ONTARIO 9-26-22

ONTARIO EDITION

HOW TO SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS FEATURED AGENTS

SARAH PASS KELLY BYERS PATRICK LEXIMA UTHAYAN SIVARAJAH

IS STARTING A TEAM THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU COVER STORY

JOHN STUBBS 5 MORNING HABITS TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PRODUCTIVE

ONTARIO EDITION

SARAHLEXIMA PASS PATRICK KELLY BYERS UTHAYAN SIVARAJAH

walkthroughs for each ComingAfrom a background in marketing With an impressive depth of experienceshe sets upemail casual so 7interest in the shows 16 on HGTV 19 20 23andclien listing, highlighting unique features for ing r and an unparalleled dedication to servfor a non-profit, Kelly already had the grabbed Patrick’s imagination.

Heingwas listing clients, Uthayan Sivarajah the Kuma maximumand salability.

Clients when who follow customer service skill set in place when at Pyramid Group helponturn realmedia will get proac a teacher, but estate saw an opportunity team in the endconstant listings, Kelly social she transitioned to real in 2010. estate dreams into reality.

The on teamthe of school board as well edge updates The best parthe of wasn’t the change that He enrolled time in was classes.

Toronto as we four brothers Uthayan, Kumar, Raj and as municipal, provincial and federal she really loved working her new career and got his license in 2013. He spent going through Sugan ahave the combined expertisenews to government that will have an Utha path. It wasn’t a surprise, since she used help clients through every aspect of the to th years dabbling impact on their community. vice to target to ask few her grandparents to take in herreal to estate, helpreal estate process. muni open houses just for fun when she ing mostly buyers andwas slowly growing agents. Mass the R JOHN Kelly is deeply embedded in were the listed little.

NowSTUBBS she works in Oxford County JOHN SARAH PASS KELLY BYERS PATRICK LEXIMA UTHAYAN With Royal LePage Ignite Realty, the Pyramid They his client base. In 2015, he moved his start, with F STUBBS SIVARAJAH community. social media which posts they go are as a solo agent, but never truly alone, Group provides Real Estate ServicesHer in the province focuswith to London, beyondofmarketing listings showing and extendor off collaborating coworkers Ontario. for extra By theoftime Ontario. A solid percentage the team’s business working givin things like discussions help when she needs a hand. comes from repeat andinto referral clients, a testament and about playing socc 2020 rolled around, he was actively well.

Marketi thethat local school the quality of service keeps clientsboard comingand how to working buyers and sellers throughto One him over $14 back. Clients praise the team for theirinvolved knowledge As for the what the become more in making Kelly doesn’t spend any money marketPercent Realty. and competence, allowing sellers to selleven their better house for to 2021. continue neighborhoods places.

She to im ing herself or looking for newAlthough business, he collaboquickly for the best possible price and getting buyers more buyers as a robust client base has built yearsfrom leading rates with others inover his the office timeis an active member of several organizations including and CONTENTS the dealWomen on the Who houseCare that’sOxford, right forOLIP them and and themaking their real Realtors to a 100% referral-based system. She knows as long best100 to time, he functions as a solo agent. their needs. free as possible.” loves Care Food Drive, the latter of which she Patrick established as she keeps clients happy, that cycle of referrals will Group look forw 4)growing.

HOWShe’s TOrecommended SPEED UPfor her honesty herself 18)in CREATIVE WAYS 2010. Most recently, something Kelly keep on ple.

It’s what drove him in What sets Uthayan and his brothers apart is not just and helping clien is proud of is that she was able to help a Ukrainian and always putting her client’s best interest first.

It’s FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TO SAY THANK YOU Patrick specializes in having an in-depth knowledge the real estate world. Me their in-depth knowledge of theand business, but also refugee find a way to get to Oxford caCounty safely. important to make sure each client starts their real TRANSACTIONS the innovative ways they apply that knowledge of thewith financial and inmarket conditions.

Having political spectrum people, both inside andto outside the realand estatestayin estate journey realistic sector expectations mind. tered toHelping individual needs.

