TEXAS 9-20-21

TEXAS EDITION

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THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY 5 FRESH NEW APPROACHES TO CONTENT MARKETING CREATIVE MEDITATION FOR THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 Ways To Make Better Use Of Your WORKING HOURS

FEATURED AGENTS

DENISE MARTINEZ ALVIN PAULSON BETH CAUDILL TIFFANY CABALLERO COVER STORY

MELODIE HEPBURN SULGROVE THE HEPBURN-ONEAL GROUP

TEXAS EDITION

ALVIN PAULSON

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Top Agent Alvin Paulson – Broker/ 16Residential in Dallas, Owner of Paulson Texas – is a seasoned veteran of the real estate industry. With nearly twenty years of experience and over a thousand deals to his name, there are few better suited to assist buyers, sellers or investors in The Lone Star State. Alvin’s vast experience in the industry, coupled with his laser focus on providing exceptional customer service has translated into an impeccable reputation as a trusted real estate advoDENISE MARTINEZ DENISE MARTINEZ cate for buyers and sellers alike.

MELODIEMELODIE HEPBURN SULGROVE HEPBURN SULGROVE BETH CAUDILL THE HEPBURN-ONEAL GROUP THE HEPBURN-ONEAL GROUP

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Additionally, Alvin’s construction provide to his clients. “I rea a home is built,” he flipped a lot of hom and currently buildin Bow, Oklahoma. Ha standing of the const what goes into a hom identify potential pro that I’m good at.”

ALVIN PAULSON TIFFANY CABALLERO Alvin’s sincere passion for what h

also factors heavily into his continu

Alvin began career nearly two decades ago.When seeingitpeople achieve ughout her life, Beth Caudill Texas, withhis thestoried near entirety of her volume Based in has Dallas, Tiffany Caballero got comes to their hergoal liso 22 25 “I began working in sales right out of college,” he their home,” he explains.

“Many o ys been passionate about helping coming from repeat clients and referstarted in real estate ten years ago when employs an elaborate onli says.

“I kind of hopped around from sales job to sales as a daunting and stressful proces s. Prior to her current career as a top rals. And the secret to her success? “You job, until I realized that I needed to do something forplan, provide them withshe comfort and gu sheanwanted herneed whereby pushes ucing Realtor, she was entrepre-to use her license to buy always to think of the customer first,” myself. A friend of mine and I bought a house, with the as smooth and stress-free for them owning and managing her homes. own kids As it turns out, her business she says.

“When it comes to real estate, I how multiple own independent intent of flipping it and others, and that’s kind of I that incredibly gratifying.” webs nastics gym franchise. But along the believe if you truly take care of people, the got intoit, the business.” grew quickly, and before she knew them to her personal data she took an interest in real estate and rest will fall into place.”

Alvin’s plan for the future of his bu sheinhad taken own towebsite. ded to pursue her license the fall of on a career as a full-time Since then, Alvin has built a thriving and exponentiallyher tinuing mentor theShe agentsoffer on h growing business that is based on a solid foundation of can maintain consistency in their —winning Rookie of Realtor. the Year honors Outside her career, Beth is heavily Tiffany fell in love with the photography and staging honesty, and industry Currently, knowledge. she Currently the kind of success that he has. A 005 and launching an accomplished investedintegrity in her community. process of building relationships with her a team ofof three look its best, in ord otherAssociation equally dedicatedhome remains his primary objective: to r in the industry. “Once I earned my is Vice President her local BETH CAUDILL overseeing TIFFANY CABALLERO agents, Alvin can boast that a significant portion of his his client with the unparalleled andtheguiding them towards making best possible price for her cus se, I realized that realclients estate was of Realtors and Chair of its Education overall business is based upon repeat clients, referrals has become synonymous with his n ng puzzle piece in mysound life,” she says.

