TEXAS 7-12-21

TEXAS EDITION

1 Billion-Plus Reasons Why You Should be Active on Facebook

SUCCESSTHESE 7 HABITS ARE THE REAL SECRET TO SUCCESS

FEATURED AGENTS

CHRISSY NAMAKI TONI FLOROPLUS MINH HOANG CODY HOBZA TRACI NICODEMUS KITO SMITH

How to CUT DOWN ON DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS and Up Your Productivity COVER STORY

TIFFANY BECERRA

TEXAS EDITION

NAMAKI TONI CHRISSY FLOROPLUS

understand the importance o Toni Floroplus began her real estate career 21 actions, and because of that, in 2006.7 Seeking an opportunity that16 spoke everything we can for them.” to her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping others, she earned her license Outside her career, Toni is and quickly discovered the industry was a active in her community. On t perfect compliment to her outgoing personon her local Chamber of Co ality. Today, she is the Broker and Owner Association of Realtors, she al of The Agency Real Estate Group, where to numerous local charities she supervises an elite team to assist clients organizations throughout the r throughout Granbury and the surrounding ing the Wounded Warrior P areas.

Experienced with everything from TIFFANY BECERRA CHRISSY NAMAKI TONI FLOROPLUS CODY HOBZA TRACI NICODEMUS supports veterans and service first time home buyers to luxury listings, TIFFANY BECERRA were injured in the line Toni and her team possess the integrity, When you listen to Kito Smith talk about allows usoftodut po ing Cody a positive have years an urgent question.

“My business Hobza, a REALTOR® with “Everything about real estate involvement.

WithKuper twenty-five of experience in work. community To market her not with clients or giving back compassion, and expertise needed to nav22 25 26 29 people buy aIt home, get a clients’ International Realty, is atheCertified excites me. Butyou I especially love workfor Sotheby’s his clients, consumes mostNicodemus of my time. doesn’t real estate industry,helping Traci listings, Traci leveragesprivate the tech-listing, spending quality time withhome her family or bre igate anydifferent deal. “We’ve got a truly great team,” she says. vibe than with most Realtors. selling Home ing withpeople people one on one and helping brings and a wealth of knowledge and or her night, nology suite available to her through e andLuxury beyond to Marketing Specialist matter if we’re it’s day waters outside her lakefront home.

“Together, here for our clients, and we help them That might benobecause he’s got little infectious to every transacRE/MAX herin clients with Master Certified Negotiation Expert who enthusiasm them achieve theiragoals.” the table terms of my insig While Chrissy was working paralegal, she totoprovide s knowledge and are going call me what. through the to process from startmatter to finish.

At the as enda of the tion.

Together with her husband, Traci broad coverage and enjoy innovative tools. extra skin in the game.

“When I was Kito likes to gi uses his knowledge and expertise to help “I truly recognizing started to dip her toes into real estate to help out e them towards Thankfully I happy love what I dous.” and I’m Going forward, has strongI plans for wh th they chose spentestate many day, yearsthey’ll in growing thebecustom-home “Even when I was aToni home-builder, used and buyers and sellers reach their real In his spare time Cody enjoys boating, up in Michigan, my mother as well, to bring out its true potential ac with her husband’s remodeling business, and business.

With her volume maintaining its I close the deal, passionate about helping people.” business, enables her to provide and wakesurfing. “The water RE/MAX’s incredible marketing techgoals. Serving clients who seek him out forwhich is what always wanted us to have our own with one of Sa competitive pricing every building her business alongside When she intends on expanding herfor team andpro When listing astarted home, Toni provides her clients with him. a nology,” that my clients her clients with expert counsel not only Traci says. his negotiation skills, integrity and ethical comprehensive attracted me to Austin in thetwo firstmonths place.” home.

But she died when I was 14 years munity activist For a client, having an agent on the attorney she was working for quit years ahead.

Meanwhile, she has just lau strategy.

After helping her sellers ready on the market, but believes also on remodeling, a daunting expeMinh automation is the future work, Cody specializes in properties their property He also likes to golf, play tennis, partakeproperty cessful management company, w for the market, she broadcasts it over a educated and confident means ago, though, she moved into real estate full time, old, before she was ever able to fulfill organizes food renovation, and Traci’s“The business For Traci, it is difficult to name one and my job is to of design. real estate. realis estate business target shooting, throughout the Greater Austin area. in competitive andloves oversees ninety properties across Hood Coun blend of targeted digital and social media campaigns.

She and Chrissy brings an informe and has been thriving ever since.

As a Realtor that dream.

I think about that a lot.

And or backpack gi guided by her passion and her deeply held thing she most about real estate MINH HOANG HOBZAprocess, so TRACI NICODEMUS KITO SMITH mless as possible, isalso anCODY emotional there will explore local restaurants. anything, though, she looks forward to the uses trusted methods like listings in print publicaeach transaction. with a wealth of experience in a variety of fields values about how to treat her clients.

“For because she is passionate about every every time element I’m ableattoplay. help But someone get the Peace drivn atisfied the work in real estate always a human Priorwith to his Cody opportunities that await in her comm tions to be give her clients an added advantage.

Every step me, it’s not just transactional,” Traci says. aspect of what she does.

