WASHINGTON 3-30-20

WASHINGTON EDITION

Keeping in touch –

6 Things You Need to Do to BE A GREAT MENTOR MODERN EMAIL ETIQUETTE FOR TODAY’S AGENTS

How to Stay in Your Clients’ Lives for the Long Haul FEATURED AGENTS

ASHLEY SCRUPPS JOSH McCUISTION COVER STORY

John Guarisco

WASHINGTON EDITION

ASHLEY SCRUPPS 7

JOHN GUARISCO

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JOSH McC

When his parents new house, a ten-ye McCuistion was fas the inner workings estate process. It w this time that th becoming a REAL ASHLEY SCRUPPS JOSH McCUISTION day was sparked. B after high school took Josh into residentia tion, he spenttrack overrecord.

15 years remodel What’s more, Ashley Scrupps always had an interest in and real estate.

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John Guarisco

4) 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO 20) MODERN EMAILgoal might be. Oftentimes, w challenging. technology, she quickly worked her way the corpoJoshupstarted out onthata might team,bebut currentlyW TO BE A GREAT MENTORrate ladder. But Ashley decided ETIQUETTE FOR TODAY’S straightforward, many end u the view at the top was ofthat’s Southwest when it’sWashing really im not her calling.

AGENTSand serves the areaand a high 80% referral rate.

“I trulywho believe hardworking team will g 13) KEEPING IN TOUCH While – she was deciding what her calling kind ofgetting deal, we the always g mighthire be, she people me, the they’re bes spent a whirlwind year adventuring through dozens of 22) HOW TO market.

OVERCOME HOW TO STAY IN YOUR CLIENTS’ in the I’m hyper focused on countries around the globe, while living out of a backWhen listing properties, Ash Washington. I grew up here; I know this a YOURto WORKPLACE LIVES FOR THE LONG HAUL ground in marketing to pre pack. Ultimately, she returned her native State of FEARS

of my hand.market My clients come back exposure.

Professio Washington to settle down and launchback her true calling.

That was just short of three years ago, and of in the homes inthat theirthey finestget and m level caretime and thought thro campaigns earn high since, Ashley has swiftly established process. herself as aMost rising of digital my clients have becom ideal buyers in short order. A regional leader, complete with a reputation for savvy friends. They alsoherself appreciate my knowl marketing, superlative client care, and a personal touch. in the luxury market the business.” With of construction shy years of $1.5-million.

She emp Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 belt, in Josh is easily able to she findandgreat res price-point, her team Today, Ashley heads a tight-knit team Scrupps Estates, serving clients across the State of Washington and sellers of all kinds.

“I his sellers who are looking to fix up th mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com homebuyers,” she admi through her network of regional experts. Last year, beforeof they hit thetime market.

No portion of this issue may be reproduced inshe any and manner whatsoever without prior consent the publisher.

Top Agent people who need extra time her team closed $15-million in volume and Magazine is published by Feature Publicationscontinue GA, Inc. Although are Almost taken to ensure the accuracy of published to breakprecautions new ground. the entirety of credit to buy a home, and it’ materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be heldAshley’s responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

While most agents their listings are market the best testimonials of w business is driven by repeat and referral clienTo subscribe or change address, send inquiry tele to mag@topagentmagazine.com. who trust her astute eye, wise counsel, and proven set ourselves apart by worki media and home sites, Josh likes to tak Published in the U.S.

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steps further by actively prospecting. He Co to-door and asks the nearby residents if anybody that they would want to be thei Top Agent Magazine He makes hundreds of phone calls each also utilizes an outside company to mak

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

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6 Things You Need to Do to Be a Great Mentor

Everyone reaches the point in their career where they feel they have gained enough experience and wisdom about business and what it takes to succeed, to actually help someone else achieve the same. Although you may have trained or given advice over the years, taking on the official status as a mentor to someone is a whole new ball game.

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Although mentorship is an unpaid endeavor, you’ll be surprised to find out how much you’ll gain from the experience. You’ll also grow as a business person through the process of teaching someone else. It’s also an endeavor that many will pay forward one day, creating a business atmosphere that is based more on mutual success than competition, which is better for everyone.

