SOUTH CAROLINA 8-10-20

SOUTH CAROLINA EDITION

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THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

What the First Thing You Do After Work

SAYS ABOUT YOU

Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker

COVER STORY

KASEY COFFEY

FEATURED AGENTS

TONY & LISA CURRERI JENIFER MALDONADO MILLER KEVIN RICHTER

SOUTH CAROLINA EDITION

TONY & MILLER LISA CURRE JENIFER MALDONADO

lake th For Jenifer Maldonado Miller the While sheand hasgive certa do here, first this journey into real estate wasn’t a linear veryto successful ® route. She began her career in 2005 REALTOR , for Jen and took a7break to launch a multi-milis about a KEVIN lot does moreL Not 15 20 23 only action.

She prides lion dollar digital/marketing agency activities, buthe i Top Agent agentTony who often is relation in the southeast. After selling that bec oftoBrandN business in 2019 she reactivated her whoinwants ensur on Kevin them Rich by real estate license and began helping havethat the it’s bestthe possib var South Car sellers properly market their homes whatthat canmake often for be ah of excepti stance. “I really like for sale. She is currently a member of he does.

KASEY COFFEY Banker TONY & LISA CURRERI KEVIN RICHTER Whether it’s gettin Coldwell Brokerage, and the JENIFER MALDONADO knowledge When it comes MILLER rerun on their inves leader of Maldonado & Miller team.

After deciding to move from Northern California to providing emphasis on s first one time home She has been actively back in the to Curreri each anda every of his grat Lake Greenwood in June of 2006, Tony and Lisa Lisa—who spe industry for close to a year now, and dream home.

It’s th has firmly established him embarked on a career in real estate. Due to the Kevin thorough propertyhisis mar fla serves Columbia, South Carolina, connections ma sought-after Realtors in you research they did before settling on Lake Greenwood as And truly theiruniqu cutt mainly specializing in properties on business their new home base, they came in with a great underCONTENTS sold1% $12 and around Lake Murray.

Ranked amongthey the Top of m standing of the area and all the perks itWhen had and to offer. she’s notmarket busy –working Jen in his among man 4) PLAYING THE REAL ESTATE 18) 9 THINGS THE BEST Today are the Realty in Lake Although she’s been they working withowners clients of forLakelands a rela- in various through C tions –events Kevin Outside is a legacy age ofthewor MATCHMAKER—FOLLOW THESE LEADERS NEVER SAY Greenwood, Carolina—a family where tively short amount of time,South Jenifer has managed to business Brokerage to and help her were community mother father licen vals, liveallmusic 8 DATING RULES TOreferral ENSURE grew up helping my are grandfathe they work alongside sonexcellent and one additional agent, ally involved with They Palmetto Anim establish a strong rate thankstheir to her also d YOU MATCH YOUR CLIENT I was with real obtain estate a Services andfamiliar helps people communication skills, elite hard WHAT THE FIRST THING helping find marketing clients thetechniques, perfect21) lakeside properties.

Tony is a found recalls.

AsPrism an SAYS adult, he relocated WITH work, THE PERFECT HOME and prioritizing clients by always answering sponsors Children’s Ho YOU DOalso AFTER WORK and chair of th he of held a stake a local restaur FOR THEM her phone. “ADespite lot of real estateinagents do this as part-densely Outside work, sheinenjoys stayin ABOUT YOU living an area that’s not populated, andbein f wasand injured so Iconcert hadwell to sell sh time work. But thisand is my fulltime I dedicate running skiing, as asmy Lisa Tony have ajob. fantastic ratemy of repeat andreturn referral Independence to Charleston to take care three kids. weekends andbusiness, evenings to this,” shecredit says. to And herexcellent 13) UNTANGLING THE BIDDING which they their customer started doing some theyodd arejobs botharou fo numbers back her up, as she’s on course to WAR: impressive A BUYER’S & SELLER’S service, years of expertise, and also to their no nonsense and Jenifer’s I’d already done a few to eventually p finish this year with $12 million in sales volume.

