April 2018

April 2018

Fresh start — Spring home staging tips

Selling with speed — Move your home off the market fast

Jeff & Robin Snell also featured:

Hallie Armstrong DJ Delgado Melissa Dondalski

contents

professionals

buyers&sellers

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Increase morale and productivity with these team-building exercises

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Selling with speed — Move your home off the market fast

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Managing client stress

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Fresh start — Spring home staging tips

Buyer beware — Common pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a home

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Jeff & Robin Snell

Hallie Armstrong 11

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DJ Delgado

Melissa Dondalski 16

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Selling with speed —

Move your home off the market fast As the saying goes, time is money. That’s why updating your home in preparation for sale is of utmost importance. Even adding a few desirable additions can move your property off the market with speed — while adding value to your list price.

Create a Laundry Area — Research from the National Association of Home Builders shows that a whopping 92% of house-hunters include a laundry room on their must-have list. If you already have a washer and dryer hooked up in a rear room, guest room, or in the basement, consider beautifying these spaces to add additional value. Even a few details go 4

a long way. Turn an unconsidered laundry corner into a design-conscious workstation. A fresh paint job, an area rug, shelves or a dedicated table for sorting and folding, or a few pieces of fresh décor (think framed artwork, or a sleek caddy for detergents) — all add inviting flare. If you are without a dedicated laundry area, you may consider adding one to an existing basement or underused closet. Including these modern appointments can draw would-be buyers and add substantial value to your bottom line.

Capture Curb Appeal — First impressions are everything, and any agent worth their salt understands Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

The last thing sellers and agents want is a home that sits on the market too long, diminishing its value. Instead, take a proactive approach to renovations and finishing touches that will inspire buyers to make an attractive offer.

that modern homebuyers prefer contemporary touches when seeking a new home. If you’ve put off replacing your kitchen counters or appliances — it may be time to reconsider. Today’s house-hunters prefer move-in ready renovations like granite or marble countertops, and sleek appliances. In fact, according to research, properties that sport stainless steel appliances fly off the market 15% faster. If you don’t have the budget to perform a complete kitchen or bathroom update, try swapping out a few lower-ticket pieces like a new dishwasher, built-in microwave, or updated fixtures.

Lending a sense of modernity to major rooms can go a long way in luring buyers.

the power of curb appeal. Before prospective buyers even set foot inside a home, they get a sense of the property and how well it’s been cared for. Exterior lighting is one inexpensive feature that can really boost a home’s profile. Manicured landscaping, modern walkway lights, and a contemporary light fixture at the front door are all excellent ways to give a home a polished facade. Other ideas, like a new mailbox, an inviting doormat, or replacing an old screen door can go a long way in upping a home’s curb appeal — without breaking the bank.

Modernize the Out-of-Date — It’s no surprise Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Create a Backyard Oasis — Millennial buyers and house-hunters with growing families highly value outdoor space. A few well-chosen additions can transform your backyard into an additional entertaining space that’s worth its weight in gold. For instance, stone patios or refinished decks create an outdoor hub, while flowery landscaping, stone pavers, and well-placed lighting give exterior spaces a refined look. Creating privacy in outdoor spaces also creates allure. Something as simple as planting higher hedges or adding an enclosed fence can certainly up your asking price.

The last thing sellers and agents want is a home that sits on the market too long, diminishing its value. Instead, take a proactive approach to renovations and finishing touches that will inspire buyers to make an attractive offer. Keep these easy-to-apply tips in mind and you’ll be off to a running start.

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Increase morale and productivity

with these team-building exercises Successful agents and loan officers understand that relationships are everything in the world of real estate — and those relationships begin right in your office, alongside your colleagues. Even if you work with only the help of an assistant, a strong team dynamic can make all the difference when it comes to executing transactions with efficiency and positive morale.

What’s more, clients can sense a high-functioning team dynamic, so the benefits of team-building extend far beyond your office. Just as continuing education and self-development are important to professional longevity, so too is the health and comradery of your team. With that in mind, add these three team-building 6

exercises to your arsenal as you foster positivity and growth inside your sphere.

