ONTARIO 8-29-22

ONTARIO EDITION

HOW TO SPEED UP

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

FEATURED AGENTS

KELSEY QUICK JIMMY ROCHFORD ANTHONY BALYS JARRETT JAMES

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THINGS

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

TO CONVERTING INTERNET LEADS TO REAL LIFE SALES

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE NEVER DO COVER STORY

DAILY HABITS THAT WILL INCREASE YOUR MENTAL STRENGTH

TRACEY & MARSHALL SHERMAN

ONTARIO EDITION

KELSEY QUICK

JARRETT JAME

® REALTOR Jarrett James is19a man of Additionally, 9 effective tools for marketing.

23 ANTHONY BALYS 24 action. she If he feels something is right,home he stag- Ottawa agent Anthony Balys takes advantage of strategic ing,it.signage, top-notch brochures brings decades of marketing goes after From joining theproperty Canadian even the for localthe newspaper.

As a result of expertise to every real estate army toandworking government, deal. Even though he is in his her efforts, Kelsey’s volume falls between first year as a REALTOR , one and finally finding his true calling in real of his strengths is his ability to 40 and 50 units annually. research and get the answers estate, Jarrett has followed through on he needs. “I’m not going to tell KELSEY QUICK every TRACEYdecision & MARSHALL ANTHONY BALYS JARRETT JAMES hecontinued has JIMMY made throughout you something that’s not true,” As Kelsey to thrive in her career SHERMAN ROCHFORD he says.

“I know that being successful means constantly his career.

Almost years he in real estate, twenty she noticed theago, need for a seceducating yourself, and if I run into something I don’t ond set in of surveillance eyes and hands, which inspired know, then I’m going to do my research and reach out was working in casinos to experts to find you the right answer.” Anthony taps herrealized to recently her sister-inwhen he that partner he was with muchinto bethis well-developed network of home professionals, law,toTanya, her assistant andcontractors, soon to be etc., to offer customers the ininspectors, ter suited a job that would allow for sight and assistance licensed agentCONTENTS as well. At this point, Kelsey that they can only get from workwith a team of professionals. “Having a large base more social interaction. Without ing wastis focused on this new partnership trainbehindand you and a huge team of support is the advantage ing anying time, he called up a local real that sets me apart from other realtors,” he says. He goes on the selling 16) side HOW of real estate.

4) A STEP-BY-STEP Tanya GUIDE TO toSPEED UPbuyer and seller are to great lengths make sure both estate brokerage, got his license and Yet, despite the challenges and uncertainty satisfied because “I truly care about how everyone feels TO CONVERTING INTERNET FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER at the end of a transaction.” started working as a Kelsey solo agent.

Today, h real estate that from realSALES estate, continues to display LEADS TOcome REAL LIFE TRANSACTIONS hares, “I feel her happy-go-lucky, humble andanother relaxed agent, demeanor. he has partnered up with Not new to sales,“I Anthony discovered early on that he had a knack for interacting with customers, whether love waking up every day and looking forward to going 7) 8 THINGS SUCCESSFUL 22) DAILY HABITS THAT Brian Hodge to represent homebuyers on the phone or while knocking on doors. He became to work the freedom in my schedule.

I love the vari- YOUR PEOPLE NEVER DO INCREASE hugely successful at hitting sales targets a at other lot comof ti andand sellers in the areas of FortWILL Erie, Ridgeway, Crystal panies, but at theistime, he was pitching a product he vice includes ety of days and, mostly, working with people.

Each day MENTAL STRENGTH Beach, Port Colborne, Wainfleet,didn’t St.believe Catharines and games in. “I felt uncomfortable promoting aan he boundarnew and challenging,” she shares. product I didn’t support, and it didn’t fulfill me the says. As f Niagara Falls. lients as far way I wanted it to. I felt like I was leaving customers with participata bit of an empty promise.” Spurred by his turne conhave elsey, as her Kelsey stays involved in the community by science, he made the move into real estate, joining his ® h an impres-Phoneing inWhen local Goodfellows fundraising events, sponsoring all about ,aJarrett had and few he| first began as a REALTOR 310-734-1440 Fax 310-734-1440 mother, mortgage broker, his REALTOR father. m “I decided to join that side of the family business and from happymag@topagentmagazine.com children overseas through the Compassion program & www.topagentmagazine.com someo connections and |needed to buildfulfill his network from my passion of guiding my clients for as they make edibly hum-No portion letters, andmaysupports other local effortsfor through Exchange the purchase of theirTop lives.” says.busin “It’s of thisscratch. issue be reproduced in any whatsoever withoutbusiness priorbiggest consent of to the publisher.

