OREGON 6-29-20

OREGON EDITION

Easy Blog Topics for Your Real Estate Blog

Are You A VALUE-ADDED AGENT? INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING

FEATURED AGENTS

IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE

LINDSAY COATNEY JAMI MYERS ALLY PUENTES COVER STORY

REBECCA DONALDSON SENIOR BROKER

OREGON EDITION

ALLY PUENTES

Ally Puentes was a partner at a financial planleading onl 13 21 27 ning firm when she caught the real estate bug. media cam She always had an interest in the industry, and taking adva even owned some of her own investment propopen house erties as she weighed the merits of switching transaction career tracks. She earned her license to facil100 and co itate her own investment transactions, and closing,” A things bloomed from there. “I wanted to help, contractors guide, and educate people on one of their biggest purchases,” she remembers. That was In her com back in 2006, and now more than a decade ing local e JAMI MYERS REBECCA DONALDSON LINDSAY COATNEY ALLY PUENTES Ally has established herself as a consummate real neighbors and those REBECCA later, DONALDSON estate professional, complete with a reputation for reladrives, holidays spon SENIOR BROKER tionship-building, communication, and a personal touch. heading eXp’s commu She also serves as a Today, Ally spearheads her work under the banner of eXp agents, guiding them Realty, serving clients across Salem and the surrounding real estate compan ing region. There, almost the entirety of her business is she most enjoys time driven by repeat and referral clientele who turn to Ally for tography, exploring th CONTENTS her seasoned experience, capable guidance, and proven out into nature. track record of success. When it comes to partnering with buyers and sellers, Ally’s 19) foremost focus BLOG is on her clients’ 4) INCORPORATING CHARITABLE EASY TOPICSLooking FOR ahead, Ally best interests and lasting financial health. “To me, it’s not “My goal right now GIVING IN YOUR REAL YOUR REAL ESTATE BLOG just about the transaction,” she says. “I actually enjoy I don’t want to focus ESTATE PRACTICE building a relationship and staying connected with clients focus on quality—no ARE YOU A my cli- relationships and edu turned friends, even after24) the transaction.

I treat ents how I wanted to be treated when I was on the other they go through this p 12) HOW TO OVERCOME VALUE-ADDED AGENT? side of the table. Communication is key, and it’s my goal people to grow, and i YOUR WORKPLACE FEARS to anticipate questions and be a step ahead. That makes to pave your own path it easier for everyone involved.” This past Mother’s Day, Ally compiled more than forty flower baskets to deliver to clients past and present—a gesture of warmth and good will that epitomizes her approach to client relationships. has incorporated a pineapple in her branding because Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax She 310-734-1440 it serves as a symbol of welcome and friendship. “Plus mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com Hawaii |holds a special place in my heart,” she says. “It’s where we got married, and pineapple is a happy food!”

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No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy When embarking the listing process,expressed Ally leaves no supplied by of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be heldupon responsible for opinions or facts detail unaccounted for.

“I enjoy being creative with the its authors. To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. process,” she says. “It’s important to do more than just Published in the U.S.

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To learn post it on the MLS and hope for the best.” With that in mind, all properties are equipped with immersive docuemail al https://www.re mentation that offers prospective buyers a detailed first her Top Agent Magazine visit impression. From there, exposure is secured across the

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

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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 4

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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JAMI MYERS

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JAMI MYERS

Top Agent Jami Myers – Lead of Myers Realty Group at RE/MAX Integrity in Eugene, Oregon – is a dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable Realtor who consistently goes above and beyond for every one of her buyers and sellers. With a focus on providing her clients with exceptional customer service, Jami has based her business on a solid foundation of honesty, integrity and a true desire to help her customers achieve – or exceed – their real estate goals.

Jami began her career as a real estate agent in 2017 after thirteen years working as a mortgage lender. While acknowledging that her years on the financing side of the business have imbued her with knowledge that transcends that of the typical real estate agent, Jami says she has 8

found her calling working as an agent. “I was good at lending, but I didn’t love it,” she says.

