TEXAS 8-16-21

TEXAS EDITION

Are You A VALUE-ADDED AGENT?

SUCCESS–

THESE 7 HABITS ARE THE REAL SECRET TO SUCCESS

Tips on Breaking into the

LUXURY MARKET

FEATURED AGENTS

MIKE HARVEY COREY STANSELL ISEL VALENZUELA COVER STORY

Tiffanie Williams

TEXAS EDITION

Ted Seidel is proud to congratulate

Mike Harvey

COREY STANSELL

When deciding to buy or sell your 7 15 23 home, you want someone at your side who understands the long-term investment that comes with owning real estate. As a long-time investor, Corey worked for over ten years in wealth management while investing in rental properties on his own.

After so long building a career in the large-scale organization of investment banking, Corey found the Tiffanie Williams COREY STANSELL MIKEautonomy HARVEY affordedTIFFANIE him by WILLIAMS working in real estate a welcome career change. “The freedom to make my own choices and schedule has been featured for the state of Texas really wonderful,” Corey says.

being in Top Agent Magazine!

connect with interested parties 27 build excitement about a new li Through Dave Perry Miller Estate, he can engage a robust d With hi marketing rollout for each n builm listed home. Posts acrossin social Isel Va platforms put Corey’s listings rig easily a buyer’s fingertips. Also, as a s outgoing person, Coreypivot can if referrals with ease andAsspread the word about his available prop family ISEL VALENZUELA among family and friends.

EZ Home Inspections, he ensu

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well informed and confident ® who cares abo As a REALTOR they’re making. “I’ve always community, Corey has an a I’ve been building andbeen renova participant in the Big Brothers so the transition into home in Sisters program for four years easy one.” Isel serves clients i recently celebrated one of his long-time men Metroplex sixteenth birthday.

With area. real estate keeping hi

® with Dave Perry Today, Corey is a REALTORCONTENTS Miller Real Estate in Dallas, Texas, serving the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Area. He brings his invest- the road so much, Corey took advantage of dr 4) SUCCESS–THESE 21) TIPStime ONtoBREAKING INTO Bilingual Spanish, Isel is able Tedconnections Seidel ment to the business, with a front-loaded volunteer with in Meals On Wheels bet Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator 7 HABITS ARE THE REAL THE LUXURY MARKET ofwith clients.

“When I first started appointments clients.

When he’s not vt referral list from his time in wealth management.

NMLS# 318567 his clients find their dream h WhenTO he started in the industry, Corey felt he’d teering or helping of Spanish speaking inspectors SECRET SUCCESS Corey is an avid beach volleyball player, pla come into his own, using his sales skills and investP: 214-552-8834 | F: 972.637.8575 25) DAILY HABITS theTHAT agents found out that I spok 6005background W. Park Blvd., to Plano, TX 75093others in building both to relaxtoingive his free time, and asand a professi ment represent me a chance, event 12) ARE YOU A WILL INCREASE YOUR MENTAL and managing their own wealth through buying and Corey has competed in professional tournamen place where they now trust the w VALUE-ADDED AGENT? selling properties.

“I go where my clients STRENGTH need me the past fifteen years. that I’m going to take good care and really enjoy my relationship with my clients.” in our business there is a lot of s Corey explains, “I think my knowledge of finance Looking to the future of his business, Corey hop scaring away the clients and b and how money works, how to organize money when continue fostering strong relationships while gro ® theCapitalizing REALTORon . his Forgreat me,netwo it’s i buying and selling real estate is something that sets his client base. with the buyers and tellhisthem apart. It’s certainly I can talk about in ability, Corey continues to expand sphea Phoneme 310-734-1440 | Faxsomething 310-734-1440 a way that most agents can’t.” tactfully and not in anhis alarm influence andsogain momentum through gro mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com and adds, “We also have short connections in real estate. “I’ve worked reallytu No portionWhen of this it issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without priorget consent the publisher. comes to marketing, Corey utilizes a variety to here,ofour and as longTop asAgent I’mappreciate. enjoying wha clients really I Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published of methods to reach the right buyer. Primarily, Corey doing, whichhave I absolutely am, I’m just going to key in our success.” materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by been its authors. mines his well-cultivated network to it up and continue to grow.”

To subscribe or change address, send inquiryprofessional to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S.

