Texas 4-8-24

Adding Value to Listings & the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities

Everyone knows the famous real estate phrase: location, location, location. In fact, it is hard to underestimate the pivotal role that a region can play when it comes to determining a home’s value. In today’s competitive market, the littlest things can truly add up—especially when it comes to neighborhood amenities. While most savvy agents know the figures regarding school

district ranking and local property taxes, have you ever considered the under-the-radar amenities that drive buyers and bidding wars? To derive the highest value from a listed home, you need to paint a complete picture of the area in which you’re selling. With that guiding principle in mind, let’s consider a few modern amenities and how they add drastically to your bottom line.

Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites.

A little can go a long way: restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment

Everyone has a favorite take-out spot, coffee shop, or neighborhood watering hole. Identifying the key players in an area—such as restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment hotspots—will create a livable picture that prospective buyers can latch onto. Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites. While a cute coffee shop down the street may seem like a bonus instead of a foundational amenity, you never know what kind of homebuyer you might net if you include the cozy characteristics that make a house a home.

From here to there: public transportation and commuter access

While this rule may not apply to all properties, considering access to public transportation is a major draw for today’s buyers. Especially amidst the more eco-conscious Millennial segment eager to buy within city limits—knowing public transportation access points and schedules can add serious value to listed properties. Also, think outside the box: do nearby thoroughfares boast dedicated bike lanes? Are there plans to expand rail lines to the area in the future? Deliver a confidant picture of the area’s public transportation access and prospective buyers will trust your expertise.

Know thy history: creating a narrative of the neighborhood

As humans, we’re drawn to narratives. Sales pitches and marketing campaigns hinge on an alluring storyline. That’s why understanding a neighborhood’s history can frame and contextualize a property to great effect. After all, buyers aren’t just drawn to sturdy foundations and bedroom counts; they like to imagine their lives unfolding inside those four walls. Get a sense of the area’s historical timeline, architectural style, noteworthy community members, and the like. Conveying this intriguing information to buyers helps them connect more personally with a property, while understanding the holistic picture of their potential new home.

While it is always good to cover the basics of school districts and property values, it is even more useful to expand your knowledge base and bring a warm, human element to locational knowledge. Not only will you appeal to a younger demographic of homebuyers who values this strategic information, but you will also broaden your understanding of your service area at large. Think of it this way: a neighborhood is far more than a collection of homes on a block. A neighborhood is about atmosphere, access, and a sense of community. If you authentically appeal to this guiding truth, and buyers will surely rise to the occasion.

MASTERING TALENT ACQUISITION IN REAL ESTATE

The ability to draw in and keep exceptional agents forms the backbone of any thriving brokerage. The art of follow-up stands at the forefront of transforming potential interests

into concrete assets for our teams. Below, we delve into the strategic nuances of follow-up, showcasing its role as a critical differentiator in securing the industry’s best.

• Fostering Memorable Connections:

The initial meeting lays the groundwork, but it’s the diligent follow-up that cements a solid relationship. A personalized email or call after the first interaction not only reiterates the benefits of joining your team but also highlights your brokerage’s dedication to building meaningful connections.

• Showcasing Commitment to Agent Success:

Continuous engagement post-meeting signals to prospective agents that your firm is invested in their career trajectory. This level of dedication showcases a supportive environment where agents’ growth and success are paramount.

• Clarifying Doubts and Building Confidence:

Utilize follow-up interactions as a platform to address any hesitations or queries. Engaging in open dialogue ensures that expectations and values are aligned, paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership.

• Ensuring Your Brokerage Stands Out:

In a landscape where elite agents are pursued by numerous firms, staying actively engaged through follow-up can keep your brokerage at the forefront of their minds. Highlighting your unique offerings and culture through consistent communication underscores why your firm is the ideal choice.

• Highlighting Paths for Professional Development:

Follow-up conversations are golden opportunities to outline the developmental prospects within your firm. Elaborating on mentorship programs, educational workshops, and career progression plans can tip the scales in your favor.

• Elaborating on Brokerage Values and Culture:

Post-meeting, candidates often seek deeper insights into your brokerage’s ethos and community. Follow-up communications are perfect for sharing success stories and the supportive network that defines your brokerage, aiding them in making an informed decision.

• Respecting Communication Styles:

Recognizing and adapting to a candidate’s preferred method of communication tailors a more personalized and effective followup. This adaptability not only respects their preferences but also fosters a stronger rapport.

• Smooth Transition to Onboarding:

A strategic follow-up process seamlessly bridges candidates to the onboarding phase, setting a positive tone for their integration into your team. This smooth transition is crucial in cultivating a productive and harmonious work environment from the get-go.

In conclusion, the power of follow-up in recruiting real estate agents cannot be overstated. It is not merely a formality but a strategic and essential component of the recruitment journey. Brokers and agencies that prioritize effective and consistent follow-up demonstrate a commitment to their agents’ success and position themselves as attractive destinations for top-tier real estate talent. In a field where relationships are paramount, unlocking success often begins with the simple act of following up.