“I love tobeloved coun-year. pertaining to real estate and customer into a of home, it feels like fulfilling school I e closing good portion the transaction canI’m be spent table,” 10 years studying Psychology—a In the near future, Cody plans to do knowing my clients are satisfied at the end the way, though, she maintains clear channels of com“I become theaofreal-estate go-to for my clisel people,” Traci says, “to help them service,at least Chrissy is well-equipped her dream, for that family.

So it’s and money to CONTENTS done through automation.

The right sysaction,” “And there’s nothing m munication with sellers, keeping them informed subject that continues to serve him his recently what he does best: serveandhistheir clients atshe ents. in I was invited to aher client’s family reunion self-discover goals.

Andsays.

I love helping people to offer an excellent transaction personal for me.” seefor clearly than seeingthat the smiles on their faces c addressing any problems that might arise over theexceed course I had served people in repetitive their family.

I love meet their financial goals set them up theat thethe current career and allows him because to be an empathetic the highest level and continue to their expectem willsix erase any work and experience to every single one of our community how real estate touches everything in a person’s life.” future.

As Realtors, we become involved in the creofneeds their deal. intuitively understand the of more tations.

He is also currently working on getting his rom communicator his market4)and give agents time to help clients. her clients.

1 BILLION-PLUS REASONS 18) SUCCESS–THESE HABITS received aon bachelor’s degree in social and ing or Kito lik ofestate theirstudies legacy.7 I“My love being partvolunteering, of that, and part clients.

“Growing up I did some construction workKitobroker’s to further hisation real career. on tohishelp them I’m currently workinglicense a system that Now a Realtor and Owner of a Brokerage through of their lives.”

Elsewhere, Toni is just as helpful when assisting her buya minor secondary education from Arbor Kaydia. He also e WHY YOUwill SHOULD BE ACTIVE ARE THE REAL SECRET TO SUCCESS and I always loved and but for plan is to take the by apart October and become a daughter One in thing thatareas sets exam Chrissy in Spring n is over.

“I think whatArchitecture my helpDesign, people get information about they’re RE/MAX Cross Country in Highland Village, Texas, ers,When utilizing her acute knowledge of the region to guide University.

Upon graduation he worked at the Everest which helps him unwind and my grad school I chose the path of Psychology.

I broker.

I’m also at a point in my career right now the competitive field of real estate about me is thatON I’m aFACEBOOK great interested in moving to, right giving them quickbest access Traci manages a team that includes herfor husband.

As ainterests.

Dedicated to the community and to giving back to the to the home their Always got to the end, I realized that I was burnt out, them and that’s where I knowledge need additional help because my work Institute for a time before moving to San Antonio, is her and expertise.

23) TO DOWN elationship is not over when to co-owner, specific Traci housing markets, school ratings, trainsher andclients mentors newshe agents, a HOW role industry, Traci served as theON President of the Greater first, keeps in and touch well CUT after when I met my first broker who said I wouldputting be good volume keeps increasing with each year.

That’s why Working in remodeling has made where he got his Realtor’s license.

After six years in Realtors Going forward, Kito plans to she loves.

Recognized for her service and her success, Lewisville Association of in 2019, and she has m still here answering their the neighborhood demographic.”

Minh’s advice to closing through frequent check-ins and even an annual CREATIVE MEDITATION DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS AND at real estate.13) I decided to take the leap, got my include license,the I’ll bewell-versed hiring an assistant who’s going tois come help her in design and industry, his Keller Williams business thriving, to his team, but will resist Traci’s honors being named the Realtor of the been nominated for the Texas Realtor Board of Directors during the holiday season—all to ensure they m with any questions they him,” young agents celebration who are just starting out in the business and started working with he explains.

The risky me with transaction coordination and making theThe pro- big.

FOR THE REAL ESTATE UP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY homebuyer needs, and her work in Year in 2020are bythriving the with Greater Lewisville Association for 2022.

She is also involved in the Texas Real Estate a repeat and referral rate of eighty percent.

“I don’t want to just end in hard. their new Through the years, she is to be prepared tohis work “If homes. you’re thinking ng them otheroff, professionmoveto paid and Cody successfully worked cess smooth and seamless for my clients.” of Realtors, and being a 2019 RE/MAX Hall of Fame Political Action Committee, which advocates for homelaw informs her ability to efficiently key to that success might be the Texas, sort ofwith Golden-Rule like to get out and help clie PROFESSIONAL has earned a fantastic reputation per connector who’s always business, about getting into this business, think twice.throughout I know way to a well-established primarily made Career Awardthe recipient. owner his rights.

“I love the professional and negotiations. philosophy hecontracts follows when serving clients.

But it’sdevelopment important that to me to majority ofnavigate her volume coming from repeat clients 27) TURNING YOUR my clients to and other importthere“Clients are a lotappreciate of people who believe this is easy work of repeat referral customers. happens with political involvement,” Traci says. In her “My clients appreciate what I bring and referrals. “Our team believes in taking care of our instill in them that sameFloro pas To learn more about Toni PROFESSION INTO A PASSION Fueled bymoney, referrals and repeat clients, Traci inspires time, Traci loves spending time with her family, ple, ifthat their quick but thissays. business requires a clilotfinding of free them I’mHVAC honest suddenly and real withand them.

I’m able to build clients,” she “Whether that means the “I do forcustomer other people what I’d want doneher forsix me, what email toni@theagencygranbur loyalty by providing “Ihard am year-old grandson.

