TEXAS 6-29-20

TEXAS EDITION

9

THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

7 REASONS WHY

YOUR PROSPECTS AREN'T TURNING INTO CLIENTS

How to Recognize

TRUE LUXURY PROPERTIES

FEATURED AGENTS

COURTNEY BENSON TOYIA CHENEVERTHENDERSON TRISH MENCHU

COVER STORY

HEATHER PRICHARD

TEXAS EDITION

Paul Cisneros is proud to congratulate

HEATHER PRICHARDTOYIA CHENEVERT-HENDERSON Toyia Chenevert-Henderson started 9 19 out in the housing industry at 21 years old. When Toyia was purchasing her first home, her sales counselor, impressed with her intelligence and outgoing personality, offered her a job right on the spot. After spending some time selling new construction, Toyia fell in love with the process of assisting clients. Then she decided to HEATHER PRICHARD COURTNEY BENSON pursue real estate.

ranked in the RE/MAX of T 20 BENSON 23and TRISH COURTNEY 500 in both 2018 2019.

A caring Courtney Benson took a winding the years, Cou For Toyia,Over though, helping for road to real estate. She began hermatters tation for herself in what most.

“Youreal ma career in the cosmetics industry, of herinvolume com Menchu major decisions life: finding but found herself wanting to a child or business partner having and buying a in ho agent spend more time at home after the“It’s values real estate fo says. exciting toShe be part earn people’s lives.

W birth of her second child. moments After in and the lives of oth after an that joy inshe mysays. clients’ facesma resigning from luxury cosmetics, “It took consultin TOYIA CHENEVERTTRISH MENCHU home, I tofeel Courtney and her family close foundon ausnew a platform HENDERSON so I gro w won the lottery.

Truly.” themselves caught up in the 2008 on being featured for the State of coach w is a Realtor for RE/MAX financial crash. For quite some Texas in TopToday, AgentToyia Magazine!

Outside of her care ® REALTOR ,” Trish says.

“I dm Generation, where shethey oversees a her career, Toyia time, were adrift, struggling to make ends Outside meet. ofpassion and knowle Hitting the groundBeyond running growing team toOne service clients Courtney throughoutdecided, the an activeonrole in her community. day, though, almost a whim, constant researchvol in serves all of McLennan Coun Houston metropolitan area.

However, due to her to distribute food to the homeless during the to enroll in a CONTENTS real estate class. She quickly fell in love stay on the cutting dynamic background in construction, Toyia is willing she values giving back to theofUniversity ofB to the top 10% with the business, and her life has been greatly improved serves asColdwell a mentor to chase opportunities beyond Houston as well, always When she’s not working, she enjoys spendin ally. A lifelong resident of th STREAMLINE INSPECTIONS ever since. her success story as putting her clients’ interests first. “Wherever there’s a time on the and beach.nothing “I love to clear my mind makes her hap PAUL | 325-665-8764 4)CISNEROS IFgasIT’S GOOD FOR 16) HOW TO RECOGNIZE station,” she says, “I’m driving.” the waves crash against the sand,” she says. find a homeLooking here.

A growing Today, Courtney is a Realtor for the Courtney Benson to the futp THE SOUL, IT’S GOOD FOR TRUE LUXURY PROPERTIES consists ofgrowth repeat clients and Property Group & Associates Realtors, where of her bu listing a property, Toyia through offers JP clients a Looking ahead to the future, Toyia is pur THEWhen BUSINESS herarea. ability to also go above and th b she services the Northern working relationsh comprehensive approach.

Onclients top throughout of traditional broker’sDallas license.

But she envisions 21) 9 THINGS THE BEST Joined byasheropen husband, a fellow Realtor, she hasand her expand her team in techniques, such houses,Gabe, she and growth of her team business, as she 6) 7marketing REASONS WHY YOUR LEADERS NEVER SAY “I let know, once the developed proven workflow to assist any client with shearound is excited th her team provide listers with aasuite of online outlets, to encourage theeveryone talent her.for“L PROSPECTS AREN'T TURNING their needs. ahead, taking them,” Trish explains.

W developing campaigns over social media, the RE/ matters,” shefor says. ““I want to be therecomfo for m INTO CLIENTS cultivated for her fa MAX webpage, Adwerx, Zillow, Realtor.com and guide them and withcoach a buyer or they a seller, them as grow.