When itwould comes market21) 5 MORNING HABITS react to her.

Luck Over the last 20 years, Sarah Pass has been an a background in engineering givesinghim alistings, unique friends keeps the job excitin arena, is simply in ather natureGroup and the source of her their theperteam Pyramid uses 14) STARTING Adirectly TEAM TO feelings MAKE YOUR DAY greatest helping Clients will IS always with Kelly, to worry. was ple avid real investor working with numera comprehensive approachofto accomplishment. ensure optimum ex-That “I spective tocommunicate seeestate connections when analyzing trends. ofson the real estate market and RIGHT SOLUTION SUPER PRODUCTIVE comes to back to her as referrals, not anTHE assistant, which makes a more efficient practice. posure.hand In addition marketing online, wheregetting the her to her find thatasthey there wasarenas. no se ous matters agents to tobuild upindustries a portfolio ofconnects rentals, He watches trends various and with other financial number onesearches goal – using real estate a means to help majority of home begin nowadays, ClientFOR satisfaction morein her than commisYOUR BUSINESS? also listings via flyersyears, the her dots to and see how it’s going to impact the more properties the nextother five he will ®b with REALTORS flips, new construction projects.

When sheattention-catching even people. sions, and focus is on providing knowledge to promote that they distribute widely. “We also have our own clients so can make informed decisions. truth, in they hisfinally area.

This insight like a crystal ball foraover full time and will consider decided to works get In into the business as been overwhelmed with wt staging company, covering 3,000 square feet,” Kelly feels if you try to move more volume rather than ® his clients, and they value the detail of his tooration, work for as that time gets Uthayan says,foresight. allowing him and his brothers to make and commitmen herself, was instantly a natutaking care ofREALTOR clients the way they shouldshe be, you’ll sure atime home again, is presented in its best possible light inbegun reachin ItPhone brings them back him time and and already never succeed in310-734-1440 the business. |to Fax 310-734-1440 starting my business,” sh ral fit.

After studying during the pandemic and have listing photos.

they refer their friends to him| whether they’re look- business he’s been handling. mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com getting herwith license thisafter year, Sarah now works Clients can expect contact Kelly long their The results speak for themselves! The Pyramid ing to buy or sell, knowing he will understand exactly No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine transaction ison complete.

Although sheCraig has a CRM To find out mo a team with Peeling representing Group is consistently a top in every is published Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the producer, accuracy of and published materials, Top thebymarket is the tolerating at that given moment. system,what she doesn’t use any of autosend features, plea year running since 2017, the team has been award-

Brantford, Brant county the surrounding email uth preferring a more and real approach toand the ed the Chairman’s Club Award given to the top 1% To subscribe ororganic change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. or visi occasional email, textU.S. call. There are noOntario, generic Published in the of Royal LePage REALTORS® nationally. Satisfied areas inandSouthwestern Canada.

News of Patrick’s market savvy increases his crediemails going out, only personal notes concerning area sales orbility to acknowledge a birthday or special event.When the market and brings even more clients.

For more info call 519-536-5360 Everything is about hands-on care, like the complete With arough, background of teaching high knowschool or email thekellybyers@gmail.com 2 Top Agent Magazine was getting he worked with his seller, cleaning, staging, professional photography and 3D Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

for twelve is highly respected ing exactly the years, current Sarah financial conditions.

The

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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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 4

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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JOHN STUBBS

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Top Agent John Stubbs with RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc., assists clients throughout Brant, Norfolk, and Oxford Counties, as well as Waterloo and the surrounding areas.

Throughout his life, John Stubbs has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. He would first take an interest in real estate while renovating and renting out three properties in the Ontario area, which he then sold to launch his own small business. After finding success in the local market, he later found himself seeking a new opportunity that better spoke to his outgoing personality and penchant for client service.

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Inspired, he returned to his long-standing passion for real estate and decided to pursue his license in 2021. The rest is history.

Today, John is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc., where he assists clients throughout Brant, Norfolk, and Oxford Counties, as well as Waterloo and the surrounding areas. Specializing in everything Top Agent Magazine

from luxury real estate to commercial properties, he has cultivated a boutique process to meet the demands of any transaction.