Going ness, forward husband, D PERSPECTIVES approach when it comes to business. “People understand shoulders with a successful agen USMC Veteran has launched the mil work with as his assistant. I did that f thatextensive they’re going get a straight-up real estate firm and together they a Thanks to her digital tomarketing experi- experience I decided to get my license, and us.

We’re going to tell them things they want to hear, ence, Jenifer has a strong advantage in marketing her growing the business. It’s vital for th andfullest maybe some things thatprioritizing they don’t want hear, but that to everyone shares thehas same value listings to their potential.

Besides Since then, Kevin built at Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 going to be straight with We believe professional we’re stagingalways and photography, she uses a them. to business, so that they can contin upon honesty, integrity and a t working aplatform real estate transaction requires abeyond truecustomer of quality be special customthat designed digital that helps get level mag@topagentmagazine.com | in www.topagentmagazine.com and for eachservice; of his cli states, “We putTopour first. O– her maximum exposure.

She both also likes to consent partnership.

And it takes parties working together –Agent andclients ever growing No portion of thislistings issue maythe be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior of thesignificant publisher. is based on frequent blasts, mailers, text campaigns, Magazine isutilize published

by Feature Publications GA, Inc. precautions are taken to and ensurecompany the of published to email come up with aAlthough successful outcome.” is accuracy based structure upon referrals and posi materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. clientsbelieve go first.” and social media performance. it’s because I’m very a To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

When it comes to selling their listings, Published in the U.S.

says Kevin, when asked Tony needs,” and Lisa to build such acall loyal(803) and trusting To learn about Jenifer Maldonado please 309 go bymore the mantra, “We live the life we sell,”Miller, and they let don’t treat my career as a nine to clientsjenmaldonadomiller@gmail.com, know that purchasing a house on the lake isn’t email visit maldonadomiller.co around the clock for my clients.

Top Agent Magazine simply just buying a house, it’s buying a whole days lifestyle. each year, taking only Chr To learn m “We truly do live the life we sell. We sell lake property, www.

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Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker –

Follow These 8 Dating Rules to Ensure You Match Your Client with the Perfect Home for Them When you think a bit more about it, the ultimate goal of a real estate agent serving a client is really to match them up with the perfect house for them, almost the way a matchmaker tries to find two people that will fit well together as a couple. When people are looking for a house, they often treat the process as a quest for “the one” house that will fulfill their dreams of living in the house of their dreams. Don’t be fooled. It is always a search for “the one”, at least when it comes to helping a couple or family find a home.

When you look at your client’s search for a home in this manner, then you might begin to notice some pretty obvious similarities 4

between shopping for a home today and online dating. In this day and age most people live a substantial part entire lives online. People socialize with their friends on Facebook, they meet potential friends in forums and online communities, and we now even search for our perfect mate online. Shopping for a home also happens to usually start online. When they begin this search, make no mistake; they are looking for the “one.” These people then turn to you, the REALTOR® to play matchmaker for them. It is your job to wade through the pool of eligible homes (bachelors) and sort through all the ones that are too expensive, too nerdy, not cute enough, not smart enough, etc. until you find the “one.”

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It makes sense then to consult the tried and true practices in matchmaking that help those professionals find the right people for each other, and see if any of them could also apply for matching your clients with their dream home. You’ll find that these 8 dating rules may just show you the secret to matching your clients with the perfect home.

back to the store if you’re not happy with your new home. It’s best to first help your client get prequalified. This is a tangible step that shows they are ready to move on to a new home. You want to make sure they are completely over their love affair with their previous home. You can even ask them for a sign or proof that they’re ready to move on.

Who Is In and Not In Your Client’s League? Know Your Client’s Price Range:

Be Genuine, Not Superficial

When a person is looking for a mate, it is a waste of time for them to even consider those potential mates that are clearly out of their league. These people won’t even stop to give them the time of day.

In the world of real estate the idea is the same. There is no point showing your clients houses that they can’t afford and will simply lust after without having any real chance of purchasing the house. It is your job to keep your client ground in reality, and help them be realistic in terms of price when choosing their next home.