“I feel really blessed to have had that experience, because it has made it easier to work with buyers on the real estate side. I hadn’t really worked with sellers before, but it was fun to take on that new challenge.”

Jami, who works alongside her husband Matthew, hit the ground running and found an impressive level of success almost immediately, and can currently claim that the entirety of her business is based on referrals and positive word of mouth. “Returning phone calls and consistent communication with my clients is key,” says Jami, when asked how she has managed to accomplish this impressive feat. “When I say I’m going to do something, I do it. If I don’t Copyright Top Agent Magazine

know an answer to one of their questions, I’ll go find it. It doesn’t take too much to stand out as a real estate agent, all you have to do is be a good person and work hard for your clients. Just be honest with them.”

There are many other reasons for Jami’s rapid ascent in the industry, chief among them her thorough and intelligent marketing strategies.

No expense is spared; professional photography is utilized exclusively to ensure that each of her properties are always shown in their best light, and every possible method of gaining exposure is exploited. “If a client is hiring me to sell their home,” says Jami, “why would I not do everything possible to accomplish that?” Traditional methods like open houses and mailers are used, as are more cutting-edge efforts that include wide exposure on social media.

When she’s not working, Jami enjoys nothing more than spending time with Matthew and their son, taking advantage of the beautiful Pacific Northwest’s outdoor recreational opportunities. She is also an avid philanthropist who gives back to her community via her support of the charitable organizations Relief Nursery, Children’s Miracle Network, Casa and local food pantry Pray Big Food. She also spends a considerable amount of time volunteering at her son’s school.

Jami’s plan for the future of her business is continued growth, but not at the expense of the unparalleled customer service that has become synonymous with her name.

“I love real estate,” says Jami. “I love being able to help people, and I look forward to helping more people every year.”

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For more information about Jami Myers, please call 541-505-0291 or email Jami@MyersRealtyGroup.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

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How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

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ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

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TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me, it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

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THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad 12

after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world.

Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

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COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

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START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence.

A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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REBECCA DONALDSON SENIOR BROKER

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Top Agent Rebecca Donaldson, based out of Portland, sells a wide swath of Oregon. “I’m that crazy Realtor who will go anywhere my clients need me,” she muses. “My friends refer to me as The Road Warrior. I go all over this beautiful state.”

Top Agent Rebecca Donaldson – of ELEETE Real Estate in Portland, Oregon – bring to her many grateful clients the type and magnitude of experience that only those who have spent their entire lives around real estate can possess. “My great grandparents and my grandparents, as well as a cousin, built custom homes and then sold them,” recalls the vivacious, energetic Rebecca. “They had all been in the 14 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

industry pretty much since the day I was born.” Since obtaining her own license in 2015, Rebecca has built a thriving business of her own based on honesty, integrity and the value of an impeccable work ethic.

Though based out of Portland, Rebecca actually sells an incredibly wide swath of Oregon. “I’m that crazy Realtor who will go anywhere my clients need me,” she Top Agent Magazine

muses. “My friends refer to me as The Road Warrior. I go all over this beautiful state.”

The level of customer service Rebecca offers her clients has translated into an Top Agent Magazine

exponentially growing business that is based significantly upon referrals, a true badge of achievement in the highly competitive world of real estate. “I think it’s because I work so hard,” says Rebecca 15 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Rebecca, whose ebullient and friendly nature puts her clients at ease during even the most challenging of transactions, currently holds a perfect, five-star overall rating on Zillow.com, another testament to her excellence at caring for her buyers and sellers. when asked how she achieves such impressive levels of loyalty amongst her clients.

“I’m also very honest and I treat every client like a friend; I treat them all the same way I would want to be treated. If I don’t think a property is right for them, I have no problem telling them why.” Another factor is her aforementioned work ethic.

