SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 4-13-20

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

3 EASY AT-HOME

DIY PROJECTS TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE UNTANGLING THE BIDDING WAR:

A BUYER’S & SELLER’S PERSPECTIVES

7 REASONS WHY

YOUR PROSPECTS AREN'T TURNING INTO CLIENTS

COVER STORY

SAMUEL PARK FEATURED AGENTS

HILARY BLAHA ROSEMARIE DUMADARA KARIM WAHBA

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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19 ROSEMARIE 25 DUMAD HILARY BLAHA KARIM

Rosemarie Dumadara, whophoto “I Hilary Blaha is celebrating 15 both a professional Karim Wa years in real estate this year.

Sheby videographer who d goes Rose, got started join does the lo re went into real estate because a home looks its best whe when her friend and neighbor was one alo she wanted to be able tosuggested have world.

“First impressions a getting herhereal “H remem the freedom to create aestate truly license “and most buyers are findi in 2000. was A H client centric business while also even contact thehe realtor. Soh year or two later, she had her relatives raising her two kids. A decade clients up for success.” license the A coordinati and a half later, Hilary has built and has been in SAMUEL PARK HILARY BLAHA ROSEMARIE DUMADARA business KARIM WAHBA since, working m Outside of the office, Hil a network of loyal clients who ever ground an yo a broker hervery team in“Itorea trust her and her expertiseaswhen to awith cause close h tion. be Santa Barbara County area.life, Besides realhasestate, her dad battled mu navigating the sometimesthe unpredictable world of real and decid estate. “Trust is a big part of the I do business,” realized how effective her she’s alsoway a mortgage broker.

Now, more than half-a-decade l and selling houses, it dawn she explains. “It’s important that my clients trust me, reputation asthe an same agentinfluence known for and know they can delegate everything to me.

I try to to Today. Rose sees about 70% use repeat and referral CONTENTS nication, superlative service, and fund for athe cure fo create an environment that is as stress-free possible business.

“It’s theas experience, the research trust, and for them, and solution-focused.” outpouring of support from service,” she says, that keeps people coming back.

Today, Karim spearheads his wo ates, Hilary’s MS Walk te 4) 7 REASONS WHY YOUR 17) COACHING 9-1-1 “I’m very dedicated.

It’s not about the money that Hilary serves the Santa Clarita Valley, where she Realty grew One fundraisers the Santa Group.forThere, he Bh PROSPECTS AREN'T TURNING I make, it’sAnthe service that I provide to my clients. up, as well as Acton and Agua Dulce. impressive 95% comprised of three agents, a ful Money secondary, my first priority is listening toplans 20)is and 3 EASY DIY INTO CLIENTS In the future, Hilary of her business comes from repeat referral AT-HOME clients, marketing assistant.

Together, th helping clients.” continue working to figur and it’s easy to see what and keeps people the coming back.

In PROJECTS TO INCREASE the Orange County region from her clients. “I’m always tr addition to her trustworthy, no-fuss personality, Hilary 13) UNTANGLINGalso THE BIDDING PROPERTY VALUE Almost service,” the entiretysays. of Karim’s “No matt prides herself on offering guidance and communiTo stay in touch, Rose reaches out viashe email and repeat and referral clientele who WAR: A BUYER’S cation. & SELLER’S “I’m their point person stepsends of the way.

I’ll is,”and Hilary has found, text, every and also out birthday holiday cards“it’s i rience, attention towho detail, and p as24) it comes, and continue to And your corner is calm, CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY PERSPECTIVES walk them through each step with the help of her team. when it comes to an havetruthful very good my syste I’m very c be a resource as well, even after escrow closes.” results. “We reaching new clients, services.with As THANK YOU she uses several find calm in a more inI ithelp forthem relationships a Zillow Premier Agent, advertising through that and Hilary stays in touch with past clients via phone calls, trust, and a long-standing re just looking transactions platform to is check automatic, she also atuses Facebookas a o texts, and social media messages in andand see says. about m andstart other social as “We’re well asintentional professional how they are doing. At the of each yearmedia, she also expectations are met and excee photography video to show off properties. a comprehensive campaign ofand what she calls Phone 310-734-1440plans | Faxout 310-734-1440 they’re buying or selling. Tha “thematic marketing,” which involves client mailings mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com down for the Super Bowl, St. Patty’s Dayfeeling and more.

