SOUTH CAROLINA 5-31-21

SOUTH CAROLINA EDITION

How To Speed Up FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

IS FINDING A NICHE MARKET RIGHT FOR YOU?

5 WAYS TO TRANSFORM

RENTERS INTO OWNERS DON'T FORGET YOUR CLOTHES

FEATURED AGENTS

ANDREW LAMKIN GUS BRIGHT NATALIE TAFLINGER COVER STORY

CHRISTY DAVIS

SOUTH CAROLINA EDITION

NATALIE GUS ANDREW LAMKIN BRIGHT

TAFLIN

spirit and for a passion Classes with NewSpring Church orking a13real estate After the tr spending years as a Human 9 19 20 23 drew pa for Lamkin about ahas decade, Gus Taflingerexplains. Now that his daughter glowingis re urces Manager, Natalie ate agent in South infant stage, they are looking forward new he had found his true O ed initearly was2020, time to try somethinggaging more with their together. art neighbors. D Ipath started back in the early bought and after moving any free time, Andrew loves havin ent they afterwere taking a couple years off hen developing our experie f California. “My with his family and spending time o ok after her kids.

She got her real etosites,” explains. “They by far South he Carolina on lake Hartwell, working on the the f ended license, fully expecting it to begarden, or generally enjoying Andrew explains. nature I get my license to sell end he ma DAVIS pregnant and DAVIS our I became ANDREW LAMKIN NATALIE TAFLINGER ts, so CHRISTY ICHRISTY did, and unique hom t-time endeavor, but she quicklyGUS BRIGHT dedofit Sales just made But much of Andrew’s time is dedica tor and Marketing vative d” After the welcoming work to be fulfilling andplanning for the future. “My goalmar is olf Club at Briar’s Creek in a numb ging. Andrew She closed 22 transactionscome an Icon Agent with eXp Realt world, hit Island, SC.” He kept at it year, and a full-p CONTENTS ning his license and working with a numeric goal of $10 million sale rhefirst year, and over the years her onceallthe startedis also And thattowas the and begin he’srecession, a solo agent,and serving of market says. Andrew eager buildjust a team de 4) IS FINDING A NICHE 16) 5 WAYS TO uctivity has increased dramatically p, he decided to pursue in materials. managing thepurchasing rest of t ncluding Anderson, Clemson, his own sales marketing “I’m MARKET RIGHT FORresidential YOU? TRANSFORM RENTERS ing areas. of my own INTO equipment, a drone and a profes 2020, she closed $31 Island, million over Today he serves Kiawah Seabrook and like expertise, he guided OWNERS 6) HOW TO SPEED UP camera, so I can do those things in-house.” hns Island and surrounding withto the tion FORGET and the inevitable pro ransactions, and she is areas, on pace FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER 21) DON'T rral business, whichconsisting he credits of repeats and TRANSACTIONS YOUR aCLOTHES rity of his clients guy’ became the catchph kservice that number in 2021. and dedication to leadAs he continues to grow, he is loving every min By putting his buyers and sellers first and Throughout the entire pro goals. “I’m highly motivated, his work. “I’m thankful for God and my wife erything possible to achieve their goals, tive, positive, accessible, a 30 still, I have a lot of energy. their support I’ve been able to work pretty exte built a thriving business that ishours continuing rding toPhone Natalie, theso reason 310-734-1440 | biggest Fax professionally persistent,’ I 310-734-1440 to grow my business. I’m so grateful for mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com Gusand isn’t working rk immense hard consistently for everyopportunities I’veWhen beenclients. given forto theget peopl er success is the way she treats her b No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine community through nly isis published best for hisPublications clients, have trusted meto ensure tothe represent them.”

by Feature GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken the accuracy of published materials, Top s awhat relationship-focused Realtor who keeps her teams av Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. to their wants needs, advocate forand my clients,” he says. “I’m charities. He’s the past pre To subscribe or change address,then send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. best interest heart – based in Florence, South and she ots’ all. at thaccomplish them, I’mit hard working and do a lot of Club of Metropolitan Cha lina,and herresearch local so community is tight-knit, andboard. she “Mycamping on the wife an ence I can build trust with 2 Top Agent Magazine vesthat a strong marketing strategy right will pay dividends in ws treating people busc charity us’ clients are well-prepared for every step supporters of a her

t the most for their property in

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Is Finding A Niche Market Right for You?

