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TEXAS EDITION

The Daily Schedule of a

COVER STORY

LISA DYER FEATURED AGENTS

CINDY FRANKLIN KRISTIN BABEK NITIN KUMAR

SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE AGENT

How To Speed Up

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS THRIVING THROUGH THE SLOWDOWN:

What Top Agents Do When Mortgage Rates Are High And Clients Hit Pause

Welcome Home: WORKING WITH RELOCATORS IN TRANSITION

TEXAS EDITION

KRISTIN BABEK NITIN — HELPING ARLINGTON AND MANC KUMAR — HELPING AUSTIN FAMILIES FINDWEALTH THEIR NEXT CHAPTER THROUGH REAL E Nitinestate Kumar’s inspiration to pursue real Kristin Babek got into real because 7 15 21 estate came from she genuinely loves helping people findseeing how the industry people’s financial lives. With their place in the world.can Totransform her, this work a long-standing in investments, has never felt like a job; it feels like interest a business, creating long-term wealth, calling. Every sale represents oneand chapter he realized real estate brought all three closing, and every purchase marksthat a new What motivated him most was the chapter about to begin.together. That perspective opportunity help people make one of the shapes the way she guides clients,toespebiggest meaningful financial decisions of their lives, cially families navigating they were buying their first home, LISA in DYER CINDY FRANKLIN KRISTIN BABEK transitions their lives.whether building an investment portfolio, or selling a property to move toward their next goal. Now seven years into real estate, Kristin

Nitic Staying connected with 27 ing tral to Kristin’s business reac follow-up like a friend through personal listin chec com messages, and genuin rather than relyingmar on adve emails. She also conn resources when theymajo ne simp that means a lender, ven NITIN KUMAR mation, or guidancebutfo Because she works inter with poss sition, those relationshi serves as lead agent Now for 6the Brandee for years as childrenHe gro years into the business and 16 years Kelley Group. She works change,strong and referrals as a realthroughout estate investor, Nitin works as a solo agent servpersonalco b Arlington and Mansfield, communities she knows not stages of life. soc CONTENTS ing Austin and the surrounding area. Over time, he similar has nity. Through only as a Realtor, but developed as someone who passion has called theinvestment side of real a strong for the investor relations area home for more than 50 years. Her knowledge goesHow Looking back, Up Kristin would keep thw estate, especially helping clients identify stays connected 4) Welcome Home: 18) Toopportunities Speed thatknows make financial sense. For Nitin, mindset real estate not wantsreal hisestate namefr far beyond listings. She the best coffee spots, sheisbrought into Working With Relocators First-Time Homebuyer about buying and selling and homes;What it is about build-change knowledge, respo the quietest streets, theonly she would is starting the In Transition schools parents talk about, Transactions ing for relationships, creating wealth, helping nectedearlier with clien the neighborhoods known friendly block parties. To and sooner by people focusing even on c theirshe dreams. allows himrelation to rem Kristin, this is not only achieve the market serves; it is home. tency, and treating every client 13) The Daily Schedule 23) Thriving through theaction is complete that extends well beyond the transactio What Real Nitin loves most aboutSlowdown: the Austin areaWhat is its incredOf A Successful Top Agents Kristin’s background as a business owner gives her a that responsiveness and negotiation clo growth and opportunity.Do Austin and the surroundingRates Looking Estate Agentibleshe when Mortgage are back, N strategic edge in the way markets listings and serves tionships build a business. communities offer strong job growth, ships, staying foc High andexcellent ClientsneighHit Pause clients. For properties,borhoods, she focuses on consistent conexpanding infrastructure, and a high quality and treating every tent, including Just Listed, Open House, and Just Sold Community involvement also imp of life. He enjoys helping clients navigate opportunities trust. is If he could marketing, along with across short-form videoarea, and tools such Sheneighborhoods supports Lake Church, the metro from established focusedMetroplex even earli Phone Offers 310-734-1440 |give Fax sellers 310-734-1440 as iFinder to help an advantage. Her and Bikes for Mission Arlington, to emerging communities and investment markets. Every oping systems,giv em goalmag@topagentmagazine.com is to create visibility, generate interest, and position nizations connected to the people | www.topagentmagazine.com area has something different to offer, which keeps his work on the invest eachNolisting with intention. she serves. Kristin is deeply grateful portion of this issue may work be reproduced in anyand manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. exciting allows him to help clients find the Top Agent patience and cons Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published Brandee Kelley Group, including Br right fit for their goals. ships, reputation, materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Her Topersonal brand, Home withtoKristin,” is hyper-loBecky. She thanks Brandee for theto Nitin is proud subscribe or change “At address, send inquiry mag@topagentmagazine.com. Most of all, Nitin loves the people. Austin attracts famPublished in the U.S. cal to Arlington and Mansfield and built around families trust that have shaped she show andhow Gujarati Sam ilies, entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors from in transition, whether they are upgrading, downsizing, ness, Bree for the systems that Elaziel keep e manager, across the country and around the world. Being able to or finding the right fit for their next season. Everything suppor smoothly, and Becky work, for herand support an help them find the right home or investment and become 2 Top Agent Magazine in investments, re she does connects back to two of her strongest qualities: With a career built on relationships, part of a growing community is one of the most rewardNitin continues responsiveness and negotiation. Kristin understands that and genuine care, Kristin continuesto