Married for thirty rapport and trust veryhelp quickly.dedication Ient have clients who buy and time, sotop-tier be prepared toservice. work if including give me a call and I can perfect property, negotiating onMy their behalf, or fetching I’d do for myself. favorite part of this business theagencygranbury.co visit an incredible communicator,” Traci says.

“I see business years, Traci and her husband enjoy music venues and Copyright the property, which is aprice for both our buyers and sellers, we hold on.”from me without even seeingyou want to succeed.” the best as a game of tennis; my job is to return the ball as quickly spending time in the mountains. is actually seeing the happy reactions of my clients or call (817) 793-7873 level of trust that I don’t take for granted.” each client’s hand throughout the process. After all, we Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 and as accurately as possible.

My walk clientsinto havetheir a great when they new home for the first time. ationships with clients is a deal of comfort knowing exactly what’s happening.

I’m about Looking ahead, Traci is thinking not only about her own There’s something special watching excited When working with Cody, sellers can count on his mag@topagentmagazine.com | towww.topagentmagazine.com e keeps in touch with them always driven to learn more, assess the way I do busifuture, but also the future of the industry thatCopyright she loves.Top Age children picking out their rooms!

That’s the result I commitment to showcase theirness, property to a global to find new ways to better serve my clients.”

“Iprior haveconsent a true passion for this business,” . “If I know No someone has a issue mayand portion of this be reproduced any manner without of thefall publisher.

Top AgentTraci says. audience. “Our marketing is extremely clean, pro-in always focus whatsoever on. After that, everything else “Technology haswill obviously changed the landscape of ry coming up, I make sure is published

by Feature Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published fessionalMagazine and eye grabbing.

Other than thePublications MLS,relationships weintoGA, place.”

Traci centers client in everything she does. our business. I just pray that technology doesn’t change nk nurturing those relationmaterials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. have our own system that syndicates To keeptoinhundreds touch, sheoforganizes events and promotes the heart of our business.” my clients make it easy for To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. websites around the world. We have 750 offices in 70When it comes to marketing his listings, Kito utilizes timecountries, they contact me.

So I so we’re very global. We get more eyes onall of the social For more media about sites. HeTraci mailsNicodemus, listing postcards theyour need something, they anyone else,” he explains. listings than probably to residents Toinlearn the community house is Tracin@remax.net more aboutwhere Cody the Hobza seedfwhomes.com or email please 469-671-7653, visit 2 Top Agent Magazine he says.

His relentless work ethic has already broughtcall in over located, and conducts open houses the first weekend cody.hobza@sothebysrealty.com, $10 million in sales volume this year To alone.

Butmore num- about email learn Minh Hoang of the listing.

“I have a good or social following, call media (512) 739–2035 visit codyhobza.com, bers are not the driving force behind please his passion callfor call (469) 253–8888,

KITO SMITH

MINH HOANG

www.

www.

www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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1 Billion-Plus Reasons Why You Should Be Active on Facebook

By Bubba Mills

The number is staggering and potentially career ending for REALTORS® who ignore it: 1,440,000,000. That’s the total number of monthly active users on the social medium Facebook.

That number alone is reason enough to use it regularly in your real estate business. But Facebook can also help turn you into the expert in your community. Just by sharing knowledge and relevant events about the community you can become the go-to source for all things local – a perfect way to capture the attention of prospective buyers.

Plus, Facebook advertising also gives you tons of targeting layers like age, location, recent life events and interests. Plus, it constantly adds new targeting filters and functions that help you reach even more niche prospects who closely meet your customer criteria. Talk about pinpointing a target audience.

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Another Facebook real estate ad tool is Website Custom Audiences that lets you create Facebook ads that target users who have visited your website.

And several apps specifically for Facebook have emerged. Consider these: • Heyo.com: Helps you host contests, showcase promotions and high-

light special offers.

• Woobox.com: Let’s you easily create quizzes and other fun tools for engaging content.

• Pagemodo.com: Helps you make your Facebook business page both sleek and stylish and tabs allow for easy lead capture.

But the latest offering is just as cool. It’s called Facebook Live and it lets you stream live video on the internet. I recently wrote about Periscope, another live video streaming app, but when you use Facebook Live you’re automatically featured at the top of Facebook users’ news feed. What’s more, statistics show that live video is viewed more than recorded video.

How can REALTORS® use Facebook Live?

Open Houses: Broadcast a walk-through of a new listing

and highlight all the great features.

Webinars: Host live webinars targeted to buyers and sellers. They can sub-

mit questions just like a real-life seminar.

Real Estate Talk Show: Offer the latest news in the industry plus share lo-

cal events and your newest listings. In short, become the Lester Holt or Diane Sawyer of real estate in your town with your own “TV” show!

Facebook offers these tips for using Facebook Live: Promote: Tease upcoming Facebook Live broadcasts for more viewers.

Plan better: Take time to plan what you want to do in the video, whether

it’s a few key talking points or to have a few questions ready ahead of time in a Q&A, in case incoming comments slow down.

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Invest in some equipment: A shaky live stream turns off viewers so con-

sider a tripod or other stabilizing tools, especially if you’re taking viewers on a tour of an open house. And check the shot before going live.

Get the lighting right: If you’re indoors be sure you have plenty of good

lighting and avoid a lot of light directly behind you because it’ll wash you out.

Sound good: A common mistake for beginners is overlooking sound.