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If you were mentored, you may already have an idea of what it entails, and what you liked or didn’t like in your mentor/mentee relationship. Although it is a personal relationship that will need an individual approach, there are certain things that are key when it comes to being a great mentor: 1. Be a good listener

est about your own failures. It can be a huge relief to find out someone they look up to has gone through similar experiences and still managed to come out on top. As we all know, oftentimes the greatest lessons come from failures, which can be times when our character is truly tested. Building trust through mutual respect and honesty will make every aspect of your mentorship more effective.

You’re basically a sounding board who needs to hear your mentee’s ideas, plans and goals in order to advise them. Strong, constant and clear communication is key to any successful mentoring relationship.

Sometimes just letting them talk things out with you, will lead to them to discovering the solution they were looking for.

2. Set expectations and goals at the start When listening to your mentee in your first meeting about the potential relationship, it’s important to establish the parameters of what that relationship will be: What can you give them? What do they need or expect from you? Once the terms are agreed upon, you may want to set specific goals you’ll be working on together so that there’s a defined plan of action, timeline and result you can both expect.

3. Be honest This is important when it comes to offering them constructive criticism or tough love, but more importantly, you need to be honTop Agent Magazine

4. Get them to think, don’t make decisions for them Sometimes being a mentor is being a bit like a psychologist. By asking certain ques-

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tions you can lead your mentee to their own conclusions about their business dilemmas and strategies to reach their goals. Being a mentor is all about guidance. Build confidence by drawing out the best in your mentee rather than just presenting them with solutions.

5. Look at the situation objectively One of the key strengths you offer your mentee is a complete emotional detachment to their business. You have no sentimental attachment to doing things a certain way or working with an incompetent vendor because you ‘go way back’. Your only motive is what’s best for your mentee and their business. Although emotions cans still get in the way sometimes, having a detached perspective on hand to guide you is invaluable.

6. Don’t just offer constructive criticism, be supportive Yes, being a mentor is sometimes advising your mentee that he’s doing something ineffectively, but your main purpose is to alway approach everything like cheerleader.

You need to let them know that through it 6

all, you are a reliable support to them and have a complete belief in their abilities.

Make sure to always praise their accomplishments.

Remember: your job as a mentor is more about guidance than constant feedback.

Your goal is to help someone become the best they can be, not someone who just does everything the way you do it. You’re helping them build confidence in their own intuition, which will hopefully lead to a lifetime of success, and one day, they too might be a valuable resource to another mentee down the road.

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John Guarisco

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John Guarisco Top Agent John Guarisco is based in Spokane and serves the Eastern Washington area as part of RE/MAX Inland Empire.

John Guarisco began his career in real estate in 2018, after running his own businesses for many years before that. A former on-air radio personality, he got into sales and marketing selling radio ads and eventually started 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

his own successful advertising company.

When it was time to enter his “second act,� he decided to pursue his passion of working in real estate. It is his lifetime of experience forging personal connections that gives John Top Agent Magazine

the perspective and the compassion that his clients value.

John is based in Spokane and serves the Eastern Washington area as part of RE/MAX Inland Empire. He thrives on referrals, with 80% of all his business coming from current relationships. “That’s not by mistake,” John Top Agent Magazine

emphasizes. “You don’t find success in real estate overnight. It’s the 30 years of work you put in getting to know people in your community.” John is the epitome of a “people person,” preferring to make personal connections rather than rely too much on impersonal methods like technology. He would rather speak face-to-face or pick up the phone than Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“I don’t care if it’s a $60,000 land deal or a $1.2 million estate deal. It’s not about the money, it’s about serving the client the best you can.” do business over social media or texting, and it’s this genuine personal touch that truly sets John apart. A gifted communicator, he believes in giving his clients “a good road map on why our best deal will be the best deal.”