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Find out more at www.daveperrymiller.com/Bio/coreystansell.

Connect with Corey at 214-886-5893 or email coreystansell@daveperrymiller.c Top Agent Magazine

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Success– These 7 Habits Are the Real Secret to Success What makes somesome people so sucWhat isisit itthatthat makes people so cessful andand others not? successful others not?Is Isthere thereaa secret secret recipe recipe one one can can follow, follow, as as easy easy as as baking baking aa cake, cake, which which will will give give them them the the strength strength to to achieve achieve their their ultimate ultimate goals goals and and have have ititall? all?

The The answer answer is is that, that,in inaamanner, manner,there thereis. is.The The trick trick is is in in how how you you think think about about success success and and what what itit means means for for you. you. Many Many people people define define success success as as achieving achieving their their personal personal goals, goals, but but could could this this be be leading leading them them to to look look atat the the world a little too narrowly? The people people that that are are truly truly successful successful in in every every aspect aspect of of 4

don’t stop stop at at simply simply achieving achieving their lives don’t their personal goals. goals. They They succeed succeedin inmany many job,job, reavenues of of their theirlife, life,including includingtheir their lationships, health, andand family just to name relationships, health, family just to a few.a few. name ultra-successful people tend It turns turnsout outthatthat ultra-successful people to have quite quite a number of things in comtend to have a number of things in mon. One One main main skill many possess common. skill seem many toseem to is high emotional intelligence, or the abilpossess is high emotional intelligence, or ity to manage your emotions so that you the ability to manage your emotions so can you staycan calm focused even even in high that stayand calm and focused in

TopAgent AgentMagazine Magazine® Top

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high 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 calmand 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’tmatter 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.

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BE KNOWLEDGEABLE Have you ever noticed how successful people always seem to have such awide range of knowledge and interests? Successful people do know more because they are always working to grow and learn. They strive to constantly increasetheir 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.

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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 others, 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.

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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.

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BE POSITIVE Successful people use positive body language when they are talking to draw other people in. 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 BE MEMORABLE BY LEAVING A STRONG LEAVING A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION FIRST IMPRESSION You only have once to make a first impresYou only haveare oneincredibly time to make a firstas sion, and they important, impression, and they importthey are closely tiesare to incredibly positive body lanant, as You theyhave are around closely 7tied to positive guage. seconds to conbody language.

7 seconds vince a person toYou likehave youaround after you initially to convince a person to like after them you meet them. That is how longyou it takes initially a person to decidemeet whenthem. they After meet that, you. After that simplyisspending the rest ofthe therest converaisperson simply spending of the sation justifying that initial reaction they conversation justifying that initial reaction had. You yousure make a good they had.can Youmake can sure make you make impression by having strong strong posafirst good first impression by having ture, a firm handshake, a warm smile,smile, and posture, a firm handshake, a warm openopen shoulders. and shoulders.

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BE FEARLESS BE FEARLESS Successful people know that to give in Successful peopleThey know that let giving to fear is a choice. don’t the into fear fear a choice.

They don’t let takeisover, instead focusing onthe thefeart rushake of over, instead, they focus on the rush of euphoria that comes with conquering fears. euphoria that comes with conquering fears.

All of this adds up to having a high emotionAll of this addsWhat up tohelps having emoal intelligence. you atohigh succeed is tional intelligence.What helps you toemosucthe ability to control those whirlwind ceed theyou ability control whirlwind tionsisso can to stay calmthose and focused on emotions so you can stay calm andcan focused actually succeeding.

These habits help on Theseintelligence, habits can youactually gain a succeeding. higher emotional help a higher emotional intellibut asyou yougain probably already know, anything gence, but dealing as you probably know, involving with youralready emotions in anything dealing with your a healthyinvolving manner takes serious work.emoSo, tions healthy takestime. serious don’t in givea up if you manner fail the first You work.

So, don’t up again. if you fail the first must always try give and try time.You must always try and try again.

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MIKE HARVEY Top Agent Magazine

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MIKE HARVEY

Mike Harvey began his real estate career after working for years as a clothing wholesaler working with major department stores. When those stores started going out of business, Mike decided it was time for a change. “I’ve always loved real estate, even since I was a boy,” Mike recalls. “So I went to work at the real estate office I bought my house from. That was 35 years ago, in 1986, and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Throughout all those years, Mike has excelled in helping his clients achieve their real estate goals.

