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TEXAS EDITION

If it’s Good for the Soul,

Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD: How to List High When Neighbors Are a Nuisance

FEATURED AGENTS

BRITTANY WATERMAN CHRISTINA FLORES KAYLA RUNGE LAUREN MYNARCIK COVER STORY

NYCHOLE FUNG

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

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There Goes the Neighborhood:

How to List High When Neighbors are a Nuisance Troublesome neighbors are a relatively common issue that agents come across. You can control the image of your client’s property and you can control your listing presentation, but you can’t always control what’s happening on your client’s street. How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers? 4

First of all, it takes tact and a gameplan. With that in mind, let’s consider a few ways you can maintain a listing’s viability and competitive edge—even when bothersome neighbors are involved. Here are a few common neighborly scenarios agents encounter and how to diffuse them to your advantage.

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How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers? It takes tact and a gameplan.

as a courtesy introduction to the neighborhood. While it may seem like needless busy work, it can dramatically improve prospective buyers’ perceptions of the area. Plus, you may positively ingratiate yourself with neighbors in the area and demonstrate your above-and-beyond service to your clientele in the process.

Is the neighbor’s landscaping an eyesore? Here’s your recourse. Most towns and cities have established ordinances regarding yard upkeep. If any of the properties adjacent to your listing are wildly overgrown, littered with junk, or otherwise in a state of obvious disrepair—take it up with the city. Rather than get directly involved at first glance, you might loop in city officials whose job it is to monitor clean-up efforts on rundown yards and properties. If this doesn’t work, you may have to take a more hands-on approach. Start by thinking small and operating from a place of authenticity and neighborly service. You might explain to the neighboring tenant that you’re listing and offer to mow their lawn Top Agent Magazine

Are there foreclosed or abandoned homes on your client’s block? Do your homework. It may take a little research and digging to figure out the banking entity that owns a foreclosed home, but it’s well worth the effort. Banks are typically required to maintain foreclosed homes on at least a basic level. If you’re worried about

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squatters, an unsightly façade, or general disrepair of a neighboring foreclosed property—go to the source. Sometimes banks take their time in hiring a third party to maintain a foreclosed property, but with some proactive prodding on your part, you may be able to speed the process along and resolve eyesores even before prospective buyers come calling. Remember: the squeaky wheel gets the grease. An improved bottom line will be your reward for those few prodding phone calls and emails.

Noisy, nosy, or annoying neighbors? Don’t be discouraged. Obnoxious neighbors can really rain on a seller’s parade, especially the kind of neighbor 6

that takes their less-than-stellar behavior to their porch, front yard, or sidewalk. While this sensitive issue may seem daunting, there are a few official channels you can utilize to thwart the issue before getting personally involved. If the neighborhood in question is governed by an HOA, you might take it up with them. If the troublesome neighbor is harassing passersby or taking to the sidewalk—in other words, public space—then you may be able to involve local authorities in worst-case scenarios. Of course, it’s always possible to talk to troublesome neighbors faceto-face, but do so with caution and with safety as the priority. Always reason gently and empathetically, utilizing I... phrasing, instead of accusatory You... phrasing. After all, some neighbors are clueless about their impact on the neighborhood and may adjust their behavior after being called out. If the issue persists and no third-party authority can help, then you may have to disclose the neighbor’s issues to prospective buyers, depending on the disclosure laws in your region. While this may seem like a blow, you can at least rest easy knowing you pursued all the potential avenues for resolution available. Likewise, your client will likely appreciate your thorough efforts to resolve the issue. While troublesome neighborhoods can bring down an optimistic mood when listing a property, sometimes being real estate is all about being resourceful. With diligence, digging, and a little follow-up, you just may be able to resolve some of the issues plaguing your neighborly plot.

