NOVEMBER 2018 LONG BEACH by Executive Agent Magazine

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

Christy Di Leo & Ellen Henry Executive Agents of the Month

In an uncertain market with changing interest rates and home prices, it's important now more than ever to work with a professional Mortgage Consultant to ensure your success in today's housing market and in securing your Home Financing.

RYAN GRANT region

home buying

RYAN GRANT Producing Branch Manager NMLS #118767

Phone: 949.651.6300

Team@RyanGrantTeam.com www.RyanGrantTeam.com

100 Spectrum Center Drive #750 Irvine, CA 92618

CopyrightÂŠ2017 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4801 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. All rights reserved. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Finance Lenders Law. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law License.

EXECUTIVE AGENTS OF THE MONTH

Christy Di Leo & Ellen Henry Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance

22 17

Inside Features

Christine Brantingham

Rebecka Forrester

Patricia Redfern Wright

Reliance Real Estate Services

First Team Real Estate

Finance of America Mortgage

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

LONG BEACH - NOVEMBER, 2018

Editorials

E XECUTIVE AGENT

MAGAZINE

Fred Arrias Executive Publisher PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Ph: (949) 297-8323 Fax: (949) 266-8757 FArrias45@gmail.com www.ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com

Becoming More Persuasive -Tony Alessandra

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

Ways To Increase Motivation -Peter Field

City of Hope.......................................................34 Fairway Mortgage................................................2 iPhotography Studio...............................................23 Kinecta Federal Credit Union................................15

Putting Balance In Your Life -Peggy Morrow

NAHREP..................................................................24 PWAOR.............................................................................14

The Termite Guy......................................................3 Ticor Title..........................................................................36 VAREP..............................................................................25

Speaking For Success -Terri Murphy

Photography: iPhotography Studio, Ian Wiant, Rob Paino Graphic Designer: Garon T. Arrias Editorial Manager: Trudy Van Writers: Ben Angel, John Boe, Haley Freeman, Jim Rohn, Walter Sanford, Dirk Zeller, Zig Ziglar Craig Harrison, Simma Lieberman, Chris Widener © Copyright 2018 Executive Agent Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Executive Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

Change Begins With Choice -Jim Rohn

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E XECUTIVE AGENT

MAGAZINE

ealtor®, financial coach, public speaker and humanitarian filmmaker — Rebecka Forrester shines in each of these distinctive roles. A born entrepreneur with limitless drive and business savvy, Rebecka saved earnings as a youth and purchased her first investment property at age 20. She subsequently flipped

Written by Haley Freeman

to one, she also speaks to large audiences about financial freedom and entrepreneurship. From the start, Rebecka was inspired by her love for people to act as a good steward of their resources. “I was always interested in investing and forward-thinking about retiring young. I knew I could have a greater impact on others if I was following my own advice and investing myself. I believe in diversifying your portfolio, and that real estate is an important part of any holistic financial plan.” A few years ago, Rebecka decided to make real estate her professional focus, and she has since made her mark as a top-producing agent ranked among the top 7 percent nationally. She is a Hall of Fame recipient at First Team Real Estate, where she is expanding her practice to include a team of energetic agents. While she continues to coach her established portfolio of financial clients, she now spends the bulk of her time helping them and others create new wealth through real estate.

multiple houses and acquired additional rental properties. She became an investment advisor, and by 23, she established her own independent firm, Forrester Financial Planning through ING. Rebecka not only helps people one

She says, “It’s important to me to be able to educate people about how to make wise decisions. Coming from a financial planning background, I like to sit down and determine what course of action will bless them financially and give them peace of mind. Real estate is so often an emotional decision for people, but I want to help them to be more strategic when they are buying or selling. Real estate investment allows you to use someone else’s money to purchase an appreciating asset with no margin calls. It is an asset with leverage that will also fix, and eventually eliminate, your housing costs. I want to help my clients look at how they can use this asset to retire early, have more money for retirement or pay for college. When people see how they can get to these goals in a measurable and faster way than they originally thought, it generates a lot of excitement, and they are more driven to stick to their financial plan.”

Advocating for Financial Independence ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Rebecka helps buyers to measure the value of implementing their strategy today, rather than waiting for an ideal market. “Education brings light to dark areas and frees people to mobilize in the action they already want to take. It takes away the fear and excuses they use to delay purchasing a home, so they can begin reaping the benefits now.” When Rebecka takes a listing, her stated goal is this: “I want to help my clients be the investor, not sell their home to an investor for a discounted price.” Her clients’ trust is well placed, as Rebecka immediately puts her expertise and energy to work preparing their home to demand top dollar in the marketplace. She makes the same crew available to her clients that she uses for her own investment projects, and in a short time, they make a property sparkling and camera ready. “Some of my referral partners will partially bill for services at the close of escrow. If money is short for the client, the process takes a little longer, because I may have to oversee some of the work myself. But I feel I have a fiduciary responsibility to take care of people as if they are my own family, and I want to see them get every dollar they can from their investment.” Family figures prominently in Rebecka’s life. Married to her high school sweetheart for 18 years, she is also a devoted mom of three. She says that one of the greatest benefits of becoming a full-time real estate professional has been greater freedom to spend time with her children. Rebecka is a lifetime resident of OC who loves cycling, singing, photography, nature and travel. Rebecka still finds time to volunteer with the police department and non-profit organizations to locate jobs and housing for Orange County’s homeless population. She also delivers meals to seniors with her children and volunteers abroad bi-annually to produce awareness films for humanitarian non-profit organizations.

