SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 6-1-20

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

How to

BE THEIR REALTOR® FOR LIFE:

How to Build a Relationship with Your Clients that Will Last a Lifetime

COVER STORY

OLGA LAVALLE

SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS UNCOMMON CONTACT: CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

FEATURED AGENTS

AMIR KHADIR TAYLOR NORTH

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

TAYLOR NORTH

Top Agent Taylor North – of San Luis levels of customer Bay Realty – heart is in the 7 in Avila Beach, California 15 AMIR KHADIR their is a hardworking, deeply knowledgeable not going to be ab Realtor. He also truly cares about every the right product. I Top Agent and multi-millionprofessional one of his many clients in the San Luis my buyers and sell dollar producer Amir Khadir that each pro Obispo County on the central coast of relationships with – of Keller Williams Realty sales for topm The Golden State. “I find major joy in in Temecula, California – has mention happ helping my clients through any type of Taylor, who consis nearly two decades of experience real estate transaction,” says Taylor, who of professionalism providing his many 23 buyers and Amir, who ha specializes in both new development suit and sellers with top- notch quality his tie, realregard estate OLGA LAVALLE AMIR KHADIR TAYLOR NORTH homes and resale properties. Having built or the weather service. Hardworking, increddoes for –a is liv his considerable business on a foundation tarian,also providing th ibly knowledgeable, and truly developi of honesty and integrity, Taylor has more than earned for his clients regardless of the pr committed to helping his clients achieve their real estate the closing ta his stellar reputation as a trusted real estate advisor for action.

Extensive, cutting-edge goals, Amir has earned his reputation as a trusted and their real estm both buyers and sellers. are employed for both a $140,000 honest advocate for his many customers in Riverside, advice on thin $20 million mansion.

“Every hou Orange and North San Diego Counties. the market; a CONTENTS Born and raised on the Central Coast, Taylor relocated with the same respect because an to Canada at theAmir age of eighteen, where in he real parlayed and joy,” saysWhen Taylor.he’s no began his journey estate aspride a commercial ® his enthusiasm and natural aptitude learning into a 4) BE THEIR REALTOR 17)forWHY DELEGATING IS agent in 2001 in Virginia and West Virginia before relohis communi position working for Ford Motor Company, where he When he’s not working, Taylo FOR LIFE: HOW TO BUILD cating to California THEinKEY TO LONG-LASTING 2007, initially signing on with RE/ pation in Kel quickly became the top salesperson in his office and philanthropist, and as a lifelon MAX as a residential real estate broker, before moving provides ass A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SUCCESS was soon promoted to Online Sales Manager, in which supports the San Luis Obispo Cou over to Keller Williams.

Currently, Amir holds a perfect, Thursday in M CLIENTS THAT position WILL LAST he gleaned knowledge that would become nity among other organizations. H five-star overall20) rating on industry website Zillow.com.

SPEED forthcoming careerHOW in real TO estate. civicUP betterment programs like hi A LIFETIME invaluable to his“We felt very supported by Amir during a complicated Amir’s plans FIRST-TIME “When I turned twenty-two,” recalls Taylor, “myHOMEBUYER stepselling process.

For every challenge that came up Amir his business father flew me down to San Luis Obispo County and “I truly love being able to help TRANSACTIONS 13) UNCOMMON CONTACT: resource available to solve it. We appreciated his hesacrificing no showed me somehad of athe development projects he has when asked what enjoys most calm, and availability,” long been CONNECTING WITH CLIENTELE been working on.

He professional then offered manner me a job at his Sanready “Being able to helphas someone fin reads just one of his glowing reviews.

Luis Bay Realty to represent the new homes he was home means the world to me.”

THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA Anyone look building. I decided to jump on board.”

Currently, a significant portion of Amir’s considerable serves could is then based upon repeat customers and referrals, With a busin That was in 2012,business and since Taylor’s business has a sure sign that he is providing the very best in client client can res grown exponentially year after year, based in large part Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 service.

“I think it’s because I’m dedicated to them and I on the exceptional, go-above-and-beyond service that mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com don’t give up,” says Amir, when asked how he manages he and his equally dedicated team provide.

