Issuu

OHIO EDITION

Agents with

HEART

COVER STORY

AUBREY SNOW FEATURED AGENTS

KIMBERLY DAVID JULI ANN KNECHT SHELLEY PARSONS

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD: How to List High When Neighbors Are a Nuisance

EMOTIONAL FLUENCY:

How to Communicate with Clients When Tensions are High

10 KEY STEPS

to Winning Real Estate Bidding Wars

OHIO EDITION

SHELLEY PARSONS — BUILDING REA RELATIONSHIPS WITH TRUST, COMMUNIT

After owning a successful salon for of mind 15 25 20 25 years and building a loyal clientele Her app throughout a 40-year career in the nail backgro industry, Shelley Parsons was ready for trust is b her next chapter. Real estate felt like a Shelley natural fit. Both careers are built on rela- Juli Ann Knecht entered real esta tionships, trust, listening, and helping with a genuine desire to should educa stays co people feel confident in important deciand help families create stabilit emails, sions. Shelley knew her experience as a her, that PARSONS often begins with on KIMBERLYbusiness DAVIDowner,JULI SHELLEY AUBREY SNOW and reg alongANN with KNECHT the strong For every cl connections she had built over the years, of the most important investmen for futu Sh KIMBERLYwould DAVID translate naturally into serving a person can make: a home. referrals clients in real estate. understands that homeownership can provide not only on place to live, but also a foundation for long-term focus securit Now four and a half years into the business, Shelley leads treating every client li growth, and opportunity. That purpose continues to guid a team of three agents serving Summit, Portage, Stark, differently, she would the way she serves clients throughout every step of th Cuyahoga, and surrounding counties in Ohio. Her team, tent marketing, social buying sellingonprocess. CONTENTS Shelley’s Platinum Team, and is focused helping clients Community involvem navigate buying and selling with care, consistency, and Now seven years into real estate, Juli AnnShe leads Th Shelley. proudl professionalism. Shelley’s background in client service Knecht Group, aWith teamestate, builtwith around support, an 4) There Goes The 18) Heart Council of REALTO has shaped the way sheAgents approaches real a service, shared commitment. Shelong-term primarily serves Central and OhiD of REALTORS, communication, trust, and Neighborhood: How To strong emphasis on Supporting relationships. whileEmotional also doing significant workHow in advocacy. Scioto, 21) Fluency: To Muskingum List High When Neighbors is especially close to h Holmes, Knox, and Hocking counties. What she enjoy Communicate With Clients Shelley loves working in Northeast Ohio because of the of a son with Down Are A Nuisance most about the areas she serves is the variety. With s strong sense of community and the relationships she has awareness, and suppo When Tensions Are High many different communities, lifestyles, and proper built there over the years. She knows the neighborhoods, of who Shelley is, bo types, Juli believes there is a home to meet almo 13) 10 Key Steps To Winning the people, and the market, andAnn she truly enjoys helping anyone’s needs. families find a place they5can call home. For Shelley, 26) Things You Can real Do ToShelley is grateful to The Real Estate Bidding Wars for her guidance and estate is not only about matching clients with properties, Achieve Your Biggest Goals Juli Ann’s background inthe education has shaped the than wa journey. She also but also about helping them feel connected to comsheare works with clients. providing and herinform childre munities where they putting down roots.She believes inband, tion, answering questions, and helping people understan is especially apprecia Marketing is an their important part ofsoShelley’s business. supported and encour options they can make confident decision She promotes herself and herback, team through a strong mix have estate started career, and Looking she says she would her he re of social media, online advertising, postcards, profeswelcoming her with Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 estate journey 30 years earlier, but she also knows her pro sional branding, and community connections. Staying sition. With a career vious experience in the educational field gave her valuab mag@topagentmagazine.com visible | www.topagentmagazine.com and consistent helps Shelley’s Platinum Team community, Shelley toolswithout fornew working well with others. foundation help relationships, remain topTopThat clients move forward No portion of this issue may be reproduced in build any manner whatsoeverreach priorclients, consentand of the publisher. Agent

JULI ANN KNECHT — BUILD STABILITY THR

her guideareclients patience, clarity, and care. Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions taken towith ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. For moreHer information Shelley, pleasetraditional visit: Instagram marketingabout approach blends relation To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the U.S. ship-building with modern communication. Juli Ann sti 2

believes in old-school techniques, including person notes to past clients, which often lead to referrals. Sh Agent Magazine also uses social media to share Top information about the ma ket and current trends, along with newsletters focused o

