TEXAS 10-22-18

TEXAS EDITION

9

THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

BEYOND

CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

5 MORNING HABITS TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PRODUCTIVE

FEATURED AGENTS

A. KEITH HEBERT BAYLEY FALKENBURY NICOLE MARBURGER REANNE RUDD COVER STORY

Janet Cobbel

TEXAS EDITION

nspections is proud to congratulate

ole Marburger 6

NICOLE MARBURGER

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JANET COBBEL

A. KEITH HEBERT

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27 REA BAYLEY FALKENBU

Bayley Falkenbury’s turn in How real estate began earlier than most. Fresh amon from high school, Bayley followed the Amar lead of a family member who’d found Reann success selling new construction blood homes. Bayley always had an interest in serving others and found real estate comp to be a natural path to explorestepfa her skillset. “Helping people build or consi dream home like BAYLEY FALKENBURY find theirREANNE RUDDseemedbut h a perfect fit,” she remembers. Now, try re nearly five years later, Bayley has built a reputation for personalstudied for and receivedofher ized service, lasting relationships, and intimate knowledge herli ground running.

How did sh hometown region.

“I’ve always set big goals, th

being featured for the state xas in Top Agent Magazine!

CONTENTS

4) 9 THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

8) BEYOND CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: WHAT CHAD SNAPP IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES THE MOST SENSE? TREC:21200 •MAKE ICC:8375691

6685 • chad@freeborninspections.com 17) 5 MORNING HABITS freeborninspections.com

Today, Bayley is based in Lubbock her work as an butand I’llspearheads do everything possibl agent under the banner of Lyonsto Realty.

There, she serves clients sell 50 homes my first ye across the region, typically within an hour’s radius of Lubbock’s buyer’s agent under a top pro central hub. Likewise, she has cultivated working relationships hard work, she fartoexceeded with a variety of clientele, from first-time buyers investors mycourse first of year real e active in the area’s marketplace.homes Over the her in roughly it’shas mydriven calling.”

After t five-year tenure in the industry,like Bayley a significant portion of her business throughReanne repeat and referral went soloclientele—a and is now testament to her staying power and consistent delivery results. currently made up ofoftwo buy To account for her successes thus far, Bayley cites a lasting months ago and we closed de connection to those she serves, along with availability and regular communication. “My customer service is what my clients Reanne hersays. team“Iserve Am remember most about working with me,” and Bayley stay on well as are themet, Panhandle.

Alre top of everything, make sure all as their needs and I always make myself available for any questions they repeat might have comes from and along referr the way. I stick with people for the long-term and my clients know clients eagerly spreading the I still care, even when a transaction comesand to afamily? close.” “I think friends

21) IS STARTING A TEAM THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS? 24) HOW TO CREATE A BUSINESS-WINNING PLAN IN ONE HOUR

this business is communicatio

Considering relationships are at the center of Bayley’s business, aboutofselling homes, abo she makes reaching out a hallmark her routine.

Sheit’s keeps the 650 agents in Amarillo, in touch through handwritten notes and holiday cards, and byR high quality service, checking in on social media toensure stay up-to-date on her clients’R milestones. When listing properties, Bayley primarily focuses practice a system of Dailyon Su building exposure that spans the and beyond. sheT to region work smarter, notFirst, harder. ensures each property is leveraged through professional photography to showcase homes in their most inviting and immersive Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 light. From there, she taps her brokerage’s website, social media outlets, and the leading online listing platforms to net widemag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com ranging visibility for listings headed to market. Whether working with buyers or sellers alike, Bayley’s No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Topabiding Agent focus remains on the person or family at the heart of each transaction. “There’s Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published nothing like the feeling of seeing buyers and sellers so happy at materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its closing,” she says.

“I really doauthors. enjoy what I do. It’s incredibly To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. rewarding to help people find the home that’s right for them, or Published in the U.S. guide them as they sell the largest investment of their lifetime.”

www.

TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PRODUCTIVE

email reanne.rudd 2

Top Agent Magazine

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

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9

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

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you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

1

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

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I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

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I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

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I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

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DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

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YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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NICOLE MARBURGER Determined, knowledgeable and customer-oriented, Nicole Marburger has found her ideal career path in the real estate industry. After graduating with a Business Marketing degree from Texas State University, she moved to Austin and worked in an insurance sales position.

