SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 8-23-21

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

Small Yard?

Big Statement: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

The Daily Schedule of a SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE AGENT

What the First Thing You Do After Work

SAYS ABOUT YOU FEATURED AGENTS

AMBER DOLLE MICHELLE WARNER COVER STORY

JENNIFER CASTANEDA

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

AMBER DOLLEMICHELLE WARNER

a manager fortoa nationwide notary andpoint. She tells you what you need Outside When Amber DolleAswas laid off due to hear h 21 23 9 the recession, she took her future into herfor five years, Michelle and not what you want to hear, involved which is escrow company own hands. “I decided to get my estate been drawn to real crucial in avoiding issues in the volunteer long run.

Warner hasrealalways license, having no idea it would lead to a Being first time home buyers, she really estate.

Motivated by her experience with sponsors fulfilling career,” she explains. About ten took the time to thoroughly explain things contractasnegotiations and investing, sheand make sure we understood it.program years later, she’s flourishing an agent in Amber decided to pursue the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys.her real estate license in has the patience of a saint and ismeals also funto Well-versed in the2005, market with andand in always the years since, she has builtto talk with. With the stress involved Love, she aware of real estate’s state, Amber will t ancurrent accomplished career as an agent. Today,purchasing, having her on your team outreach is frequently interviewed by the media. “I help so much. We can’t imagine wanting to Michelle is an Associate for RE/MAX less, feed often give quotes to the LA Times, and I’ve do this process with anyone else.”

JENNIFER CASTANEDA AMBER DOLLE MICHELLE WARNER where each even been interviewed byConnections NPR, so I really stay she services clients all of Diego. fiveAmber time isn’t working, she’s staying active or giving on top of my gamethroughout because I know theySan could call AWhen in the at any moment andrecipient ask questions,” community donatingtim of theAmber Silversays.

StarThe Award from thethrough her children’s school or quality vast majority of herSan business derives from repeats and to causes close to her heart.

“I also got involved Diego Association of Realtors, she possesses the for a hike withwith frien referrals, which she credits to her customer service and an organization called Miry’s List, whose purpose is CONTENTS integrity, compassion, and tireless work ethic needed garden, and chickens communication skills. to help families who lost everything rebuild their lives to meet the demands of any transaction. she any alsofree enjoys prep here in our communities.” During time, she 4) WHAT THING SCHEDULE thoseOF within her out sphe “I think my clients feel aTHE senseFIRST of comfort knowing can15) be THE foundDAILY scuba diving, reading or A hanging YOU DO AFTER WORK SAYS SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE AGENT that I am looking outWhen for their best interests,” sheMichelle says. with family. listing a home, caters her approach ABOUT YOU “It can be a stressfuldirectly decision to andher process, so I always clients. After helping them ready their Michelle has strong 6 THINGS NEED TOonDO bring in a little bit of light heartedness and try to make In 18) the coming years, YOU her sights are set growing her property for the market, she shares it via her extensive ness.

On pace to dou 6) SMALL YARD? TO BEand A GREAT everything easier.”

One way she does this is by prebusiness mentoringMENTOR new agents. “I’d like to take social media conditions, presence, along campaigns forward deep paring her buyers for the market they with on outreach a couple more people and looks teach them abouttohow BIG STATEMENT: HOW TOas toTHE the multiple surrounding ButCREATIVE through itWAYS all, properties scali will often have to submit before succeed.”

Wherever her path leads, no doubt MAKE MOST offers OUT neighborhoods.

OF one to 22) TO SAYshe’swhile sticks. “I’ll also teach them what they can expect for going enjoy every minute. “I love helping sheOUTDOOR leverages her acute knowledge oftothe local market clients realizepeople. their MICRO SPACES THANK YOU escrow and inspections.”

Meanwhile, for heropportunities sellers, It’s amazing to be part of their journey.” to uncover unique for every seller. most of all, she is ex she learns every detail about the property so she can “My marketing strategy is based on each individual that lie ahead in Cali ensure the process goes smoothly. “I get all the paproperty,” she says. example, if we’re selling an loyalty and hard work perwork and everything imaginable to get “For the story equestrian estate, I310-734-1440 may getforon a horse, shoot a video, of my clients to prov behind the house, anything that’s needed Phoneincluding 310-734-1440 | Fax escrow so we have and everything time.” Every send ahead it to of websites like horseproperties.net—or By the end of our t mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com property gets professional photography, while higher promote it be atreproduced local horse clubs. I’m always trying to friends or family.”

No portion this issue may any manner end homes will haveoftwilight shots, evening inshots and whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent identify the niche for aGA, given client.”