Currently, to inspire such impressive levels of loyalty and trust. thebelion’s share in ofany his manner business is based upon repeat and No portion of this issue may reproduced whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent “I’m ethical, and I’m very good at negotiating, both on referredPublications clients, perhaps the mostprecautions accurate are barometer Magazine is published by Feature GA, Inc. Although taken to ensure the accuracy of published the and sellingexpressed side.”

Amir works heavily materials, Top Agent Magazine be held responsible for opinions or facts supplied by its authors. of acannot job well done inbuying the highly competitive world ofalso To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. with investors, helping them find the perfect properties, real estate. “Having been around sales most of my life, For more about Tay Published in the U.S. many with theare process I’ve come to seeand thatassisting most sales personnel doingof REO’s and bank please call 805-709 and pre-foreclosures. their jobs simplyowned for thecourthouse paycheck,” step saysauctions Taylor, when email SanLuisBayRe asked how he manages to inspire such impressive Amir is also an expert marketer of his listings. “I obviTop Agent Magazine 3 ously use the MLS, and I also heavily utilize the internet Copyrigh and social media sites,” he says. “I also stay in touch

Be Their REALTOR for Life: ®

How to Build a Relationship with Your Clients That Will Last a Lifetime In the world of real estate, an agent’s relationship with their clients can make or break their career. This industry revolves around working well with people, and being able to develop a strong relationship with your clients is the foundation that you business is based upon.

Just like with a house, if that foundation is weak, the rest of the structure is also going to be unsteady and fragile. The mark of a good REALTOR® is their ability to build up a good referral network and following of loyal clients. This isn’t something that just happens by accident. Building healthy, strong relationships with your clients takes work and knowing how to gain another person’s trust, respect, and friendship. Here are some ways to make sure you are building the right kind of relationship with your clients.

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1. Use Your Friendliness and Optimism to Win Them Over: No one wants a pushy, overly confident salesperson for a REALTOR®. Clients are much more inclined to put their trust in the hands of someone who is friendly when it comes to one of the biggest financial transactions of their lives. A pleasant, outgoing disposition will win you more clients as well as friends. You want to establish rapport in the first few minutes of first meeting prospective clients. Rather than starting with business right off the bat, begin your meeting with some small talk such as similar interests, hobbies, and family life. This will immediately help to put your clients at ease, and show that you are not simply trying to “sell” them something.

People also respond well to optimism. During what can be a very stressful time, clients need someone to help them stay positive when a situation looks difficult and challenging. Optimism also tends to radiate charisma, and people want to be around and do business with charismatic people. You want to learn how to understand, motivate, and inspire people.

2. Be an Inquisitive Learner and an Empathetic Listener:

On the other side of this coin is knowing how to listen empathetically. Empathy involves actually putting yourself or your mind in their shoes so you can genuinely understand their concerns, needs, and opinions. That understanding and empathy is then reflected in your conversation with that client. Your clients want to know that you care about their situation, and that they’re not just another sale for you to make. People are much more willing to put their trust in you when they can sense that you are actually making an effort to feel what they feel in order to understand their situation.

Showing your interest through questions, and then thoughtfully listening goes a long way towards gaining trust. Showing empathy and acknowledging the feelings and emotions involved in your clients situation helps build a relationship founded on genuine care and trust.

3. Watch for Nonverbal Clues:

Don’t be afraid to show your curiosity and ask your clients a lot of questions. Some of these questions may even be difficult and uncomfortable. You want to discover and learn as much as you can about your client. Don’t make the mistake of jumping straight into the role of the know-it-all. Every different client has unique needs, so you want to learn as much as you can about their specific situation before trying to propose a solution. You want to uncover their primary motive for buying or selling, and flush Top Agent Magazine

out any potential concerns they might have.

After you’ve gained as much information as possible, you can then gauge their interest in your possible solutions by asking “what if” questions. Being inquisitive also demonstrates to your clients that you are genuinely interested and invested in their situation.