MARISA FLOREZ

Serving the west Texas area, Top Agent Marisa Florez’s dedication to professionalism and top-notch service sets her apart. “Number one is professionalism,” she asserts. “Honesty, integrity and professionalism are crucial.”

Returning home is often a deeply nostalgic journey, filled with a sense of belonging. For Marisa Florez, coming back to Pecos from Fort Worth after two decades away wasn’t just about revisiting her past—it was about shaping the future of her community through the power of real estate. Her journey in the world of real estate began in 2007, weaving through various towns and cities in West Texas and Fort Worth, leading her back to her roots in Pecos. “I joined the real estate industry simply because it brought me

joy to be able to help families purchase homes,” she explains. “Seeing their excitement and joy in purchasing a home, guiding them through the process, that’s what I enjoy.”

As a REALTOR® serving the West Texas region, Marisa’s dedication to professionalism and topnotch service sets her apart. “Number one is professionalism,” she asserts. “Honesty, integrity and professionalism are crucial. Our clients are making significant investments, and they

deserve the best.” With a remarkable 80 to 85 percent referral business, her commitment to excellence speaks volumes. “Education and experience are also key,” she adds. “It’s crucial to stay up to date with laws, resources and the ever-changing real estate industry.”

Beyond the transaction, Marisa’s connection with her clients extends far into the post-closing phase. “I keep in touch through home visits, mailouts, and calls,” she reveals. “I want to ensure they’re settling in and have everything they need.” Innovative marketing strategies are at the core of her approach, using social media and face-to-face interactions to showcase listings effectively. “Our community wants things now,” she explains. “I utilize platforms like TikTok and Facebook to give them instant access to property listings.” Marisa’s impressive volume since becoming licensed reflects her dedication, with net sales of more than $2.6 million in the past six months alone.

Outside of real estate, her commitment to her community is also impressive. From involvement in youth advisory commissions to spearheading charitable initiatives, Marisa is a pillar of support in her hometown. One of her favorite community activities is showing support and gratitude to teachers. “I’m a big advocate for teachers,” she says. “They are so crucial and spend countless hours at their jobs.” She encourages her own children to pass out doughnuts to teachers. “We always offer little rewards to teachers, like raffles, gift cards and free coffee,” she adds.

“Within the next five years, I want to attain my broker’s license and open my own agency,” she declares. “I aim to bring new businesses to our community and create opportunities for our youth,” something she accomplishes through her work on the local planning and zoning board.

When she’s not working, Marisa finds solace in travel, outdoor adventures and quality time with her family. “Balance is essential,” she emphasizes, reflecting on the importance of maintaining harmony between work and personal life. Looking ahead, her vision for the future of her business is ambitious yet grounded. “Within the next five years, I want to attain my broker’s license and open my own agency,” she

declares. “I aim to bring new businesses to our community and create opportunities for our youth,” something she accomplishes through her work on the local planning and zoning board.

“I’m thankful to my husband, Arnulfo, and children, Madison, Gavin, Ethan and Koralyn for the amazing, unwavering patience and support they provide me,” says Marisa, who also

expressed gratitude to her parents, Robert and Bertha Natividad, “who taught me the core values of hard work and dedication in doing what I love. My father was a successful self-made businessman who instilled ethics, responsibility and discipline in in the way I view my career. My mother taught me the balance of being mommy at home and a hard-working businesswoman at the same time.”

Marisa also has a special thank-you for all her past and future clients for allowing her the opportunity to work with them. “I love my people and I love helping them the way I do,” she enthuses. “Also, thanks to my broker and all friends and family who provide a continued support system for me. It takes a village to provide greatness, and without the support of everyone around me, I wouldn’t be successful.”

USING CLIENT FEEDBACK TO ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

For real estate professionals, publishing your client testimonials is a key strategy for establishing trust, enhancing your reputation, and drawing in new clients.

Through the strategic use of positive

client feedback, you can demonstrate your expertise and the exceptional value you offer in real estate transactions. Here are key strategies for maximizing the impact of real estate testimonials in your business:

Diversify Your Testimonials

Collect feedback from a broad spectrum of clients, such as first-time buyers, sellers, investors, and those facing unique challenges. This approach offers a comprehensive view of your capabilities.

Promptly Request Testimonials

Aim to obtain testimonials soon after closing a deal. Prompt timing ensures clients’ memories are fresh, enabling them to share detailed and impactful experiences.

Enhance Your Website with Testimonials

Develop a section on your website dedicated to client testimonials. Display them attractively, including clients’ names, photos, and specific transaction details if possible.

Utilize Testimonials in Marketing Efforts

Embed powerful testimonial excerpts in your marketing materials, including brochures and flyers, to catch the eye of prospective clients and underscore your track record.

Broadcast Testimonials on Social Media

Publicize your client feedback on social platforms, using engaging visuals or property photos to accompany the testimonials.