While she was happy with her job she felt real estate was where her passion truly was; while on maternity leave, she decided to get her real estate license, wanting to be more involved with people. Today, she works full time as an agent at Legacy Real Estate Group, serving the greater Austin area. She has a wonderful transaction coordinator, Crystal Califano, and another great agent, Jen Buterick, on her team. With a focus on providing superior service, Nicole and her team have become a predominantly referral-based business.

“I just genuinely care,” she says. “I tell them if something is too risky. I care about people’s money on a deep level. I try to convey that to them.” When working with Nicole, clients know they have an honest and supportive person on their side.

Understanding the importance of their investment, Nicole does everything possible to save them money. “It’s a tough market, but I’m going to fight the best I can to get them the best deal and not have them overpay.” Nicole also has experience on the building side of things, having renovated and built multiple homes herself. “I have done fully permitted and non-permitted projects, so I have learned a lot about the process and the integrity of materials. I have an immediate eye for quality of work, and can take a deeper look into a home the first time through.”

As many of Nicole’s clients become friends, she does not need to market to them as much, and instead focuses her

attention on marketing her listings. She has an extensive toolkit at her fingertips, including a drone and photography vendors.

Her photographs showcase the best features in a property, allowing viewers to get the full experience of a home before seeing it in person.

After the transaction is over, clients love to leave glowing reviews about Nicole. One recent buyer said, “We couldn’t have had a better home buying experience! Nicole and her team were fantastic and answered every question we had, and we had a lot of them.

They helped educate us on every step and made us feel comfortable and knowledgeable. We ran into some floodplain issues with our home and Nicole went above and beyond to make sure we had all the information necessary. I genuinely feel that we would not have found such a great house if it wasn’t for Nicole. We can’t thank you enough!”

When Nicole isn’t working, she’s spending time with family or staying involved with the community. She sits on the board for the Texas State University Alumni Association, and has been selected to co-chair the Real Estate Council of Austin 2019 Knock Out Night, which has over 1700 attendees. Beyond that, she is also an active member of the Life Austin church.

As she looks towards the future, she is eager to add more quality people to her team. And no matter what, she will continue loving every minute of her job. “Real estate is a tangible thing, I can match value with lifestyle. It’s so personal and fulfilling, and it’s different each day.”

For more information about Nicole Marburger, please call 512 - 653 - 9999 or email nicole@legacyrealestategrp.com 6

Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Freeborn Inspections is proud to congratulate

Nicole Marburger

on being featured for the state of Texas in Top Agent Magazine!

CHAD SNAPP TREC:21200 • ICC:8375691 (512) 578-6685 • chad@freeborninspections.com freeborninspections.com www.

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Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability. Unfortunately, however, not all sellers or agents are willing to do much more than decluttering and cleaning.

Think of the listing as a reflection on yourself. If you didn’t comb your hair, shine your shoes, dress 8

neatly and drive a clean car, people would think you don’t care about yourself. They may wonder, “If he doesn’t care about how he presents himself, how is he going to present my house?” Likewise, not prepare a house for its most beautiful presentation might cast doubt on how the overall marketing will go. And, while not all changes will be immediately noticeable, chances are that what isn’t changed will be noticed.

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Ashley Aguilera, REALTOR®, broker and owner of The Aguilera Team in California’s Murrieta Valley and Temecula, says that after every consultation, her team formulates a game-plan. “We want to set their property apart from everything else on the market, but also fall within the comfort zone of the seller’s lifestyle,” she says. Changes may run the gamut from minor repairs and moving furniture for better flow, to adding accent pieces to harmonize the home’s look or create a “wow” factor before professional photography.

Many agents recommend conducting a professional inspection prior to listing; some will even hire the inspector at their own expense. Of course, any necessary repairs found during inspection and not repaired before listing must be formally disclosed. But wouldn’t it be nice to have no surprises during the buyer’s formal inspection?

In general, some improvements are required, others are low-cost and others pay for themselves

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with lower time on the market, competing offers or higher sale price.

Landscaping & Exterior First impressions begin outside. Be sure to mow and edge the lawn regularly; prune back overgrown trees and hedges; hire a professional to repair uneven pavement (especially if it’s a hazard); remove or replace dying annuals; and clean or repair porches or railings. Are there dry or dead patches of lawn? An inexpensive repair to the irrigation system might be the solution.

