TEXAS 11-15-21

TEXAS EDITION

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Ways to Get Your Client TO TRUST YOU CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY

THANK YOU

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TIPS TO GET NEW CLIENTS

How to Get the Biggest Recharge

OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR COVER STORY

VON TRUONG

HOW TO SEND

SMARTER EMAILS

Turning Your Profession Into

A PASSION

FEATURED AGENTS

LISA BENOIT TRACI MAXWELL PHILLIPS AIMEE COLVIN-COOK DANA PHILLIPS DYLAN DAVIS JACQUE GORDON JAY BRADLEY JEMILA WINSEY RAZELLE SMITH ROCIO MOORE

TEXAS EDITION

LISA TRACIBENOIT MAXWELL PHILLIPS

DYLAN DAVIS

DANA PHILLIPS

Dylan began herindusreal estate journey Even after nearlyDavis 16 years in the off the property’s best featui 22 27 28 31 when she got her license in 2012, going try, Texas Realtor Dana Phillips wakes up as drawing attention from thg every morning just aasyear excited number of agents and buyersm full-time andtoa get halftoago. “I kept my work as on the day she first started. That’s reaches out to people within license active while I went back to Aimee school Colvin-Cook began her D because she’s never lost sight of how sphere that might be interested and got my Master’s in Geology and impactful her efforts are on the lives of the real estate career almost 16 years C Environmental Science,” Dylan recalls. people whom she serves.

The Phillips and Associates Rr ago. After earning very active her in thedegree local comm “I took a full-time job on a pipeline doing W “Home is where we live the parts of our tributing to dozens of charitie in Communications from the environmental inspections and reports, and D VON lives MAXWELL that really matter,” Dana explains.

Impact SanDAVIS Antonio, the San A VON TRUONG LISA BENOIT TRACI AIMEE DANA PHILLIPS DYLAN University of Houston, Aimee TRUONG when that slowed down due to Covid, I “It’s where we start our family, expand Bank, Habitat for Humanity,b PHILLIPS COLVIN-COOK Assistant our family, and show ourreal loveestate for each animal advocate groups. Askr decided to do full-time.”worked Dylan as a Production JACQUE GORDON other.Approaching It’sspecializes where we play and where we plan our future. likes to spend her time when she’s not in ranch, equine, investment, every transaction with others.

“Iwork lovs at a local TV Station. She preordon, the heart of a real show her properties to other agents and to ensure is full-time career in each property exposure I’mWilliams motivated by the knowledge that the work I39 do garners is teering, Dana laughs.

“A nap—and I’m not e ion can be found in the the Keller web32 past clients via 35 36 40 and properties, and herviously backcare andresidential patience, Rocio Moore is dream of transact aspired toI love be a aNews earned professional designations and Traci Maxwell her with journey in real helping providebegan people a place to live and numerous But when I’m rested doing things wit onship between agent site. Strongly believing in a Phillips personal of college 21 years from a wide audience.

He also uses the a trusted advisor to her clients and joy in my clI awards for her accomplishments, including Top estate almost thirty years ago, and she has been ground in water and land use give her an sing her experience and approach, Jacque is not knocking in above comfort.” reading by the pool, playing mahjon Reporter, although was golf ledoron a

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AIMEE COLVIN-CO

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JAY BRADLEY

RAZELLEROCIO SMITH MOORE

Top Agent Razelle Smith – of Having Razelle ha JEMILA WINSEY Better Options at RE/MAX Integrity in thing her c Producer multiple years in a row.

She is a Certified serving her clients and the Texas Hill Country with is father’s footsteps latest technology available in real estate ensures that they are her number happy aboutm extra edge in helping her clients achieve Specialist, an path.

AccreditedWhile Buyer’s excellence and compassion ever since. She began Residential different working Spring, Texas – sincerely cares about she says, Dana began her career in finance, working for Norwest As for the future of the business, Dana andt onetheir priority every of the way. very special eal estate, Jay develand thestep most to dateAgent marketing toolsWinsey real estate goals.

Top Jemila is a Texas Land Consultant, and she as a partner in a new home construction company,upRepresentative, and through its merger with Wells Fargo before becomhand off the management of the company Station she recalls, She makes the real estate experimay soun was recently at votedthe as theTV Best Real Estate Agent working primarily with first-time home-buyers myItclients ion for the business toone make sure his listings perform well. achieving exceptional for every name Hav ing Lisa alooking manager for aand mortgage company.

She caught and daughter-in-law at some point aswho they beneficial decisions with their assets.

“Honesty After 15 yearsresults in realandestate, Benoit has had an intelligent, dynamic and in Wimberley as well as a Visionary Leader in families to upgrade.

“It made sense to ence smooth easy, so that clients home provid “God put it on my heart to do Real Estate.

I believe that With The Platinum Group Real Estate, Dylan serves looks forward the real estate bug after marrying Tom Phillips, a secroad to share the knowledge they’ve gaine Hays County. earn my real estate license to help our moving-up is really important when you’re helping someone ample time to master her craft and have spread great of time While is important, Jay’s never to her feeltechnology overwhelmed, safety, and I’ hardworking real estate proof herdeal many clients.

Honest, deeply knowltakes a tea ond Realtor and Broker, and she isReal an Worth, agents across the country, conducting wo what really ledtoday me to Estate was my family backbuyers to sellgeneration their Traci says.

“I ended a homes,” large area southwest of Fort including ing her experti make such a huge decision,” Lisa says.

“I let my knowledge to her peers within her community. andwith her in-depth ofSMITH to help a young man.JACQUE This GORDON is knowledge not above oldextensive school methods JAY BRADLEY JEMILA WINSEY RAZELLE ROCIO MOORE Owner-Associate Broker Phillips and Associates seminars.

Buther Dana doesn’t ever see them herse With her experience, community up falling in love realteam estate.

I with love working Stephenville, Weatherford, Granbury, and the surroundfind what they ground.

Some things are innate, and my family have fessional who consistently the Clear Lake area market allows clients know what’s going on, what I to really She isher a Topmarket Producing Agent inrepresenting her right, involvement, and her client-centered approach, it think with people and the Texasown Hill Country landscape. edgeable about and the real be a goo Realty, clients in San Antonio, Austin, and love this work too much.

I’m sure I’ll grow transition into the and routinely calls people who live in area.

She isis aaowned hands-on agent whoand knows how tosubconsciously in rehabbing our industry I live bythe mysurrounding tagline, is: ‘Helping I believe I hering towhich expertly guide buyers and Outside of areas.

Dana 5-time Platinum Top 50 ways—I’ve recently begun hom about theproperty. situation, I keep in touch with them and has proven her ability to maintain a always consisplaces the needs and wants people find theirbrings little piece ofclients the Texasfind exactly destate he found a lot oftently the neighborhood where the listed prophelp her what they’re looking for. they’re buying Realtor and once earned recognition by the San Antonio but I’ll always want to be meeting people industry overall, Razelle to There need sellers through this huge moment in spending tim decided real estate because was around when regularly so they’re neveritleft in the dark.”me Lisa’s high production year after year, but Hill level Country.’