A lot of Realtors® take the ‘jack of all trades’ approach to their businesses, and some are extremely successful with doing it all and doing it well. But taking that approach can also make it hard to stand out if there are a lot of agents in your area taking the same approach.

If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the rest, finding a niche market might be the way to go. Although it might sound limiting at first, with the right branding and marketing, your specialty and expertise may help you lock up a market after you become well known for being the ‘go to’ Realtor® in a certain demographic. Having a niche helps you target your marketing, making it more effective, until eventually people are seeking you out as you build your reputation as the foremost expert in your particular niche.

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Despite the benefits of taking on a specialty, it’s still something that only a small percentage of Realtors® do, which means you have a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor in your area by being ahead of what is sure to be a looming real estate trend.

You want to claim your stake on the niche that best fits not only your passions, but something that fills a void in your market.

If this all sounds good to you, the next step is finding your niche! Here are a few things you need to consider:

There are two approaches to having a specialty, one that is truly your all-consuming passion or a sort of revolving niche, one that changes with the market Top Agent Magazine

In addition to creating a thriving business, finding a niche may even unlock a hidden passion. Does your area have a large historic home inventory? Are you passionate about helping first time home buyers realize their dreams?

Having a personal connection to what you specialize in is always a great way to start out. If you’re passionate about something, you’re almost guaranteed to have the work ethic it takes to have success in a niche market. Once you hone in on a niche, make sure the market data backs up your focus.

Another approach is changing with the market. If you’re truly an expert in a few areas of the business, it might be good to have sort of a revolving niche. In a down market you might specialize in short sales and foreclosures.

When things pick up, you may take your innovative approaches and start applying them to luxury homes.

Whether you take the consistent niche approach or the flexible one, it’s really all about figuring out what best suits you and your market.

Fill a void in your market Maybe you don’t have an instant passion for one particular niche. In that case, there are several areas you can consider. A lot of it will start with really researching and analyzing your market and having a good eye for what future trends will be. Is there a certain demographic that is surging in your area? Cater your business to serve them. Maybe you are fluent in Spanish and your area is seeing a rise in a Latino population, who are emigrating from other countries. Or perhaps, you live in an area that has a larger retirement population. There Top Agent Magazine

are numerous demographics that truly need expert real estate advice. Be the one to fill it.

You can also focus on a particular neighborhood or gated community. Helping people navigate the ins and outs of a particular HOA can be a lifesaver.

Are you already serving a niche?

Of course, sometimes you may already have a niche and are unaware of it. Maybe you are already dealing with a lot of first-time homebuyers. Look over your sales records and see what might already be there, then make it official.

Figure out why you’re drawn to that area and then nail down the reasons you’ve excelled with that niche and use it to create a marketing plan and branding.

Find ways to really sell your expertise Once you figure out your niche, get the training, designations, and certifications that will enhance your expertise. Another way to let it be known that you are the ‘go to’ Realtor® in your particular niche is to become a resource online. Create a website with informative blogs and marketing information. Make a mark on social media where you can link back to your site, so potential clients can actually interact with you.

There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking of going the niche market way with your business, but if you consider everything carefully and focus in on something you can be passionate about, the rewards could be a major win for you and for your clients.

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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 6

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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CHRISTY DAVIS

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Top Agent Christy Davis of Weichert Realtors Southern Coast currently services South Carolina’s Grand Strand area, which encompasses Myrtle Beach and other communities.

“I make all efforts for a very smooth transaction,” says Christy Davis, a top agent with Weichert Realtors Southern Coast in South Carolina. “A lot of people are surprised at how seamless the process can be. That’s because I view my job as being a problem preventor instead of a problem solver. My focus is to 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

get the transaction to close, and I don’t want the client to feel the stress of everything that is going on behind the scenes.”