“Rightdecisions, from Committee, where she to mentor up-and-coming real estate and she a works runs a multi-million dollar andput positive word-of-mouth. tart, I just knew the business was a perfect fit.” agents and raise the bar of service around Denton lot of effort into learning various facets Realtor, and looks forwar County. When clients giving back, she “I she’s think not a lotwith of that has toordo with accessibility,” he ofandthe business, y, Beth is the Team Lead Owner of the Makesuch the as can development, be foundsays, golfing spending with hertoboys, whenor asked how hetime has managed generate soexcellent real estate servic e Team, powered by eXp Realty, where assists Andrew and Tiffany Ryan,trust and and husband, much loyaltyBarry. amongst those he works with,more clients each year. investing, andshe renovations.

Now, “and also with my knowledge of the process. After ts throughout Denton County and the surrounding is a veteran Realtor whoGoing uses hertwenty outgoing personand more than thousand transactions, of North Texas. In her decades of experience, she forward, Bethyears has strong plans forathe future of her there aren’t many situations that I haven’t dealt withtime, or ality and expertise to provide excellent service to In her free Tiffany enjoys flippin cultivated a boutique process to help any buyer, business. As her volume maintains its steady growth, she come across.

I pride myself on direct customer service r, or investor. on furthering her work in her community whilerenovations, as well as spendi clients across Dallas andintends the surrounding area. making and not handing my clients off to my assistant. I think expanding her referral base. But most of all, she looks her family and dogs. is frequently that working with an inexperienced agent can be very For She more information abou n listing a property, Beth prefers a hands-on forward to helping evenwhen moresomeone clients is throughout North detrimental handling what is possipleaseschools, call 469-644 As someone who has spent a great deal of time outreach programs for high oach. Starting out, she helps her clients fully prepare Texas. “Whether a client renting, buying, selling, flipbly the largestistransaction of their lives.” or email Alvin@Paulson home for the market,learning providing them withand a suite ping, investing, ITiffany offer a diverse set of skills the ins outs of theorindustry, underlocalto meet YoungLife organization, and rou ofessional staging and photography services. From needs,” she says. “At the end of the day, there’s stands the importance oftheir communication in building teers to collect clothing, shoes, and ja , she shares her listings over a blend of targeted nothing more rewarding than making a difference in Copyright a lastingButrelationship eachlife.” of her clients. She homeless in her community. For the futu al and social media campaigns. through it all, with someone’s s there for her clients, keeping the process stress-free ensures that she is responsive and available to answer ness, she hopes to grow and expand her Phone Fax 310-734-1440 maintaining a strong standard310-734-1440 for open communicaher clients’ queries, |and she is by their side every step continue mentoring other agents to impr “From start to finish, I’m honest, straightforward, mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com ofshe thesays. way.

“I know am honored to be in a position to help as a whole. If you’re looking for a Rea direct with my clients,” “They I’ll them the right answer, ratherofthan just telling them No portion this issue may be reproduced in anypurchases manner whatsoever without of the publisher.

Top Agent Magazine people make one of the biggest they’ll everprior consent who knows that real estate is about mor they want to hear; and regardless of what comes GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top is published by Feature Publications make,” Tiffany says. “First and foremost, I am here money, look no further than Tiffany Cab ’m determined to Agent deliverMagazine results for them.” cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. to serve.

I love working withtomy clients, and many of To subscribe or change address, send inquiry mag@topagentmagazine.com. where, Beth is just asthem helpful when her Published in the U.S. assisting become my good friends.” Tiffany’s personal rs, carefully guiding them to the right home for their approach to navigating transactions with her clients interests. Moreover, she remains in touch with her has earned hercheck-ins a following, as she gets most of her 2 the closing Top Agent Magazine ts well after through frequent even the occasional gift, all to ensure theyrepeat are fullyclients.

To learn more about Beth Caudill business from ied and thriving in their new homes. Through the email Beth@MakeTheMoveTeam.com,

CONTENTS

4) 5 FRESH NEW APPROACHES TO CONTENT MARKETING

19) 9 THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

14) PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR WORKING HOURS

23) CREATIVE MEDITATION FOR THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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5 Fresh New Approaches to Content Marketing A couple of weeks ago we were conducting a workshop when we were asked two excellent questions about content marketing:

• People

don’t want to hear from a roofing company every day. So how do you produce fresh and interesting content for social media that goes beyond your core services and yet ties back to your business?