Since moving to Ebby Halliday six years ago, Mike has built a team of 10 agents, including himself and his wife Pam Harvey, who got her start in real estate just one year after Mike did.

The Harvey Team serves the North Dallas area, including Plano, Frisco and Richardson, as well as the Park Cities, Prosper, Southlake, Flower Mound, and Lewisville. “We have strategically brought members onto our team with experience in certain parts of the city so that we can cover this 8

whole area,” Mike explains. Last year the Harvey Team were #4 in Ebby, out of over 2,200 agents.

About 70% of the Mike’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence he inspires. “I’m honest Abe,” he says. “I will always say what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Particularly when you’re making such a big investment, that’s very important. If you’re spending a lot of money on a house, you’d better make sure you’re buying in the right place at the right time. If I see flaws, I’m quick to point them out, because those flaws will bite you when you get ready to sell one day.” Because of that honesty, Mike says, “When people get ready to sell, they call me again because they know they’ve made a good investment.”

Mike and his team strive to make the whole experience positive for their clients. “I make it as pleasant for someone to work with me as I possibly can,” Mike says. “I try to make it seamless and Top Agent Magazine

fun.” Giving each client individual attention goes a long way toward that goal. “We work individually with the client every step of the way, from the start to the finish. If you start with me, you end with me. You don’t get handed off to somebody else.

All of our team members work this way, and it builds a great rapport with our clients.”

Above all, Mike loves helping his clients find the right house for them. “I’m a people person, and I love meeting new people. I feel really great when we find the right fit and close the deal. I love seeing the smile on their face when they move into their new home.”

Community involvement is important to Mike and Pam, and they are very involved in their church.

When they’re not working or giving back, Mike and Pam love spending time with their three kids and seven grandkids, traveling, spending time with friends, and gardening.

In the future, Mike plans to continue helping his team members grow, both as individuals and together. “I have 10 great people who are very close, we’re like a big family,” Mike says. “One of the joys of my job is watching the growth of individuals on our team and seeing their potential blossom. We take care of each other.”

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To find out more about Mike Harvey, please call (214)704-3516, email mikeharvey@ebby.com or visit mikeandpamharvey.com www.

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Republic Title Preston Frankford is proud to congratulate

Mike Harvey

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

Republic Title of Texas, Inc. Preston Frankford Carol Parmelee | Tel: 972-248-0971 CParmelee@republictitle.com Denise Sherwood DSherwood@republictitle.com

republictitle.com/preston-frankford 17950 Preston Road, Suite 70, LB26, Dallas, Texas 75252 www.

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Top Agent Magazine

Ted Seidel is proud to congratulate

Mike Harvey

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

Ted Seidel Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 318567 P: 214-552-8834 | F: 972.637.8575 6005 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093

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Are You a Value-Added Agent?

I’ll bet if I asked ten real estate agents, all ten would answer ‘yes’ to that question. Yet, when I ask agents how they are value-added, they say things like: • I communicate regularly with my clients.

• I have a written listing presentation.

• I am honest.

• I am trustworthy.

Are these ‘value-added’ attributes? Or, does the client expect these attributes and services?

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Are these exceptional services or average services? I’m writing this article at the beginning of a New Year. It’s a perfect time to re-assess your professionalism and master being that ‘value-added’ agent.

Client Expectations are Higher than Ever Unfortunately, too many real estate agents assume they are ‘value-added’ because they are providing the services they want to provide— Top Agent Magazine

the services they think the client values. However, there’s a real client out there, and the client has different expectations. How do I know that? Because so few agents regularly survey their clients. In fact, when I’m speaking to an audience, I survey them, and find that less than 25 percent gather after-sale surveys! So, the majority of agents don’t know if the services they are providing are average or exceptional.

Why Bother Being Exceptional?

• Because you want to set yourself apart.

• You want to create client loyalty.

• You want to create at least 50 percent of your business from client referrals (the latest National Association of Realtors survey Profile of Members found that the average Realtor got only 18 percent of their business from referrals. That’s a hard and expensive way to run a real estate business!

• Because you want to run a more pleasant, profitable business.

Four Actions Value-Added Agents Take How can you identify value-added agents? By their actions. Here are four actions I believe show agents that are above just ‘average’. The principle here is:

Watch the actions, not the words.

If I were a manager, or a seller or a buyer, and I wanted to find a value-added agent, here’s what I would look for: Top Agent Magazine

1. Has a database and populates it This agent is committed long-term to his clients and to his business. He uses a contact management program (CRM) to manage ‘leads’, so none are lost — and clients do not feel neglected. After all, it takes much longer today to convert a ‘lead’ to a sale than it used to take.

Actively using and maintaining a CRM means the agent is committed to forming long-term professional relationships over time.

Other demonstrable actions concerning the agent’s CRM are: • Has a rapid-response method to deal with Internet inquiries and other inquiries via email. (The average client expects a response within eight hours—but a recent survey showed the average agent responded in 50 hours!).

• Has a method to follow up on all leads until they ‘buy or die’. As a client, that means I won’t get lost. As a seller, it means my agent will follow up with all leads and give it 100 percent to sell my home.

2. Invests in the technology and follow-up pros have This agent makes every decision based on their vision of their career at least three to five years in the future. For example, instead of selling someone a house anywhere just to get a sale, my value-added agent sells only in an area they define as their ‘target area’. That way, they’ll get known, and can build on their reputation.

The value-added agent has the ‘guts’ to turn down business! Because they care more about the well-being of the client than getting one grimy commission check, they learn to 13

‘tell the truth attractively’, and work harder to retain the client than to make one commission.

Adding those Client Benefits to your Dialogue

3. Works for referrals, not just sales I said the agent learns to ‘tell the truth attractively’, even if the buyer or seller may not want to hear it. For example, if it’s in the best interests of the seller to list their home at a lower price, the value-added agent has the strategies and the statistics to prove that the seller won’t be well served by pricing higher.

Of course, it’s not enough to actually take these actions. You need to explain to the client why these actions are in their best interests, and how you stand apart from most agents by employing them. Why? Because your client won’t know you run your business so professionally.

And, the client probably doesn’t know most agents don’t run their businesses this way!

And, this value-added agent has the intestinal fortitude to walk away if they know the home will not sell at the client’s desired price (but doesn’t have to too many times because they create a stellar reputation amongst their clientele).

TIP: Always show your clients, don’t just tell them. You do have a Professional Portfolio and evidence on your website, don’t you?

4. Keeps the buyers and sellers’ best interests in mind Our value-added agent makes every decision to grow trust, not just to make a fast buck. For example, the agent sits down with a prospective couple and finds out they can’t purchase right away and creates a plan with them to save for their down payment. Then, the agent keeps in touch over a period of months, offering helpful information and market updates.

Put Yourself to the Test

How many of these actions P. S. Managers and team leaders—two tips do you exhibit?

What do you want to work on to become a true 1. Call each of your agents’‘value-added’ phone mails.

What’s the impre agent?

Are they professional? Do they state the company n TIP: represent your culture and image?

Managers, give your agents a 2. Create a quick class in phone messaging using the ‘test’ on these four points.

In other words, this agent practices seller or buyHow many pass? this blog. er agency representation, not ‘agent agency’!

Copyright ©, 2016 Carla Cros

Carla Cross,CRB, CRB, MA, is theoffounder andSeminars, president Carla Cross & Carla Cross, MA, President Carla Cross Inc.,ofand Carla real management and sales.

Herspecializing internationally s Crossestate Coaching, is an international speaker in realbest-selling estate management and Running business planning for all professionals. agents, Up and in 30 Days, is real nowestate going into its 5thHer edition sevenexperience internationallyas published books, including Up and Running in 30 Days , vast a top-selling agent and award-winning manage and 20 agent and management programs have helped thousands of real sales podium, blending her musical background with her proven estate professionals to the greater productivity and teaches profitability.someone Reach Carla strategies (she uses piano AND even to at play—f 425-392-6914 or www.carlacross.com. and practical). Find out more at www.carlacross.com.

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Tiffanie Williams

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Tiffanie Williams has been in the business for 15 years, and she excels at helping clients achieve their real estate title goals.

With Fair Texas Title, Tiffanie serves Mansfield, Texas and the surrounding area.

Tiffanie Williams began her real estate title career when she was offered a temporary job as a receptionist at a title company in 2007. “I ended up loving the job,” Tiffanie recalls. “I wanted to learn more and move up!” Tiffanie was a receptionist for several years, then an assistant, then finally became a closer. All told, Tiffanie has been in the business for 15 years, and she excels at helping clients achieve their real estate title goals.

Almost 100% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients, an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence she inspires. “We are a customer-based business,” Tiffanie explains. “The title industry is regulated by the state of Texas, so title fees are all the same throughout the state. We can’t offer any discounts on fees because we’re an insurance company, so we have to offer excellent customer service for clients to want to come back in our door.”

With Fair Texas Title, Tiffanie serves Mansfield, Texas and the surrounding area.

Clients keep coming back because they value Tiffanie’s communication, which keeps

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them constantly updated on the process.

“I really take pride in making sure that I overcommunicate with everyone,” Tiffanie says. “I let everyone know what’s going on every step of the way, and if there’s an issue with something, I let everyone know. I don’t leave my office at night without returning Top Agent Magazine

every single phone call and email, and it’s the same with everyone on my team. This is a really fast-paced business, and a lot of money and emotions are involved. People are emotional about buying or selling their home, so I just try to make everything as comfortable as possible for them.”

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Staying in touch with past clients is important, and Tiffanie follows up regularly with a call or text to let them know she is thinking of them. She also keeps up with clients on social media. “I really love the fact that my clients and I have a relationship,” she says. “We’re actually friends, and I’ve Copyright Top Agent Magazine 18

been able to create that bond over the years closing for them.”

Tiffanie’s relationships with agents also go a long way in contributing to her success. “If I have a closing and the directed business is my agent, but I really enjoyed Top Agent Magazine

“I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing right now.

I don’t think I’ll be done closing any time soon. I love going in the closing room, being the escrow officer, and seeing people’s smiling faces when we close. working with the other agent and I feel that we had a connection, I will reach out to them and say, ‘I would love to close with you again.’ Can we set something up to see what your priorities are and how we can help you grow your business?”

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The results speak for themselves: last year, Tiffanie closed almost 700 transactions.

Community involvement is important to Tiffanie and her team. They are active with Fabulous Faith’s Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer.

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In the future, Tiffanie says, “I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing right now. I don’t think I’ll be done closing any time soon.

I love going in the closing room, being the

escrow officer, and seeing people’s smiling faces when we close. I love my team. We’re all really close with each other, and we look out for each other.”

To find out more about Tiffanie Williams, call 817-458-4332, email twilliams@fairtexastitle.com, or find her online at fairtexastitle.com www.

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Top Agent Magazine

Tips on Breaking Into the Luxury Market So, you’ve been doing residential real estate for a while and you’re looking to up your game. A lot of people consider going into the luxury market at that point. Or, maybe you started in the business always intending to specialize in luxury properties and were just learning the ropes before you tackled one of the industry’s most lucrative specialties.

No matter the reason, the luxury market is a whole new ballgame and you don’t want to go into it unprepared. First impressions are everything in this business, especially when you’re dealing with wealthy clients and investors. Here are few things to consider if you’re thinking of going from starter homes to estates.

LEARN HOW THE LUXURY MARKET AND CLIENTELE ARE DIFFERENT As experienced as you might be in traditional real estate, the luxury market is almost like starting at ground zero. Everything from the buyers, to the sellers, and obviously, the properties themselves, will take a new approach.

One of the key ways it is different is that the feeling of exclusivity truly matters. You will be doing more targeted marketing through high-end networking groups as wealthier clients tend to be more comfortable when Top Agent Magazine

you come recommended by people they trust to have the highest standards. There are no mass-marketed open houses. It’s all about private showings. Although professional, one-on-one service is key in this business no matter what the price point, wealthier buyers are accustomed to concierge-style service, and the way to stand out from the rest is to provide service that goes above and beyond what even they expect.

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LOOK THE PART If you’re thinking of going the luxury route, creating high-end branding and marketing yourself properly is of the utmost importance.

That includes your own personal look. You and your business will need a total makeover, or at least a major upgrade. It might even be time to buy that new car you’ve always wanted. It is also key that all of your marketing materials are high end. So start gathering a stable of highly-trained professionals,

photographers, and stagers as every aspect of the service network you’ll be providing complements the brand that you’re selling.

