August 2022 West Coast by Featured Agent

August 2022

Make the most of

small space living

Are you ready

to build a team?

Tap into your REALTOR’S®

rolodex

Alison Carter also featured: Mark A. Simon

contents

eaturedAgentMagazine F Phone888.437.5707 Fax888.849.3663 contact@featuredagentmagazine.com www.featuredagentmagazine.com

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professionals 6

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

Top 10 Reasons to love your clients

t featured cover agent

Alison Carter

q featured mortgage pro

Mark A. Simon

buyers &sellers 4

Make the most of small space living

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

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

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

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.

Alison Carter

Alison Carter’s passion for working in real estate stemmed from her free spirit and independent nature. She was a small business owner working in the restaurant industry in her early twenties. After having twins in 2001, she no longer had the time to run her own business, so she found work serving and bartending. She quickly learned that she missed the freedom of being her own boss, and decided it was time to try something new. Her great grandfather owned a brokerage in Illinois, and this history helped Alison discover her love of real estate and inspired her to get her real estate license. Years later, Alison now serves Seattle and the surrounding area as one of the top producing brokers. Although she primarily works with residential properties, her

experience owning and selling businesses aids her in successfully working with commercial properties as well. She is an experienced and well-rounded real estate agent, making her the perfect choice for clients.

It makes sense that an estimated 75% of Alison’s business comes from recommendations and referrals. With her amicable personality and cheerful attitude, Alison’s clients know she has their best interests at heart. She says, “The least of my concerns is my salary or commission. It is most important to me that my clients are happy through every step of the transaction.” She urges clients to explore their options before closing a deal, and prioritizes their happiness above all else. Taking care to communicate both with her clients and with selling agents, Alison

“In a transaction, we all have the same goal in mind and I work to make sure we all meet that goal.” makes sure all needs are met, and that everyone’s voice is heard. “In a transaction, we all have the same goal in mind and I work to make sure we all meet that goal,” she explains.

With her history in the restaurant industry, Alison has learned to multitask and put out fires before they start, which is a skill that helps make transactions go as smoothly as possible. She believes that what comes around goes around, and offers kindness to everyone

on both sides of a transaction. It is important for Alison to always be professional, and keep the home-buying process drama and stress-free for all parties.

Alison’s work speaks for itself: She won the Chairman’s Circle Award in 2021 which is only awarded to the top brokers in her office. She was also awarded as a top producer for John L. Scott for the past six years, including 2016 which was just her second year in the industry. With a Master Certified Negotiation Expert accreditation,

“There is something very special to me about watching people have their dreams come true.”

which less than one percent of REALTORS® have, Alison knows how to confidently navigate and negotiate any deal.

The real estate industry is inspiring and dynamic, and its appeal is not lost on Alison. “There is something very special to me about watching people have their dreams come true,” she says. “These moments are what inspire me to keep working hard and do what I do best.”

Her desire to help others and make dreams come true

affects her work as a REALTOR,® of course, and it also affects what she does in her free time too. She dedicates time every year volunteering at local toy drives and at local humane societies. She enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, engaging in activities like boating, camping, and off-roading. She also loves to spoil her rescue dog, Luna. Alison hopes to continue expanding her business, and has no intention of slowing down. For a REALTOR® who is friendly, honest, and an expert in the field, look no further than Alison Carter.

Alison Carter

John L. Scott Real Estate | Bellevue, Washington 425.503.3199 | alisoncarter@johnlscott.com www.alisoncarter.johnlscott.com 10

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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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

Mark A. Simon Mark remembers seeing interest rates as high as 16-17% when he first entered the industry. In addition, when he was relocated to California in 1990 while working for GE Capital, he noticed a substantial difference in home prices there. He could see the need for financial services for homebuyers, and started his practice not long after. “It’s all relative to what expectations are,” Mark explains. “The cost of homes has gone up, and low interest rates have helped.”

“My biggest reward is still working one-on-one with clients.”

While attending college in New Jersey,

Mark Simon got a part-time job after class at a local bank in the mortgage division. After a while, he found himself growing interested in how mortgages work and the impact a mortgage can have on someone’s life, as well as the wide array of products used in the industry. After he graduated from college, Mark decided to stick with the mortgage industry. He started a position in the back office, processing and underwriting, and later moved into sales. Mark has worked in real estate financing since 1986, and watched the market shift many times through the years. While many are dismayed at the recent increase in interest rates since the record lows of 2020 and 2021, 14

Transparency and integrity guide all of Mark’s business decisions. One way he facilitates this transparency is by educating his clients. “We seek out and identify what their goals are and what they’re trying to accomplish with a home loan, but also to educate them to what programs and products are out there.” When Mark 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) program that his clients may not be aware of. “We just get a better sense of their overall financial plan, versus just getting a mortgage to get a home. There’s a lot more to it, in my opinion.”

Both in and out of the office, Mark is always learning more about market trends and patterns, making him a priceless resource for his clients. They appreciate the information Mark provides, and he estimates that around 40-50% of his current active loans are with repeat clients. He enjoys his public-facing role and explains, “My biggest reward is still working one-on-one with clients.” Mark is always particularly touched when clients reach out long after a transaction is complete, sharing pictures of their family enjoying their home, and knows he was able to play a part in helping them get there. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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“We seek out and identify what their goals are and what they’re trying to accomplish with a home loan, but also to educate them to what programs and products are out there.” Mark’s practice opened in the early 1990s in Southern California, but he now has clients all over California and is licensed in 12 other states, as well. Mark does a lot of work with pre-approval, working with each client’s specific financial situation to help them get their loans underwritten. In this market, where there is still far more demand for homes than there are homes available for purchase, it’s particularly important that potential buyers have that pre-approval in place before they make an initial offer. If the initial offer falls through, they may not get another chance before someone else snaps up the property.

However, that is far from the only financial tool Mark has to offer. Clients will also find the best resources at their fingertips for debt consolidation loans where credit card, students loans, auto and home improvement loans and even tax liens, can be wrapped into one more manageable payment. Seniors looking to retire who find they need more funds may apply for a reverse mortgage. In addition, Mark’s practice can provide HELOC loans, FHA and VA loans, construction financing, commercial loans, lot acquisition loans, private placement loans and a variety of other financial tools.

His practice also includes the most competitive resources available in the industry for specialized loan programs such as: jumbo purchase loans, interest only loans, bank statement and limited documentation loans and Fannie

Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans. In offering such a broad range of financing programs, Mark and his team have exactly what any client might need.

In his spare time, Mark enjoys cycling, exercising, and skiing. He and his wife are self-professed foodies who enjoy traveling and sampling new cuisines. Mark and his wife are also passionate about supporting Childhelp, a charity which raises money to provide a safe shelter, education, medical care, and other necessities to disadvantaged children who are not getting those needs met at home. Mark’s passion and care for others make him a great choice for anyone looking for financing and a guiding hand!

Mark A. Simon NMLS #286568 | BRE #01150369

United American Mortgage | Costa Mesa, California 949.246.5880 | Mark@MarkforMortgage.net Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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