August 2022 Nationwide by Featured Agent

August 2022

Make the most of

small space living

8 Tips to generate

more referrals

Tap into your REALTOR’S®

rolodex

AUSTIN BERGMAN also featured:

Jasmine Pope Alex Shekhtman

contents

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professionals 6

Top 10 Reasons to love your clients

Are you ready to build a team? Ask yourself these 5 questions

8 Tips to generate more referrals

t featured cover agent

Austin Bergman

q featured agent

Jasmine Pope

q featured mortgage pro

Alex Shekhtman

buyers &sellers 4

Make the most of small space living

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

Identifying wants vs. needs — A step-by-step guide

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

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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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. 5

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.

AUSTIN BERGMAN

AUSTIN BERGMAN Living an authentic life sounds aspirational, but getting to that point isn’t always all rainbows and roses. Just ask Austin Bergman of the Carroll Group at Compass, and he can tell you firsthand just how difficult it might be. But he can also tell you just how sweet the outcome is.

Upon purchasing his first home at the age of 19 with the gal who would later become his wife, Austin was a bit disappointed in the level of service they received from their real estate agent. Immediately upon closing their transaction, both Austin and his then-girlfriend decided to get their real estate licenses and went on to open their own brokerage in their hometown in Virginia. They married, had children, and found great success in the industry as the #2 brokerage in Richmond, all while Austin was concealing the fact that he was gay. After 17 years, Austin decided enough was enough. He came out to his family and colleagues, and when he did, his life changed drastically. “It was not easy, Austin stated.

“In fact, it was very traumatic but I knew I had to do it in order to live my authentic life.”

After the upheaval, Austin packed his bags and headed south to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he teamed up with high-end broker, Chad Carroll. “I wanted something different. I didn’t want to go back to being a hamster on a wheel like I was in Virginia,” Austin said. “Moving here was a joy! Chad took me under his wing and it was like a dream come true. I finally realized who I was meant to be.”

Today, Austin has achieved astonishing success in the luxury real estate market, but it’s taken a lot of hard work and resilience to get there. When your average sales price hovers right around $2.5 million, your clients expect a bit more than your run-of-the mill marketing strategies, and that’s right up Austin’s alley. He recently acquired a listing for a home that boasts a 140-thousand

“I’ve always been eccentric, but now when I get an idea, I really run with it.” gallon swimming pool, and what better way to show it off than to film an Olympic jet skier doing backflips in the pool? “The things I do to market a property are things no other agent would even think of,” says Austin. “I’ve always been eccentric, but now when I get an idea, I really run with it.”

Believing wholeheartedly in his authenticity in life and in business, he also credits his honesty as a reason for his success, as well as his high level of referral and repeat business. “I’m a truth-teller. You can never be successful in this business by lying and cheating clients,” he explains. “I’m not one of those people who will say anything to get a deal. I will always tell the truth.”

Although he has been the recipient of countless awards and accolades throughout his many years in the industry, Austin gets more personal satisfaction from helping other real estate professionals with advice. He created the networking group, Business Networking International, to connect real estate professionals and small business owners as a way of generating referrals for each other. “As a real estate agent, you want to teach clients to call you first whenever they need a business referral. This group is like a walking, talking Rolodex,” says Austin. “There was nothing like this when I moved here so I created it myself.”

Additionally, Austin authored a book entitled, “You. The Real State of Life,” that tells his story of overcoming his own adversity to become exactly who he was destined to be. The book is meant to be an inspiration to anyone, in any industry, and in all walks of life. He is also involved with SMART Ride, which is a two-day, 165- mile bike ride from Miami to Key West that donates 100% of the proceeds to those affected by HIV/AIDS in Florida. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“I’m excited to show people what it takes to be a good real estate professional and how to dominate in your area.” When he’s not busy with work, Austin enjoys spending time with his boyfriend and their Goldendoodle, hanging out at the beach and enjoying all that Florida has to offer. He also loves to entertain friends with massive parties at his home or on his boat, and enjoys spoiling his clients with fun gifts as a way to say thank you.

Looking ahead, Austin is excited to see the premier of the reality series he is currently filming, “Beyond the Closing,” with Kevin Harrington of Shark Tank. The series involves 10 real estate agents competing over a 90-day period. “It’s not just about sales, it’s more of a

story about how we conduct our businesses and what we do after the closing,” Austin stated. “I’m excited to show people what it takes to be a good real estate professional and how to dominate in your area.”