• Can

you extend your social media presence and content to include personal things (like your hobbies) and how does that affect your overall business image?

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The workshop attendee who asked the first question was right. Almost no one wants to hear from any company every day… especially if all the content is about products and services…and yes, even if they’re giving helpful tips and information. Does that mean you should stop producing excellent daily content related to your business? No, of course not! Content is created for two reasons.

First, to provide knowledge, expertise and even entertainment to your ideal customers in order to achieve top of mind awareness as an authority in your industry. And second, to produce SEO-rich results that keep you at the top of search engines. You must strike a

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balance between the two, and try to include content that draws people in by being super interesting and entertaining….and yes, sometimes personal.

To help answer those content questions above, here are five different types of content (beyond the traditional stuff) that can give your brand a fresh, unique and balanced approach:

1. PHILANTHROPIC Your community efforts say a lot about who you are, and people will make an extra effort to do business with you as a result of this connection. We’ve consulted business owners who are very hesitant to promote these efforts because they don’t want it to seem as though they are exploiting the charities and organizations—and most especially because they don’t do it for the promotional aspects. They do it to give back. I ask you to keep this in mind. Nonprofit and charitable organizations very often have small marketing budgets. Not only do they rely on outside marketing forces to promote their initiatives, they would likely be forced to close their doors without that support. That means that when someone with a strong brand and presence promotes them, it’s a highly trusted and personal connection, and you can’t buy that kind of support. In other words, they not only need you to promote them, they want you to promote them. But your instincts are correct. It’s not about you. So just make sure your entire content focuses on the organization you’re helping, what they do for the community and how Top Agent Magazine

others can join in the cause. Then it becomes a huge win for all.

2. HOBBIES You bungee jumped from four of the tallest bridges in the U.S. In your spare time, you go fly fishing. You love playing chef and use only locally grown, organic foods. Your friends are always begging you to go to Vegas with your card shark talents. You’ve done mission work in Africa and would like to start your own group. You almost played professional baseball. You have an insane talent for gardening design or bass guitar.

Your family works at a soup kitchen once a month. Ok…you get the picture. And two more words. Reality TV. People are interesting…and people are interested in interesting people. We remember others based on these unique traits. And most of all, people love the story behind the face. Don’t be afraid to share your hobbies. Quite often, it’s the first thing that will personally connect you to a prospect.

3. CREATIVE CONNECTION This one is perhaps our favorite. While we can’t imagine seeing something come across our news feed from a landscaping company every day, imagine this for a moment. What are we always told to remember in this hectic world? Stop and smell the roses, right? So what if…a landscaping company posted a beautiful flower each day, just to remind you to ‘stop and smell the roses’. And at the bottom of that photo (small print), you included

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the type of flower and type of environment needed to make it flourish (moist soil, full sun, etc.). And then, of course, watermarked it with your logo….and a title like, “Sam’s Daily Reminder: It’s Time to Stop & Smell the Roses”. You could even include some great, thought-provoking quotes. It has the personal connection (Sam), the business connection (flowers & logo watermark) and a cool creative connector (pause the meetings and paperwork to take a moment and appreciate life by noticing this beautiful flower). This is a great idea for staying ‘top of mind’ and connecting business with the kind of creative messaging people wouldn’t mind seeing every day.

4. EXPERIENCES This one is similar to hobbies from the personal aspect, but instead of something that identifies us like our hobbies, our experiences are random happenings that can have great interest and meaning to our audience.

Whether you have a unique experience buying a new car or a fateful conversation with a stranger in the airport, if you feel it ties into a life lesson or business lesson you’d like to share, by all means do. The lesson is to keep your radar up 24/7. Any experiences you have which relate to your

ideal customer are an opportunity to connect beyond the business world. And when we do that, we become a part of the family.