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NYCHOLE FUNG Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Nychole Fung is a Land Specialist with Iconic Real Estate. As a licensed Real Estate Negotiation Expert and Strategic Pricing Specialist, she leads Iconic Real Estate’s rapidly growing land division, Iconic Lands of Texas, assisting clients all throughout the Hill Country and surrounding communities of Central Texas. A Dallas native with extensive knowledge of the Texas Hill Country, Nychole Fung has always been passionate about helping others. For 17 years, she would build a successful career in the hospitality industry; however, over time she found herself seeking a new opportunity that better spoke to her entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by her lifelong passion for real estate, she decided to switch tracks and launch her career as an agent in 2019—starting out in the residential space, but soon uncovering her niche in farm and ranch acquisitions. Leveraging her soft skills and strong business acumen gleaned from more than a decade in the service industry, she would quickly establish herself as a trailblazer in the region, having been recognized as a Top Real Producer by Real Producers Magazine in 2022 and 2023. Today, Nychole is a REALTOR® and Land Specialist with Iconic Real Estate. As a licensed Real Estate Negotiation Expert and Strategic Pricing Specialist, she leads Iconic Real Estate’s rapidly growing land division, Iconic Lands of Texas, where she assists clients all throughout the Hill Country and surrounding communities of Central Texas. Known as “Nychole Gets It 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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Done” and “A Force To Be Reckoned With!”, she possesses the distinct ability to read people and their situations, adjusting her approach accordingly to negotiate the best outcome possible for her clients. When listing a property, Nychole equips her clients with a comprehensive marketing package. Right from the start, she is not afraid of getting

her own hands dirty to make sure the job gets done to her standards. She has been known to stage an article worthy game house, power wash driveways and patios, or do whatever preparation is needed to get the home picture ready. From there, she broadcasts their listing to a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns, as well as key web outlets like Lands of Texas and four MLS boards spanning the state. Along the way, she

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utilizes proven resources like printed brochures and lively open house events to give her clients an added advantage. Elsewhere, Nychole is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, thoughtfully guiding them to the right investment for their best interests. Having exceeded $60 million in volume over the past two years and over $15 million in active listings, she

remains committed to the proven standards that have set her apart as the top producing agent at Iconic Real Estate. “I believe in going the extra mile for all my clients,” she says. “That starts with treating every purchase or sale the same—no matter its price range. I will always provide my clients with the most diligent and thorough service possible, making myself an asset to their transaction and truly putting them first.”

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1786+/- ACRES

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“Being a woman in the farm and ranch industry has posed its challenges, but I believe in staying professional and showing people what I’m made of. By the end of my transactions, I’ve had Brokers try to recruit me to their team. At the end of the day, my work ethic and understanding of the business will always be the difference maker.” With this influx of business and referrals, Nychole has also hired her brother Greg Fung as her executive licensed assistant, marketing specialist, and team member of Iconic Lands of Texas. In helping to facilitate her residential and referral client base, he is able to further raise the bar of service for her buyers and sellers. “Trust is an absolute must for me,” Nychole says. “Having my brother by my side and building our family business is such an exciting experience. Together, there is nothing we can’t tackle!” When asked about what brought her to the farm and ranch industry, Nychole returns to the vision of attentive service that anchors her success. “Being Top Agent Magazine

a woman in the farm and ranch industry has posed its challenges, but I believe in staying professional and showing people what I’m made of. By the end of my transactions, I’ve had Brokers try to recruit me to their team. At the end of the day, my work ethic and understanding of the business will always be the difference maker.” On top of providing regular support to The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, local animal rescues, women’s shelters, and wildfire relief efforts, Nychole runs a mini-equine rescue shelter on her own ranchland. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found spending quality time with her husband, caring for the miniature Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

donkeys and ponies at her shelter, relaxing on her riverfront ranch, or exploring the Hill Country with her two dogs. She is also an investor herself, collaborating with her husband to build short-term rentals, known as “Eco-Stays”, which can raise environmental awareness and help tenants lower their carbon footprint.

commercial real estate. Now in the process of earning her Broker’s License, she looks forward to all the new connections that await. “I really enjoy the process of helping families and individuals find their homestead while smoothly navigating the emotions of their transaction,” she says. “Bringing those values into the farm and ranch industry, I love hitting the road for my clients, planting my feet into the dirt, and discovering the rich history of their property. For me, there could be nothing more rewarding.”

Scaling up her skills and knowledge, Nychole intends on expanding her team while bridging further into

To learn more about Nychole Fung: Visit her website: IconicLandsTx.com Visit her page on Lands.com: LandsofTexas.com/NycholeFung Follow her Facebook: facebook.com/NycholeLandRealtor Follow her on Instagram: instagram.com/nychole_iconiclandstx.realtor Call: (214) 240-2473 www.

www.