Iit When listing a home, Courtney hands-on work as transac the Houston Association of Realtors, among other prefers them to acoach me so wemy can growthem. together.” relationship with Thr platforms. “I use aapproach. variety ofAfter digitalpersonally marketingseeing plat- to the stagingthey of the only focus is on h form a genuine relatio forms to garner exposure for my clients,” firstthey discovered real estate because the house, she provides herToyia clientssays. with allToyia the help need their new homes.” able calling her afterwards a “Whatever it takestotoprepare be therefor forthe them.” to her entrepreneurial spirit. After m sale. Once the housespoke is ready tothey go, she need a financial planne twentyand years in the business, she has estab supports it with professional photography targeted cancareer help them find the right PhoneThroughout 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 the process, strives to service both accomplished and lifestyle around onlineToyia listings.

Meanwhile, she makes sure her open me whenever they som mag@topagentmagazine.com |seen www.topagentmagazine.com her buyers and sellers through unmatched commitMost she’s doing whatneed she loves houses are an as celebratory events in importantly, the neighborthem throughout the process ment attention to detail.

For tireless approach, others achieve their dreams.

No portion of thisand issue may be reproduced in anyher manner whatsoever without prior consent the publisher.

Top Agent“I do everyth hood, attracting as many prospective buyers asofpossible. left unanswered. her bu has fostered a “We strong reputation Houston, Toyia says. me, For real estate is Magazineshe is published

by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are the takenheart,” ensure the accuracy of published don’t stop,”around she says.

“Tenacity is toeverything in “For materials,with Top Agent cannot be opinionsfrom expressedmoney. or facts supplied by authors. needs them the Magazine vast majority ofheld herresponsible volume for coming Above all,itsIand wantfinds to make surethe myid c this industry.

Where a lot of people Published give up,inwe see our To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. the U.S. either repeat clients or referrals. As such, she was secure in their investments.” price possible. Meanwhile f responsibilities through to the end.”

2

sure to get the highest price learnjust more about attention Toyia Chenevert-Henderson utilizing professional photog CourtneyTooffers as much and hard work Top Agent Magazine very determ email to tmchenevert@gmail.com, thetchgroup.com or call “I’m 281.995.5461 her buyers. Treating her visit clients as membersmarketing. of her to do something, I go at own family, she always leads with a personalizedsion touch, www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

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 4

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

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

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 Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

5

7 Reasons Why Your Prospects Aren’t Turning Into Clients Real estate experts suggest prospecting daily so that your sales pipeline never runs dry.

But sometimes all that effort doesn’t translate into results. If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

6

1. You’re Too Slow The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials estimates that there are about 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States alone. Of course, not all these individuals are working in the same markets. Nonetheless, that

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

means that realtors face a lot of competition. If you are slow to respond to messages from prospective clients, someone else is sure to beat you to it. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to return calls and emails within 24 hours.

If you’re too busy working with active clients to return the phone calls and emails of prospective clients, consider hiring a real estate assistant who can help take administrative or marketing tasks off your plate.

2. They Don’t Trust You There are different reasons why a client might not trust you, some of which overlap with others on this list. When a client asks you a question, do you answer it directly or do you sidestep it?

Do you have testimonials and reviews from happy clients publicly available? Do you have an online presence? Social proof of your skills and knowledge is key.

3. You Don’t Seem Knowledgeable Enough Is your client constantly coming to you with new listings or marketing ideas rather than the Top Agent Magazine

other way around? Do they mention real estate and finance terms you’ve never heard of or ask you questions you’ve never thought to ask yourself? Every agent starts somewhere, but if this seems to be a pattern, it’s one clients will pick up on too.

Your clients want to know that you will add value to their home buying or selling experience, and part of that value is your expertise and passion.

4. You Have No Web Presence It’s not enough to be on Zillow or have a Facebook page. There are clients who don’t use these platforms, and at the end of the day, you don’t own the content or your access to it. Both platforms could suddenly go out of business and any following you’ve gained could be lost.

It doesn’t cost much to create and maintain a website today. If customization matters little to you, sometimes you can even get up and running for free. At the very least, it’s a good idea to invest in a domain name because yourwebsite. wordpress.com looks a lot less professional than yourwebsite.com.

Top Agent Magazine ®

7

5. You Don’t Seem to Care When clients don’t think you care, it usually means they don’t feel like you are listening.

You may have systems, processes, and a proven marketing strategy. You may like to get right down to business, but to your client, this isn’t just business—it’s their life and their family’s livelihood.