5. INFLUENCERS “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”. You’ve probably heard that saying, and the same is true whether you are a teenager or a business owner. Maybe you’ve learned a lot of your business knowledge from Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Warren Buffet…or you like to quote Benjamin Franklin. Perhaps you have some mentors you’d like to recognize and tell why they’re important to you. Sharing the people and things that influence us is what makes us human. No matter how successful your business, you didn’t get there alone. People and circumstances shaped you along the way. Recognizing others for their contribution in our lives, large or small, is important in staying connected and grounded.

We hope these five types of content help you to put a fresh spin on what you share with your audience, whether personal or professional. We believe you must have the combination of both to build an incredible brand.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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MELODIE HEPBURN SULGROVE THE HEPBURN-ONEAL GROUP

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Top Agent Melodie Hepburn Sulgrove is affiliated with REAL Broker, LLC and serves clients throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Melodie Hepburn Sulgrove is a real estate professional known for her enthusiasm, integrity, and dedication to clients.

Committed to making her clients’ real estate dreams a reality, she has a proven track record or delivering results. In real estate for nine years, she is affiliated with REAL Broker, LLC and serves clients throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

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With 90% of Melodie’s business coming from repeat and referral sources, she credits her communication skills and diligence as the main contributing factors in her success. “I try to be very communicative upfront. I don’t sugarcoat anything, and my clients know that they can trust me. I just try to be very efficient and make it an easy process for them, because I know that Top Agent Magazine

it can feel quite overwhelming.” Thanks to her hard work she completed $9,000,000 in sales volume last year.

Melodie recently partnered with agent Patrick ONeal to form “The Hepburn-ONeal Top Agent Magazine

Group”. Together, they plan to be a dominant team in the DFW area. They have over 45 years of combined sales experience.

Their passion for sales, and knowledge of the local market will benefit anyone they represent.

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“Every day is different, so you never feel bored.

One day I could be working with a $1,000,000 client, the next day I might be doing a flip. I also love working with people, and especially helping first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams.”

A big part of how Melodie achieves a high sales price for her listings is her marketing technique. “I have an online marketing program that sets up websites for my listings. I use various social media avenues as well, with a strong focus on Facebook where I stay in touch with all the different real estate groups. That’s why my listings Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

never stay on the market for long.” She also uses Facebook to stay in touch with past clients. “It helps me stay in the loop with what they’re up to in their lives.”

One of the things that Melodie most appreciates about working in real estate is the variety that her job affords her. “Every day Top Agent Magazine

is different, so you never feel bored. One day I could be working with a $1,000,000 client, the next day I might be doing a flip. I also love working with people, and especially helping first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams.”

Top Agent Magazine

Outside of work Melodie is involved with the Better Future Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged children. “We help them raise money, especially around the holidays, and we bring gifts to make their holidays a little Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

better.” In her free time Melodie is a devoted grandma to her grandbaby. She also loves to exercise and spend time outdoors or boating on the lake. “I try to do an hour workout everyday. It helps me clear my head.”

Going forward Melodie is focused on continuing to provide her clients with the highest

quality service. “Patrick and I are doing really well, and we look forward to serving even more clients together.” When asked about words of wisdom for agents who are just getting started, Melodie advises: “You’ve got to really love this job to be good at it. The rewards come naturally if you focus on the people you help and not the money.”

For more about Melodie Hepburn Sulgrove email melodiesulgrove@gmail.com, visit HepburnOnealGroup.com, or call 972–849–0101

www.

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

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Productivity Killers: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours

Even on the busiest of days, it can be hard not to get distracted by social media, smartphones, chatty colleagues, or personal to-do list items. So how do you keep your professional blinders on and power through your tasks with efficiency? Practice these four tips and witness your productivity skyrocket—easing stress and bringing renewed energy to your daily duties.

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1. Create a sense of peace and quiet The office may not be your idea of a tranquil oasis, but for most, focus requires quiet and calm to best lend attention to the task at hand. If you find yourself seated next to talkative coworkers or in the center of a bustling office atrium, consider noise can-

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

celing headphones, earplugs, or carving out an empty conference room for your work day. Turning the volume down creates fewer chances for disruption, allowing you to make the best use of your time.