Christy didn’t start out in real estate. She first spent twenty years working in the NASCAR industry. “I saw a huge transition, and I Top Agent Magazine

decided to move back to where I’m from in the Myrtle Beach area,” Christy explains.

She currently services South Carolina’s Grand Strand area, which encompasses Myrtle Beach and other communities. She is also licensed in North Carolina and earned her broker’s license last year.

Though Christy is just now coming up on her third year in the real estate industry, she has excelled. Her first year, Christy completed $5 million in volume and was awarded Top Agent Magazine

Weichert’s Rookie of the Year for her region.

She also earned an Ambassador Award for grossing over $125,000, and she received an award from Google for landing in the top 10% of reviews for quality of service. In her second year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was able to achieve the President’s Award for over $175,000 gross commissions.

If the awards weren’t proof enough of Christy’s excellent work, her numbers don’t lie. The majority of her business comes 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“I’m definitely a social person, and I did build my business very quickly,” she says. “The biggest thing people want to know is how I did it. The answer is networking. I am out there all of the time and genuinely connecting with people. from repeat and referral clients. In February 2021, she ranked 10th in the country out of the 18,000 agents at Weichert. “Our average price point falls around $250,000,” Christy says. “So to be that highly ranked? We’re doing a lot of volume.”

Working with her clients is Christy’s favorite part of her job. “I’m definitely a social person, and I did build my business very Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

quickly,” she says. “The biggest thing people want to know is how I did it. The answer is networking. I am out there all of the time and genuinely connecting with people. Whenever I hear someone talking about real estate, I make sure to let them know what’s going on in the market.”

When it comes to marketing her listings, Christy always goes the extra mile. “I don’t Top Agent Magazine

care if it’s a $100,000 condo or a million-dollar oceanfront beach house,” she says, “I do professional photography and virtual tours for every listing.” Working in a tourist area, Christy often sells to clients sight unseen.

She strives to make the process turn key and stays available as an asset long after closing.

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Outside of work, Christy loves taking advantage of everything Myrtle Beach has to offer.

She loves going to the beach and boating.

Looking to the future, Christy is excited to complete her coursework to become a full broker. More than anything, she looks Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

forward to continue giving her clients her gold-standard service. “There’s a lot of really good agents out there,” she says. “But if you

want to really succeed in this business, you have to put the time in. You work a lot of hours. That’s what I do.”

To learn more about Christy Davis, call 704-252-1831, email cdavis@southern-coast.com, or visit christybeachhomes.com www.

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5 Ways to Transform

Renters into Owners Perhaps the largest demographic of untapped business lies in the rental market. From major cities and suburbs to rural communities—renters across generations are opting to rent rather than own. The question is: why? For starters, many Americans are undereducated about the inventory and financing options available that might suit their budget and lifestyle. Secondly, many would-be homeowners have difficulty 16

visualizing the potential investment of purchasing property, and how homeownership can build wealth and security in the long-term.

As an agent, you’re always on the lookout for potential clientele. Now, to guide renters toward the real estate market, keep a few of these strategies in mind as you meet and greet this untapped demographic.

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Show renters that purchasing a home isn’t impossible

Possibly the biggest hurdle for renters is believing homeownership is possible. Beyond saving for a down payment and boosting credit scores, there are dozen more factors to consider: affording utilities, homeowner’s insurance, renovations, property taxes, and more. Besides that, assembling pay stubs, finding an agent, arranging house tours, negotiating a price, and timing the transition are all major considerations to surmount.

One way to combat this thinking is to make the process transparent and demystified. Find examples of past clients who made the leap successfully, or profile the average buyer in your marketplace and see how that renter compares. Provide evidence that it’s been done before and can be done again, then build a game plan from there.

into play. Consider making a checklist, or step-by-step road-map, that guides clients through the process from start to finish. This way, you’ll manage expectations and create a path to ownership that’s specific, instead of abstract. They won’t have to wonder what goes into buying a home when they can look at an interactive site or read a document and see the steps outlined before them, with you there to guide the way.