With her comprehensive expertise across financial matters including taxes, investing and real estate, Rebecka brings exceptional value to the families who put their greatest assets into her capable hands. She is respected by clients and colleagues alike for her professional competence and authentic presence, and her clients’ affections are reflected in her 5-star ratings on both Zillow and Yelp. In the end, Rebecka says it is all fueled by her why: “I love helping people. I’m an advocate for my clients and desire them to be financially independent and free.” Rebecka Forrester First Team Real Estate 18180 Yorba Linda Blvd., #501 Yorba Linda, CA 92886 Tel: 714-412-5157 Email: Rebecka.Forrester@me.com Web: www.RebeckaForrester.firstteam.com CalBRE # 01979038

Rebecka has an artistic eye, since she helped her husband create a successful, world renowned photography and video studio. This same studio produces the advertising campaigns for her listed properties. ExecutiveAgent Magazine

BECOMING MORE PERSUASIVE

hy are so many new ideas a tough sell? Isn’t it true, as the old saying goes, that if you invent a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door? No, that’s baloney! In fact, it’s never been less true. For a variety of reasons.

For starters, people everywhere have become more savvy, skeptical, even cynical. We’ve all become more jaded about advertising, more suspicious of political claims, and less trusting of those who bring us a message, any message--even one that may be in our best interest. Second, and most important, many people just aren’t skilled at the art of persuading. No matter how brilliant your idea, no matter how technically advanced or economically sound it may be, it’ll go nowhere unless you get others to go along with it. And the only way you do that is by persuading them, by communicating clearly why they really should want to do what you really need done. Learning to improve our persuasiveness is both easier and harder than it used to be. Easier because we’ve now got E-mail and voice mail, CD-roms and cellular phones, satellites and skywriting, and a vast array of other tools for communicating. But it’s also more difficult in that the deluge of messages and ill-equipped messengers cheapens them all. So nowadays, it’s more crucial than ever to hone the skills that heighten our power of persuasion. Here are some ideas, big and small, for making yourself more persuasive: 1. Ask yourself: What do I really want? Sure, we all want security, happiness, health, love, and fulfilling work. Digging a little deeper, we might find further shared values, such as recognition, power, freedom, and serving others. But what’s unique to you? What do you think about alone at three in the morning? What really resonates within your soul? What would you, in a perfect world and freed of family, fiscal, or geographic constraints, most like to be doing? Think about these questions as a means of searching for your great “because-- the difference between your current situation and your desired situation.” 2. Shift your focus to others. There’s an old story of a young lady who was taken to dinner one evening by William Gladstone and then the following evening by Benjamin Disraeli, both eminent British statesmen in the late nineteenth century. “When I left the dining room after sitting next to Mr. Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England,” she said. “But after sitting next to Mr. Disraeli, I thought I was the cleverest woman in England.” If you practice attentiveness to others, you’ll find it does wonders for both of you. They’ll enjoy it; so will you. And together you’ll accomplish much more. 3. Train yourself to remember other people’s names. The sweetest sound, it’s said, is that of your own name being spoken. And calling others by name is an important first step toward building rapport and, thus, persuasion. Roger Dawson, in his book 13 Secrets of Power Persuasion, gives numerous techniques for overcoming this problem. One of the best: When you shake hands with a new person, note the color of his or her eyes. That forces you to make eye contact and, after a while, will also send a signal to your brain to store that person’s name in your short-term memory. Use the name soon afterwards, and you’ll have a lock on it. Try it!

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Written By Tony Alessandra 4. Empower others. Skillful persuaders send out the message, spoken or unspoken, that they appreciate others’ abilities. For example, Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M), the $15-billion-a-year firm famed for its innovation, leaders still utter--and follow--the maxims of William McKnight, its legendary leader for half a century: “Listen to anybody with an idea.”... “Encourage experimental doodling.”...and “If you put fences around people, you get sheep; give people the room they need.” 5. Hone your sense of humor. While being wheeled into the operating room after being shot by a would-be assassin, the ever-persuasive President Ronald Reagan got a chuckle when he wisecracked, “I hope the doctor is a Republican.” We may not all be so cool in a crisis, but we can all profit by not taking ourselves too seriously. Tony Alessandra, Ph.D, is a marketing strategist and applied behavioral scientist, Dr. Tony Alessandra is a leading authority on bottom-line marketing tactics and on building business relationships for life. Copyright© 1998, Tony Alessandra. All right reserved. For information on how to bring Tony to your group, please contact us at 800-704-FROG (3764) or susie@frogpondgroup.com.