Consider an external microphone to make sure your viewers can actually hear you.

And if the live option makes you a little nervous, you can also stream pre-recorded videos. Hey, that has worked like a charm for TV for decades. Some businesses promote their web series to “air” on Facebook Live at a certain time like TV shows. After they are streamed, Facebook Live videos function as normal Facebook videos. Some business owners believe videos may perform better if they begin as live ones.

NowThis, a news company that publishes entirely on social platforms, experimented by streaming a 38-minute compilation of its favorite viral videos via Facebook Live. The stream received over 20,000 views and over 500 comments, according to Facebook’s counters.

Yes, all the new-fangled internet tools, apps and options for REALTORS® can be a bit overwhelming. Just take it one step at a time and you’ll slowly be right there in the business-winning mix. E-mail me today at Article@CorcoranCoaching.com and I’ll send you more free information about how technology can help your real estate business.

Copyright©, Bubba Mills. All rights reserved.

Bubba Mills is the CEO of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching.com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international Real Estate, Mortgage, and Small Business coaching company committed to helping clients balance success in business, while building value in life. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1-800-957-8353 or visit us at www.CorcoranCoaching.com.

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TIFFANY BECERRA

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Tiffany Becerra is a Top Producing solo agent serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where she reaches out to huge amounts of people each week, helping them achieve their biggest goals of wealth accumulation and home ownership.

Ten years ago, Tiffany Becerra left her job to pursue real estate in large part because she was looking for opportunities to help people in her community. She met an agent who got her started, and then she went to work, building her career from the ground up and having a great time doing it. Now, Tiffany’s career is exceptional – she is 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

a Top Producing solo agent serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where she reaches out to huge amounts of people each week, helping them achieve their biggest goals of wealth accumulation and home ownership.

Tiffany’s trademark personalized service has garnered her a reputation as a Realtor Top Agent Magazine

who genuinely cares about her clients and her community. She takes time to get to know each of her clients and their needs, and comes up with a detailed plan to meet those needs, as well as offering advice and insight throughout the transaction process. “I’m not the type of agent who treats my clients like a number,” Tiffany says. “Everything I do is for Top Agent Magazine

their best interest, not mine. It’s always my number one goal to get my clients to the place where they can accomplish their number one goal.” Tiffany becomes friends with many of her clients throughout her work, and it’s plain to see that people love to work with her – she gets 70% of her business through repeats and referrals from satisfied clients.

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An immensely hard worker, Tiffany closes 30-40 transactions every year, and markets her listings extensively over social media and through open houses.

One of Tiffany’s greatest assets as a Realtor is her ability to stay flexible with her schedule and remain easily accessible to clients. She is an excellent communicator who offers transparency in the information she relays to her clients, and she is quick to respond to queries clients might Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

have through email and over the phone. “I am always 100% honest with my clients, and I put time aside for them if they need anything,” Tiffany says. “Whatever problem they have, I’ll go above and beyond to figure out the answer if I don’t know it off-hand.” Tiffany’s responsiveness and Top Agent Magazine

reliability make her an agent who clients can depend on, and she puts her whole heart into making the transaction process easy and comfortable for them.

An immensely hard worker, Tiffany closes 30-40 transactions every year, and markets Top Agent Magazine

her listings extensively over social media and through open houses. She stays in touch with all of her past clients through social media and phone calls, and the experience she has gained through growing her career over the past decade is second to none. Tiffany’s knowledge sets apart, and Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

she leverages that knowledge to get the best possible outcome for her clients.

In her free time, Tiffany enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. She gives back to her community through volunteering with the Tree of Life Church, sponsoring Little League teams, and donating to Dreaming the Cure, a non-profit organization created

to help find a cure for pediatric brain tumors.

Tiffany looks forward to obtaining her broker’s license in the future, and getting her nieces and nephews, who are interested in becoming real estate agents, into the business.

If you’re looking for a Realtor in the DallasFort Worth area who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and creative, look no further than Tiffany Becerra!

You can contact Tiffany at (817) 822-1067 or becerra.tiffany@yahoo.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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Creative Meditation

for the Real Estate Professional The real estate world can be an industry of intense emotional and psychological pressure. Deadlines, meetings, employee needs, client needs and a hundred other items on which one needs to focus on a daily basis can create an environment that is not only not conducive to mental well-being, but can be outright detrimental.

Learning to quiet the mind has been the focus of meditation for millennia. While those not familiar with the concept of meditation may instinctively think of yoga mats, incense, and chanting when the word “meditation” arises, there are in fact, many forms of meditation that can integrate quite Top Agent Magazine

easily into the daily hustle & bustle world of the busy real estate agent.

First, think about when you are alone each day. Here are some possible times to practice mediation during the work day: • When driving to the office in the morning • When driving to a showing or to meet a client • Before your open house begins • After the open house • Driving home in the evening 13

Repeating a mantra can be very calming, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts.

These are just five examples of times when you can take advantage of meditation techniques to quiet your mind and, by extension, increase productivity. A calm mind is a more thoughtful, better tuned instrument.

Here are some examples of meditations you can try:

1

For when you’re driving, download and listen to any number of audio Guided Meditations available on the internet. YouTube has a generous selection of these, many of which are geared towards success in business.

