SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 7-20-20

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

Embracing Smart Homes: Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

GOAL CONTRACTS

(A LIFE SKILL FROM THE OLD SCHOOL)

FEATURED AGENTS

KELLY McLAREN CHRIS RICHARDSON

Welcome Home: WORKING WITH RELOCATORS IN TRANSITION

COVER STORY

MICHELLE PENDERGAST

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

CHRIS RICHARDSON

It’s safe to say Chris Richardson grew up see what successful r 7 19 25 KELLY McLAREN surrounded by the business of real estate. are doing in those a Obtaining his license at the age of 18, Chris learn from them so Before going into real estate, For her compassi worked with his dad, a 45-year veteran of cutting edge at our co Kelly McLaren worked in sales her clients, Kelly the industry and founder of Richardson and business development for California, as evi Properties, while attending college. After An important core v a Fortune-50 jet engine manureferrals. Furtherm graduating, he joined his dad full-time, and ally is giving back facturer and later in aircraft clients well beyo together they grew Richardson Properties his community, whic maintenance operations and hands on,” she sa from just three people, into the leading indeon various local com marketing on a global scale. not here for just pendent real estateKELLY brokerage in San Luis CHRIS RICHARDSON generation, mental h MICHELLE PENDERGAST McLAREN After moving from Canada to one, and the next Obispo County with an office of 55 agents. as housing. “Those Corona, California, she started And when his uncle came to Chris with a are so vital to the he investing in properties around the area. Seeing how these Outside of her ca business idea in 2014, they started another company— I think it’s critical to be a part of investments were likely to expand, she was inspired to her community. F Strand Hill—in Manhattan Beach. The company, which work and community involvem attain her license. to sponsor and c started out with 5 agents, is currently a bustling number active on his new Peloton bike the local busines one office in Manhattan and Hermosa Beach, with socialize.

CONTENTS Today, Kelly is the Lead of the Kelly McLaren Real also contributes a 115 agents on deck. Chris serves as President of both Estate Group through Keller Williams Realty, where she a microfinancing Richardson Properties and Strand Hill, which make Although adjusting to the ne services clients throughout Orange County and Western support to entrep 4) EMBRACINGalmost SMART 16) GOAL CONTRACTS a billion and a half in sales volume per year.

COVID-19 pandemic has bee Riverside County. By applying her elite background in and others often HOMES: DOES NEW (A LIFE SKILL FROMcompanies, THE OLD Chris is extremely marketing and business, she has developed a workflow she’s not working Running two highly profitableSCHOOL) companies has given future of his business and what l TECHNOLOGY REALLY to assist clients all across the region in 19 cities and on her newly acq Chris a lot of perspective on what goes into making tantly, he looks forward to contin counting. “I love problem-solving to help people reach INCREASE HOME VALUE? a business successful.

“I’veshe helped build both of themorevalues and ethics that have their goals,” says. “There’s nothing rewarding Looking aheadsha to companies from theguiding grounda client up, and one of the keyHOME: ness. “You cangrowth do wellofand 22) WELCOME than through a transaction.” herdobu factors is to find people that align with your organizaMeaning, you can a profita sighthave of the perso 13) IF IT’S GOOD FOR WORKING WITH RELOCATORS tion’s core values.

And in order to do that, youleans haveon to her can also give back and do som When listing a property, Kelly sales expesuccess in the firs THE SOUL, IT’S truly GOOD FORyour core values INand TRANSITION understand the traits of your community.

And that’s what we rience and strong attention to detail. After helping her just to grow,” she THE BUSINESS company. For us, it’s providing a high level she of service to with profesclients prepare their home, suits them on doing the righ our clients, justsional as much as it is about being able to help photography, videography, social media and with all the oppor them. We believe in being a resource for ourbuzz clients, and neighborhood. open houses to generate in the treating people Beyond how we that, want to be treated,” Kelly reaches he outsays. to her vast database

and her fellow agents to connect potential buyers to the It’s this ethicallisting. approach to business that hasshe helped Throughout the process, remains present for Chris establish a large base of repeat and referral clients.

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 her clients with a customized, face-to-face service. “I “I want to make the transaction as smooth as “You possible communicate a lot,” she says. have to provide a mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com for my clients. clear I |think they truly appreciate my atten-to happen from path, so clients know what’s going to detail, my experience, understanding of of the publisher. Top Agent No portion of this issue maytion be reproduced inthe any manner whatsoever prior consent beginning toand themy endwithout of their transaction.”