When your client tells you what’s important to them, they want to make sure that you really hear them. Make sure your body language conveys that. Slow down. Shut your office door.

Make eye contact, nod your head, and pause before you speak so that they understand that you’ve put thought into your words—that they aren’t simply lines from a script.

6. You Use Too Much Jargon Remember that your clients don’t speak real estate. At most, they might buy or sell a home once every few years. They hired you to be their advocate and may even expect you to be a bit of a teacher too. Use layman’s terms so that your

8

client fully understands how the two of you will work together.

7. Your Target Audience Is Everyone Your clients are home buyers and sellers, yes, but who is your ideal client? Some specialties you might consider are college students and recent graduates, working professionals, military families, seniors, CEOs, or other high-profile clients.

As a newer agent, your target audience might be anyone who will hire you, but over time, you might find that you click more with certain clients, that their lifestyle is similar to yours, or that their goals align with your mission. Whatever the reason, marketing your business to this “ideal client” rather than every potential client will make selling your services easier.

Remember: It’s within your power to alleviate your client’s concerns, but understanding why your prospects aren’t turning into clients is a good start.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

HEATHER PRICHARD Top Agent Magazine

9

Heather Prichard is broker,/owner of The Prichard Real Estate Group out of Odessa, Texas. The agency handles residential, commercial, and ranch & farm properties across the Texas Metroplex region.

Heather Prichard began her real estate career while her children were in Kindergarten and second grade, respectively. “I always loved helping people, plus I was a single mom at the time and wanted to do something with enough flexibility that I could work from home and stay with my kids.� She started out as an office manager for a local agency, fell in love with the work, and six months later, she 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

got her license. That was 20 years ago, and Heather, now a broker, owns The Prichard Real Estate Group out of Odessa, Texas. The agency handles residential, commercial, and ranch & farm properties across the Texas Metroplex region. While Heather oversees the business, her husband, Kit, runs the farm & ranch division. In addition, Heather has some exciting projects she is currently working on.

Top Agent Magazine

Heather alongside Julie Ziglar and DeDe Galindo, of Prime Properties Realty LLC in the DFW area, will be launching Zig Ziglar Realty in the Summer of 2020! “We are excited to bring a trusted, household name to the real estate industry,” She states.

“I’d say all of my business is repeat and referral clientele,” she says.

“And that’s because I take care of my clients. They’re not just transactions to me. I believe in building relationships, and I hope to maintain them for life.”

Heather has built a stellar reputation based hard work, honesty, integrity, and dependability, which has translated into top-notch client feedback. One client recently wrote in a review: “I can’t say enough how much Heather helped me through the process of selling my home. She and her agency far exceeded my expectations; the sale was quick and professional; and Heather was Top Agent Magazine

very knowledgeable about the process from start to finish. I would highly recommend her and her company and feel like I made a friend as well! Thank you for all of your help! It was a great experience!”

11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“What I love most about my job is watching the joy on my clients’ faces at the closing table,” Heather exclaims. “I get to be part of what’s probably one of the biggest transactions of their lives and it’s an honor handing them the keys to their new home.”

Heather believes in maintaining quality contact with her past clients. “I’m not one of those agents that sends out recipes,” she says.

“I believe in educating my clients with the latest real estate news and market trends, so they will always be prepared when they are ready to make a move.” She also sends out holiday cards and stays in touch through social media.

Heather utilizes the latest technologies, market research, business strategies and expertise to meet her clients’ expectations. When marCopyright Top Agent Magazine 12

keting a listing, she prepares both a digital and hard-copy sales packet containing professional photographs, high-end descriptions, and printable information. Properties are featured on websites and on social media. She also believes in putting up signs and holding open houses.

“What I love most about my job is watching the joy on my clients’ faces at the closing table,” she exclaims. “I get to be part of what’s probably one of the biggest transactions of Top Agent Magazine

their lives and it’s an honor, especially when it comes time to handing them the keys to their new home.”

Heather is a big believer in giving back to the community. Throughout her professional life, she sat on the boards and committees of various local charities. She’s also involved with the local Chambers of Commerce and Top Agent Magazine

is currently donating her time and efforts to the Permian Basin Rehab Center, which she says, “is close to my heart right now.” Heather has a passion for helping people succeed in their personal and professional lives. In 2017, she also co-authored a book with Brian Tracy, called “The Success Blueprint” and in that same year, she became an Amazon Best Selling author.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

When not working, she loves spending time with her kids, now 28 and 23, and her twin grandsons. “My husband and I love to travel,” she adds. “We also like taking our boat on the lake to go fishing.”