2 Repeating a mantra can be very calm-

ing, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. It doesn’t matter what words you choose, as long as you feel good about your choice. “I am a success” or “I will approach all of my clients with love today” are two examples. Whatever works for you and gets you into the desired mindset.

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3 Something as simple as listening to pleasant music in your car can be considered meditation, provided it brings you to a place of comfort as opposed to one of spiritual discordance.

4 The most important thing, however, is to take time to find gratitude in everything you do. Count your blessings, be grateful the exciting career in real estate you have built for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered some of these techniques at quieting your mind, you can attempt to find some that work even better for you. Walking, plain silence, or even exercise can have meditative qualities and benefits if practiced on a regular basis.

When you’re truly feeling calm, your clients can sense this. And with this comes the feeling that you can be relied upon to stay focused and calm in any unforeseen circumstances. And in the world of real estate, that’s a highly prized commodity.

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CHRISSY NAMAKI

While Chrissy was working as a paralegal, she started to dip her toes into real estate to help out with her husband’s remodeling business, and started building her business alongside him. When the attorney she was working for quit two years ago, though, she moved into real estate full time, and has been thriving ever since. As a Realtor with a wealth of experience in a variety of fields pertaining to real estate and customer service, Chrissy is well-equipped to offer an excellent transaction experience to every single one of her clients.

to the table in terms of my insight,” Chrissy says.

“I truly enjoy recognizing what a home needs to bring out its true potential as well as finding competitive pricing for every property I work on.”

For a client, having an agent on their side who is educated and confident means all the difference, and Chrissy brings an informed perspective to each transaction.

One thing that sets Chrissy apart in the competitive field of real estate is her knowledge and expertise.

Working in remodeling has made her well-versed in design and homebuyer needs, and her work in law informs her ability to efficiently navigate contracts and negotiations.

“My clients appreciate what I bring 16

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When Chrissy interacts with her clients, she places a high emphasis on building lasting relationships that continue long after the transaction is finalized. Due to her honesty and personal approach to working with her clients, she becomes friends with many of them, and keeps in touch through phone calls and social media. “I love helping people. My clients are my top priority, and I go the extra mile to make sure they are comfortable and satisfied with their experience,” Chrissy says. Chrissy is a major asset to her clients because of her communication skills, and she puts sincere effort into keeping her clients informed and well cared for.

Chrissy’s listings consistently look excellent.

She uses professional photos, staging, and cleaners to make her homes look pristine, and leverages her own expertise to get each home into a state that will attract the most possible buyers. She then pushes each listing through social media, postcards, open houses, and individual and international websites to attract a wide audience of people to view the home. Chrissy has closed $6.3M in total sales volume over the last 12 months, and looks forward to increasing her production numbers even further in the future.

In her free time, Chrissy enjoys spending time on the lake with her four kids and four dogs, hiking, boating and fishing. She is heavily engaged in her local community of Katy, TX, including working with the local rescue group, PTO, and Chamber of Commerce, as well as multiple local organizations focused on combating sex trafficking. For the future, Chrissy hopes to grow her team while building a reputation for excellence in fixing up the homes she works on. If you’re looking for a Realtor in the Houston area who is equal parts experienced and personable, get in touch with Chrissy Namaki today!

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Contact Chrissy at (281) 451-3261, Chrissy@EleVate-Texas.com, or visit chrissynrealtor.com www.

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Success– These 7 Habits Are the Real Secret to Success What is it that makes some people so successful and others not? Is there a secret recipe one can follow, as easy as baking a cake, which will give them the strength to achieve their ultimate goals and have it all?

The answer is that, in a manner, there is. The trick is in how you think about success and what it means for you. Many people define success as achieving their personal goals, but could this be leading them to look at the world a little too narrowly? The people that are truly successful in every aspect of 18

their lives don’t stop at simply achieving their personal goals. They succeed in many avenues of their life, including their job, relationships, health, and family just to name a few.

It turns out that ultra-successful people tend to have quite a number of things in common. One main skill many seem to possess is high emotional intelligence, or the ability to manage your emotions so that you can stay calm and focused even in high

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stress situations. Luckily, it seems not all of them are simply born with this ability, but have many strategies they use to help them achieve higher emotional intelligence. Here are seven strategies and habits that will help you achieve success in every area of your life.

1

BE COMPOSED The first thing successful people always seem to have under control is their composure. Successful people stay calm and composed when the going gets tough and fingers start pointing. They don’t panic. The secret? They understand that in life things are always changing. It doesn’t matter if something is bad at the moment because that will change soon enough. In this topsy turvy life all you can really do is adapt in order to stay happy and remain in control of how you react.

2

BE KNOWLEDGEABLE Have you ever noticed how successful people always seem to have such a wide range of knowledge and interests?

Successful people do know more because they are always working to grow and learn. They strive to constantly increase their self-awareness. If a spare moment exists, then they will fill it with some kind of self-education. They do this because they are passionate about learning new things and ways to improve their life.

Ignore the fear of being judged and ask questions, because that is the only way you can learn. Successful people don’t

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fear asking questions. They fear not asking those questions and growing stagnant.

3

BE DELIBERATE It is important to think and reason before you come to a decision. Successful people don’t rush. They seek out advice from other, they think of all the aspects, and sleep on their thoughts before finally making their decision. Your gut instinct can be misleading, and lead you to make a rash decision that you will come to regret later.

4

BE CERTAIN, AND SPEAK WITH CONVICTION Successful people speak with certainty.