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Collaborate with mortgage professionals to find the right financing opportunities

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Help would-be homebuyers create a road-map to ownership

It’s no secret that buying a home can feel overwhelming. Compared to signing a yearlong lease on an apartment, taking on the house-hunting process is a daunting affair.

That’s where your expertise as an agent comes Top Agent Magazine

Many renters aren’t aware of the variety of mortgage financing options out there that cater to first-timers, offer low down payments, or down payment assistance. Most buyers believe that the standard 20% down is a hard and fast rule, when in reality, there’s far more flexibility out there to cater to renters where they are. There are even loan options catering to freelance workers, renovation options, and other unconventional routes to ownership.

Work with a mortgage pro and find the route that suits your renter best.

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pay monthly in a mortgage—while building a lasting asset.

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Compare and contrast rental rates with monthly mortgage payments One way to convince renters to make the shift is to demonstrate the savings potential of paying into a monthly mortgage, rather than throwing away rent on a property they don’t own. To do this, draw up the average rental rates in your area, then find some potential listings that would demand a similar amount in monthly mortgage payments. Sometimes placing these numbers and images sideby-side can prove to renters that what they manage to pay monthly in rent, they can

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Paint the big picture

For most, renting isn’t the most sustainable financial option when it comes to housing.

Rents rise, families grow, and retirement looms.

Building a financial future and homeownership go hand-in-hand. When planned appropriately, buying a home can create a path toward retirement and position homeowners in a better place for further investment in the future. A rental has little security or investment returns to offer, while owning a home makes a renter king or queen of the castle.

Prospecting renters as potential homebuyers may seem like a time-intensive way to cultivate new clients, but logic is on your side.

Keep these tips in mind as you broach the conversation with renters in your hometown.

All it takes is clear-cut value proposition and a listening ear.

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ANDREW LAMKIN With an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for helping others, Andrew Lamkin has flourished as a real estate agent in South Carolina. He got his start in early 2020, looking for a new career path after moving from his home state of California. “My father-in-law had moved to South Carolina where he is a builder,” Andrew explains.

“So, when my wife got pregnant and our lease was up, we decided it just made sense to move here too.” After welcoming his daughter into the world, Andrew hit the ground running, earning his license and working with eXp Realty. Today he’s a solo agent, serving all of upstate South Carolina, including Anderson, Clemson, Greenville and surrounding areas.

Andrew already has referral business, which he credits to his superior customer service and dedication to leading clients towards their goals. “I’m highly motivated, and being slightly under 30 still, I have a lot of energy.

I’m what I like to call ‘professionally persistent,’ so I get things done and I work hard consistently for everyone I serve.” Wanting only what is best for his clients, Andrew listens intently to their wants and needs, then begins devising a plan to accomplish it all.

For his sellers, this involves a strong marketing strategy which will help them get the most for their property in the fastest amount of time possible. All listings include professional photography and videography. “I post those on the main social media sites, like Instagram and Facebook. I’ll also do some walk-through videos on YouTube.” Meanwhile, his buyers receive a continuous stream of potential homes, with Andrew doing everything possible to find them their dream place.

Once it’s found, he utilizes his keen negotiation skills to close the deal. It’s clear his methods are working, as he expects to reach a production volume of just over $3 million halfway through 2021.

When Andrew isn’t working, he’s staying active in the community. “My wife and I just signed up for Connect Top Agent Magazine

Classes with NewSpring Church,” he explains. Now that his daughter is past the infant stage, they are looking forward to engaging more with their neighbors. During any free time, Andrew loves having out with his family and spending time outside on lake Hartwell, working on the family garden, or generally enjoying nature.

But much of Andrew’s time is dedicated to planning for the future. “My goal is to become an Icon Agent with eXp Realty next year, with a numeric goal of $10 million sales,” he says. Andrew is also eager to build a team and develop his own marketing materials. “I’m purchasing some of my own equipment, like a drone and a professional camera, so I can do those things in-house.”

As he continues to grow, he is loving every minute of his work. “I’m thankful for God and my wife, with their support I’ve been able to work pretty extensive hours to grow my business. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given and for the people that have trusted me to represent them.”

