clients invite them to significant personal milestones like weddings and baby showers. Belmis explains, “When we work together, it’s not just for one transaction. We provide a service that clients love to share with their kids, other family members, and friends. I always tell my team, ‘Make the client the priority, and everything else will follow.’”
Belmis and her team take a wide-reaching approach to marketing their real estate listings, utilizing both traditional methods and modern digital strategies. “We do a lot of social media, mainly Instagram and Facebook,” she explains. They are also revitalizing their YouTube channel to offer more interactive content, such as property videos and insights into the home’s features during open houses. “We send out postcards, but we also make sure we’re staying up-to-date with the latest advertising trends,” she says. By taking advantage of a variety of marketing techniques, she can connect with all types of clients, whether they prefer the feel of a postcard or the remote experience of a virtual tour. “We mix the new way of doing things and the old fashioned way because we have all types of clients.”
ANGELA BADALAMENTI
Aside from their work in real estate, Belmis and Nathanael stay active in the community through their support of the arts. “My husband is an art teacher, and all of my kids graduated from art school, so it’s very close to our hearts,” Belmis explains. “Right now, we’re in the beginning stages of working on a big project which will showcase local kids’ artwork in Miami-Dade County.”
Looking ahead, Belmis and Nathanael are focused on expansion, aiming to recruit quality agents who are committed to ethical practices and superior customer service. They also plan to grow their social media and YouTube presence, aiming to educate potential clients on the real estate process and making it less daunting for them. “My main goal is to teach people about real estate, so it’s not scary,” she says. “Every transaction is different, and you can expect changes along the way, but to be able to help our clients feel comfortable, so they can feel joy at the end, that’s what we love about what we do.”
For more information about BELMIS and NATHANAEL MONTESINO, please call 305-725-4185 or email Belmis@iconicmiami.net
BELMIS & NATHANAEL MONTESINO
ARE THESE REAL ESTATE MYTHS HOLDING YOU BACK?
Top Agent Magazine Debunks Common Misconceptions
In the fast-paced world of real estate, it’s easy to fall prey to common myths and misconceptions that can hinder your success. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting out, separating fact from fiction is essential for navigating the
complexities of the market. That’s why Top Agent Magazine is here to debunk some of the most prevalent real estate myths and empower you to achieve your full potential.
MYTH #1
You need to have a large budget to succeed in real estate.
Reality: While having ample resources can certainly be advantageous, success in real estate is not solely determined by the size of your budget. With creativity, determination, and strategic planning, agents can achieve remarkable results regardless of their financial constraints. Top Agent Magazine showcases countless examples of agents who have built thriving businesses through hard work, ingenuity, and a commitment to excellence.
MYTH #2
It’s all about closing the deal as quickly as possible.
Reality: While closing deals efficiently is important, rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. Top Agent Magazine emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with clients, understanding
their needs and goals, and providing personalized service every step of the way. By focusing on client satisfaction and fostering trust, agents can establish themselves as reliable partners and attract repeat business and referrals.
MYTH #3
Real estate is a solo endeavor.
Reality: In reality, success in real estate often requires collaboration and teamwork. Top Agent Magazine celebrates the power of networking, mentorship, and partnerships in the industry. By surrounding yourself with knowledgeable colleagues and industry experts, you can gain valuable insights, access new opportunities, and overcome challenges more effectively. Together, agents can achieve greater success and make a positive impact in their communities.
It’s time to dispel these common real estate myths and embrace a more informed and empowered approach to your business. With Top Agent Magazine as your trusted resource, you can access valuable insights, learn from industry leaders, and stay ahead of the curve in today’s competitive market. Don’t let misconceptions hold you back—unlock your full potential and achieve the success you deserve in real estate.
Establishing Yourself as a LOCAL AREA EXPERT
For real estate agents and local business professionals, carving out a reputation as a go-to local expert is invaluable.
Below are tailored strategies for real estate professionals eager to become their community’s trusted authority.
Deep Dive into Local Insights
Gain an intimate understanding of your community’s pulse—its history, cultural nuances, and what makes it tick. Keep abreast of housing trends, economic shifts, and unique local attributes that influence the market.
Hone Your Specialty
Pinpoint a market niche that aligns with your community’s specific needs. Whether it’s a focus on historic homes, luxury properties, or first-time homebuyers, specializing sets you apart.
Forge Local Connections
Immerse yourself in the community by attending events, joining local organizations, and engaging in activities that matter to your neighbors. Cultivating relationships with fellow businesses and professionals enhances your network and referral potential.