Most communication happens nonverbally, so knowing how to interpret your client’s body language can be incredibly helpful. Here are a few things to pay special attention to: Eye contact: Be careful with the level of eye contact you use with clients when first meeting.

Too much and too little eye contact can send the wrong impression. You want to try and maintain eye contact around 70 percent of the time. That is the amount that most people are comfortable with. Pay attention to your client’s level of eye

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contact to determine how comfortable they are.

When someone avoids eye contact that could mean they are not engaged in the conversation.

A good way to quickly build a feeling of rapport when first meeting clients is to make eye contact when you first meet them and then start nodding yes to what they’re saying. If the client reciprocates the eye contact and nodding, you’ve established a connection.

4. Prove your honesty and credibility:

Choose the right handshake for each client: One handshake does not fit all people, and that first handshake can be crucial to making a good first impression. The way to do a good handshake for each client is to try and mirror the other person’s handshake in strength, keep your shoulders aligned as you are preferably standing when you shake hands. While you shake your client’s hand make sure you make eye contact and give them a sincere smile.

Showing a little weakness can actually be to your advantage in this situation, and will actually make others more inclined view you as honest. You don’t want to come across as too good to be true. When revealing this weakness, however, the key to coming out on top is turning what sounds like a weakness into a strength. For example, your service may be more expensive, but that’s because you offer more personalized and extra services than your competitors.

Honesty and integrity are the two traits that 98 percent of buyers and sellers report are qualities they consider “very important”. The thing is you can say you have these traits all you want on your website, bio, etc., but trust has to be earned, and the only way to do this is to prove your credibility.

Here are a few tips for how to sound more credible:

When you talk to your clients avoid using filler words such as “um” and “uh”, which can decrease your credibility. You also want to watch the tone of your voice. People tend to translate a deeper tone as sounding more credible.

You want to develop a relationship to last a lifetime when interacting with your clients. There are many things you can do to accomplish this, and using these tips can take you from getting just a few referrals and repeat customers to gaining a loyal client following. Taking the little extra time to make sure you are projecting the right attitude and making sure that you are doing things to gain your client’s trust can make a world of difference for your business.

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OLGA LAVALLE Top Agent Magazine

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OLGA LAVALLE Top Agent Olga Lavalle of Douglas Elliman of California specializes in all Coronado, but is an expert in Coronado Shores.

Olga Lavalle came to the real estate business from a successful career in communications in Mexico. She was a news anchor and an editor-in-chief of five magazines, as well as working in other 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

roles in TV, Radio, and Cinema. In 2003, after moving to the US with a one-way ticket and her two young kids, she worked with her mom in Real Estate for 14 years until Olga joined Douglas Elliman of Top Agent Magazine

1750 Avenida del Mundo # 1502

California in 2019. Her excellent communication skills and deep connection to the community give her a unique ability to serve her buyers and sellers. She is fluent in Spanish, English and French.

Olga specializes in all Coronado CA, but is an expert in Coronado Shores. It is a Top Agent Magazine

place that is near and dear to her because when she was growing up in Mexico her family had a second home here. “I know it by heart,” Olga says of Coronado. “I’ve always loved this place, since the early 80’s. I actually grew up with a lot of my friends, that have now become my clients.” Almost 85% of Olga’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, and she attributes this impressive rate to her deep familiarity with the community she serves. “Since I grew up with a lot of my clients, they trust me and know I am an honest, caring person. I put a lot of love and hard work in what I do. I love to see my clients ride their bikes here in the summer with their families and get to experience the Coronado quality way of life.”

Staying in touch with past buyers and sellers is a priority to Olga. Many of them follow her Instagram account, @olgalavallerealtor, which keeps them up to date. She also makes sure to reach out directly to them at regular intervals sending them local information and the list of ALL units for sale at “The Shores,” since many of the people she works with end up being repeat clients.

When she markets a listing, Olga makes use of the resources she has access to through Douglas Elliman. “As an agent, I have huge support nationwide from Douglas Elliman as well as International,” she says. “That allows me to reach other Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

areas as well.� In addition to advertising in local newspapers and magazines, she also advertises on social media including Facebook and Instagram, which allows her to reach an even wider range of potential buyers and sellers.