Heather has several projects in the works for her business. She is opening a new office in northern Texas and wants to expand her farm and ranch division. “I also just received my CE credential, so I hope to start training statewide very soon,” she says.

To learn more about Heather Prichard, please call 432-978-6973, email heather@prichardrealestategroup.com, or visit prichardrealestategroup.com https://

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

Top Agent Magazine

Paul Cisneros is proud to congratulate

HEATHER PRICHARD

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

STREAMLINE INSPECTIONS PAUL CISNEROS | 325-665-8764

Top Agent Magazine

15

How to Recognize True Luxury Properties What to Consider Other Than Location When luxury home buyers are looking for a new abode, they are often advised to pay most of their attention to location, location, location. And it’s true that good locations often have better properties, but if you’re only looking at location then you might be forgetting what it is in a luxury property that makes it luxury. You could view a property in a great location, and because you completely ignored any of the other factors that make a property high end, you might find that once you move in, you aren’t as pleased with the actual house itself as you thought you would be. Here are the other things you should look out for when purchasing a luxury home: • Architectural Uniqueness: The simple fact is that good

architecture retains its value. Do your homework on architects and find the ones that have a good track record of designing beautiful, but practical homes. Don’t simply pay attention to how the building looks today. Consider how it will look in a few decades. Keep an eye out for the “bones” of the building, and decide whether they will stand the test of time or not. Things such as a solid foundation, high-grade materials, unusual details, and artistic components are good aspects to consider.

Will the structure hold up well or will it degrade and crumble without constant upkeep? That funky molding may look artistic today, but in ten years will it be considered artistic or just plain weird?

16

Top Agent Magazine

• Practical Layout: Make sure you have enough room to live

in comfort. As a buyer of luxury property, you probably have quite a busy social schedule. You want to make sure that the layout will lend itself to helping you maintain clear separation between your social areas and private ones. You don’t want guests having to go back into your bedroom to use the bathroom. Look out for places with stairwells, awkward columns, long hallways, and other wastes of space.

• Unobstructed Views and Light: You want to live in

a home that gives you lots of natural light, such as one that is open to the outdoors. That natural light will improve your mood, as well as the resale value. The openness of a space filled with natural light will make you feel more comfortable and happy in your new home. What about the view? Do you see a Do you park, a bridge, a river, or a skyline? Is the see a park, fantastic view out your window protected? a bridge, You’ll need to understand the surrounding air a river, or a rights and zoning allowances of neighboring buildings to understand the possible risks. skyline?

• Windows: Windows are the primary source of losing heat and

cooling. Make sure they are double-paned with good insulation that will protect your home against weather and noise. Unless the windows are already like this, it is unlikely that the condo or co-op board will allow you to install your own.

• Ceiling Height: Consider the cubic footage of the property.

You want to look for high ceilings that increase the openness of a room.

Of course, you don’t want to go too high. Above 14 feet will get you diminished marginal returns.

• Storage: If you’re a woman, you will understand this one. We need

lots of closets and additional storage room to fit all of our clothes, shoes, jackets, hats, purses, etc. However, lucky for you, your potential home’s existing closet square footage will not limit you from putting in more storage space. Custom closet companies can create any kind of storage

Top Agent Magazine

17

space you desire. You will have to, however, make sure that your new home does have an area that you can turn into this storage space.

• In-Unit Laundry: In-unit laundry has become necessary for

any luxury home or apartment. Do you really want to have to trek down flights of stairs to use the basement laundry? If you still consider it wasted space, you can convert it into more closet space.

• The Gym: Having a fitness area nearby is an amenity that is especially

important, particularly in winter when you don’t feel like walking to the gym a few blocks down.

One thing to consider is the Do you really want of the gym in relation to have to trek down size to the size of the building in flights of stairs? light of common area fees.

• Move-In Ready: I’d advise against buying time-consuming and

frustrating fixer-uppers no matter how much you want to add custom kitchens, finishes, fixtures, and other characteristics. Choose a property that already has all of these amenities taken care of. These properties have already had the same designers you would hire fashion the house at a fraction of the cost you would pay to have them do it after you move in. In this light, it is worthwhile to pay a little extra for the move-in ready home.

• Reputation: Pay attention to the reputation of the building. A

property that has a good reputation tends to retain its value. You can easily find this out online on posts, and established locals are likely to have an opinion.