Boost Your Digital Footprint
Craft a compelling online presence with a professional website and active social media channels. Share insights on local happenings, market updates, and valuable content that positions you as the local expert.
Collaborate with Neighborhood Businesses
Partner with area businesses and groups for mutual promotion. These partnerships can broaden your visibility and reinforce your community ties.
Commit to Community Service
Demonstrate your dedication to your area through volunteering and supporting local causes. Authentic engagement with your community can significantly bolster your personal brand.
Educate Your Audience
Offer your expertise through informative content that addresses the local market’s nuances. Publishing guides, articles, or videos can make you the go-to source for real estate advice in your area.
Leverage Client Success Stories
Utilize testimonials from local clients to underscore your impact. Encouraging satisfied clients to share their experiences online can further solidify your reputation.
Engage with Local Media
Position yourself as a local real estate authority by contributing to local publications and websites. Offering insights on real estate trends or market forecasts can increase your visibility and credibility.
Maintain Cohesive Branding
Ensure your branding is consistent across all platforms. A recognizable brand identity makes you easily identifiable and strengthens your market presence.
Stay on the Pulse of Your Community
Keep informed about local developments, news, and events. Sharing your perspective on how these could affect the local real estate scene showcases your expertise and keeps you relevant.
By diligently applying these strategies, you can establish yourself as the definitive real estate authority in your local market, enhancing both your credibility and your opportunity for growth within the community.
ANGELA BADALAMENTI
Top Agent Angela Badalamenti is a licensed broker and the managing broker associate at Zarden Realty, leading a team of 10 agents in her hometown of Wellington, Florida.
Finding your true calling takes years for some. But for Angela Badalamenti, it took almost no time at all. “I went to school on the first day of my junior year in high school, and I decided to go home and tell my parents that I didn’t want to go to college, and I wanted to start doing real estate,” Angela explains. So she began taking her classes online, allowing her time to work towards her dream. She became a broker’s assistant, helping her
do anything and everything. “I was assisting her with vendors, putting lock boxes on houses, picking up things, and just being her go-to person,” she says. After a year of building this foundation of skills, she took her experience to a commercial real estate firm, where she worked as a receptionist. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, Angela was promoted to assistant property manager overnight. It was a life-changing event that brought
with it the responsibilities and insights of a seasoned professional, all while she was still a senior in high school. By the time she was 18, Angela had her real estate license and soon after sold her first house, confirming her passion for the field. Now in her 20s, she is not only a licensed broker but also the managing
broker associate at Zarden Realty, leading a team of 10 agents in her hometown of Wellington, Florida.
Angela stands out in the Palm Beach County real estate market for her innovative approach to building and sustaining client relationships. It’s a combination of
Angela stands out in the Palm Beach County real estate market for her innovative approach to building and sustaining client relationships.
Angela envisions a future where Zarden Realty thrives on the principle of quality over quantity. As a boutique brokerage deeply involved with new developments in the Tri-County area, her focus is on expanding their presence in Palm Beach County.
traditional marketing methods and modern digital strategies that have helped her achieve great heights. “I’m a big cold caller, I’m a big hustler,” she says. “I go out there and I create opportunities for myself and my team, and I have built my book of business solely on referrals,
word of mouth and prospecting through cold calling and other avenues that don’t involve paying for leads.” Angela maintains relationships with past clients using personalized mailers on the anniversary of their home purchases, regular updates via email, and interactive social media
engagement, ensuring she remains their go-to real estate advisor.
Community plays an important role in Angela’s work and life. She has fostered meaningful partnerships and supports local causes. Last year, her team collaborated with the Kids Cancer Foundation,
contributing a significant donation to support their work. They also consistently support small businesses within Wellington, where they conduct most of their operations. Outside of her professional life, Angela cherishes her time at the beach, enjoys Pilates, and values moments spent with friends, family, and her dog.
Looking ahead, Angela envisions a future where Zarden Realty thrives on the principle of quality over quantity. As a boutique brokerage deeply involved with new developments in the Tri-County area, her focus is on expanding their presence in Palm Beach County. She aims to foster growth that not only benefits investors and homebuyers but also creates a lasting positive
impact on everyone connected with the firm, from agents to clients to referral partners. “I think that success is nothing without fulfillment, and I get so much fulfillment in my life from helping my agents create success in real estate, helping my home buyers find their forever homes, and assisting my investors in purchasing profitable investments.”
By the Numbers: Understanding the True Value of Square Footage
Measuring the square footage of a property may seem like an objective and straightforward task, but you’d be surprised at how many agents and homebuyers misunderstand this pivotal figure. True square footage provides homebuyers a concrete understanding of their prospective domain, but here’s the problem: the rules to determine a home’s square footage are not always uniform across the board. What’s more, much of
a home’s value is determined by its size, so accuracy is certainly important. While many real estate agents have their own systems for determining or confirming a home’s true square footage, it doesn’t hurt to update your practices and become an expert on the subject. After all, you may learn a few techniques that could add value to a listing, or better prepare you in guiding house-hunters on the lookout.
1. Do your due diligence
Most towns and cities have a local records department where floorplans and blueprints are kept on file. It’s worth noting that these records don’t typically include any subsequent additions or remodels on a property, but they still give archive hunters a legal baseline when outlining a property’s square footage. Oftentimes, a straightforward online search of a city or county’s records office can pull the information necessary, or else agents can poke around in person to uncover informative blueprints at the records office. Either way, access to original blueprints or floorplans is a great tool for determining livable square footage. As a bonus,
original blueprints and floorplans—especially in historic properties—can be intriguing visual aids for prospective buyers, as well.
2. Know the rules
While there aren’t universal standards when it comes to measuring square footage, there are general guidelines that can help determine square footage in an authentic way. Per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), here are the official recommendations for measuring a home’s real square footage:
n Called “below grade spaces,” basements and sunrooms beyond a home’s typical
living quarters do not count toward a home’s true square footage. According to ANSI, even big draws like finished basements don’t count toward a property’s Gross Living Area. Of course, even below grade spaces have their own desirable value and should be outlined as such on listings.
n Did you know the space inside closets and on stairways counts toward a home’s square footage? Even if these areas are relatively small, they still add to a property’s calculable square footage.
n When recording square footage, ANSI actually suggests performing measurements from a property’s exterior—though this method does not account for the
thickness of exterior walls, which could skew square footage numbers.
n Just like below grade spaces, a garage, a pool house, or even a guest house should not be included in a property’s Gross Living Area. The rationale at work here is this: if you must go outside to access additional living areas, then they are beyond the square footage scope of the primary dwelling and should not be included in a home’s Gross Living Area.
3. Double-check by doing the dirty work
Buyers and sellers have or will make a sizable investment in a property, so isn’t it fair to double-check all the relevant facts and figures
when it comes to true square footage? If you want to take on the endeavor yourself, here are a few helpful steps to take.
n First, you’ll need a few things to get started, including a tape measure that can measure at least 100 ft., graph paper, and a pencil.
n Next, choose a room to start measuring wall-by-wall. Measure Wall 1, then proceed to assign each square on the gridded paper a corresponding measurement, rounding to the nearest tenth of a foot for the sake of clarity.
n From there, draw out the wall you measured and measure the remaining walls in the
room. Once you’ve completed the room’s measurements, multiply the room’s length and width to determine its square footage.
n As you go measure throughout the home, using your own system to scale, you will construct a failsafe floorplan.
Mastering your craft is everything, and the real estate industry is no different. Every now and again, it’s worthwhile to update your well of information, take matters into your own hands, and continue to innovate with the industry. While square footage may not seem like the juiciest starting off point for such a venture, never forget: mastery of technical knowledge is a sure sign of expertise.
BELMIS & NATHANAEL MONTESINO
Top Agents Belmis and Nathanael Montesino operate a small boutique brokerage—Iconic Miami Realty. They serve the Tri-County area, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
In the greater Miami area, Belmis and Nathanael Montesino have become synonymous with unparalleled service and expertise. Belmis, who entered the real estate world in 2010 after a successful career in the baking & mortgage industries, brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the market. Her transition to real estate was ignited by a desire to independently shape her professional journey, which blossomed further when her son, Nathanael, joined her right after his high school graduation in 2021. Together, they operate a small boutique brokerage called Iconic Miami Realty, with a tight-knit team of 15 agents, set up for growth under Nathanael’s future leadership. Nathanael, having been the face of client interactions, complements Belmis’s expertise in handling the operational aspects of the business. Their collaborative approach enhances client relations and ensures the brokerage adapts quickly to technological advancements, allowing them to maximize efficiency.
Operating across the Tri-County area, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, Belmis and Nathanael have developed a strong local presence. They focus on fostering lifelong relationships with their clients. “Seventy percent of our business is referrals,” Belmis explains. Clients trust the team, compelling them to introduce Iconic Miami Realty to their friends and family. “We put the client’s interest and the client’s role first,” Belmis says. This approach has cultivated relationships so strong that
clients invite them to significant personal milestones like weddings and baby showers. Belmis explains, “When we work together, it’s not just for one transaction. We provide a service that clients love to share with their kids, other family members, and friends. I always tell my team, ‘Make the client the priority, and everything else will follow.’”
Belmis and her team take a wide-reaching approach to marketing their real estate listings, utilizing both traditional methods and modern digital strategies. “We do a lot of social media, mainly Instagram and Facebook,” she explains. They are also revitalizing their YouTube channel to offer more interactive content, such as property videos and insights into the home’s features during open houses. “We send out postcards, but we also make sure we’re staying up-to-date with the latest advertising trends,” she says. By taking advantage of a variety of marketing techniques, she can connect with all types of clients, whether they prefer the feel of a postcard or the remote experience of a virtual tour. “We mix the new way of doing things and the old fashioned way because we have all types of clients.”
Aside from their work in real estate, Belmis and Nathanael stay active in the community through their support of the arts. “My husband is an art teacher, and all of my kids graduated from art school, so it’s very close to our hearts,” Belmis explains. “Right now, we’re in the beginning stages of working on a big project which will showcase local kids’ artwork in Miami-Dade County.”
Looking ahead, Belmis and Nathanael are focused on expansion, aiming to recruit quality agents who are committed to ethical practices and superior customer service. They also plan to grow their social media and YouTube presence, aiming to educate potential clients on the real estate process and making it less daunting for them. “My main goal is to teach people about real estate, so it’s not scary,” she says. “Every transaction is different, and you can expect changes along the way, but to be able to help our clients feel comfortable, so they can feel joy at the end, that’s what we love about what we do.”
Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker –Follow These 8 Dating Rules to Ensure You Match Your Client with the Perfect Home for Them
When you think a bit more about it, the ultimate goal of a real estate agent serving a client is really to match them up with the perfect house for them, almost the way a matchmaker tries to find two people that will fit well together as a couple. When people are looking for a house, they often treat the process as a quest for “the one” house that will fulfill their dreams of living in the house of their dreams. Don’t be fooled. It is always a search for “the one”, at least when it comes to helping a couple or family find a home.
When you look at your client’s search for a home in this manner, then you might begin to notice some pretty obvious similarities
between shopping for a home today and online dating. In this day and age most people live a substantial part entire lives online. People socialize with their friends on Facebook, they meet potential friends in forums and online communities, and we now even search for our perfect mate online. Shopping for a home also happens to usually start online. When they begin this search, make no mistake; they are looking for the “one.” These people then turn to you, the REALTOR® to play matchmaker for them. It is your job to wade through the pool of eligible homes (bachelors) and sort through all the ones that are too expensive, too nerdy, not cute enough, not smart enough, etc. until you find the “one.”
It makes sense then to consult the tried and true practices in matchmaking that help those professionals find the right people for each other, and see if any of them could also apply for matching your clients with their dream home. You’ll find that these 8 dating rules may just show you the secret to matching your clients with the perfect home.
Who Is In and Not In Your Client’s League? Know
Your Client’s Price Range:
When a person is looking for a mate, it is a waste of time for them to even consider those potential mates that are clearly out of their league. These people won’t even stop to give them the time of day. In the world of real estate the idea is the same. There is no point showing your clients houses that they can’t afford and will simply lust after without having any real chance of purchasing the house. It is your job to keep your client ground in reality, and help them be realistic in terms of price when choosing their next home.
Make Sure Your Client is Ready to Move On From Their Last Dream Home
You’re job is also to make sure that your client is truly ready to move on from their previous home. This is a long term commitment, and they need to be absolutely sure they actually want to buy a new house. You can’t simply take the receipt
back to the store if you’re not happy with your new home. It’s best to first help your client get prequalified. This is a tangible step that shows they are ready to move on to a new home. You want to make sure they are completely over their love affair with their previous home. You can even ask them for a sign or proof that they’re ready to move on.
Be Genuine, Not Superficial
When trying to manage the many pitfalls of online dating, on inevitably goes on a date where the other person looks nothing like their picture online. That can be just as big of a problem when looking for a house. When clients show you a particular house they want to visit, ask them to name something about the house that they like other than the aesthetics. This way you can see if they are simply infatuated with the way the house looks in those pictures, or if there is a deeper interest in the home that could become a deeper connection between your client and the house.
Never Let Your Client’s First Impression of a Home Rule Their Decisions
When your client first sees a house they have already been lusting after in their mind, they’re often so excited to finally be looking at it, especially if it does in fact look as good as it did in the pictures. Make sure to encourage them to take some time before making such a big com-
mitment, and don’t let their excitement push them into making a rash decision. It is your job to keep them grounded in reality. Push for your clients to do an inspection to make sure the house isn’t hiding any dark secrets. Sometimes the most charming facade can hide tons of slime and deadly mold.
Follow Your Heart (or Gut)
People often laugh at and ridicule the idea of love at first sight, but when it comes to homes, the phenomenon can certainly happen. Your client may just find their perfect dream home at the very first place you take them. If you have a client that does insist this is the case, then you don’t want to try and rationalize with them or talk them out of their decision. You do, however, want to make sure you are watching out for their interest and make sure your clients take all the necessary precautions before they jump in headfirst.
See What Other People See in The Home – Do They See What Your Client Sees?
Have you come to the conclusion that your clients are being blinded by all of the twinkling windows and crystal clear water glistening in the backyard pool, and can’t see that the house they’ve fallen in love with is really just a dirty animal (maybe a pig) dressed up in nice clothes and lipstick. Ask your client if they would be willing to look at the house again with
their close friends, family, and anyone else they trust for a second opinion there to see it with them. If the house really is a dud, they’ll be able to see past any personal bias your client might have to the truth. They will be able to help your client see through the shining facade
Celebrate the Happy Union!
When a couple gets married they tend to throw a big party and celebrate their union. The same goes for the closing. Your clients have just essentially married the house of their dreams, and now it’s time to rejoice. Congratulate them on their new union. Show your support for their new homeowner status by going to their housewarming party.
Help Your Clients Maintain Their Dream Home & Ensure a Lifetime of Happiness
You can’t just disappear after the transaction is finished. Become their realtor for life by showing your clients how to maintain their dream home. Act as their resource for other professionals they may need to maintain the house such as handymen, plumbers, electricians, etc. Show them how to keep up with home maintenance so they don’t ignore problems that surface and end up with a much larger issue than they started with. Help them make sure their dream home lasts so they can live happily ever after in their home for a lifetime.
Graham Harrop
Is Branding the Way to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
Despite the importance of finding a Realtor® that is the best person to serve their needs, a lot of people only end up interviewing one Realtor® when they’re thinking about buying or selling a home. A lot of times people make that decision based on a referral, but why not do everything you can to be the name they think of when they make the decision to hire a real estate professional outside of referrals? Especially if you’re starting out and haven’t built up any repeat and referral business yet.
When you want to make your name synonymous with real estate transaction success, you might want to consider branding yourself. Personal branding, long a staple of Corporate America, is also an invaluable tool for those in the real estate industry as well. Understanding branding and being consistent about it, is one way to insure you’ll have a successful and long-lasting business. It’s up to you to make consumers think that their success in real estate is dependent on finding the perfect agent—YOU.
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS BRANDING?
Branding is a long term marketing strategy that builds your carefully crafted image over time through consistent repetition. A common misperception about branding is that it’s is the same thing as marketing. While the two go hand and hand in many ways, branding is specifically about creating and reinforcing the perception of not only who you are as a person, but what your business values are, and getting that out to the world in a consistent way
Everything from your logo, to your website
to your social media presence, should all line up and reinforce your brand. It’s that repetitiveness that will hammer home the perception you are trying to create. Your brand informs your marketing, while your marketing strengthens your brand. Of course then you have to do is make sure your service lives up to what you’re selling. Getting them in the door is one thing, but you’re in it for lifetime customers and referrals. Every brand is strengthened when it is built on a foundation of integrity and trust.
CREATING A BRAND
Although it might take time and money upfront to get it right, branding is almost guaranteed to pay off in the long run. But branding is more than just having a graphic designer come in and make a logo. Consider branding more of a promise to your clients and potential clients, succinctly stating the value and expertise working with you will afford them. There are clear, tried and true methods to creating your branding. Because you have to go all in on the way you want to brand yourself, it’s important to evaluate fully before you make the leap.
This all starts with an honest assessment of your business and where you want it to go, including how much time and money you’re willing to invest to get there. After that you may want to add focusing on a niche market to your branding. Regardless of whether or
not you have a niche, another important part of branding is coming up with a memorable tagline that sells your brand or niche. All of your graphics, picture and information, should be consistent across all social media platforms, marketing materials, advertising and websites.
If you are interested in branding yourself, there are numerous books on the subject that will give you an in-depth tutorial on the process and the steps you need to take. But what it basically all comes down to is commitment. Find a brand that is true to you, one that you can commit to performing and then back it up by not only meeting, but exceeding what you promised. If done right, soon you’ll become an in-demand agent whose name is synonymous with success!