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E XECUTIVE AGENT

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Written by Haley Freeman

Christine Brantingham

hristine Brantingham was inspired to become a RealtorÂŽ after a negative experience taught her the importance of a knowledgable and caring advocate. Her first home buying experience was a disappointing one. She and her husband were newly married,

and after moving into their condo, a wave of horror hit. It was dirty and in need of repair, and they felt overwhelmed when they learned there was a lawsuit pending with the homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s association. This was hardly the homecoming they had imagined.

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While buying their next home, Christine decided that she wanted to make her career in real estate. The mother of two small children, she went to work as a broker’s assistant and applied herself to observing other agents and learning the nuances of the business. She went out on her own as a licensed agent a short time later, and she quickly succeeded because of her genuine, peoplecentered approach to real estate. “I’ve learned that if you put clients first, the money will come,” she says. “I believe in building relationships and taking care of people. When someone is making the biggest purchase of their lives, they need to know the person representing them is someone they can trust. My own bad experience as a home buyer gave me perspective on what I needed to do to be successful, and that lesson is part of the core values I take with me to this day.” Christine built her successful career around her family, grateful for the flexibility real estate allowed so she could be present for her two children while giving uncompromising service to her clients. “I was always blessed to have the best of both worlds. When they were little and went to bed, that was my time to get the work done. There were times I lived on very little sleep and a lot of caffeine. As they got older, I could be the soccer mom and work my appointments around my kids’ activities. I’m proud to say I hardly ever missed a game, while most of the time holding my spot as a top 10 agent!” During the down market of the late 2000s, Christine continued to thrive by leading with professionalism and empathy. She sold numerous foreclosures and short sales, helping distressed sellers move on to their next chapter by navigating complex banking processes quickly and efficiently. She also took on property management for select clients, which she continues today. “I think all that made me better at what I do today. I learned there is plenty of business to go around, and there is no need to be cutthroat with your peers. It’s important to share what you know and teach others, and build relationships not just with clients, but with other agents.”

After 17 prosperous years, Christine decided to up her game and join Reliance Real Estate Services, a boutique agency committed to highly experienced, hyper-local real estate representation tailored to the needs of individual clients. This model fit perfectly with Christine’s philosophy. “I had been a top producer at Century 21 for eight years, and I felt I was getting stagnant and was ready for a change. I called Tom Tennant, the broker at Reliance. I had worked with him before and knew he was a sharp, out-of-the-box thinker who could make the deal happen and cared about his client. He invited me to hang my license, and I started working at the Corona office. I love the people here.” With a referral-based business focused in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, Christine is bringing renewed vitality to her business with fresh marketing and increased value for clients. She continues to hone her professional skills by taking classes, reading books and surrounding herself with successful people who challenge her to achieve more. Christine’s core approach to real estate has remained strong over the years, with an emphasis on communication, honesty and, above all, her fiduciary duty to clients. “Listening is just as important as speaking. This is their home, and I want people to get as many items on their wants and needs list as possible. I am here for my clients from the beginning to beyond closing day. My job is to keep clear, open communication and advise them while protecting their interests. I love what I do, and I can’t imagine doing anything else!” Christine Brantingham Reliance Real Estate Services, Inc. 1325 Corona Pointe Court, Suite 102 Corona, CA 92879 Tel: 951.533.2606 Email: christinebrant2@msn.com Web: www.relianceres.com CalBRE #01374248

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Speaking For Success

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been said that many of us would rather die than get up in front of a group and have to speak with any level of comfort. Too often the childhood scenario of being in front of the classroom ruminates in our brain and in a second, we are back to being that timid kid at the front of the class stammering, and hoping the recess bell rings to save us.

The truth is whether you are offering a toast at a wedding, introducing business colleagues to each other, or actually presenting at a meeting, powerful presentation skills are a terrific asset and immediately communicate your level of personal power. In our consulting practice, we find with a heightened awareness, most people can improve their communication skills to in many areas of their personal and professional life, even if they are not professional speakers. Here are a few things to remember when presenting: 1. TEST the sound equipment BEFORE the event or meeting. Nothing is worse than annoying feedback or a microphone that cuts out or isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working. Get there early and check out the equipment with the Audio Visual department. The biggest mistake made is testing the microphone close to your mouth, and then presenting with the microphone a foot or more away. 2. Learn to use a MICROPHONE effectively. So many presenters frustrate their audience because they turn away from the microphone as they speak, have it too low to make it effective or worse, mumble their words. Others may speak too loudly, which is equally annoying. Practice, practice, practice. 3. DRESS for success. Neat, clean, professional dress is key, unless you are an entertainer or a celebrity. The rest of us need to look the part. 4. Basic EYE CONTACT is essential to make the connection with authentic and personal connectivity to one or a hundred people. Be sure to make eye contact with those you are passing as you walk to the front of the room. This initiates a more personal and real experience for those about to hear your presentation.

