August 2022 Midwest

August 2022

Make the most of

small space living 8 Tips to generate

more referrals

DIEGO VALDES also featured: Bridgett Campbell

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professionals 6

Are you ready to build a team?

Ask yourself these 5 questions

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Top 10 Reasons to love your clients

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8 Tips to generate more referrals

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t featured cover agent

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Diego Valdes

q featured agent

Bridgett Campbell

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buyers &sellers 4

Make the most of small space living

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New in town? Tap into your REALTOR’S® rolodex

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Materials­and­content­included­in­Featured­Agent Magazine­and­on­featuredagentmagazine.com­are subject­to­copyright­and­may­not­be­copied­or­reproduced­in­any­part­without­prior­written­consent.

Featured­Agent­Magazine­is­published­by­Times­3 Publishing­Group,­LLC.­Publisher­shall­not­be­liable for­any­inaccuracy,­error,­or­omission­and­makes­no representations­or­warranties­of­any­kind,­express­or implied, as­to­the­information, content,­or­materials included.­

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Make the most of

small space living

The Tiny House Movement is one of the fastest-growing housing trends in recent memory. Tiny houses are fully functional mobile living spaces that measure from 100400 square feet. Obviously, fitting all of life’s necessities in such a tiny space poses many challenges. But you don’t have to live in a tiny house to face the realities of small space living. Studio apartments, loft spaces, cottages and many other small spaces all present similar issues. Here are seven ways you can maximize small space living to create a comfortable, well-organized and stylish home.

Take Care with Color — Adding color to walls is one of the fastest, easiest, most affordable ways to add character and personality to a room. But be careful when you’re working in small spaces, because the wrong color can make your room seem smaller than it 4

actually is. Avoid dark colors and stick with lighter hues to make the space feel more open.

Embrace Light & Reflection — Keep window coverings light, both in color and materials. Heavy window coverings will make rooms look and feel dark and claustrophobic. Stick to lighter colors and airy fabrics that allow light to filter through, even when closed. Another trick is to let curtain rods extend past the ends of windows on either side to create the illusion of width. Mirrors are another great way to visually trick the eye into thinking a room is larger than it is.

Bonus points if you can hang a mirror across from a window to capture and reflect even more light.

Make Furniture Multi-Task — When you live in a small space, everything should have more than

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You don’t have to live in a tiny house to face the realities of small space living. Studio apartments, loft spaces, cottages and many other small spaces all present similar issues.

Get Control of Clutter — Clutter is the enemy of small space living. When every available surface is covered with mail, magazines, clothing and other everyday odds and ends, the space looks messy and unfinished. One way to keep clutter under control is to practice the rule all minimalists live by: one in, one out. That simply means every time you bring something new into your space, an equivalent item has to go. If you buy a new pair of shoes, for example, you have to get rid of a pair you already have, and so on. It’s definitely challenging, but it will make you think twice when tempted to purchase something on impulse, knowing that something you already have will get the axe.

one purpose. Think ottomans that double as storage space, tray tables that pinch hit as end tables, and dressers that serve as nightstands. If you live in a studio space, it’s practically illegal to have a sofa that doesn’t fold-out into a bed. And remember seeing Murphy beds (also called wall beds) in old black and white movies and TV shows? They’re making a comeback and can solve a multitude of small space furniture and storage issues.

Keep Floors Clear — Crowding the floor with baskets or bins for storage may seem practical, but it will make the room look and feel smaller. Open things up by keeping floor space clear and moving storage up to the walls (or even the ceiling, in some cases).

Shelves, hanging baskets, peg boards and other storage solutions will keep floor space free.

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Utilize Hidden Spaces — The space under, in between or behind furniture is no longer just a place for dust bunnies to collect. When you live in a small space, it can be used for valuable storage. You can get specialized storage bins made to slip under the bed or simply use your imagination to decide what goes where, like slipping a folding tray table under the couch or hanging an ironing board or shoe rack behind a door.

Keep it Extra Clean — Speaking of dust bunnies, small spaces need to be cleaned more frequently and thoroughly than their larger counterparts. It’s easy to ignore dusty corners or a too-full trash can in a large space, but everyday messes add up quickly when there’s not a lot of room. Take some time at the end of every day to do a quick cleaning and you’ll keep your small space feeling tidy and inviting.

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Are you ready to build a team?