CINDY FRANKLIN

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Welcome Home:

Working with Relocators in Transition People stage moves for all sorts of reasons. From the joyous and pre-planned, to the unfortunate and unexpected, new chapters begin with the help of an agent. When you’re working with buyers from a different region, state, or country, the typical complications of a transaction can be compounded. So, what’s a savvy agent to do? For starters, envision the big picture. Relocators have extra obstacles between them and 4

their dream home. They don’t necessarily know which neighborhoods are ideal for their lifestyle, what they should budget for utilities, what type of homeowner’s insurance is ideal, or how they can tour, let alone close, on a house from afar. All in all, it’s a tall order, but if you can manage a relocation transaction successfully, you could tap into a sizable pool of clientele. Think of it this way: if you’re the shining star of a relocator’s moving process, their word-of-mouth praise could be Top Agent Magazine

exponential. Likewise, a winning reputation within that client’s corporate sphere could lead to lucrative, stable referrals and partnerships for years to come. Here are a few key ways to help clients navigate the relocation process with minimal stress and maximum results.

Create a full-scale timeline for you and your client that makes expectations clear. Moving is already one of life’s biggest stressors, but relocations have a dozen more moving parts than your average deal. Consider creating a master-plan of sorts to help you and your client visualize the steps required to achieve success in the midst of a relocation. Even from afar, your client will be able to refer to the roadmap you’ve set. Likewise, this makes sure you and your client are on the same page regarding expectations, timelines, and checklists. Assemble an articulated, overarching game plan also helps demystify the process and lower stress. Instead of clients wondering what’s next, what’s needed, who to call, and when to be ready—handy guidelines of your own devising will be at their fingertips. Top Agent Magazine

Attune your communication style so that nothing goes overlooked or miscommunicated. Establish early on how your client prefers to communicate and which methods should be excluded. Also, make sure to outline what timeframes are ideal to communicate in, and how often they expect to hear from you with status updates or follow-ups. Some clients might prefer a more hands-off approach that lets you manage most details behind the scenes with updates only when progress is made. Most clients in the midst of a serious relocation, however, will prefer to be in touch more frequently. Customizing is key. If they prefer text messages and emails over calls, that’s a helpful detail to know from the outset. If they prefer face-to-face video chats or can only speak after business hours—those are also key parameters to work within. The less mystery and hassle, the better.

Be a local resource with vetted recommendations and vendors on-hand. Relocating homeowners may not know the best neighborhoods and their amenities, or where the best school districts are, which areas are high-traffic, or where their dollar might stretch a little further. Identifying your clients’ goals can help narrow this field, but you’ll also want to be careful not to overwhelm them with information. After all, they’re taking on a huge life transition and making a move as an outsider. You’ll want to serve as a onestop-shop who can remove some steps and stress from their organizational obligations. Have a contractor who can get a head-start on home projects while clients make the move?

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Excellent. Or, perhaps you can provide an out-of-state agent referral so that clients can sell their existing property in a timeline that works in conjunction with their new purchase. Make yourself a community expert and a connector, and you’ve won a client— and their referrals—for much longer than a single transaction.

Think outside the box when weighing variables. Relocations aren’t your typical transaction. You’ll need to do a bit more planning to avoid pitfalls along the way. For instance, have you considered how you’ll tour homes with clients if they live hundreds of miles away? Are there time zone differences to factor in?

If clients are relocating from another country, are there any special visa or naturalization considerations? How will their belongings travel? Are there pets to relocate? There are plenty of questions to ask and plan for, but the key is to be communicative and thorough up front. The more information and planning time you have, the smoother the transition will go. There are certified real estate agent designations you can pursue that set you apart for your experience when it comes to relocations, but in lieu of those—arm yourself with the planning details and methods that will make your client a raving fan. In the process, you’ll up your game, create a happy client, and hopefully field similar business for years to come.

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LISA DYER

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Lisa Dyer — Helping Denton County Clients Move Forward with Service, Care, and Community Connection When Lisa Dyer moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area from Virginia, she was a fairly new empty nester ready for a new chapter. After 14 years in education, she wanted a career where she could take charge of her own destiny. Real estate had been suggested to her before, and she had even taken the classes 10 years earlier, but the timing had never been right. In 2018, everything aligned. With the support of her husband, Jim, Lisa decided to go for it, and she is grateful she did. Today, she loves being part of helping someone’s dream come true. Now just over eight years into the business, Lisa works as a solo agent while regularly partnering with a trusted group of professionals, including a marketing expert, skilled photographer, transaction coordinator, and stager. That support allows her to deliver strong service while giving each client and listing the attention it deserves. Lisa primarily serves the western half of Denton County, including Justin, Northlake, Robson Ranch, and Argyle. She loves the feel of southwestern Denton County and 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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the people who make it special. To her, the area has a true spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, and she appreciates being able to live, work, and serve in a community where connection still matters. Marketing is an important part of Lisa’s business. She uses her websites, LisaDyer .com and RobsonRanchHouses.com, along with social media, home-buying groups,

property videos, and open houses to promote her listings. When it comes to marketing herself, Lisa focuses on delivering quality service, strong customer care, and results. Much of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals, and she believes that results speak for themselves. Lisa also works to stay connected with past clients in thoughtful and personal ways.

Lisa primarily serves the western half of Denton County, including Justin, Northlake, Robson Ranch, and Argyle. She loves the feel of southwestern Denton County and the people who make it special.

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When it comes to marketing herself, Lisa focuses on delivering quality service, strong customer care, and results. Much of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals, and she believes that results speak for themselves. She sends monthly newsletters, holiday texts, and holiday cards, connects through social media, and has mailed lottery scratchoffs or delivered pop-by goodies from time to time. For Lisa, client relationships do not end at closing. She wants the people she serves to know she remains available, involved, and grateful for their trust. Looking back, Lisa believes things worked out the way they were supposed to. She was still fairly new to the DFW area when Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

she became an agent, having lived there for only a year. She simply worked hard, remained willing to go where the business was, and focused on helping clients along the way. That steady approach has helped her build a business rooted in service, persistence, and referrals. Community involvement is also important to Lisa. She is a member of the Club of Champions Rotary in Justin, through which she has helped support local fire Top Agent Magazine

and rescue and police departments, the Northwest ISD Education Foundation, Denton Freedom House, Habitat for Humanity, and Ranch Hands Rescue. She also supports the Justin Heritage Foundation and the Community Clothes Closet. Lisa is grateful to her past broker, Keisha York; current broker, Chrissa Hartle; fellow agent Jeff Taylor; her team

of Leslie Burnett, Monica Housewright, Bethany Guala-Bahamondes, and Jill Mueller; and her mentor, Tom Knox. Most of all, she is thankful for her husband, Jim Dyer, whose support gave her the wings to fly. With a business built on care, results, and community, Lisa continues to help Denton County clients move forward with confidence.