This is a special place, and on Business Journal asI the #1 Agentainranch all of San Antonio. them achieve their “When goproperty show Iof take a UTV and really getdreams.” client feelup, hapb her many clients front and their lives. grown at would only growshe also devotes time erty is located in an effort to generate helping others find their dream hands-on approach makes clients feel comfortable to training other agents.

I wasshe’s growing up.”

In the years since getting her start, A perennial Top Producer, on track to close around the table over two decades of experience, appraisers. here is what I loveto best.” know the land,”locally she explains.

“Sometimes a property anything.

I off much time as and confident the transaction process. as $54 a top producing agent ve into owning hisIn addition to her work interest as well.

Additionally, center during everyachieve transmillion in 2021.

An extraordinary 75 percent ofthroughout that Aimee has excelled at helping her clients their CONTENTS Known her enthusiasm and attenthem.

We do is as big as 2,000 acres, and I have to know everything buying these sp comes from repeat clients or referrals, a tribute andHis she has certainly earned her glowing one-stop-sh This is a major contributor to Lisa’s strong referand team leader, LisaAs personally coaches one business of the Top Agents innearly the big area, rage. brokerage, he is on maintaining long term relareal estate dreams. action.

As Broker/Owner of tion to detail, Rocio gives her clients a very personal the movies.

It’s all about h the land client, to the personal approach she for takesmy to the job. my knowledge is what I known as about the “Texas Land Lady,” 4) 5 250 TIPS TO through GET Traci 25) HOW TO SEND ral base - the she gets more than 90% of hershe business agents the isnew agent mentorship service.

She educates them along way, allowing together,” says.

She als p, serves the Greater tionships with past clients well after the and she has builteffective a thriving businessMy and degree really helps me know the land reputationNEW asprogram dependable and offer people.

RE/MAX Legacy Living in through referrals and repeat clients. at Abby Realty, where she serves as CLIENTS SMARTER EMAILS a stellar “I reputation on themake value of putting think people recognize when the person them to the most informed realthey’re estate choices. interior decorating.

Aimee serves Houston and the surrounding area. An has allowed Jay toDirector of Growth and transaction is closed. and water situations and everything else that’s importher clients first. Currently an Associate Operations.

Under working withworking is sincere andfirst-time looking outhomebuyers, for their best she prac-Texas –There Richmond, and asand Often with advocate for anyone buying or selling in are Broker and REALTOR with Century 21 ant when buying large acreage properties.” impressive 90% of business comes from repeat interests.

Igroup also work hard to make sure the her transacbusiness based 14)onher HOW TO GET THE 33) TURNING YOUR guidance, her Team is an elite in tices patience and never hurries a transaction.

“I’m In the future, Rocio woul Randall Morris & Associates, Traci has tion goes smoothly for my for clients.

Some of them have Team Leader The Group –the Jemila has Houston area. contributed referral clients, aWinsey feat that speaks to trust and consthe corenorthwest values:BIGGEST faith,the Jay is focused on enriching the lives of Houston area, and sheOUT plans to continue very patient with my clients, especially the first-time brokerage, but she’s not RECHARGE PROFESSION INTO expressedHer surprise at howtoeasy the processneeds went for attention her clients’ sets Dylan apart.

“I homebuyers.

Iearned give them as much time as need “I’m working on getting more than stellar reputation as a trusted fidence she inspires.

“Clients enjoy working with me m improving real estate service throughout them because they’d heard horror stories about thethey philanthropy. OF These the people around him.

His Brokerage YOUR LUNCH HOUR Aher PASSION industry and her grea always trydecision. toThat’s make the experience special and easy,” she to make their If they have to see the same currently mentoring new experiences of friends. actually the best compliher locale well into the future. because they appreciate myoffor honesty,” Aimee says.

“We a andhouse honest realorestate advocate both buyers and with his hands-on volunteers with anotvariety local says.

“Especially with first-time homebuyers, IIcharmake ment they can give me!” three times, if they’re ready to make would like to have a few 20) 6 WAYS TO GET YOUR CLIENT 41) CREATIVE WAYS Razelle began her adventures inainstitutions real estate in 2001, would be her exper have to have honesty and integrity inwith this business.

Your se have garnered Jay the high-end itable all chosen by the agents on his sure they’re taken care of, I make sure they know what decision, it’s totally fine by me, I’m not going to me in the future, but Ia sellers alike.

One of Lisa’s it comes to TO TRUST YOUemphases when TO SAY THANK YOU Creating a stress-free process is a team effort, and word is bond, is all you have and what others could rely is them,” happening each step of the way.” food shein explains. choose.

I want agents who a following career sales manager corporate prehensive marketin Contact at 210-846-5 he personalizedaluxury experience Team, including women’s bank, andDana the goal ofas highaproduction ispush straightforPhillips and Associatesthe utilizes a marketingshelter, specialist to on.

People like to do business with people they can trust. great care of my clients or email DPPTeam@outlook. make sure listings presented in a two way that shows Jemila has more than decades ofwhere experience under Ifthat nAmerica. for delivering“The to his clients. a local school inare an underserved community the translate ward, direct communication with clients. company started going through laycombined HerWhen passion for working with people has made Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 to marketing, Dylan differentiates they trust you, then they’ll do business herwith you and referin She sees the Realtor’sagents role one ofitand acomes mentor children.

Equinox Realty showed up achieved herasreal belt, she has accumulated a slew awards estate a very fulfilling career choice for her.

Having her own self by bringing a youthful flair and and happy enthusiasm.

Theof you out to their friends family that they care about.” offs,” recalls Razelle, “so I decided it was time to look clients.

“Every mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com guide, educating clients and giving them the Realizing the magnitude of what or selling forover those just starting out in eracting with his clients, Jay makes for the communities in themselves: need in abuying huge way during the results speak for in 2021, Dylan did and recognitions for her expertise that includes the information necessary to make sound and a house means to most people, she is able to empawith diligence neveror g No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent Magazineand himself readily available to answer recent freeze that occurred in TX this past February for a new career and real estate always interested me. a million dollar one $23 million in volume.

Contact Robin Wilson at 847-207-1975 or email Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com or cbenitone@hobsonrealtors.com, Everything My of Real Estate is accomplish about myan thizeprecautions with Association clients and to putin herself in their ofshoes. that you can is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although are taken ensure accuracy published materials, Top Houston oftheBusiness Realtors’ Top 20 Realtors To find teReal concerns as they arisecannot during theresponsible by donating and hand delivering hundreds ofabout cases at hobsonrealtors.com Agent Magazine be held for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

Completing anywhere between 25 to 30 transactions mind to.

You just have too relationships with others, it’s not transactions. estate allowed me the opportunity to both have “gets the same level Copyright Topthe Agent Magazine plea Under 40 award, HBJ Top 25 Realtors and HBJ Women For Dylan, community involvement is not just important, To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. per year, Rocio is happy heranumbers, but her determined.

There’s never a s his phone on him at all times and of water to families in with need.

Jay also personally email When you build good“The relationship with your clients but closely connected to her work. rodeo industry Published in the U.S. the state with a career and travel my children showfessional photography most valued accomplishment is being able to help there is.”