“I work each transaction non-stop, start to finish,” she explains. “I don’t have set hours and I’m always available. If they Copyright Top Agent Magazine 16

text me at 2AM and I’m still awake, I’ll reply to them.”

Rebecca, whose ebullient and friendly nature puts her clients at ease during even the most challenging of transactions, currently holds a perfect, five-star overall rating on Zillow.com, another testament to her excellence at caring for her buyers and sellers. Currently ranked #3 agent at her brokerage, Rebecca’s dedication to going Top Agent Magazine

above and beyond has also netted her other achievement recognitions.

There is an obvious enthusiasm that Rebecca projects when working with a buyer or seller. “Honestly, I love how rewarding it is to help a family buy or sell a home,” she says, “and to achieve what they want Top Agent Magazine

to achieve in real estate. Particularly firsttime home buyers; it’s a great feeling to become friends with them and be a major part of their journey to home ownership.”

During those rare moments when she isn’t making life easier for her clients, Rebecca is a dedicated philanthropist who ardently Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

supports the work of the American Heart Association. “When my now teenage daughter was ten weeks old,” recalls Rebecca, “she had a heart transplant. So, I am kind of a quiet, behind-the-scenes champion of that organization. She also very much enjoys watching her daughter play volleyball. “I’m also very social and I really love random acts of kindness.”

Rebecca, who is currently mentoring with Million Dollar Listing agent Ryan Serhant – and was, impressively, selected as his Agent of the Month for June, 2020 - has big plans for the future of her business.

“My plan is to continue growing my business,” she says, “and for people to think of me as a resource and just have an amazing, positive experience.”

For more information about Rebecca Donaldson, call 503-269-0747 or email Rebecca.Donaldson@eleetere.com

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Easy Blog Topics for Your Real Estate Blog Today, blogging looks a lot different than it did back in 2007, when the platform was just beginning to take off. Successful bloggers don’t choose blog topics on a whim. They think strategically and develop pillar content that their target audience will come back to again and again.

Real estate bloggers should be less concerned with whether the same post already exists (it does) Top Agent Magazine

than with how they can be more informative and helpful than their competition. Your personality is likely the thing that your clients connect with, and your blog is another place where you can let it shine.

Pillar content refers to those evergreen posts that never get old because they are always timely.

Think about those questions that you’ve had to

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answer a hundred, if not thousands of times— that’s your pillar content. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could direct your clients to a blog post or, better yet, they discovered the answer on your website rather than you having to constantly repeat yourself?

Or maybe you helped a client sell their house for much more than they were expecting by conducting a series of small and inexpensive renovations. Tell your readers how you did it.

Evergreen Content

Your clients are likely new to the area. Inform them about upcoming community events or mom-and-pop shops they may have never heard of. Are there hiking trails or parks nearby?

What’s the best place to grab a cup of coffee before work or a beer after? You can spotlight these places regularly as a monthly series.

This should really make up the bulk of your content. The possibilities are endless, and you could easily come up with an entire year’s worth of content with only a few hours of brainstorming.

Here are some examples: You could provide your readers with a list of questions they should ask when interviewing a realtor, the steps to becoming a real estate investor, real estate facts all first-time homeowners should know, steps new parents should take to prepare their home for a baby, recommended vendors for home maintenance, or common real estate terms defined.

You could explain to your readers what they need to know about home staging, which home renovations add the most value to their home, how to research schools or crime rates in specific neighborhoods, what a home association is, or how to start flipping houses and buying foreclosures.

Case Studies Sometimes realtors work with a client for years before they are ready to buy a home. Personal finance blogs are a thing for a reason. People want to see exactly how someone else achieved a shared goal. If you have a close relationship with a client who you helped become a homeowner, consider interviewing this client and writing up a case study that shows exactly how the two of you worked together to achieve this goal.

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Stay Local

There are plenty of real estate news outlets that will be posting about the state of the market—but they won’t be talking about your specific community, and that’s where your blog comes in.