While painting an entire house can be extreme, a wise investment is to paint trim, porches, steps or railings that may look tired or have too many colors; choosing a single, neutral color for trim can create a bright, cohesive look. Finally, check the roof, gutters and windows, looking for spots to caulk, shingles to replace, or debris to remove.

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Paint is extremely important if the home has faded or dirty walls, holes or chips on paint or plaster. If an entire paint job is not feasible, at least consider cleaning repairing the obvious and adding a fresh coat of semi-gloss to baseboards, moldings, windowsills, doors, banisters balustrades and built-ins. Don’t overlook the ceilings!

A long-ago leak from a second-floor bathroom may have been completely repaired and moisture abated, but a patched-up ceiling is a red-flag.

Kitchens and baths

Walls, carpets, ceilings and trim Next, it’s time for agent and seller to open up to one another about the interior. Janelle Holte, who leads Seller’s Edge Home Team in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, loves walking into a home knowing that her team will be the driving force behind selling it.

“I like seeing how owners took care of it and raised their family in it,” she says. “But I won’t sugar-coat anything, so I tell them not to shoot the messenger!” She gives it to them straight, explaining what needs to be done to stage it to present well from a buyer’s perspective.

Those changes often include repainting at least the primarily living areas and replacing carpet, especially worn carpet or carpet that has faded or stained beyond what professional carpet cleaning could remedy. Sometimes, all that’s needed is professional carpet stretching to remove any buckling prior to cleaning.

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Most agents agree that the easiest costs to recoup in home improvements prior to selling are those spent in bathroom and kitchen updates. Complete remodels are unwise; you can’t anticipate the style preferences of their buyer. But refinishing, touching-ug up or painting cabinets can create a great impact, while also forcing the seller to remove unwanted or overstocked items from cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls – shiny, new nobs look nice.

Lee Ritchie of Ritchie Realty Group in Columbus, Ohio, gives a reminder to discuss any and all issues up front. “People need to be able rely on the professional who’s presenting, pricing and marketing their home,” she says. An honest and diligent agent will be an open book about the current market conditions, the quality of comparable listings and the potential return-on-investment for improvements.

Some agents, like Debra Dobbs of @properties in Chicago, even roll up their sleeves to help with decluttering and repairs. While not at all required or expected, doing so sure lets sellers see the investment their agent is willing to make for them.

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Janet Cobbel Top Agent Magazine

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Janet Cobbel Top Agent Janet Cobbel, Owner/Broker at The Cobbel Agency in McKinney, Texas has been providing the Northern part of the Lone Star state with exceptional real estate advocacy for twenty-five years. Her focus on exceptional client service, coupled her honesty and integrity, have set her head and shoulders above her competition.

Janet began working in real estate at the age of sixteen. “A family friend, who has been my longtime mentor, asked if I wanted to come work for him after school,” she recalls. “So I started in his office, learning everything from how to use the MLS to how to list proper12 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

ties. After I finished college, I returned to his office and got my license, and I was with him for twenty years.” Five years ago, she opened her own boutique agency. “It began gradually. I still share an office with my mentor,” she says, “and we still talk and interact and share deals occasionally.”

Janet, who is highly experienced in the land and commercial sector, oversees a team of four agents who focus primarily on residential sales and leases. Nearly half of her company’s business is based on repeat and referred clients, a significant achievement that illustrates how grateful her clients are for the service she Top Agent Magazine

and her agents provide. Much of Janet’s personal repeat business can be attributed to her longstanding residency in the McKinney area and the trust that has inspired. She also credits the boutique nature of her firm for much of Top Agent Magazine

her success. “Not being part of a franchise,” she explains, “we can operate outside the box a little bit. We can develop our own software customizations, and we can be more innovative when it comes to helping our clients.”

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The appreciation Janet’s clients feel for her is perhaps made most evident by the glowing reviews she has received on Zillow.com, on which site she is a Premier Agent with a perfect five-star overall rating. Among the testimonials is this one, which perfectly illustrates the wonderful care Janet takes of her clients: “Janet is amazing! She’s patient and you never get the feeling of “hurry up and buy something,” as you do with many realtors. She takes the time to listen to what your desires are and shows you what you want.

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Her knowledge in reading contracts is only a bonus when she is helping you buy your perfect home. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Janet to anyone, whether it’s a small community home or large tract of land. She’s professional and funny, which I find is hard to come by these days. She has helped my family both find a home and sell a home.”