John ended his first full year in real estate with just under $6 million in sales, and he currently holds almost $4 million in listings, including some new construction developments in Spokane. His strong ability to work with people from any walk of life gives him the edge in a competitive market. “In a strong Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

market like this, you need to have wisdom and negotiating skills to work with the other agents to be able to get your deal through amongst 15 offers. You have to stand out in a crowd.”

John’s approach to real estate centers around service. “I believe in giving people what they need without expecting anything in return,” he says. “I don’t care if it’s a $60,000 land deal or a $1.2 million estate deal. It’s not about the money, it’s about serving the client the best you can.” His favorite thing about working in real estate is helping people, and he takes Top Agent Magazine

pride in being able to play such an important role in making the dream of homeownership a reality for so many. “Take the money out of the equation, and they got a home,” he says. “I like helping young people, getting them into a first Top Agent Magazine

home that, 20 years from now, they might say, ‘That was the best investment we ever made.’

Or helping an older person downsize from a big house because that’s going to be better for their health and way of life. And I like finding Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

people who may have had a credit challenge, helping them find creative ways to get that fixed and get them into a home.”

week, he can be found getting out in his community. “I go to every community event I can,” he says. “It’s personal for me.”

John’s dedication to serving others is especially evident in his extensive community involvement. He is heavily involved in the Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as local civic life in general. Just about any night of the

In the future, he says, “I want to continue making people happy with their real-estate transactions.

Just as I want to build wealth for my family in real estate, I also want to help build other people’s wealth in real estate.”

To find out more about John Guarisco, you can contact him by phone at 509-220-2000, by email at John@PerfectPlaceRealEstate.com, or visit perfectplacerealestate.com www.

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HOW TO STAY IN YOUR CLIENTS’ LIVES FOR THE LONG HAUL

One sign of a great real estate agent is there long list of loyal client following. Part of achieving a great referral base is being a great realtor during the transaction. But, that’s only half of the work.

To truly be your client’s realtor for life and keep them coming back to you as well as referring others to you, you have to stay in their lives past the transaction. Keeping in touch with your past clients can be one of the most important parts of your business, and one that many realtors tend to push to the wayside.

Do you stay in your client’s lives, or do you disappear? People refer people that they feel they know well and that they trust, people they consider friends. However, earning and keeping your client’s trust involves maintaining a delicate balance with how much you contact them. Experts recommend reaching out to your clients at least quarterly. But, it’s not just about how often you stay in touch. You also need to be mindful about how you are reaching out to them. Here are some tips on how to keep in touch with your clients for the long haul: Top Agent Magazine

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INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL CONTACT One of the best ways to keep in touch with your clients is to simply give them a call every once in a while. Follow up and see how your clients are doing. Offer them assistance if they need it. Personalized contact helps to ensure that you remain as important to your clients long after the sale as you were during the transaction. Giving your clients a call on special occasions such as birthdays or holidays also makes for a great personal touch.

Of course, nothing beats face-to-face contact. Stopping by to say hello can be a great way to keep in contact. An even better way to catch up and maintain that friendship is to set up a lunch or coffee date with past clients. Giving individual clients your undivided attention goes a long way towards maintaining that bond you formed during the transaction and earning your client’s loyalty and trust. Interactions like this make a lasting impression on your clients.

Of course, many busy REALTORS® may not have time to follow up with every client oneon-one. A great way to still give personal attention to your clients without meeting each and every one for lunch is to throw a client appreciation party. This allows you to get in some face-to-face time with each client and make sure they all get your undivided attention and quality time to catch up with you, even if it’s only for a short time.

Now, if you have a lot of past clients, this can be difficult to manage during one party. One way to get around the numbers problem is to organize smaller events based on client’s inter-

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ests. Instead of throwing one giant party, host a pool party for the families with kids or a wine and cheese get together for single clients. Hosting special events like these ones goes a long way towards keeping your contact with past clients more personalized and setting you apart from those businesses that simply send them a calendar once a year.