Agent Magazine best Instead ofmanner waiting come to Anthony is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top something that just fills me up from top to bottom, and ears old at a Church. She also donates to various charities, her favorAgent Magazinehim, cannot be heldspent responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied its authors. he countless weekends open houses Ihosting can’tbyimagine doing anything else now.” ned her keepTo subscribe ite orbeing local Humane Society. Additionally, Kelsey changethe address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. focusing on marketing thatwith would get the word out in theand U.S.boating, ng a remark-Publishedenjoys golfing, and traveling her To husband learn more about Anthony Balys, emai about his business. forward to the present alance in life and two Chinese Shar Peis,Fast where they break away now and he counts of his business comingKelsey from repeat and my clients all and then and95% vacation to Florida & as Muskoka. is 2 Top Agent Magazine ents trust her keeping an open mind about the future of her business referral clients.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Internet Leads to Real Life Sales In the era of apps, instantaneous social platforms, and text messaging, it’s little surprise that the modern homebuyer begins his or her search for real estate representation online. Even if you’ve got a top-notch website or an influential social media presence, how do you connect with web surfers who have yet to commit to the services you offer? Take a look below to learn a few key techniques to bridge the gap between digital interest and real-world sales.

RESPONSIVENESS IS KEY Like it or not, our digital culture relishes immediacy and instant gratification. With that in mind, be sure to stay on top of online interest forms, e-mails, or newsletter sign-ups. Don’t let an online lead go to waste by taking too long to engage and follow-up. Things move fast, and it’s easy for potential clientele to forget which websites they’ve visited. Even if your lead isn’t ready to commit then and there, you demonstrate your accessibility and attentiveness by following up swiftly—a characteristic anyone would seek in an agent or lender.

ENGAGE WITH OPEN-ENDED CONVERSATION

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

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

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

Digital leads don’t have to be difficult to capture.

The internet plays a powerful role in funneling When online back-and-forth goes stale, commumodern clientele your way, but in order to take nication drops off quickly. If you’re following full advantage of the web’s reach, you’ll need up via e-mail, social media, or text, be sure to to tailor your follow-up technique. Mastering keep topics focused squarely on the potential the fundamentals of digital communication is client. Ask open-ended questions to give your the first step to converting digital interest into lead the opportunity to loosen up and engage concrete business. Keep these tips top-of-mind on a personal level. There’s no better way to as you build your online presence and mine the cement a digital lead than to take a pointed vast world wide web for an endless wealth of interest in the specifics of their situation. Doing clientele. Earning a command of digital lead so transforms the impersonal invisibility of the conversion is the surest way to bolster your internet into a true connection. business in the ever-evolving digital era.

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KELSEY QUICK It started entirely unplanned for Kelsey Quick, an agent based in Ontario, Canada, who found her path into real estate after she dabbled working for various real estate companies while attending University.

After a few years of working as an assistant for a successful Broker and learning the ins and outs of real estate, the opportunities continuously flooded Kelsey’s way. Luckily, her experience in the field prepared her for fate where she would end up deterring from traditional education and pursuing her license after first getting approval from her father. But, of course, he gave her the stamp of approval, and Kelsey was quickly on her way to becoming a successful agent. Sixteen years acquainted with real estate and now licensed for eleven years, Kelsey shares, “I feel like I’ve found my calling!”

Today Kelsey’s core geographic area of service includes the townships of Ontario, Windsor, and the boundaries of Essex County though she services clients as far as Chatham. Who needs marketing? Not Kelsey, as her business runs word of mouth entirely with an impressive 90% repeat and referral business built from happy clients. Despite this success, Kelsey is incredibly humble. Starting when she was just seventeen years old at a local company, it’s fair to say Kelsey has earned her keep through hard work, integrity, and maintaining a remarkable rapport. Kelsey shares, “I believe in balance in life and pride myself in doing the best job for my clients all of the time.” For these reasons, Kelsey’s clients trust her and are committed to her services.

Kelsey makes a point to stay in touch with clients through holiday mailers, remembering anniversaries, and reaching out with texts and phone calls to let her clients know she is thinking of them. Regarding listings, Kelsey believes in utilizing traditional MLS and social media as

effective tools for marketing. Additionally, she takes advantage of strategic home staging, signage, top-notch property brochures and even the local newspaper. As a result of her efforts, Kelsey’s volume falls between 40 and 50 units annually.