Magazine is published by Feature Publications Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published the market.”

AndGA, in order to provide them with the best materials, Top Agent Magazine cannotChris be held responsible forcontinually opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. service, works hard toKelly learnsame and stay Elsewhere, takes this attentive approach To learn more about Ch To subscribe or change address, send to mag@topagentmagazine.com. on top ofinquiry all new real assisting estate trends. love getting out of unmatched when her “I buyers.

On top please call (805) Published in the U.S. and going to conferences, and learning what people are communication, she also harnesses her professional email chris@richardsonp doing in other network markets like Manhattan, Hills, Fo to make sure a Beverly deal goes smoothly. “When or visit richardsonpro San Francisco, you Miami, Chicago.

I’m always curious to build strong relationships with other agents, they em Top Agent Magazine 3 trust you,” she says. “Through those connections, I’m vi Copyrig working hard to position our offer to be accepted before www.

Embracing Smart Homes:

Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

Technology and innovation move at a lightning-fast clip, so it can be hard to keep up with all the smart-home trends sweeping the market at a given time. From smart thermostats to security systems accessed through an app on your phone—there are endless options to customize and update your home for the modern era. But which, if any, of these smart home products add 4

value to property in a significant, worthwhile capacity? Especially with new generations of the same products released in quick succession, it can be hard to determine whether it’s worth it to take the plunge. With that in mind, we’ve conducted a deep-dive into the smart home options out there that make the most sense for your bottom line and real estate investments.

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Smart home amenities range in price and return.

There are certain smart home products that won’t break the bank while still adding lovely touches and time-saving features to your space. For instance, a smart thermostat may not run more than a few hundred dollars, but it can take so much of the guesswork and analog nuisance out of programming your home’s internal environment. That said, buyers selling properties with mid-range amenities like this can’t expect a windfall in return. While smart home features can certainly lure buyers and give the sense that a home is attractively modern (and thus move-in ready), it doesn’t mean that you’ll be reaping a sizable monetary reward for your foresight. Conversely, this reality doesn’t mean those smart options

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are without value entirely; it just means that the value of smart home options may be apparent in a different capacity, like luring a particular buyer or creating a desirable, sleek image for a property headed to market.

On the other hand, larger scale smart home amenities that are being left behind for the buyer—like a smart refrigerator or wired sound throughout the property—may be able to lure particular buyers who value high-end details. While it can be difficult to state definitively the value of smart home options, the rule tends to be that the more you put in, the higher the likelihood you’ll reap the investment you sow. Focus your smart home options on home appliances first, then work your way toward security, thermostat, and entertainment options.

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Smart home amenities capture the attention of buyers

Agents must know how to pitch the value of smart home options

Even if you have mostly opted for small or mid-range smart home options, you can still benefit from their presence in a property—even if they don’t inflate your bottom line as a result. Smart home amenities have the power to focus the attention of buyers, sending a clear signal that the previous owners were tech-forward and made an effort to upgrade the property for the contemporary era. Millennial or Gen Z buyers especially value these up-to-date modifications, and the presence of these desirable gadgets can create added interest and drive up value naturally. Likewise, featuring these options in listing photography can also drive interest from younger or high-end buyers looking for move-in ready spaces.

Remember that smart home features are relatively fresh to the market. While some new construction properties are equipped with these smart amenities, just as many homes on the market don’t offer these upgrades and modern flairs. This means that many buyers, of all ages even, aren’t familiar with the benefits and perks of these options, let alone how they’re operated. Before you can derive value from a smart home or smart home features, you’ll need to understand a product’s proper usage, cost, and benefits. Do your homework regarding what smart home features can offer in terms time or cost savings, and be able to show prospective buyers how easy these objects are to use, as well. Do both, and you’ll be in proper command of what smart home features can offer buyers and pitch them accordingly.

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MICHELLE PENDERGAST Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Michelle Pendergast works solo, serving a large area of Los Angeles County with the majority of business coming from repeat and referral customers who have become like family to her.

After an immensely disappointing experience with her real estate agent, when purchasing a home, Michelle Pendergast decided to pursue a career in real estate herself. She used the disheartening experience as fuel for becoming the type of agent she would have liked to have, and vowed to never let any of her clients go through 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

a bad experience during the home buying process. Michelle has been in the business for close to 10 years now, and currently works solo, serving a large area of Los Angeles County.

The majority of Michelle’s business comes from repeat and referral customers who Top Agent Magazine

have become like family to her. And she’s been able to develop such a successful network of customers by earning their trust.