If you want to buy luxury property that is really worth it’s price, then I would suggest adding these points to your list of things your new home must have.

If you want to get a high quality home that is a true luxury, you’ll want to watch out for these aspects as well as the location. Some properties might claim to be luxury based on their location, but when compared against this list, they don’t make the cut. So, don’t be fooled by imposters, and make sure you find a true high-end property.

18

Top Agent Magazine

COURTNEY BENSON Courtney Benson took a winding road to real estate. She began her career in the cosmetics industry, but found herself wanting to spend more time at home after the birth of her second child. After resigning from luxury cosmetics, Courtney and her family found themselves caught up in the 2008 financial crash. For quite some time, they were adrift, struggling to make ends meet.

One day, though, Courtney decided, almost on a whim, to enroll in a real estate class. She quickly fell in love with the business, and her life has been greatly improved ever since.

Over the years, Courtney has earned an outstanding reputation for herself in the industry, with the vast majority of her volume coming from referrals from past clients or business partner relationships. Above all, Courtney values real estate for the joy it has brought to her family and the lives of others. “This business changed my life,” she says. “It took my family to a different level and gave us a platform to grow and help other people.”

Today, Courtney is a Realtor for the Courtney Benson Property Group through JP & Associates Realtors, where she services clients throughout the Northern Dallas area.

Joined by her husband, Gabe, a fellow Realtor, she has developed a proven workflow to assist any client with their needs.

Looking to the future, Courtney envisions the further growth of her business. Having built an excellent working relationship with her husband, she plans to expand her team in the coming months. In the meantime, she is excited for the potential clients and deals that lie ahead, taking comfort in the accomplished career she has cultivated for her family in the Dallas area. “I don’t view my work as transactional,” Courtney says. “Instead, my only focus is on helping my clients find happiness in their new homes.”

When listing a home, Courtney prefers a hands-on approach. After personally seeing to the staging of the house, she provides her clients with all the help they need to prepare for the sale. Once the house is ready to go, she supports it with professional photography and targeted online listings. Meanwhile, she makes sure her open houses are seen as celebratory events in the neighborhood, attracting as many prospective buyers as possible.

“We don’t stop,” she says. “Tenacity is everything in this industry. Where a lot of people give up, we see our responsibilities through to the end.”

Courtney offers just as much attention and hard work to her buyers. Treating her clients as members of her own family, she always leads with a personalized touch, making sure they find a home that’s right for them.

Furthermore, Courtney and Gabe both understand the importance of making the right decision when purchasing a house. “We take our work very seriously,” she says.

“Everything comes down to being a strong advocate for my clients.”

Top Agent Magazine

Outside of her career, Courtney continues to foster her passion and knowledge for the housing industry. Through constant research into the business, she has been able to stay on the cutting edge of real estate. Elsewhere, she serves as a mentor for aspiring Realtors, where she uses her success story as a source of inspiration.

To learn more about Courtney Benson email courtney@thebensonpropertygroup.com, visit thebensonpropertygroup.com, or call (469) 855-6490 www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

TOYIA CHENEVERT-HENDERSON Toyia Chenevert-Henderson started out in the housing industry at 21 years old. When Toyia was purchasing her first home, her sales counselor, impressed with her intelligence and outgoing personality, offered her a job right on the spot. After spending some time selling new construction, Toyia fell in love with the process of assisting clients. Then she decided to pursue real estate.

ranked in the RE/MAX of Texas Top 500 in both 2018 and 2019.

For Toyia, though, helping clients is what matters most. “You make three major decisions in life: finding a spouse, having a child and buying a home,” she says. “It’s exciting to be part of those moments in people’s lives. When I see that joy in my clients’ faces after they close on a new home, I feel as if I’ve won the lottery. Truly.”

Today, Toyia is a Realtor for RE/MAX Generation, where she oversees a growing team to service clients throughout the Houston metropolitan area. However, due to her dynamic background in construction, Toyia is willing to chase opportunities beyond Houston as well, always putting her clients’ interests first. “Wherever there’s a gas station,” she says, “I’m driving.”

Outside of her career, Toyia maintains an active role in her community. Beyond volunteering to distribute food to the homeless during the holidays, she values giving back to the University of Houston.

When she’s not working, she enjoys spending quality time on the beach. “I love to clear my mind and hear the waves crash against the sand,” she says.