It’s well worth the time to get all of this nailed down and seamless before you even think of entering the luxury market. Another good investment? You want to have an indepth knowledge of all the latest real estate technologies and innovations. Don’t just look the part, actually be on the cutting edge.

SELL THE LIFESTYLE Yes, you’re selling a home, but you’re also selling a lifestyle, which in luxury is almost more important. When someone is spending millions of dollars on a home, they want to see the fabulous life they will be living in their new digs. Really highlight amazing party spaces, unique one of kind features,

and amenities. As with anything of value, things that make a property rare, will automatically make it more appealing to people who can afford the best. It also helps people connect more emotionally with a home, giving it even more value than if you just try and sell it as a good investment.

NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING Networking is an important aspect of this business at every level, but it a vital tool in the luxury market. Most of your referrals and targeted marketing will be done through luxury agent exclusive networking groups. In addition to that, it is even more important in this segment of the business to be actively

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involved in your community through volunteering and supporting local charitable events. You will not only build a stellar reputation, but you’ll also be giving back to the community you represent, and ultimately, integrity is what it’s all about in this business.

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COREY STANSELL When deciding to buy or sell your home, you want someone at your side who understands the long-term investment that comes with owning real estate. As a long-time investor, Corey worked for over ten years in wealth management while investing in rental properties on his own.

After so long building a career in the large-scale organization of investment banking, Corey found the autonomy afforded him by working in real estate a welcome career change. “The freedom to make my own choices and schedule has been really wonderful,” Corey says.

Today, Corey is a REALTOR® with Dave Perry Miller Real Estate in Dallas, Texas, serving the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Area. He brings his investment connections to the business, with a front-loaded referral list from his time in wealth management.

When he started in the industry, Corey felt he’d come into his own, using his sales skills and investment background to represent others in building and managing their own wealth through buying and selling properties. “I go where my clients need me and really enjoy my relationship with my clients.”

Corey explains, “I think my knowledge of finance and how money works, how to organize money when buying and selling real estate is something that sets me apart. It’s certainly something I can talk about in a way that most agents can’t.”

When it comes to marketing, Corey utilizes a variety of methods to reach the right buyer. Primarily, Corey mines his well-cultivated professional network to

connect with interested parties and build excitement about a new listing.

Through Dave Perry Miller Real Estate, he can engage a robust digital marketing rollout for each newly listed home. Posts across social media platforms put Corey’s listings right at a buyer’s fingertips. Also, as a social, outgoing person, Corey can foster referrals with ease and spread the word about his available properties among family and friends.

As a REALTOR® who cares about his community, Corey has been an active participant in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for four years. He recently celebrated one of his long-time mentee’s sixteenth birthday. With real estate keeping him on the road so much, Corey took advantage of driving time to volunteer with Meals On Wheels between appointments with clients. When he’s not volunteering or helping his clients find their dream home, Corey is an avid beach volleyball player, playing both to relax in his free time, and as a professional.

Corey has competed in professional tournaments for the past fifteen years.

Looking to the future of his business, Corey hopes to continue fostering strong relationships while growing his client base. Capitalizing on his great networking ability, Corey continues to expand his sphere of influence and gain momentum through his growing connections in real estate. “I’ve worked really hard to get here, and as long as I’m enjoying what I’m doing, which I absolutely am, I’m just going to keep it up and continue to grow.”

Find out more at www.daveperrymiller.com/Bio/coreystansell.

Connect with Corey at 214-886-5893 or email coreystansell@daveperrymiller.com Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Magazine

Daily Habits That Will Increase Your Mental Strength When it comes to building physical strength, the solutions are obvious, but keeping up your mental strength isn’t as easy as going to the gym. Although physical exercise does help clear your head and relieve stress, there are other things you can do daily that will help your mind be as strong and flexible as your body after a workout. Here’s just a few things you can do to help clear your head and make you more productive.

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DON’T WASTE YOUR BRAIN POWER That might seem obvious, but think about how much mental energy you might use up worrying about negativity or things you have no control over. Instead of focusing on problems, focus on solutions.