Exceptional promotion of her listings has also played a vital role in Janet’s success, and she readily admits that marketing is one of Top Agent Magazine

the elements she enjoys most. “Of course, we use the MLS,” she says, “but we also have our website where we do heavy postings of our listings with as much information as possible. Each property is individualized and has all the pertinent information any buyer Top Agent Magazine

could possibly need before even seeing it in person.” Janet also relies heavily on flyers, brochures, email distribution lists, newsletters and advertising in local magazines.

“We’re also very heavy into Facebook advertising, as well,” she says.

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Janet is also extremely civic-minded. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the McKinney Community Advisory Commission and that city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the Capital Improvement Advisory Commission, among many other commitments.

Looking to the future, Janet’s plans are to continue growing her business, and perhaps opening additional offices, even as far south as the Austin area. What she will remain most focused on, however, is her commitment to providing her clients with the whiteglove customer service that has become her calling card.

For more information about Janet Cobbel, please call 214 - 945 - 1970 or email janet@cobbelagency.com https://www.facebook.com/thekenneyteam/

http://www.kenneyteam.com/

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Top Agent Magazine

5 Morning Habits to Make Your Day Super Productive For many, most mornings begin with a rush—a rush to get dressed, a rush to find something edible for breakfast, a rush out the door and into rush hour. Likely you have heard articles advising you to set your

alarm early to give yourself some flexibility —which is sound advice, of course—but consider a few of these additional tweaks to your morning routine that can set a productive tone for your day at large.

1. Keep Screens Away Until Breakfast Oftentimes, our first instinct upon waking is to check-in on our phones, tablets, or computers, to scope out the latest social media updates and e-mail correspondence. While diving into the action might seem productive, studies show that waylaying screen time until you’re up and dressed, and have had a good breakfast, will actually make your first pass Top Agent Magazine

at all things digital more focused, clear, and efficient. Instead of answering a few e-mails, checking out a friend’s photos, and then hurrying to shower and dress, instead make a resolution to keep the online world at bay for the first half-hour to an hour after you rise, then you’ll approach the digital world with fresh eyes, energy, and adeptness.

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2. Meal Prep Sometimes hitting the snooze button is inevitable, but if you make prepping breakfast the night before a part of your routine, then grabbing something healthy on the go will be a snap—and your stomach will thank you for it. Load up your coffee machine ahead of time, so all you have to do

is hit brew. Or, chop up a fruit salad, mix a smoothie, or simply put a granola bar and a grapefruit in your lunch bag, ready to be grabbed on your way out the door. Even if it’s small or basic, keeping yourself fueled will keep distractions, inefficiency, and mood swings at bay.

3. Queue Up a Podcast on Your Commute Whether you’re driving, biking, or taking public transportation into the office, a podcast is a perfect way to brush up on industry knowledge. Try sourcing a podcast relative to your field and narrated by experts.

Not only will it get you thinking about the topics of your industry—while expanding

your professional vocabulary—it will also wake up your brain and get your head in the game as you prepare to launch your day. Use your commute time to bump up your knowledge and conversation points, and you’ll be ahead of the curve before you reach the office.

4. Begin with a To-Do List When work gets busy, sometimes just getting started is an overwhelming prospect.

Before you dive in to your e-mails and projects, take twenty minutes and be thoughtful as you assess your daily and weekly to-do

list items, then map them. By giving yourself a bullet point system of what you need to accomplish and by when, you can undo some of the anxiety that a busy schedule promotes.

5. Walk It Out, Even If You Missed the Gym While we often rely on coffee for our morning buzz, exercise provides a potent burst of energy that can supercharge your day. But, let’s say you’re running behind and skip the gym—all is not lost! Take fifteen minutes in

the early morning to take a walk around the block a few times. The fresh air and aerobic exercise will wake you up, get your blood moving, and provide your morning with a natural injection of motivation.

Everyone’s morning routine varies, but perhaps the first step is identifying aspects of your routine that could be improved, and tackling them from there. From waylaying

screen time distractions to getting in a little blood-pumping exercise, keep these tips in mind as you launch your most productive morning routine ever.

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A. KEITH HEBERT

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A. KEITH HEBERT For Keith Hebert, real estate was an ideal career choice, combining his love of people with his business skills. Previously working as VP/COO of a New York based NASDAQ restaurant company, when he and his wife moved back to Texas, he decided to explore a new path. “I wanted to do something different, so I jumped into real estate,” Keith says. He hit the ground running in 2002 and hasn’t looked back since.