4.Take your smartphone off the table

2. Organize your workspace A messy work area breeds anxiety and distraction, but a clean and organized desk inspires efficiency. If you’ve got a busy day ahead, take fifteen minutes and organize your workspace: gather miscellaneous papers into their proper place, dispose of out-of-date or unnecessary documents, or give your keyboard a dusting. Not only does cleaning and organizing your workspace prepare you for the work ahead, it also helps you transition to a productive, goal-oriented mindset.

3.Create a goal-oriented reward system Coffee breaks, coworker catch-up, and social media check-ins tend to break up our workflow on an hourly basis. Instead of trying to go cold turkey on these workplace routines, reframe them as rewards.

For every to-do list item you complete, allow yourself a fives minute treat, whether that’s a fresh cup of coffee or a walk around the block. Not only will creating a reward Top Agent Magazine

system help you stay motivated throughout the day, it will also provide you with much-needed mental breaks that actually boost long-term productivity.

The number one productivity killer in this day and age? Smartphones. With access to endless social media portals, web browsing, text conversations, and games, smartphones are one-stop shops for distractions. While you may not want to delete apps from your phone, try leaving your smartphone in a locked desk drawer until your next break, or safely in your car. By simply putting your smartphone out of your line of sight, the impulse to distract yourself is muted.

Even though technology and the modern office create ample opportunity for distraction, making these few small adjustments can go a long way in safeguarding your productivity. After all, a productive day allows you to enjoy your time at home and outside the office, without the worry of incomplete tasks and looming deadlines darkening your day. Keep these productivity tricks in mind as you mount your daily to-do list and you’ll be thanking yourself tomorrow.

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DENISE MARTINEZ 16

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DENISE MARTINEZ

Denise Martinez has spent her entire adult life helping others grow, learning a thing or two herself along the way. Her years in Special Education taught her the value of patience and communication as she worked with parents and teachers to meet the needs of the children under her care. When she became a Realtor in 2012, she brought that same skillset and dedication to helping others with her.

personally, contributing to the team’s annual volume of over $20 million, with over half of that business coming from repeat clients or referrals. Her goodwill and authenticity is part of what keeps them coming back. “I take the time to get to know people and their needs. I also want them to feel like they know me. They’re trusting me to help with a big financial

“When you’re helping someone buy or sell a home, you’re part of a very important journey in their life,” Denise explains. “I love being the person they ask to guide them. It’s an honor and a blessing.”

Serving San Antonio, Texas and the surrounding area with the Texas Real Estate Group brokered by Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors, Denise has built a successful residential real estate business. TREG is the #2 small team within the Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper family. They received a national award from Coldwell Banker and were semi finalists for the Platinum Top 50 Award. The San Antonio Business Journal recognized them as one of the top 100 residential real estate teams in the city. Denise averages 20-25 transactions a year Top Agent Magazine

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decision, and they want to know the character of the person who’s providing the service.”

Denise earns their trust with hard work and the knowledge she brings. One happy client gushed when describing her family’s experience: “This is the second time we have worked with Denise and she never disappoints! Truly cares about her clients and wants what you want! She told us exactly what to expect when selling and how to get the most out of our home! She worked so hard for us and had a wealth of knowledge to make it an easy and flawless experience!”

She’s aided in her efforts to help sellers by Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper’s excellent marketing department. They use professional photographers to create magazine-quality photos, videography, drone footage, or a 3D “dollhouse” view of the home as needed. The listing is then marketed through every medium, from social media to print ads to a local real estate TV show. Another great advantage is Coldwell Banker’s targeted-marketing program that locates buyers who are moving to San Antonio and are already searching online for the kind of home her clients are selling.

Giving back to the community is important to Denise. She’s volunteered and donated to various charitable organizations in San Antonio, including the local Food Bank. Texas Real Estate Group has sponsored the Healy-Murphy Center, which helps at-risk and underprivileged youths with education. Plus, TREG has sponsored the National Beep Baseball Association to enable blind and visually impaired players the opportunity to enjoy the sport.