Ask yourself these 5 questions There comes a point in every real estate agent’s career when they realize they could greatly grow their business by forming a team. For some, this realization comes and goes without much thought; they are committed to being solo agents and have no intention of being anything but. For others though, the thought of forming a team is extremely appealing. There are, of course, the obvious potential financial benefits, but there’s also the chance of having more time to spend working directly with clients and possibly even taking more time off to pursue other passions. Forming a real estate team is a big step that requires a lot of thought, planning and commitment. Whether you want to start building a team today, next year, or five years from now, asking yourself the following questions will help you prepare for the complexities involved in building and managing a team.

Can You Afford It? — This is the first, and most important, question you have to ask yourself. Are you ready to be financially responsible for one (or more) other people? Are you willing to give up pocketing some of the money you earn to free up more of your time? Ideally, hiring an assistant and eventually, other licensed agents, will increase your bottom line, but that might not happen right away. You have to be OK with initially taking a hit to your net compensation to allow you to pay others.

Can You Give Up Control? — If you find yourself saying, “The only way to do something right is to do it yourself,” you might have a hard time letting go of control and delegating tasks to team members.

When you have a team, you have to be willing to let go and empower your employees to make decisions and find the best way to get things done. You should certainly offer guidance, but if you think you would find yourself re-doing everyone else’s work because it wasn’t up to your standards, it would defeat the purpose of having a team.

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Can You Offer (and Take) Constructive Criticism? — A big part of being a boss is giving feedback to your employees about their performance.

Are you comfortable having honest, candid conversations and prepared to receive such feedback in return?

If you’re someone who goes to great lengths to avoid confrontation, or conversely, have a reputation for unfiltered bluntness, you’ll need to work on delivering constructive criticism in a firm, yet positive way.

You’ll also need to be open to hearing from your team about ways you can improve as a leader.

Have You Experienced Great Leadership?

Those who have been fortunate enough to experience outstanding leadership during their careers often make great leaders themselves. That’s because they have experienced having someone make them feel supported and motivated. If you’ve had a great leader, ask that person if they would be willing to mentor you as you make the transition to leading your own team.

Do You Have Clear Short- and Long-Term Goals? — Before you bring on an assistant to help you get through that mountain of paperwork, it’s important to have a plan. If all you really need is someone to help you get organized and catch up, maybe you just need to bring someone on as a short-term contractor, rather than starting to build a team. If, on the other hand, you have a solid five-year plan in place that requires assistance to reach your milestones, you’re probably in the right place to put a team together. The important thing is to understand your motivations for starting a team and what you hope to accomplish.

Building a team is a huge milestone in any real estate professional’s career. When the time comes to build your team, remember what you’ve learned from good leaders along the way and treat your team members the way you’ve appreciated being treated.

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DIEGO VALDES

DIEGO VALDES Diego Valdes believes in getting to the heart of the matter, and this Chicago-based REALTOR® has built his business on a solid foundation of honesty and respect. “I treat all my clients with the same amount of effort and respect,” he says. “I am a firm believer that no matter a client’s budget, they should be treated equally and with the same level of professionalism.”

Diego arranges an initial consultation with new clients to set expectations, explain the process, and answer any questions they may have along the way. He is focused on being there for his clients throughout every step, from that first meeting all the way to the closing table.

“Once we establish a good honest relationship, the transaction just goes much more smoothly and they are more open to sharing the real conflicts and challenges they are facing,” he says.

Diego truly enjoys what he does and does not view real estate as a job. “It’s not just about money,” he says. “I think there are a lot of misconceptions about real estate from all of the shows on television. There is a stigma when it comes to agents and I really do want to change that. There are many great people in this industry, who are looking to change people’s lives for the better. And, I’m one of those people.”

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Diego views real estate as a way to help people achieve their dreams. “I’m not just some agent looking to earn a commission or an agent who sees my clients simply as numbers,” he explains. “I take great pride in working for their best interests and this includes guiding them through the entire process and connecting them with other professionals who are also going to look out for them.”

In fact, Diego has committed himself to this career so he can make a real difference in people’s lives. He wants his clients to view him as more than simply a salesperson or someone who helps them move into a new place. “I want my clients to actually see me as a friend,” he says. Diego, who says that about 35 percent of his business currently comes from referrals, is proud that he shares this type of relationship with most of his clients. “Even past closing, I have been able to stay in touch and it really makes me feel like I am keeping my promise to make people’s lives better,” he says. “And, hopefully, I can keep doing that for many years.”