Spirit of Service — Team-building activities don’t have to feel cheesy, or a like an afternoon at summer camp. Instead, service-based exercises can bind your office together, while committing to a good cause. Another bonus? In the real estate and mortgage industries, there are plenty of related charitable organizations to which you and your team can donate your time. Habitat for a Humanity, an organization that builds homes for the less fortunate, is a great way to begin. You can dedicate a day to getting hands-on in the housing Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Just as continuing education and self-development are important to professional longevity, so too is the health and comradery of your team. themed rounds, and award prizes for the winners. All the while, you’ll get people collaborating and letting their guards down. Think about crafting questions that everyone can chime in on, like ‘how many windows are in the office?’ or ‘what month is the most common for office birthdays?’ Questions that revolve around your office and staff will make your team members the star of the show, and add some lighthearted workplace fun into the mix.

world, and there’s no better bonding experience than laboring side-by-side for a cause in your industry. If building isn’t your speed, consider entering the office as a team in a charitable athletic event, like a 5K walk or golf tournament. Either way, giving back as a collective is a great way to serve others, while building trust and empathy among those you work with.

Office Trivia — Here’s a great office-themed way to get team members having fun and bonding with one another. Come up with 25 office-based trivia questions and divide into small groups. Have the groups come up with individual team names, split questions into Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Collective Brainstorming — Sometimes team members stagnate if they aren’t feeling challenged, or if they feel that their voice isn’t being heard. Here’s a great way to curb that negativity, breathe new life into your business, and get team members talking. Ahead of your next meeting, dedicate 20 minutes to big-picture thinking. Ask team members to spend five minutes writing about a ‘what if?’ idea regarding the business and their careers. Encourage writers to think big, be imaginative, and tackle issues that they may have been facing for a while. Then, break team members into smaller groups and have them share their thoughts if they’re comfortable. This will inspire discussion, allow employees the chance to flex their creativity, and give them a channel to express their professional ambitions and ideas.

Team-building exercises don’t have to relegated to the realm of trust-falls and scavenger hunts. The main idea is to get employees out of their routine and working together in unconventional ways. From lighthearted party games to service-oriented excursions, give your team room to grow as one and the results will boost moods and serve your enterprise and employees for the long run.

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featuredagent Hallie Armstrong magazine

Hallie Armstrong’s first professional foray was as an account executive in the marketing and advertising sector. There, she was known as a budget buster with vision and talent. As a single mother, however, Hallie was on the hunt for a career that would allow her to become her own boss and tap into limitless earning and growth potential. That’s when her role in real estate began. In 2010, she launched her career under the banner of Keller Williams, and has since crafted a reputation built on integrity, negotiating savvy, and as the head of a dynamic team.

Today, Hallie and her team serve the Wichita metro area, particularly suburban communities, rural town centers, and even ranch and farmland. She works in conjunction with her daughter Kate Caselton. In the Wichita area, Hallie and Kate have cemented themselves as friendly professionals dedicated to communicative, straightforward service that doesn’t skimp on results. “At Armstrong & Co., we don’t promise gimmicky deals,” Hallie explains. “We’re very straightforward, honest, and transparent about our transactions and with our clients. We always keep clients informed of where we are in the process and what step is next,” she continues. “We’re known for telling people not what they want to hear, but honest feedback and advice. Sometimes where a client needs to be and where they want to be aren’t the same thing, and it’s our job to help them see and understand that. We choose who we work with. We will not list every home or take every buyer that comes our way.”

With up to 75% of their business generated by repeat and referral clients, Hallie, Kate and the team have established a proven track record as go-to real estate professionals. The root of that success story traces back to Hallie’s grit to succeed by doing whatever it takes. “We do much more than show up and put a sign in the yard. It’s about the client’s experience and real estate goals when marketing a listing.”

Hallie and Kate stand apart for a creative approach that yields results. All listings are accompanied by uniquely captivating copywriting, with each home description written from the property’s perspective. This offers a unique glimpse into a home’s history, character, potential, and ownership — while adding an alluring creative flair.

When it comes to negotiations, Hallie and Kate have both earned the coveted designation of Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), which has positioned them as a formidable top team in their market area. “We’re always recognized for our energy and our consultative style,” Hallie says. “The biggest honor we can receive is a referral by customers, family and friends. We strive to be the family’s real estate agents of choice.”