“It’s the that “Clients I am ableto.” to help a family buy No portion of this issue may belove reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Agent receiving surprises in the mail.

Just a little somea home, especially when they thinkTop they can’t, and Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published When marketing thing to let them know I’m thinking about them.” then they are able to,” Rose says. Helping properties, out is a

SAMUEL PARK

materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. in of a full-service campaig To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. huge part of Rose’s lifeinvest outside real estate, too.

When marketing a listing, Hilary offers an individuunaccounted for.asTo Published in the U.S. She’s active in her Filipino community, wellshowcas as

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ally tailored, multifaceted approach that includes using mostofimmersive light, the W in to heritschurch member the power of social media fullest. as In aaddition to the choir. “I particiizeschurch’s their extensive patenetworks, in aboutHilary 90% of the activities,”marketing she boosting ads across social posts in listing they take.

Each home says.

“I just started a foundation to help seniors and networking groups for real estate agents, both public 3 To find out more a anSheencompassing architectural educate people credit and how to get and private, to get the word out about new about listings.their call 661-313-2591, includes professional photograpv

7 Reasons Why Your Prospects Aren’t Turning Into Clients Real estate experts suggest prospecting daily so that your sales pipeline never runs dry.

But sometimes all that effort doesn’t translate into results. If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

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1. You’re Too Slow The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials estimates that there are about 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States alone. Of course, not all these individuals are working in the same markets. Nonetheless, that

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If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

means that realtors face a lot of competition. If you are slow to respond to messages from prospective clients, someone else is sure to beat you to it. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to return calls and emails within 24 hours.

If you’re too busy working with active clients to return the phone calls and emails of prospective clients, consider hiring a real estate assistant who can help take administrative or marketing tasks off your plate.

2. They Don’t Trust You There are different reasons why a client might not trust you, some of which overlap with others on this list. When a client asks you a question, do you answer it directly or do you sidestep it?

Do you have testimonials and reviews from happy clients publicly available? Do you have an online presence? Social proof of your skills and knowledge is key.

3. You Don’t Seem Knowledgeable Enough Is your client constantly coming to you with new listings or marketing ideas rather than the Top Agent Magazine

other way around? Do they mention real estate and finance terms you’ve never heard of or ask you questions you’ve never thought to ask yourself? Every agent starts somewhere, but if this seems to be a pattern, it’s one clients will pick up on too.

Your clients want to know that you will add value to their home buying or selling experience, and part of that value is your expertise and passion.

4. You Have No Web Presence It’s not enough to be on Zillow or have a Facebook page. There are clients who don’t use these platforms, and at the end of the day, you don’t own the content or your access to it. Both platforms could suddenly go out of business and any following you’ve gained could be lost.

It doesn’t cost much to create and maintain a website today. If customization matters little to you, sometimes you can even get up and running for free. At the very least, it’s a good idea to invest in a domain name because yourwebsite. wordpress.com looks a lot less professional than yourwebsite.com.

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5. You Don’t Seem to Care When clients don’t think you care, it usually means they don’t feel like you are listening.

You may have systems, processes, and a proven marketing strategy. You may like to get right down to business, but to your client, this isn’t just business—it’s their life and their family’s livelihood.

When your client tells you what’s important to them, they want to make sure that you really hear them. Make sure your body language conveys that. Slow down. Shut your office door.

Make eye contact, nod your head, and pause before you speak so that they understand that you’ve put thought into your words—that they aren’t simply lines from a script.

6. You Use Too Much Jargon Remember that your clients don’t speak real estate. At most, they might buy or sell a home once every few years. They hired you to be their advocate and may even expect you to be a bit of a teacher too. Use layman’s terms so that your

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client fully understands how the two of you will work together.

7. Your Target Audience Is Everyone Your clients are home buyers and sellers, yes, but who is your ideal client? Some specialties you might consider are college students and recent graduates, working professionals, military families, seniors, CEOs, or other high-profile clients.