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If it’s good for the soul,

IT’S GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS

Visibility, name recognition and knowing you’re supporting the community that makes your success possible are good reasons to take part in community service. But how is it that some people seem to be able to give time to charities while running their own businesses, managing their own families and households, exercising regularly, attending sporting events and concerts, eating well and sleeping seven or eight hours a night? The truth is, not all agents are able to do everything so easily. But more important is the fact that no one needs to do everything all of the time. The trick is to make sure that, whatever you do holds meaning. REALTORS® and mortgage professionals who seem the most gregarious in their community outreach are those whose giving seems to fill their own souls. When their Top Agent Magazine

volunteer efforts or donations directly impact causes they or their clients care deeply about, “giving back” becomes energizing. Jason O’Quinn of Prime Lending in Dallas Texas, for instance, says that his family’s ongoing work building homes for some of the poorest families in Honduras fills him immeasurably. “It rejuvenates me,” he says. “There’s quite a dichotomy between the houses we build there and the houses we finance here,” he says. “It refocuses me, going from financing $1 million homes in Dallas to physically laying cinderblock for $10,000 homes in Honduras. Everything has more meaning when we sacrificially give of our time, talent and treasure.” The longtime “big picture” for Colorado REALTOR® and property manager, Linda

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Todd, for instance, has included giving back to the community, whether serving as a lead carpenter for Habitat for Humanity, making deliveries for Meals on Wheels, or pitching in for the sake of baseball. And through her lifelong passion for baseball, she harmoniously blended her personal interests, her work and her community service. For many years, she was so involved Little League the local league named a new field after her. “I cried for 3 days after they told me that!” She and her husband also started a scholarship fund for junior college baseball players and serve as a host family for the rookie league of the Colorado Rockies, putting up newly drafted players in their home. For Florida REALTOR® and property manager, Mario Gonzalez, neither his business nor his primary community outreach would exist without the other. A retired U.S. Navy pilot, Mario formed his brokerage, Navy to Navy Homes, when he saw a need for military personnel to find affordable homes to purchase. “We got into it to help, but that led to a full-blown real estate business.” Besides providing opportunities for investment and homeownership, the company donates 35% of every commission to Homes for Heroes, veterans’ groups, or organizations benefiting fire, police, medical organizations, churches and homeless shelters. “We’re small, but we give so much back that we were the top Homes for Heroes company in Florida and

top-five nationwide.” But he does none of this for the attention. His friends may call him the “Humble Hero of Heroes,” but helping is Mario’s passion. “To be such a small business and be the top Homes for Heroes affiliate is mind boggling!” Like Mario, for many, the best service takes place in simple and quiet ways. Illinois REALTOR®, Susie Scheuber, for example, takes a humble approach to giving back. Although she donates a portion of every commission check to the Children’s Miracle Network, she doesn’t discuss this with clients unless they happen to ask. “I do it because I want to and because, to me, giving back is the right thing to do when you’ve been fortunate in business and life,” says Susie. We all know how inertia works; the more energized we get by certain behaviors, the more likely we are to continue those behaviors. For some top agents, community outreach has become such a natural routine of their daily lives that they never find it burdensome. A good way to add community service into your life, therefore, is through the causes that mean the most to you. For starters, consider giving a small donation after closing to the charity of your client’s choosing. Learning the different causes that they care about just might foster a new mission for you.

If you have a unique story to share about how your community outreach has impacted your life and your business or inspired others, click here for consideration in our magazines: www.topagentmagazine.com/nominate-a-real-estate-agent-to-be-featured 14

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BRITTANY WATERMAN Eager to build lasting relationships with her clients, Brittany Waterman quickly rose to the top as an agent in the greater Houston area. She got her start in 2010, wanting to follow in her father’s footsteps who worked in the industry owning a property management company in Houston. “When I was connected with an opportunity at my first brokerage, I decided to go for it. I figured, worst case scenario, I learn about the real estate industry and if it’s not for me, go back to the industry I had gone to college for.” Brittany quickly fell in love with this path, and now co-owns a brokerage, Steel Door Realty, with all of her business deriving from repeat clients and referrals. By providing exceptional service and support, Brittany continues to grow with each passing year. “I would never want to do anything that is not in my clients best interest in order to just get a deal done,” she says. “I work hard for my clients, and I think they trust my judgment and guidance, they know I wouldn’t steer them in the wrong direction.” As a native Houstonian, Brittany knows this region well, and can help her clients find the ideal neighborhood for their goals. When first meeting her buyers and sellers, she takes the time to understand their needs, then she develops an individualized plan to get them there. For first-time buyers, she educates them on what to expect and ensures they’re informed about next steps. When it comes to her sellers, she utilizes all the latest technology to spread the word about their properties. “In Houston, we have an amazing MLS and Realtor member association, it’s the biggest marketing tool we have here. In addition to marketing listings via the MLS, I utilize the power of social media in addition