Unless you communicate your ideas with conviction and certainty, then you will have a hard time getting people to listen to them.

5

BE POSITIVE Successful people use positive body language when they are talking to other people. Their tone is enthusiastic, they maintain eye contact, leaning in towards the person speaking to show interest.

Successful people use it to draw those other people in. How you say something can be just as if not more important that what you say to people. Positive body language can completely alter how your speech is perceived by others, and helps to keep attention on you and what you are saying.

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BE MEMORABLE BY LEAVING A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION You only have once to make a first impression, and they are incredibly important, as they are closely ties to positive body language. You have around 7 seconds to convince a person to like you after you initially meet them. That is how long it takes them to decide when they meet you. After that a person is simply spending the rest of the conversation justifying that initial reaction they had. You can make sure you make a good first impression by having strong posture, a firm handshake, a warm smile, and open shoulders.

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BE FEARLESS Successful people know that to give in to fear is a choice. They don’t let the fear take over, instead focusing on the rush of euphoria that comes with conquering fears.

All of this adds up to having a high emotional intelligence. What helps you to succeed is the ability to control those whirlwind emotions so you can stay calm and focused on actually succeeding. These habits can help you gain a higher emotional intelligence, but as you probably already know, anything involving dealing with your emotions in a healthy manner takes serious work. So, don’t give up if you fail the first time. You must always try and try again.

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TONI FLOROPLUS Toni Floroplus began her real estate career in 2006. Seeking an opportunity that spoke to her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping others, she earned her license and quickly discovered the industry was a perfect compliment to her outgoing personality. Today, she is the Broker and Owner of The Agency Real Estate Group, where she supervises an elite team to assist clients throughout Granbury and the surrounding areas. Experienced with everything from first time home buyers to luxury listings, Toni and her team possess the integrity, compassion, and expertise needed to navigate any deal. “We’ve got a truly great team,” she says.

“Together, we’re here for our clients, and we help them through the process from start to finish. At the end of the day, they’ll be happy they chose us.”

When listing a home, Toni provides her clients with a comprehensive strategy. After helping her sellers ready their property for the market, she broadcasts it over a blend of targeted digital and social media campaigns. She also uses trusted methods like listings in print publications to give her clients an added advantage. Every step of the way, though, she maintains clear channels of communication with her sellers, keeping them informed and addressing any problems that might arise over the course of their deal.

Elsewhere, Toni is just as helpful when assisting her buyers, utilizing her acute knowledge of the region to guide them to the right home for their best interests. Always putting her clients first, she keeps in touch well after closing through frequent check-ins and even an annual celebration during the holiday season—all to ensure they are thriving in their new homes. Through the years, she has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Texas, with the majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. “Our team believes in taking care of our clients,” she says. “Whether that means finding them the perfect property, negotiating on their behalf, or fetching the best price for both our buyers and sellers, we hold each client’s hand throughout the process. After all, we Top Agent Magazine

understand the importance of these transactions, and because of that, we try to do everything we can for them.”

Outside her career, Toni is tremendously active in her community. On top of serving on her local Chamber of Commerce and Association of Realtors, she also contributes to numerous local charities and nonprofit organizations throughout the region, including the Wounded Warrior Project, which supports veterans and service members who were injured in the line of duty. When she’s not with clients or giving back, Toni enjoys spending quality time with her family or relaxing on the waters outside her lakefront home.

Going forward, Toni has strong plans for the future of her business. With her volume maintaining its rapid growth, she intends on expanding her team and offices in the months ahead. Meanwhile, she has just launched a successful property management company, which currently oversees ninety properties across Hood County. More than anything, though, she looks forward to the new clients and opportunities that await in her beloved community. “I love knowing my clients are satisfied at the end of their transaction,” she says. “And there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles on their faces at the closing.”

To learn more about Toni Floroplus email toni@theagencygranbury.com, visit theagencygranbury.com or call (817) 793-7873

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MINH HOANG Passionate about creating a positive transaction experience for his clients, Minh Hoang goes above and beyond to make sure that he uses his knowledge and work ethic to help guide them towards their goals. “Every time I close the deal, I’m trying to make sure that my clients are happy. This can be a daunting experience for many people, and my job is to make it as easy and seamless as possible, and make sure they’re satisfied with the result when we’re at the closing table,” he explains.

Minh’s clients benefit from his market knowledge and dedication to help them even after the transaction is over. “I think what my clients really appreciate about me is that I’m a great resource for them. Our relationship is not over when they purchase a home. I’m still here answering their phone calls, helping them with any questions they might have, and connecting them to other professionals. I view myself as a super connector who’s always assisting in connecting my clients to other important resources. For example, if their HVAC suddenly stops working, they can give me a call and I can help them find the right solution.”

have an urgent question. “My business consumes most of my time. It doesn’t matter if it’s day or night, people are going to call me no matter what.

Thankfully I love what I do and I’m passionate about helping people.”

Minh believes automation is the future of real estate. “The real estate business is an emotional process, so there will always be a human element at play. But a good portion of the transaction can be done through automation. The right system will erase any repetitive work and give agents more time to help clients.