As a newer agent, your target audience might be anyone who will hire you, but over time, you might find that you click more with certain clients, that their lifestyle is similar to yours, or that their goals align with your mission. Whatever the reason, marketing your business to this “ideal client” rather than every potential client will make selling your services easier.

Remember: It’s within your power to alleviate your client’s concerns, but understanding why your prospects aren’t turning into clients is a good start.

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SAMUEL PARK Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Samuel Park is the owner and lead broker of Park Group Real Estate in Chino Hills working extensively in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.

Driven, passionate, and charitable, Samuel Park’s deep commitment to improving his community, and the lives of his clients, has built him a reputation as one of the most respected agents in his community. Samuel 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

got his start in real estate in 2003 when he agreed to help out a local broker with his internal office work. “I saw all these highenergy agents helping people,” says Samuel.

“I started asking them all sorts of questions Top Agent Magazine

and realized I could help my family, my relatives, and many of my church members get into affordable homes. So I went out, got my license, and got to work.�

Fast-forward 17 years and hundreds of transactions later. Samuel is now the head of a five Top Agent Magazine

person team at Park Group Real Estate, where he is both the owner and lead broker. Based out of their office in Chino Hills, Samuel and his team are perfectly positioned at the intersection of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County, and work extensively in all three counties.

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“I’m so passionate about helping my clients achieve their dreams. It’s really important to me that I listen to their stories so I can understand what they’ve been through in their life and what their goals are.”

Samuel credits his dedication to improving his clients’ lives as being one of the primary drivers of his success. “I’m so passionate about helping my clients achieve their dreams. It’s really important to me that I listen to their stories so I can understand what they’ve been through in their life and what their goals are,” Samuel explains.

“I think you have to know and understand your clients’ stories on a deep level in order to fully support them.”

Clearly this approach has resonated with people, as more than 60% of Samuel’s business comes from repeat clients or referrals.

When it comes to listing properties, Samuel and his team implement a fully 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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customized marketing strategy that leverages online and in-person advertising to highlight each property’s unique characteristics.

Starting with a series of professional photos and drone footage, Samuel’s team pushes out advertisements on numerous websites and across social media in order to drive attention to his clients’ properties. This strategy has proven extremely effective, and in 2019, Samuel’s marketing team was recognized

by Curaytor as within the top 1% of all real estate brokerages.

When Samuel isn’t at work he loves playing sports, participating in his church’s numerous Top Agent Magazine

local activities, and spending time with his family. In addition, he is extremely involved in numerous efforts to improve his community. Samuel is a sponsor of a local girls softball team, donates to his church, runs an internship program for local youth interested in the industry, and organizes a weekly business roundtable that promotes cooperation and engagement between local owners of small businesses.

In looking to the future, Samuel is excited to move his company into a new office space that will help him revolutionize his business. “Our plan is to create a one-stop real Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

estate shop. The front room will have our office space where we will meet with clients, as well as a conference space where we will regularly host educational workshops,” Samuel explains. “Beyond the typical services a brokerage will offer, our clients will also have access to contractors, insurance providers, lenders and all of our other vendors. In the back room, we will have a full

showroom that allows people to envision the array of possible changes they could make in their own homes. We will showcase all the latest trends in home remodeling and design by partnering with local businesses. It’s all part of my plan to provide my clients with world-class service, while also supporting the local businesses that make our community great.”

For more information about Samuel Park, please visit parkgrouprealestate.com, call 909.310.5105 or email samuel@parkgrouprealestate.com 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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HILARY BLAHA Hilary Blaha is celebrating 15 years in real estate this year. She went into real estate because she wanted to be able to have the freedom to create a truly client centric business while also raising her two kids. A decade and a half later, Hilary has built a network of loyal clients who trust her and her expertise when navigating the sometimes unpredictable world of real estate. “Trust is a big part of the way I do business,” she explains. “It’s important that my clients trust me, and know they can delegate everything to me. I try to create an environment that is as stress-free as possible for them, and solution-focused.”