Never Let Your Client’s First Impression of a Home Rule Their Decisions

Make Sure Your Client is Ready to Move On From Their Last Dream Home You’re job is also to make sure that your client is truly ready to move on from their previous home. This is a long term commitment, and they need to be absolutely sure they actually want to buy a new house. You can’t simply take the receipt Top Agent Magazine

When trying to manage the many pitfalls of online dating, on inevitably goes on a date where the other person looks nothing like their picture online. That can be just as big of a problem when looking for a house. When clients show you a particular house they want to visit, ask them to name something about the house that they like other than the aesthetics. This way you can see if they are simply infatuated with the way the house looks in those pictures, or if there is a deeper interest in the home that could become a deeper connection between your client and the house.

When your client first sees a house they have already been lusting after in their mind, they’re often so excited to finally be looking at it, especially if it does in fact look as good as it did in the pictures.

Make sure to encourage them to take some time before making such a big com-

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mitment, and don’t let their excitement push them into making a rash decision. It is your job to keep them grounded in reality. Push for your clients to do an inspection to make sure the house isn’t hiding any dark secrets. Sometimes the most charming facade can hide tons of slime and deadly mold.

Follow Your Heart (or Gut) People often laugh at and ridicule the idea of love at first sight, but when it comes to homes, the phenomenon can certainly happen. Your client may just find their perfect dream home at the very first place you take them. If you have a client that does insist this is the case, then you don’t want to try and rationalize with them or talk them out of their decision. You do, however, want to make sure you are watching out for their interest and make sure your clients take all the necessary precautions before they jump in headfirst.

See What Other People See in The Home – Do They See What Your Client Sees?

Have you come to the conclusion that your clients are being blinded by all of the twinkling windows and crystal clear water glistening in the backyard pool, and can’t see that the house they’ve fallen in love with is really just a dirty animal (maybe a pig) dressed up in nice clothes and lipstick. Ask your client if they would be willing to look at the house again with 6

their close friends, family, and anyone else they trust for a second opinion there to see it with them. If the house really is a dud, they’ll be able to see past any personal bias your client might have to the truth. They will be able to help your client see through the shining facade

Celebrate the Happy Union!

When a couple gets married they tend to throw a big party and celebrate their union. The same goes for the closing.

Your clients have just essentially married the house of their dreams, and now it’s time to rejoice. Congratulate them on their new union. Show your support for their new homeowner status by going to their housewarming party.

Help Your Clients Maintain Their Dream Home & Ensure a Lifetime of Happiness You can’t just disappear after the transaction is finished. Become their realtor for life by showing your clients how to maintain their dream home. Act as their resource for other professionals they may need to maintain the house such as handymen, plumbers, electricians, etc. Show them how to keep up with home maintenance so they don’t ignore problems that surface and end up with a much larger issue than they started with. Help them make sure their dream home lasts so they can live happily ever after in their home for a lifetime.

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KASEY COFFEY Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Kasey Coffey has established an intrepid team in the Coffey House Group, serving clients across the greater Greenville, South Carolina region, under the banner of Berkshire Hathaway C. Dan Joyner Realtors.

Kasey Coffey always knew he wanted a career that would allow him to serve his community, and when the opportunity to join the real estate industry arose six years ago, he leapt at the challenge. “I have lived in the same place my whole life,” he says, “and my family has two small businesses in town. I thought real estate was a great way to stay involved and give back to the community I’ve always been a part of.”

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In the years since, Kasey has established an intrepid team in the Coffey House Group, serving clients across the greater Greenville, South Carolina region. Under the banner of Berkshire Hathaway C. Dan Joyner Realtors, Kasey has built a business largely driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust his expertise, track record, and personal touch. “I wanted to build a business that was community-oriented, just like our family businesses Top Agent Magazine

growing up,” he says. “We really value being active in our community and are very relationship-driven. Those connections are what’s most important to me.” Whether working alongside buyers or sellers, Kasey attends to Top Agent Magazine

all the questions and anxieties that naturally arise during the course of a transaction. “I handle all the ins and outs, but I also get behind the emotion of the deal,” he says. “I understand this is one of the biggest transactions Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“I understand this is one of the biggest transactions people will go through, and so we build trust. I cry when they cry, laugh when they laugh, and celebrate when they celebrate. I want them to know I’m always their liaison moving forward.”

people will go through, and so we build trust. I cry when they cry, laugh when they laugh, and celebrate when they celebrate.