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There Goes the Neighborhood:

How to List High When Neighbors are a Nuisance Troublesome neighbors are a relatively common issue that agents come across. You can control the image of your client’s property and you can control your listing presentation, but you can’t always control what’s happening on your client’s street. How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers? 4

First of all, it takes tact and a gameplan. With that in mind, let’s consider a few ways you can maintain a listing’s viability and competitive edge—even when bothersome neighbors are involved. Here are a few common neighborly scenarios agents encounter and how to diffuse them to your advantage.

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How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers? It takes tact and a gameplan.

as a courtesy introduction to the neighborhood. While it may seem like needless busy work, it can dramatically improve prospective buyers’ perceptions of the area. Plus, you may positively ingratiate yourself with neighbors in the area and demonstrate your above-and-beyond service to your clientele in the process.

Is the neighbor’s landscaping an eyesore? Here’s your recourse. Most towns and cities have established ordinances regarding yard upkeep. If any of the properties adjacent to your listing are wildly overgrown, littered with junk, or otherwise in a state of obvious disrepair—take it up with the city. Rather than get directly involved at first glance, you might loop in city officials whose job it is to monitor clean-up efforts on rundown yards and properties. If this doesn’t work, you may have to take a more hands-on approach. Start by thinking small and operating from a place of authenticity and neighborly service. You might explain to the neighboring tenant that you’re listing and offer to mow their lawn Top Agent Magazine

Are there foreclosed or abandoned homes on your client’s block? Do your homework. It may take a little research and digging to figure out the banking entity that owns a foreclosed home, but it’s well worth the effort. Banks are typically required to maintain foreclosed homes on at least a basic level. If you’re worried about

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squatters, an unsightly façade, or general disrepair of a neighboring foreclosed property—go to the source. Sometimes banks take their time in hiring a third party to maintain a foreclosed property, but with some proactive prodding on your part, you may be able to speed the process along and resolve eyesores even before prospective buyers come calling. Remember: the squeaky wheel gets the grease. An improved bottom line will be your reward for those few prodding phone calls and emails.

Noisy, nosy, or annoying neighbors? Don’t be discouraged. Obnoxious neighbors can really rain on a seller’s parade, especially the kind of neighbor 6

that takes their less-than-stellar behavior to their porch, front yard, or sidewalk. While this sensitive issue may seem daunting, there are a few official channels you can utilize to thwart the issue before getting personally involved. If the neighborhood in question is governed by an HOA, you might take it up with them. If the troublesome neighbor is harassing passersby or taking to the sidewalk—in other words, public space—then you may be able to involve local authorities in worst-case scenarios. Of course, it’s always possible to talk to troublesome neighbors faceto-face, but do so with caution and with safety as the priority. Always reason gently and empathetically, utilizing I... phrasing, instead of accusatory You... phrasing. After all, some neighbors are clueless about their impact on the neighborhood and may adjust their behavior after being called out. If the issue persists and no third-party authority can help, then you may have to disclose the neighbor’s issues to prospective buyers, depending on the disclosure laws in your region. While this may seem like a blow, you can at least rest easy knowing you pursued all the potential avenues for resolution available. Likewise, your client will likely appreciate your thorough efforts to resolve the issue. While troublesome neighborhoods can bring down an optimistic mood when listing a property, sometimes being real estate is all about being resourceful. With diligence, digging, and a little follow-up, you just may be able to resolve some of the issues plaguing your neighborly plot.

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AUBREY SNOW

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Aubrey Snow — Helping North Central Ohio Clients Find Home with Heart, Creativity, and Care Long before Aubrey Snow began guiding clients through real estate, she was watching her father build custom homes. From a young age, she was fascinated by the process of creating a place where someone could build a life. That early exposure gave her a lasting love for homes and naturally led her toward a career where she could combine that passion with something equally important to her: helping people find the place where their own story can begin. Now seven years into real estate, Aubrey works independently with the support of a 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