Who Mean Business Awards, her inclusion among e they are his top priority. “Clients shows upistovery career days at multiple schools to provide visit Fa where they canshetrust you genuinely careorabout important to me,” says. you, “My husband works American Cash Flowand Association’s a Million Dollar me have their back, noatmatter forand the youth across hisand community.

For ingto their animals State,motivation County, local fairs. property is Magazine expertly their needs wants helpasthem achieve them, the s 2 Top Agent For more about Moore, emailthe rociomoore ” Jay says. “I work hard for them the Producer, future, Jayblessings wants to enact targeted growth for will continue toRocio flow. and her company’s ranking among Toppro Because I understand the importance of family and each home is also visit rociomoore.com, or call (832) 878–0776

help guide them through gest transactions of their ures that the process is d harmonious each step Whether she’s assisting ers or experienced ownto their next home, she ients less than a 100%.

buyers and sellers throughout Granbury, acting in the customer’s best interest o provide clients with the highest level e believes that the road to success is built trong relationships with her clients and pen communication. “It’s all about the form with each person. I take good care ’s very important for me to do my fidubility and make the sell or purchase of y top priority,” she explains, and adds, vailable for them. Even if I’m on vacaesources that I can leverage out to help hem. My clients know that they’re in ith me.”

g approach has helped her build a busies on repeat and referral clients. In order lose bond, she continues to stay in touch nts, always making sure that they’re able thout any issues. To show her apprecibusiness, she hosts four client events remains in contact with personal visits ls. With 27 completed transactions last ace to finish this year with $15,000,000 me and 35 transactions, Jacque puts a sis on creative marketing. She uses her d market knowledge to help sellers get ry time. Aside from using well-known thods such as the MLS, she also likes to

on doors.

Having found much personal success in her real estate career, Jacque likes to pay it forward. She is on the board of directors for both the Granbury Association of Realtors and Leadership Granbury, as well as the president of a local Christmas program, and a member of Kiwanis International. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Committed to her clients and passionate about her work, Jacque hopes to continue maintaining the oneon-one client service she is known for and building strong relationships with her clients going forward.

“I’d like to keep on making close friendships with my clients as I expand my business,” she remarks when discussing the future of her career. “The amazing people that I have the privilege of meeting through real estate are my favorite part of the job.”

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To learn more about Jacque Gordon please call (817) 243–4324 or email jacquegordon@kw.com

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t 847-207-1975 or email Robin@ChicagoToNorthShore.com www.

www.

www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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5 Tips to Get New Clients

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If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably built up a healthy percentage of repeat and referral business.

Although it can be tempting to just maintain those relationships rather than generating new business, there’s something to be said for staying on top of

your game by never resting on your laurels. Actively pursuing new clients is not only a way to generate more business, but depending on how you do it, it could even lead to a profitable new niche. Here are just a few ways to build up your new client base.

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1

Become a referral partner with industry peers

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Cold Call Expired and FSBO Listings

Everyone from mortgage lenders, to financial planners, to insurance agents, can be potentially lucrative referral partners for a Realtor®. You may already have great relationships with some that just need to be more formalized. But, you don’t just want to partner with anyone, make sure these are people you also feel completely comfortable referring your clients to - people who share your values and work ethic.

Another avenue to consider is divorce attorneys – yes, you heard that correctly. Helping people go through this difficult period actually requires a very specific skill set.

You need to be able to handle the legal aspects, as well as the emotional ones. There are numerous training courses you can take if you decide to take this route, which could end up being a lucrative and much-needed specialty.

This is a route a lot of agents take when they are just starting out, that usually leads to great success. You probably haven’t cold called since you started out, and this is a great skill to build up again.

It will not only sharpen your sales skills, but could generate a lot more business.

People with For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) and expired listings, are usually very motivated to sell. This is a great chance for you to really hone in on why they need to hire you. Do you offer innovative marketing plans? Access to a large sphere of influence? Expired listing clients are looking for ways to sell a property that seems impossible to move. With FSBOs, you need to show them how you can get them more money in their pocket, even

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with paying you a commission. Pursuing both will really engage your mind to think outside of the box, which will not only get you more business, but make you better at what you do.

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3

Partner up with a Relocation Company

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Become a Builder’s Realtor® of choice

This is another niche market that you can really capitalize on if you want to pursue a new specialty. But, it is a specialty, so getting educated on the process will help you generate the business you want. It’s a complicated area of real estate, you’ll often

times be helping to facilitate dual transactions, as you try and secure a property at the same time you are helping your relocation client sell their previous home. This specialty is becoming an in-demand skill in areas that have major corporate headquarters.

This can be a real score for any Realtor®.

The competition might be fierce to land a client like this, but there are numerous ways to make yourself stand out from the rest.

Gain certifications and become knowledgeable about the construction process. Be wellversed on what trendy materials, features, and finishes will add value to a property.

Get the builder on board with you by offering to take just a segment of the subdivision then wow them with your marketing skills.

Take on properties they haven’t been able to sell. You can even offer to throw an open

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Create a Website that Offers Real Value to Potential Clients

Perhaps the most useful way of getting contact information for people looking to sell is by adding a home valuation feature to your website. When people are first considering selling their home, finding out how much 6

house for them. This is another way to show them the level of service they can expect from you. These clients might be harder to land, but the payoff will be enormous.

it is worth is one of the first questions they want answered. By becoming a resource to potential clients (and current clients!), you just might be the first person that comes to mind when they’re actually looking to sell.

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VON TRUONG Top Agent Magazine

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VON TRUONG “I give my clients 110% of myself and I always respond quickly to their questions or needs. I also consider myself an advantage as a minority rather than a detriment.”

Top Agent Von Truong – of RE/MAX DFW Associates in Frisco, Texas – is a hardworking, truly dedicated real estate professional who is deeply committed to helping her many grateful buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals in the Greater Dallas, Denton and Collin 8

counties. Honest to a fault, Von has built her thriving business on a solid foundation of integrity and deep industry and local market knowledge.

Prior to beginning her journey in the world of real estate, Von – a Certified Top Agent Magazine

Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist as well as a Certified Residential Specialist which is equivalent to a PhD in Real Estate, and the holder of several other prestigious industry designations – worked for seven years as a French teacher at Hockaday, a prestigious Dallas private girl school. “I had always loved working with people and looking at houses,” she recalls, “and Top Agent Magazine

with 3 months of summer not teaching, I decided to begin investing in and flipping houses. That was my original intent when I got my license, it wasn’t to sell homes.” Fortunately, Von revised her decision, became an agent and helping other people attain their real estate goals. Finding success right out of the gate – based largely on her fluency in Vietnamese, French and English as 9

well as a stellar work ethic – Von soon formed a large team that saw her selling over a hundred units annually before downsizing several years ago to work as a successful solo agent.

and loyalty. “I give my clients 110% of myself and I always respond quickly to their questions or needs. I also consider myself an advantage as a minority rather than a detriment.”

Currently, almost the entirety of Von’s considerable business is based upon repeat clients and referrals, a healthy indicator of the depth and breadth of the customer service she provides her clients.