PROVIDE CLIENTS WITH USEFUL NEWS PROVIDE CLIENTS WITH USEFUL NEWS One way that many REALTORSÂŽ keep in touch with their clients is by sending them newsletters. This form of contact can be a double-edged sword. You want to make sure you provide them with useful information that reminds them of your value as a real estate professional.

Otherwise your communication will amount to nothing more than spam, and clients will think of you less as a trusted friend and more as a nuisance salesperson.

Clients react much more positively to communication containing information that is pertinent to their lives. Update your clients on what is going on in their local community and housing market. Demonstrate your knowledge about the community and the things that are important to your clients. Include information about local cultural events, community news, housing statistics, information on the mortgage market, home maintenance advice, home design tips, and anything else that your clients will find personally useful. Your clients will always be interested in value.

SEND CLIENTS MEMORABLE AND PERSONAL CARDS Sending your clients cards related to important events in their lives and letting them know that you remember those events and care will go a long way towards building and maintaining a close personal relationship with them. You want to make sure your cards stand out, though. Sending popular holiday cards can be a mistake, as they will most likely get lost amongst all of your clients other holiday cards and will be quickly forgotten. Instead send something more personal such as: HOME ANNIVERSARY CARDS: Send cards to each client on the anniversary of the closing of their home.

CONGRATULATORY CARDS: Remember important events such as wedding anniversaries, graduations, new babies, etc.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY CARDS: Instead of just sending your typical birthday card, add something special to yours that will stand out. Include a $1 scratch off ticket or a $5 gift certificate to Starbucks. Make sure to include a handwritten personal note.

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GIVE CLIENTS AN UNUSUAL GIFT Make sure the gifts you send your past clients stand out. Send your past clients an odd gift at the beginning of the year or on a holiday. Think outside the box and send things like funny magnets, customized mugs, a personalized piece of wall décor, and other fun and unusual items. A great way to make your gift stand out even more is to include a funny note with it that will catch their attention as well as make them think of you. For example, one cute idea is to send clients a bag of popcorn with the note, “Real estate is popping, give me a call.” You could send a bag of goldfish with a note attached that says, “I’m fishing for your referrals.” Get creative and have a little fun with it, your clients will notice and remember you for it.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS

Social networking sites make staying in contact with past clients in a more informal and friendly basis much easier. Connect with your past clients on Facebook. This will help you stay up to date on the important things happening in your pact clients’ lives. In return, it provides you a great platform for keeping those past clients up to date with what is going on in your business as well as keep in contact in a more informal manner. Use Facebook to remind past clients to check their basement after a heavy rain or that they can contact you for help during tax time.

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You can even organize your contacts on Facebook into customized lists such as “past clients,” “industry contacts,” etc. This will help you better manage your Facebook contacts.

This will also allow you to view specific news feeds based on these lists and send messages to a particular list of contacts. Don’t forget about the many other social networking sites such as Twitter or LinkedIn either. Utilize this technology to drive personal contact with your clients.

STAY ORGANIZED

No matter how you choose to keep in contact with past clients, make sure to be consistent.

Consistency will help you stay organized and diligent about reaching out to your past clients regularly. A tool used by many real estate professionals to stay organized is a customer relationship management solution. Whether you use one that is online or a computer software program, this will help you stay organized when managing your contacts and allow you to set notifications to alert you when you need to contact certain clients, send out gifts, plan a client appreciation event, and many other things throughout the year.

Staying organized and consistent in your contact with past clients will help you continue to build and manage your referral base, as well as open the door to repeat and referral business.

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ASHLEY SCRUPPS

Ashley Scrupps always had an interest in real estate.

She grew up with a mother who worked as a property manager, and a father who was always remodeling a plethora of properties. Ashley even owned her first investment property at 22. It seemed inevitable that she would end up in the business, but her career path actually started in the corporate sector. After graduating college with a degree in communications and minor in technology, she quickly worked her way up the corporate ladder. But Ashley decided the view at the top was not her calling.

While she was deciding what her calling might be, she spent a whirlwind year adventuring through dozens of countries around the globe, while living out of a backpack. Ultimately, she returned to her native State of Washington to settle down and launch her true calling.