For Lisa, client relationships do not end at closing. She wants the people she serves to know she remains available, involved, and grateful for their trust.

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For more information about Lisa, please visit: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube https://www.facebook.com/RealtorLisaDyer

https://www.instagram.com/realtorlisadyer

https://www.youtube.com/@LisaDyerRealtor

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The Daily Schedule

of a Successful Real Estate Agent Everything you do should be intentional. A busy schedule isn’t the same thing as a productive schedule. Sometimes people write things like “find clients” on their to-do list, but finding clients isn’t actually a task. It’s a goal. Your daily schedule should be created with your goal in mind if you want to be a successful real estate agent, but a goal is too broad to add to your calendar. Instead, you can break your goal down into projects, break those projects down into tasks, and schedule time in your calendar to complete each task. You’ll find that some of these projects will have an immediate impact on your business, and that those are the tasks that should be completed first. Top Agent Magazine

The fact is that as a real estate agent you can set your own schedule—if you’re not productive until 10am, then you don’t have to start your day until then. But having a daily schedule means that every day you have a running start on all those other agents who just “wing it.” You don’t want to feel burned out and busy but like you’re simultaneously not getting a whole lot done. You can only keep up 70+ hour weeks for so long before your body breaks down and both your performance and income drop as a result. Since every real estate agent’s operating hours look different, the following daily schedule is broken up by the suggested amount of hours you

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should spend on each task rather than specific times of day. However, certain tasks, like prospecting, appointments, and listing presentations should be performed at times when it’s most convenient for clients. If you’re an agent who likes to end their workday at 5 o’clock, remember that this is also the same time your clients are likely ending their day, meaning you might be unavailable for showings during the only time their schedule allows.

3.5 hours – This is that time of day that you should schedule all your appointments and listing presentations. If you are a newer agent, you might use this time instead to do more prospecting and appointment setting.

1 hour – Spend this time waking up, exercising either at home or at the gym, and eating breakfast.

2 hours – Now it’s time to unwind. Use this time to have dinner and spend time with you family. If you have children, this is usually the time of day when they are wrapping up homework assignments and getting ready for bed. It’s important that you make time for these moments the same way you make time for your work.

2 hours – Use this time before you head to the office to develop a morning routine, if you haven’t already. You can meditate, journal, practice affirmations, or read personal development books to prepare for the day ahead. 1 hour – Once you’re at the office, spend this time to review the day’s schedule, catch up with your assistant or other colleagues, and check the latest industry news. This is also the time of day that you can role play to prepare for appointments. 1.5 hours – Spend this time prospecting and appointment setting. 1 hour – Now it’s time for a lunch break. If you’re a multitasker, you can also use this time to prepare for the afternoon and any meetings you have scheduled or connect with followers on social media.

.5 hours – Look over the day’s schedule again and ensure you’ve checked every task off your to-do list. While you’re at it, be sure to review tomorrow’s schedule and goals too.

2 hours – Spend these last couple hours before you fall asleep to have quality time with your spouse or perform your self-care routines. 8 hours – Now it’s time for sleep—getting a full night’s rest is crucial if you want every day to be productive. As you can tell, there’s still some wiggle room left in this schedule, but the important thing is to block out time every day so you can achieve your goals and help your clients.

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CINDY FRANKLIN

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CINDY FRANKLIN — BUILDING A BUSINESS THROUGH FAITH, RESILIENCE, AND SERVICE