Hilary serves the Santa Clarita Valley, where she grew up, as well as Acton and Agua Dulce. An impressive 95% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients, and it’s easy to see what keeps people coming back. In addition to her trustworthy, no-fuss personality, Hilary also prides herself on offering guidance and communication. “I’m their point person every step of the way. I’ll walk them through each step as it comes, and continue to be a resource as well, even after escrow closes.”

Hilary stays in touch with past clients via phone calls, texts, and social media messages to check in and see how they are doing. At the start of each year she also plans out a comprehensive campaign of what she calls “thematic marketing,” which involves client mailings for the Super Bowl, St. Patty’s Day and more. “Clients love receiving surprises in the mail. Just a little something to let them know I’m thinking about them.”

When marketing a listing, Hilary offers an individually tailored, multifaceted approach that includes using the power of social media to its fullest. In addition to boosting ads across social networks, Hilary posts in networking groups for real estate agents, both public and private, to get the word out about new listings. She also crafts a property website and flyer for each property to highlight its unique features. Hilary works with 16

both a professional photographer and a professional videographer who does drone footage, ensuring that a home looks its best when it’s being presented to the world. “First impressions are everything,” Hilary says, “and most buyers are finding homes online before they even contact the realtor. So it’s important to me to set my clients up for success.”

Outside of the office, Hilary believes in giving back to a cause very close to her heart. For Hilary’s whole life, her dad has battled multiple sclerosis. So when she realized how effective her social media was for buying and selling houses, it dawned on Hilary that she could use the same influence to bring awareness and help fund research for a cure for MS. Last year, thanks to an outpouring of support from her past clients and affiliates, Hilary’s MS Walk team placed 9th in the top 10 fundraisers for the Santa Barbara MS Walk.

In the future, Hilary plans to stay growth-minded and continue working to figure out better ways to serve her clients. “I’m always trying to provide even better service,” she says. “No matter what the economic climate is,” Hilary has found, “it’s important to have someone in your corner who is calm, and who educates their clients.

I’m very truthful with my clients, but I’m also not scary.

I help them find calm in all the craziness. That builds trust, and a long-standing relationship for years to come.

To find out more about Hilary Blaha, call 661-313-2591, visit hilaryblaha.com, or email hilary@hilaryblaha.com www.

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Coaching 9-1-1

By Walter Sanford

Having a coach can provide the right answers when you need it. Below is an exchange with one of our coaching clients and it provided a little “911” for his current situation: Coaching Client: I went on what I thought was a great listing presentation yesterday. However, the couple would not sign at our meeting. They said they needed to talk. I then felt like something was up.

Walter: On the phone while making the appointment, one of the questions needs to be – “If everything meets with your approval, are you wanting to start the marketing plan tomorrow night when I meet with you?”

Coaching Client: The guy just left me a voicemail saying they loved everything I had to offer; however, they were listing with some schmo that doesn’t do any FRICKIN’ business.

Walter: Always make it your goal to get the signature! Fake that you are Top Agent Magazine

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leaving then do the “Columbo” and say, “So, I can email all answers at the office – what are you thinking about so I can do more research for you?”

Coaching Client: They said they had a personal connection that really suggested that they use this guy. I know them as well and I can hear the conversation: the (name) Team are doing just fine and (name) really needs the business. How in the heck do I fight that?

Walter: Let’s not try to fight until you are sure that’s what happened. Call them back. “(Wife’s name) and I are always trying to improve our services.

Could you help me by letting me know what I could have done differently to earn your business? Was there anything I could have improved on for you?”

Coaching Client: This other guy doesn’t even know how to spell marketing much less apply it! I am as mad as I have been since getting into real estate.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Walter: If that was the REAL reason, you needed to find it out while you were there then counter it by letting them know that more than anything else…an agent makes the difference on the amount a seller nets at the closing. Experience makes a difference in – • A large buyer database • More trust from buyers • More money to spend on marketing • The ability to convert leads into showings by uncovering needs of buyers and demonstrating how your property fulfills them having experience in negotiating • Understanding in how to write contracts to prevent post-closing seller litigation • Having a team who monitors every aspect of the closing successfully • Overcoming objections and challenges in the most cost-effective manner Walter Sanford has been designing and implementing real estate systems for 30 years.

One of the most successful REALTORS® and now wealthy from his systems, Sanford teaches his systems and strategies through his products, seminars, and personal coaching producing the best results in the industry. Do what works, do what is proven. Hire Walter Sanford. Call our office at 800.792.5837, email walter@waltersanford.com, or chat with Copyright©, Walter Sanford. All rights reserved. us online at www.waltersanford.com.

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ROSEMARIE DUMADARA Rosemarie Dumadara, who goes by Rose, got started when her friend and neighbor suggested getting her real estate license in 2000. A year or two later, she had her license and has been in the business ever since, working as a broker with her team in the Santa Barbara County area. Besides real estate, she’s also a mortgage broker.

“I would like to hire more Realtors® and more loan officers,” Rose says of her future plans, which also include expanding their geographic location.

“Hopefully this year, we can open a branch in Hawaii and be a direct, full-legal lender.”

Achieving these goals is something Rose is optimistic about. “Nothing is impossible. If you put your mind into something you’d like to do, it can be done.”

Today. Rose sees about 70% repeat and referral business. “It’s the experience, the trust, and the service,” she says, that keeps people coming back.

“I’m very dedicated. It’s not about the money that I make, it’s the service that I provide to my clients.

Money is secondary, my first priority is listening to and helping the clients.”

To stay in touch, Rose reaches out via email and text, and also sends out birthday and holiday cards with the help of her team. And when it comes to reaching new clients, she uses several services. As a Zillow Premier Agent, advertising through that platform is automatic, and she also uses Facebook and other social media, as well as professional photography and video to show off properties.

“It’s the feeling that I am able to help a family buy a home, especially when they think they can’t, and then they are able to,” Rose says. Helping out is a huge part of Rose’s life outside of real estate, too.

She’s active in her Filipino community, as well as in her church as a member of the choir. “I participate in about 90% of the church’s activities,” she says. “I just started a foundation to help seniors and educate people about their credit and how to get housing, both in my community here and also in the Philippines.”

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To learn more about Rosemarie Dumadara, please visit newamerica-realty.com, Facebook at facebook.com/newamericarealtyca, email rosemariedumadara@gmail.com, or call (805) 478-4784 www.

www.

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3 Easy At-Home DIY Projects to Increase Property Value Most homeowners have a lengthy list of chores and bit projects they intend to accomplish around the house. Oftentimes, those to-do items are completed piecemeal over a long stretch of time, or else sometimes not at all. However, when it comes time to prepare a home for market, all those tasks begin to pile-up and overwhelm. The 20

list of things to do before the photographer comes or the first open house is held might seem endless, but not if you tackle just a few things here and there as you go. These sorts of projects—easy, DIY, at-home tasks you can accomplish in a few hours or less, with tools you most likely have on hand— go a long way with marginal effort.

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Complete a quick rehab of closets and storage areas Many agents advise clients to declutter and depersonalize their spaces ahead of professional photography and home showings. The idea is to provide prospective buyers with a neutral palette. Not only does this allow them to imagine their own lives unfolding within those four walls, but it also helps make a home’s square footage stand out. One way to add visual space to your home without calling in the contractor is to declutter common storage areas and closets. When buyers can get a complete look at a closet’s capacity, or a pantry’s depth, or the garage’s full functional potential, they get a better sense of a home’s potential and thus, its value.

In that vein, consider decluttering and cleaning your high-traffic storage spaces: the garage, pantries, closets, attics, and basements. Besides, organizing and discarding unwanted items help you prep for a move anyway, while giving potential buyers a peak at how spacious your home really is.

Add easy curb appeal with a bit of sweat equity Sure, curb appeal can arrive in the form of a new mailbox, pathway lighting, or updated house numbers, but it can also come cheaper than that. Curb extends to the upkeep of your lawn, landscaping, and home’s façade, and there are plenty of ways Top Agent Magazine

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you can give these zones a refresh without spending anything but time. Keeping your front and back yard green and uniform adds a lux layer to exterior square footage.

