November 2016 East Coast by Featured Agent

November 2016

Cold snap â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Tips for winter home listings

Amy DeAngelo also featured:

Sherry Harrilal John B. Jacques Rowena Patton A.Andre Spalvins

Get your move on â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Money-saving moving tips

contents

buyers&sellers

professionals 7

Dollars & sense — Maintaining a budget on commission

7 Essential winter home prep projects

Get your move on — Money-saving moving tips

Cold snap — Tips for winter home listings

Top 10 Reasons to be thankful you’re a REALTOR®

Featured Agent Magazine Phone 888.437.5707 Fax 888.849.3663 contact@featuredagentmagazine.com www.featuredagentmagazine.com 2

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Amy DeAngelo

Sherry Harrilal

A.Andre Spalvins

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6Rowena Patton 17

q featured agent

John B. Jacques

Visit www.featuredagentmagazine.com to find out how to recommend a professional to be featured, advertise or subscribe. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

7 Essential winter home prep projects With winter on the horizon, now is the time to prepare your home for this unpredictable season. Properly preparing your home for winter will help keep you and your family comfortable, reduce heating costs and prevent structural issues that could result in costly repairs later. Most winter home prep can be completed as DIY projects. And even the ones that require professional assistance are a small investment now that can help you potentially save thousands later. Let’s get started:

Start at the top — Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against leaks and water damage. Inspect it for any loose, worn or missing shingles and have them replaced. Also look for any breaks in the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys. If your home has a flat roof (often found in warmer climates), use a leaf blower throughout the season to clear off leaves and other debris; this will help you detect any damaged areas. 4

Clear out gutters — Gutters are another way to protect your home from water damage, but they only work properly when they’re clean. To prevent water from backing up and causing leaks, clean out all the fall leaves and other debris that has accumulated over the past few months. This not only protects against water damage, it will also keep pests and rodents from making themselves at home in the mess. If you find any missing or damaged gutters or fascia boards, have them replaced.

Send water away — Gutters are only one part of the equation when trying to minimize the chance of water getting where it doesn’t belong. You’ll also want to make sure the water they collect gets diverted far enough away from the home’s foundation. To do that, add extensions to your downspouts. Ideally, you want the water to flow at least three feet away from the foundation to prevent the possibility of leaks and damage. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Winter Prep Quick Tips • Have the heating system inspected and repaired before the first cold snap • Inspect and repair roof, gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage • Reverse ceiling fan blades to circulate warm air • Find and fill any cracks around windows and doors • Have the chimney cleaned before burning a fire

Inspect the system — Have your furnace or heat pump inspected and repaired, if needed, by a professional, who will catch any current or potential issues before they leave you out in the cold. In addition to keeping you warm, a properly running heating system minimizes the risk of carbon monoxide issues and helps reduce heating costs. As the season progresses, remember to change the furnace filter monthly to ensure maximum efficiency.

Insulate hot water heater and pipes — What’s not to love about a simple project that can save money and keep you more comfortable? Wrapping your hot water heater and pipes can help reduce utility costs while maintaining a comfortable water temperature for bathing. You can hire a plumber to do the job, or take it on yourself with specially cut insulation or foam available from home improvement centers. Catch the cracks — Winter is all about keeping Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

cold air and moisture — and in warmer climates, pests — out of your home, which is why you need to find and fix any cracks around doors and windows. Inspect around window and door frames outside and if you find any gaps larger than the width of a nickel, fill them in with weather-resistant silicone caulk. Inspect all door sweeps and weather stripping and replace any that appear worn or cracked.

Sweep that chimney — A crackling fire is a cozy way to help heat your home, but before you burn the first logs of the season, you need to make sure you can do it safely. Call a chimney sweep to inspect the chimney and clean it if needed. The inspection and cleaning together should ring in at less than $500, but any amount is a small price to pay if it prevents a chimney fire and the possibility of carbon monoxide leaking into your home.

No matter the climate you live in, the winter season can be hard on your home. Taking these precautions at the start of the season will help ensure your home makes it through winter without any serious issues and you stay comfortable and cozy until spring arrives. 5

featuredagent Sherry Harrilal magazine

competent advice regarding buying, selling or investing in real estate.”