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

SheTop will then advertise materials, Agent Magazine cannot them be held through responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. social mediaTo as well as all major realsend estate websites. subscribe or change address, inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Elsewhere, Michelle is just as devoted to her buyers, After working withguiding Amber,them clientsto love spreading the right home for their best interests. the word about theirIntime together.

One recently said, with her clients well after fact, she remains in touch Top Agent Magazine 3 “Amber is amazing. When our family was tasked For more information about Amber Dolle, the closing through regular check-ins and appreciation Published in the U.S.

to buy during the current crazy housing market, she

please call 323.828.7777

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just make sure that you establish some foundational boundaries so that you maintain an Top Agent Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with 6

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods Top Agent Magazine

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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JENNIFER CASTANEDA Top Agent Magazine

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JENNIFER CASTANEDA “I’m able to figure out what might happen in the future if certain things are not handled in a specific way, so that really helps my clients feel comfortable.”

Jennifer Castaneda got her start in real estate about 20 years ago, when she realized her love of people could lead her to success in this field. Today, she has her own team and specializes as a listing agent in the greater Orange County region. With 10

about 70% of her business being based off of repeats and referrals, it’s clear she’s going above and beyond expectations.

By putting her clients first and making sure their experience is a positive one, Jennifer has truly flourished, and is Top Agent Magazine

showing no signs of slowing down.

“I’ve been told that I make every client feel as if they are the only clients I am working with,” she explains. “My response time is very quick, which makes them feel happy because they know I am always looking out for any texts or calls from them.” Jennifer also pays attention to every detail, which helps eliminate stress for everyone involved. “I’m able to figure out what might happen in the Top Agent Magazine

future if certain things are not handled in a specific way, so that really helps my clients feel comfortable.” Her sellers enjoy thorough marketing of their listing, including professional photography. “I will also go room by room and determine what needs to be done, so we can create a features brochure.” Her properties will include 35 to 55 photos and will often feature drone footage and lifestyle videos. “I maximize everything so that we have a ton of content, and that 11

helps us get to the top of the search once it’s listed on all of the websites.”

After the transaction, clients never hesitate to spread the word about their journey with Jennifer. One recently said, “My husband and I sold our first home and we are SO thankful to have Jennifer guide us through this experience. She was so patient with us and walked us through the entire process. Jennifer is devoted to her clients,

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extremely attentive, detail-oriented, and always quick to respond to texts/calls/ emails. But most importantly – she is trustworthy. Jennifer had our best interests at heart and provided us with honest recommendations that were in our favor. She is clearly knowledgeable and experienced in her field and that became very apparent in the way she was able to market and create demand for our home.”

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“My response time is very quick, which makes my clients feel happy because they know I am always looking out for any texts or calls from them.”

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When Jennifer isn’t working, she’s giving back to the community by donating blood and platelets. During any free time, she is hanging out with her two sons, traveling, or jogging.

In the coming years, Jennifer hopes to

continue growing and expanding her team. “I spent the first 20 years of my career as an independent agent, so I’m ready to grow.” Wherever her path leads, she will soak up every minute of it. “I just love being able to help families through this chapter in life.”

For more information about Jennifer Castaneda, please call 949-290-2882 or email jennifer@jenniferochomes.com

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The Daily Schedule

of a Successful Real Estate Agent Everything you do should be intentional. A busy schedule isn’t the same thing as a productive schedule. Sometimes people write things like “find clients” on their to-do list, but finding clients isn’t actually a task. It’s a goal. Your daily schedule should be created with your goal in mind if you want to be a successful real estate agent, but a goal is too broad to add to your calendar.

Instead, you can break your goal down into projects, break those projects down into tasks, and schedule time in your calendar to complete each task. You’ll find that some of these projects will have an immediate impact on your business, and that those are the tasks that should be completed first.

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The fact is that as a real estate agent you can set your own schedule—if you’re not productive until 10am, then you don’t have to start your day until then. But having a daily schedule means that every day you have a running start on all those other agents who just “wing it.”

You don’t want to feel burned out and busy but like you’re simultaneously not getting a whole lot done. You can only keep up 70+ hour weeks for so long before your body breaks down and both your performance and income drop as a result.

Since every real estate agent’s operating hours look different, the following daily schedule is broken up by the suggested amount of hours you

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should spend on each task rather than specific times of day. However, certain tasks, like prospecting, appointments, and listing presentations should be performed at times when it’s most convenient for clients. If you’re an agent who likes to end their workday at 5 o’clock, remember that this is also the same time your clients are likely ending their day, meaning you might be unavailable for showings during the only time their schedule allows.

3.5 hours – This is that time of day that you should schedule all your appointments and listing presentations. If you are a newer agent, you might use this time instead to do more prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Spend this time waking up, exercising either at home or at the gym, and eating breakfast.