Likewise, polishing the outside of your windows, trimming hedges, and sweeping the walkway can make a tidy and wellcared for first impression. There are other measures you can take too. Planting wildflower seeds in empty beds, or collecting some landscaping rocks to frame mulched areas can add a bit of character to your residence. Repainting the front door, ensuring trees are trimmed, and keeping back patios 22

neat and uncluttered also underscore a home at its finest, which is ripe for buyers to snatch up.

Transform tiled spaces into sparkling clean surfaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens are where sellers can stand to add plenty of value in the process of selling a home. While pricey renovations might be out of the question for some, there are still affordable and time-effective ways you can transform for these spaces for the better. Cleaning,

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bleaching, or redoing your tile grout—in either kitchens, bathrooms, or other tiled spaces—can give these high-trafficked areas a new lease on life. Ensuring windows, mirrors, stainless steel appliances and backsplashes are streak-free and polished also demonstrate to buyers that your home is well-cared for and practically move-in ready. Sometimes, the devil is in the details. You might consider relining drawers, changing out knobs and fixtures,

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or else decluttering cabinets and shelves for a fresher look.

No matter the challenges ahead as you prepare your home for sale, completing a few small tasks every weekend or so can put you miles ahead of the competition.

Without spending a dime, you can add serious value to your home’s bottom line, setting you up for success as you begin your own home-shopping adventure.

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Creative Ways to Say Thank You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

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

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

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

Top Agent Magazine

KARIM WAHBA Karim Wahba never intended to join the real estate business. “It was one of those coincidences,” he remembers. Six years ago, he was helping some overseas relatives house-hunt stateside, coordinating with agents on the ground and gathering information. “I really enjoyed the process and decided to get into it.”

Now, more than half-a-decade later, Karim has built a reputation as an agent known for his forthright communication, superlative service, and personal touch.

Today, Karim spearheads his work under the banner of Realty One Group. There, he heads a tightknit team, comprised of three agents, a full-time assistant, and a marketing assistant. Together, they serve clients across the Orange County region from the offices in Irvine.

Almost the entirety of Karim’s business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust his market experience, attention to detail, and proven track record of results. “We have very good systems in place, and we’re more in it for relationships and future referrals than just looking at transactions as a one-off experience,” he says. “We’re intentional about making sure our clients’ expectations are met and exceed throughout, whether they’re buying or selling. That’s what it all comes down to.”

When marketing properties, Karim and his team invest in a full-service campaign that leaves no detail unaccounted for. To showcase properties in their most immersive light, the Wahba Group customizes their extensive marketing campaign for each listing they take. Each home is showcased through an encompassing architectural media package which includes professional photography, full video production and home-specific marketing. This also means ads on social media, exposure across the leading online listing platforms, local flyers, and open houses attract interest near and far. Likewise, creative launch events— including fun and inviting options such as mariachi Top Agent Magazine

bands, food trucks, caterers, and other entertainment— bolster visibility amongst neighbors and in the wider community. Last year, Karim closed twenty-four transactions to the tune of $14-million in volume, ranging in value from $200,000 flips and investments, to $1.75million estates.

Beyond the office, Karim enjoys free time spent with his family and loved ones, trying out new restaurants in the area, and traveling, with recent destinations including Egypt and London, and Hawaii to come. As for the years ahead, Karim intends to keep progress going steady as his business continues to grow with each aspiring buyer or seller he serves. “We hope to serve more and more people and their families in our community,” he says. “We also want to grow our team organically when we find those professionals that fit our mentality and goals.”

Finally, with six years of experience and insight to his name, Karim Wahba considers what he enjoys most about his chosen field. “It’s really fulfilling when you’re able to help someone, whether it’s buying or selling, and I see it now more than ever,” he says. “The people I helped buy houses years ago have been able to accumulate wealth, and it’s amazing to see the things they’ve been able to do and that it’s changed their lives for the better. That’s what real estate can do.”

To learn more about Karim Wahba email Karim@WahbaGroup.com, visit WahbaGroup.com, or call 949-943–4186 www.

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