Currently, about half of Sherry’s business is from repeat and referral clients, and she plans to continue building that loyal client base. “One of the biggest things for me is trusting someone. I feel honesty and integrity are very important and I work hard to build that sense of trust with my clients, which is one of the reasons they come back to me.”

Throughout her time in real estate, Sherry has seen many agents get into the business thinking they’re going to make a lot of money quickly, only to be disappointed and quit when they don’t. “Real estate is something you need to be passionate about,” she says. “You have to set goals and work hard to reach them. It’s not just about money; it’s about making people happy and giving them their dream of owning a property.”

Now 10 years into a successful real estate career,

New York real estate agent Sherry Harrilal has the equivalent experience of agents who have been in the business much longer. That’s because she worked in several different aspects of real estate before finally becoming a licensed agent in 2013. Her career began with appraisals, and she also coordinated closings at EXIT Kingdom Realty and even worked with two great real estate law offices. “The experiences that I’ve gained from my employment history in the real estate field give me great knowledge when it comes to helping my clients list, sell and buy a home.”

Sherry works with home buyers and sellers in the five boroughs as well as Long Island. “I’ve noticed a trend, a lot of my clients are moving into the suburbs, and I’m happy to help them with that,” she says. Her primary goal is to offer her clients a one-stop approach to buying or selling a property. “I want to deliver first-class service by making the process as simple and stress-free as possible for my clients, who know they can trust me for

Based on her success, it’s clear Sherry understands the value of setting goals. “I set an income goal my first year and reached it within only nine months of being a fulltime REALTOR®,” she recalls. “Just recently, I received recognition as one of the Top 20 Under 40 from the Long Island Board of REALTORS®. That’s something I’m very proud of because it’s the fourth largest real estate board in the country with more than 23,000 members.”

Sherry’s adventurous spirit fuels the activities she pursues in her downtime. “Anything that’s exciting, I’m up for it,” she laughs. “I haven’t tried skydiving yet but it’s on my list.” Sherry also enjoys traveling to visit family in her native Trinidad. “I came here on my own and have worked very hard,” she says. “It’s not easy when you come from a different place and try to make it, but working in real estate is something I fell in love with! I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in 10 years and there’s so much more I want to do.”

Those future plans include the goal of one day owning her own brokerage. “It’s not in the near future, but definitely something I want to do,” she says. “It will give me the opportunity to dedicate my time and training to help others be successful.”

Sherry Harrilal

EXIT Kingdom Realty | Forest Hills, NY 347.267.7059 | Sherry@ExitKingdomRealty.com | www.SherryNYC.com 6

Dollars & sense — Maintaining a budget on commission Most real estate agents agree, one of their favorite aspects of being a REALTOR® is not having a ceiling on their income potential. However, because real estate is not a 9-to-5 job with a predictable paycheck every two weeks, many agents find themselves in feast-orfamine mode and come up short while waiting for their next commission. This is especially true for newer, less established agents, but it can happen to long-time agents as well. Here are several tips to to help real estate professionals avoid being cash-strapped during slow periods. Determine your baseline — Total up all your monthly bills and living expenses so you know exactly how much money will be going out every month. This way you’ll know the minimum you need to make or save to carry over from the previous month to cover the basics. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Start saving for emergencies — Having a cash cushion to fall back on will give you peace of mind. Start depositing a portion of every commission into an accessible (but not too accessible) savings account reserved exclusively for true emergencies, such as major medical bills, home repairs, or a long lull between commissions. Having emergency funds in place will help you avoid turning to credit cards if you face a tough month. Plan ahead for expenses — Be sure your monthly budget allows for all types of expenses: fixed, variable and periodic. Fixed expenses are the ones you can count on month after month, such as rent and your car payments. Variable expenses may also occur monthly, but they will be different each time; think utilities and groceries. Periodic expenses are the ones that only happen once or a few times a year, such 7

as car registration, property taxes or purchasing birthday and holiday gifts. Place these on the calendar and start saving for them in advance so you’re not caught off guard when they inevitably come up.