Of course, if you only blog about community functions or properties on the market, then as soon as that event is over or that listing is sold, your content ceases being useful.

The best real estate blogs balance their content by posting a little about all the above. Maintaining a high-quality blog means your prospective clients don’t need to visit several websites to have their questions answered because you’ve done the work for them. It’s a tool that helps you make a great first impression.

If you still need help coming up with blog topics for your real estate blog, consider sending a survey out to your clients. You can send it via email and post it on social media. Ask your clients what real estate problems they need help solving and write your content with their responses in mind.

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LINDSAY COATNEY Top Agent Magazine

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LINDSAY COATNEY

“I love helping people,” says Top Agent Lindsay Coatney, who currently holds a perfect overall five-star rating on industry website Zillow.com. “I like that I am able to provide my clients with the customer service that they need to be successful in whatever their dreams and goals are.”

“I just feel so blessed to be doing this job and being a part of people becoming homeowners,” says Top Agent Lindsay Coatney, of RE/MAX Coast & Country in Brookings, Oregon. Lindsay’s thorough knowledge of the real estate industry, coupled with her honesty and integrity, has translated into her stellar reputation as a trusted real estate advocate for her many grateful buyers and sellers.

Lindsay, who was a former manager of an accounts payable department, began exploring the idea of entering the real estate industry following a bad experience when she and her husband were purchasing their own home. “The whole experience left a bad taste in our mouths, from the Realtor to the Lender,” she explains. “That bad experience, however, has helped me become a better real estate 22

agent today because I have the insight to know how to give my clients a positive experience.”

Lindsay is extremely proud of her association with industry behemoth RE/MAX. “It’s a global brand and I love being a part of it,” enthuses Lindsay.

“My principal brokers are just amazing, and they are available to their agents any time. They are wonderful role models and I love being part of a team that pushes us to excel at what we do.”

A significant and growing portion of Lindsay’s business is based upon referrals and positive word of mouth, a significant achievement in the highly competitive world of real estate. “I think it’s because I’m highly organized and that I’m an excellent communicator,” says Lindsay, when asked how she manages to inspire trust and loyalty Copyright Top Agent Magazine

amongst those she works with. “The entire real estate transaction can go on for months sometimes, so it’s important to stay on top of every detail and maintain a cheerful attitude.”

“I love helping people,” says Lindsay, who currently holds a perfect overall five-star rating on industry website Zillow.com. “I like that I am able to provide my clients with the customer service that they need to be successful in whatever their dreams and goals are. This can be a very stressful time in their lives, so I try to be a calming influence during the entire process.”

There are many factors that come into play when assessing Lindsay’s success story in the real estate industry, chief among them being her expert negotiation skills and thorough, intelligent marketing of her listings.

Lindsay is also committed to giving back to the community she loves, and does so through a variety of ways, including support of her children’s school, and charities that include the Children’s Miracle Network and the local Humane Society.

When she’s not working, she and her family enjoy nothing more than spending time outdoors in their scenic community, kayaking, hiking and partaking of the beautiful beaches of Oregon.

Looking to the future, Lindsay’s plans include continuing to stay abreast of the real estate industry via the RE/MAX University. “I want to learn even more, to better help my clients,” she says. She also plans on continuing to grow her already substantial business, and to keep on offering the highly personalized, exceptional customer service that has become synonymous with her name.

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For more information about Lindsay Coatney, please call 541-661-0353 or email LindsayCoatneyRealtor@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 23

Are You a Value-Added Agent?

I’ll bet if I asked ten real estate agents, all ten would answer ‘yes’ to that question. Yet, when I ask agents how they are value-added, they say things like: • I communicate regularly with my clients.

• I have a written listing presentation.

• I am honest.

• I am trustworthy.

Are these ‘value-added’ attributes? Or, does the client expect these attributes and services?

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Are these exceptional services or average services? I’m writing this article at the beginning of a New Year. It’s a perfect time to re-assess your professionalism and master being that ‘value-added’ agent.

Client Expectations are Higher than Ever Unfortunately, too many real estate agents assume they are ‘value-added’ because they are providing the services they want to provide— Top Agent Magazine

the services they think the client values. However, there’s a real client out there, and the client has different expectations. How do I know that? Because so few agents regularly survey their clients. In fact, when I’m speaking to an audience, I survey them, and find that less than 25 percent gather after-sale surveys! So, the majority of agents don’t know if the services they are providing are average or exceptional.

Why Bother Being Exceptional?

• Because you want to set yourself apart.

• You want to create client loyalty.

• You want to create at least 50 percent of your business from client referrals (the latest National Association of Realtors survey Profile of Members found that the average Realtor got only 18 percent of their business from referrals. That’s a hard and expensive way to run a real estate business!

• Because you want to run a more pleasant, profitable business.

Four Actions Value-Added Agents Take How can you identify value-added agents? By their actions. Here are four actions I believe show agents that are above just ‘average’. The principle here is:

Watch the actions, not the words.

If I were a manager, or a seller or a buyer, and I wanted to find a value-added agent, here’s what I would look for: Top Agent Magazine

1. Has a database and populates it This agent is committed long-term to his clients and to his business. He uses a contact management program (CRM) to manage ‘leads’, so none are lost — and clients do not feel neglected. After all, it takes much longer today to convert a ‘lead’ to a sale than it used to take.

Actively using and maintaining a CRM means the agent is committed to forming long-term professional relationships over time.

Other demonstrable actions concerning the agent’s CRM are: • Has a rapid-response method to deal with Internet inquiries and other inquiries via email. (The average client expects a response within eight hours—but a recent survey showed the average agent responded in 50 hours!).

• Has a method to follow up on all leads until they ‘buy or die’. As a client, that means I won’t get lost. As a seller, it means my agent will follow up with all leads and give it 100 percent to sell my home.

2. Invests in the technology and follow-up pros have This agent makes every decision based on their vision of their career at least three to five years in the future. For example, instead of selling someone a house anywhere just to get a sale, my value-added agent sells only in an area they define as their ‘target area’. That way, they’ll get known, and can build on their reputation.

The value-added agent has the ‘guts’ to turn down business! Because they care more about the well-being of the client than getting one grimy commission check, they learn to 25

‘tell the truth attractively’, and work harder to retain the client than to make one commission.

Adding those Client Benefits to your Dialogue

3. Works for referrals, not just sales I said the agent learns to ‘tell the truth attractively’, even if the buyer or seller may not want to hear it. For example, if it’s in the best interests of the seller to list their home at a lower price, the value-added agent has the strategies and the statistics to prove that the seller won’t be well served by pricing higher.

Of course, it’s not enough to actually take these actions. You need to explain to the client why these actions are in their best interests, and how you stand apart from most agents by employing them. Why? Because your client won’t know you run your business so professionally.

And, the client probably doesn’t know most agents don’t run their businesses this way!

And, this value-added agent has the intestinal fortitude to walk away if they know the home will not sell at the client’s desired price (but doesn’t have to too many times because they create a stellar reputation amongst their clientele).

TIP: Always show your clients, don’t just tell them. You do have a Professional Portfolio and evidence on your website, don’t you?

4. Keeps the buyers and sellers’ best interests in mind Our value-added agent makes every decision to grow trust, not just to make a fast buck. For example, the agent sits down with a prospective couple and finds out they can’t purchase right away and creates a plan with them to save for their down payment. Then, the agent keeps in touch over a period of months, offering helpful information and market updates.

Put Yourself to the Test

How many of these actions P. S. Managers and team leaders—two tips do you exhibit?

What do you want to work on to become a true 1. Call each of your agents’‘value-added’ phone mails.

What’s the impre agent?

Are they professional? Do they state the company n TIP: represent your culture and image?

Managers, give your agents a 2. Create a quick class in phone messaging using the ‘test’ on these four points.