When listing a property, John tailors his strategy to the distinct needs of each client.

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Starting out, he helps his sellers decide on home renovations to improve their chances of a successful sale and maximize the return on their investment. From there, he supplies them with a suite of professional staging, photography, videography, and drone imaging services Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

Specializing in everything from luxury real estate to commercial properties, John has cultivated a boutique process to meet the demands of any transaction. to fully prepare their home for the market.

Once the property is ready to list, he shares it via a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns. Along the way, though, he also utilizes proven outlets like print advertisements, radio campaigns, and flyers to the surrounding neighborhoods—all to give his clients an added advantage.

he prefers to keep in touch long after the deals are done to provide them with regular market updates, cultivate an ongoing relationship, and ensure they are thriving in their new homes.

This comprehensive approach has earned him a terrific reputation across Ontario, as evidenced by his rapidly growing rate of repeat clients and referrals.

Elsewhere, John is just as helpful when assisting his buyers, carefully guiding them to the right investment for their best interests. In fact,

Having exceeded $40 million in volume in 2021, his first full year as an agent, John remains focused on the core values that brought

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him to the business in the first place. “In real estate, honesty and integrity matter most,” he says. “I’m here to serve as a knowledgeable, personable, and reliable resource for my clients—from start to finish. Most of all, I treat them the same way I would treat a member of my own family.”

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Outside of real estate, John is dedicated to his community. In the months ahead, he intends on contributing to the Canadian Cancer Society, as well as a variety of other local causes and organizations. When he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be found spending quality time with his family.

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Going forward, John has exciting plans for the future of his business. As his volume maintains its steady growth, he intends on expanding his reach throughout the region, scaling the leading standards that have consistently set him apart in the community he

loves. “These are some of the most significant transactions in our lives,” he says. “Whether a client is purchasing their dream home or completing a successful sale, it brings me so much joy to see them satisfied at the end of the day.”

john@johnstubbsrealtor.com www.johnstubbsrealtor.com

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Is Starting a Team the Right Solution for your Business?

You’ve started your own real estate business and after a slow start, you’ve found your footing and business has really taken off. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Until maybe you’re getting more business than you can handle. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice service for more listings. The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in 14

business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that. But, at the same down, you don’t want to turn down business either. It’s at this point, a lot of Realtors® consider starting a team. But, how do you know if that’s the right call for you? Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself to help make your decision.

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The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that.

CAN YOU AFFORD IT? First things first, are you really making enough money to warrant hiring help? One of the key things to think about is your ability to generate leads. Are you so busy with your existing contracts, that you have no spare time to generate more business? Then, it might be time to consider your options. Figure out the time you’ll be afforded to generate more business, how many more transactions that will lead

to, and then see if that pays for the assistant’s wages. That should help you easily see if it’s worth the investment. If it’s on the border, you may still want to go for it if you have a lot of confidence in the market and your ability to bring in business. If you’re not quite there yet though, it might be a good idea to look into a virtual assistant until your business is ready to expand.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A TEAM LEADER? Or in other words, how comfortable are you delegating tasks and responsibilities? For some agents, they need to be actively involved in every step of the process. Being a team leader is not only about being able to delegate, it’s about mentoring and guiding your team as well. Not only do you have to help them serve the team

better, you need to look at yourself honestly too, constantly evaluating what you can do better. It’s also your job to set up systems and operations, that are constantly refined with the feedback of your team members. Clear and constant communication is key with your clients as well as your team.

CAN YOU FIND PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR VISION? Of course, the above two points are moot, if you’re unable to find people that you trust and that share your business’ philosophy. Having a supportive and professional team culture is instrumental in a team’s success. These are people you will be working with closely for long hours so you not only need to trust in their expertise and professionalism, you want to find people with a positive attitude. You will all be relying on each other to create seamless transTop Agent Magazine

actions in sometimes stressful circumstances.

Having the right team spirit, so to speak, is what will help your business and team grow.