“My clients know that they can count on me and trust me. I treat them as if they’re a loved family member,” she says. And Top Agent Magazine

her clients know that they can rely on Michelle’s attentive approach to customer service, as well as her drive to give them the best possible transaction every single time.

“I strive for excellence in everything that I do. I believe that makes a big difference Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

“I love being able to help people buy a home for their families. I love helping them acquire real estate, and grow their real estate.

I like assisting them in building their portfolio.”

in this business.” In order to show her appreciation for their business and loyalty, Michelle sends out hand written cards, and stays connected and a part of their lives through social media.

Another useful aspect of social media is its marketing potential. Michelle appreciates the value of Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms in her marketing process. She also invests in top-notch photography and videography to professionally market her listings. And thanks to her successful strategy she sold 43 homes last year, and tends to average 13 million in sales volume per year. Her favorite part of the job isn’t the commission check, but instead it’s the ability to be of service to others that she appreciates the most. “I love being able to help people buy a home for their families. I love helping them acquire real 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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estate, and grow their real estate. I like assisting them in building their portfolio.�

It’s this caring approach about her clients, and wanting them to have substantial real estate resources that keeps them coming back to her.

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Outside of work Michelle is involved in various initiatives in her local community that are near and dear to her heart, such as organizations striving for better mental health care, and others that help keep her city aesthetically pleasing. She also loves Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

to spend quality time with her family. And as a brand new grandma, she’s enjoying every second spent with her grandbaby.

Going forward, Michelle wants to expand her business and potentially grow a team.

She’s currently going to school to get her

broker’s license. She would also like to get involved in property management, and partner up with a local lender. “I want to do something where I can offer more services with my belief system of giving back,” she says.

To learn more about Michelle Pendergast email michelle@michellependergast.com, visit MichellePendergast.com, or call 661–305–7091 www.

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If it’s good for the soul,

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

Visibility, name recognition and knowing you’re supporting the community that makes your success possible are good reasons to take part in community service. But how is it that some people seem to be able to give time to charities while running their own businesses, managing their own families and households, exercising regularly, attending sporting events and concerts, eating well and sleeping seven or eight hours a night?

The truth is, not all agents are able to do everything so easily. But more important is the fact that no one needs to do everything all of the time. The trick is to make sure that, whatever you do holds meaning.

REALTORS® and mortgage professionals who seem the most gregarious in their community outreach are those whose giving seems to fill their own souls. When their Top Agent Magazine

volunteer efforts or donations directly impact causes they or their clients care deeply about, “giving back” becomes energizing.

Jason O’Quinn of Prime Lending in Dallas Texas, for instance, says that his family’s ongoing work building homes for some of the poorest families in Honduras fills him immeasurably. “It rejuvenates me,” he says.

“There’s quite a dichotomy between the houses we build there and the houses we finance here,” he says. “It refocuses me, going from financing $1 million homes in Dallas to physically laying cinderblock for $10,000 homes in Honduras. Everything has more meaning when we sacrificially give of our time, talent and treasure.”

The longtime “big picture” for Colorado REALTOR® and property manager, Linda

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Todd, for instance, has included giving back to the community, whether serving as a lead carpenter for Habitat for Humanity, making deliveries for Meals on Wheels, or pitching in for the sake of baseball. And through her lifelong passion for baseball, she harmoniously blended her personal interests, her work and her community service. For many years, she was so involved Little League the local league named a new field after her. “I cried for 3 days after they told me that!” She and her husband also started a scholarship fund for junior college baseball players and serve as a host family for the rookie league of the Colorado Rockies, putting up newly drafted players in their home.

For Florida REALTOR® and property manager, Mario Gonzalez, neither his business nor his primary community outreach would exist without the other. A retired U.S. Navy pilot, Mario formed his brokerage, Navy to Navy Homes, when he saw a need for military personnel to find affordable homes to purchase. “We got into it to help, but that led to a full-blown real estate business.” Besides providing opportunities for investment and homeownership, the company donates 35% of every commission to Homes for Heroes, veterans’ groups, or organizations benefiting fire, police, medical organizations, churches and homeless shelters. “We’re small, but we give so much back that we were the top Homes for Heroes company in Florida and

top-five nationwide.” But he does none of this for the attention. His friends may call him the “Humble Hero of Heroes,” but helping is Mario’s passion. “To be such a small business and be the top Homes for Heroes affiliate is mind boggling!”