Denise feels she’s found the perfect work-life balance that allows her to bring maximum energy to every transaction and maintain the exceptional customer service her clients have come to expect.

“Throughout the years I’ve been asked about my ‘Why.’ For me it’s simple. My Family. I was raised to value Family, and my motivation in life is to continue to focus on Family Values, both for myself and in the way I conduct my business with my clients.”

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Contact Denise at 210-723-4803 or dmartinez@cbharper.com

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Things the Best Leaders Never Say

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

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

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

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

1

I’M THE BOSS

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

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

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

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2

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

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

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

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

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I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

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

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I ALREADY KNOW THAT

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

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

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

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

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

7

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

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

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DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

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

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YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

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

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

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ALVIN PAULSON Top Agent Alvin Paulson – Broker/ Owner of Paulson Residential in Dallas, Texas – is a seasoned veteran of the real estate industry. With nearly twenty years of experience and over a thousand deals to his name, there are few better suited to assist buyers, sellers or investors in The Lone Star State. Alvin’s vast experience in the industry, coupled with his laser focus on providing exceptional customer service has translated into an impeccable reputation as a trusted real estate advocate for buyers and sellers alike.

Alvin began his storied career nearly two decades ago.

“I began working in sales right out of college,” he says. “I kind of hopped around from sales job to sales job, until I realized that I needed to do something for myself. A friend of mine and I bought a house, with the intent of flipping it and others, and that’s kind of how I got into the business.”

Since then, Alvin has built a thriving and exponentially growing business that is based on a solid foundation of honesty, integrity and industry knowledge. Currently overseeing a team of three other equally dedicated agents, Alvin can boast that a significant portion of his overall business is based upon repeat clients, referrals and positive word-of-mouth.

“I think a lot of that has to do with accessibility,” he says, when asked how he has managed to generate so much trust and loyalty amongst those he works with, “and also with my knowledge of the process. After twenty years and more than a thousand transactions, there aren’t many situations that I haven’t dealt with or come across. I pride myself on direct customer service and not handing my clients off to my assistant. I think that working with an inexperienced agent can be very detrimental when someone is handling what is possibly the largest transaction of their lives.”

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Additionally, Alvin’s knowledge of home construction provides additional value to his clients. “I really understand how a home is built,” he explains. “I have flipped a lot of homes, and I have built and currently building cabins in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Having a deep understanding of the construction process and what goes into a home and being able to identify potential problems is something that I’m good at.”

Alvin’s sincere passion for what he does for a living also factors heavily into his continuing success. “I love seeing people achieve their goal of buying or selling their home,” he explains. “Many of my clients see this as a daunting and stressful process, and my job is to provide them with comfort and guidance and make it as smooth and stress-free for them as possible. I find that incredibly gratifying.”

Alvin’s plan for the future of his business includes continuing to mentor the agents on his team so that they can maintain consistency in their business and attain the kind of success that he has. Above all, however, remains his primary objective: to continue providing his client with the unparalleled customer service that has become synonymous with his name.

For more information about Alvin Paulson, please call 469-644-8558 or email Alvin@PaulsonRes.com

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BETH CAUDILL Throughout her life, Beth Caudill has always been passionate about helping others. Prior to her current career as a top producing Realtor, she was an entrepreneur, owning and managing her own kids gymnastics gym franchise. But along the way, she took an interest in real estate and decided to pursue her license in the fall of 2004—winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 and launching an accomplished career in the industry. “Once I earned my license, I realized that real estate was the missing puzzle piece in my life,” she says. “Right from the start, I just knew the business was a perfect fit.”

Today, Beth is the Team Lead and Owner of the Make the Move Team, powered by eXp Realty, where she assists clients throughout Denton County and the surrounding areas of North Texas. In her decades of experience, she has cultivated a boutique process to help any buyer, seller, or investor.