More importantly, he simply wants to continue to share his story of hope and authenticity with others. “I really just want to spread the message that you cannot be you until you are YOU,” says Austin. “I used to wake up and hate the person I saw in the mirror. Now, I wake up and laugh my butt off because I can’t believe this is the life I get to live!”

AUSTIN BERGMAN THE CARROLL GROUP I COMPASS | FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 954.913.5357 | AUSTIN@THECHADCARROLLGROUP.COM WWW.THECHADCARROLLGROUP.COM 10

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.

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.

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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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. 13

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Jasmine Pope In search of a career that would better suit her needs, Jasmine signed up for a seminar for women in business. She was inspired as she listened to many female entrepreneurs talk about their businesses. When it was her turn to share, Jasmine surprised herself by announcing that she was thinking of going into home renovation. Though she was surprised at her own revelation, the idea stuck. When Jasmine heard a radio commercial for a seminar on buying and selling homes without a real estate license, she took note. Before long she found herself in a three-day seminar on real estate transactions.

Jasmine earned her real estate license in 2020 and then went on to have a very successful first year. In fact, in her first few months of licensed practice, she was listed as one of the top real estate agents in Illinois. Her active social media presence got a lot of attention and she spread plenty of quality information about real estate to potential clients. “People see me,” she remembers thinking. She knew what she was doing was working. Though Jasmine found fast success, she urges others who don’t meet with the same quick results to keep trying. “Don’t compare your day one to someone else’s day one,” she suggests, “because we all start somewhere and it’s more important to work at a sustainable pace that works for you than to run full-tilt trying to race others and possibly end up falling flat.”

Jasmine Pope is a Chicagoan to the core. She was

born and raised on the western side of the city by a single mother. In college, Jasmine dreamed of being a pharmacist … until she learned that her passion for pharmacy work did not include a passion for the required organic chemistry classes. Though she opted out of pharmacy school, Jasmine continued working in healthcare because she wanted nothing more than to help others. There was one snag: the demanding schedule of healthcare work. “There’s always someone who needs help and any time of day or night,” Jasmine explains, and she wanted a job that would allow her to be a more present parent for her daughter. 14

Now, Jasmine works in the western area of Chicago and especially Austin. It’s the area where she grew up. “A lot of my friends and family are still there,” she explains. Her connections run deep, and it shows. Jasmine estimates that about 99% of her business is from repeat and referral clients. As she explains it, she once got a client from an ad, but every other client has come to her through referrals by those who know and trust her. Her secret? Honesty and clarity. “I make time to educate them on the process whenever they have a question. I’m always there to provide an answer or if I don’t know, I get back to them with an answer.” When bad news must be shared, she shares it with sensitivity. She knows the process can be bewildering and frustrating for clients, and makes a point of being patient and clear with them. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“I enjoy making people happy and the fulfillment I get from helping someone find their first home.” Even with her flourishing real estate career, Jasmine is still in healthcare full-time and loves helping others. In fact, it’s her favorite part of the job. “I enjoy making people happy and the fulfillment I get from helping someone find their first home.” In addition, to her real estate work, Jasmine owns a credit repair company, Keys 4 Success, that helps others improve their credit in order to rent, become homeowners, improve their job prospects, and she is also a notary. She also plans dance and music activities through her church and works with a committee called Grow that educates Westchester citizens about environmentally friendly practices.

Jasmine is currently getting ready to welcome a new child into her family and loves spending time with her partner and their eight-year-old daughter. In the months and years to come, she intends to grow her businesses and expand her reach even more. Whatever Jasmine focuses on, you can be sure that success will follow!

Jasmine Pope EXIT Strategy Realty | Chicago, Illinois 708.613.0767 | jasminepope2007@gmail.com | www.jassimone.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Identifying wants vs. needs— A step-by-step guide When you’re ready to look for your next home, it is smart to provide your REALTOR® with a comprehensive overview of what you want, along with what you need. The things you want in a home will be the easier list to make. You may want granite countertops, a fireplace, or you may want to live at the end of a cul-de-sac. You may want a finished basement, or a huge yard. It’s good to know what you want.

However, the more important traits to consider are those you really need. Needs are essentially dealbreakers and include things like number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or a certain school district. A garage or storage space may also be a need. And of course, your budget is a need that is paramount to all else. That is, 16

$X is the highest amount you can pay monthly, so you need to purchase a home within that limit. In sum, your needs list is basically the bare minimum that a home must have in order to even be considered.

Of course, no one wants to buy the bare minimum, so here is a look at ways to identify your wants from your needs to come up with a perfect wish list for your buyer’s agent.

