and selling 48 Million in real estate in 2021 alone!

Today, Jeff is a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Peifer Realty, where he assists clients throughout Chatham-Kent, Lakeshore, and the surrounding areas. Having uncovered a distinct niche in waterfront and luxury properties spanning the region, he has cultivated a devoted workflow to meet the needs of any client, living up to his proven timeline: “Helping You.” 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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When listing a property, Jeff is there for his clients each step of the way. Starting out, he helps them prepare for the market, providing them with a suite of staging, professional photography, videography, and drone photography services. From there, he broadcasts their listings to a blend of highly targeted digital and social media campaigns. From start Top Agent Magazine

to finish, though, he caters his workflow to the needs of each client, ensuring a seamless transaction throughout.

Elsewhere, Jeff is just as committed when assisting his buyers, leveraging his in-depth knowledge of the region to uncover the right investment for their best interests. In fact, Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“This business comes down to being personable,” Jeff says. “I’m never just looking for a fast sale; instead, I give my clients the pros and cons of a given property so they can make informed decisions on their future.” he keeps in touch with his clients long after the closing through regular check-ins, market updates, and even housewarming gifts—all to make sure they are thriving in their new homes. “This business comes down to being personable,” he says. “I’m never just looking for a fast sale; instead, I give my clients the Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

pros and cons of a given property so they can make informed decisions on their future.”

Over the years, Jeff has earned a fantastic reputation in Ontario, with the vast majority of his volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. Taking inspiration from his strong Top Agent Magazine

roots in the community, he remains committed to the core values that continue to set him apart. “Above all, I believe in being honest, trustworthy, and dependable with my clients.

Regardless of their situation or the price of their home, I put everything into seeing them succeed.”

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Outside of real estate, Jeff is dedicated to his community. On top of contributing to Lost Pets of CK, he also supports various local businesses and charities throughout the year.

When he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be found spending quality time with his family and friends or touring the waterfronts Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

on his motorcycle—enjoying all the lush scenery southern Ontario has to offer.

Going forward, Jeff has exciting plans for his business. On pace to exceed his previous year’s volume, he intends on scaling

his compassionate approach throughout the region, with hopes of building his team in the near future. “I’m here to help no matter what,” he says. “Regardless of your situation, I’m here to help your real estate dreams come true.”

To learn more about Jeff Godreau, call (519) 365-4852, email jeffgodreau@royallepage.ca, and visit him on Facebook or Instagram @jeffgodreaurealestate

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Nicole Piette is proud to congratulate

Jeff Godreau

on being featured for Ontario in Top Agent Magazine!

Nicole Piette |Mortgage Specialist RBC Royal Bank | Royal Bank of Canada (519) 437-7837 (call or text) mortgage.rbc.com/nicole.piette https://

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4 Qualities of Exceptional Employees Hiring a new employee is one of the more stressful parts of being a business owner. After all, you’re taking someone on and trusting that they’ll not only be a valuable addition to the team, but won’t do anything to hurt your business’s hard earned reputation.

Sometimes a person comes in and you click right away, and other times you might be blown away by an impressive resume. But there are things you should look for that might not be as obvious at first. Employees that have the following qualities are ones you should seek out, because they will definitely be well worth the time and energy you invest in them.

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1. They have the confidence to be innovative There’s a reason people are drawn to those who think outside the box. Not only do innovations often lead to an extremely profitable business, even when that thinking doesn’t pan out, creative thinking is something that will energize your business and will motivate more employees to start taking chances.

Innovative thinkers also usually have great leadership skills. Ironically, you want an employee who isn’t afraid to speak up to authority and is someone who knows how to bend the rules without breaking them. They know that

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the success of the team and business is what’s most important, as long as it’s done ethically and with respect for everyone involved.

2. They are constantly reviewing their past performance A good employee looks forward, but they also look back. They are always evaluating what worked and what didn’t work in past performances and then adjusting their plans going forward accordingly. If they are coming off a big win, they know how to capitalize on that by using the momentum and cementing in everyone’s minds the value that they add to the team.

If things didn’t go as planned, they assess what they can do better next time, and they don’t get bogged down in insecurity. They take responsibility and they have confidence that they won’t repeat past mistakes. They know that failure is a temporary state, and are able to learn lessons from their mistakes, that will make them a better employee going forward.

While no one wants to fail, having the confidence to try something and fail will one day let you strike gold. Someone who lets failure shut them down, leads to a dead end and will soon make them a dead weight on your team.

3. They value teamwork Even though an exceptional employee might be a rising star, they realize that success is Top Agent Magazine

not an individual endeavor, it relies strongly on who you’re working with. Exceptional employees make sure that everyone is contributing and valued for their input. They put the interests of the company above their own, and thrive in an environment where ideas and information are shared freely.