full-time office staff. Together, they make sure clients have the guidance and resources they need throughout the process. Aubrey proudly serves North Central Ohio, including Mansfield, Lexington, Ontario, Fredericktown, Bellville, and surrounding communities, as well as the Columbus area. What Aubrey loves most about the communities she serves is their small-town feel. She appreciates places where people know one another, support local businesses, show up for their neighbors, and genuinely care about the community around them. For Aubrey, Top Agent Magazine

helping someone buy or sell a home means becoming a small part of that person’s story, and she values the relationships she builds with families and local business owners along the way. Aubrey primarily markets through social media, but she also creates strategies tailored to each individual property. She does not believe in a cookie-cutter approach. Instead,

she looks at what makes each home different and builds the marketing around those strengths so the property can stand out and receive the attention it deserves. Relationships are at the heart of Aubrey’s business. Many of her clients become close friends, so staying in touch after closing feels natural. Whether through texts, phone calls, social media, or getting together at

Aubrey works independently with the support of a full-time office staff, proudly serving North Central Ohio, including Mansfield, Lexington, Ontario, Fredericktown, Bellville, and surrounding communities, as well as the Columbus area.

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Aubrey primarily markets through social media, but she also creates strategies tailored to each individual property. She does not believe in a cookie-cutter approach. social events, Aubrey enjoys maintaining those connections long after the transaction is complete. That ongoing relationship reflects the way she approaches real estate from the beginning: with genuine care, accessibility, and a desire to remain a resource for the people she serves. Looking back, Aubrey wouldn’t change the way she leads- with heart, hard work, and Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

a genuine commitment to every client she serves. If she could tell her younger self one thing, it would be to give herself more grace, trust God sooner, and stop second-guessing what she was capable of. Early in her career, she spent too much time worrying about whether she was doing enough, when she was already becoming the kind of agent she had always hoped to be. Today, she knows that confidence doesn’t come from having every Top Agent Magazine

answer, it comes from trusting your abilities, staying true to your values, and knowing God has a plan for every step along the way. Giving back is also important to Aubrey. She is passionate about supporting the communities that have supported her career, especially local schools, teachers, families, and community organizations. She believes being part of a community means more than selling

homes; it means showing up and giving back. Aubrey is especially thankful to God for guiding her throughout her journey, as well as her family and friends, every client who has trusted her, and the brokerage that continues to support her. With a business built on heart, creativity, and community connection, Aubrey continues to help clients throughout North Central Ohio and beyond move forward with confidence.

Giving back is also important to Aubrey. She is passionate about supporting the communities that have supported her career, especially local schools, teachers, families, and community organizations.

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For more about Aubrey, please https://www.facebook.com/AubreySnowRealEstateAgent visit her on Facebook

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10 Key Steps to WINNING REAL ESTATE BIDDING WARS Navigating through a bidding war demands a tailored strategy. Here’s how to position yourself as the top contender in a bidding frenzy: Top Agent Magazine

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Financial Pre-Approval:

Securing a mortgage pre-approval signals to sellers your serious intent and financial capability, setting you apart from other prospects.

Budget Mastery:

Establish and adhere to a firm budget. This discipline ensures you remain grounded and financially prudent, even amidst bidding fervor.

Compelling Opening Bid

Strategic Escalation Clause

Make your first offer count by presenting a substantial bid that showcases your earnestness in securing the property.

Thoughtful Contingency Waivers

Increased Earnest Deposit

A personalized letter to the seller can forge an emotional connection, potentially swaying their decision in your favor.

Waive certain contingencies judiciously to render your bid more attractive, but proceed with caution to mitigate undue risk.

Elevate your earnest money deposit to reaffirm your commitment and sincerity toward the purchase.

Market Savvy

Employ an escalation clause to incrementally outbid others while capping your offer at a maximum you’re comfortable with.

Heartfelt Offer Letter

Adaptable Closing Dates

Demonstrate flexibility in closing dates to align with the seller’s preferences, enhancing the appeal of your offer.

Keep a pulse on local market trends and property valuations to inform your bidding strategy with actionable insights.

Prompt and Decisive Action

In a fast-moving market, agility and decisiveness are key. Be prepared to swiftly make and adjust offers based on market dynamics and feedback.