“I think a lot of that has to do with sheer hard work and being able to tell my clients what they need to hear instead of what they want to hear!” replies Von, when asked how she has managed to achieve such impressive levels of consumer trust

There are many other factors that have also contributed to Von’s impressive and continuing success story. One of those would be her primary motivation: to help people. “If you do your job only for the money,” she explains, “you’re not going to be successful. I believe when you take good care of your clients, they will remember you for repeat business, and in turn refer you to their friends and families.”

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Another vital reason would be Von’s exceptional negotiation skills, coupled with impressive marketing strategies that rely heavily on social media platforms to gain maximum exposure for her many listings. Combined, these translate into fast sales for top dollar, not to mention happy – and returning and referring – clients.

When she’s not busy helping her customers achieve their dreams, Top Agent Magazine

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dedicated to promoting homeownership opportunities in Asian communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals.

Von enjoys reading, tennis and traveling.

She is also very much involved in her community. Von contributes a portion of her commissions she receives to various charities such as Children’s Miracle Network, American Cancer Society, The Orchid Circle and the Catholic Foundation. She is a former long term board member of AREAA, Asian Real Estate Association of America, which is

Looking to the future, Von plans to continue her lengthy success streak and – above all – to keep providing her clients with the unparalleled customer service that has become her trademark.

For more information regarding Selling or Buying, please visit her website VONSELLSHOMES.COM or Call Von at 972-979–4700. www.

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create 14

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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LISA BENOIT Top Agent Magazine ®

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LISA BENOIT

After 15 years in real estate, Lisa Benoit has had ample time to master her craft and spread her knowledge to her peers within her community.

She is a Top Producing Agent in her own right, and has proven her ability to maintain a consistently high production level year after year, but she also devotes time to training other agents.

In addition to her work as a top producing agent and team leader, Lisa personally coaches nearly 250 agents through the new agent mentorship program at Abby Realty, where she serves as Director of Growth and Operations. Under her guidance, her Team is an elite group in the Houston area, and she plans to continue improving real estate service throughout her locale well into the future.

beneficial decisions with their assets. “Honesty is really important when you’re helping someone make such a huge decision,” Lisa says. “I let my clients know what’s going on, what I really think about the situation, and I keep in touch with them regularly so they’re never left in the dark.” Lisa’s hands-on approach makes clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the transaction process.

This is a major contributor to Lisa’s strong referral base - she gets more than 90% of her business through referrals and repeat clients.

One of Lisa’s emphases when it comes to the goal of high production is straightforward, direct communication with clients.

She sees the Realtor’s role as one of a guide, educating clients and giving them the information necessary to make sound and 18

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With experience in commercial real estate as well as residential and a background in business, Lisa’s knowledge base is second to none.

She is able to offer excellent professional advice to a wide variety of different clients, and is uniquely well-equipped to coach real estate agents with a diverse range of goals and backgrounds. As a former successful business-owner, Lisa offers recommendations and insight even outside the world of real estate, and her informed perspective is a boon for anyone lucky enough to work with her.

Lisa maintains a significant presence on social media, which she uses to maintain relationships with past clients and ensure her listings reach a wide audience locally and beyond.

Between her coaching program, staying in touch with all of her clients, and doing her own sales, Lisa has a lot on her plate, but she manages to maintain her status as a Top Producing Agent all the same!

In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her three children. She also loves staying involved with her local food community.

She used to own her own restaurant, and has formed relationships with more than 40 restaurants in her local area. In an effort to provide for the less fortunate members of her community, Lisa frequently volunteers for and donates to the Montgomery Food Bank.

Her community engagement doesn’t end with food, though; she also donates to Helping Hands in Houston and the local BEAR Program, which encourages members of the community to BE A Resource for CPS Kids.

For the future of her business, Lisa plans to focus on building productivity for her Team and continuing to mentor other real estate agents to become the best they can possibly be. If you’re looking for a Realtor who truly cares about her industry and her field, get in touch with Lisa Benoit today!

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Contact Lisa at (832) 964-5472, email lisa@bdreamteam.com, or visit lisabenoit.com for more information www.

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6 Ways to Get Your Client to Trust You The word “REALTOR®” can leave a sour taste in some people’s mouths. Many of today’s home buyers and sellers grew up during the 2009 recession. They are wary of anything 20

or anyone who comes off as too salesy, and they want to work with individuals who they can trust.

But how do you prove to someone you’ve likely never met that you can be trusted?

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1

Put Testimonials or Case Studies on Your Website

When something goes wrong, own up to your mistakes. Don’t hide bad news from your clients. Be upfront and responsive.

Testimonials and case studies are social proof that you have both the experience and the skills to do the job your clients are hiring you for. People often leave testimonials when they are either incredibly disappointed or extremely happy with the service they were provided, so they’re a good indication to prospective clients of the treatment they’ll receive.

Case studies, which you can post on your blog or website, have much of the same effect, but even more than testimonials, case studies demonstrate your real estate and finance expertise because they explain how you achieved a specific set of results.

2

Be Responsive and Accessible

Can your clients reach you easily? That doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7, but you should respond to your clients within a few hours of receiving their message. When agents don’t respond to their clients’ calls or emails for days on end or fail to provide them with a direct line of contact, their clients’ experience can quickly become frustrating.

Agents are busy but so are their clients. If you constantly show up late to or reschedule meetings, your clients won’t feel like their time is respected or their business is valued. Make sure you set a realistic schedule for yourself rather than spreading yourself too thin.

3

Be Honest and Transparent

Sometimes you don’t have the answer to a client’s question. Be honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and the limits of your knowledge. A good response might be, “I don’t know, but I can find out.” Be transparent with your clients, and they’ll respect you for it.

You should always act in their best interest.

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Go the Extra Mile

If you do the bare minimum, that’s what your clients will remember. Their experience won’t be memorable, and they won’t gush about you in online testimonials or in real life to people they know who could use your services. It’s that simple.

5

Put Yourself in Your Client’s Shoes

Clients understand that you need to earn money, but that doesn’t mean they want to feel like they’re just a dollar sign to you. Be empathetic to your client’s concerns, even if you’ve heard it all before. Your clients should know that you are there for them.

6

Be Consistent

Being responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable shouldn’t be an act. If you “turn on” your personality for clients and then suddenly become a different person when they leave the room, it’s likely that the cracks in your mask will eventually become apparent.

But “faking it till you make it” is so common it’s become a cliché. When we are starting out, we don’t always have the systems or resources in place to create a smooth client journey, from onboarding to closing, so instead we constantly try to reinvent the wheel. Give yourself time to pause, slow down, and reevaluate your workflow. Creating systems creates

consistency, and those systems can and should be constantly updated.

Developing trust between you and your clients will take time, but doing these things can give you a running start.

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TRACI MAXWELL PHILLIPS 22

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TRACI MAXWELL PHILLIPS

Traci Maxwell Phillips began her journey in real estate almost thirty years ago, and she has been serving her clients and the Texas Hill Country with excellence and compassion ever since. She began as a partner in a new home construction company, working primarily with first-time home-buyers and families looking to upgrade. “It made sense to earn my real estate license to help our moving-up buyers to sell their homes,” Traci says. “I ended up falling in love with real estate. I love working with people and the Texas Hill Country landscape.