For Cindy Franklin, the answer to “Why real estate?” goes far beyond buying and selling homes. In 2019, Cindy was a single mother walking through one of the hardest and most uncertain seasons of her life. After spending about 10 years in property leasing and many years as a bartender, she knew how to work hard and how to serve people. But she wanted something different for herself and her daughter. Real estate seemed like an opportunity to create financial stability while also giving her something she desperately wanted at that stage of life: flexibility and more time to be a present mother. Once Cindy stepped into real estate, she quickly learned that the flexible lifestyle

she had imagined was not the reality, especially in the beginning. Building a business from the ground up meant long days, unpredictable schedules, late-night calls, weekends, constant problem-solving, and learning an entirely new side of the industry. There were seasons when real estate seemed to demand more of her time, not less, with no immediate return sometimes. At one point, she joked that “flexibility” must have been a typo for “available 24/7 with snacks in the car.” Instead of allowing that reality to defeat her, Cindy began learning how to build a business rather than simply work as an agent. Year after year, she invested in her knowledge, strengthened her processes, Copyright Top Agent Magazine

built relationships with trusted industry professionals, and created systems and infrastructure that allowed her to serve clients at a high level without carrying every piece of the business alone. Those systems continue to be modified, refined, and upgraded because Cindy believes growth requires being willing to recognize what is not working and make it better.

and her family, who have stood beside her, encouraged her, and believed in her through every step of the journey. Cindy carries that gratitude into the way she serves others, approaching her work with faith, humility, and a desire to help every client feel supported, protected, and cared for.

Today, the flexibility she originally imagined looks much different. It did not come automatically with earning a real estate license. She had to build it. In many ways, that journey has shaped the vision she now has for Initio Realty Group LLC. Cindy is building a business designed not only to grow in production, but also to create the structure, systems, support, and relationships necessary for sustainable growth. She wants to serve more people without losing the personal care and integrity that her business was built on. Looking back, Cindy can see that real estate was only one piece of a much larger transformation. What began during a season of uncertainty eventually became part of a life she could not have fully imagined at the time. In what feels to her like the blink of an eye, God changed the trajectory of her life, her family, and her future. None of this would have been possible without her biggest support system, including her husband, Kevin Franklin,

Find out more about Cindy, please visit Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/cindyfranklinrealtor

https://www.facebook.com/CINDYFRANKLINSELLSDFW

How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon. Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 18

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises. So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises. Set expectations upfront and often. It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc. Then, tailor your outreach accordingly. Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks. There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research. The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate. Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge. All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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KRISTIN BABEK — HELPING ARLINGTON AND MANSFIELD FAMILIES FIND THEIR NEXT CHAPTER Kristin Babek got into real estate because she genuinely loves helping people find their place in the world. To her, this work has never felt like a job; it feels like a calling. Every sale represents one chapter closing, and every purchase marks a new chapter about to begin. That perspective shapes the way she guides clients, especially families navigating meaningful transitions in their lives. Now seven years into real estate, Kristin serves as lead agent for the Brandee Kelley Group. She works throughout Arlington and Mansfield, communities she knows not only as a Realtor, but as someone who has called the area home for more than 50 years. Her knowledge goes far beyond listings. She knows the best coffee spots, the quietest streets, the schools parents talk about, and the neighborhoods known for friendly block parties. To Kristin, this is not only the market she serves; it is home. Kristin’s background as a business owner gives her a strategic edge in the way she markets listings and serves clients. For properties, she focuses on consistent content, including Just Listed, Open House, and Just Sold marketing, along with short-form video and tools such as iFinder Offers to help give sellers an advantage. Her goal is to create visibility, generate interest, and position each listing with intention. Her personal brand, “At Home with Kristin,” is hyper-local to Arlington and Mansfield and built around families in transition, whether they are upgrading, downsizing, or finding the right fit for their next season. Everything she does connects back to two of her strongest qualities: responsiveness and negotiation. Kristin understands that attention may open the door, but trust is what leads to successful closings and long-term client relationships.

