Southern Florida 12-2-24

SOUTHERN FLORIDA EDITION

Agent Strategies To

10 WAYS TO BECOME A CELEBRITY REALTOR® On Social Media

EMBRACING SMART HOMES:

GROW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE KEY MISTAKES TO AVOID FOR

A SUCCESSFUL HOME SALE

DOES NEW TECHNOLOGY REALLY INCREASE HOME VALUE?

COVER STORY

ERIN OMIATEK

SOUTHERN FLORIDA EDITION

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ERIN OMIATEK

CONTENTS 4) 10 Ways To Become a 15) Key Mistakes To Avoid ® Celebrity Realtor on Social For A Successful Home Sale ERIN OMIATEK Media 18) Agent Strategies To Grow 6) Embracing Smart Homes: Your Social Media Presence Does New Technology Really 22) If It’s Good For The Soul, Increase Home Value?

It’s Good For The Business

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10 WAYS TO BECOME ® A CELEBRITY REALTOR ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Establishing yourself as a well-known REALTOR® on social media requires developing a solid personal brand, producing captivating content, and engaging with your audience. Here are some steps to help you achieve that: 4

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1. Produce Regular Content

6. Communicate With Your Audience

Create a content plan that matches your brand and appeals to your target audience. Share a mix of professional real estate content, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your life, and engaging personal content. To keep it interesting, use a variety of content types, including photos, videos, and written posts.

Respond promptly to comments and messages. Ask questions and encourage interaction in your posts. Host live Q&A sessions or virtual tours to engage with your audience in real-time.

2. Use Creativity in Marketing

Share educational content about the real estate market, home buying/selling tips, and industry trends. Position yourself as a knowledgeable expert in your field by providing valuable information.

Your Listings

Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your properties. Incorporate storytelling techniques to make your property listings more engaging. Highlight unique features and selling points of each property.

3. Set Your Brand Determine what makes you stand out from other REALTORS®. Discover your selling points and unique traits. Create a brand that reflects your personality, expertise, and values, and give it a name that is memorable and aligns with who you are.

4. Enhance Your Profiles Make sure you’re using high-quality, high definition profile photos. Write a bio that highlights your real estate experience, areas of expertise, and any unique qualities that make you stand out. Include contact information and links to your website or other relevant platforms.

5. Connect With Your Peers Collaborate with other influencers or professionals in the real estate industry. Attend local events and network with other professionals in your community. Cross-promote with other REALTORS® or businesses in related industries.

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7. Provide Information and Value

8. Use and Create Hashtags Research and use relevant real estate hashtags to increase the discoverability of your posts.

Create a branded hashtag to encourage your audience to share their experiences with your services.

9. Stick to a Regular Posting Schedule Establish a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Use analytics tools to determine the best times to post for maximum visibility.

10. Be Yourself Showcase your personality and be authentic in your posts. Share your successes, challenges, and personal experiences to connect on a deeper level with your audience.

Remember, building a celebrity presence on social media takes time and dedication. Stay true to your brand, be patient, and adapt your strategy based on what resonates with your audience.

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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 6

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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ERIN OMIATEK Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Erin Omiatek with 111 First Delray has “dipped a toe into every pond of real estate: developing, remodeling, investing— My track record speaks for itself.”

Erin Omiatek of Delray Beach, Florida, combines decades of industry expertise with her tireless work ethic and keen eye for opulence to fuel her thriving real estate business. “Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge. Staying up to date on every facet of the market is critical for my clients, and when you show people that you know your numbers inside and out, they will trust your instincts and come back to you for everything. I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m fortunate to help other people benefit alongside me.”

For Erin, real estate is as much an inheritance as a lifelong vocation. “I grew up in Michigan with two parents who were teachers,” she recalls. “My dad is very handy, and my mom is business savvy – they spent their summers remodeling and selling lakeside properties. I spent my childhood on a boat gazing at houses across the lake, listening to them debate the prices of remodeling projects they noticed from last summer.