I’m currently working on a system that will help people get information about areas they’re interested in moving to, giving them quick access to specific housing markets, school ratings, and the neighborhood demographic.” Minh’s advice to young agents who are just starting out in the business is to be prepared to work hard. “If you’re thinking about getting into this business, think twice. I know there are a lot of people who believe this is easy work and quick money, but this business requires a lot of dedication and time, so be prepared to work hard if you want to succeed.”

Forming long lasting relationships with clients is a priority for Minh, and he keeps in touch with them through various avenues. “If I know someone has a birthday or an anniversary coming up, I make sure to send a small gift. I think nurturing those relationships is important, and my clients make it easy for me because most of the time they contact me. So I always make sure that if they need something, they know where to find me,” he says.

When he’s not busy working Minh loves to travel with his family. However even when he’s on vacation, his phone always stays on just in case a client might 22

To learn more about Minh Hoang please call call (469) 253–8888, email minh@batdongsandfw.com, or visit batdongsandfw.com www.

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How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— Top Agent Magazine

it can feel impossible to untangle yourself from the worldwide web.

As a professional, you may not be able to withdraw from the digital world completely, but there are a few techniques you can use to limit your extraneous digital distractions and streamline the time you spend online. After all, it’s entirely common to faithfully begin one task and then

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get unexpectedly drawn down the digital rabbit hole. To save yourself time and virtual burnout, here are a few ways to unplug, recharge, and make the most of your time online and off.

Focus on one digital task at a time.

While multi-tasking may seem like a sound approach to productivity, this method usually results in surface-level progress across a few tasks, rather than reaching the finish line on any.

Instead of opening multiple tabs and trying to do it all at once, hone in on one digital task at a time. Have emails to return? Allocate an hour to work exclusively on this to-do list item. Need to post a new blog entry? Pencil in a dedicated half hour. If you focus on one task a time and exclusively devote your energy and productivity to it for a set period, you’ll make a far bigger dent in your list of duties for the day.

Give yourself a curfew.

In the real estate business, the hours may seem never-ending, but if you don’t want to slow your productivity with fatigue, you’ve got to set some boundaries. Try setting up a digital curfew for yourself and put your phone away after a certain hour. Devote an hour or two before bedtime to time away from your computer and your phone—read a book, prep your lunch for the next day, or try a round of mindful meditation. Carve out space and time to disconnect from your technology and stick to the habit. By morning, you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in.

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Mute social media notifications and create dedicated check-in times instead.

Instead of taking a reactionary approach to social media—waiting for the dings and pings that lure you back to your screen—try muting some of your social media alerts and instead dedicate three timed windows per day to check-in on your timelines and engagement. If you’re constantly interrupted at unexpected intervals when someone likes a post or leaves a comment, your whole workflow can be derailed. Instead, unchain yourself from the instant gratification of responding to every buzz and beep your phone emits. Systematize your professional social media life and you’ll stay organized and on task.

Keep your inbox organized.

While it may take some time and effort to create a sorting system for your email inbox, it can go a long way to limiting distractions and stress. Create folders and an organizational flow and every communication will have a place and a priority.

That way, when you open up your inbox and have to go digging for old emails or exchanges with past clients, you won’t have to waste time sorting or feel overwhelmed by the clutter. If everything has its place, you’ll have an unobstructed, streamlined canvass to conduct business from.

Digital distractions don’t have to derail your day or sap your productivity. Email, internet, social media—all are tools to be commanded. With the right planning, understanding, and consistent execution, you’ll be able to wield the power of each without the downside of distraction.

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CODY HOBZA Cody Hobza, a REALTOR® with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and Master Certified Negotiation Expert who uses his knowledge and expertise to help buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals. Serving clients who seek him out for his negotiation skills, integrity and ethical work, Cody specializes in properties throughout the Greater Austin area.

Prior to his work in real estate Cody spent 10 years studying Psychology—a subject that continues to serve him in his current career and allows him to be an empathetic communicator and intuitively understand the needs of his clients. “Growing up I did some construction work and I always loved Architecture and Design, but for my grad school I chose the path of Psychology. When I got to the end, I realized that I was burnt out, and that’s when I met my first broker who said I would be good at real estate. I decided to take the leap, got my license, and started working with him,” he explains. The risky move paid off, and Cody successfully worked his way to a well-established business, primarily made of repeat and referral customers. “Clients appreciate that I’m honest and real with them. I’m able to build rapport and trust very quickly. I have clients who buy from me without even seeing the property, which is a level of trust that I don’t take for granted.”

When working with Cody, sellers can count on his commitment to showcase their property to a global audience. “Our marketing is extremely clean, professional and eye grabbing. Other than the MLS, we have our own system that syndicates to hundreds of websites around the world. We have 750 offices in 70 countries, so we’re very global. We get more eyes on our listings than probably anyone else,” he explains.

His relentless work ethic has already brought in over $10 million in sales volume this year alone. But numbers are not the driving force behind his passion for Top Agent Magazine

work. “Everything about real estate excites me. But I especially love working with people one on one and helping them achieve their goals.”

In his spare time Cody enjoys boating, and wakesurfing. “The water is what attracted me to Austin in the first place.”

He also likes to golf, play tennis, partake in competitive target shooting, and explore local restaurants.

In the near future, Cody plans to do what he does best: serve his clients at the highest level and continue to exceed their expectations. He is also currently working on getting his broker’s license to further his real estate career. “My plan is to take the exam by October and become a broker. I’m also at a point in my career right now where I need additional help because my work volume keeps increasing with each year. That’s why I’ll be hiring an assistant who’s going to come help me with transaction coordination and making the process smooth and seamless for my clients.”