Staying connected with clients is also central to Kristin’s business. She approaches follow-up like a friend, not a marketer, through personal check-ins, milestone messages, and genuine conversations rather than relying only on automated emails. She also connects clients with resources when they need them, whether that means a lender, vendor, market information, or guidance for a future move. Because she works with families in transition, those relationships often continue for years as children grow, circumstances change, and referrals come from others in similar stages of life. Looking back, Kristin would keep the business-owner mindset she brought into real estate from the beginning. What she would change is starting the long-term vision sooner by focusing even earlier on check-ins, consistency, and treating every client relationship as something that extends well beyond the transaction. She has learned that responsiveness and negotiation close deals, but relationships build a business. Community involvement is also important to Kristin. She supports Lake Church, Metroplex Women’s Clinic, and Bikes for Mission Arlington, giving back to organizations connected to the people and communities she serves. Kristin is deeply grateful to her team at the Brandee Kelley Group, including Brandee, Bree, and Becky. She thanks Brandee for the opportunities and trust that have shaped how she shows up in the business, Bree for the systems that keep everything running smoothly, and Becky for her support and encouragement. With a career built on relationships, local knowledge, and genuine care, Kristin continues to help Arlington and Mansfield families find the place where their next chapter can begin.

For more information about Kristin, please visit: Facebook and Instagram https://www.facebook.com/kristin.babek

https://www.instagram.com/kristinbabek.realtor

mag@TopAgentMagazine.com http://www.TopAgentMagazine.com

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Thriving Through the Slowdown: Slowdown:

WHAT TOP AGENTS DO

When Mortgage Rates Are High and Clients Hit Pause Written by Jessica Fisher, Top Agent Magazine Publisher

When mortgage rates climb and client confidence stalls, the real estate market shifts into a slower gear. Buyers put their plans on hold, sellers get nervous, and suddenly, those once-hot leads go cold. It’s a cycle every agent knows—but not all navigate it the same way. Top Agent Magazine

The most successful agents don’t just wait out slow markets; they work them. They use downtime as runway. Because real estate, at its core, is a rollercoaster—filled with highs, lows, unexpected turns, and thrilling rebounds. And those who understand that are always preparing for the next climb, even when the ride slows down.

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What Agents Should Do in a Slow Market Here’s how top-producing agents maximize their time and mindset when the market cools and clients choose to wait.

Embrace the Downtime as a Strategic Gift

It’s tempting to view a slow market as a setback—but what if it’s actually a setup for your next breakthrough? Downtime allows you to do the work you often push aside during busier seasons. Think of it as your off-season training. Athletes don’t just play during game time—they condition, study, and strategize during the off-season so they’re sharper when competition returns. The same applies here. • Revisit your business plan. What worked this year? What didn’t? Refine your goals and track your metrics. • Organize your systems. Clean up your CRM, refresh your email templates, and streamline your listing and buying processes. • Take a break—intentionally. Recharging your mindset is productive, too. This industry demands energy, and rest is part of resilience. By shifting your perspective from scarcity to strategy, you’ll find that this “slower” time can actually be your most productive yet. 24

Master Your Market and Elevate Your Expertise

In uncertain markets, clients crave certainty. That doesn’t mean you have all the answers— but it does mean you can provide clarity. Use this time to become the agent who doesn’t just show homes, but explains the market. • Deepen your economic knowledge. Understand how interest rates impact buying power and pricing trends. Learn how sellers can use concessions or rate buydowns to create win-win deals. • Get additional certifications. Consider designations like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) to enhance your expertise. • Follow local data weekly. Be able to answer: How many homes sold last month? Are prices holding steady? Where’s the inventory? The more fluent you are in your market’s story, the more confident your clients will be in working with you—even if they’re not ready yet.

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Stay Top of Mind Without Selling

When clients feel uncertain, the worst thing you can do is push. Instead, lean into valuebased marketing. Show up as an advisor—not a salesperson. • Create useful content. Videos, newsletters, or blog posts that break down current conditions show you’re active and informed. • Host no-pressure events. Webinars like “What Buyers Should Know in Today’s Market” or community meetups keep your presence warm and helpful. • Send personal check-ins. Reach out to past clients just to say hello, share a relevant tip, or see how their home is treating them. These moments build trust. So when your client is ready to move, they’ll remember that

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you stayed engaged—not just when the market was hot, but when it mattered most.

Focus on Relationships, Not Just Transactions

Deals may slow down, but relationships never go out of season. Use this time to deepen your network. • Reconnect with past clients. A note, call, or coffee can spark future referrals or repeat business. • Collaborate with vendors. Stagers, lenders, inspectors—now’s the time to build stronger partnerships and find ways to co-market. • Give first. Recommend local businesses, highlight community events, or offer to help with homeownership questions. Being generous with your time builds loyalty.