While professionalism and the delivery of results are foremost drivers of Hallie’s success, she also counts the interpersonal connections with clients as a major inspirational factor in her daily work. “There’s more to real estate than just marketing,” Hallie explains. “Each client and transaction is unique in so many ways, and we’re blessed to have very personable relationships with those we work with. I love what I do — I eat, sleep, and breathe real estate. I enjoy the uniqueness of each property, the people, and learning about so many different cultures. We value our customers’ privacy and strive for calm, smooth transactions. We avoid drama and chaos like the plague.”

Hallie was recently recognized by the Wichita Business Journal as a ‘40 under 40’ nominee, selected based off of an evaluation of leadership, community involvement and contribution. When it comes to giving back professionally, Hallie contributes to agent training and previously served as a productivity coach at her market center. Meanwhile, her daughter Kate is really an extension of Hallie, and has been in the business alongside her since the age of 13.

They are both QL (Quantum Leap) Instructors through Keller Williams, and Kate also trains and leads the team.

Armstrong & Co. is a market disrupting team that is making the dream of homeownership a possibility to more and more people each year. “We are honored to serve our community,” says Hallie.

Hallie Armstrong Armstrong & Co. | Keller Williams Signature Partners LLC | Wichita, KS 620.899.0646 | ArmstrongCoHallie@gmail.com | http://armstrongco.rocks/ 8

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Buyer beware — Common pitfalls

to avoid when purchasing a home Buying a home is not only a large financial investment, it’s also a significant emotional investment. With so much at stake, the process deserves your undivided attention. To ensure that buying a home goes as smoothly as possible, it’s wise to learn from the mistakes of others and avoid common home buying errors. Here is a list of six common pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a home.

Falling for a Home Before Your Finances Are in Order — Nearly all REALTORS® will give you the same advice when it comes to beginning your search for a new home — make sure you have your mortgage pre-approval in place. This will prevent you from falling for a home outside of your budget, thereby helping to safeguard you from disappointment. It will also save you time, as your REALTOR® will be able to find the greatest selection of homes that meet your needs, within your price range.

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Attempting to Buy a Home Without a REALTOR® Representing You — Many people do buy homes without the advocacy of a buyer’s agent.

However, it’s not recommended for first-time or relatively inexperienced buyers. This is because there are so many moving parts in a real estate transaction, that even small missteps can lead to missing out on the perfect home. Because REALTORS® spend every day immersed in the process of buying and selling homes, they offer a wealth of information. From knowledge of various neighborhoods, to premium negotiating skills, to advocating for various improvements or concessions, having a reputable buyer’s agent working on your behalf is in your best interest.

Buying the Most Expensive Home You Can Afford — There’s something to be said for exercising a little financial restraint when it comes to buying a 9

home. In other words, it’s not necessarily in your best interest to buy a home that totally maxes out your spending power. Instead, consider keeping a bit of money on hand, for things like upgrades, or unplanned expenses such as having to replace a furnace or hot water heater.

Buying a Home You Don’t Like — In effort to secure a foothold in the real estate market, many firsttime homebuyers purchase homes that they just really don’t like. This should be avoided at all costs. That’s not to say that your first home must be your dream home, but you should find more things you love about it, than things you dislike. Buying a home, just because you can, or feel like you need to, can lead to buyer’s remorse or resentment. Make sure you can truly see yourself living in a home and enjoying it before you make an offer.

Purchasing a Home When You Plan to Move Again Soon — Life happens, and there is no way to fully anticipate every possible scenario, such as having to move because of a sudden job transfer. However, if you know for certain that you’re planning to move within a relatively short period of time, it’s not in your best interest to buy a home, only to live in for a very 10

short time. Doing so can lead to losing money, particularly if the market declines during the time you’re in the home, or if you’ve purchased with a no money down loan.

Buying Without a Home Inspection — Different states have different laws on housing inspections.

However, no matter where you live, you should never miss the opportunity to have a full inspection conducted to confirm the home you’re planning to purchase is foundationally, electrically, and structurally sound.

Buying a home without having a full understanding of potential problems is unwise in all cases. Insist upon a home inspection before you buy.

Buying a home should be an exciting experience, not an emotionally or financially exhaustive endeavor. In effort to enjoy the process, it is smart to engage the services and expertise of a licensed real estate agent, who can answer any questions you have, negotiate on your behalf, safeguard you from potential delays and missed opportunities, and educate you along the way. With an ally working on your behalf, the process of finding and buying a home can be a lot of fun, and there’s a good chance you’ll make a friend along the way.