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5. Be conscious of your BODY LANGUAGE. Your confidence or self esteem will be easily read by your audience if you are unsure of yourself. Any communication you deliver is more about the message, than you. Being prepared will help you communicate in a more relaxed, but powerful way. 6. OUTLINE your presentation in short bullet points on a card or sheet of paper to help prompt you during your presentation and to keep you organized. Don’t freelance it or read it word for word. Trying to remember everything you wanted to say and backing up to add it later will impact your credibility. 7. If you are using VISUAL AIDS or power point in your presentation, don’t rely on it so heavily you are not relevant to the program. Go to black between slides, keep the words LARGE and avoid the impulse to put too much on each slide. If they are reading the screen, it detracts from you as the presenter. 8. STICK to your allotted time. Don’t go beyond the time allowed or you may wreak havoc on the rest of the program timing. You don’t have to be a professional to deliver a report, a toast at a wedding or honor a high achievement by an employee. Delivering the best you is the best policy for any communication opportunity that allows for your special leadership and expertise to shine. Terri Murphy is one of the industry’s leading consultants on the integration of traditional marketing and communication with today’s Web and Internet tools. Her expertise is developing and growing customer relations to create a more profitable business model for Fortune 500 corporations and real estate companies nationwide. She has 24+ year career in the real estate industry and holds the GRI, CRS, LTG & CREC designations. She is the CIO for U.S. Learning, Inc. and a frequent spokesperson for sales industries nationwide. Copyright© 2005, Terri Murphy. All right reserved. For information about Terri’s presentations, contact the Frog Pond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@frogpond.com; http://www.FrogPond.com.

Written By Terri Murphy ExecutiveAgent Magazine

PWR PROVIDES OUR MEMBERS WITH HIGHER QUALITY SERVICES, A WIDER ARRAY OF RESOURCES, & THE BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY

We know that you can choose to join any association. PWR goes beyond the basics of providing MLS access and Supra Key support – we provide our members with ONE-OF-A-KIND services that help them become better REALTORS®. FLEXIBLE WAYS TO PAY SOME OF THE LOWEST DUES AROUND Monthly & quarterly installments plans through ezPay (PWR’s online bill pay)

INNOVATIVE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS PROGRAMS RED (Rapid Ethics Delivery) for fast & easy conflict resolution (exclusively at PWR)

THE MOST EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE FOR PROPERTY RIGHTS

The area’s only Triple Crown & President’s Cup Award Recipient presented by the National Association of REALTORS®

THE BIGGEST SELECTION OF FREE REAL ESTATE CLASSES

Learn to be more productive, professional, & profitable! Classes at our Anaheim & Long Beach locations

NETWORKING EVENTS THAT GIVE BACK TO THE HOMEBUYING COMMUNITY

FREE ON-SITE TECHNOLOGY & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS TRAINING

Training at the convenience of your Broker’s office

PWRSTORE

The largest REALTOR® store in the area for all your real estate needs

FREE PWR MOBILE APP & TECHNOLOGY TOOLS

The only association in the area with its own Mobile App

“SINGLE SIGN-ON” ACCESS

Direct access to REALTOR® Tools (Matrix MLS, RPR, & PWReports)

SERVICES MORE REALTORS® THAN ANY OTHER LOCAL ASSOCIATION IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA NEW FOR PWR BROKERS: YOUR OWN BROKER RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE Your personal liaison to help you better leverage PWR’s benefits

Proceeds from the Golf and Wine Tasting events fund our PWR Charity Foundation grants for First Time Homebuyers & Military Personnel (YOUR clients!)

DEDICATED MEMBER SERVICE

PWR is the only association with an in-house Call Center to provide prompt, individualized service

PACIFIC WEST ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Serving Orange County & Los Angeles County ORANGE COUNTY: 1601 East Orangewood Avenue, Anaheim LA COUNTY: 5000 East Spring St., Suite #110, Long Beach (714) 245-5500 • WWW.PWR.NET

If you need

to close, we’re close by.

You need partners that you can count on to help you close. As a local direct lender, Kinecta knows what it takes to close a home purchase in Southern California – we have the mortgage solutions to prove it: New! Portfolio Investment Property Program

Jumbo Loans

• Now up to $4 million • Up to 50% DTI • As low as 5% down

Government Programs

• Approved FHA Lender • New! VA Loans • HomeKinect – As low as 3% down*

• 30 year amortization, due in 15 years • $871,450 max. loan amount, as low as 620 FICO • 1-4 unit properties • Customized and competitive pricing without Fannie Mae standard loan level pricing adjustments!

Let’s close the deal – Contact us. George Deekrich, Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 714.955.9191 NMLS #194556 gdeekrich@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/gdeekrich

Andy DeLuca, Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 949.291.7189 NMLS# 440903 adeluca2@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/adeluca

Local banking for 80 years. *Kinecta is a participating lender in HomeReady® by Fannie Mae. Membership requirements apply. NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Lending Service) ID: 407870. Information in this advertisement is intended for Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals only and not intended for consumer use as defined by Section 1026.2 of Regulation Z, which implements the Truth-In-Lending Act. Any expressed underwriting guidelines are subject to change without notice and are subject to Kinecta Federal Credit Union guidelines and all applicable federal and state rules and regulations. 21315-08/18

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

Nomination Form Nominate a fellow REALTORÂŽ to be featured in one of our feature stories; on the cover as Executive Agent of the Month, or as a special feature story. All candidates must be nominated by a real estate professional. The selection process includes a questionnaire, personal interview, reference check and final approval by the Advisory Council. Candidates are evaluated based upon professionalism, length of service and uniqueness of story, as well as industry and community involvement.