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Keep Showing Up— Because the Slow Market Will Turn

History shows it time and again: real estate rebounds. Rates drop, confidence returns, and the clients who were waiting suddenly jump in. The question is—will you be ready when they do? Consistency is your competitive advantage. • Keep posting. Even if engagement dips, stay visible. • Keep learning. Markets shift, and knowledge is your edge. • Keep moving. Host open houses, preview listings, attend broker tours—activity fuels momentum. Agents who retreat during slow periods have to start over when the market wakes up. But those who stay present, focused, and proactive? They’re already ten steps ahead.

Use the Dip in the Slow market to Prepare for the Climb Real estate is a cyclical business. Every slowdown is followed by an upswing. And the agents who succeed long-term are those who accept that truth, prepare through the pauses, and never let external conditions define their value. High mortgage rates might slow your pace, but they don’t stop your purpose. Embrace the down-time. Improve your skills. Stay visible. Strengthen relationships. Because when the market comes back—and it will—you won’t just be back in the game. You’ll be leading it. 26

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NITIN KUMAR — HELPING AUSTIN CLIENTS BUILD WEALTH THROUGH REAL ESTATE Nitin Kumar’s inspiration to pursue real estate came from seeing how the industry can transform people’s financial lives. With a long-standing interest in investments, business, and creating long-term wealth, he realized that real estate brought all three together. What motivated him most was the opportunity to help people make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, whether they were buying their first home, building an investment portfolio, or selling a property to move toward their next goal. Now 6 years into the business and 16 years as a real estate investor, Nitin works as a solo agent serving Austin and the surrounding area. Over time, he has developed a strong passion for the investment side of real estate, especially helping clients identify opportunities that make financial sense. For Nitin, real estate is not only about buying and selling homes; it is about building relationships, creating wealth, and helping people achieve their dreams. What Nitin loves most about the Austin area is its incredible growth and opportunity. Austin and the surrounding communities offer strong job growth, excellent neighborhoods, expanding infrastructure, and a high quality of life. He enjoys helping clients navigate opportunities across the metro area, from established neighborhoods to emerging communities and investment markets. Every area has something different to offer, which keeps his work exciting and allows him to help clients find the right fit for their goals. Most of all, Nitin loves the people. Austin attracts families, entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors from across the country and around the world. Being able to help them find the right home or investment and become part of a growing community is one of the most rewarding parts of his work as a Realtor.

Nitin believes effective real estate marketing combines strong presentation, online reach, and personal relationships. For his listings, he uses professional photography, compelling property descriptions, video marketing, social media, targeted online advertising, and strategic exposure across major real estate platforms. His goal is not simply to place a property on the market, but to create attention, generate qualified interest, and position his clients for the best possible outcome. He also markets himself by building a strong personal brand and staying active in the community. Through social media, networking, client referrals, investor relationships, and educational content, Nitin stays connected with buyers, sellers, and investors. He wants his name to represent professionalism, market knowledge, responsiveness, and results. Staying connected with clients through emails, calls, and messages allows him to remain a trusted resource long after a transaction is complete. Looking back, Nitin would continue building relationships, staying focused on clients, learning the market, and treating every transaction as an opportunity to earn trust. If he could do anything differently, he would have focused even earlier on building a personal brand, developing systems, embracing technology, and deepening his work on the investment side of real estate. He also believes patience and consistency are essential, because relationships, reputation, and knowledge compound over time. Nitin is proud to support the Sastha Tamil Foundation and Gujarati Samaj, and he is grateful to his operations manager, Elaziel Roche, for her professionalism, hard work, and support of his business. With a career rooted in investments, relationships, and long-term opportunity, Nitin continues to help Austin-area clients move forward with confidence.

Find out more about Nitin, please visit: Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/nitinaustinrealtor/

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https://www.youtube.com/@NITINAUSTINREALTOR

https://www.facebook.com/NitinAustinRealtor/

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