To learn more about Andrew Lamkin, please call 864-533-3322 or email electriccityandrew@gmail.com 19

GUS BRIGHT After working for a real estate developer for about a decade, Gus Bright knew he had found his true calling. “I started back in the early 2000s, when they were developing new home sites,” he explains. “They recommended I get my license to sell vacant lots, so I did, and I became the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek on Johns Island, SC.” He kept at it through the recession, and once the market started picking up, he decided to pursue residential sales full-time. Today he serves Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island and surrounding areas, with the vast majority of his clients consisting of repeats and referrals. By putting his buyers and sellers first and doing everything possible to achieve their goals, Gus has built a thriving business that is continuing to grow.

“I really advocate for my clients,” he says. “I’m honest with them, I’m hard working and do a lot of due diligence and research so I can build trust with them.” Gus’ clients are well-prepared for every step of the transaction, and he leaves no questions unanswered. Keeping them informed helps them make the best decisions possible, whether they are buying or selling. This thorough approach helps Gus build lasting connections with everyone he serves. “I have a personal relationship with every client I have sold a property to or for, and I spend a good deal of time with them socially, whether that means grabbing a cup of coffee or going out to dinner.” Averaging about 30 to 40 transactions each year, Gus is clearly going above and beyond expectations.

After the transactions, clients leave glowing reviews about their time together. One recently said, “We’ve bought and sold several houses, but our experience with Gus Bright was by far the best. From beginning to end he managed the sale of our unique home flawlessly. His innovative marketing strategy resulted in a number of interested buyers and a full-price offer within a week!

And that was just the beginning. His true value was in managing the rest of the process. With energy and expertise, he guided us through the inspection and the inevitable problems that arose. ‘I got a guy’ became the catchphrase that saw us through.

Throughout the entire process he remained proactive, positive, accessible, and professional.”

When Gus isn’t working, he’s staying active in the community through various associations and charities. He’s the past president for the Exchange Club of Metropolitan Charleston, and now serves on the board. “My wife and I have been very active supporters of a charity called Windwood Farms Home for Children, which nurtures and cares for abused children.” They are also strong supporters of their church in Mount Pleasant. During any free time, Gus can be found hanging out with family, fishing, and cooking.

Looking ahead, Gus plans on growing and sustaining his business while maintaining his reputation as an honest and trustworthy agent. “It just brings me so much joy to interact with others, it’s what I look forward to every day.”

For more information about Gus Bright, please call 843-296-6454 or email gusbright@akersellis.com

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Don’t Forget Your Clothes We’re sure your goals are lofty, and to hit them, your marketing needs to be on point. But is your brand and position defined? If not, it’s like leaving the house each day without clothing.

And while some would argue that this would certainly gain attention, we don’t believe it’s the kind of attention you had in mind when you set out to become #1 in your market.

A common misconception is that if you are recognized, you are well branded. Almost a year ago we had a conversation with a Realtor about personal branding. She said, “I feel like I’m already well branded in my market. When I walk into a restaurant, they know that I’m Susan, the Realtor.” We replied, “That’s a great start, Susan. But what happens when other Realtors are in the restaurant, too? What sets you apart from them?” At that point, the light bulb came Top Agent Magazine

on and she realized that she wasn’t truly positioned or branded. She was seen as just another Realtor. We explained to her, “Great branding isn’t about being known for your profession.

It’s about being known for being DIFFERENT in your profession.”

Another misconception is that you should begin marketing before your brand is defined.

For instance, we’ve spoken with numerous Realtors who say they plan to finish their website, conduct a photo shoot, create their collateral materials or even launch a social media marketing campaign, then they will think about branding and positioning. But how do you know what types of photos to take? What will you put on your website to differentiate yourself from others? What will your business cards, brochures and even your social media

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platforms say that will encourage prospects to connect with you first? And finally, why on earth would you waste all the time and money on these very important marketing elements before you establish your brand?

In order to develop an iron clad position and brand, here are some questions you should be asking yourself BEFORE you begin ANY kind of marketing.