to the traditional sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.” Once the transaction is over, clients consistently leave five-star reviews about their time together. One recently said, “My husband had met Brittany when he was renting a home a few years back, so when we decided to buy we went back to her for help. We were first-time home buyers and had truly no idea where to even start. Brittany was incredibly helpful from the very beginning, all the way through closing. She connected us with our mortgage broker to get pre-approved, which made our experience so much easier once we found the house we wanted to put an offer on. She helped us to figure out which area of town would be the best fit for us based on our price range and lifestyle, and was quick to send us new properties listed that met our qualifications.” When Brittany isn’t working, she’s giving back to the community. She’s involved with several local charities. “We host a lot of fundraisers in our office,” she says. “We provide the venue that’s in a great location, provide drinks and food, raising money for causes close to our hearts.” During any free time, she can be found relaxing with her husband Kelly, and two children, Sawyer and Mason. As she looks towards the future, Brittany sees her brokerage remaining a family-oriented company. “So we don’t want to grow too fast and lose the family aspect,” she explains. “Everyone gets along and everyone is here to help each other.” She has truly found her calling in life, and can’t wait to see where this path takes her. “Knowing that I was part of this big chapter in my client’s life is the best feeling.”

For more information about Brittany Waterman, please call 713-823-4965 or email brittany@steeldoorrealty.com

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CHRISTINA FLORES Christina Flores was inspired to pursue a career in real estate after working with her sister Linda Olivarez Realtor with Wazel Properties during her own home-buying experience. “I realized real estate was a great way to meet people and connect with them, so it really motivated me,” Christina explains. She saw the power real estate has to change lives, and wanted to be a part of it. Now she’s been a REALTOR® for several years, serving the greater Houston area, with a particular focus on Cleveland, Texas where she spent the last 2 ½ years selling new construction homes to First Time Home Buyers. Her hard work and commitment to excellence earned her the title of Top Producer for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. Showing no signs of slowing down, she’s reached great heights and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Her top priority is making the buying and selling process as stress-free as possible for her clients by providing clear communication, thorough research, and an empathetic approach. Around half of Christina’s business derives from referrals, as she goes above and beyond to achieve her clients’ goals. “I work very diligently with my buyers,” she explains. “Most of my buyers are first-time home buyers, so they need guidance. If they’re not ready, I make sure that I get them ready, no matter how long it takes.” Christina is focused on getting them to the finish line, sharing her extensive knowledge and offering advice so they can make informed decisions. Handling every detail, no stone is left unturned, and every question is answered promptly. Christina is the Co-Founder of Los Flores Movers a Residential and Commercial Relocation Service Company, “So that’s a service I can also provide to my buyers,” Christina says. Sellers receive the same superior service, with Christina aiming to get them the most for their property. She advertises their homes on social media and all the top real estate websites.

Christina understands the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with her past clients. She utilizes email blasts through a CRM system to stay in touch with them, sends out holiday and birthday greetings, and special occasion messages to keep her clients engaged. Additionally, when Christina was with Casas-Houston LLC, she would send her past clients current specials, promotions, and inventory updates. By doing so, Christina ensures that her clients are aware of any new developments in the market and can refer their friends and family to her if they are looking to buy or sell a home. Community plays an important role in Christina’s life. She is an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP-Katy West Houston Chapter). Christina is the current Vice President and provides community outreach, industry educational and business networking events thanks to the gracious contributions of Katy Chapter board of Directors, members and NAHREP-Katy Sponsors. “Our Mission is to advance sustainable Hispanic Homeownership” she explains. Through her involvement in NAHREP, Christina demonstrates her commitment to making a positive impact in her community and helping others achieve their dream of homeownership. Her efforts also help to increase awareness and promote education about the home-buying process, making it more accessible for the Hispanic community. “Many people don’t come from generational wealth, and often they are the first people in their family to buy a home,” she explains. “I’m deeply thankful and blessed to be a part of this journey and to help them become first-time homebuyers, leaving a legacy behind.” As her business expands, Christina plans to maintain the same excellent service. She feels grateful to work in this field and is eager to continue making a difference in the lives of others. “Getting them to the closing table and seeing them happy is what I love most.”