I Nominate: Name_______________________________ Company___________________________ Address____________________________ _____________________________________ City, State, Zip_____________________ _____________________________________ Phone______________________________ Email_______________________________ Submitted By: Fax/Email nomination to: Executive Agent Magazine PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Fax: 949.266.8757 Email: Info@eamag.net Tel: 949.297.8323

Name_______________________________ Company___________________________ Phone______________________________ Email_______________________________

Cover Story

Christy Di Leo & Ellen Henry Executive Agents of the Month

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Christy Di Leo & Ellen Henry Written by Haley Freeman

hristy Di Leo is an accomplished professional woman who has excelled in three distinguished careers. From her early post as a trauma nurse, to her role as a national sales representative for critical care patient monitoring systems, to her current position as a topproducing Realtor® at Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance in Long Beach, Christy has set the standard for service excellence. Highly decorated for her achievements in medical sales, she brought her gifts for communicating and negotiating with people to real estate, where she has earned a reputation for caring and competent representation. While real estate allowed Christy to work closer to home and spend more time with her two children, it by no means manifested in a slower professional pace. It simply provided a more comfortable context for her entrepreneurial drive to flourish. “I hit the ground running and started like a determined woman,” she laughs.

“A friend of mine inspired me to get my license, and she became a mentor to me. To this day, we still meet once a week. After 13 years, I can honestly say this is a great career for me and my favorite thing I have done professionally.” In 2016, Christy was joined by her daughter, Ellen Henry. Today, this mother-daughter duo brings their collective talents to seeing clients through the real estate process with minimal worries and maximum rewards. Christy says, “Ellen is the ideal partner, and she has really helped me take it to the next level. She has had training as a volleyball player since she was 8, and she was also a collegiate athlete. It shows in her work ethic — she is always on time, and she is great about meeting goals and making sure the team succeeds. She helps to enhance the service we provide to our clients by bringing a fresh perspective to the process. Our clients love it!”

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Ellen played volleyball and earned her degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, before launching her career in the insurance industry in San Diego. She quickly advanced to management and acquired strengths as a negotiator and problem solver. Ellen recalls, “I used to help my mom in high school and college, and I knew she was incredibly great at what she did. Out of college, she didn’t immediately offer me a job. She takes what she does very seriously, and she wanted me to go out and find my way. By the end of 2015, she came to me and said, ‘Business is booming. I need a partner, and the first person who came to mind was you.’ I was incredibly touched. In my mind it meant I had proved myself to my mom. I was so lucky to grow up with a mom who, in all three of her careers, not only succeeded, but excelled. She is incredibly disciplined and dedicated, and every transaction is a big deal to her, no matter its size. She doesn’t even look at it as a transaction — she looks at creating relationships. It’s inspiring to me.” If this duo has a speciality, it is this: giving the client whatever they need. From first-time and move-up buyers, to trustee estate sales, to luxury and income property, Christy and Ellen possess the know-how and the resolve

to see every transaction through to a successful completion. “We’re committed to going the extra steps so clients get exactly what they need,” Ellen says. “Between the two of us, we can reach all generations and any type of client. I think it’s one of our greatest strengths as a team.” Christy adds, “We spend the time getting to know our clients very well before we start the real estate process. We both have a good idea of which of our strengths will serve the client best so we can bring those to the table. But all of our clients feel comfortable calling either one of us, and they can reach us both anytime they need. We touch our clients every day, even if we don’t have anything new to tell them.” While Christy and Ellen give due credit to the tremendous team of professionals that support them in delivering great service, they maintain trust by being the ones who are in front of their clients at all times. Their personal approach elevates business relationships to the status of family. “We don’t like the idea of handing our clients off to anyone else,” Christy explains. “We hold open houses, go to inspections and write requests for repairs. We are true frontline, people agents.”

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The Joy of Home In response to the high level of care they receive, clients frequently return for future transactions and refer their friends and family. They also post many enthusiastic comments about their experience working with this extraordinary team. One said: “Christy and Ellen have helped me buy two homes and sell one, and I will definitely reach out to them again when I’m ready to buy or sell. They are knowledgeable, responsive and a pleasure to work with. They will go above and beyond for their clients, and I trust their advice and opinion.” Another exclaimed, “Christy and Ellen are incredible! Though we were just clients, we felt more like family with the time and care they provided in our selling process. Both Christy and Ellen were patient, attentive and helped to walk us through the entire process. Christy helped us to both pur-

chase and sell our home, so that is a testament to the level of service she provides.” Together, Christy and Ellen take great pride in the homes they list for sale, and their reputation for turnkey homes and a trouble-free closing process means their listings are much sought after in the Long Beach and Coastal communities. “We always take time to assess each property we list,” Christy says. “We make sure they are clean and staged, and that we make it easy for buyers and their agents to make offers. Ellen brings strength in her creativity and eye for design with staging and marketing pieces. When we take a listing, we also do a little research about the area. Over the years, I’ve done research on every single neighborhood in Long Beach and have a little story about it. We like to hand those out with our marketing materials.”