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What is my ultimate goal?

Take a strong look at what you want in terms of both professional and personal achievement. What makes you most fulfilled? Where would you like to be financially? Define your path of intended growth.

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Who is my ideal customer?

Trust us when we say that you don’t want just any customer. You want a customer who appreciates your expertise and dedication, will take repeat advantage of your services and will recommend you enthusiastically to others. Define this person in detail so you have a clear understanding of who you’ll be marketing to and what your message should be.

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What is my point of differentiation?

This is the most critical question of all. It’s not about what makes you ‘better’. It’s what makes you different. Better is subjective. Different is inarguable.

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What am I willing to be known for that is authentic to me and significant to my ideal customer?

Find a position that you’re willing to put forth every day. We call this ‘breathing your brand’.

It must also be a position that is meaningful to your ideal customer. We’re trying to create an image that makes your ideal customer immediately connect with you and feel as though they simply shouldn’t be working with anyone else.

A well-defined brand will help you stand out among your competitors. It will serve as a magnet for your ideal customer. And if promoted consistently and passionately—and lived authentically—it will make you instantly recognizable among your community in an unforgettable way. And finally, a solid brand can give you the confidence you’ve likely never experienced at the same level. There’s such power in walking out the door every morning knowing who you are, what makes you unique, who you will be helping today and exactly how you’ll be helping them. And when all of your marketing materials are consistently branded with the same image and messaging, there is undeniable pride as well.

So before you dive into more marketing, don’t go out the door without your branding clothes. You wouldn’t want to portray the wrong perception, now, would you?

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner.

Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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NATALIE TAFLINGER After spending 13 years as a Human Resources Manager, Natalie Taflinger decided it was time to try something different after taking a couple years off to look after her kids. She got her real estate license, fully expecting it to be a part-time endeavor, but she quickly found the work to be fulfilling and engaging. She closed 22 transactions in her first year, and over the years her productivity has increased dramatically – in 2020, she closed $31 million over 126 transactions, and she is on pace to break that number in 2021.

According to Natalie, the biggest reason for her immense success is the way she treats her clients.

She is a relationship-focused Realtor who keeps her clients’ best interest at heart – based in Florence, South Carolina, her local community is tight-knit, and she knows that treating people right will pay dividends in the long run. “If you take excellent care of your clients, they will take care of you. I do everything I can to meet my clients’ needs,” Natalie says. Reputation is key in a smaller town, and Natalie goes to great lengths to make her clients’ experience as enjoyable as possible. “I go above and beyond to exceed clients’ expectations. All of my hard work and grit goes into that.” The effort that Natalie puts into her client satisfaction has proven a huge boon for her career – she gets almost 100% of her business through repeat clients and referrals.

opportunity to help a person or family in what typically could be a really stressful time for them,” Natalie says. “Limiting that stress as much as possible for them, and guiding them toward that big step in their life, is incredibly fulfilling.”

Natalie genuinely cares about the wellbeing of the people she works with and gives her all to make their transaction smooth and enjoyable.

Natalie is very active in her community.

She is involved with Tenacious Grace, a non-profit women’s ministry, for whom she volunteered to help buy a home to house previously incarcerated women to get back on their feet. She coaches her kids’ sports teams and is involved with various school activities, and she loves spending time in the outdoors boating, camping, and hiking with her family. For the future of her business, Natalie hopes to focus on growing the Taflinger Team, new as of this year, and to continue providing value and aid to her clients in Florence. If you’re looking for top-notch real estate service in South Carolina, get in touch with Natalie Taflinger today!

Natalie puts a lot of time and energy into the presentation of her homes in an effort to sell them quickly and at top dollar. She uses in-depth staging and professional photography so that all of her listings look pristine.

Over the course of her career, Natalie has learned to adore her job. She puts a huge amount of energy into her career, and has the results to show for it. “There’s a lot of reward and satisfaction in knowing that you had an Top Agent Magazine

Contact Natalie at (843) 773-1728, email natalietaf@me.com, or visit natalietaflinger.exprealty.com https://

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