Today, he works with Register Real Estate Advisors, serving the greater Houston area. About 75% of his business is based off referrals from past clients.

It is likely Keith’s genuinely caring nature and down-to-Earth attitude have kept clients coming back to him. “I understand what they’re going through,” he explains. “Being levelheaded, and giving good advice, those are the biggest factors.

I’ve sold multiple homes for people, and have even helped their family members sell homes.” Keith’s clients always come first, and part of that involves looking into the future to ensure they will be happy not just in the present moment, but in the years to come. “It’s important to look well ahead of the transaction. I don’t ever want to get my client in a position that will make it difficult for them. Interviewing them and finding out what they need is critical.” Wanting only what is best for his clients, he works hard to make sure they reach their goals, and does not stop until they are happy.

was just as good at handling the details! Great agent and great guy!” Another read, “Keith went above and beyond. A huge open house. Great Internet presentation. Professional handouts that really showed our home at its best. Endless effort to get our home sold. Genuine and honest opinions on all our questions and concerns. He will be our agent when we sell our present home.”

As Keith looks towards the future, he is eager to continue growing, especially in the small farms niche. He would also like to continue growing other all other aspects of his business. Truly loving this work, he can’t imagine doing anything else. “I got into this because I had a bad experience with my agent. So, I just want to have the foresight to listen and learn what my clients want, and find out what they need financially. I am there to help them through those phases in buying/selling.”

When it comes to marketing, he goes above and beyond, hiring a professional photographer and videographer. “Our videographer does a ‘news station’ video where they are walking through the house with a video camera, that gives it a more realistic approach and showcases what the house looks like.” This strategy has resulted in his listings selling in 30 days or less, on average.

After the transaction is over, clients do not hesitate to leave glowing reviews about their time with him. One recent review read, “Great pics, great representation and overall a great experience! Sold my house in ONE DAY because his timing is so precise. I would HIGHLY recommend Keith due to his experience, professionalism, and his winning personality! (Yes, personality is VERY important in negotiating a contract)! He also helped me buy my replacement home and 20

For more information about Keith Hebert, please call 281-798-4599 or email akeithhebert@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Is Starting a Team the Right Solution for your Business?

You’ve started your own real estate business and after a slow start, you’ve found your footing and business has really taken off. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Until maybe you’re getting more business than you can handle. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice service for more listings. The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in Top Agent Magazine

business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that. But, at the same down, you don’t want to turn down business either. It’s at this point, a lot of Realtors® consider starting a team. But, how do you know if that’s the right call for you? Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself to help make your decision.

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The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that.

CAN YOU AFFORD IT? First things first, are you really making enough money to warrant hiring help? One of the key things to think about is your ability to generate leads. Are you so busy with your existing contracts, that you have no spare time to generate more business? Then, it might be time to consider your options. Figure out the time you’ll be afforded to generate more business, how many more transactions that will lead

to, and then see if that pays for the assistant’s wages. That should help you easily see if it’s worth the investment. If it’s on the border, you may still want to go for it if you have a lot of confidence in the market and your ability to bring in business. If you’re not quite there yet though, it might be a good idea to look into a virtual assistant until your business is ready to expand.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A TEAM LEADER? Or in other words, how comfortable are you delegating tasks and responsibilities? For some agents, they need to be actively involved in every step of the process. Being a team leader is not only about being able to delegate, it’s about mentoring and guiding your team as well. Not only do you have to help them serve the team

better, you need to look at yourself honestly too, constantly evaluating what you can do better. It’s also your job to set up systems and operations, that are constantly refined with the feedback of your team members. Clear and constant communication is key with your clients as well as your team.

CAN YOU FIND PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR VISION? Of course, the above two points are moot, if you’re unable to find people that you trust and that share your business’ philosophy. Having a supportive and professional team culture is instrumental in a team’s success. These are people you will be working with closely for long hours so you not only need to trust in their expertise and professionalism, you want to find people with a positive attitude. You will all be relying on each other to create seamless trans22

actions in sometimes stressful circumstances.

Having the right team spirit, so to speak, is what will help your business and team grow.

The ultimate goal of a team is to have thriving careers for everyone on board.

So, if you want to see your business grow maybe a team is right for you. It may even give you a little free time for a personal life. We can all dream, can’t we?