2 hours – Now it’s time to unwind. Use this time to have dinner and spend time with you family. If you have children, this is usually the time of day when they are wrapping up homework assignments and getting ready for bed.

It’s important that you make time for these moments the same way you make time for your work.

2 hours – Use this time before you head to the office to develop a morning routine, if you haven’t already. You can meditate, journal, practice affirmations, or read personal development books to prepare for the day ahead.

1 hour – Once you’re at the office, spend this time to review the day’s schedule, catch up with your assistant or other colleagues, and check the latest industry news. This is also the time of day that you can role play to prepare for appointments.

1.5 hours – Spend this time prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Now it’s time for a lunch break. If you’re a multitasker, you can also use this time to prepare for the afternoon and any meetings you have scheduled or connect with followers on social media.

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.5 hours – Look over the day’s schedule again and ensure you’ve checked every task off your to-do list. While you’re at it, be sure to review tomorrow’s schedule and goals too.

2 hours – Spend these last couple hours before you fall asleep to have quality time with your spouse or perform your self-care routines.

8 hours – Now it’s time for sleep—getting a full night’s rest is crucial if you want every day to be productive.

As you can tell, there’s still some wiggle room left in this schedule, but the important thing is to block out time every day so you can achieve your goals and help your clients.

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6 Things You Need to Do to Be a Great Mentor

Everyone reaches the point in their career where they feel they have gained enough experience and wisdom about business and what it takes to succeed, to actually help someone else achieve the same. Although you may have trained or given advice over the years, taking on the official status as a mentor to someone is a whole new ball game.

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Although mentorship is an unpaid endeavor, you’ll be surprised to find out how much you’ll gain from the experience. You’ll also grow as a business person through the process of teaching someone else. It’s also an endeavor that many will pay forward one day, creating a business atmosphere that is based more on mutual success than competition, which is better for everyone.

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If you were mentored, you may already have an idea of what it entails, and what you liked or didn’t like in your mentor/mentee relationship. Although it is a personal relationship that will need an individual approach, there are certain things that are key when it comes to being a great mentor: 1. Be a good listener

est about your own failures. It can be a huge relief to find out someone they look up to has gone through similar experiences and still managed to come out on top. As we all know, oftentimes the greatest lessons come from failures, which can be times when our character is truly tested. Building trust through mutual respect and honesty will make every aspect of your mentorship more effective.

You’re basically a sounding board who needs to hear your mentee’s ideas, plans and goals in order to advise them. Strong, constant and clear communication is key to any successful mentoring relationship.

Sometimes just letting them talk things out with you, will lead to them to discovering the solution they were looking for.

2. Set expectations and goals at the start When listening to your mentee in your first meeting about the potential relationship, it’s important to establish the parameters of what that relationship will be: What can you give them? What do they need or expect from you? Once the terms are agreed upon, you may want to set specific goals you’ll be working on together so that there’s a defined plan of action, timeline and result you can both expect.

3. Be honest This is important when it comes to offering them constructive criticism or tough love, but more importantly, you need to be honTop Agent Magazine

4. Get them to think, don’t make decisions for them Sometimes being a mentor is being a bit like a psychologist. By asking certain ques-

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tions you can lead your mentee to their own conclusions about their business dilemmas and strategies to reach their goals. Being a mentor is all about guidance. Build confidence by drawing out the best in your mentee rather than just presenting them with solutions.

5. Look at the situation objectively One of the key strengths you offer your mentee is a complete emotional detachment to their business. You have no sentimental attachment to doing things a certain way or working with an incompetent vendor because you ‘go way back’. Your only motive is what’s best for your mentee and their business. Although emotions cans still get in the way sometimes, having a detached perspective on hand to guide you is invaluable.

6. Don’t just offer constructive criticism, be supportive Yes, being a mentor is sometimes advising your mentee that he’s doing something ineffectively, but your main purpose is to alway approach everything like cheerleader.

You need to let them know that through it 20

all, you are a reliable support to them and have a complete belief in their abilities.

Make sure to always praise their accomplishments.

Remember: your job as a mentor is more about guidance than constant feedback.

Your goal is to help someone become the best they can be, not someone who just does everything the way you do it. You’re helping them build confidence in their own intuition, which will hopefully lead to a lifetime of success, and one day, they too might be a valuable resource to another mentee down the road.

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AMBER DOLLE When Amber Dolle was laid off due to the recession, she took her future into her own hands. “I decided to get my real estate license, having no idea it would lead to a fulfilling career,” she explains. About ten years later, she’s flourishing as an agent in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys.