Innovate with Testimonial Videos

Elevate your client feedback with video testimonials. Short, engaging videos can make a lasting impression on potential clients by showcasing genuine satisfaction.

Incorporate Testimonials into Email Marketing

Utilize testimonials in your email campaigns to underscore your expertise and encourage engagement from potential clients.

Present Testimonials to Prospective Clients

Integrate client success stories into your presentations to illustrate your track record and reassure potential clients of your ability to deliver favorable results.

Feature Testimonials in Your Blog

Share client success stories in blog posts, integrating testimonials to lend credibility and a personal touch to your narratives.

Create Detailed Case Studies

With client consent, develop case studies that explore specific challenges and your successful interventions, offering deep insights into your problem-solving prowess.

Highlight Testimonials in Your Online Presence

Feature client testimonials in your profiles on key real estate and social media sites to bolster your online reputation and attract new clients.

Promote Third-Party Platform Reviews

Encourage clients to review your services on esteemed real estate platforms, enhancing your visibility and credibility.

Engage Through Testimonial Events

Host webinars or events where clients can share their experiences, providing a dynamic forum for potential clients to learn and interact.

Advertise with Testimonials

Use testimonials in your advertising campaigns to spotlight positive client experiences and foster trust with your target audience.

Keep Your Testimonials Current

Regularly refresh your testimonials to maintain relevance and demonstrate your continuous commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

By strategically publishing real estate testimonials across various platforms and marketing channels, you can build a compelling narrative that resonates with potential clients. Authentic endorsements from satisfied clients serve as a powerful tool for establishing trust and differentiating yourself in a competitive real estate market.

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

grahamharrop.com

grahamharrop.com

24-Hour Touch-ups to Maximize Your List Price

Sometimes it takes a full-scale overhaul to prepare a house for market. Other times, only a series of small adjustments are required to make a listing’s true potential shine. Whether you’re gearing up for an open house, assessing a list price, or maximizing a property’s appearance prior to photography—the devil is in the details. However, touch-ups and refreshes don’t have to dominate your schedule or break the bank. For a few ideas of where

to begin, consider our handy check-list below for quick home projects that will fortify your bottom line.

Refresh grout for a sparkling clean look.

Perhaps the quickest and most cost-effective way to make bathrooms, kitchens, and other tiled areas shine is to refresh grout until it looks

good as new. Specialty grout stain removers and cleaners are inexpensive and sold at most home improvement stores. Plus, the project only takes a bit of elbow grease and an hour or two for a major makeover effect. Suddenly, dark, stained, and worn-down bathrooms gleam as if tile has just been placed.

Create mood lighting with soothing bulbs and fixtures.

A warm white light from specially chosen LED bulbs creates a welcoming environment when potential buyers come calling. If outdated fixtures are bringing down a home’s otherwise modern styling, consider more design-neutral replacements that won’t

detract from the property’s charms. These are inexpensive but highly noticeable and impactful upgrades that shift a home’s ambiance for the better.

Repaint doors for an updated and inviting entryway.

It may sound like a hassle, but repainting doorways with a fresh coat signals a wellkept property—and that’s before prospective buyers even pass through the threshold. You can also change out generic doorknobs and switch-plates to add an updated flare while on a budget. Color-of-the-year trend choices can turn heads, while neutral paint choices signal less hassle for future homeowners.

Make windows shine— both inside and out.

Cleanliness goes a long way in communicating a well-cared for home in which buyers can imagine themselves. Cleaning the inside and outside of windows not only refreshes a room, but it allows light to infuse the space while appealing to the move-in ready crowd.

Closet spaces are not an afterthought.

Every prospective buyer wants storage options, and you’ve surely led a home tour where guests inspect closets and pantries. Don’t let these hidden spaces go overlooked. Make sure they’re clean, cleared as much as possible, and you can even touch them up with fresh paint, a good

scrub, or with the addition of new shelves or styled bulbs.

Remove tough appliance stains with a bit of elbow grease.

If you’re packaging appliances with the sale of a property, you’ll want to make sure those big-ticket items are also in top shape to showcase their value. Stainless steel polish, electric cooktop polish, and stain removing pads for the kitchen sink can make your appliances look five years younger with nothing more than an hour or two’s labor.

Organize garage and basement areas to maximize storage and hint at bonus space.

It may take a labor of love, but organizing and decluttering these special storage spaces

can add significant value to a property. Instead of telling prospective buyers how much storage space there is—let these areas speak for themselves by giving them a neutral, airy bout of cleansing. That way, craft-lovers, car aficionados, and buyers with interest in renovating basement areas can witness the potential immediately.

Individually, these bit to-do list items might seem like extra work without the promise of

a major return. But combined? These small tasks go a long way in crafting a home’s image and projecting pure potential. After all, prospective buyers imagine their lives unfolding inside those walls. That’s why cobbling together these small-scale projects can have a big payoff in the end. Not only will a home present itself in a cohesive, attractively-packaged form, but it can also translate to higher interest and a significant pay-off—in more ways than one.