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It’s in my blood!” This early introduction sparked Erin’s entrepreneurial spirit, and after obtaining a degree in Business Administration and Management from Western Michigan University, she set off to chase the horizon.

In 2013, Erin became a fully licensed REALTOR® and launched her career on the development team for 111 First Delray.

“Things took off from there – I’ve dipped

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a toe into every pond of real estate: developing, remodeling, investing; you name it. My track record speaks for itself, and when I take a client to four different job sites and tell them what I would do in their shoes, they listen.” This penchant for candor has helped Erin establish a book of business that is one hundred percent repeat and referral clientele, and she averages between ten and twenty annual transactions, ranging from $1.5 million

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Erin establish a book of business that is one hundred percent repeat and referral clientele, and she averages between ten and twenty annual transactions in the Boca Raton and Delray communities. to $10 million each in the Boca Raton and Delray communities.

“Every day is different,” Erin exudes. “I can go from picking out tile for a new build to showing a handful of homes to a couple who are visiting from New York, then helping an agent down the street evaluate an off-market property. I like constantly changing gears in my brain!” Despite the dizzying variety of tasks, Erin insists that at the end of the day, after helping her daughter train for competitive baton twirling or volleyball at her school, all she wants to do is catch up on her own drip feed on the MLS. “I’m passionate about what I do – if I keep myself disciplined and consistent, I can manage anything that comes my way.”

As 2024 comes to a close, Erin is finalizing plans for her latest development, which Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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she has been orchestrating with the city for the past three years. With exclusive listing rights for twenty-eight units, she is preparing to leverage Sothetby’s global digital footprint to find the ideal client for every home. “I like to up my game every year

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– whether that’s learning something new, hitting a new price point, or helping my clients clear a different hurdle. I want to put myself around other open-minded people who get excited about the same things that I do – that’s the only way I plan to grow.”

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For more about Erin Omiatek, call 561-702-2993 or email Eomiatek@onesothebysrealty.com

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KEY MISTAKES TO AVOID FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOME SALE Steering clear of these common home selling errors is essential for a seamless and effective Top Agent Magazine

transaction. Here are some top home-selling mistakes to avoid:

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Picking the Wrong Agent

Low-Quality Listing Photos

An experienced and compatible real estate agent is crucial. Select an agent with a strong performance history and knowledge of your local market.

Dishonesty

Improper List Price

Avoid setting an unrealistic asking price.

Analyze the local market and similar properties to find a competitive and fair price.

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Not Making Repairs

Make necessary repairs and improvements to attract buyers. Addressing issues beforehand can make your home more appealing.

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No Home Staging

Proper staging is key. Declutter, depersonalize, and arrange furniture to highlight your home’s features.

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Not Tending to Curb Appeal

First impressions are vital. Enhance your home’s exterior with maintenance, landscaping, and possibly a new paint job.

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Ensure your listing has high-quality photos. Attractive, clear images can significantly impact buyer interest.

Lack of Marketing

Expand beyond traditional marketing.

Utilize online platforms and various channels to increase your home’s visibility.

Be transparent. Fully disclose the property’s condition to avoid potential legal complications.

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Having Emotions Involved

Maintain a business perspective. Emotional attachment can complicate the selling process.

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Ignoring Market Trends

Understanding current market dynamics can guide your decisions regarding pricing and the best time to sell.

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Not Being Flexible

Openness in negotiations can facilitate a sale. Be willing to consider reasonable offers and compromises.

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Unprepared Showings

Maintain a show-ready home at all times. A tidy and clean environment can make a strong impression during unexpected showings.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and at a satisfactory price.