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BAYLEY FALKENBURY Bayley Falkenbury’s turn in real estate began earlier than most. Fresh from high school, Bayley followed the lead of a family member who’d found success selling new construction homes. Bayley always had an interest in serving others and found real estate to be a natural path to explore her skillset. “Helping people build or find their dream home seemed like a perfect fit,” she remembers. Now, nearly five years later, Bayley has built a reputation for personalized service, lasting relationships, and intimate knowledge of her hometown region.

Today, Bayley is based in Lubbock and spearheads her work as an agent under the banner of Lyons Realty. There, she serves clients across the region, typically within an hour’s radius of Lubbock’s central hub. Likewise, she has cultivated working relationships with a variety of clientele, from first-time buyers to investors active in the area’s marketplace. Over the course of her roughly five-year tenure in the industry, Bayley has driven a significant portion of her business through repeat and referral clientele—a testament to her staying power and consistent delivery of results.

To account for her successes thus far, Bayley cites a lasting connection to those she serves, along with availability and regular communication. “My customer service is what my clients remember most about working with me,” Bayley says. “I stay on top of everything, make sure all their needs are met, and I always make myself available for any questions they might have along the way. I stick with people for the long-term and my clients know I still care, even when a transaction comes to a close.”

Considering relationships are at the center of Bayley’s business, she makes reaching out a hallmark of her routine. She keeps in touch through handwritten notes and holiday cards, and by checking in on social media to stay up-to-date on her clients’ milestones. When listing properties, Bayley primarily focuses on building exposure that spans the region and beyond. First, she ensures each property is leveraged through professional photography to showcase homes in their most inviting and immersive light. From there, she taps her brokerage’s website, social media outlets, and the leading online listing platforms to net wideranging visibility for listings headed to market. Whether working with buyers or sellers alike, Bayley’s abiding focus remains on the person or family at the heart of each transaction. “There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing buyers and sellers so happy at closing,” she says. “I really do enjoy what I do. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people find the home that’s right for them, or guide them as they sell the largest investment of their lifetime.”

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Beyond the office, Bayley gives back to her tightknit community through her work with the Lubbock Homebuilders Association, with recent events including a free Fall Home Tour for the public.

She also contributes her time and insights as an Ambassador for the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, welcoming new businesses and their owners to the town’s local economic landscape. On a charitable front, Bayley also contributes to the United Way. In her free hours, Bayley most enjoys time spent with her family and loved ones.

As for the future, Bayley intends to continue growing her business steadily, with plans to maintain her personalized approach, while exploring the potential of adding new, likeminded team members to the ranks. “I’ve grown a lot within the last four or so years,” Bayley reflects. “My plan is to keep going to become one of the top producers in Lubbock.” Now, with almost five promising years behind her and a determined eye on the road ahead, the future appears bright for Bayley Falkenbury.

To learn more about Bayley Falkenbury email Bayley@mylbk.com, visit Bayley.mylbk.com, or call (806) 215 – 1551 www.

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How to Create a Business-Winning Plan in One Hour

by Bubba Mills

Baloney! That’s what I say to those who think building a business plan should take days, weeks, even months. And I say baloney again to those who think a plan has to have a bunch of pages with graphs and charts.

I know for a fact REALTORS® don’t have that kind of time. But I also know every serious REALTOR® needs a good plan. That means if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place. Stick with me and you’ll end up with a plan that can make your year much better.

A comprehensive business plan (two pages max) can help you: • Account for what you accomplish • Clarify your life • Keep track of each of your goals • Manage your time 24

• Determine if you’re heading in the right direction So let’s get right to it. Here are the steps to take to get your plan in place and your year (and rear) in gear: Create a mission statement. This gets right to the heart of your life and addresses why you’re in real estate. It answers why you’re here, what your purpose is and what your business is truly about. Use positive, present tense statements such as “I am,” “I provide,” “I strive” as you define who you are and what you provide your clients. Take 10 minutes now to brainstorm some possible mission statements.

Perform a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats).

For strengths, maybe you’re tech savvy. For weaknesses perhaps you’re unorganized. With opportunities, it could be that a large firm is relocating to your city. And for threats, maybe Top Agent Magazine

Every serious REALTOR® needs a good plan. the mid-term, one year; and the long-term, five years. Also, in this same section, write your personal objectives. We can’t be balanced in life if all we focus on is business.