In other words, this agent practices seller or buyHow many pass? this blog. er agency representation, not ‘agent agency’!

Copyright ©, 2016 Carla Cros

Carla Cross,CRB, CRB, MA, is theoffounder andSeminars, president Carla Cross & Carla Cross, MA, President Carla Cross Inc.,ofand Carla real management and sales.

Herspecializing internationally s Crossestate Coaching, is an international speaker in realbest-selling estate management and Running business planning for all professionals. agents, Up and in 30 Days, is real nowestate going into its 5thHer edition sevenexperience internationallyas published books, including Up and Running in 30 Days , vast a top-selling agent and award-winning manage and 20 agent and management programs have helped thousands of real sales podium, blending her musical background with her proven estate professionals to the greater productivity and teaches profitability.someone Reach Carla strategies (she uses piano AND even to at play—f 425-392-6914 or www.carlacross.com. and practical). Find out more at www.carlacross.com.

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ALLY PUENTES Ally Puentes was a partner at a financial planning firm when she caught the real estate bug.

She always had an interest in the industry, and even owned some of her own investment properties as she weighed the merits of switching career tracks. She earned her license to facilitate her own investment transactions, and things bloomed from there. “I wanted to help, guide, and educate people on one of their biggest purchases,” she remembers. That was back in 2006, and now more than a decade later, Ally has established herself as a consummate real estate professional, complete with a reputation for relationship-building, communication, and a personal touch.

Today, Ally spearheads her work under the banner of eXp Realty, serving clients across Salem and the surrounding region. There, almost the entirety of her business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who turn to Ally for her seasoned experience, capable guidance, and proven track record of success. When it comes to partnering with buyers and sellers, Ally’s foremost focus is on her clients’ best interests and lasting financial health. “To me, it’s not just about the transaction,” she says. “I actually enjoy building a relationship and staying connected with clients turned friends, even after the transaction. I treat my clients how I wanted to be treated when I was on the other side of the table. Communication is key, and it’s my goal to anticipate questions and be a step ahead. That makes it easier for everyone involved.” This past Mother’s Day, Ally compiled more than forty flower baskets to deliver to clients past and present—a gesture of warmth and good will that epitomizes her approach to client relationships.

She has incorporated a pineapple in her branding because it serves as a symbol of welcome and friendship. “Plus Hawaii holds a special place in my heart,” she says. “It’s where we got married, and pineapple is a happy food!”

When embarking upon the listing process, Ally leaves no detail unaccounted for. “I enjoy being creative with the process,” she says. “It’s important to do more than just post it on the MLS and hope for the best.” With that in mind, all properties are equipped with immersive documentation that offers prospective buyers a detailed first impression. From there, exposure is secured across the Top Agent Magazine

leading online listing platforms, through social media campaigns, and by leading her region in taking advantage of new tech tools, like virtual open houses. Last year, she closed roughly 40 transactions, with her group closing close to 100 and counting. “I bring value even after the closing,” Ally says, “from connections with contractors to home remodeling advice.”

In her community, Ally gives back by supporting local events and organizations that uplift neighbors and those in need, including through coat drives, holidays sponsorships of local families, and by heading eXp’s community involvement efforts in Oregon.

She also serves as a mentor for fellow up-and-coming agents, guiding them as they join one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the nation. In her free hours, she most enjoys time with family and loved ones, photography, exploring the region through travel, and getting out into nature.

Looking ahead, Ally intends to keep progress moving.

“My goal right now is to continue to evolve and grow.

I don’t want to focus on being the biggest, and instead focus on quality—not quantity. I enjoy focusing on my relationships and educating and empowering people as they go through this process. Real estate is a platform for people to grow, and it’s important to know that it’s okay to pave your own path.”

To learn more about Ally Puentes email ally.puentes@exprealty.com, https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/allyson-puentes_salem_or_2152689_966654092 visit her website here, or call 503-931-6622 Copyright Top Agent Magazine 27

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