For more information about Christina Flores, please call 281-669-6829 or email chfloresrealtor@gmail.com

Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts. As a real estate agent or a loan officer, how do you stand apart from the noise? What’s more, how do you stay relevant in a digital landscape that’s constantly changing? For starters, there are a few timeless techniques you can apply to up your skillset when it comes email and digital communication: asking questions that Top Agent Magazine

inspire conversation, politeness, and following up regularly—to name a few. Likewise, there are surely new tricks you can add to your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s outline a few ways you can refine and update your email etiquette to compete in today’s virtual marketplace.

Make your subject line count Too often, we labor over the content of our emails without giving much thought to subject lines.

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Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. However, these little headlines can go a long way in luring the consumer to open your email and ultimately click through to your website in search for your services. An enticing subject line should be short and sweet, ideally less than fifty characters. You might also include the name of the recipient, and be up front (though concise) about the subject matter of your message. Remember: the first thing a client will see is your name and subject line—be sure to make this prime real estate shine.

Think mobile Research tells us that 79% of Americans check their phones within fifteen minutes of waking up. In fact, much of modern day correspondence occurs by smartphone. Accordingly, you’ll want to account for email readability on a mobile phone. For instance, incorporating paragraph breaks for each new thought allows information to be parceled out in a palatable way for readers utilizing small screens. Also, any sort of graphic flair or links within your email should be shortened and streamlined for mobile consumption. Send yourself an email every now and again and access it from your phone—you’ll be able to double-check that all the elements of your emails are working well on a mobile platform.

Incorporate email tools There are excellent tools out there to enhance your email experience. With just a quick download, 18

you can add spellcheck, a URL address shortening feature, or a delay option that holds emails for thirty seconds before they’re sent. Think about the possibilities! Haven’t you sent an email without including the attachment you intended, or realizing you sent correspondence to the wrong client? If that’s the case, a delay feature can help you save face and build in a window for error— just in case. Regardless of which tools speak to your email habits, there are plenty of add-ons out there that can revamp your digital correspondence style.

Use email to maximize your online presence These days, there are plenty of ways to communicate—email, text, phone, apps, and social media. When you interact through email, consider it an opportunity to invite your client to follow you elsewhere online. Ensure that your email signature includes unobtrusive, streamlined links to your social media accounts, professional website, or review page. This will build in an opportunity for clients to engage with your brand, and you may even add an online follower for the long term. Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. Keep these approaches in mind as you reenergize your email technique and fortify your communication in the digital era.

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KAYLA RUNGE Kayla Runge of Burnet, Texas, combines her hometown know-how with an industry background, a dedication to consistent client satisfaction, and deeply rooted community involvement to fuel her real estate enterprise. “This is kind of like a ‘pinch me’ moment – when you find something you love, it feels like you’re never really working. I love the relationships I’ve been able to build, and you learn so much from every interaction and every transaction. Plus I get to stay flexible and available for my children – I get to be a great REALTOR® and an even better mom!” Prior to formally entering real estate, Kayla enjoyed a career in construction for nearly three years. “I started to get really savvy in the industry,” she recalls, “and I just enjoyed it. I didn’t realize that the things I was already doing – building connections with clients, contractors, and the like – I could do that work under my own name and brand. As soon as I made that connection, I hit the ground running.” Since becoming fully licensed in January of 2020, Kayla has built a business servicing all of Texas Hill Country as a solo agent alongside eXp Realty. In her first three calendar years as a full time agent, she has averaged fifty-two annual transactions and her collective volume has grown from $12 million in her first year to $21 million in her most recent year. Kayla attributes the bulk of her success to a combination of digital and on-the-ground marketing, both strategic and organic. “I grew up here, and I went to Texas State University in San Marcos and obtained my BBA,” she exudes, “I’ve been here my entire life. And I work primarily in Burnet County – the town of Burnet only has about 4,600 people, so I pretty much run into a client every time I go to a grocery store. Plus I’ve got two kids, so little league games and school events always keep me in touch.” She bolsters this physical presence with a virtual marketing approach that leverages three separate MLSs, several Facebook real estate pages, Craigslist, Pinterest, and several opportunities with eXp. “I just make sure to Top Agent Magazine