I live by my tagline, which is: ‘Helping people find their little piece of the Texas Hill Country.’ This is a special place, and helping others find their dream property here is what I love best.”

earned numerous professional designations and awards for her accomplishments, including Top Producer multiple years in a row. She is a Certified Residential Specialist, an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, a Texas Land Consultant, and she was recently voted as the Best Real Estate Agent in Wimberley as well as a Visionary Leader in Hays County.

With her extensive experience, her community involvement, and her client-centered approach, it

As one of the Top Agents in the area, Traci is known as the “Texas Land Lady,” and she has built a thriving business and a stellar reputation on the value of putting her clients first. Currently an Associate Broker and REALTOR with Century 21 Randall Morris & Associates, Traci has Top Agent Magazine

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is no surprise that 70-75% of Traci’s business stems from repeat clients and referrals. “I take the time to get to know my clients, and to keep in touch with my client base,” Traci says. “I’ve found that communication is the most important aspect of my service. I’m known for being available. In this microwave society we’re in right now, people need to know that they’ve been heard. It really matters.”

Known for her unique and comprehensive approach to marketing, Traci works hard to provide every client with broad and immediate coverage. “I believe in getting the word out quickly and thoroughly,” Traci says.

Leveraging her extensive professional network, Traci reaches out to her sphere before her listings go live to build buzz and interest.

She also broadcasts her listings to her large social media following, thereby providing every client with wide visibility. Her strategies have paid off, and Traci expects to close almost fifty transaction this year.

Dedicated to her community, Traci has served numerous terms on the School Board and has been actively involved in various volunteer efforts. In the early 2000s, her company took over Gold Santa, a local organization that helps provide for disadvantaged families during the holidays. “This is a rural area, and there wasn’t an organization to help take care of folks during that time of year,” Traci says.

“Gold Santa filled that need, and I’m very proud of all the work we’ve done.”

Looking to the future, Traci is excited by what is to come. Recently married, Traci has just moved back to the town where she was raised but still in the heart of the Hill Country finding herself at a point of transition and possibility in her life and her business. “It’s an exciting time,” Traci says. “This business is all about adaptability. My plan is to continue to do what I love, which is to serve my clients and share the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.”

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For more about Traci Maxwell Phillips, call 512-393-9996, email HillCoBroker@gmail.com.

You can also visit TraciPhillips.C21.com www.

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How To Send

SMARTER EMAILS

Email is a great tool for agents to use when trying to stay in touch with their past clients, as well as for reaching out to prospective clients. However, used incorrectly it can make your attempts to reach out seem like spam. The secret to using email effectively is making sure that everything you send out does one thing: ensure that you remain relevant to your contacts. To do this you have to get personal. Personalization will go far to ensure that your contacts are actually clicking on your emails. This means that if you do reply on an automated drip email campaign to build business, you need to customize your content so that it delivers something meaningful to each individual recipient. Here are some steps that will help you do exactly that:

1. SEND A WELCOME EMAIL TO

NEW CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS Rather than simply add new contacts to your automated email drip campaign, make sure to send each new contact receives a warm welcome as well. Sending a welcome email along with adding new contacts to your drip campaign is proven to be 86 percent more effective at catching your contact’s attention. Let them know they are welcome and that you appreciate their interest.

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2. NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP

THROUGH YOUR EMAIL To let your potential client know that you are thinking about them by sending them useful content that relates to the process of buying or selling a house. Some great topics include credit score information, ways to save money, regular market updates, what buying in your market is like, information about the neighborhood, tips on how they can prepare their home for sale, and other relevant information. A great way to

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add to these emails’ punch is to time them so that they coincide with what that individual is going through and dealing with at that time on their path through the buying or selling process.

3. CELEBRATE IMPORTANT DATES

Everyone loves to be noticed and appreciated.

Schedule emails to go to each client that celebrate their purchase anniversary or birthday.

Make sure you include a personal note and your own wishes that the year ahead goes well for them. If you’ve been a bit out of touch with your contacts, you might want to send them a friendly hello.

4.

MOBILE-FRIENDLY EMAILS With our phones being akin to mini computers, most people read their emails on their phone these days. So, it is particularly important to make sure that your emails are rendering well on the smaller screens. If you want to make any kind of impact, you have to run a mobile-friendly email campaign in today’s world. You are going to lose a lot of your audience if they can’t read your email on their phones.

5.

TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR EMAILS AND ALTER ACCORDINGLY The best way to make sure your emails are being read and making the kind of impact you desire is to consistently monitor the analytics,

and see what your readers are actually clicking on and what elements are most popular with your contacts. Going forward you can alter different elements of your email campaign such as content, images, graphics, and even smaller elements like your subject line to draw in more clicks from your readers, and cater to what grabs their attention.

You also want to follow a targeted email strategy. The best way to do this is segment your email list based on the data from your CRM and the demographics of your contacts. Different clients are going to be interested in different content. Long-time clients looking to buy a second home or possibly downsize are going to be interested in completely different content than your first-time buyers. A good way to filter your contacts is by looking at which ones are looking to buy or sell, how far along in the process they are, as well as other important information about them.

6.

DON’T SPAM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES You probably already know that flooding your clients’ emails is big no-no. However, different people have different ideas about what is too much contact. One great way to approach this problem is to ask your clients whether they would prefer weekly, monthly, or occasional emails from you. This way you can cater to each client’s preference.

The emails you send your clients can often be a double-edged sword when it comes to how well they work to bring in business. Following these simple rules will help your emails be as successful as they can possibly be, and will make your contacts much happier with you. So, don’t just send out emails without doing your homework about how to do it right. Your email campaigns can be a powerful tool if you know how to create and utilize them in the right manner.

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AIMEE COLVIN-COOK Aimee Colvin-Cook began her real estate career almost 16 years ago. After earning her degree in Communications from the University of Houston, Aimee worked as a Production Assistant at a local TV Station. She previously aspired to be a News Reporter, although was led on a different path. While working at the TV Station she recalls, “God put it on my heart to do Real Estate. I believe that what really led me to Real Estate was my family background. Some things are innate, and my family have always owned property. I believe I subconsciously decided on real estate because it was around me when I was growing up.” In the years since getting her start, Aimee has excelled at helping her clients achieve their real estate dreams.

transaction, people will gravitate more towards those types of people,” she explains.

Aimee serves Houston and the surrounding area. An impressive 90% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients, a feat that speaks to the trust and confidence she inspires. “Clients enjoy working with me because they appreciate my honesty,” Aimee says. “We have to have honesty and integrity in this business. Your word is bond, is all you have and what others could rely on. People like to do business with people they can trust. If they trust you, then they’ll do business with you and refer you out to their friends and family that they care about.”