To learn more about Cody Hobza email cody.hobza@sothebysrealty.com, visit codyhobza.com, or call (512) 739–2035 www.

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TRACI NICODEMUS With twenty-five years of experience in the real estate industry, Traci Nicodemus brings a wealth of knowledge and her infectious enthusiasm to every transaction. Together with her husband, Traci spent many years in the custom-home business, which enables her to provide her clients with expert counsel not only on the market, but also on remodeling, renovation, and design. Traci’s business is guided by her passion and her deeply held values about how to treat her clients. “For me, it’s not just transactional,” Traci says.

“I become the real-estate go-to for my clients. I was recently invited to a client’s family reunion because I had served six people in their family. I love how real estate touches everything in a person’s life.”

Now a Realtor and Owner of a Brokerage through RE/MAX Cross Country in Highland Village, Texas, Traci manages a team that includes her husband. As a co-owner, Traci trains and mentors new agents, a role she loves. Recognized for her service and her success, Traci’s honors include being named the Realtor of the Year in 2020 by the Greater Lewisville Association of Realtors, and being a 2019 RE/MAX Hall of Fame Career Award recipient.

Fueled by referrals and repeat clients, Traci inspires client loyalty by providing top-tier customer service. “I am an incredible communicator,” Traci says. “I see business as a game of tennis; my job is to return the ball as quickly and as accurately as possible. My clients have a great deal of comfort knowing exactly what’s happening. I’m always driven to learn more, to assess the way I do business, and to find new ways to better serve my clients.”

Traci centers client relationships in everything she does.

To keep in touch, she organizes events and promotes

community involvement. To market her clients’ listings, Traci leverages the technology suite available to her through RE/MAX to provide her clients with broad coverage and innovative tools.

“Even when I was a home-builder, I used RE/MAX’s incredible marketing technology,” Traci says.

For Traci, it is difficult to name one thing she loves most about real estate because she is passionate about every aspect of what she does. “I love to counsel people,” Traci says, “to help them self-discover their goals. And I love helping people meet their financial goals that set them up for the future. As Realtors, we become involved in the creation of their legacy. I love being part of that, and part of their lives.”

Dedicated to the community and to giving back to the industry, Traci served as the President of the Greater Lewisville Association of Realtors in 2019, and she has been nominated for the Texas Realtor Board of Directors for 2022. She is also involved in the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, which advocates for homeowner rights. “I love the professional development that happens with political involvement,” Traci says. In her free time, Traci loves spending time with her family, including her six year-old grandson. Married for thirty years, Traci and her husband enjoy music venues and spending time in the mountains.

Looking ahead, Traci is thinking not only about her own future, but also the future of the industry that she loves.

“I have a true passion for this business,” Traci says.

“Technology has obviously changed the landscape of our business. I just pray that technology doesn’t change the heart of our business.”

For more about Traci Nicodemus, please call 469-671-7653, visit seedfwhomes.com or email Tracin@remax.net www.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

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

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

TAKE RISKS

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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KITO SMITH When you listen to Kito Smith talk about helping people buy a home, you get a different vibe than with most Realtors.

That might be because he’s got a little extra skin in the game. “When I was growing up in Michigan, my mother always wanted us to have our own home. But she died when I was 14 years old, before she was ever able to fulfill that dream. I think about that a lot. And every time I’m able to help someone get into a home, it feels like I’m fulfilling her dream, at least for that family. So it’s personal for me.”

allows us to post the property first as a private listing, which often results in the home selling before it even goes live.”

Kito received a bachelor’s degree in social studies and a minor in secondary education from Spring Arbor University. Upon graduation he worked at the Everest Institute for a time before moving to San Antonio, where he got his Realtor’s license. After six years in the industry, his Keller Williams business is thriving, with a repeat and referral rate of eighty percent. The key to that success might be the sort of Golden-Rule philosophy he follows when serving his clients.

“I do for other people what I’d want done for me, what I’d do for myself. My favorite part of this business is actually seeing the happy reactions of my clients when they walk into their new home for the first time.

There’s something special about watching excited children picking out their rooms! That’s the result I always focus on. After that, everything else will fall into place.”

When it comes to marketing his listings, Kito utilizes all of the social media sites. He mails listing postcards to residents in the community where the house is located, and conducts open houses the first weekend of the listing. “I have a good social media following, so I’m able to get my sellers a lot of exposure there.

Our Keller Williams office here in San Antonio also Top Agent Magazine

Kito likes to give back to his community as well, and coordinates those efforts with one of San Antonio’s leading community activists, Tyrone Polk. “Tyrone organizes food drives for needy families or backpack giveaways for the Increase the Peace drive at the beginning of the school year. I like donating my time and money to help him, because I can see clearly the impact it’s making in our community.” When he’s not working or volunteering, Kito likes spending time with his daughter Kaydia. He also enjoys going to the gym, which helps him unwind and get ready for his day.

Going forward, Kito plans to add a couple more agents to his team, but will resist growing his business too big. “I don’t want to just end up being a manager. I still like to get out and help clients achieve their dreams.

But it’s important to me to train younger agents and instill in them that same passion for helping people.”

Contact Kito at 517-395-7478 or email KitoSmithngr@gmail.com

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