Shared success is the ultimate goal for every project. Exceptional employees have the confidence to know that even when they’re not singled out for praise, they’re an irreplaceable component of a larger machine.

4. They are self-motivated learners A key thing to remember is that while experience is a valuable commodity, intelligence and intellectual curiosity is usually something that can’t be taught. Yes, you might request employees get additional training or attend seminars, but exceptional employees will be seeking out educational opportunities constantly. Even if they don’t have a lot of money for weekend retreats, they will be getting books from the library, downloading audiobooks, and most importantly, taking advantage of one their greatest resources, YOU. Exceptional employees know that the way to stay ahead is to always be at the forefront of new technology and systems. They don’t see educating themselves as a burden, they actually enjoy it. They realize that everything they take in, will one day make them not only an exceptional employee, but an exceptional boss as well.

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Incorporating Charitable Giving in Your Real Estate Practice

As real estate professionals, taking part in the community and serving others is central to a long-lasting practice. After all, agents are in the business of homeownership, building a financial future, and helping their clients begin new and fruitful chapters. With that in 16

mind, how might an agent deliver that spirit of service in a broader sphere?

The truth is, charitable giving offers nothing but upsides. Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it

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Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network.

also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network. If charitable giving is an idea you’ve toyed with, or a practice you’ve engaged in only now and again, here are a few ways to make it a foundational element of your business and a win-win for all.

Find causes that speak to you.

Donating funds or resources can feel anonymous if you’re divorced from the organization you’re working with. While national and international charitable organizations are certainly effective and worthwhile, you might consider partnering with local chapters of those organizations, or identifying hyper-local organizations that address need in your state, county, town, or even your own neighborhood. The first step to establishing a charitable relationship is to find a cause that you genuinely care about. For many, animal rescue is a tangible cause where resources and volunteership are always welcome. For others, children’s health and advocacy is a calling. Regardless Top Agent Magazine

of your personal passion, participation can be big or small. From sponsoring a local youth sports league to partnering with an area animal shelter for their annual spay-athon event—there are all sorts of ways to make a difference.

Unite your team for the common good.

One way to make charitable giving a staple is to do it in arm and arm with others. Supporting a local cause is a great way to bring your team together in a unifying capacity. Hosting coat drives in winter, blanket drives for local animal shelters, or backpack drives for needy students at the start of the new school year— all are straightforward and highly useful, direct ways to give to your community as a team. It’s also important to set collective goals as a way of keeping people motivated and accountable over time. Offices are productive, but often hectic spaces.

Injecting a collective goal with a positive, tangible result can create an ambiance of goodwill and generosity—both of which are worthwhile attributes to cultivate as

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the leader of your team. Lastly, consider timely giving as a way of connecting your team to their community. Natural disasters, local fundraising drives, and improvement funds are all direct ways your team can contribute, while they themselves reap the benefit in the community.

Include clients in the process.

You’ve likely heard of charitable donations made in the name of your client as an alternative to the classic closing gift, but there are a few ways you might update this method of giving. For starters, consider including your clients in the selection process. Do they have a special cause that’s close to their hearts? Likewise, you might

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consider making regular, consistent giving a part of your routine post-closing. Instead of following up with your yearly poinsettia plant or pumpkin, you might find a cause in their neighborhood or township that you can support in their name. It’s wise to choose something apolitical, but a cause that’s hyperlocal to their area demonstrates unique thoughtfulness.

There are plenty of ways in which society as a whole can benefit from charitable causes that build goodwill in the world, support those less fortunate, and bolster a positive future. Incorporating charitable giving in your business model is a generous way to make this mentality a central tenet of your team and a defining characteristic for your clients to remember.

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SHELLY GRACEY As a top producing agent in Ontario’s Paris and Brant Counties, Shelly Gracey is living her entrepreneurial dream. She entered this field 18 years ago after always having an interest in it. Working in the sales & customer service industry for decades, she decided one day to take the leap and earn her license. Shelly hasn’t looked back, has since gotten her brokers license, and is loving every moment of her career.

Committed to bringing her clients towards their goals, she goes above and beyond to ensure they are happy.

She guides buyers and sellers through every step, never leaving any questions unanswered, and always preparing them for what comes next. With nearly 100% of her clients deriving from repeats and referrals, Shelly sees each transaction as an opportunity for a lasting relationship.

This approach has helped her stand out, as those who work with her recognize that she genuinely cares.

“I treat people as if they are my own family,” she explains.