Although he mainly focuses on the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, Diego is always open to new areas. “I like learning about different areas and markets.

I’m always willing to go anywhere that my clients’

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“THERE ARE MANY GREAT PEOPLE IN THIS INDUSTRY, WHO ARE LOOKING TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES FOR THE BETTER. AND, I’M ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.” Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“I PLAN TO HELP AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. I THINK THAT IS ALWAYS THE GOAL.” interests take me,” he says. Diego primarily works with first-time homebuyers or those looking to upgrade or move into a bigger home because of a growing family.

“I enjoy working with young buyers, like myself, who are in their early twenties and really don’t want to rent for many years like their parents did,” he says. “They are looking to invest in a property where they know they are going to build great equity.”

An admitted fitness enthusiast who likes to stay active, Diego also enjoys creating memories with his family

and friends. He is also involved in outreach events such as charities that help support his community and people in need.

Diego’s plan over the next few years includes building a team and, from there, taking the experience and knowledge he has gained to start his own brokerage firm. As he looks to the future, he intends to continue to on his path to making a difference in his clients’ lives.

“I plan to help as many people as possible,” he says. “I think that is always the goal.”

DIEGO VALDES RE/MAX NEXT | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 847.757.2011 | DIEGOVALDES@REMAXNEXT.COM 10

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Top 10 Reasons

to love your clients Nearly every real estate professional we talk to tells us the same thing: they love their clients. And why not?

Helping people buy or sell homes and invest in their future is one of the most rewarding careers there is.

You’ve told us your clients:

Make Every Day Interesting — One of the best things about being a real estate agent is that every day is different. Your clients are the main reason for that.

Whether you’re meeting someone new, closing a deal or just catching up with past clients, they make your day fly by.

Expand Your Horizons — Your clients are bound to each have different tastes in music, movies, TV, food, travel and all those things that make life interesting. They can clue you in to the best indie movie, a great new song or that under-the-radar restaurant that’s about to be huge.

Help Grow Your Business — Word of mouth is powerful. Your current clients are your best source of referrals. Remember to ask every client to share your name with friends, family and coworkers. You’ll see your business grow!

Haven’t Heard Your Stories Yet — Your friends and family are probably getting tired of hearing those stories about that summer you were a camp counselor or the big-game winning play you were part of. But clients won’t be! Every new client gives you a chance to share your life story one more time.

Make You More Compassionate — Not only do you get to share your life story, you get to hear your clients’ stories, too. Learning about other people’s lives and backgrounds is bound to make you a more compassionate person.

Become Your Friends — Very few careers offer the opportunity to create life-long friendships with a diverse range of people. We hear from many agents how their clients become their friends — or even ‘like family.’

Help You Be a Better Agent — Just when you think you’ve seen it all in a transaction, a client throws you a curve ball. But that’s OK. If every transaction was smooth sailing, you wouldn’t have the opportunity to improve.

(Might) Let You Steal Their Jokes — Need some new material? Your clients are sure to have some good one liners and funny stories they’ll be happy to share.

Help You Learn Patience — Real estate is a fast-paced business. But every now and then you get those clients who just can’t make up their minds. Don’t rush them. You’ll both benefit if you can let go and slow down a little.

Are the Reason You Stay in Business — If it wasn’t for your clients you couldn’t be successful in the career you love. And we can’t think of any better reason to love your clients than that.

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New in town? Tap into your REALTOR’S® rolodex

There are few professionals who will know more about their community than real estate agents. Even if your agent doesn’t happen to live in the exact location where you’ve purchased a home, there is a good chance that you have an incredible resource at your fingertips, who will be more than happy to help you get acquainted with your new neighborhood.

REALTORS® are almost unanimously active in their communities, often involved in multiple community organizations. In addition, because their profession puts them in contact with countless people every year, real estate agents always know a lot of people in different industries. Moreover, because part of their job 12

is to be able to introduce and educate others on the various benefits afforded by each community, they tend to have their finger on the pulse of the regions where they live, work and play.

As a newcomer to town, the vast knowledge that your agent possesses is an invaluable resource, right at your disposal. Here’s a look at some of the many resources most real estate agents can provide, when you’re moving to a new community.

Movers — Experienced real estate agents will be able to recommend you to a trustworthy, professional moving company to make your move as seamless as possible.

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REALTORS® are often worth their weight in gold, not only when it comes to helping you secure a buyer, or helping you to get into a new home, but in helping you feel at home in your new community as well.

Pet Sitters/Boarding Facilities — Trying to move while your pets are running around, or stressed out, can make moving day a lot more cumbersome. Instead of trying to keep an eye on Fido or Fluffy while moving, ask your agent for a referral to a safe place to keep your pets until you’re able to pick them up.

Cable/Satellite/Internet Providers — Your REALTOR® or the seller’s agent will be able to provide you with the options for internet service and/or cable options available in your new community so you can schedule installation ahead of time, and have all systems up and running when you need them.

Daycare Centers — If you’re moving with young children, you can certainly spend time online researching reputable daycare or childcare centers in your community. Or, you could save time and just ask your REALTOR® for a recommendation.

Carpenters/Handymen — Because real estate agents work with these professionals frequently, they will be able to refer you to a skilled professional to help you with repairs, or construction projects.

Painters, Carpet & Flooring Professionals You may wish to have your new home upgraded a bit before you move in, or after you’ve moved and if so, your REALTOR® definitely has the name and number of painting and flooring professionals who can help.

Electricians — If there are new lighting fixtures you’d like installed, or if you have specific electrical needs your new home isn’t properly wired for, contact your agent or the seller’s agent. They will be able to refer you to a trusted, experienced electrician in your area to make any necessary changes.

HVAC Professionals — When you need your hot Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

water heater replaced, or your furnace serviced, a single phone call to a real estate agent can likely save you a lot of time researching HVAC professionals online.

Landscapers/Seasonal Professionals — If you’re looking for help with mowing your lawn, designing gardens, raking leaves, or even snow removal in the winter, ask your REALTOR® for a referral — they will have one.

Babysitters — Believe it or not, real estate agents may even be able to point you in the direction of a trusted, reliable babysitter, for times when you need to leave your children at home.

Restaurants — If you’re looking for a nice evening out, or an amazing weekend brunch, your REALTOR® likely has suggestions in spades. To boot, they may know of specials, coupons, or weekly events at various restaurants in town.

Fitness Facilities or Classes — From yoga, to local gyms, to great walking, running, or hiking trails, your real estate agent will know where residents go to exercise.

Community Events — From getting in touch with your local chamber, rotary, or neighborhood association, to discovering a weekly farmer’s market, or story time at the library, your REALTOR® is a valuable community resource for you to utilize.

Real estate agents are in the business of helping others. Their success is also contingent upon knowing the ins-and-outs of the communities where they work.

As the result, REALTORS® are often worth their weight in gold, not only when it comes to helping you secure a buyer, or helping you to get into a new home, but in helping you feel at home in your new community as well.

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8 Tips to

generate more referrals

It is often said that a referral is the highest compliment a professional can receive. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many REALTORS® make it a priority to build a business that is overwhelmingly referral based. Countless REALTORS® have achieved this elite status through hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to providing premium service.

If you’re already doing all of this, and you’re still eager to continue growing, it’s time to start focusing, and committing to generating more referrals. Here are 8 easy tips to generate additional referrals.

Start Sharing — Share your knowledge, share your expertise, and share your time with others through speaking at networking or industry events, or even cohosting home buying or selling seminars. Speaking in front of audiences — whoever they may be — offers you a perfect platform to position yourself as a true expert. After all, home buyers and sellers aren’t the only source of referrals. Your fellow real estate professionals can prove to be an excellent source of referrals as well.

Keep Requests Casual — Asking for referrals doesn’t have to happen immediately after a transaction is complete. Try calling past clients when you’ve seen a particularly neat property come on the market, or before it comes on the market, and ask them if they know anyone looking for a great home. This is a casual call, there’s no need for formality, and in the process of the call, you also get to catch up with a cherished client or friend.

Give More Than You Receive — Statistics don’t lie. Those who give more referrals, tend to receive more referrals. When you find a vendor you like, refer them. When you work with mortgage professionals or CPAs who provide terrific service, refer them.

Refer bakers, gardeners, lawyers, and doctors. Givers tend to get more in return.

Become Your Clients’ Cheerleader — When your clients succeed in a business or personal venture, congratulate them. A phone call, a text message, and even a social media shout-out when your client has been successful, go a long way in showing that you’re 14

rooting for them. This helps reinforce the relationship, and can help keep you top-of-mind.