As Kelsey continued to thrive in her career in real estate, she noticed the need for a second set of eyes and hands, which inspired her to recently partner with her sister-inlaw, Tanya, her assistant and soon to be licensed agent as well. At this point, Kelsey is focused on this new partnership and training Tanya on the selling side of real estate.

Yet, despite the challenges and uncertainty that come from real estate, Kelsey continues to display her happy-go-lucky, humble and relaxed demeanor. “I love waking up every day and looking forward to going to work and the freedom in my schedule. I love the variety of days and, mostly, working with people. Each day is new and challenging,” she shares.

Kelsey stays involved in the community by participating in local Goodfellows fundraising events, sponsoring children overseas through the Compassion program & letters, and supports other local efforts through Exchange Church. She also donates to various charities, her favorite being the local Humane Society. Additionally, Kelsey enjoys boating, golfing, and traveling with her husband and two Chinese Shar Peis, where they break away now and then and vacation to Florida & Muskoka. Kelsey is keeping an open mind about the future of her business but is anticipating refreshing changes and will continue to mentor her sister-in-law. While Kelsey doesn’t aspire to grow an enormous team, she is contemplating bringing someone else on and continuing to work with people she trusts wholeheartedly. Kelsey leaves us with a message of gratitude and humility and reminds us that taking care of people is what real estate is all about.

To get in touch with Kelsey, email kelseyquicksales@gmail.com, call 519-944-5955, or visit remax.ca/on/kelsey-quick-91611-ag www.

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H2M Staging congratulates

Kelsey Quick

on being featured for Canada in Top Agent Magazine!

MICKEY MARIER (519) 816-6290 | h2mstaging.com h2mstaging@gmail.com IG | @h2mstaging www.

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Things Successful People Never Do

There always seems to be people around you who find success with ease, but trust me, that is NOT the case. Although luck can often times play a role in someone’s success, most of the time it’s due to hard work and avoiding bad habits.

The best way to find your own success is to implement some of qualities you see in people you admire into your own life. The hard work part is still up to you, but by shifting your perspective a bit, and NOT doing some of the following

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things, that success might happen a little quicker.

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DON’T JUST WING IT

Successful people plan everything. Not only do they have yearly goals, but weekly and sometimes daily ones as well. By giving your time a purpose, and a clearly defined goal, you’ll eliminate the time you spend haphazardly doing things that might not be a priority. It will also make you feel less scattered, which is always a good thing.

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2

THEY DON’T TAKE ON MORE THAN THEY CAN ACHIEVE

Successful people take on what they can do well, and no more. That all starts with a daily ‘do to’ list. They always make sure their list is manageable and then they don’t sleep until that list is completed. If you find yourself not finishing your list, assess whether it was too much or if you slacked off. You’ll be surprised at the feeling of accomplishment you feel when you finish your list. Not finishing will bring you down, so make sure you aren’t biting off more than you can chew.

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THEY DON’T WORK HARDER, THEY WORK SMARTER

Yes, having a strong work ethic is key, but that doesn’t mean you should waste time on things that will have less of an impact on your success. Focus on the things that will give you the most bang for your buck. Better to spend the majority of your time there, than spread yourself thin on numerous tasks.

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THEY DON’T TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE

This might seem like a bad call in business, but successful people know when to cut your loses and move forward. Anything or anyone, that frustration into your life, is never a good thing.

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REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKES

Similar to not trying to please everyone, successful people are also diligent about accepting when something isn’t working 8

and moving on from mistakes. Yes, you learn from them, but don’t repeat them. Part of being innovative is trying new things, that will keep you fresh and energized, but learning how to let go is an equally important part of the equation.

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GO FOR THE SHORT RUN SOLUTION

Successful people are in it for the long haul and therefore thinking long term. When you have a plan for success and the patience to see it through, while you might have a slow start, you’re establishing a foundation for long term success. Going for the easy fix, usually doesn’t pay off.

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PAY ATTENTION TO THE NAYSAYERS

Lets face it, we all have people in our lives who might be a little more pessimistic than is healthy to be around. You can’t change them, all you can do is not let them drag you down into their ‘glass half full’ mentality. Have your plans and goals, be confident about them. When you’re insecure, that’s when you’re most vulnerable to those types of people.

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THEY NEVER QUIT

That doesn’t mean letting go of things that aren’t working. It means having an end goal.