Avoid relying on credit — When you’re waiting for that big commission to come in, it’s tempting to charge up your credit cards with the intention of paying them off once you get the funds. But a lot can happen between now and then. If you end up with credit card bills you can’t pay off right away, you will be accruing interest charges and always chasing that next big payday to try to catch up. Keep credit card use to a minimum and if you do use them, have a plan in place to pay them off quickly.

Keep expenses and spending in check — When commissions are rolling in regularly, it’s tempting to overspend. But remember, the housing market depends on a number of factors, many of which are outside your control. If you spend every last penny of each commission assuming there will always be another one, you’re setting yourself up for financial hardship down the road. Go ahead and treat yourself now and then, but be sure you’re saving with an eye on the future. 8

Quick Tips for Living on Commission • Total up monthly expenses and set a budget • Avoid using credit cards for everyday purchases • Regularly contribute to emergency savings • Plan for fixed, variable and periodic expenses • Be careful with over-spending and large purchases Budgeting for an unpredictable income can sometimes be challenging, but it’s worth it when you consider the many incredible benefits of a career in real estate. With some planning and care, you will be able to enjoy the good times and sail through the challenging ones. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent A.Andre Spalvins magazine

families are grown, many of them have homes to sell and are looking to downsize. A.Andre is happy to help them with both aspects of those transactions. “I have built trust over time and have a personal relationship with many of them,” A.Andre explains. “A lot of new REALTORS® come into the area and don’t know anyone. For me it was a natural move to get into real estate.”

A.Andre brings with him to real estate the philosophy that helped him excel when selling boats: take care of the customer above all else. “That’s what has always guided the way I do business and will always be the number one thing above all,” he says. Rather than choosing to work with one of the big real estate brands, A.Andre enjoys the smaller, more intimate way of doing business at Andrews and Associates. “It allows me to do some of everything: waterfront properties, vacant land, even some boat docks, really whatever my clients need from me,” he says. “This is an interesting and fun business!”

Few people are lucky enough to find one profession they love, let alone two. But Sarasota REALTOR® A.Andre Spalvins was fortunate to discover real estate is a perfect fit for a second career.

He came to the area 27 years ago to pursue his dream of being in the marine industry, which he accomplished by selling boats for the same company for 25 years and building lasting relationships with a long list of happy clients. Shortly after retiring three years ago, A.Andre’s daughter, also a real estate agent, suggested that he try his hand at being a REALTOR®. “She told me, ‘Dad, you’ve got to do something with yourself,’” he recalls. “I didn’t really need to do anything, but figured it’s good to do something, so I got my license and got started; I really enjoyed that process.” While the biggest challenge for most new agents is cultivating a client base, A.Andre had maintained relationships with many of his customers from the marine industry, and called on those connections to get started. Now that their

One of the reasons A.Andre has succeeded in a competitive market so quickly is his willingness to keep learning. Because many of his clients are older, he immediately sought and earned the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRS) designation and completed the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI). Of course, it helps that he is personable, easy-going and as he says, “won’t disappear” in the middle of a transaction. “I’ve been married to the same woman for 46 years, that should tell you something, too,” he adds with a laugh. Real estate also allows A.Andre to control his time and continue doing many other things he’s passionate about. He is a lifetime member of the United States Power Squadron and teaches safe boating and cruise planning for them. He is also an avid gardener and member of the Tropical Fruit Society. And every year during the holidays you will find him ringing the bell for The Salvation Army. But perhaps most important, two days a week are reserved for spending time with his 2-year-old grandson Aleks, who is the same age A.Andre was when his family proudly came to the US from Latvia through Ellis Island.

Asked about his plans for the future, A.Andre’s answer is simple, “My wife is a Trekkie, so we always say, live long and prosper.”

A.Andre Spalvins Andrews and Associates Realty Inc. | Sarasota, FL 941.313.2206 | aandrespalvins@gmail.com | www.aandre.us Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Top 10 Reasons to be thankful you’re a REALTOR®

We talk to real estate professionals from coast-to-coast — and even internationally — and while each one is unique, there are certain things we hear again and again. This month, we thought we’d share some of the many reasons to be thankful for this industry we all love. Here are the Top 10 reasons to be thankful for being in real estate:

Every day is different — Whether you’ve been in real estate five days or 15 years, you’ve never had two days that were exactly the same. And you love it that way! You are your own boss — While you may have a managing broker or team leader, for the most part, you get to plan your days and work at your own pace.