In the future, Aimee plans to continue working hard on behalf of her clients, with a goal of eventually building a team with like-minded partners who share her work ethic. “I want to continue to help as many people as I can and educate them about the process, whether it’s through buying, selling, or managing their property,” Aimee says. “Although I make myself available to my client’s 24/7, Real Estate provides the avenue for me to have flexibility with my time, while doing what I do, it never feels like work and I’m grateful for an opportunity to be your Realtor for Life.”

Everything in My Business of Real Estate is about my relationships with others, it’s not about the transactions.

When you build a good relationship with your clients where they can trust you, you genuinely care about their needs and wants and help them achieve them, the blessings will continue to flow.

Staying in touch with past clients comes naturally for Aimee. She follows up long after the transaction is over to check in and see what’s going on in their lives outside of real estate. “When you show people that you care about them and you’re not concerned about a Top Agent Magazine

When it comes to marketing, Aimee draws on her strong network to help ensure optimum exposure. “I keep a list of people who are looking for different properties, and I market within our referral agent network,” Aimee says. “I put listings out there and try to market them before even putting them on the market.” That’s in addition to marketing on social media such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as sites including Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com, and Realtor.com.

Community involvement is important to Aimee, and she gives back in a number of ways. She volunteers at her church to help the homeless, as well as helping raise funds for cancer research. When she is not working or giving back, Aimee loves to travel, read, and spend time with her Family, Husband and two-year-old daughter.

To find out more about Aimee, contact her by cell at 281-704-0164, or by email at alcolvin_1@sbcglobal.net Copyright Top Agent Magazine 27

DANA PHILLIPS Even after nearly 16 years in the industry, Texas Realtor Dana Phillips wakes up every morning just as excited to get to work as on the day she first started. That’s because she’s never lost sight of how impactful her efforts are on the lives of the people whom she serves.

“Home is where we live the parts of our lives that really matter,” Dana explains.

“It’s where we start our family, expand our family, and show our love for each other. It’s where we play and where we plan our future.

I’m motivated by the knowledge that the work I do is helping provide people with a place to live and dream in comfort.”

Dana began her career in finance, working for Norwest and through its merger with Wells Fargo before becoming a manager for a mortgage company. She caught the real estate bug after marrying Tom Phillips, a second generation Realtor and Broker, and today she is an Owner-Associate Broker with Phillips and Associates Realty, representing clients in San Antonio, Austin, and the surrounding areas. Dana is a 5-time Platinum Top 50 Realtor and once earned recognition by the San Antonio Business Journal as the #1 Agent in all of San Antonio.

A perennial Top Producer, she’s on track to close around $54 million in 2021. An extraordinary 75 percent of that business comes from repeat clients or referrals, a tribute to the personal approach she takes to the job.

off the property’s best features, as well as drawing attention from the maximum number of agents and buyers. Dana also reaches out to people within her personal sphere that might be interested.

The Phillips and Associates Realty team is very active in the local community, contributing to dozens of charities, including Impact San Antonio, the San Antonio Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and various animal advocate groups. Asked how she likes to spend her time when she’s not working or volunteering, Dana laughs. “A nap—and I’m not even kidding!

But when I’m rested I love doing things with my family, reading by the pool, playing golf or mahjong.”

As for the future of the business, Dana and Tom hope to hand off the management of the company to their son and daughter-in-law at some point as they take to the road to share the knowledge they’ve gained with other agents across the country, conducting workshops and seminars. But Dana doesn’t ever see herself retiring. “I love this work too much. I’m sure I’ll grow in different ways—I’ve recently begun rehabbing homes for fun— but I’ll always want to be meeting people and helping them achieve their dreams.”

“I think people recognize when the person they’re working with is sincere and looking out for their best interests. I also work hard to make sure the transaction goes smoothly for my clients. Some of them have expressed surprise at how easy the process went for them because they’d heard horror stories about the experiences of friends. That’s actually the best compliment they can give me!”

Creating a stress-free process is a team effort, and Phillips and Associates utilizes a marketing specialist to make sure listings are presented in a way that shows 28

Contact Dana at 210-846-5444 or email DPPTeam@outlook.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com

grahamharrop.com 30

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DYLAN DAVIS Dylan Davis began her real estate journey when she got her license in 2012, going full-time a year and a half ago. “I kept my license active while I went back to school and got my Master’s in Geology and Environmental Science,” Dylan recalls.

“I took a full-time job on a pipeline doing environmental inspections and reports, and when that slowed down due to Covid, I decided to do real estate full-time.” Dylan specializes in ranch, equine, investment, and residential properties, and her background in water and land use give her an extra edge in helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.

With The Platinum Group Real Estate, Dylan serves a large area southwest of Fort Worth, including Stephenville, Weatherford, Granbury, and the surrounding area. She is a hands-on agent who knows how to help her clients find exactly what they’re looking for.

“When I go show a ranch I take a UTV and really get to know the land,” she explains. “Sometimes a property is as big as 2,000 acres, and I have to know everything about the land for my client, my knowledge is what I offer people. My degree really helps me know the land and water situations and everything else that’s important when buying large acreage properties.”

in the industry, my dad did as well, and I grew up rodeoing. It’s a big client base of mine, and the people are special to me.”

Dylan gives back by being involved with Cowboys Helping Cowboys, which helps rodeo athletes who have been injured.

When she is not working or giving back, Dylan loves spending time with her husband and 4-year-old daughter. “My life revolves around rodeo and real estate!” she says.

In the future, Dylan says, “I already give my clients a great experience, but I want to create a luxury touring experience for my clients who want to tour ranches.” Above all, Dylan looks forward to continuing to help her clients by sharing her expertise and experience. “I love helping people find what they’re looking for. I offer a lot of knowledge in our industry, and I love helping people know what they’re buying. Many agents do the sale and make the client feel happy about it, but don’t really teach them anything. I offer a lot of knowledge when it comes to buying these specific properties, and I enjoy that.”

Her attention to her clients’ needs sets Dylan apart. “I always try to make the experience special and easy,” she says. “Especially with first-time homebuyers, I make sure they’re taken care of, I make sure they know what is happening each step of the way.”

When it comes to marketing, Dylan differentiates herself by bringing a youthful flair and enthusiasm. The results speak for themselves: in 2021, Dylan did over $23 million in volume.

For Dylan, community involvement is not just important, but closely connected to her work. “The rodeo industry is very important to me,” she says. “My husband works Top Agent Magazine

To find out more about Dylan Davis, please call/text 325-514-4545, email dylan.tx.realtor@gmail.com, or visit Facebook.com/Dylan.tx.realtor www.

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JACQUE GORDON For Jacque Gordon, the heart of a real estate transaction can be found in the special relationship between agent and client. Using her experience and knowledge to help guide them through one of the biggest transactions of their lives, she ensures that the process is stress-free and harmonious each step of the way. Whether she’s assisting first-time buyers or experienced owners upgrading to their next home, she never gives clients less than a 100%.

Jacque serves buyers and sellers throughout Granbury, Texas, always acting in the customer’s best interest and striving to provide clients with the highest level of service. She believes that the road to success is built by fostering strong relationships with her clients and maintaining open communication. “It’s all about the relationships I form with each person. I take good care of them and it’s very important for me to do my fiduciary responsibility and make the sell or purchase of their home my top priority,” she explains, and adds, “I’m always available for them. Even if I’m on vacation, I have resources that I can leverage out to help take care of them. My clients know that they’re in good hands with me.”