Create Quality Content That Others Can Share — Get clever with content on your blog or social media platforms. Provide useful information, funny stories, or educational material. All three types of content are likely to be shared, which will get your name in front of even more potential clients.

Thank Your Referral Sources Publicly — When someone refers a client to you, consider thanking them on Facebook or other social media platforms.

This gives them recognition, and demonstrates you truly do appreciate them and the client they sent your way. Flowers, or a similar mailed gift also can’t hurt.

Tout Your Testimonials — Telling your clients that you’re excellent at your job, is one thing. Having them hear from others how great your service or negotiation skills were, is better. Use raving testimonials on your website, in your email marketing campaigns, on social media, and if appropriate in your direct mail marketing.

Offer Free Services to Clients, and Friends of Your Clients — Consider calling a client, and offering to give them a free estimate of their home’s value, out of the blue. Let them know that you’re happy to provide any of their friends or family members the same.

After all, people enjoy knowing what their house is worth, and offering to do so, even if they have no plans to move, is a great way to educate your clients and ask if there is anyone else who may benefit from the same.

When it comes to increasing your referral business, there are opportunities to do so every day. In addition to these tips, try leaving extra business cards with your barista or favorite server at your local lunch spot. Ask your dry cleaner if you can put cards, or for sale postcards at their location. Be armed with cards, and an awesome elevator pitch when you attend events, entertainment venues, or even when you head to the dog park. Each new person you encounter has the potential to not only become a client, but to be an excellent resource for referrals, for years to come.

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Bridgett Campbell was nudged into the field of real estate at a very young age. Her mother was a real estate agent and was in need of an assistant, and then 16-year-old Bridgett fit the bill. By 1993, Bridgett had obtained her own real estate license and quickly found her footing. She’s been serving the state of Illinois since 2017 and has been hard at work building her business there.

Bridgett expertly serves the greater Fox Valley area.

She works with all sorts of clients, whether buyers, sellers, or investors, but she has a particular passion for working with first-time homebuyers. “I believe that everybody should own a home,” Bridgett explains, and she sees her work in real estate as a way to achieve that dream by paving the way for renters to transition into homeowners.

Industry awards do not matter much to Bridgett; what she truly values is the positive reviews she receives from her clients. “Any time a client calls you back and says, ‘Hey, I’d like you to do another transaction with me,’ that is the greatest trophy anybody could ever receive.”

When asked what she can offer clients that other agents cannot, Bridgett cites not just her many years of experience, but also her creativity. As she knows first-hand, creativity can make a big difference in the current market, where the demand for homes has far exceeded the supply. Bridgett believes her out-of-the-box ideas allow her to help her clients get what they’re looking for, instead of just making one fruitless offer after another. “I’m constantly working to improve my clients’ position, whether

Bridgett Campbell

I come up with a creative new solution or a different way of looking at things.” Bridgett sees herself as a vehicle to help her clients accomplish their dreams, whether she’s assisting them in buying or selling. Her creativity and experience make her a particularly skillful ally in navigating the market.

Another way that Bridgett stands out is through her interest in educating her clients. She was told never to let her commission be in someone else’s hands. Rather than passing her clients on to a lender without a second thought, Bridgett has worked hard to understand the nuances of the lending process. She uses the knowledge she’s gained to give her clients an overview of the process. That way, when they meet with a lender, they already have the foundation they need to confidently engage in discussions. She does the same with the legal knowledge she’s gained, providing her clients with the general information they need to navigate legal jargon and head-spinning contracts with a little more confidence.

Bridgett shares her passion for teaching with her colleagues in the field, too. She looks forward to coaching and teaching more new agents in the future, imparting her passion for helping clients to new professionals entering the field.

Bridgett’s desire to help others carries over into her personal life, too. She is a member of the Geneva Women’s Club, which supports eight core charities including Casa, Mutual Ground, and smaller local charities such as the Tri-City Health Services and the Living Well Cancer Center. She also serves on several committees dedicated to helping fellow real estate colleagues. At home, she also supports her two sons who play in college athletics. Family, friend, or client, everyone around Bridgett knows they can count on her to cheer them on to a win!

Bridgett Campbell

Coldwell Banker Realty | St. Charles, Illinois 630.636.1712 | connect@bridgettrealtor.com www.bridgettrealtor.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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