That was just short of three years ago, and in the time since, Ashley has swiftly established herself as a rising regional leader, complete with a reputation for savvy marketing, superlative client care, and a personal touch.

Today, Ashley heads a tight-knit team in Scrupps Estates, serving clients across the State of Washington through her network of regional experts. Last year, she and her team closed $15-million in volume and continue to break new ground. Almost the entirety of Ashley’s business is driven by repeat and referral clientele who trust her astute eye, wise counsel, and proven 18

track record. What’s more, Ashley’s background in marketing gives her a uniquely seasoned perspective, while her personable nature puts clients at ease during the transition of buying or selling a home. “We focus on relationships first. Our clients know they’ll be our clients for life,” Ashley says. “I’m driven to help people achieve their real estate goals, no matter what that goal might be. Oftentimes, we specialize in properties that might be challenging. While some transactions are straightforward, many end up being less conventional, and that’s when it’s really important to have a smart and hardworking team who will go to bat for you. No matter the kind of deal, we always get it done for our clients.”

When listing properties, Ashley draws upon her background in marketing to prep properties for ultimate market exposure. Professional photography captures homes in their finest and most immersive light, while digital campaigns earn high-ranking visibility and net ideal buyers in short order. Ashley has also established herself in the luxury market, with present listings just shy of $1.5-million. She emphasizes that no matter the price-point, she and her team are eager to help buyers and sellers of all kinds. “I have a soft spot for firsttime homebuyers,” she admits. “We work with a lot of people who need extra time to ready their finances and credit to buy a home, and it’s those success stories that are the best testimonials of what my team and I do. We set ourselves apart by working with people very early Copyright Top Agent Magazine

on, sometimes years before they’ll buy. We work with everyone, from those entering the market at the lowest point, to luxury listings, to investors— and everything in between. Our team has the ability, skill-wise and personality-wise, to help anyone.”

“While I do love first time home buyers, I personally have a passion for the investment side of the industry and I love teaching clients how to get started in investing,” Ashley continues. Having spent the last ten years managing her own rental properties, Ashley naturally attracts diverse investor clientele.

Whether they’re looking for her assistance in getting started, or they’re looking to grow their existing portfolio, Ashley has the personality and skillset to work within each clients’ goals and get the job done.

In the community, Ashley and her team give back by pairing with the NOAH Animal Shelter, in addition to building and managing a community group on Facebook called PNW Community Connectors, helping connect people and businesses locally. They are also in the process of launching a new Feature Friday video segment, highlighting deserving entrepreneurs and businesses. “My real estate company lives off of referrals, so I know how important word of mouth can be,” she says. “I am happy to pay it forward and help spotlight other local businesses who I think are great.”

As for the future, Ashley intends to eclipse her past sales records as her business and team continue to grow. Now, with nearly three sterling years behind her, Ashley considers what she enjoys most about her chosen path. “I like helping people reach their goals,” she says. “I believe homeownership is the best way to grow wealth, and there are a lot of opportunities out there. I love making that transition possible for families ready to take the next step to build financial health for the future.”

Beyond the office, you might catch Ashley traveling abroad, playing on the lake, or in the mountains with her wife and two dogs, Ruby and Roni. Ashley and her team host many events throughout the year where you can come and meet her and her team, and the adorable furry faces of the company.

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To learn more about Ashley Scrupps email Ashley@ScruppsEstates.com, visit GreaterSeattleHomeViewer.com, www.

or call (425)345.7256 Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts. As a real estate agent or a loan officer, how do you stand apart from the noise? What’s more, how do you stay relevant in a digital landscape that’s constantly changing?

For starters, there are a few timeless techniques you can apply to up your skillset when it comes email and digital communication: asking questions that 20

inspire conversation, politeness, and following up regularly—to name a few. Likewise, there are surely new tricks you can add to your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s outline a few ways you can refine and update your email etiquette to compete in today’s virtual marketplace.

Make your subject line count Too often, we labor over the content of our emails without giving much thought to subject lines.

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Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity.