Start with a Dream Home List — It doesn’t hurt to list all the things you’d ideally have in a home, and then begin whittling down from there. Consider that you really want hardwood floors. Are you willing to even consider a home with an alternate hard surface Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

such as laminate, Pergo, or tile? Perhaps your list can be modified to hard surfaces, rather than being focused exclusively on hardwood.

Decide if You’re Willing to Compromise — Consider that you really want your children to attend specific schools. And you also don’t want to commute more than 10 miles. Are you willing to be a bit flexible with the commute, in order to get the location you desire? Identifying give-and-take scenarios will be helpful for your REALTOR® in finding the right home for you. Determine if Certain Characteristics Can Wait — If you have “upgraded appliances” on your needs list, but you find a home that meets all the rest of your requirements, determine whether you’re willing to postpone the purchase of those items to get most of the things you really want in a home now. The same may be said for dated carpet. If you really want hard surfaces, are you willing to live with what is in a home now, and replace it later? Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

There are many printable house hunting forms available online which can help you to begin identifying your unique wants and needs. If you’ve retained a buyer’s agent first, it’s likely that they will be able to provide you with a similar checklist. It is in your best practice to spend as much time as necessary on this list, to ensure that you really do wind up with the best home to meet your needs, rather than having to adapt to the traits of the home after you’ve moved in. You’ll also ensure that you won’t waste valuable time viewing homes that simply won’t work for you. It may be helpful for you to consider what you love about your home now, and the things that are inconvenient so you can continue to be as specific as possible.

When in doubt, about whether a trait you want in a home is a need, or just something you really want, reach out to your agent. REALTORS® are in the business of helping people, and there’s no doubt they’ll be glad to offer advice or a perspective you haven’t considered. 17

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 18

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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Alex Shekhtman is nothing short of a veteran in the mortgage industry. He started his career as a mortgage broker nearly twenty years ago, and opened a firm with his two business partners in 2004. With a love of his community in mind, Alex founded LBC Mortgage, his brokerage company.

It began as a small business where Alex and his partners helped friends and family with financing their mortgages and the company grew from there. Alex’s passion for his career stems from a dedication to helping others. He strives for his company to help people in the community achieve homeownership, and to make the process of financing loans for new homes as stress-free as possible for his clients. He also hopes to give new buyers confidence, and show them that purchasing a house truly is a viable option.

With roots in Los Angeles, LBC Mortgage is now also serving Washington, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. They offer all types of loans that are available on the market, and specialize in non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) loans for buyers who have issues with income documentation and are often turned away by conventional lenders. These loans are great for buyers who do not easily qualify for conventional home loans, such as investors and those who are self-employed. Alex prides himself in helping clients with unique circumstances and meeting their specific needs. He says, “My team proudly and expertly handles any situation that comes our way. We work hard to problem solve with each of our clients, and we don’t back down in the face of a challenge.” With unparalleled service and private financing options available for customers, Alex’s team can handle just about anything. On top of their unique speciality, Alex’s team is also

Alex Shekhtman honest and transparent with their customers. He says, “My clients’ happiness is much more important to me than my paycheck. I want them to have realistic expectations after meeting with me.” When Alex meets with clients, he and his team teach the benefits and drawbacks of not just the 30-year fixed mortgage, but also options like an ARM (adjustable-rate mortgage), FHA, VA and Piggyback loan program that his clients may not be aware of.

With the desire to help others as the foundation of the company, Alex and his team are very active members of their community. Coming from Ukraine themselves, in light of recent events they have set up fundraisers and supply drives for Ukraine war relief charities, and have collected food and medical supplies to donate. He says, “It’s important for us to help everyone we can both in our local and our extended communities. The gratification of being kind to others and offering our services is what makes this career so special.” On top of working with and helping community members, Alex is also very family-oriented. After work, Alex enjoys spending quality time with his wife, three kids, and their dog. In the future, Alex intends to continue growing his team. LBC Mortgage is currently thirty people strong, and is only growing larger. They offer services as both a direct lender and a wholesale mortgage broker and plan to expand into more states and open additional branches in the states they are already serving. Alex also wants to help educate about alternative programs that homebuyers with specific needs might not be aware of and let people know that there are options available for everyone.

With diverse experience and a multitude of financing and program options for his clients, Alex and his team at LBC Mortgage can meet any need. If you’re looking for someone skillful and accomplished who will meet you where you are, look no further.

Alex Shekhtman LBC Mortgage | Los Angeles, California 818.309.2999 | alex@lbcmortgage.com | www.lbcmortgage.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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