You have a flexible schedule — Sure, you’re going to work nights and weekends sometimes, but you have the chance to mold your schedule around important events in your life.

There are always learning opportunities — Becoming licensed is just the beginning. Growing as an agent means there’s always something new and exciting to learn about. You are in charge of your own destiny — When it comes to how much you can earn, the sky’s the limit. Very few careers offer so much potential to create the life you want.

You can work from anywhere — With so many ways to work remotely, you can take your work with you and be productive from almost any location.

You get to see beautiful homes — There’s nothing quite like walking into a beautiful home and seeing it for the first time. REALTORS® get to have that experience a few times a week. You’re an in-demand guest for career day — Many people are curious about how REALTORS® spend their days. You have the chance to spread the word about this amazing career.

You get to meet incredible people — As a REALTOR® you have the chance to meet and become friends with tons of interesting new people. And you get to help make their dreams come true — Of course, the best reason to be thankful for being in real estate is getting the chance to help wonderful people buy or sell a home and change their lives.

Amy DeAngelo

Moving from a career as a gemologist in New York City’s famed Diamond District to one as a REALTOR® may not seem like a smooth transition, but for New Jersey real estate agent and broker Amy DeAngelo, it felt like a perfectly natural fit. “I had always been interested in real estate, and one of my hobbies is interior design, so it all came together perfectly,” she says. “My experience working in the Diamond District, which is considered the most competitive block in the world, taught me about the art of negotiation; I was involved in price wars every day,” she continues. “If I could not meet the clients’ needs, they had 500 choices right outside the door.”

Amy became an agent in 2008, when the economic downturn drastically reduced her clientele’s demand for luxury items like diamonds. In the nearly 10 years since, she has built a business based on her belief that honesty is the best policy. “I always try to put myself in my client’s shoes when helping them make decisions and ask myself ‘What would I do in this situation?’ Because I’ve experienced several real 12

estate transactions of my own, I’ve been through the process and can relate to people and think I have good advice to share based on those experiences.” Her clients certainly seem to think so. More than 75% of Amy’s business comes from working with repeat and referral clients throughout Hoboken, downtown Jersey City, and the Gold Coast in Hudson County. “I work with everyone from first-time buyers to empty nesters who are selling their larger homes in the suburbs to have more of a walking town or elevator building lifestyle,” she explains. “Our town is very transient because we have a lot of young working professionals living outside of Manhattan. It’s common for people to buy a one-bedroom and then sell it and move into something bigger because they get married and have children, all within about a three-year span.” Clients enjoy working with Amy because of the way she approaches the process of buying or selling a home. “I truly feel that real estate should be a fun

process for everybody, so I try to make it that way, while at the same time educating clients on the market,” she explains. “My goal is always to keep the transaction as smooth as possible and make it enjoyable — almost like shopping,” she adds with a laugh.

When marketing homes for sale, Amy’s eye for design shows through. She uses the best photography, offers staging tips and provides well-designed marketing pieces and unique custom signage so the properties she lists stand out. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so when my listings go online I make sure we look our best compared to our competition,” she says.

It’s almost certainly her comprehensive approach to the business that keeps Amy’s clients coming back, and sharing her name with their family and friends. “I am committed to building relationships. When I work with people it’s not just done at the closing table,” she says. “I like to maintain a relationship Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

with my clients and check in to see how they’re doing every few months,” she continues. “When the process is done, we have made friendships. It’s not just business. I think that’s one of the main reasons my clients keep coming back to me.”