However, these little headlines can go a long way in luring the consumer to open your email and ultimately click through to your website in search for your services. An enticing subject line should be short and sweet, ideally less than fifty characters.

You might also include the name of the recipient, and be up front (though concise) about the subject matter of your message. Remember: the first thing a client will see is your name and subject line—be sure to make this prime real estate shine.

Think mobile Research tells us that 79% of Americans check their phones within fifteen minutes of waking up. In fact, much of modern day correspondence occurs by smartphone. Accordingly, you’ll want to account for email readability on a mobile phone.

For instance, incorporating paragraph breaks for each new thought allows information to be parceled out in a palatable way for readers utilizing small screens. Also, any sort of graphic flair or links within your email should be shortened and streamlined for mobile consumption. Send yourself an email every now and again and access it from your phone—you’ll be able to double-check that all the elements of your emails are working well on a mobile platform.

Incorporate email tools There are excellent tools out there to enhance your email experience. With just a quick download, Top Agent Magazine

you can add spellcheck, a URL address shortening feature, or a delay option that holds emails for thirty seconds before they’re sent. Think about the possibilities! Haven’t you sent an email without including the attachment you intended, or realizing you sent correspondence to the wrong client? If that’s the case, a delay feature can help you save face and build in a window for error— just in case. Regardless of which tools speak to your email habits, there are plenty of add-ons out there that can revamp your digital correspondence style.

Use email to maximize your online presence These days, there are plenty of ways to communicate—email, text, phone, apps, and social media.

When you interact through email, consider it an opportunity to invite your client to follow you elsewhere online. Ensure that your email signature includes unobtrusive, streamlined links to your social media accounts, professional website, or review page. This will build in an opportunity for clients to engage with your brand, and you may even add an online follower for the long term.

Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. Keep these approaches in mind as you reenergize your email technique and fortify your communication in the digital era.

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How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

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ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

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TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me, it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

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THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad 22

after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world.

Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

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COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

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START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence.

A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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JOSH McCUISTION When his parents bought a new house, a ten-year-old Josh McCuistion was fascinated by the inner workings of the real estate process. It was during this time that the idea of becoming a REALTOR® one day was sparked. But his path after high school took Josh into residential construction, and he spent over 15 years remodeling homes.

It was after he got married and his wife revealed that she was pregnant with their first child, that he gave up construction and launched his adventure into real estate, in order to be able to stay closer to home. He is now on his sixth year in the business.

Josh started out on a team, but currently works solo and serves the area of Southwest Washington. He has a high 80% referral rate. “I truly believe that when people hire me, they’re getting the best resource in the market. I’m hyper focused on Southwest Washington. I grew up here; I know this area like the back of my hand. My clients come back due to the level of care and thought that they get throughout the process. Most of my clients have become personal friends. They also appreciate my knowledge about the business.” With years of construction under his belt, Josh is easily able to find great resources for his sellers who are looking to fix up their houses before they hit the market.

While most agents market their listings via social media and home sites, Josh likes to take it a few steps further by actively prospecting. He goes doorto-door and asks the nearby residents if they know anybody that they would want to be their neighbor.

He makes hundreds of phone calls each week, and also utilizes an outside company to make calls and market his listings. And his hard work pays off, because just last year he completed 40 transactions, Top Agent Magazine

with 12.4 millions dollars in volume, at an average price point of around 400k.

Josh is heavily involved in his community. He belongs to a chapter of the non-profit Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He also participates in a local school program designated to help underprivileged kids, where he goes in and has lunch with a student once a week. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his three children as well as outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Going forward Josh would also like to hire a fulltime assistant so that he can focus on further growing his business. But his most important goal is helping his clients achieve financial freedom. “The industry is changing drastically everyday. I truly believe that the people who put their clients first, empower them and help them achieve financial freedom through educating them on what the changes in the industry are going to look like, are going to be the most successful. My goal is to help all my clients become real estate investors.”

To learn more about Josh McCuistion email josh@joshqhomes.com, visit joshqhomes.com, or call 360-713-2100 http://

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