The ultimate goal of a team is to have thriving careers for everyone on board.

So, if you want to see your business grow maybe a team is right for you. It may even give you a little free time for a personal life. We can all dream, can’t we?

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SARAH PASS

Over the last 20 years, Sarah Pass has been an avid real estate investor working with numerous agents to build up a portfolio of rentals, flips, and new construction projects. When she finally decided to get into the business as a REALTOR® herself, she was instantly a natural fit. After studying during the pandemic and getting her license this year, Sarah now works on a team with Craig Peeling representing Brantford, Brant county and the surrounding areas in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.

would react to her. Luckily, she had no reason to worry. “I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was no sense of competition with other REALTORS® in Brantford. I’ve been overwhelmed with the kindness, collaboration, and commitment of my peers since starting my business,” she says.

With a background of teaching high school for twelve years, Sarah is highly respected in her community and known for her expert communication and organizational skills. She knew that she’d have clients looking for properties right away, but what she wasn’t sure about was how other industry professionals 16

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To spread the word about her services, Sarah has a two-pronged marketing approach. On the one hand, she spends a lot of time meeting with people in person and picking up the phone to check in on clients. On the other, she’s fully embraced social media and enjoys keeping up with the constantly evolving technology. “It is both exciting and scary,” she says. “I love it because I can have both a local audience and an audience outside my community. Social media is a great way to get more views online and expand my reach beyond our area.”

Having grown up in Brantford, Sarah is fully integrated in her community and involved with numerous local events and projects. One of her main motivations for working in real estate is to make sure that Brantford is on the map. “I think this is a beautiful place to raise a family,” she explains. When she’s not at work or volunteering, Sarah is either outside or with her kids. “I hike with my dog everyday on the Grand River Trail near our house.

I also spend a lot of time taking my kids to their extracurriculars, like my son’s hockey practice and games. My husband and I are 100% into our kids.”

Eventually, Sarah would like if one or both of her children joined her real estate team.

“It would be very fun to work with them if they have a passion for this business,” she says. For now, though, she’s staying focused on giving back to her community, mentoring other agents, and making sure her clients are happy and protected. “I love working with my clients. How can you not be honored to be such an important part of this huge decision in their lives?”

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To learn more about Sarah Pass, call 519-755-1415 or email spassmartin@gmail.com 17

Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1. How about a streaming video device, like a Roku

or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2. Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or ter-

rycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids!

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3. Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. As-

certain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5. If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend.

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KELLY BYERS Coming from a background in marketing for a non-profit, Kelly already had the customer service skill set in place when she transitioned to real estate in 2010.

The best part of the change was that she really loved working her new career path. It wasn’t a surprise, since she used to ask her grandparents to take her to open houses just for fun when she was little. Now she works in Oxford County as a solo agent, but never truly alone, collaborating with coworkers for extra help when she needs a hand.

Kelly doesn’t spend any money marketing herself or looking for new business, as a robust client base has built over the years leading to a 100% referral-based system. She knows as long as she keeps clients happy, that cycle of referrals will keep on growing. She’s recommended for her honesty and always putting her client’s best interest first. It’s important to make sure each client starts their real estate journey with realistic expectations in mind.

Clients will always communicate directly with Kelly, not an assistant, which makes a more efficient practice.

Client satisfaction matters more to her than commissions, and her focus is on providing knowledge to clients so they can make informed decisions. In truth, Kelly feels if you try to move more volume rather than taking care of clients the way they should be, you’ll never succeed in the business.

Clients can expect contact with Kelly long after their transaction is complete. Although she has a CRM system, she doesn’t use any of the autosend features, preferring a more organic and real approach to the occasional email, text and call. There are no generic emails going out, only personal notes concerning area sales or to acknowledge a birthday or special event.

Everything is about hands-on care, like the complete cleaning, staging, professional photography and 3D Top Agent Magazine

walkthroughs she sets up for each listing, highlighting unique features for maximum salability. Clients who follow Kelly on social media will get constant updates on the school board as well as municipal, provincial and federal government news that will have an impact on their community.

Kelly is deeply embedded in the community. Her social media posts go beyond marketing listings and extend into things like discussions about the local school board and how to become more involved in making the neighborhoods even better places. She is an active member of several organizations including 100 Women Who Care Oxford, OLIP and the Realtors Care Food Drive, the latter of which she established herself in 2010. Most recently, something Kelly is proud of is that she was able to help a Ukrainian refugee find a way to get to Oxford County safely.

Helping people, both inside and outside the real estate arena, is simply in her nature and the source of her greatest feelings of accomplishment. That helping hand comes back to her as referrals, getting her to her number one goal – using real estate as a means to help even more people.

For more info call 519-536-5360 or email thekellybyers@gmail.com

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PATRICK LEXIMA A casual interest in the shows on HGTV grabbed Patrick’s imagination. He was a teacher, but saw an opportunity in the time he wasn’t in classes. He enrolled and got his license in 2013. He spent a few years dabbling in real estate, helping mostly buyers and slowly growing his client base. In 2015, he moved his focus to London, Ontario. By the time 2020 rolled around, he was actively working buyers and sellers through One Percent Realty. Although he collaborates with others in his office from time to time, he functions as a solo agent.

Patrick specializes in having an in-depth knowledge of the financial sector and market conditions. Having a background in engineering gives him a unique perspective to see connections when analyzing trends.

He watches trends in various industries and connects the dots to see how it’s going to impact the properties in his area. This insight works like a crystal ball for his clients, and they value the detail of his foresight.

It brings them back to him time and time again, and they refer their friends to him whether they’re looking to buy or sell, knowing he will understand exactly what the market is tolerating at that given moment.

email and social media even further when listing a new property. For high end listings, he will target agents in Toronto as well as the London circle, going through a Vancouver based service to target the right demographic agents. Mass emailings are just the start, with Facebook and Instagram showing off his latest properties as well. Marketing blasts like that landed him over $14 million in transactions for 2021.

Patrick loves relationships with people. It’s what drove him in prior sales experience and the real estate world. Meeting people all over the political spectrum and staying in touch with clients as friends keeps the job exciting. He loves the activity of the real estate market and tracking how it moves with other financial arenas. He’s fairly sure that in the next five years, he will be diving into real estate full time and will consider what different brokerages to work for as that time gets closer. Other brokerages have already begun reaching out to him, seeing the business he’s been handling.

News of Patrick’s market savvy increases his credibility and brings even more clients. When the market was getting rough, he worked with his seller, knowing exactly the current financial conditions. The property sold in eight days. This led to another seller contacting him immediately, having seen how efficient the process was. He provides solid service and sound advice, and his client base grows.

Once he lands his clients, he keeps them in contact with a minimum of two ecards a year, hitting at Canada Day and perhaps a calendar at New Years. He utilizes 20

For more about Patrick Lexima, please call 647-534-5956 or email Patrick.lexima@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

5 Morning Habits to Make Your Day Super Productive For many, most mornings begin with a rush—a rush to get dressed, a rush to find something edible for breakfast, a rush out the door and into rush hour. Likely you have heard articles advising you to set your

alarm early to give yourself some flexibility —which is sound advice, of course—but consider a few of these additional tweaks to your morning routine that can set a productive tone for your day at large.

1. Keep Screens Away Until Breakfast Oftentimes, our first instinct upon waking is to check-in on our phones, tablets, or computers, to scope out the latest social media updates and e-mail correspondence. While diving into the action might seem productive, studies show that waylaying screen time until you’re up and dressed, and have had a good breakfast, will actually make your first pass Top Agent Magazine

at all things digital more focused, clear, and efficient. Instead of answering a few e-mails, checking out a friend’s photos, and then hurrying to shower and dress, instead make a resolution to keep the online world at bay for the first half-hour to an hour after you rise, then you’ll approach the digital world with fresh eyes, energy, and adeptness.

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2. Meal Prep Sometimes hitting the snooze button is inevitable, but if you make prepping breakfast the night before a part of your routine, then grabbing something healthy on the go will be a snap—and your stomach will thank you for it. Load up your coffee machine ahead of time, so all you have to do

is hit brew. Or, chop up a fruit salad, mix a smoothie, or simply put a granola bar and a grapefruit in your lunch bag, ready to be grabbed on your way out the door. Even if it’s small or basic, keeping yourself fueled will keep distractions, inefficiency, and mood swings at bay.

3. Queue Up a Podcast on Your Commute Whether you’re driving, biking, or taking public transportation into the office, a podcast is a perfect way to brush up on industry knowledge. Try sourcing a podcast relative to your field and narrated by experts.

Not only will it get you thinking about the topics of your industry—while expanding

your professional vocabulary—it will also wake up your brain and get your head in the game as you prepare to launch your day. Use your commute time to bump up your knowledge and conversation points, and you’ll be ahead of the curve before you reach the office.

4. Begin with a To-Do List When work gets busy, sometimes just getting started is an overwhelming prospect.

Before you dive in to your e-mails and projects, take twenty minutes and be thoughtful as you assess your daily and weekly to-do

list items, then map them. By giving yourself a bullet point system of what you need to accomplish and by when, you can undo some of the anxiety that a busy schedule promotes.

5. Walk It Out, Even If You Missed the Gym While we often rely on coffee for our morning buzz, exercise provides a potent burst of energy that can supercharge your day. But, let’s say you’re running behind and skip the gym—all is not lost! Take fifteen minutes in

the early morning to take a walk around the block a few times. The fresh air and aerobic exercise will wake you up, get your blood moving, and provide your morning with a natural injection of motivation.

Everyone’s morning routine varies, but perhaps the first step is identifying aspects of your routine that could be improved, and tackling them from there. From waylaying

screen time distractions to getting in a little blood-pumping exercise, keep these tips in mind as you launch your most productive morning routine ever.

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UTHAYAN SIVARAJAH With an impressive depth of experience and an unparalleled dedication to serving clients, Uthayan Sivarajah and the team at Pyramid Group help turn real estate dreams into reality. The team of four brothers Uthayan, Kumar, Raj and Sugan have the combined expertise to help clients through every aspect of the real estate process.

With Royal LePage Ignite Realty, the Pyramid Group provides Real Estate Services in the province of Ontario. A solid percentage of the team’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, a testament to the quality of service that keeps clients coming back. Clients praise the team for their knowledge and competence, allowing sellers to sell their house quickly for the best possible price and getting buyers the best deal on the house that’s right for them and their needs.

What sets Uthayan and his brothers apart is not just their in-depth knowledge of the business, but also the innovative ways they apply that knowledge catered to individual needs. When it comes to marketing their listings, the team at Pyramid Group uses a comprehensive approach to ensure optimum exposure. In addition to marketing online, where the majority of home searches begin nowadays, they also promote listings via attention-catching flyers that they distribute widely. “We also have our own staging company, covering over 3,000 square feet,” Uthayan says, allowing him and his brothers to make sure a home is presented in its best possible light in listing photos.

The results speak for themselves! The Pyramid Group is consistently a top producer, and in every year running since 2017, the team has been awarded the Chairman’s Club Award given to the top 1% of Royal LePage REALTORS® nationally. Satisfied Top Agent Magazine

clients echo this praise with many glowing reviews online, praising Uthayan, Kumar, Raj and Sugan for being approachable, professional, and knowledgeable in finding real estate solutions.

Uthayan and the team love to give back to their community. One of their community initiatives includes donating to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, They were listed as a Top 25% Donor in 2021, of which they are proud supporters. When he’s not working or giving back, Uthayan enjoys swimming and playing soccer.

As for what the future holds, Uthayan says, “I plan to continue to improve my business and work with more buyers and sellers. I love helping my clients and making their real estate experience as easy and stressfree as possible.” Uthayan and the team at Pyramid Group look forward to many more years of growth and helping clients achieve their real estate goals.

To find out more about Uthayan Sivarajah, please call 416.301.5555, email uthayan@royallepage.ca, or visit pyramidgroup.com www.

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