So consider what your ideal sitWrite your business objectives. In uation would look like with your this section I’d like you to consider family, your spiritual life and your what you want your business to look social life. Spend 10 minutes now like in the short-term, six months; in on these topics. interest rates are rising. Take 10 minutes now and fill in a few items for each category. If you get stuck, ask a co-worker or friend, who knows you well enough, for suggestions.

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Create a mission statement. This gets right to the heart of your life and addresses why you’re in real estate. It answers why you’re here, what your purpose is and what your business is truly about.

Create your sales goals. Here’s where I don’t want you to be afraid to think bigger. Take 15 minutes for this section. As part of this segment here at Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc., we include what’s called a goal achievement system that helps you stay on track with your goals. So for each goal, we include a why, excuses for failure, resolve and action items. I believe this is a vital step because it allows you to examine why you might hesitate in completing parts of your business plan. Email me at Article@CorcoranCoaching.com, and I’ll send you a free worksheet on this system.

Develop action items. To wrap up your plan, you need to get specific about how you’ll achieve your goals.

So for each goal you should have action items, due dates, who will 26

complete the items and a step-by-step daily and hourly plan with what has to be done. Take 15 minutes and do it.

Tell me what you’re thinking. Do you have a plan? If not, why not? What’s preventing you from creating one?

What successes or failures have you had with plans in the past?

Bubba Mills is co-owner and executive vice president of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching. com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into Real Estate Companies, Mortgage Companies and Small Businesses. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1800-957-8353 or visit us at www.Corcoran Coaching.com.

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REANNE RUDD How did Reanne rocket to a place among the top real estate agents in Amarillo and the surrounding areas?

Reanne literally has real estate in her blood! Her parents own a real estate company in New Mexico and her stepfather is a builder. She briefly considered going in to nursing, but her parents encouraged her to try real estate. Four years ago, she studied for and received her license, and immediately hit the ground running. How did she achieve such early success?

“I’ve always set big goals, thinking I may not hit the goal but I’ll do everything possible to come close. My goal was to sell 50 homes my first year.” Reanne was working as a buyer’s agent under a top producer and as a result of all her hard work, she far exceeded her first-year goal. “I sold 73 homes my first year in real estate!” she said. “I really feel like it’s my calling.” After two years working on a team, Reanne went solo and is now growing her own team that’s currently made up of two buyer’s agents. “We started eleven months ago and we closed deal number 70 today!” she says.

Reanne and her team serve Amarillo, Canyon, and Bushland, as well as the Panhandle. Already over 25% of her business comes from repeat and referral customers. What keeps her clients eagerly spreading the word about Reanne to their friends and family? “I think the key to being successful in this business is communication,” she says. “For me, it’s not about selling homes, it’s about customer service.” Out of the 650 agents in Amarillo, Reanne and her team are #4. To ensure high quality service, Reanne and her buyer’s agents practice a system of Daily Success Habits that allows them to work smarter, not harder. They also use a lead generating

website and have a broad sphere of influence throughout Amarillo and surrounding areas.

Reanne understands that when it comes to buying a home, most people begin their search online. She conducts a thorough social media campaign for each listing, and advertises on over 160 websites nationwide. “It helps to expand our business outside of the Amarillo area,” Reanne says.

“Twenty percent of people who buy homes here come from other areas.” Currently Reanne has fifteen listings, six of which are under contract. Her buyer’s agents have another 12 houses under contract as well. “We are right on track for our goal for the year, which is to sell 100 units,” she says.

What’s Reanne’s favorite part of the job? “Meeting new people and helping sellers who didn’t think their house would ever sell for the price they thought it would. I also love helping buyers who have been struggling with bad credit to get keys in their hands. The happiness they feel makes me happy!” To give back to the community, Reanne raises money for Alzheimer’s Awareness and is very involved in the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) group. “There are 50 moms who get together and talk about life, kids, parenting, and the struggles young moms go through. We try to empower each other to be good people!” In her cherished free time, Reanne loves to hang out with her family. “I have an awesome husband and two boys! Together we like to go to Red River and ride trails with our Ranger and just generally get away” Reanne—ever the goal-setter—plans to up her team’s goal next year from 100 to 200 closed transactions. “We also want to keep on training and learning so we can serve our clients well!” she says. With her passion for her career, clients and community, she’s sure to make those bold goals a reality!

To find out more about Reanne Rudd, email reanne.rudd@gmail.com, call 806 - 576 - 4804, or visit seeamarillohomes.com www.

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