Whatever obstacles or challenges come up, you take them on, always with that end goal in sight. Successful people know that adversity and overcoming those challenges, is how you grow, and will ultimately make you a better business person.

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TRACEY & MARSHALL SHERMAN

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TRACEY & MARSHALL SHERMAN “We provide a high level of service and walk our clients through the whole process,” Tracey explains.

“We are STILL here for them EVEN AFTER the deal closes.”

With their dedication to providing the highest level of customer service, Tracey and Marshall Sherman bring a combined 22 years of experience to helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Tracey began her real estate career in 2006, with 10

Marshall joining her in 2016. Together, they take the stress out of buying or selling a house so that the process is as easy as possible for their clients.

The Sherman Team serves Oxford Top Agent Magazine

County and the surrounding areas, with a large portion of their business, about 60%, coming from repeat and referral clients. It’s a sure sign that people trust the Sherman Team to look out for their best interests. “We provide a high level of service and walk our clients through the whole process,” Tracey explains. “We are there for them when the deal closes, and we let them know that if they have any more questions, we’re still here.”

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The team’s honesty also puts clients at ease. “We pride ourselves on being straight shooters with our clients,” Marshall says. “We don’t tell them what they want to hear, we tell them what they need to know.” These qualities lead to lasting relationships with clients, and the pair stay in touch via holiday and anniversary greetings, personal check-ins and video messages on the BombBomb platform, as well as relevant information 11

that adds value, such as seasonal home maintenance tips.

When it comes to marketing their listings, the Sherman Team has a clear advantage. Marshall is a trained graphic designer, and the team own their own professional photography equipment.

That allows them to get listings up more quickly than other agents, which can be crucial in a competitive market. They create virtual walkthroughs for every listing and then promote their listings on their own website, as well as their Facebook business page and the Century 21

“We pride ourselves on being straight shooters with our clients,” Marshall says. “We don’t tell them what they want to hear, we tell them what they need to know.”

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website, ensuring optimum exposure.

On top of that, they have a home stager who ensures that every property looks its absolute best in the listing photos.

Giving back to their community is important to Tracey and Marshall, and they host community events such as a free swim at the local pool in the summer, as well as giving to charities that support causes including the homeless, mental health, and animals. When they’re not working or giving back, the Shermans enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with family.

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Looking to the future, Tracey and Marshall plan to keep evolving with the times and are looking at new technology and social media platforms to expand their reach. “It’s important to always be learning, to stay current and know your market,” Tracey says. Above all, she says, “We just like helping people. We like to be there with them every step of the way

and build that relationship by providing the services they need.” Marshall agrees: “The biggest thing is trying to make sure our clients have a smooth process. We always tell them, ‘We’ll worry about everything so you don’t have to.’ A home is usually the biggest purchase of someone’s life, and we try to make sure it’s as smooth and enjoyable a process as possible.”

To find out more about Tracey and Marshall Sherman, you can call them at 226-228-2718 or email marshall@theshermanteam.ca and tracey@theshermanteam.ca.

You can find them online at theshermanteam.ca www.

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 16

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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JIMMY ROCHFORD Top Agent Magazine

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JIMMY ROCHFORD

Jimmy Rochford is a multi-faceted real estate agent and contractor with a longstanding passion for the home industry. His versatile repertoire boasts over 15 years of experience operating his own residential and commercial roofing company coupled with nearly a decade of renovating investment properties. Clients who work with Jimmy can expect a sound understanding of homes, from renovations to preparations and from buying to selling.

with a special focus on the greater Toronto area, as he is Oshawa born and raised.

Jimmy’s major in Business from Durham College’s Business Program serves as a valuable asset to his expansive industry knowledge.

He has worked as a successful solo agent and recently began building his own team. His rich network consists of personal videographers, paid

Jimmy shares how he started out in the home industry working in construction, particularly residential and commercial roofing and property remodeling. He notes how, over time, he began to get more involved with clients, leading to his growing interest and eventual shift into the real estate market. Upon launching his career as an agent in 2016, Jimmy says, “It just started taking off!” Today, Jimmy serves the entire province of Ontario, 20

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advertising specialists, a social media team, and up-and-coming real estate agents.

Jimmy’s wide geographic reach is made successful by a targeted marketing strategy, routinely running sponsored ads for properties across social media. This approach recently resulted in the sale of an “extreme luxury home” in Ontario to a buyer from Halifax.