By integrating these strategies, real estate professionals can guide their clients to make informed, competitive offers that stand out in a bidding war, ultimately enhancing their chances of success without compromising their financial boundaries. 14

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KIMBERLY DAVID

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KIMBERLY DAVID — BUILDING A REAL ESTATE BUSINESS THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SERVICE, AND COMMUNITY

Before Kimberly David went full-time into real estate, she had already spent decades building businesses, serving customers, and understanding property from the inside out. As a lifelong entrepreneur, she owned and operated restaurants and flipped houses for 28 years. When her husband retired, Kimberly decided it was time to go all in with real estate, creating a career that allowed her to continue serving her community while using the business experience she had built over many years. Now three years into real estate, Kimberly has grown from working solo to building a small team that now includes one agent and an assistant. She serves Clermont, Brown, and Adams counties, helping clients across communities that each offer something differ16

ent. Kimberly appreciates the variety within these counties and enjoys helping buyers and sellers understand which area best fits their needs, lifestyle, and goals. Kimberly’s approach is rooted in hands-on, top-notch service. She combines social media, local visibility, and national exposure to market herself and her listings. With experience in both business ownership and house flipping, she brings practical knowledge to the process, helping clients look at properties with a clear understanding of opportunity, presentation, and value. Staying connected with clients is also important to Kimberly. She keeps in touch through texts, phone calls, and gifts, making sure clients know she remains available beyond the Copyright Top Agent Magazine

transaction. Her goal is to build lasting relationships, not simply complete one sale. That relationship-focused mindset reflects the way she has always done business: by showing up, serving people well, and staying connected to the community around her. Looking back, Kimberly says she would not spend as much time listening to others who might have caused doubt. Instead, she would continue doing what has always guided her: serving her clients and community, building relationships, and trusting her own work ethic and instincts. Her career has been shaped by persistence, entrepreneurship, and a belief that strong service creates long-term success. Community involvement is a meaningful part of Kimberly’s life. She supports homeless shelters and churches, giving back to people and organizations that serve those in need. For Kimberly, real estate is not separate from community; it is another way to stay

connected, contribute, and help people move forward. Kimberly is grateful to her husband, children, and entire family for their continued love, support, and encouragement. She is also deeply thankful to her clients, whose trust, referrals, and continued support help sustain her small business and allow her to keep serving the community she loves. Kimberly is especially thankful to her broker, who believed in her and her abilities so strongly that he promoted her to Vice President of Commercial Real Estate, giving her the opportunity to grow, take on new challenges, and help build the commercial side of the brokerage. She also thanks her sister, her biggest fan, who has stood beside her, encouraged her, and celebrated every milestone. With a business built on entrepreneurship, service, and community connection, Kimberly continues to help clients move forward with confidence.

For more information about Kimberly, please visit: Facebook | Facebook | Website | TikTok https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuTvdT5WD/

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https://www.facebook.com/share/1ckr1MfQnv/

https://www.kimdavidrealtor.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@kimd4609?_t=ZT-8vcPH3E0WUg&_r=1

AGENTS WITH HEART A pivotal question we pose to featured agents in Top Agent Magazine is, ‘Tell us about your community involvement.’ This query holds immense significance, not only as a benchmark for nominees but also as a crucial factor contributing to the success and prestige of top agents. 18

Top Agent Magazine defines community involvement based on three key factors: Events, Associations, and Charities. Beyond serving clients, top agents demonstrate an outstanding commitment to their communities and the place they call home. Their measures involve volunteering time,

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Community involvement is not just an extracurricular activity for top agents; it’s an essential element that molds their individuality and professional ethos. financial contributions to organizations helping those in need, and active participation in community events. This distinctive trait is a testament to how their generosity extends beyond clients, enhancing the lives of those in their surrounding communities. Take Cindy Ambuehl, a former actress and model who has evolved into one of LA’s most sought-after luxury real estate agents, gracing the cover of Top Agent CINDY AMBUEHL Magazine. Cindy passionately supports PS Arts, a foundation reinstating arts education in schools. Through events and fundraising initiatives, she’s contributed to maintaining art education for an entire year to 30,000 students. Consider Josh Flagg, whose enormous rise in real estate landed him a spot on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing and a cover feature in Top Agent Magazine. Despite his stardom, JOSH FLAGG Josh travels throughout America, mentoring brokers, agents, and students, sharing insights on achieving success. He finds fulfillment in transforming lives through his career and shares, “The Top Agent Magazine