Well-versed in the market and always aware of real estate’s current state, Amber is frequently interviewed by the media. “I often give quotes to the LA Times, and I’ve been interviewed by NPR, so I really stay on top of my game because I know they could call at any moment and ask questions,” Amber says. The vast majority of her business derives from repeats and referrals, which she credits to her customer service and communication skills.

“I think my clients feel a sense of comfort knowing that I am looking out for their best interests,” she says.

“It can be a stressful decision and process, so I always bring in a little bit of light heartedness and try to make everything easier.” One way she does this is by preparing her buyers for the market conditions, as they will often have to submit multiple offers before one sticks. “I’ll also teach them what they can expect for escrow and inspections.” Meanwhile, for her sellers, she learns every detail about the property so she can ensure the process goes smoothly. “I get all the paperwork and everything imaginable to get the story behind the house, including anything that’s needed for escrow so we have everything ahead of time.” Every property gets professional photography, while higher end homes will have twilight shots, evening shots and drone footage. She will then advertise them through social media as well as all major real estate websites.

After working with Amber, clients love spreading the word about their time together. One recently said, “Amber is amazing. When our family was tasked to buy during the current crazy housing market, she made the process as smooth as possible. Her knowledge, positive energy, and communication skills are on Top Agent Magazine

point. She tells you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear, which is crucial in avoiding issues in the long run.

Being first time home buyers, she really took the time to thoroughly explain things and make sure we understood it. Amber has the patience of a saint and is also fun to talk with. With the stress involved with purchasing, having her on your team will help so much. We can’t imagine wanting to do this process with anyone else.”

When Amber isn’t working, she’s staying active in the community through her children’s school or donating to causes close to her heart. “I also got involved with an organization called Miry’s List, whose purpose is to help families who lost everything rebuild their lives here in our communities.” During any free time, she can be found scuba diving, reading or hanging out with family.

In the coming years, her sights are set on growing her business and mentoring new agents. “I’d like to take on a couple more people and teach them about how to succeed.” Wherever her path leads, she’s no doubt going to enjoy every minute. “I love helping people.

It’s amazing to be part of their journey.”

For more information about Amber Dolle, please call 323.828.7777 or email dollehouses@gmail.com 21

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.

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MICHELLE WARNER As a manager for a nationwide notary and escrow company for five years, Michelle Warner has always been drawn to real estate. Motivated by her experience with contract negotiations and investing, she decided to pursue her real estate license in 2005, and in the years since, she has built an accomplished career as an agent. Today, Michelle is an Associate for RE/MAX Connections where she services clients throughout all of San Diego. A five time recipient of the Silver Star Award from the San Diego Association of Realtors, she possesses the integrity, compassion, and tireless work ethic needed to meet the demands of any transaction.

When listing a home, Michelle caters her approach directly to her clients. After helping them ready their property for the market, she shares it via her extensive social media presence, along with outreach campaigns to the surrounding neighborhoods. But through it all, she leverages her acute knowledge of the local market to uncover unique opportunities for every seller.

“My marketing strategy is based on each individual property,” she says. “For example, if we’re selling an equestrian estate, I may get on a horse, shoot a video, and send it to websites like horseproperties.net—or promote it at local horse clubs. I’m always trying to identify the niche for a given client.”

Elsewhere, Michelle is just as devoted to her buyers, guiding them to the right home for their best interests.

In fact, she remains in touch with her clients well after the closing through regular check-ins and appreciation events, all to ensure they are fully satisfied. Through the years, she has earned a fantastic reputation throughout San Diego, with the entirety of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. But as her volume maintains its steady growth, she is most grateful for the ways in which real estate allows her to help others while being there for her family. “I truly appreciate the flexibility of this career,” she says. “As a Realtor®, I get to balance my work with, for instance, seeing my kids play soccer.”

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Outside her career, Michelle is deeply involved in her community. An active volunteer around San Diego, she currently sponsors families for Lasagna Love, a program that prepares and distributes meals to those in need. Within Lasagna Love, she additionally collaborates with an outreach team to serve meals to the homeless, feeding up to 200 individuals with each event. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found spending quality time at home with her family, going for a hike with friends, or tending to the fruit trees, garden, and chickens around her home. An avid baker, she also enjoys preparing treats for past clients and those within her sphere.

Michelle has strong plans for the future of her business. On pace to double her production in 2021, she looks forward to deepening her work with investment properties while scaling her process to help even more clients realize their dreams of homeownership. But most of all, she is excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead in California. “Our business is all about loyalty and hard work,” she says. “I’m always in front of my clients to provide them with ongoing support.

By the end of our transaction, they often feel like friends or family.”

For more information about Michelle Warner, please call (858) 229-2213, email michellewarnerrealestate@gmail.com, or visit michellewarnerrealestate.com www.

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