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Olga’s connection to her community includes being active in local civic life. She has been involved with the Coronado Rotary Club, and she also volunteers with local communities and helps a school in Tijuana for Top Agent Magazine

“I am an honest, caring person — I put a lot of love and hard work in what I do. I love to see my clients ride their bikes here in the summer with their families and get to experience the Coronado quality way of life.” underprivileged kids. When she is not working or giving back, she loves spending time with family, knitting, walking, yoga, going to the movies, enjoying the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and reading.

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In the future, Olga plans to grow her business with human administrative resources and concentrate more on the human side that she loves so much. “My favorite part of real estate is meeting and helping Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

people,” Olga Lavalle says. “Ninety percent of my clients have become my friends, and I’ve gotten close with them over the

years. I love communicating with my clients, and I love serving and being able to help in any way I can.”

To find out more about Olga Lavalle, call 619.995.6259, or email Olga.Lavalle@elliman.com. You can also find her online at olgalavalle.elliman.com. She is on Instagram and Facebook at instagram.com/olgalavallerealtor https://

www.

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Uncommon Contact:

Connecting with Clientele Through Social Media Social media is one of the newest and most powerful tools in an agent or mortgage professional’s arsenal. With just a few keystrokes, you can stay top-of-mind with buyers, sellers, and borrowers near and far, past and present. The key is knowing how to use these mediums to your advantage, working smarter instead of harder to keep the thread of professional relationships intact. With that in mind, here are a few ways you can maximize the pull and power of social media by shifting just a few of your ideas and practices for the better.

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Not everything has to be about business.

While your relationship with a client or fellow vendor began over the course of business, your relationship going forward doesn’t have to be limited. One of the great things about social media is that’s it’s social. Not every comment, post, or communication has to revolve around your business, its metrics, or turning a sale. In fact, you should do your best to branch out and curate a brand and online identity that’s about who you are and

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the lifestyle you’re authentically interested in living. In that vein, consider interacting with clients in an organically-driven way, encouraging them during life’s milestones, reaching out with a local event, restaurant, or news item that’s relevant to their interests or neighborhood. The goal is to be a persistent presence in their lives without feeling like a talking head. Engage as you would like to be engaged with, as a human being with interests and needs and boundaries. Keep that personal thread in mind and your dynamic will shift from past business contact to present resource.

Expand your medium.

Many Realtors are comfortable on Facebook as an interactive meeting to connect with clients, but there are several other mediums where you can connect with clients both past and present, as well as future. Particularly when courting Millennial clientele, the fastest-growing segment of the buying market, a presence on Instagram and Snapchat are key to finding new faces, demonstrating hot properties, and creating an interactive brand as an agent. Not only does this help when you’re listing a property and seeking potential buyers, but it also serves as a perusable portfolio of your work and real estate prowess. You can also use these mediums to interact with clients on an outlet they might feel most comfortable in. Liking pictures, commenting, streaming Instagram Live home tours and Stories are all ways you can build engagement by simply spreading your social media presence around. Likewise, 14

these photo and video driven mediums are popular for home design ideas, and before and after renovation pictures. When you expand from Facebook into these new platforms, you’ll already have plenty of visual content ready to be transferred and consumed by an expanded audience.

Don’t just react.

Create your own content.

It’s easy enough to post a link to a new listing, or retweet a helpful article on real estate news. Creating your own organic content is a different story, but worth its weight in gold when it comes to luring engagement, ranking higher in search fields, and overall crafting an interactive presence for yourself and your business online—which is where more than 90% of homebuyers and sellers begin their process. Creating your own content can seem risky, or else like no one is listening in a digital world already crowded with information. However, original content is sure to boost personal engagement with your social media pages, guaranteed.

Instead of recycling content, consider posting a video with a Q+A theme for first-time homebuyers, or perhaps posting a live tour of a new listing will perk up your clientele surfing at home.

No matter how you decide to expand your social media presence when it comes to interacting with clients, consistency is key.

Find the ways that work best for you and stick to them, and you’ll watch your audience and business grow in tandem.