stay consistent – I stay on top of all of my platforms regularly, and make sure what I’m doing is available to the public.” While her business presence grows in her hometown, Kayla is excited to deepen her connections with the greater community. She is the Chair of Community Outreach for her current board, and she spear-heads efforts to connect with local service members by organizing toy drives and supporting firefighters during the driest portions of the year. She celebrates her position as a Gold Member for the Chamber of Commerce, and she is thrilled to announce that she is becoming a member of the Rotary Club! “I get to sponsor little league baseball and basketball events and tournaments, along with being a top contributor to the school district’s booster club – being able to weave my work into the community makes my business more successful, and it makes me a better mother. Finding a career that not only supports, but improves, my family priorities has been a dream come true. For 2023, I plan to stay balanced and consistent!”

To learn more about Kayla Runge, email sellingthehc.kayla@gmail.com or call 512-755-5880. 19

Playing the Real Estate Matchmaker –

Follow These 8 Dating Rules to Ensure You Match Your Client with the Perfect Home for Them When you think a bit more about it, the ultimate goal of a real estate agent serving a client is really to match them up with the perfect house for them, almost the way a matchmaker tries to find two people that will fit well together as a couple. When people are looking for a house, they often treat the process as a quest for “the one” house that will fulfill their dreams of living in the house of their dreams. Don’t be fooled. It is always a search for “the one”, at least when it comes to helping a couple or family find a home. When you look at your client’s search for a home in this manner, then you might begin to notice some pretty obvious similarities

between shopping for a home today and online dating. In this day and age most people live a substantial part entire lives online. People socialize with their friends on Facebook, they meet potential friends in forums and online communities, and we now even search for our perfect mate online. Shopping for a home also happens to usually start online. When they begin this search, make no mistake; they are looking for the “one.” These people then turn to you, the REALTOR® to play matchmaker for them. It is your job to wade through the pool of eligible homes (bachelors) and sort through all the ones that are too expensive, too nerdy, not cute enough, not smart enough, etc. until you find the “one.”

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It makes sense then to consult the tried and true practices in matchmaking that help those professionals find the right people for each other, and see if any of them could also apply for matching your clients with their dream home. You’ll find that these 8 dating rules may just show you the secret to matching your clients with the perfect home.

back to the store if you’re not happy with your new home. It’s best to first help your client get prequalified. This is a tangible step that shows they are ready to move on to a new home. You want to make sure they are completely over their love affair with their previous home. You can even ask them for a sign or proof that they’re ready to move on.

Who Is In and Not In Your Client’s League? Know Your Client’s Price Range:

Be Genuine, Not Superficial

When a person is looking for a mate, it is a waste of time for them to even consider those potential mates that are clearly out of their league. These people won’t even stop to give them the time of day. In the world of real estate the idea is the same. There is no point showing your clients houses that they can’t afford and will simply lust after without having any real chance of purchasing the house. It is your job to keep your client ground in reality, and help them be realistic in terms of price when choosing their next home.

When trying to manage the many pitfalls of online dating, on inevitably goes on a date where the other person looks nothing like their picture online. That can be just as big of a problem when looking for a house. When clients show you a particular house they want to visit, ask them to name something about the house that they like other than the aesthetics. This way you can see if they are simply infatuated with the way the house looks in those pictures, or if there is a deeper interest in the home that could become a deeper connection between your client and the house.

Never Let Your Client’s First Impression of a Home Rule Their Decisions

Make Sure Your Client is Ready to Move On From Their Last Dream Home You’re job is also to make sure that your client is truly ready to move on from their previous home. This is a long term commitment, and they need to be absolutely sure they actually want to buy a new house. You can’t simply take the receipt

When your client first sees a house they have already been lusting after in their mind, they’re often so excited to finally be looking at it, especially if it does in fact look as good as it did in the pictures. Make sure to encourage them to take some time before making such a big com-

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mitment, and don’t let their excitement push them into making a rash decision. It is your job to keep them grounded in reality. Push for your clients to do an inspection to make sure the house isn’t hiding any dark secrets. Sometimes the most charming facade can hide tons of slime and deadly mold.