most fulfilling part of my career is knowing that I will change somebody’s life.” These examples are just a peek at how agents engage with their communities. Whether gathering Christmas gifts for underprivileged children, supporting children’s hospitals financially, advocating to end homelessness, or volunteering at local animal shelters, these agents extend their reputation beyond transactions. They’re known not only for their professional success but also for their unwavering support of community causes. Community involvement is not just an extracurricular activity for top agents; it’s an essential element that molds their individuality and professional ethos. In the real estate landscape, where relationships and integrity are central, active participation in the community builds credibility and fosters meaningful connections. Beyond boosting their reputations, community involvement mirrors a profound commitment to the areas they serve. Agents invested in their communities acquire a deep understanding of local needs and through active engagement, these agents become vital parts of the social tapestry, earning the regard and trust of the community. “Agents with Heart” displays how top agents have left a mark on the real estate landscape by imbuing their work with heart and soul, influencing lives outside of transactions.

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JULI ANN KNECHT — HELPING CENTRAL OHIO FAMILIES BUILD STABILITY THROUGH HOMEOWNERSHIP Juli Ann Knecht entered real estate with a genuine desire to educate and help families create stability. For her, that often begins with one of the most important investments a person can make: a home. She understands that homeownership can provide not only a place to live, but also a foundation for long-term security, growth, and opportunity. That purpose continues to guide the way she serves clients throughout every step of the buying and selling process. Now seven years into real estate, Juli Ann leads The Knecht Group, a team built around service, support, and shared commitment. She primarily serves Central Ohio, while also doing significant work in Scioto, Muskingum, Holmes, Knox, and Hocking counties. What she enjoys most about the areas she serves is the variety. With so many different communities, lifestyles, and property types, Juli Ann believes there is a home to meet almost anyone’s needs. Juli Ann’s background in education has shaped the way she works with clients. She believes in providing information, answering questions, and helping people understand their options so they can make confident decisions. Looking back, she says she would have started her real estate journey 30 years earlier, but she also knows her previous experience in the educational field gave her valuable tools for working well with others. That foundation helps her guide clients with patience, clarity, and care.

calls or texts, handwritten notes, and pop-bys with small gifts. Her goal is to remain present, helpful, and trusted long after the transaction is complete. That ongoing connection reflects her belief that real estate is about people first and that strong relationships are built through consistent care. Community involvement is also important to Juli Ann. She supports local school districts and is a vendor with Columbus Public Schools. At the beginning of the school year, she often adopts new schools by providing coffee, donuts, and tokens of appreciation for teachers. She also supports the Children’s Miracle Network and helps with its fundraiser each year. Her commitment to schools and children reflects the same heart for service that led her into real estate. Juli Ann is grateful to Elton Davis, Broker at RE/MAX One, for working alongside her and her team while giving them the tools they need for success. She also appreciates the administrative support of Donna, Mary, Sonya, and Jasmine, who assist behind the scenes with marketing and transactions. Juli Ann is especially thankful for her team partners, Chaz Knecht, Tyler Woodruff, Josh Obert, and Logan Marburger of The Knecht Group. Their support, hard work, and unique ideas keep the team grounded and strong. With a business built on education, teamwork, and genuine care, Juli Ann continues to help Central Ohio families move forward with confidence.

Her marketing approach blends traditional relationship-building with modern communication. Juli Ann still believes in old-school techniques, including personal notes to past clients, which often lead to referrals. She also uses social media to share information about the market and current trends, along with newsletters focused on home buying, safety, and maintenance for those who have already purchased a home. She makes calls daily, staying proactive and connected. For Juli Ann, relationships do not end after the closing table. She stays in touch with clients through quarterly

For more about Juli Ann, please visit: Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Website https://www.facebook.com/juli.knecht.9/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliknechtrealtor/

https://x.com/juliannknecht

https://www.instagram.com/juliknecht

https://juli-knecht.remax.com/

Emotional Fluency:

How to Communicate with Clients When Tensions are High Managing emotions, expectations, and personalities are central to a successful real estate career. After all, this is a business based on relationships and interpersonal communication. Likewise, real estate is built on one of life’s central milestones—homeownership. This means that stress, disappointment, excitement, and competition are inherently Top Agent Magazine

involved in the process. As an agent, you take on the real estate world every day, but most of your clients aren’t well-versed in the norms of the industry and are likely riding an emotional roller coaster throughout. Acknowledging this, how do you steer the ship when emotions and tensions are running high?