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AMIR KHADIR Top Agent and multi-milliondollar producer Amir Khadir – of Keller Williams Realty in Temecula, California – has nearly two decades of experience providing his many buyers and sellers with top- notch quality service. Hardworking, incredibly knowledgeable, and truly committed to helping his clients achieve their real estate goals, Amir has earned his reputation as a trusted and honest advocate for his many customers in Riverside, Orange and North San Diego Counties.

professional photography, including drones, ensures that each property is shown in its best light, and quick sales for top dollar is the most frequent outcome, not to mention happy clients.

Amir began his journey in real estate as a commercial agent in 2001 in Virginia and West Virginia before relocating to California in 2007, initially signing on with RE/ MAX as a residential real estate broker, before moving over to Keller Williams. Currently, Amir holds a perfect, five-star overall rating on industry website Zillow.com.

“We felt very supported by Amir during a complicated selling process. For every challenge that came up Amir had a resource available to solve it. We appreciated his calm, professional manner and his ready availability,” reads just one of his glowing reviews.

When he’s not busy selling homes, Amir gives back to his community in myriad ways, including his participation in Keller Williams’ world-wide Red Day, which provides assistance to those in need on the second Thursday in May every year.

Currently, a significant portion of Amir’s considerable business is based upon repeat customers and referrals, a sure sign that he is providing the very best in client service. “I think it’s because I’m dedicated to them and I don’t give up,” says Amir, when asked how he manages to inspire such impressive levels of loyalty and trust.

“I’m ethical, and I’m very good at negotiating, both on the buying and selling side.” Amir also works heavily with investors, helping them find the perfect properties, and assisting many with the process of REO’s and bank owned courthouse step auctions and pre-foreclosures.

Amir is also an expert marketer of his listings. “I obviously use the MLS, and I also heavily utilize the internet and social media sites,” he says. “I also stay in touch with other agents to let them know about my listings when they are coming soon to the market, and I send out between five and seven thousand flyers.” Gorgeous Top Agent Magazine

Amir, who has closed over $125 million in sales during his real estate career so far, is passionate about what he does for a living. “I love talking to my customers, and also developing relationships with them that transcend the closing table,” says Amir. “I also help them by being their real estate financial asset manager, giving them advice on things like refinancing and the current state of the market; always coming from contribution.”

Amir’s plans for the future include continuing to build his business as a highly respected solo agent, while sacrificing none of the exceptional customer service that has long been his calling card.

Anyone looking to purchase a home in the areas Amir serves could do no better than to engage his services.

With a business based on a foundation of integrity, any client can rest assured that they are in safe hands.

For more information about Amir Khadir, please call 951-719-5692 or email Amir@ReoTemecula.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 15

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

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Top Agent Magazine

Why Delegating is the Key to Long-lasting Success Delegating isn’t a dirty word. In fact, it’s the secret weapon of some of the most successful real estate leaders out there. Those that want to succeed and lead a business built to last understand that delegating is the key to growth and longevity. While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

DELEGATING DEVELOPS YOUR MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE Have you ever considered that delegating tasks and responsibilities can help you, as Top Agent Magazine

a leader, develop your managerial skills?

While the main objective of delegation is to distribute work in a balanced, efficient way, it’s also a chance to assign tasks with insight, calibrating your team in the process.

Consider delegation an opportunity to build strengths and address weaknesses on your team by choosing specific tasks for specific employees. You can also work on and expand your communication skills, find ways to streamline your delegation tactics, and create opportunities for collaboration. Don’t just delegate blindly, be thoughtful in how you parcel out the workload and responsibilities. Doing so will allow you to fortify your

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While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

management skills, in addition to lightening your load for the better.

DELEGATING BUILDS COLLECTIVE CONFIDENCE Another byproduct of delegating is that it builds collective confidence in the ranks of your office. By giving employees the chance to flex their skills and control their own small slice of the pie, you’ll be fostering a sense of responsibility and growth on your talent roster. Not only will your staff benefit from the chance to step out on their own, but the team will also benefit as a whole, as each member will attack their duties with a renewed sense of confidence and competence. This collective aptitude will translate to clients and industry colleagues, who will sense the power of a practiced, well-calibrated team in which each member has the chance to shine.