I want them to know I’m always their liaison moving forward.”

When listing properties, Kasey leaves no detail unaccounted for, beginning with high-end documentation that showcases homes in their most memorable light.

From there, listings are leveraged across a range of online listing platforms and social media outlets. On Facebook, Kasey hosts regular Facebook Live events that not only build awareness of his brand, but highlight local businesses and citizens within the community. Before and after the closing table has been reached, Kasey remains resourceful and adaptable. “I remind my team that real estate is one of the only careers that you have to treat everything individually. No deal or client is the same, and that speaks to our Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

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communication level too,” he explains. “If a client prefers to text, or would rather talk on the phone at eleven at night, we accommodate those preferences. Communication is so important and we want our clients to know we’re always here.”

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Beyond the office, Kasey contributes to other causes in his hometown, including sponsoring local community-based events. In his free hours, he most enjoys time spent with his wife Ashton, family, and loved ones. As for the future of his business, Kasey intends to keep Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

momentum going strong as he continues to grow his business and develop his team. “I’m very hands-on as a leader, and I like to be very present and active as I work with my team,” he says.

Now, with six years of experience and insight, Kasey Coffey considers what he enjoys most

about his chosen field. “There’s a lot of gratification in helping people take one of the biggest steps in their lives,” he says. “The satisfaction of knowing that I’ve made a positive impact is priceless, and it brings me such satisfaction to know that I’ve helped someone on their path.”

To learn more about Kasey Coffey, please call (864) 354–2323, email kcoffey@cdanjoyner.com, or visit facebook.com/thecoffeyhousegroup/?modal=admin_todo_tour www.

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Untangling the Bidding War: A Buyer’s & Seller’s Perspectives In a competitive marketplace, bidding wars become the norm. While this may put sellers in an excellent position to recoup on their investment, it can push buyers beyond their budgets and test their temperaments in the process. As an agent, how do you navigate both sides of the coin? After all, you want to net the best results for your client—regardless of which side of the closing table they’re on. To fortify your approach to a heated bidding war, here are a few ideas and insights to better clue you in on the perspectives of buyers and sellers alike.

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Buyer’s Perspective: Emotions Running High?

Channel it.

When the market is booming, buyers feel the pressure—especially when affordable inventory is limited. This can create stress, feelings of hopelessness, and impulsivity. As an agent, how do you channel this emotional energy into something positive? Consider asking buyers to put those anxieties and high hopes onto paper. Have buyers outline

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who they are, why they’re inspired to buy a home at this juncture in their lives, and how they see their lives unfolding once they become a homeowner (or repeat homeowner). Think of it as a letter of intent.

Buyers benefit from taking abstract fears and dreams and articulating them on paper. Likewise, this document can serve as a valuable tool during a bidding war. Letters like these can help sellers with multiple offers make a personal, emotional connection with a particular buyer.

Sellers Perspective: Manage expectations.

When multiple offers are rolling in on a property, it’s easy for sellers to get carried away. Numbers are flying, expectations are heightened, and sellers may become hypnotized by higher and higher offers and ideal outcomes. While it’s good to celebrate prime market positioning, it’s also important to maintain an even keel so that your seller’s mind is clear and they’re thinking rationally through their options.

Sometimes the highest offer isn’t necessarily the sure thing. Manage your clients’ expectations by leading by example, offering a balanced perspective, and talking them through all potential outcomes so that they don’t only hone in on the best-case scenario.

During a bidding war, tensions are running high for seller’s too, who will soon begin their next chapter in another home. Keep a cool head and remind your client to see the big picture, recognize that it’s possible for some offers to fall through, and to sit tight until the closing table has been successfully reached.

Buyer’s Perspective: How do you authentically and convincingly convey your interest?

When ten or so offers are in the mix, it can be hard to differentiate your buyer from the next. While numbers will obviously do a lot of the talking, you’d be surprised how much of a difference a 14

personal touch can make. Some popular approaches to standing out include personal letters—as mentioned above—tailored to the property. Was the property in question a family home for years? You might have clients detail their dreams of raising a family inside those walls, rather than tear the property down and rebuild something to boost the lot’s value. Including a family photo is also a good tact for personalizing letters in a bidding war. Likewise, little gifts included with your offer can speak volumes about your personality and due diligence as an agent. It may seem a little cheesy, but when sellers are looking at ten near-identical offers, those personal touches can really paint a compelling, personalized picture.

Seller’s Perspective: How powerful is cash?

Data shows that cash offers—typical of investor clientele—double the chances of having an offer accepted. This goes hand in hand with waiving a financing contingency, which also helped boost the probability of an accepted offer, according to research. Cash is king, however, since offers that aren’t completely reliant on comprehensive financing seem to minimize risk for sellers, who are already eager to see a deal go through. Cash deals also tend to go through quickly, freeing sellers up to pursue their next property and move on to new horizons. While not every buyer has the ability to operate in cash, it’s a worthwhile consideration for those in ultra-competitive markets and with liquid capital.

While the bidding process can be stressful for agents and clients alike, it’s important to remember that it’s a time of opportunity, too. If you want to make the most of it as a seller, data shows that a personal touch can endear buyers to their seller counterparts. For sellers navigating a competitive process, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. For agents, here’s the bottom line: get creative, be resourceful, and use all the tools in your arsenal to achieve the best result for the clients you serve.

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TONY & LISA CURRERI lake and give them the full experience. There is so much to do here, this place has a lot to offer.”

Not only does Lake Greenwood offer a lot of recreational activities, but it’s also a close-knit community. Lisa and Tony often become friends with their clients and check in on them by dropping by or calling. And Tony admits that it’s the variety of people he meets every single day that make for his favorite part of the job.

After deciding to move from Northern California to Lake Greenwood in June of 2006, Tony and Lisa Curreri embarked on a career in real estate. Due to the thorough research they did before settling on Lake Greenwood as their new home base, they came in with a great understanding of the area and all the perks it had to offer.

Today they are the owners of Lakelands Realty in Lake Greenwood, South Carolina—a family business where they work alongside their son and one additional agent, helping find clients the perfect lakeside properties.

Despite living in an area that’s not densely populated, Lisa and Tony have a fantastic rate of repeat and referral business, which they credit to their excellent customer service, years of expertise, and also to their no nonsense approach when it comes to business. “People understand that they’re going to get a straight-up experience with us. We’re going to tell them things they want to hear, and maybe some things that they don’t want to hear, but we’re always going to be straight with them. We believe that working in a real estate transaction requires a true partnership. And it takes both parties working together to come up with a successful outcome.”

When it comes to selling their listings, Tony and Lisa go by the mantra, “We live the life we sell,” and they let clients know that purchasing a house on the lake isn’t simply just buying a house, it’s buying a whole lifestyle.

“We truly do live the life we sell. We sell lake property, and we live, work, and play on the lake. We oftentimes show property by boat. We’ll meet a client at a restaurant on the lake, get on the boat, and go ride around the Top Agent Magazine

When it comes to marketing, Tony and Lisa put a high emphasis on social media and virtual showings. And Lisa—who specializes in staging—ensures that each property is flawless before going live on the market.

And their cutting edge techniques work wonders, as they sold $12 million in volume just last year.

Outside of work the husband and wife duo enjoy festivals, live music, Shag Dancing and playing on the lake.

They are also deeply committed to their community, and Tony is a founding member of Connect Lake Greenwood and chair of the Lights on the Lake event—a lakefront concert and fireworks show that takes place every Independence Day. As for the future of their business, they are both focused on continuing to grow it and hope to eventually pass it on to their son.

To learn more about Tony & Lisa Curreri email Tony@lakelandsrealty.com, visit lakelandsrealty.com/tony-lisa-curreri, or call (864) 344–8822 www.

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Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com 

grahamharrop.com  16

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9

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

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you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

1

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

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I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

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I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

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DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

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YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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JENIFER MALDONADO MILLER For Jenifer Maldonado Miller the journey into real estate wasn’t a linear route. She began her career in 2005 and took a break to launch a multi-million dollar digital/marketing agency in the southeast. After selling that business in 2019 she reactivated her real estate license and began helping sellers properly market their homes for sale. She is currently a member of Coldwell Banker Brokerage, and the leader of Maldonado & Miller team.

She has been actively back in the industry for close to a year now, and serves Columbia, South Carolina, mainly specializing in properties on and around Lake Murray.

Although she’s been working with clients for a relatively short amount of time, Jenifer has managed to establish a strong referral rate thanks to her excellent communication skills, elite marketing techniques, hard work, and prioritizing clients by always answering her phone. “A lot of real estate agents do this as parttime work. But this is my fulltime job. I dedicate my weekends and evenings to this,” she says. And her impressive numbers back her up, as she’s on course to finish this year with $12 million in sales volume.

Thanks to her extensive digital marketing experience, Jenifer has a strong advantage in marketing her listings to their fullest potential. Besides prioritizing professional staging and photography, she uses a special custom designed digital platform that helps get her listings the maximum exposure. She also likes to utilize frequent email blasts, mailers, text campaigns, and social media performance.

While she has certainly enjoyed her very successful first year as a fulltime REALTOR®, for Jenifer this business is about a lot more than just a transaction. She prides herself on being an agent who is relationship focused, and who wants to ensure that her clients have the best possible experience in what can often be a stressful circumstance. “I really like helping people.

Whether it’s getting the maximum rerun on their investment, or helping a first time homebuyer find their dream home. It’s the people and the connections you make that make this business truly unique,” she says.

When she’s not busy working Jenifer participates in various events through the Coldwell Banker Brokerage to help her community. She is personally involved with Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services and helps people obtain guide dogs. She also sponsors Prism Children’s Hospital each year.

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through running and skiing, as well as being a mom to her three kids.

Going forward Jenifer’s husband, Donavon Miller, a USMC Veteran has launched the military side of their real estate firm and together they are focused is on growing the business. It’s vital for their team strength, that everyone shares the same values when it comes to business, so that they can continue the same high level of quality customer service; because as Jenifer states, “We put our clients first. Our entire mission and company structure is based on the premise that clients go first.”

To learn more about Jenifer Maldonado Miller, please call (803) 309–2429 email jenmaldonadomiller@gmail.com, visit maldonadomiller.com www.

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What the First Thing You Do After Work Says About You We all have our routines. From that morning cup of coffee to a jog at the gym, it’s common to establish touchstones for our daily lives.

But have you ever considered what these habits tell us about ourselves? Our actions reveal much about our motivations and emotional life, so taking a second look at your first move at the end of the day can be telling.

With that in mind, see how you fare when it comes to post-workday habits...

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Break a Sweat After a long day of work, is your first instinct to strap on your sneakers and take off on a run? Do you stop off at the local yoga studio for an extended stretch? Maybe you head to the weight room to pump some iron. Whatever your exercise pick, if you’re inclined to sweat it out at the end of a long day, you’re likely a routine-oriented profes-

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sional who internalizes work-related stress. Of course, you’ve chosen a healthy release for all that pent-up tension, and you’ve discovered the power of endorphins. Once work hours are over, not everyone finds the motivation to stay active. This means you’re driven by routine, conscious of your emotional and physical health, and prefer to leave your cares at the gym, rather than bring them into your home oasis. However, it’s important to give your body a rest now and again, as recuperation time is not only beneficial for physical health, but can help prevent burnout for the long haul.

Flexibility is a skill, and one just as important to cultivate as rigid commitment. If you find yourself out of sorts if you miss just one day of working out, you might want to pay some attention to your routines and motivations, and rebalance your commitments and fitness routine accordingly.

Round-the-Clock Hustle If you’re the type to bring work home with you, you aren’t alone. While your motivation to work nonstop is admirable, it’s also important to make the mental transition from workplace to home, establishing the time to hustle and the time to relax. Just like those that hit the gym without fail after a long day, sometimes you’ll need to practice saying no. If your work life is indistinguishable from your personal life, it’ll be hard to catch a break and recharge.

This means burnout, frayed nerves, and missed details will soon be on the horizon. Of course, round-the-clock hustle is a strength, too. You’re passionate about your work, care deeply about doing things right, and failure is not an option.

Just make sure that you establish some foundational boundaries so that you maintain an 22

appropriate, healthy balance between your time at work and your time at home with the loved ones and hobbies you cherish. If making way for downtime isn’t easy, try penciling it in the way you would a work engagement. Dinner with a friend, a date night with a significant other, or a solo movie fest can be readily added to your calendar, and thus built in to your regimented schedule.

Turn to Food If your first instinct after work is to eat, it can say a few different things about your routine.

Perhaps you’ve been so on-the-go all the day that you haven’t had time for lunch. In this case, you might need to regiment your schedule with more purpose aimed towards downtime and self-care; food is fuel, after all. If you head home and gorge after an average day, you may be turning to food as a way to relieve stress.

In this case, you may need to reassess some of your post-work habits and find a healthier balance and outlet for your tension. Taking a walk, grabbing fresh ingredients for dinner, hitting the gym, or decompressing by catching up with a friend or a good book—all are healthier, more balanced ways of executing the transition from the office to the home. Pay attention to your consumption post-work. Determine how hungry or satiated you really are before making a grab for the nearest sustenance.

People decompress in all different ways after getting home from the office, but always remember that routines are telling. Don’t take your daily actions and impulses for granted. Examine the root behind your well-worn practices, and you may detect nuances at play beneath the surface that can you help you recalibrate for the better.

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Top Agent Magazine

KEVIN RICHTER Top Agent Kevin Richter – Lead of BrandName Real Estate’s The Kevin Richter Team in Charleston, South Carolina – brings a touch of exceptionalism to everything he does. Hardworking, deeply knowledgeable and committed to providing top-of-the-line service to each and every one of his grateful buyers and sellers, Kevin has firmly established himself as one of the most sought-after Realtors in his market.

Ranked among the Top 1% of all Realtors nationwide and in his market – among many other notable distinctions – Kevin is a legacy agent whose grandfather, mother and father were all licensed in the industry. “I grew up helping my grandfather around his office, so I was familiar with real estate at a very early age,” he recalls. As an adult, he relocated to Austin, Texas where he held a stake in a local restaurant. “Then, my mother was injured so I had to sell my share of the business and return to Charleston to take care of her,” says Kevin. “I started doing some odd jobs around the real estate business, and I’d already done a few flips, when I brushed shoulders with a successful agent who asked if I’d come work as his assistant. I did that for a while, then in 2014 I decided to get my license, and the rest is history.”

Since then, Kevin has built a thriving business based upon honesty, integrity and a true desire to go above and beyond for each of his clients, and as a result a significant – and ever growing – portion of that business is based upon referrals and positive word of mouth. “I believe it’s because I’m very attentive to my clients’ needs,” says Kevin, when asked how he has managed to build such a loyal and trusting customer base. “I also don’t treat my career as a nine to five job; I’m available around the clock for my clients. I work consistently 364 days each year, taking only Christmas off.”

Kevin, who is also extremely well-versed with working with military veterans – he is partnered with all local Top Agent Magazine

VA-friendly service providers to ensure top quality care for all of them – is also an expert marketer of his listings. “I hire a professional photographer; I do aerial photography,” he says. “I also do walkthrough videos and use Matterport, and then we advertise on all the social media platforms and third-party websites. I also have a few other tricks up my sleeve that ensure my clients’ homes are seen by all of the top producing agents in the area.” The most frequent result is a quick sale for top dollar, not to mention grateful customers.

When he’s not working, Kevin is an active philanthropist who truly cares about the community that has given him so much, and does so through his support of charities, including the women’s shelter Magdalene House and its male counterpart House of Hope. He also enjoys nothing more than spending time with his fiancé and their young son.

Kevin’s plans for the future of his business are fairly straightforward: to continue growing, but not at the expense of the amazing customer service that has become his calling card. Anyone looking to purchase or sell in the Charleston market could do no better than to engage the services of The Kevin Richter Team.

For more about Kevin Richter, please call 843-925-2021 or email LoveMyCharlestonHome@gmail.com

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