This actually take a lot of effort, we’re all conditioned to let worry paralyze us sometimes. Try and catch yourself when you’re 25

wasting time thinking about about past mistakes or current dilemmas you don’t have the power to stop. You really only have so much mental energy, and if you have kids and an especially stressful work situation, that might be even less than normal. Start treating your brain like the precious resource it is. You don’t want to be running on empty when it really matters.

BE MORE POSITIVE Eliminating negative thoughts is essential to increasing your mental strength. Carrying around negativity is like swimming with all of your clothes on. You might be okay at first, but eventually you’ll feel like you can barely stay afloat. Don’t drown in negativity, use positive thoughts as a lifesaver. This doesn’t mean you should ignore things you need to improve, just approach them with solutions rather than beating yourself up. Constant monitoring of this is important since it’s really easy to slide back into negative thinking.

STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE A lot of mental energy can go to dealing with anxiety. One way to deal with that is by forcing yourself to try new things and take on new challenges, that you might normally avoid because they make you feel unsure or scared. Challenge yourself daily, even with small things.

This is definitely something that becomes easier with practice. Start small, and in no time you’ll be taking on things you never 26

thought were possible. The simple task of trying something new every day will have you feeling energized and put you on the path to self-growth.

BE SELF-AWARE Your emotions affect everything you do, even if they’re not at the surface. Recognizing and labeling them is key. A lot of the above exercises require selfreflection. It’s okay to have the emotions you have, understanding why and where those emotions come from allows you to focus on dealing with them rather than just wallowing in them. Being self-aware is also about self-care. Know the things that help relax and rejuvenate you. That way you can handle everyday stresses and remain calm even during the most turbulent times.

BE WILLING TO LEARN A lot of people are still hung up on the idea that learning is a boring and tedious process, but you aren’t in junior high anymore. You can find something you’re actually interested in and immerse yourself in it, which engages your mind like nothing else. Whether it’s learning a new technology that will improve your business or something that will make you a more well-rounded person, the learning process keeps you engaged and open to new ideas. A curiosity about the world and new things is something that all mentally strong people have in common.

Top Agent Magazine

ISEL VALENZUELA With his extensive background in building and construction, Isel Valenzuela was able to easily take his expertise and pivot into home inspection.

As the main inspector at the family owned and operated EZ Home Inspections, he ensures that all clients are well informed and confident in the home decisions they’re making. “I’ve always been around houses.

I’ve been building and renovating them all my life, so the transition into home inspection has been an easy one.” Isel serves clients in the Ft. Worth/Dallas Metroplex area.

Bilingual in Spanish, Isel is able to serve a wide variety of clients. “When I first started there wasn’t a whole lot of Spanish speaking inspectors. So of course, once all the agents found out that I spoke Spanish, they started to give me a chance, and eventually we got to a great place where they now trust the work that I do and know that I’m going to take good care of their clients. I think in our business there is a lot of stigma about inspectors scaring away the clients and blowing up the deal for the REALTOR®. For me, it’s important to be honest with the buyers and tell them about any issues but do so tactfully and not in an alarming way,” he explains, and adds, “We also have short turnaround times, which our clients really appreciate. I think those two factors have been key in our success.”

Completing over 1,500 inspections per year, Isel puts a lot of emphasis on his marketing strategy. “My wife is my marketing genius. She utilizes social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to constantly post videos of me doing inspections so that people can get an idea of what it entails. We’ve also done radio interviews and we frequently organize fun events with other industry professionals and vendors where we do happy hour or sponsor golf tournaments.” Thanks to his marketing and despite the pandemic, 2020 was Isel’s best year to date.

When he’s not busy working, Isel is involved with the Hispanic Real Estate Brokers Association, through which he does community outreach. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and playing music. “I taught my nephews how to play different instruments so now we have little jam sessions here at the house.”

As for the future of the business, Isel is looking to continue growing and expanding his company. “We’re already really busy, which is great. My goal now is to keep the momentum going and keep bringing new business in. We currently have four inspectors, besides me, and by the end of this year we hope to have a total of eight. That way we can serve more clients and be able to get people into their dream homes much quicker. My wife and I plan to take the business to the next level and help our inspectors become successful as they continue to learn and grow.”

To learn more about Isel Valenzuela email ezhomeinspections@hotmail.com, or call (817) 896–8906 Top Agent Magazine

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