“I form very strong bonds with everyone, and I truly want what is best for them.” When assisting buyers, she takes the time to get to know them, outlining their needs and ensuring she gets them what they want. Shelly is patient, and never attempts to rush their process. Instead, she provides them with information and advice, giving them the space they need to make well-rounded decisions. For her sellers, she utilizes social media to spread the word about their listing, aiming to obtain the highest sold price possible. At every step and turn, Shelly is right by their side, supporting them and making the journey enjoyable.

Passionate about her community, she started a Facebook Page called ‘Paris, Prettiest Town in Canada,’ where she promotes local businesses, people and events. It has become a valuable resource to those looking to establish roots here. “I wanted to make it a one-stop shop for

everyone to know what’s happening.”

Those who work with Shelly are astounded by her ability to transform a potentially stressful experience into a memorable and exciting one. A client recently said, “Shelly was able to lead us through the sale of our home in a caring and professional manner. She brings a knowledgeable background and eagerness to find you exactly what you’re looking for. The trust we put in Shelly was easy to do. Once you meet her you’ll know exactly why. She will look out for you and work endlessly to bring you what you’re looking for. I have used her for 3 different properties and would use her again in a heartbeat.

I recommend Shelly to absolutely everyone.”

Always looking for ways to make an impact on her community, Shelly is involved in the Lion’s Club, which supports many projects in Paris. “‘We Serve’ - The Lions Club of Paris has been supporting community projects in our town for over 90 years from the original creation of the Paris Lion’s Park in 1931 up to the recent completion of the Pete Lavoie Ball Diamond and the current Brant (Cowan) Community Health Hub Project.” She is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant, which was the winner of the 2018 Community Influencer Award and proudly celebrates 21 years of service to the community.

The organization’s focus is on helping children. When Shelly isn’t working or giving back, she’s exploring nature and supporting local.

As Shelly’s business skyrockets, so does her love for what she does. “I just absolutely love helping others, whether it’s helping agents become successful or forming relationships with my clients and helping them buy or sell. I meet some really amazing individuals, and it feels great to be there for them.”

For more about Shelly, call 519-717-5478 or email sgracey04@icloud.com Shelly’s website is a great resource shellygracey.ca www.

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create 20

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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SAAD MANSOOR and ensure each client is thriving in their new home.

Born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, Saad Mansoor has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit.

Coming of age, he had an opportunity to learn the real estate business from the ground up through his mother, a top producing agent in the region. After graduating with Honours in Computer Science from Ryerson University, Toronto, Saad found himself seeking a fresh opportunity that better spoke to his outgoing personality and passion for helping others. Inspired, he decided to join the family business and launch his career as a REALTOR®.

Today, Saad is a Sales Associate with RE/MAX Premier Amatul Waheed Real Estate, where he assists clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. There, he has combined his tireless work ethic with his strong business acumen to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Saad equips his clients with a cutting edge strategy. Starting out, he helps them fully prepare their home for the market, providing them with a suite of professional photography, videography, and drone imaging services. From there, he shares their listing through a variety of highly targeted digital and social media campaigns over platforms like Instagram and TikTok. At the same time, he leverages proven resources like printed flyers to the surrounding neighborhoods—all to give his clients an added advantage.

Elsewhere, Saad is just as attentive when assisting his buyers, drawing from his lifelong knowledge of the region to uncover the right investment for their best interests. In fact, he enjoys keeping in touch long after the deals are done through regular check-ins and even gift cards at the holidays to foster an ongoing relationship

Since launching his career in real estate, Saad has earned a fantastic reputation across Toronto, as evidenced by his strong rate of referrals. Now averaging over five completed transactions per month, he remains committed to the core values that have truly set him apart in the region. “Everything starts with your first impression,” he says. “Right from our first meeting, I make sure my clients know exactly what to expect from their transaction. Most of all, they can trust me to supply them with all the information needed to make well-informed decisions on their future.”

Outside his career, Saad is dedicated to his community, volunteering alongside his team to support various local events and charities throughout the year. When he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be found playing basketball with friends, cheering on the Toronto Raptors, or spending quality time with his family. An avid student of his industry, he is also managing the full-scale remodeling of an investment property within the city.

As for the future, Saad has a bold vision for his business. Having now established strong roots in the region, he intends on scaling his model of boutique service to become a leading voice in the Toronto real estate market. In the meantime, though, he is more than satisfied with the fulfilling life and career he has cultivated in his hometown. “I’ve been able to build a solid friendship with each of my buyers and sellers,” he says. “At the end of the day, every transaction gives me an opportunity to create a lasting connection in our community—and there’s nothing more rewarding.”

To learn more about Saad Mansoor, email sellingwithsaad@gmail.com, visit teamamatulwaheed.com or call (647) 895-4192 www.

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