Like Mario, for many, the best service takes place in simple and quiet ways. Illinois REALTOR®, Susie Scheuber, for example, takes a humble approach to giving back. Although she donates a portion of every commission check to the Children’s Miracle Network, she doesn’t discuss this with clients unless they happen to ask. “I do it because I want to and because, to me, giving back is the right thing to do when you’ve been fortunate in business and life,” says Susie.

We all know how inertia works; the more energized we get by certain behaviors, the more likely we are to continue those behaviors. For some top agents, community outreach has become such a natural routine of their daily lives that they never find it burdensome. A good way to add community service into your life, therefore, is through the causes that mean the most to you. For starters, consider giving a small donation after closing to the charity of your client’s choosing. Learning the different causes that they care about just might foster a new mission for you.

If you have a unique story to share about how your community outreach has impacted your life and your business or inspired others, click here for consideration in our magazines: www.topagentmagazine.com/nominate-a-real-estate-agent-to-be-featured 14

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Goal Contracts

By Barry Eisen

(A Life Skill from the Old School) A few months ago I spoke at a real estate sales meeting in an office where I’ve spoken and taught seminars for many years. As soon as I was finished, an agent, who had transferred into this office about a year before, standing in the back of the room, graciously offered a glowing testimonial about my seminar he had taken ten years ago. He talked of a number meaningful changes for the better he had experienced in his life since that seminar. Then he took out 16

of his pocket a small number of 3 by 5 cards and held them up like he was holding the Holy Grail. Of all the internal and external techniques he was exposed to in the seminar, these cards (Goal Contracts) were his game changer.

I stopped guessing years ago, which ideas or systems I teach will be best or most appreciated. We all perceive ideas so differently. Generally, feedback I get in coaching sessions is Top Agent Magazine

that the biggest issue for most, who are not fulfilling their own personal promises, is lack of focus, not lack of ability or planning. There are lots of good ideas available to shake a person out of the Limbo they’ve created. Here’s one that has worked for many. If you like the idea, don’t just acknowledge it as a “nice idea.”

Do it for a month. Get past the initial new/awkward/judgmental stage. Then decide whether this is an idea worth continuing or not. Come from KNOWING, not second-guessing. 3. On the second line, answer the You have everything to gain and time question. What is the specific nothing to lose.

TARGET or DUE DATE for that goal to be accomplished? (A specific The Goal Contract date creates a sense of urgency.)

Get as many 3 X 5 cards for as many 4. On the third line of each card selected personal/business goals answer the HOW? question. This is the action step, where the rubber you’d like to accomplish. meets the road. How are you going 1. Create 4 horizontal lines across to get from where you are to where each card with a few spaces in you are going? Dig deeper than the lazy answer: “If I knew what to do between each.

I’d be doing it!” If you’ve crossed the street by yourself a few times You have everything to already, chances are you know what gain and nothing to lose. you need to do. Write this down in a few words on the third line.

2. On the top line of each card answer the question WHAT? What 5. On the bottom line of each card, is that card’s goal? Write that goal SIGN YOUR NAME. As simple and on the top line (e.g. Weigh 150 lbs., perhaps silly as this may seem, we $200,000, run a 42 minute 10K, etc). have been conditioned to live up to Top Agent Magazine

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you feel self conscious), on your office and home office desk, etc.

Just the physical act of moving the cards, subconsciously reinforces what the cards represent. Since most of our attitudes and actions are subconsciously motivated, you will feel more immediately compelled to make the better, usually more 6. Stick a small piece of double productive decision. sided tape on the back of each card.

This is a little idea that can play big 7. Carry these cards with you in getting you to another level. through the travels of your day. In Because it’s easy to do, it becomes your pocket or handbag, carry case, easy to NOT do. Do it, you’ll like it! on the dashboard of your car (not when you have others with you, if Copyright©, Barry Eisen.

responsibilities we sign for (mortgages, insurance, credit cards, cars, etc). Personal and business goals don’t generally fall into that category. A small action can have a huge impact. As you sign your name, feel the responsibility of your commitment.

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Barry Eisen teaches personal development seminars and coaches Southern California top producing rEALtOrS®. “Your business will never grow more than you do” is the theme; self hypnosis and behavior modification are the tools for playing a bigger game. barryeisen.com, barryeisen@LA.twcbc.com 818-769-4300 Top Agent Magazine

Kelly McLaren Top Agent Magazine

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KELLY McLAREN

Kelly is the Lead of the Kelly McLaren Real Estate Group through Keller Williams Realty, where she services clients throughout Orange County and Western Riverside County.

Before going into real estate, Kelly McLaren worked in sales and business development for a Fortune-50 jet engine manufacturer and later in aircraft maintenance operations and marketing on a global scale.

After moving from Canada to Corona, California, she started investing in properties around the area.

Seeing how these investments were likely to expand, she was inspired to attain her license.

When listing a property, Kelly leans on her sales experience and strong attention to detail. After helping her clients prepare their home, she suits them with professional photography, videography, social media and open houses to generate buzz in the neighborhood. Beyond that, Kelly reaches out to her vast database and her fellow agents to connect potential

Today, Kelly is the Lead of the Kelly McLaren Real Estate Group through Keller Williams Realty, where she services clients throughout Orange County and Western Riverside County. By applying her elite background in marketing and business, she has developed a workflow to assist clients all across the region in 19 cities and counting. “I love problem-solving to help people reach their goals,” she says. “There’s nothing more rewarding than guiding a client through a transaction.”

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buyers to the listing. Throughout the process, she remains present for her clients with a customized, face-to-face service. “I communicate a lot,” she says. “You have to provide a clear path, so clients know what’s going to happen from the beginning to the end of their transaction.”

Elsewhere, Kelly takes this same attentive approach when assisting her buyers. On top of unmatched communication, she also harnesses her professional network to make sure a deal goes smoothly.

“When you build strong relationships with other agents, they trust you,” she says. “Through those connections, I’m working hard to position our offer to be accepted before I even write it.”

For her compassion, professionalism and advocacy for her clients, Kelly has won a strong reputation around California, as evidenced by her quickly growing list of referrals. Furthermore, she values keeping in touch with clients well beyond the initial transaction. “I’m really hands on,” she says. “But there’s a reason for that: I’m not here for just one transaction. I’m here for the next one, and the next one, and the next one.”

Outside of her career, Kelly maintains an active role in her community. For the past two years, she has helped to sponsor and co-host a Vendor Fair, which supports the local businesses around her city of Corona. She also contributes a portion of each transaction to Kiva, a microfinancing organization that provides worldwide support to entrepreneurs creating jobs for themselves and others often within communities in need. When she’s not working, Kelly enjoys relaxing on the ocean on her newly acquired boat.

Looking ahead to the future, Kelly envisions the steady growth of her business. But she’s careful not to lose sight of the personal style that has garnered her so much success in the first place. “I’m not interested in growing just to grow,” she says.

“For the time being, my focus is on doing the right thing for my clients and keeping up with all the opportunities that lie ahead.”

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For more about Kelly McLaren email kelly@kellymclaren.com, visit kellymclarenproperties.com or call (951) 642-8320 www.

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Welcome Home:

Working with Relocators in Transition People stage moves for all sorts of reasons.

From the joyous and pre-planned, to the unfortunate and unexpected, new chapters begin with the help of an agent. When you’re working with buyers from a different region, state, or country, the typical complications of a transaction can be compounded. So, what’s a savvy agent to do?

For starters, envision the big picture. Relocators have extra obstacles between them and 22

their dream home. They don’t necessarily know which neighborhoods are ideal for their lifestyle, what they should budget for utilities, what type of homeowner’s insurance is ideal, or how they can tour, let alone close, on a house from afar. All in all, it’s a tall order, but if you can manage a relocation transaction successfully, you could tap into a sizable pool of clientele. Think of it this way: if you’re the shining star of a relocator’s moving process, their word-of-mouth praise could be

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exponential. Likewise, a winning reputation within that client’s corporate sphere could lead to lucrative, stable referrals and partnerships for years to come. Here are a few key ways to help clients navigate the relocation process with minimal stress and maximum results.

Create a full-scale timeline for you and your client that makes expectations clear.

Moving is already one of life’s biggest stressors, but relocations have a dozen more moving parts that your average deal. Consider creating a master-plan of sorts to help you and your client visualize the steps required to achieve success in the midst of a relocation.

Even from afar, your client will be able to refer to the roadmap you’ve set. Likewise, this makes sure you and your client are on the same page regarding expectations, timelines, and checklists. Assemble an articulated, overarching gameplan also helps demystify the process and lower stress. Instead of clients wondering what’s next, what’s needed, who to call, and when to be ready—handy guidelines of your own devising will be at their fingertips.

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Attune your communication style so that nothing goes overlooked or miscommunicated.

Establish early on how your client prefers to communicate and which methods should be excluded. Also, make sure to outline what timeframes are ideal to communicate in, and how often they expect to hear from you with status updates or follow-ups. Some clients might prefer a more hands-off approach that lets you manage most details behind the scenes with updates only when progress is made. Most clients in the midst of a serious relocation, however, will prefer to be in touch more frequently. Customizing is key. If they prefer text messages and emails over calls, that’s a helpful detail to know from the outset. If they prefer face-to-face video chats or can only speak after business hours—those are also key parameters to work within. The less mystery and hassle, the better.

Be a local resource with vetted recommendations and vendors on-hand.

Relocating homeowners may not know the best neighborhoods and their amenities, or where the best school districts are, which areas are high-traffic, or where their dollar might stretch a little further. Identifying your clients’ goals can help narrow this field, but you’ll also want to be careful not to overwhelm them with information. After all, they’re taking on a huge life transition and making a move as an outsider. You’ll want to serve as a onestop-shop who can remove some steps and stress from their organizational obligations.

Have a contractor who can get a head-start on home projects while clients make the move?

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Excellent. Or, perhaps you can provide an out-of-state agent referral so that clients can sell their existing property in a timeline that works in conjunction with their new purchase. Make yourself a community expert and a connector, and you’ve won a client— and their referrals—for much longer than a single transaction.

Think outside the box when weighing variables.

Relocations aren’t your typical transaction.

You’ll need to do a bit more planning to avoid pitfalls along the way. For instance, have you considered how you’ll tour homes with clients if they live hundreds of miles away?

Are there time zone differences to factor in?

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If clients are relocating from another country, are there any special visa or naturalization considerations? How will their belongings travel? Are there pets to relocate? There are plenty of questions to ask and plan for, but the key is to be communicative and thorough up front. The more information and planning time you have, the smoother the transition will go.

There are certified real estate agent designations you can pursue that set you apart for your experience when it comes to relocations, but in lieu of those—arm yourself with the planning details and methods that will make your client a raving fan. In the process, you’ll up your game, create a happy client, and hopefully field similar business for years to come.

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CHRIS RICHARDSON It’s safe to say Chris Richardson grew up surrounded by the business of real estate.

Obtaining his license at the age of 18, Chris worked with his dad, a 45-year veteran of the industry and founder of Richardson Properties, while attending college. After graduating, he joined his dad full-time, and together they grew Richardson Properties from just three people, into the leading independent real estate brokerage in San Luis Obispo County with an office of 55 agents.

And when his uncle came to Chris with a business idea in 2014, they started another company— Strand Hill—in Manhattan Beach. The company, which started out with 5 agents, is currently a bustling number one office in Manhattan and Hermosa Beach, with 115 agents on deck. Chris serves as President of both Richardson Properties and Strand Hill, which make almost a billion and a half in sales volume per year.

Running two highly profitable companies has given Chris a lot of perspective on what goes into making a business successful. “I’ve helped build both of the companies from the ground up, and one of the key factors is to find people that align with your organization’s core values. And in order to do that, you have to truly understand your core values and the traits of your company. For us, it’s providing a high level of service to our clients, just as much as it is about being able to help them. We believe in being a resource for our clients, and treating people how we want to be treated,” he says.

It’s this ethical approach to business that has helped Chris establish a large base of repeat and referral clients.

“I want to make the transaction as smooth as possible for my clients. I think they truly appreciate my attention to detail, my experience, and my understanding of the market.” And in order to provide them with the best service, Chris works hard to continually learn and stay on top of all new real estate trends. “I love getting out and going to conferences, and learning what people are doing in other markets like Manhattan, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago. I’m always curious to Top Agent Magazine

see what successful real estate professionals are doing in those areas, and what we can learn from them so that we can remain cutting edge at our company.”

An important core value for Chris personally is giving back and being involved in his community, which is why he has served on various local community boards, for job generation, mental health services, as well as housing. “Those type of organizations are so vital to the health of our community.

I think it’s critical to be a part of them.” And outside of work and community involvement, Chris likes to stay active on his new Peloton bike, play golf, travel, and socialize.

Although adjusting to the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many companies, Chris is extremely optimistic about the future of his business and what lies ahead. Most importantly, he looks forward to continuing his work with the values and ethics that have shaped him and his business. “You can do well and do good at the same time.

Meaning, you can have a profitable company, and you can also give back and do something good for your community. And that’s what we strive to do.”

To learn more about Chris Richardson please call (805) 781–6040, email chris@richardsonproperties.com, or visit richardsonproperties.com www.

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