Some of my Favorite Homes

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Christy and Ellen may be savvy businesswomen, but they are also having great fun introducing people to the unique homes and neighborhoods in the community where they both grew up. “Long Beach has so much character,” Ellen comments. “Real estate here is always an adventure. Every house is completely different, with so many architectural styles and neighborhoods to explore. I grew up here but didn’t know many of the areas. One of the things I love about real estate is that it allows me to be a tourist in my own city!” Their joint passion for community also manifests in an abiding commitment to giving back. Among their many affiliations are the National Charity League, Pathways for Independence and the Long Beach Museum of Art.

Christy says, “I joined the museum’s women’s group called ‘Phoenix,’ and we are bringing art to all kinds of children’s organizations. It gives them an hour of pure joy. Art is a passion I share with my son, and it is such an honor to make this available to kids of all backgrounds.” For Christy and Ellen, real estate is so much more than a transaction. Christy explains, “Our basic premise is family, and family always starts with your home. We are blessed because our home has always been joyful and happy. We want to help other families have a home where they can create a lifetime of happy memories. That’s our joy.”

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Christy Di Leo & Ellen Henry Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance 1650 Ximeno Ave., Suite #120, Long Beach, CA 90804 Tel: 562.370.3228 - Email: ChristyDiLeo14@gmail.com - Caseycbca@gmail.com Web: http://www.christydileo.net - CalBRE #01797896 / 02000934 ExecutiveAgent Magazine

HELPING MILITARY & VETERAN

FAMILIES REALIZE THE

AMERICAN DREAM! 2,600 + VETERANS

EDUCATED ABOUT HOMEOWNERSHIP

1,500 + FAMILIES

WHO WE ARE Established in 2011, the USA Homeownership Foundation, Inc. DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to increasing sustainable homeownership, financial-literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity for the active-military and veteran communities.

WERE HELPED THROUGH VAREP CARES

750 VETERANS PLACED IN HOMES THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS

UPCOMING LOCAL VAREP EVENT VAREP Orange County - Golf Tournament September 14, 2018 Tustin Ranch Golf Course 12442 Tustin Ranch Rd, Tustin, CA 92782

66 HOUSING SUMMITS TO EMPOWER VETERAN HOMEOWNERSHIP

WHO CAN JOIN? Any individual regardless if you have served or not. VAREP and its members represent and work within all sectors of the real estate, housing and financial services industries... WE WANT YOU!

VAREP San Bernardino - Veterans Housing Summit Saturday · September 22, 2018 Check In 8:00AM Event 9:00AM - 2:00PM Ontario Chamber Of Commerce Education Training Room 3200 Inland Empire Blvd., Ste 130 Ontario, CA 91764 VAREP San Diego - Golf Tournament September 26, 2018 Riverwalk Golf Club 1150 Fashion Valley Road · San Diego CA 92108 View the full VAREP Events Calendar at:

https://varep.net/eventsfront/advocacy

info@VAREP.net | w w w .VAR EP. n e t | 951-444-7363 VAREP IS A 501.C.3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE. USA HOMEOWNERSHIP DBA VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAX ID: 45-2458485

Putting Balance In Your Life

an you really “have it all?” Is it possible to have a full time job and children plus still have some fun and time to pursue your own interests? And I’m not just talking about women, either. Men have just as much problems trying to keep balance in their life.. Unfortunately, you really can’t have it all. You must make some choices. But too many people are out of balance because they make all their choices in one or two areas. They put all most all of their emphasis on their families, or become workaholics because they are so dedicated to their job. Their life is out of balance. One of the most important and under-girding elements of high-energy living seems to be balance. Learning to live in balance, allowing time for both work and a rewarding personal life will bring synergy, joy, enthusiasm and creativity to your life. How do you think you are doing? Take this quiz to find out. This is from a great book called Time Management for Unmanageable People by Ann McGee Cooper. It has lots of good ideas on managing time, plus putting balance in your life.

The following list of questions will help you asses the level of balance you have created in your life. If you can say “yes” to them, you are developing attitudes and habits that will create the balance you need in your life. Do I typically look forward to my day at work? Am I eager to get up and get in to the job, and do I feel fulfilled at the end of most workdays? Do I have an equal enthusiasm for days away from my job? Have I created an equally exciting and interesting life away from my job? Do I have an equal passion for a variety of interests other than work, such as golf, painting, backpacking or gardening? Do I have five or six close friends I spend time with at least six times a year who are not connected to my work? Do I put a priority on quality time with my spouse and children, planning shared activities that we can all enjoy anticipating, doing and then remembering?

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Am I good at creating several brief moments of fun throughout my day? Do I wear my professionalism lightly and encourage others to have fun along with me? So how did you score? Well, I don’t know about you, but I didn’t do so well. I proved that I needed much more balance in my life. One of the areas I needed to improve was the one where you should put more fun in your day. I’m often guilty of starting on a project and keeping at it until I am finished. No stopping or fun allowed. No matter how long it takes. There is a thing where you can be too disciplined, you know. I was guilty of that. Now I promise myself a “joy” break every hour. I decide how long it can be depending on how much work I have to do. It can be something as simple as getting a soft drink or a cup of coffee. Or it could be a twenty minute break to read a book or my favorite magazine. Or ten minutes to play on the Internet.

Sometimes I take a long break and go somewhere like a museum or shopping for something frivolous. Think about things you could do to lift your spirits. Go on - it will put more balance in your life. Peggy Morrow, CSP, is President of Peggy Morrow & Associates, a full service speaking and training firm based in Houston, Texas. For over 18 years Peggy has moved her audiences to fun and action and receives over 75 percent of her business from referrals and repeat business. She is the author of “Customer Service: The Key To Your Competitive Edge” and “Celebrate Customer Service” as well as writing a weekly newspaper column. Copyright© 2000, Peggy Morrow. All rights reserved. For information about Peggy’s programs, please call the Frog Pond Group at 800-FROG(3764) or email susie@ frogpondgroup.com; http://www.frogpondgroup.com. l performance. He can awaken the unlimited power of achievement within you! Reproduced with permission from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine. Copyright© 2006, Jim Rohn. All right reserved. For information about Jim’s keynote presentations

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E XECUTIVE AGENT

MAGAZINE

Written by Haley Freeman

Patricia Redfern Wright

atricia Redfern Wright is a senior loan officer with 17 years of experience connecting people with the right home financing for their goals and circumstances.

She recently joined Finance of America Mortgage, a move prompted by her desire to offer clients the widest range of lending products and the customer service to back them up.

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“We are a direct lender that also has the ability to broker, so virtually everything is within our grasp,” Patricia says. “We also do commercial and reverse mortgages, which few mortgage companies offer.” If Patricia has a motto, it is this: “I like a challenge.” After working with industry giants like Countrywide and Bank of America, and prevailing through the economic downturn of the last decade, Patricia has learned how to solve problems and help her clients become homeowners when others would give up. She has made it her business to become an expert in down payment assistance and grant programs like Chenoa, CalHFA and GSFA — programs that are also available through Finance of America Mortgage. “I make it my job to be familiar with every product and guideline available. For so many people, having to save for a down payment is the difference between becoming a home owner or not, and they don’t even know they can qualify for a home with these programs. They just need to be educated about what’s out there. Even if they can’t buy immediately, I’m willing to guide them through the steps until they can. I think everybody should own a home and get the benefits of fixing their housing costs while earning an asset for the future. And I think it’s always a good time to own, no matter what the market is doing.” Patricia’s expertise extends to all kinds of loans, including those for investors and luxury buyers. “For move-up buyers, Finance of America Mortgage also offers an attractive jumbo loan with only 5 percent down and no mortgage insurance premium,” Patricia says. Patricia is also excited about the resources she now has to offer her real estate partners. “We have a full-time marketing department here that will turn high quality, branded materials out in a day. It’s amazing! And we will do visual tours of a listing for free. That’s an incredible value for our Realtors®. On my first day here, my regional manager, Jeff Strode, gave me a book called ‘The Go-Giver.’ The idea is that you get more by giving than

by taking. I think that really is the motto of this company. They give us all the tools we need to succeed, so we can help our clients and business partners to succeed, too.” She continues, “I do a lot of public speaking engagements to Realtors®, whether at real estate offices or through the different boards where I’m a member. I’m big on education, and I like to go through the programs we offer and how various niche programs work.” Soon, Patricia will be opening a satellite branch in Anaheim Hills, and she is enthusiastic about assembling and training a new team. It is no surprise that Patricia’s business largely comes from repeat clients and their referrals. She is known for being responsive and attentive, keeping everyone informed as the loan progresses and advising her clients about what to expect next. “I know how stressful it can be to purchase a home and all the uncertainties people feel. That’s what I’m here for, and this is what I love doing. My job is to make sure my client has a great experience. Let me do the worrying over the details — I’m good at what I do!” As a new mom with twin toddlers — a boy and a girl — Patricia feels more than ever how important it is for a family to have a home of their own. “I believe that buying a house is one of the most important things people do in life, and I feel so happy to be able to help give them the dream of home ownership. Making people’s dreams come true is what I love most about my job!” Patricia Redfern Wright Finance of America Mortgage 3501 Jamboree Rd., Ste. 200 South Tower Newport Beach, CA 92660 Tel: 714.329-8620 Email: predfern@financeofamerica.com Web: www.PatriciaRedfern.com NMLS ID 483924

©2018 Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | NMLS ID #1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 300 Welsh Road, Building 5, Horsham, PA 19044 | (800) 355-5626 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.