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AGENT STRATEGIES TO

GROW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE In real estate, where connections and maintaining relationships with clients are crucial, having a strong social media presence is essential for any REALTOR®. A wellcrafted agent profile on social platforms can not only showcase your expertise but 18

also help you connect with a wider audience, build trust, and ultimately grow your business. Here are some comprehensive agent-profile tips to elevate your social media presence and establish a strong online persona:

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CREATE AN ENGAGING AND INFORMATIVE BIO

Your bio should introduce you as a real estate expert and spotlight your specialties, service areas, and what makes you unique. Include relevant keywords so you will rank high in a Google search.

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HAVE A PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE IN PROFILE PICTURES

It’s important to have a clear, high-definition photo of yourself. You should look professional, but at the same time approachable.

Wear clothes that align with your brand, and keep the background simple.

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SHOW OFF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Share your professional success, accomplishments, accreditations, and awards. This will enhance your credibility and make you appealing to potential clients. Those who visit your social media site will know you’re an expert.

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MAINTAIN A PERSONAL CONNECTION THROUGH POSTS

Buying and selling real estate is a highly personal experience. It’s vital that you showcase your personality and relatability. Clients want to work with someone who they feel comfortable with. Incorporate your hobbies, personal anecdotes, and interests in your posts.

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HIGHLIGHT YOUR COMMUNITY WORK

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CREATE CONTENT THAT CAPTIVATES

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ENGAGE FOLLOWERS

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KEEP TO A SCHEDULE

Whether you’re sponsoring an event, volunteering, or supporting local businesses, it’s beneficial to show your followers that you care for your community. It will help portray a positive brand image, and demonstrate a dedication to the areas you serve as a REALTOR®.

Produce varied and interesting content, balancing listings with insights into the market, news, and tips for buyers or sellers.

This will keep your followers engaged and help solidify your status as a top expert in the field.

When people comment or message you, it’s important to respond. It’s also great to get conversations going on your social media pages by posing questions with your posts, running polls, or asking for opinions.

Post regularly on social media, at times when your audience is most active. This will ensure your posts are being seen by the largest audience possible. And when your followers know when to expect your posts, they will remember to check it out.

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POST BEHIND THE SCENES INSIGHTS

Offer a look into your everyday life in the real estate world, including preparing for open houses, client meetings, or your office setup. Maintaining an authentic presence will help you connect to your followers.

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DON’T FORGET ABOUT STORIES AND REELS

Take advantage of Instagram and Facebook’s Stories and Reels. This is where you can post more spontaneous and creative content.

Some of the highest engagement on social media happens on these platforms.

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STRATEGIC HASHTAG USE

Use hashtags that are relevant to what you’re posting. You can even create your own hashtag that reflects your brand. When you use a mix of the two, you’ll reach a larger audience.

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COLLABORATE WITH PEERS

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CREATE EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

Don’t be afraid to partner up with local businesses, industry influencers, and other professionals. You can cross-promote content and create content together. This will introduce you and your brand to new audiences.

Establish yourself as an expert by sharing knowledge about the real estate market, 20

process, or regulatory changes. Educating your audience not only demonstrates your expertise but also provides them with valuable information.

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POST CLIENT FEEDBACK

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QUALITY VISUALS ARE KEY

Feature positive feedback from satisfied clients. Testimonials build trust and provide social proof of your skills and commitment to client satisfaction. Consider creating visually appealing graphics or dedicated posts to showcase these testimonials.

Invest in high-quality visuals for your posts.

Clear and appealing images are crucial in the real estate industry, whether you’re showcasing a property, sharing a personal story, or promoting your services. Professional visuals make a significant impact on social media platforms.

Remember, building a strong social media presence is an ongoing process that requires a blend of creativity, consistency, and genuine engagement. Regularly assess your analytics to understand what resonates with your audience, and adjust your strategy accordingly. By incorporating these agent-profile tips, you can effectively grow your social media presence, establish a meaningful connection with your current and potential clients, and differentiate yourself in the competitive real estate landscape.

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Laughs!

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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 22

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 Top Agent Magazine

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