Jacque’s caring approach has helped her build a business that thrives on repeat and referral clients. In order to maintain a close bond, she continues to stay in touch with past clients, always making sure that they’re able to settle in without any issues. To show her appreciation for their business, she hosts four client events per year and remains in contact with personal visits and phone calls. With 27 completed transactions last year, and on pace to finish this year with $15,000,000 in sales volume and 35 transactions, Jacque puts a strong emphasis on creative marketing. She uses her experience and market knowledge to help sellers get top price every time. Aside from using well-known marketing methods such as the MLS, she also likes to 32

show her properties to other agents and past clients via the Keller Williams website. Strongly believing in a personal approach, Jacque is not above knocking on doors.

Having found much personal success in her real estate career, Jacque likes to pay it forward. She is on the board of directors for both the Granbury Association of Realtors and Leadership Granbury, as well as the president of a local Christmas program, and a member of Kiwanis International. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Committed to her clients and passionate about her work, Jacque hopes to continue maintaining the oneon-one client service she is known for and building strong relationships with her clients going forward.

“I’d like to keep on making close friendships with my clients as I expand my business,” she remarks when discussing the future of her career. “The amazing people that I have the privilege of meeting through real estate are my favorite part of the job.”

To learn more about Jacque Gordon please call (817) 243–4324 or email jacquegordon@kw.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Turning Your Profession into a Passion The old adage goes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

On the other hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day worries and responsibilities of your career, even if you generally enjoy what you do. While there’s no guaranteeing that every day on the job will be a picnic, there are a few steps you can take to vastly improve your morale and transform your profession into a passion.

After all, cultivating a passion for what you do will not only add to your quality Top Agent Magazine

of life, but will likely make you more successful in the long run.

BUILD YOUR BASE OF KNOWLEDGE Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A sure way to light a fire in your heart for your daily work is to challenge yourself to learn more and expand your understanding of your field. By doing so, you equip yourself for success, create challenges, and find the most inter-

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esting features of your work—especially those that most appeal to your interests and talents. Try reading the top five books on the topic of your industry, or subscribe to a podcast where thriving professionals offer their two cents. Either way, learning more about your industry is bound to reveal a source of inspiration worth pursuing.

THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

and excelling in your field, you may find that others’ approaches inspire your own.

Likewise, what you learn from other successful, passionate people in your field can help you shape your own office and work life, in turn creating more opportunities for you to fall in love with what you do, all over again.

TAKE RISKS

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS

One of the biggest hindrances of professional passion is falling into a rut. Routines are familiar and everyday responsibilities vie for our energy. But the next time you tackle a task the way that you always have, take a moment and try to refresh your perspective—is there a more clever or efficient way you could approach this project?

Even better: why not take the plunge and do the things you’ve always been meaning to—throw that client appreciation event you’ve put off planning, take the continuing education course you keep forgetting to register for, even try a creative activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

There’s no better way to inject some passion into your life than by going outside your bubble and taking a risk.

Have you ever chatted with someone who was overflowing with energy for what they do? That sort of passion tends to be infectious—often causing us to beg our own questions about professional engagement.

By participating in local organizations or networking with those who are active

Passion comes from all directions—from your own interior journey and from the world around you. To transform your profession into a passion worth having, invest in yourself and venture into the vast world around you. You’ll surely reap the rewards.

Sometimes reinvigorating your passion for your work is about looking outward, rather than inward. Gain some perspective and consider who your work helps in the long run. As a real estate professional—whether you work as an agent, broker, in mortgages, home inspections, or otherwise—your work positively impacts someone else’s home-sweet-home. You make a difference. While it may seem like just another day at the office, taking a moment to visualize exactly who you are helping in the world at large is a great way to add some motivational fire to your daily tasks.

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JAY BRADLEY Jay Bradley started his full-time career in real estate right out of college 21 years ago. Following in his father’s footsteps who also worked in real estate, Jay developed a love and passion for the business as well and spent a great deal of time learning business as a young man. This made for a smooth transition into the industry for him, and he found a lot of success early on that would only grow and eventually evolve into owning his own real estate brokerage. His brokerage, Equinox Realty Group, serves the Greater Houston Area, and has allowed Jay to build an impressive business based on the foundation of his core values: faith, family, fitness and philanthropy. These core values along with his hands-on approach and expertise have garnered Jay the high-end clientele who desire the personalized luxury experience he has become known for delivering to his clients.

When it comes to interacting with his clients, Jay makes it a priority to keep himself readily available to answer questions and alleviate concerns as they arise during the transaction. He keeps his phone on him at all times and treats each client like they are his top priority. “Clients know they can trust me to have their back, no matter what the situation is,” Jay says. “I work hard for them and maintain our line of communication throughout the transaction and beyond.” Jay puts an emphasis on the client experience, and it shows in his level of client satisfaction. He gets 90% of his business through repeats and referrals from satisfied customers, a testament to his ability to provide premium-quality service.

When it comes to his listings, Jay markets extensively across social media, the MLS, and his private network

to ensure each property garners exposure from a wide audience. He also uses the latest technology available in real estate and the most up to date marketing tools to make sure his listings perform well.

While technology is important, Jay’s team is not above old school methods and routinely calls people who live in the neighborhood where the listed property is located in an effort to generate interest locally as well. Additionally, he is big on maintaining long term relationships with past clients well after the transaction is closed.

Jay is focused on enriching the lives of the people around him. His Brokerage volunteers with a variety of local charitable institutions all chosen by the agents on his Team, including the women’s shelter, food bank, and a local school in an underserved community where the agents mentor children. Equinox Realty showed up for the communities in need in a huge way during the recent freeze that occurred in TX this past February by donating and hand delivering hundreds of cases of water to families in need. Jay also personally shows up to career days at multiple schools to provide motivation for the youth across his community. For the future, Jay wants to enact targeted growth for his brokerage, taking on agents who are particularly driven to engage in their community and prioritize the client experience over all else. With over two decades of experience in the business, it is one of his top priorities to mentor agents who can continue the vision and work of rebuilding and revitalizing the communities he has served and loves, while delivering the signature luxury experience to each client that Equinox Realty Group is known for.

You can contact Jay at (832) 777-3006 or jay@equinoxrealtygroup.com.

You can also visit his website at equinoxrealtygroup.com for more information. www.

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JEMILA WINSEY Top Agent Jemila Winsey is an intelligent, dynamic and hardworking real estate professional who consistently places the needs and wants of her many clients front and center during every transaction. As Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Legacy Living in Richmond, Texas – and as Team Leader for The Winsey Group – Jemila has more than earned her stellar reputation as a trusted and honest real estate advocate for both buyers and sellers alike.

Jemila has more than two decades of experience under her belt, and she has accumulated a slew of awards and recognitions for her expertise that includes the Houston Association of Realtors’ Top 20 Realtors Under 40 award, HBJ Top 25 Realtors and HBJ Women Who Mean Business Awards, her inclusion among American Cash Flow Association’s as a Million Dollar Producer, and her company’s ranking among the Top 1.5 Brokerages in the United States by Real Trends Magazine, among many others.