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Ways To Increase Motivation K

nowing what motivates us and then acting on this knowledge is key to accomplishment in life. In this informative article, a leading UK therapist talks about motivation and how to get more of it. What pulls you, drives you, pushes you? It might seem like the people around us are very polarized -- some people want to make a difference to the environment, while others want to retire at 50 -- but research shows that humans are actually much more complex and multifaceted than this. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just one thing that motivates and allows us to make that motivation breakthrough, but many things all at once. Researchers have narrowed down the many motivators to a few distinct categories. If you want to get to that motivation place within, then here are a few pointers that will aid in your self help motivation.

Foundation in 2011, there are four basic drives that determine human motivation: acquiring, comprehending, bonding and defending. Acquiring is about the tangible benefits we can gain e.g. money, skills, training, promotions, respect, etc. Comprehending has to do with doing something we feel is meaningful, such as working with complex ideas, creativity, or participating in a job that makes a difference to the world. Bonding all about friendship, camaraderie, and social connection. Defending takes into account issues around fairness and justice -- we are more motivated to work with and for people who treat us (and others) well, than those who treat us (and others) unfairly.

Goal Setting Setting goals can improve motivation and get you moving. But when setting goals make sure they feel achievable, realistic, and that they really do motivate you. Improving your average sale at work may not push your buttons, though it looks good on a resume -- so what does push your buttons? Saving up for a holiday to Fiji? Taking art classes at night?

While some people may feel they lean more towards one drive than another, the studies show humans actually need a balance of all four areas. Failing in one area can negatively impact how we feel about all other areas. When you achieve a holistic balance of all four drives, you naturally access that motivation place within, make that motivation breakthrough, and become highly motivated.

These sorts of goals might inspire you to push your average sale up, for example, more than just focusing on improving your work performance.

Teaming Up Setting goals, chanting affirmations, working on projects -- it all helps, but sometimes you just need a bit more external support.

Goals should feel exciting. They are tied in with your dreams you have for your future. If, however, you find that your goal setting is too daunting or feels to difficult, you may have overreached what you feel is capable and achievable. Instead of writing a novel, maybe just start with a short story. Then work your way up to 5 stories. Once you have completed 10 stories, even if it takes a whole year, writing a novel may not freak you out. It will probably feel more achievable by then. Understanding Your Drives According to a study published by the Incentive Research

Some of us thrive from working alone, the triumph is all the more great once you reach the finish line all by yourself. But some of us are team players. Support, camaraderie, creative collaboration -- working with others brings a lot to our lives and the things we are trying so desperately to achieve. If you are not sure what you prefer, just try it. Invite someone to collaborate on a project, partner up with some like-minded colleagues, or join a group. Not only does this sort of networking provide you wish fresh perspectives and ideas, it also provides accountability. Tell people about your goals and projects.

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It can really motivate you to know that someone supports your dreams, and is cheering you on.

a break even from your career or job, just for a little while, if it is possible.

Conserving Energy Increasing motivation is hard when you are tired. Often people are hard-working and dedicated to their goals. But dedication can lead to fatigue, if you don’t pace yourself and self-manage your energy output. Even when you love what you do, even when you feel happy and excited, the mind and body need to rest.

People who care about you always want to help out. Ask those around you to share the load, so you can get away for a while. Ask yourself how long -- you know the answer. One weekend? A week? A month?

Being “on” all the time, or worse, experiencing chronic stress, can lead to fatigue and exhaustion that feels as if it leeches into every part of life. At this point, you need to be realistic. It is hard to be motivated if you have pushed your system too hard.

Peter Field is a leading UK therapist. Please visit his hypnotherapy Birmingham website for more information. His ‘Motivate Yourself Now’ self hypnosis MP3 download and CD are now available.

Soon as you get the rest you need , being motivated and enthusiastic about your goals becomes a whole lot easier.

To increase your motivation, the best thing you can do is take time out and re-fuel. Take a break from your goals, take

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ny day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.

We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.

We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, “The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves.” We created our circumstances by our past choices.

And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don’t like how things are, change it! You’re not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.

We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.

Jim Rohn knows the secrets of success - in business and in life. He has devoted his life to a study of the fundamentals of human behavior and personal motivation that affect professional performance. He can awaken the unlimited power of achievement within you! Reproduced with permission from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine. © 2008 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved. For information contact FrogPond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@FrogPond.com; http://www.FrogPond.com.

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Change Begins With Choice ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Our bone marrow transplant reunion is now standing room only. Each year, City of Hope invites bone marrow transplant recipients and their families to attend the “Celebration of Life” event. It’s a joyous time during which survivors of blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma embrace their health, their life and each other. It began more than 35 years ago when City of Hope created what is now one of the largest and most successful bone marrow transplant programs in the world. In fact, we’ve completed over 11,000 transplants and, according to national reports, our outcomes are among the best in the nation. The goal of curing cancer isn’t just something we work at. It’s what we live for. If you have cancer, make us your first call. Or ask your doctor for a referral. We accept most insurance. 800-826-HOPE

COH-0726_BMT_Hem_fp_4c_ExecAgt.indd 1

WE LIVE TO CURE CANCER. Science saving lives. cityofhope.org/bmt

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