When listing a property, Toyia offers clients a comprehensive approach. On top of traditional marketing techniques, such as open houses, she and her team provide listers with a suite of online outlets, developing campaigns over social media, the RE/ MAX webpage, Adwerx, Zillow, Realtor.com and the Houston Association of Realtors, among other platforms. “I use a variety of digital marketing platforms to garner exposure for my clients,” Toyia says.

“Whatever it takes to be there for them.”

Looking ahead to the future, Toyia is pursuing her broker’s license. But she also envisions the further growth of her team and her business, as she continues to encourage the talent around her. “Leadership matters,” she says. ““I want to be there for my team to guide them and coach them as they grow. I also want them to coach me so we can grow together.”

Toyia first discovered real estate because the industry spoke to her entrepreneurial spirit. After more than twenty years in the business, she has established an accomplished career and lifestyle around Houston.

Most importantly, she’s doing what she loves: helping others achieve their dreams. “I do everything from the heart,” Toyia says. “For me, real estate isn’t about money. Above all, I want to make sure my clients are secure in their investments.”

Throughout the process, Toyia strives to service both her buyers and sellers through an unmatched commitment and attention to detail. For her tireless approach, she has fostered a strong reputation around Houston, with the vast majority of her volume coming from either repeat clients or referrals. As such, she was

To learn more about Toyia Chenevert-Henderson email tmchenevert@gmail.com, visit thetchgroup.com or call 281.995.5461 www.

20

Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

9

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

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

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

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

Top Agent Magazine

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

1

I’M THE BOSS

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

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

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

Top Agent Magazine

21

2

6

I’LL DO IT MYSELF

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

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

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

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

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

5

I ALREADY KNOW THAT

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

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

22

THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

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

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

7

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

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

8

DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

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

9

YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

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

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

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

TRISH MENCHU A caring personality and a love for real estate have helped Trish Menchu make great strides as an agent in the Waco, Texas region.

She earned her licence in 2018, after an 18 year career in energy consulting. “I wanted a change, so I worked with a business coach who suggested I become a REALTOR®,” Trish says. “I decided to take his advice.”

Hitting the ground running from the start, Trish now serves all of McLennan County and has made her way to the top 10% of Coldwell Banker agents internationally. A lifelong resident of the area, she knows it well, and nothing makes her happier than helping people find a home here. A growing percentage of her business consists of repeat clients and referrals, demonstrating her ability to go above and beyond expectations.

Owner. I was so impressed with her interactions and professionalism towards her clients as well as with us as sellers that when we decided to list with an agent, we knew we would be in good hands with Trish. She was always very prompt to reply when we had questions. She is very family oriented, which was very helpful for my family of five, as she worked to find our new home as well. If you’re looking for an agent and want an honest professional, I highly recommend Trish Menchu.”

“I let everyone know, once the sale is over, I’m still there for them,” Trish explains. When she begins working with a buyer or a seller, it’s the start of a lifelong relationship with them. Throughout the transaction, they form a genuine relationship, and feel comfortable calling her afterwards and asking for advice. “If they need a financial planner, designer, or anyone, I can help them find the right person. They can come to me whenever they need something.” She also guides them throughout the process, ensuring no question is left unanswered. For her buyers, she pinpoints their needs and finds them the ideal property for the best price possible. Meanwhile for her sellers, she makes sure to get the highest price the market will allow by utilizing professional photography, videography, and marketing. “I’m very determined. When I make a decision to do something, I go at it 110%,” she says. Trish is truly her clients’ best advocate, and does not stop working until they are completely satisfied.

Looking ahead, she plans to continue growing her business and is already on track in 2020 to double her production from 2019. “If I could give anyone entering the business a piece of advice, I would say reaching out to other agents and getting a mentor will help immensely.” As for her main goal moving forward, it’s quite simple: “I just want to bring value to people of my community, whether it’s a real estate transaction or helping a family in need.”

Word spreads fast about her service, with past clients excited to recommend her to others. One recently said, “We found Trish when she brought a buyer to look at our house when we had it listed as For Sale By Top Agent Magazine

When Trish isn’t working, she’s staying involved in the community. She is on the Board of the Hewitt Chamber of Commerce and is President of Hewitt Kiwanis, an organization that helps children in need. During any free time, she’s hanging out with family, including her five daughters. “We like to do outdoor activities and take vacations,” she says.

For more about Trish Menchu, please call 254-981-3171 or email trish.menchu@gmail.com 23 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

24

Top Agent Magazine