“I actually got into the business because I wanted to be an investor,” says Jemila, when asked how she got her start in the real estate industry. “I learned a lot about real estate investing, and I bought my first property.

That’s when I fell in love with the business. By the time I was 26, I had over a million dollars of equity and properties in both residential and multi-family, so I decided it was time for me to make it a business for myself. So, while I was still working in corporate America, I decided to get my license. I fell in love with it, and the rest is history.”

Jemila currently runs two offices, and she oversees an equally dedicated and talented roster of more than 67

agents, all of whom share her caring, client first business philosophy, including her husband, Patrick annually.

Impressively, nearly the entirety of Jemila’s personal business is based upon repeat clients and referrals. “I think that’s because we are problem-solvers,” says Jemila, when asked how she has managed to inspire so much trust and loyalty. “Whenever we work with a client, our first goal is to ensure that we fully understand what their needs are so we can help figure out what they really want or need.”

There are many other factors that have played a large role in Jemila’s incredible and ever-growing success story, and chief among them would be expert negotiation skills and a comprehensive and finely targeted approach to marketing. Combining old-school techniques like door knocking with more cutting-edge methods, the result is almost always a fast sale for top dollar.

When she’s not working, Jemila – who holds multiple industry designations and recognitions including the CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist), AHLS (Accredited Luxury Homes Sales) and the TRLP (Texas Realtor Leadership Program) – enjoys nothing more than spending time with her family at home. She is also an avid philanthropist who gives back to both the real estate industry and her community in a wide variety of ways too numerous to list here but which includes her deep involvement with multiple local and national real estate associations.

She also supports Rebuilding Together Houston and other charitable organizations.

Looking to the future, Jemila’s plans include growing her already thriving business, and to continue grooming and mentoring her team members in order to ensure their success. Above all, however, remains her primary objective: to offer her many grateful clients the top-of-the-line customer service that has long been her calling card.

For more information about Jemila Winsey, please call 713-551-1842 or email Jemila@RemaxLegacyLiving.com 36

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Laughs!

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RAZELLE SMITH Top Agent Razelle Smith – of Having Better Options at RE/MAX Integrity in Spring, Texas – sincerely cares about achieving exceptional results for every one of her many clients. Honest, deeply knowledgeable about her market and the real estate industry overall, Razelle brings to the table over two decades of experience, and she has certainly earned her glowing reputation as dependable and effective advocate for anyone buying or selling in the northwest Houston area.

Razelle began her adventures in real estate in 2001, following a career as a sales manager in corporate America. “The company started going through layoffs,” recalls Razelle, “so I decided it was time to look for a new career and real estate always interested me.

Real estate allowed me the opportunity to both have a career and travel the state with my children showing their animals at State, County, and local fairs.

Because I understand the importance of family and home, I am able to help all kinds of families find the home of their dream. The uniqueness of each client keeps things interesting.”

Since then, Razelle has built a thriving business that is based almost entirely upon referrals, a significant achievement by any measure, but even more so in the highly competitive and often fickle real estate industry.

“I believe that has a lot to do with the fact that I go above and beyond for my clients,” says Razelle, when asked how she has managed to inspire such trust and loyalty amongst those she works with. “I don’t look at myself as a salesperson. I look at myself more as a consultant, and I guide my clients through the transaction process. I help them with major financial decisions. I’m also very compassionate and professional.”

Razelle has worked hard to provide anything her clients might need. “I work solo,” she says, “but I operate under the team name Having Better Options, because it takes a team to buy a house. There needs to be a good lender and a good inspector.

There needs to be access to contractors and appraisers. I like to think of myself as a one-stop-shop for my customers.”

There are many other factors that have contributed to Razelle’s longevity in the industry and her great success. Chief among them would be her expert negotiation skills and comprehensive marketing strategies, both of which combined translate into fast sales for top dollar, and happy clients. “Every one of my listings, whether it’s a million dollar one or simply a rental,” says Razelle, “gets the same level of marketing.” High quality professional photography is used exclusively, and each property is expertly staged. A detailed floor plan for each home is also provided.

When she’s not working, Razelle enjoys nothing more than spending time with her family, and she and her husband are both involved in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Passionate about community service, Razelle founded the Magnolia Youth Livestock Show, which allows kids whose animals did not sell initially at the show a chance to auction them off again. “I’m really proud of that,” she says.

Razelle’s plans for the future include slowing her business down a little so she can have more time to enjoy her family and travel with her husband. She also intends to continue providing her many clients with the top-of-the-line, exceptional customer service for which she has long been recognized.

For more information about Razelle Smith, please call 832-474-7169 or email RazelleSells@gmail.com

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ROCIO MOORE Approaching every transaction with care and patience, Rocio Moore is a trusted advisor to her clients and ensures that they are her number one priority every step of the way.

She makes the real estate experience smooth and easy, so that clients never have to feel overwhelmed, and her in-depth knowledge of the Clear Lake area market allows her to expertly guide buyers and sellers through this huge moment in their lives.

Known her enthusiasm and attention to detail, Rocio gives her clients a very personal service. She educates them along the way, allowing them to make the most informed real estate choices.

Often working with first-time homebuyers, she practices patience and never hurries a transaction. “I’m very patient with my clients, especially the first-time homebuyers. I give them as much time as they need to make their decision. If they have to see the same house three times, or if they’re not ready to make a decision, it’s totally fine by me, I’m not going to push them,” she explains.

Her passion for working with people has made real estate a very fulfilling career choice for her.

Realizing the magnitude of what buying or selling a house means to most people, she is able to empathize with clients and put herself in their shoes.

Completing anywhere between 25 to 30 transactions per year, Rocio is happy with her numbers, but her most valued accomplishment is being able to help

others. “I love when we get to the end of a transaction, and I get to see the joy in my clients faces. Seeing them happy about having a new home is a very special and rewarding feeling.

It may sound cheesy, but having a home provides a sense of security and safety, and I’m so honored to be able to help them achieve that,” she says.

Outside of work, Rocio loves spending time with her kids. “They’re grown up, but I try to squeeze as much time as I have and spend it with them. We do simple things like go to the movies. It’s all about having that quality time together,” she says. She also enjoys gardening and interior decorating.

In the future, Rocio would like to start her own brokerage, but she’s not looking to rush things.

“I’m working on getting my broker’s license. I am currently mentoring new agents at my office, and I would like to have a few trusted agents working with me in the future, but I am particular about who I choose. I want agents who are going to take the same great care of my clients that I do.”

Having achieved her own success, Rocio’s advice for those just starting out in the business is to work with diligence and never give up. “I really believe that you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. You just have to work hard for it and be determined. There’s never a limit, unless you decide there is.”

For more about Rocio Moore, email rociomoore@gmail.com, visit rociomoore.com, or call (832) 878–0776 www.

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Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1. How about a streaming video device, like a Roku

or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2. Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or ter-

rycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids!

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3. Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. As-

certain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5. If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend.

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