Entering the real estate profession at a time when the market wasn’t ideal taught Amy some valuable lessons that are applicable to all new agents, regardless of market conditions. “If someone is thinking about becoming an agent, I tell them to get ready to hustle,” she says. “If you’re not going to hustle it’s going to be difficult. Success doesn’t just come to you. You have to be a go-getter. And if you are, you’ll thrive in this business.” 13

“I truly feel that real estate should be a fun process for everybody, so I try to make it that way, while at the same time educating clients on the market.” Amy is thankful that real estate has allowed her to pursue her dreams. “If you’re doing something you love, you’re going to do well at it. I truly believe that’s the case,” she says. “I had many jobs before this where I felt like I was confined behind the desk and I wasn’t really producing, and wasn’t motivated,” she says. “Now that I’ve followed my passions, I feel lucky to be doing something I love. I don’t think many people can say that.”

Working with people is one of the many perks of the business that Amy really enjoys. “I am a people person for sure. It’s really fun for me to navigate through this career and it makes me happy to realize how many people I’ve helped. It’s very special for me to help my clients find the place they call home.”

Amy makes it a point to give back to the communities that support her business. Her husband owns a Brooklyn-based gin distillery, and together they are active sponsors of Team Fox for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. She is also involved with the True Mentors program, and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club during the holiday season.

When she’s not busy helping clients, Amy and her husband enjoy cooking and entertaining their friends and family in their townhome’s private garden. “Great food, wine and spirits

are part of our culture,” she says. An avid yogi, Amy makes yoga a part of her lifestyle. She also loves skiing, antique furniture shopping and mid-century decor. She and her husband also enjoying traveling to their favorite destinations: Florence, Dublin, Napa Valley, Anguilla and Saratoga Springs, New York, their favorite summer weekend getaway.

Amy DeAngelo PRIME Real Estate Group | Hoboken/Jersey City, NJ 917.301.1709 | amy@primereg.com | www.primereg.com 14

Get your move on — Money-saving moving tips

As exciting as it is to move into a new home, the process of moving out of the old one can be costly and time-consuming. And waiting until the last minute and being unprepared will only make things worse. With the right planning and preparation, you can take some of the stress out of moving and put that energy toward being excited about your new home. Here are several ways you can save your sanity — and even some money — when moving: Plan a schedule — Moving is a huge job! But just like anything else, if you break it down into small, manageable steps, it becomes much easier. Plan a schedule beginning at least four weeks out from your moving date to ensure you leave yourself plenty of time to get everything down and account for any unexpected occurrences. Be sure to factor in time for Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

sorting, packing, holding a yard sale, cleaning and making any necessary home repairs. Set daily goals and allow yourself rewards when you meet them, such as taking a break to have a glass of wine or stream an episode of your favorite show.

Sort and sell — Moving is probably the only time to really take stock of everything you have and decide whether or not it’s still something you need or want. Go through every room in your home — including the attic, basement and garage — and take an inventory of what you find, then determine if each item is something you still need, use or love. If it doesn’t fall into any of those categories, it’s time to let it go. Sell items that are in good condition by listing them on EBay, Craig’s List, or Let Go, or simply have a blowout moving sale to get rid of everything at once. 15

For anything that doesn’t sell, call a local nonprofit and schedule a time for them to come and pick it up.

Hoard boxes — There’s no need to waste money buying brand-new moving boxes. As soon as you know you’re moving, be on the lookout for boxes you can use. Whether it’s at your office, the grocery store, or your weekly Target run, pick up as many clean, sturdy boxes as you can. Ask family and friends to save any good boxes they run across, too.

Learn to love labels — It’s easy to toss everything into boxes, seal them up, and deal with it later. But doing so will cost you time and money once you reach your new home. You will end up spending hours looking for things or just giving up and buying new versions because you can’t find what you need. By taking time on the front end to carefully pack and label boxes systematically, room-by-room, you’ll be able to quickly unpack, find everything you need, and focus on turning your new house into a home. Use what you have — Clear out your refrigerator, freezer and pantry by making meals out of the food you have. Try to get through as much as you can and if you have any non-perishable items left by moving day, donate them to a local food pantry. You don’t 16

want to spend precious time loading up boxes with canned food or have them take up valuable space on the moving truck.

Move mid-week — Sure, moving on the weekend is easier, and you don’t have to take any time off from work to do it. But, it’s also more expensive. Because everyone else wants to move on the weekend, too, you will be paying the highest rates. Moving midweek can save you money, and give you a head start on getting settled. You might even be unpacked and settled by the time the weekend rolls around.