Follow Your Heart (or Gut) People often laugh at and ridicule the idea of love at first sight, but when it comes to homes, the phenomenon can certainly happen. Your client may just find their perfect dream home at the very first place you take them. If you have a client that does insist this is the case, then you don’t want to try and rationalize with them or talk them out of their decision. You do, however, want to make sure you are watching out for their interest and make sure your clients take all the necessary precautions before they jump in headfirst.

See What Other People See in The Home – Do They See What Your Client Sees? Have you come to the conclusion that your clients are being blinded by all of the twinkling windows and crystal clear water glistening in the backyard pool, and can’t see that the house they’ve fallen in love with is really just a dirty animal (maybe a pig) dressed up in nice clothes and lipstick. Ask your client if they would be willing to look at the house again with

their close friends, family, and anyone else they trust for a second opinion there to see it with them. If the house really is a dud, they’ll be able to see past any personal bias your client might have to the truth. They will be able to help your client see through the shining facade

Celebrate the Happy Union! When a couple gets married they tend to throw a big party and celebrate their union. The same goes for the closing. Your clients have just essentially married the house of their dreams, and now it’s time to rejoice. Congratulate them on their new union. Show your support for their new homeowner status by going to their housewarming party.

Help Your Clients Maintain Their Dream Home & Ensure a Lifetime of Happiness You can’t just disappear after the transaction is finished. Become their realtor for life by showing your clients how to maintain their dream home. Act as their resource for other professionals they may need to maintain the house such as handymen, plumbers, electricians, etc. Show them how to keep up with home maintenance so they don’t ignore problems that surface and end up with a much larger issue than they started with. Help them make sure their dream home lasts so they can live happily ever after in their home for a lifetime.

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LAUREN MYNARCIK For Lauren Mynarcik, real estate was always a part of life. She grew up watching her dad work as a builder, so when the time came to choose a new career path, Lauren knew she would flourish in this industry. “I initially worked as a nurse, but once I had my kids, I felt it was time to pursue something with more flexibility,” Lauren explains. “So I got into real estate right after my husband did.” The two joined forces and formed the CenTex Home & Ranch Team. Growing at a steady pace, they recently welcomed a new member to the team and are planning to add a few more agents. Serving Central Texas, almost all of their business derives from repeat clients and referrals, as they provide top notch service and guidance to everyone they assist. With deep roots in the communities they serve, Lauren and her team are able to provide sound advice about neighborhoods and local amenities. She credits their success to their willingness to go above and beyond. “We’re in it to help people,” she explains. “Our families owned businesses in the towns we grew up in, so we just have these strong connections to where we’re from, and we’ve really gained the trust of people.” Additionally, Lauren’s diverse background, including previous careers in nursing and running her own business, and her husband’s work as a firefighter, have given them a wide range of experiences and perspectives that they can bring to their work as real estate agents. When it comes to marketing their listings, the CenTex Home & Ranch Team focuses heavily on social media, where they have a wide reach. “We have a strong presence on social media, it’s been the biggest thing for us,” Lauren says. They also use open houses as a way to attract potential buyers and to help move listings. Lauren notes that her brokerage, Fathom Realty, has been a big help in promoting her listings and providing exposure, thanks to the brokerage’s recent growth in Central Texas. “We’ve doubled our numbers in the last year as a brokerage, so even just getting listings out

and promoting to my own brokerage has really helped us get a lot of exposure.” Clients are continually impressed by the team’s ability to reduce stress and create a smooth experience. One seller recently said, “Lauren is amazing! She has sold multiple homes for us. She is always responsive and keeps on top of everything. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be our agent! She is so on top of everything, hard-working, and very kind! I of course recommend her to all future home buyers and sellers! Can’t thank her enough!” Giving back is important to Lauren and her team. They are very involved with their brokerage and Lauren’s husband is a First Responder for the Waco Fire Department. Lauren is also coaching T-Ball for the Salado Little League this year and attending local events with different brokerages, title companies, and lenders. Lauren’s future looks bright, as she received the Newcomer of the Year Award with her brokerage, Fathom Realty, Central Texas District. As the team continues growing, they will keep providing the same level of service, as client satisfaction is their top priority. “I get to build relationships with people, that’s what I love most about what I do. I have the chance to really help people achieve their goals, and it’s a great feeling.”

For more about Lauren Mynarcik and the CenTex Home & Ranch Team, please call 254-913-9234 or email laurenmynarcik@gmail.com

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