One of Jimmy’s strategically placed social ads found its way in front of this client, motivating them to travel nearly 1,000 miles to visit the coveted property.

As a solo agent, Jimmy reported over 40 transactions last year; in 2022, he is projecting upwards of 60-70. He notes how, with his budding team of agents, he intends to eventually clear over 100 transactions annually.

Currently, about 85% of Jimmy’s personal business consists of repeat and referral clients.

Notably, his carefully curated pool of investors keeps clientele coming through the door.

Jimmy shares how he stays in touch with past clients via email and the occasional phone call.

He often takes his clients out for lunch, even hosting them at his lake-side cottage.

Jimmy’s eclectic business background contributes to a multitude of professional offerings, “We’re a full-service company.” In addition to real estate buying and selling, Jimmy also offers clients a “total, complete home renovation,” benefiting those who are looking to flip properties for reselling.

In his limited free time, Jimmy enjoys being involved with various cultural clubs within his Oshawa community. He regularly spends time with his family, visiting his cottages, and just “being outside in general.” His goals for the future include building his growing team and consistently maintaining lead generation systems to help his existing agents thrive.

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To get in touch with Jimmy, call 905-925-7626 or 905-240-7300, visit jimmyrochford.com or email info@jimmyrochford.com www.

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Daily Habits That Will Increase Your Mental Strength When it comes to building physical strength, the solutions are obvious, but keeping up your mental strength isn’t as easy as going to the gym. Although physical exercise does help clear your head and relieve stress, there are other things you can do daily that will help your mind be as strong and flexible as your body after a workout. Here’s just a few things you can do to help clear your head and make you more productive.

DON’T WASTE YOUR BRAIN POWER That might seem obvious, but think about how much mental energy you might use up worrying about negativity or things you have no control over. Instead of focusing on problems, focus on solutions. This actually take a lot of effort, we’re all conditioned to let worry paralyze us sometimes.

Try and catch yourself when you’re wasting time thinking about about past mistakes or current dilemmas you don’t have the power to stop. You really only have so much mental energy, and if you have kids and an especially stressful work situation, that might be even less than normal. Start treating your brain like the precious resource it is.

You don’t want to be running on empty when it really matters.

STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE A lot of mental energy can go to dealing with anxiety. One way to deal with that is by forcing yourself to try new things and take on new challenges, that you might normally avoid because they make you feel unsure or scared. Challenge yourself daily, even with small things.

This is definitely something that becomes easier with practice. Start small, and in no time you’ll be taking on things you never thought were possible.

The simple task of trying something new every day will have you feeling energized and put you on the path to self-growth.

BE SELF-AWARE Your emotions affect everything you do, even if they’re not at the surface. Recognizing and labeling them is key. A lot of the above exercises require self-reflection. It’s okay to have the emotions you have, understanding why and where those emotions come from allows you to focus on dealing with them rather than just wallowing in them.

Being self-aware is also about self-care. Know the things that help relax and rejuvenate you. That way you can handle everyday stresses and remain calm even during the most turbulent times.

BE MORE POSITIVE

BE WILLING TO LEARN

Eliminating negative thoughts is essential to increasing your mental strength. Carrying around negativity is like swimming with all of your clothes on. You might be okay at first, but eventually you’ll feel like you can barely stay afloat. Don’t drown in negativity, use positive thoughts as a lifesaver.

This doesn’t mean you should ignore things you need to improve, just approach them with solutions rather than beating yourself up. Constant monitoring of this is important since it’s really easy to slide back into negative thinking.

A lot of people are still hung up on the idea that learning is a boring and tedious process, but you aren’t in junior high anymore. You can find something you’re actually interested in and immerse yourself in it, which engages your mind like nothing else. Whether it’s learning a new technology that will improve your business or something that will make you a more well-rounded person, the learning process keeps you engaged and open to new ideas. A curiosity about the world and new things is something that all mentally strong people have in common.

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ANTHONY BALYS Ottawa agent Anthony Balys brings decades of marketing expertise to every real estate deal. Even though he is in his first year as a REALTOR®, one of his strengths is his ability to research and get the answers he needs. “I’m not going to tell you something that’s not true,” he says. “I know that being successful means constantly educating yourself, and if I run into something I don’t know, then I’m going to do my research and reach out to experts to find you the right answer.” Anthony taps into his well-developed network of home professionals, contractors, inspectors, etc., to offer customers the insight and assistance that they can only get from working with a team of professionals. “Having a large base behind you and a huge team of support is the advantage that sets me apart from other realtors,” he says. He goes to great lengths to make sure both buyer and seller are satisfied because “I truly care about how everyone feels at the end of a transaction.”