Take a break from shopping — The last thing you need to do when you’re in the process of packing to move is bring in more things you have to pack. Take a break from shopping to focus on going through what you already have. Even after you move, hold off before shopping for new furniture and household items until you’ve lived in the space for a while. You’ll probably be surprised by how your current furniture and décor looks completely different in its new surroundings.

Planning for your move and taking the time to carefully pack and label your items will help moving day go smoothly and reduce your stress level so you can focus on the fun and enjoy setting up your new home. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent Rowena Patton magazine

Real estate professional Rowena Patton began her career with one central goal, which was to approach real estate from the clients’ perspective. It’s a simple idea, but one that often gets lost when agents and others are more focused on themselves than what’s best for the people they’re supposed to be helping. Rowena learned this firsthand, which was one of the motivators for becoming an agent. “I bought a 4-unit condo building to remodel and due to my agent’s non-disclosure, I was left with a mess,” she recalls. “I initially got my license thinking I’d just use it for myself, but my business really took off.”

That’s really no surprise when you consider Rowena’s previous experience as an international management consultant. A native of the UK, she came to the states 20 years ago and lived in both LA and South Beach, before deciding to make Asheville her home. But make no mistake, that wanderlust is still part of her life; she manages teams who work in Jacksonville, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina in addition to her Asheville team. “I didn’t know anyone when I came here, but I’ve been able to become the #1 agent in the market by continually looking for ways to improve the real estate experience. The ways we did real estate in the past aren’t working anymore,” Rowena says.

the neighborhood,” Rowena explains. “Because many buyers aren’t located in the town where you’re selling it’s a way to share with them what the lifestyle is like, which often ends up being more important than the home itself.”

Ensuring her clients are protected is important to Rowena, which makes transparency and education key components of her process. “I educate sellers and buyers to go in with their eyes wide open by giving them the information to make an intelligent choice,” she says. “For example, most sellers don’t realize their home has things that need to be fixed; we do the inspection up front so they’re not over a barrel at the end of the sale when they’re ready to move. Always doing the right things for clients is key.”

Additionally, Rowena encourages the agents on her team to strive for authenticity. “Unfortunately, REALTORS® aren’t always viewed as being honest and trustworthy, so it’s even more important to be yourself, be honest, and protect your integrity,” she says. As a team, their community involvement is a testament to the high standards they maintain. “We are the #1 team in the country for giving to the Homes for Heroes program, which gives 25% of each commission to help police officers, firefighters, teachers, health care workers and retired or active duty military afford housing.” Managing her team doesn’t leave Rowena much down time, but what little she has is spent in a creative pursuit — cooking, painting, and putting the finishing touches on her soon-to-be published book.

Rowena and her team offer clients a number of unique value propositions that help them stand out. In fact, they have established 20 buyer and seller programs, all focused on helping the consumer. There is a ‘Love It or Leave It’ guarantee that offers buyers peace of mind, a listing discount program for repeat clients who are looking for their next home, and a program Rowena is especially proud of called the Listing Storyboard. “We interview sellers about what they love about their home, why they fell in love with it, and things they enjoy about

Rowena Patton

All-Star Powerhouse @ Keller Williams | Asheville, NC 828.537.4804 | Request@AllstarPowerhouse.com | www.AllStarCertified.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Cold snap — Tips for winter home listings You’ve probably heard that the winter months are a terrible time of year to sell a home. Early in the season, people are focused on the holidays and out-of-town visitors. Later in the season the weather is dreary and properties, particularly the exteriors, don’t look their best. While all of this may be true, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad time to list a home. People still need to sell and move during the winter and savvy REALTORS® are more than happy to help them do it. The following strategies will help you make the most of selling a home during the winter. Make the house feel welcoming, warm & cozy — Curb appeal can take a hit during the winter, so it’s important that the home’s interior takes center stage. Let in as much natural light as possible and supplement it by turning on lamps to brighten up any dark corners. Keep the house at a comfortable temperature — between 65 and 70 is ideal — and consider offering refreshments such as hot chocolate or hot apple cider to help guests warm up. As a bonus, they’ll make the house smell amazing!