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For starters, it’s not always intuitive. Just like you add tools to your arsenal when it comes to marketing, social media, or lead generation, you also have to add emotional tools to your repertoire. Here are a few ways to diffuse tense situations and keep clients on an even keel—even during the ups and downs of the transactional process.

Create realistic expectations from the outset and reinforce them as you go As a seasoned agent, some aspects of the industry may seem run of the mill to you, but may come as a shock to your clients. That’s

why communicating expectations from the beginning can help create reasonable touchpoints in the minds of your clients. In addition to talking through the steps of the transactional process with your clients, consider writing out a checklist or compiling a buyer’s guide that can serve as a resource for them throughout. Think of it like a security blanket, but one that’s built by facts, figures, and anecdotal experience. If you paint a clear picture of what to expect, clients are less likely to be taken by the surprise and react impulsively as a result. What’s more, reinforce next steps, expectations, and possible outcomes as you go. If your client is left to wonder or guess at what’s ahead or

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what will happen, they will either envision the worst-case scenario and panic, or they’ll misjudge the next step and be disappointed or left anxious as a result. Minimize surprises by communicating regularly, clearly, and with all options on the table.

When unveiling a problem, come to clients with potential solutions in hand Any agent worth his or her salt knows that bumps in the road are likely to occur along the way. You can’t promise a transaction free of stress or unforeseen issues, but you can minimize the ensuing stress by preparing you client in advance for any potential problems, and by addressing any problems

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clearly and with solutions already in hand. Clients are likely to become agitated if a problem arises and they can’t understand why or what it means. That’s why slowing it down, talking it through, and offering potential avenues for recourse can quell fears and remind clients why they chose you to facilitate the transactional process. This means you’ll have to vigilant, proactive, and on the ball. Of course, it’s much easier to be an agent when everything is going great and flowing naturally. It’s when things take an unexpected or negative turn that true talent is really tested. Accordingly, show your clients that you are confident and in control by remaining adaptable, communicative, and clear in your problem-solving approach.

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Never underestimate the power of listening As an agent, you are probably well-versed in putting out fires and sourcing solutions. Sometimes, however, clients are really looking to you as a confidante and a listening ear. You’d be surprised how much nervousness you can resolve by simply offering a listening ear and offering reassurance. Sometimes it’s not about providing a band-aid or a practical solution; oftentimes, it’s all about listening. Clients need to feel like they’re being heard, even if you’ve heard it all before. By listening to their fears, acknowledging their perspective, and reiterating their goals—you display your empathy and understanding, which is often just what a client 24

needs to feel better. In other words, you don’t have to break out the graphs and data each time a client airs his or her insecurity. First, slow down, listen, and interact on a personal level. You may stop an emotional upheaval in its tracks simply by putting your listening cap on. Not all clients are alike. Some will require a little more hand-holding than others, but it’s your job to put yourself in their perspective, recognize the milestone at hand, and managing the personalities you’re working with. The next time you feel frustrated by a client’s unpredictable emotional energy, keep these insights in mind as you diffuse the situation, steer them to a place of comfort, and fortify your interpersonal skillset in the process.

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SHELLEY PARSONS — BUILDING REAL ESTATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH TRUST, COMMUNITY, AND CARE After owning a successful salon for 25 years and building a loyal clientele throughout a 40-year career in the nail industry, Shelley Parsons was ready for her next chapter. Real estate felt like a natural fit. Both careers are built on relationships, trust, listening, and helping people feel confident in important decisions. Shelley knew her experience as a business owner, along with the strong connections she had built over the years, would translate naturally into serving clients in real estate. Now four and a half years into the business, Shelley leads a team of three agents serving Summit, Portage, Stark, Cuyahoga, and surrounding counties in Ohio. Her team, Shelley’s Platinum Team, is focused on helping clients navigate buying and selling with care, consistency, and professionalism. Shelley’s background in client service has shaped the way she approaches real estate, with a strong emphasis on communication, trust, and long-term relationships. Shelley loves working in Northeast Ohio because of the strong sense of community and the relationships she has built there over the years. She knows the neighborhoods, the people, and the market, and she truly enjoys helping families find a place they can call home. For Shelley, real estate is not only about matching clients with properties, but also about helping them feel connected to the communities where they are putting down roots. Marketing is an important part of Shelley’s business. She promotes herself and her team through a strong mix of social media, online advertising, postcards, professional branding, and community connections. Staying visible and consistent helps Shelley’s Platinum Team build relationships, reach new clients, and remain top