Not new to sales, Anthony discovered early on that he had a knack for interacting with customers, whether on the phone or while knocking on doors. He became hugely successful at hitting sales targets at other companies, but at the time, he was pitching a product he didn’t believe in. “I felt uncomfortable promoting a product I didn’t support, and it didn’t fulfill me the way I wanted it to. I felt like I was leaving customers with a bit of an empty promise.” Spurred by his conscience, he made the move into real estate, joining his mother, a mortgage broker, and his REALTOR® father.

“I decided to join that side of the family business and fulfill my passion of guiding my clients as they make the biggest purchase of their lives.” Anthony says. “It’s something that just fills me up from top to bottom, and I can’t imagine doing anything else now.”

Marketing for Anthony starts before a home is listed, sometimes hosting a community event in a neighborhood that he would like to work with. “We create a bit of a buzz at neighborhood events so that we become a part of the community. When we do have a listing, we are already immersed in the community and people are aware of what we have to offer.” Once he has secured a listing, he taps back into his network of pros to see how he can increase the home value before putting it on the market. To advertise listings, he uses his extensive social media experience through typical channels such as Facebook and Instagram, and he also extends his reach with sites such as Twitter and Reddit.

Away from the office, Anthony stays engaged with his community through his charity work with animals and children. His team supports local dog parks and has been instrumental in raising funds for the Ottawa Humane Society. Anthony also volunteers with Tiny Hoppers, an early education center, and he has helped them with many charity projects like the Father Daughter Ball for the Make a Wish Foundation and the South Ottawa Race Day to raise money for brain cancer research.

With his numbers and experience growing, Anthony is locked into expanding the team to “a whole family of REALTORS®” and boosting what it offers clients. His team will better serve customers by providing even more education throughout the process.

“Our big emphasis is going to be on teaching our clients exactly what they need to know and involving them in the whole process so that they’re not going in completely blind relying completely on their REALTOR®. They will understand what can happen, what will happen, and what we’ll do to support it and make sure they come out with the best results possible.”

To learn more about Anthony Balys, email Anthony@Balys.org or call 613.981.3150

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JARRETT JAMES REALTOR® Jarrett James is a man of action. If he feels something is right, he goes after it. From joining the Canadian army to working for the government, and finally finding his true calling in real estate, Jarrett has followed through on every decision he has made throughout his career. Almost twenty years ago, he was working in surveillance in casinos when he realized that he was much better suited to a job that would allow for more social interaction. Without wasting any time, he called up a local real estate brokerage, got his license and started working as a solo agent. Today, he has partnered up with another agent, Brian Hodge to represent homebuyers and sellers in the areas of Fort Erie, Ridgeway, Crystal Beach, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.

When he first began as a REALTOR®, Jarrett had few connections and needed to build his network from scratch. Instead of waiting for business to come to him, he spent countless weekends hosting open houses and focusing on marketing that would get the word out about his business. Fast forward to the present and he counts 95% of his business as coming from repeat and referral clients.

This year, Jarrett was awarded the title of Best Real Estate Agent in Fort Erie by Niagara This Week Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s not hard to see why his clients love him — he is clearly a resource far beyond a regular REALTOR®. “As we are in a small town, we get a lot more personal with our clients than agents in larger cities,” Jarrett says. “We do more than just sell homes. Our definition of full service extends to arranging movers and coordinating plumbers, electricians, lawyers, home inspectors and much more. I’m even currently helping a client sell his motorcycle,” he explains.

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When they’re not at work, Jarrett and Brian spend time getting involved in their local communities. “I’ve always coached sports and Brian is a member of the Ridgeway Lions,” explains Jarrett.

Together, they try to stay active in programs for affordable housing as well as other meaningful local organizations.

Last year, Jarrett did an impressive $2225 million in sales volume. However, real estate to him isn’t about making the most money or growing a giant team.

It’s about providing a balanced life that he and his family can enjoy without stress. “I love the freedom working in this industry provides. I get to spend a lot of time with my wife and kids, going to sports games and traveling when we want a vacation,” he says. As for his clients, Jarrett says that a lot of them have turned into friends over the years. “Real estate is all about making lasting, meaningful relationships and for someone who is very social like me, it really is the best business.”

Contact Jarrett at 905-651-1057, email jarrett@niagararealty.com or visit niagararealty.com www.

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