Give the entry extra attention — Just because curb appeal isn’t at its peak, doesn’t mean you get to ignore the entry. Keep the front sidewalk and walkway free of snow, slush, twigs and other debris. Make sure there’s a sturdy doormat at the front door to catch mud and water before it gets tracked inside. And on extragloomy days, keep the porchlight on around-the-clock to cast a warm glow.

Highlight winter-perfect features — If the home has a working fireplace, woodstove, mud room 18

or any other features that offer cold-weather comfort and convenience, be sure to highlight them in the marketing materials and give them special attention during the showing.

Have fun with the holidays — If the home is on the market during the holiday season, don’t hesitate to decorate for it. Just be sure to keep holiday decorations traditional and tasteful. You want to add to the ambiance and overall look of the home, but too many decorations can be distracting and obstruct key features you’re looking to emphasize.

Turn up the heat — Prospective buyers will have heating on their minds. Arm yourself with useful information to share with them such as the home’s average heating costs, how much and what type of insulation it has, and the dates of the last HVAC service, along with any upgrades that have been made.

Make the market work for you — There’s usually less inventory this time of year, so take advantage of that fact by highlighting everything the property has going for it, both inside and outside. Don’t forget to include information on the neighborhood, as well as services including schools, shopping, dining and entertainment. If a quick sale is your goal, be sure to price the property appropriately.

Although it can be more challenging to sell a home during the winter, these tips will help make it easier. With some planning and creativity, there’s no reason homes listed during the winter will spend any more time on the market than they would any other time of year. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent John B. Jacques magazine

of customer service beyond what is expected. “The more I’ve gotten into the residential side of the business, the more I see that we’re a lot different from other agents,” says John. “We answer our phones and respond to calls and emails in a timely manner because we really do care about our clients. We listen to what they want and work tirelessly to meet their criteria. We try to find not only the best deals for them, but the best financing, too.”

Staying informed about what programs are available to buyers while staying on top of market trends is another one of the strengths that benefits John’s clients. “In today’s market, when interest rates are at almost an alltime low, you have to have a sense of urgency on your client’s behalf. There are many options out there and even grant money available for buyers, but if you haven’t done your research, your clients will never be able to take advantage of those,” says John.

As a real estate broker and owner of Rooster

Realty Group, LLC, John Jacques has quite a history in the industry. With over 35 years experience that started in the construction business and later, in facilities and property management, John has carved out a niche for himself in both residential and commercial real estate.

Covering a number of counties in Pennsylvania such as Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, and Philadelphia, John is easily able to meet the needs of first-time buyers to investors, and everyone in between. “I deal with a lot of people who are buying their first home, and those people look to me for honest, professional advice. That’s a big responsibility that I take seriously, and they appreciate the fact that I give them a lot of knowledgable information,” John says.

In the mere 15 months since John opened Rooster Realty Group, he has been able to grow the company at an impressive rate. So, what is the secret to achieving success in such a short amount of time? According to John, it’s simply his honest approach to the business combined with his passion for people and desire to provide a level

Always keeping the client’s best interest in mind, it’s not hard to see why they return to work with John, a Certified Property Manager and Certified Home Buying Advisor through the National Association of Expert Advisors. “I believe in staying loyal to my clients. Whether I’m selling their home or helping them find a home, I stay focused on what I’m doing at all times to make sure I’m representing them well. When you stay loyal to your clients, everything else will fall in line.”

When he’s not busy with the day-to-day tasks of running his business, John enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, watching football, and getting in a round of golf when time allows. He is also dedicated to giving back by donating blood platelets on a regular basis, supporting local police officers, and organizations such as Silent Soldier.

Now that his company is well underway and thriving, John is excited about the additional growth he foresees in the near future. “I’m currently looking for full-time agents who are ready to make a commitment and who share my vision of who we are as a company and how we treat our clients,” John says. “I set this company up as an S corporation, so I want people who are aggressive in real estate and want to eventually become owners. I’m really enjoying watching my company grow at this rapid pace.”

John B. Jacques Rooster Realty Group, LLC | Norristown, PA 267.970.5375 | jjacques@roosterrealtygroup.com | www.roosterrealtygroup.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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