of mind for anyone looking to buy or sell. Her approach reflects both her business background and her understanding that trust is built over time. Shelley also believes client relationships should continue long after closing. She stays connected with past clients through emails, social media, personal messages, and regular follow-ups. Her goal is for every client to know she remains available for future real estate needs, questions, and referrals. Looking back, Shelley would still focus on building strong relationships and treating every client like family. If she could do anything differently, she would have started sooner with consistent marketing, social media, and personal branding. Community involvement is especially meaningful to Shelley. She proudly supports NAR, the Women’s Council of REALTORS, Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS, and Down syndrome organizations and advocacy. Supporting the Down syndrome community is especially close to her heart, as she is the proud mother of a son with Down syndrome. Giving back, raising awareness, and supporting inclusion are important parts of who Shelley is, both personally and professionally. Shelley is grateful to her former broker, Jody Rearick, for her guidance and support throughout her real estate journey. She also thanks her friends, her mom, her husband, and her children for always believing in her. She is especially appreciative of her loyal salon clients, who supported and encouraged her as she grew into her real estate career, and her new Keller Williams family for welcoming her with open arms during this exciting transition. With a career built on service, relationships, and community, Shelley continues to help Northeast Ohio clients move forward with confidence.

For more information about Shelley, please visit: Instagram | TikTok | Homes.com https://www.instagram.com/shelleyp1881/

https://www.tiktok.com/@shelleyparsons18

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5 Things You Can Do To Achieve Your Biggest Goals If there’s one thing successful people can agree on, it’s that setting goals has been key to their success. Whether you’re creating a five year plan or just settling on what you want to achieve by the end of the day, setting goals gives you the focus and direction you need to complete even the biggest tasks. But there is a method to setting them. It’s a process that takes careful thought and consideration up front, which is then combined with the hard work necessary to implement your plan. Luckily there are proven methods to goal setting that you can start using immediately. 1. MAKE YOUR GOALS SPECIFIC Yes, it’s fun to think in grand terms of where you want to end up in life and in your career, but it’s better to have a specific goal like “Increase my sales by 25%”, than “Get rich.” When a goal is clear and specific, it allows you to figure out the exact steps you need to take to accomplish it. The more general it is, the more paralyzed you might be when it comes to figuring out what to do since, the choices may be overwhelming. 2. MAKE IT ATTAINABLE Making attainable goals might seem boring, I mean afterall, you want to dream big! But you don’t want to suffer through the disappointment of not reaching your goal, something that may not even be possible at this stage in your life to begin with. One solution to that is creating goal levels. You can have the dream goal, but underneath that you have the realistic goals that are setting up a foundation for achieving the big one. Things that are attainable still take work and effort to achieve. Those small victories will keep you motivated and encouraged to go for the bigger dreams. And don’t forget, those 26

little goals may have been things you wouldn’t have gotten done if you didn’t set out to achieve them, so be proud! 3. PUT A PLAN OF ACTION IN WRITING Your plan of action should include daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. There is something about seeing things in writing and crossing them off the list that is oddly satisfying.The daily goals are especially important in regards to building up those good habits. The first few weeks of your plan of action are critical when it comes to your long term success. Reaching a goal is something you are doing every day, all throughout the day, in numerous ways. Achieving goals is all about creating good new habits. 4. MAKE IT MEASURABLE This is key, since you definitely want to reward yourself for a job well done, and having a goal that is measurable in some way is a sure way to know. Maybe it’s to increase your lead generation or to cut expenses, whatever the case, have a measurable test you need to meet, as well as a time frame. Then calculate what you have to do to reach that goal. Not only should your goal be specific, but the plan and the measure of success should also be set in stone. 5. ADJUST AS YOU GO You can have all the best laid plans, and you still might quickly realize that what you thought would help you reach your goal, might not be cutting it. Commitment to reaching your goals is good, but commitment to a plan you know isn’t going to work is not only a waste of time, but will be a devastating blow to your motivation. Sticking to a plan everyday means adjusting it accordingly.

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Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine