8 minute read
INCORPORATING
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 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
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 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
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 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.
CindyTa
CindyTa
“I always had a passion for real estate,” remembers Cindy Ta. While the industry piqued her imagination, it wasn’t until 2003 that Cindy made the move to earn her license and begin her practice in earnest. Though her career occasionally shifted gear over the years, she ultimately turned her role as an agent into a full-time pursuit, complete with a reputation for honesty, enthusiasm, and a personal touch.
Today, Cindy spearheads her work under the banner of Blossom Homes and serves clients across Southern California’s greater San Bernardino region. There, almost the entirety of her business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust her experience, knowledge, and commitment to their best interests. Likewise, Cindy prides herself on her knack for sourcing solutions on behalf of those she serves. “I have a strong
ability to problem-solve,” Cindy says. “We’re largely a referral-based business, and that’s demonstrated in everything we do. I’m honest and I create a custom gameplan for every client, because every client is in a different
situation.” What’s more, Cindy emphasizes the power of active listening and tuning in to her clients short and long-term goalposts. “I try to be very thoughtful when working with clients,” she says. “It’s important to listen
and learn their needs and goals, then outline a structure that makes sense for them. That way, they feel comfortable and confident. I’m 100% there for them, and they trust I’ll always put them first.” When listing properties, Cindy begins by ensuring each home is documented in its finest and most immersive light. Professional photography and custom video work make inviting impressions, while exposure across social media outlets and the leading online listing platforms secures wide-ranging visibility. Of
course, Cindy also taps her network of fellow industry professionals and past clients, ensuring an ideal buyer in short order. With 30 to 34 transactions closed on an annual basis, and at an average list price of roughly $400,000, Cindy has cultivated a track record that’s both successful and well-proven. In fact, one of her past clients describes her experience this way: “Cindy Ta is the most wonderful and professional agent I had the honor to work with. She is enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about helping her clients achieve their dream
homes. She would go above and beyond her call of duty to help her clients as much as possible. I would call her and she would always be available to answer my questions, 24/7. When you need her, she would show up at your front door immediately. No doubt that Cindy Ta is my best agent, and close friend now. I would highly recommend this super talented and awesome real estate agent.” Another says: “Wow - professional, knowledgeable, dedicated...the list goes on! Cindy is the best realtor I have ever worked with (and I’ve gone
through several)! She helped us buy our home in CA when we moved from NV and also helped us sell our home when we moved to TX. She makes it a priority to ensure her clients are getting the best - best deal, best inspector, best escrow team, etc. Even though she can’t be my realtor anymore since I’m now in a different state, she is still my go to person whenever I have real estate questions. She always puts out time to answer my questions even though there’s no profit in it for her. She’s truly a one of a kind person. You can’t go wrong with choosing Cindy for any real estate needs. She’s the best hands down!!!!”
Looking ahead toward the years to come, Cindy intends to keep progress steady as she continues to grow her business and build
My family is my Why, the reason why I kept on going and going. My husband, Jameson, sacrificed the last 6 years to stay home and take great care of my 3 kids so that I can go out and do what I do best every single day. I’m grateful to have a partner like him.
out a team in the future. Now, with seventeen years of insight to her name, Cindy considers what she most enjoys about her chosen field. “Every day is different and you never know what challenge is next,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to help clients feel confident and help them toward their goals. There’s such a feeling of accomplishment that comes from closing a deal and helping a family start their next chapter.”