When listing a property, Beth prefers a hands-on approach. Starting out, she helps her clients fully prepare their home for the market, providing them with a suite of professional staging and photography services. From there, she shares her listings over a blend of targeted digital and social media campaigns. But through it all, she is there for her clients, keeping the process stress-free and maintaining a strong standard for open communication. “From start to finish, I’m honest, straightforward, and direct with my clients,” she says. “They know I’ll give them the right answer, rather than just telling them what they want to hear; and regardless of what comes up, I’m determined to deliver results for them.”

Elsewhere, Beth is just as helpful when assisting her buyers, carefully guiding them to the right home for their best interests. Moreover, she remains in touch with her clients well after the closing through frequent check-ins and even the occasional gift, all to ensure they are fully satisfied and thriving in their new homes. Through the years, she has earned a fantastic reputation throughout 22

Texas, with the near entirety of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. And the secret to her success? “You always need to think of the customer first,” she says. “When it comes to real estate, I believe if you truly take care of people, the rest will fall into place.”

Outside her career, Beth is heavily invested in her community. Currently, she is Vice President of her local Association of Realtors and Chair of its Education Committee, where she works to mentor up-and-coming agents and raise the bar of service around Denton County. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found golfing or spending time with her boys, Andrew and Ryan, and husband, Barry.

Going forward, Beth has strong plans for the future of her business. As her volume maintains its steady growth, she intends on furthering her work in her community while expanding her referral base. But most of all, she looks forward to helping even more clients throughout North Texas. “Whether a client is renting, buying, selling, flipping, or investing, I offer a diverse set of skills to meet their needs,” she says. “At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than making a difference in someone’s life.”

To learn more about Beth Caudill email Beth@MakeTheMoveTeam.com, visit MakeTheMoveTeam.com or call (214) 497-4021 www.

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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 23

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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TIFFANY CABALLERO Based in Dallas, Tiffany Caballero got started in real estate ten years ago when she wanted to use her license to buy her own homes. As it turns out, her business grew quickly, and before she knew it, she had taken on a career as a full-time Realtor. Tiffany fell in love with the process of building relationships with her clients and guiding them towards making sound real estate decisions, and she put a lot of effort into learning various facets of the business, such as development, investing, and renovations. Now, Tiffany is a veteran Realtor who uses her outgoing personality and expertise to provide excellent service to clients across Dallas and the surrounding area.

As someone who has spent a great deal of time learning the ins and outs of the industry, Tiffany understands the importance of communication in building a lasting relationship with each of her clients. She ensures that she is responsive and available to answer her clients’ queries, and she is by their side every step of the way. “I am honored to be in a position to help people make one of the biggest purchases they’ll ever make,” Tiffany says. “First and foremost, I am here to serve. I love working with my clients, and many of them become my good friends.” Tiffany’s personal approach to navigating transactions with her clients has earned her a following, as she gets most of her business from repeat clients.

Tiffany’s unwavering dedication to her clients includes utilizing her experience in real estate to help them make decisions that will most directly benefit their families. Her knowledge of the local market in Dallas is second to none, and the versatility she offers having experience in a wide variety of fields, including house flipping and property management, makes her an incredibly valuable resource whether a client is a first-time buyer or has sold many properties.

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When it comes to her listings, Tiffany employs an elaborate online marketing plan, whereby she pushes them across multiple independent websites and sends them to her personal database through her own website. She offers professional photography and staging to make each home look its best, in order to get the best possible price for her sellers. Tiffany runs a multi-million dollar business as a Realtor, and looks forward to bringing excellent real estate service to more and more clients each year.

In her free time, Tiffany enjoys flipping houses and making renovations, as well as spending time with her family and dogs. She is frequently involved with outreach programs for high schools, including her local YoungLife organization, and routinely volunteers to collect clothing, shoes, and jackets for the homeless in her community. For the future of her business, she hopes to grow and expand her reach, and to continue mentoring other agents to improve real estate as a whole. If you’re looking for a Realtor in Dallas who knows that real estate is about more than just the money, look no further than Tiffany Caballero!

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Contact Tiffany at (817) 739-8887 or tiffany@haloagent.com. You can also visit tiffanycaballero.com for more information Copyright Top Agent Magazine 25

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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