DELEGATING SHARPENS WEAK SPOTS IN OFFICE COMMUNICATION Proper delegation requires clear communication and the careful outlining of responsibilities, goals, and expectations. By regularly delegating to staff, you’ll be giving the whole office the chance to curtail careless communication habits and establish a new benchmark for quality correspondence. Begin by setting an example by clearly communicating delegated responsibilities, leaving the door open for 18

questions, and by making progress reports the standard. After a while, these good habits will become engrained in your team, and your office will benefit from a uniform and effective communication style, no matter the project.

DELEGATING TURNS ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTO A TEAM WIN The ultimate goal of delegating duties is to get the job done, but when you practice delegation, each team member will have a stake in the outcome. In other words, a job well done can be celebrated by all. Giving your team the chance to invest themselves in an overarching project allows for a big pay-off once success is achieved. Not only does this boost morale and provide meaningful motivation for daily work, but it also builds a sense of comradery among the ranks. What’s more, team members will know they’re taken seriously and considered valuable to the team’s dynamic. And don’t forget: a job well done is a reward in and of itself, but it also doesn’t hurt to demonstrate your gratitude for a team goal accomplished.

Delegating responsibilities isn’t a new idea, but the benefits are more plentiful than most imagine. With that in mind, capitalize on opportunities to delegate and you’ll not only be bolstering your business, but building your team and your own professional profile for the long haul.

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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 20

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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TAYLOR NORTH Top Agent Taylor North – of San Luis Bay Realty in Avila Beach, California – is a hardworking, deeply knowledgeable Realtor. He also truly cares about every one of his many clients in the San Luis Obispo County on the central coast of The Golden State. “I find major joy in helping my clients through any type of real estate transaction,” says Taylor, who specializes in both new development homes and resale properties. Having built his considerable business on a foundation of honesty and integrity, Taylor has more than earned his stellar reputation as a trusted real estate advisor for both buyers and sellers.

Born and raised on the Central Coast, Taylor relocated to Canada at the age of eighteen, where he parlayed his enthusiasm and natural aptitude for learning into a position working for Ford Motor Company, where he quickly became the top salesperson in his office and was soon promoted to Online Sales Manager, in which position he gleaned knowledge that would become invaluable to his forthcoming career in real estate.

“When I turned twenty-two,” recalls Taylor, “my stepfather flew me down to San Luis Obispo County and showed me some of the development projects he has been working on. He then offered me a job at San Luis Bay Realty to represent the new homes he was building. I decided to jump on board.”

That was in 2012, and since then Taylor’s business has grown exponentially year after year, based in large part on the exceptional, go-above-and-beyond service that he and his equally dedicated team provide. Currently, the lion’s share of his business is based upon repeat and referred clients, perhaps the most accurate barometer of a job well done in the highly competitive world of real estate. “Having been around sales most of my life, I’ve come to see that most sales personnel are doing their jobs simply for the paycheck,” says Taylor, when asked how he manages to inspire such impressive Top Agent Magazine

levels of customer loyalty. “But unless their heart is in the right place, they’re not going to be able to find their client the right product. I genuinely care about my buyers and sellers, and I build close relationships with most of them.”

Taylor, who consistently projects an air of professionalism – he always wears a suit and tie, regardless of the situation or the weather – is also decidedly egalitarian, providing the same levels of care for his clients regardless of the price point of the transaction. Extensive, cutting-edge marketing techniques are employed for both a $140,000 trailer home or for a $20 million mansion. “Every house needs to be shown with the same respect because any home is someone’s pride and joy,” says Taylor.

When he’s not working, Taylor is very much the philanthropist, and as a lifelong hockey player he supports the San Luis Obispo County Hockey community among other organizations. He also participates in civic betterment programs like highway cleanups.

“I truly love being able to help people,” says Taylor, when asked what he enjoys most about his profession.

“Being able to help someone find a house to make a home means the world to me.”

For more about Taylor North, please call 805-709-1126 or email SanLuisBayRealty@gmail.com

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