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Jeff & Robin Snell Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Jeff & Robin Snell Husband and wife team Jeff and Robin Snell got their promising start in real estate together. After having spent a decade as a commercial and corporate airline pilot, Jeff was ready for his next challenge. Likewise, Robin was poised for new horizons after spending 20 years at the University of North Dakota. Jeff and Robin wanted to form a business endeavor that would utilize their distinctive skillsets, while affording them the freedom to craft their own professional future.

That’s when they decided on real estate. Since launching their venture, Jeff and Robin have earned seven designations and certifications, spearheaded a wide variety of transactions, and established a reputation for personalized service.

Licensed in both North Dakota and Minnesota, Jeff and Robin primarily serve the greater Grand Forks, North Dakota and East Grand Forks, Minnesota communities. They also service smaller towns and rural areas in northeast North Dakota and northwest 12

Minnesota. In short order, Jeff and Robin have earned diverse experience executing transactions of all kinds — from working with commercial properties and agricultural land, to manufactured homes, restored homes, and VA and HUD options.

As a team, they work together on every transaction, bouncing ideas off of each other, double-checking the smallest of details, and combining their skills. Jeff offers his outgoing personality, and communication and management skills to their clientele, while Robin’s previous experience as the Director of Financial Aid at UND makes her a natural fit when it comes to paperwork and marketing efforts. Their frequent collaboration with military personnel and veterans of the nearby Grand Forks Airforce Base have grounded them in the particulars of navigating military and VA benefits and financing. Furthermore, their designations from the National Association of REALTORS® as Senior Real Estate Specialists provide them extra Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“We both believe that truthfulness and communication are key to a successful real estate business.” insight in serving the area’s elderly population. “Our approach to working as a team is unique in our market, in that we work with everyone together,” Jeff explains. “This allows us to bring our respective skills and strengths to our transactions. We also take advantage of all the resources offered to us by our brokerage — such as advanced tools and educational opportunities — in order to bring our clients the best possible service.”

selling property. “My experience in counseling is one of the reasons why I’m interested in working with older adults in transition, as they downsize and

While Jeff and Robin are ardent believers in continuing education and detail-oriented work, they also bring a warm personal touch to their relationships with clients. For her part, Robin holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling that comes in handy when navigating the emotional complexities of buying or Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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“What we most enjoy is working with people one-on-one and helping them achieve their goal, whatever it may be.”

incorporated into their advertising approach. Their Facebook page also serves as a community hub of sorts, offering useful information about the area, while spotlighting local businesses and open houses.

Considering what they most enjoy about their dayto-day work, Jeff and Robin agree: “What we most enjoy is working with people one-on-one and helping them achieve their goal, whatever it may be. Beyond that, part of why we chose real estate is because it allows us freedom — there’s a lot of variety, and no two days are ever alike. We love getting to meet new people all the time.”

move into senior living communities,” she explains.

Jeff and Robin also emphasize the importance of steadfast communication when acting as stewards for their clients’ real estate milestones. “We both believe that truthfulness and communication are key to a successful real estate business,” Jeff says. “We work hard to follow through on our commitments, and we’re upfront and honest with our clients, other agents, and the lenders we work with. We make it a point to communicate regularly with our clients, making sure they know what’s going on and aren’t left feeling like they’re in the dark at any point.”

When it comes to marketing properties, Jeff and Robin make wise use of their brokerage’s access to high-powered technological tools. Social media, animated marketing videos, and blogging are regularly

To give back to their community, Jeff and Robin deliver Meals on Wheels from the local senior center.

They also participate in several community and charitable events sponsored by their brokerage, Greenberg Realty, such as Pumpkins for Parkinsons, No Shave November, REALTOR® Ring Day for the Salvation Army, and by outfitting backpacks with food resources for kids. In their remaining free hours, they both enjoy travel and quality time spent with family. Jeff also enjoys fishing, and getting back in the air through flying. Robin enjoys gardening, scoping out homes in the area, and designing and drawing.

Looking ahead, Jeff and Robin have strategic plans in place to continue growing their business and base, with the intent to become more involved with their local Board of REALTORS,® as well. For now, they’ll continue bolstering their business and community one client at a time. With stellar experience already behind them, and an ambitious eye on the road ahead, the best is yet to come for Jeff and Robin Snell.

Jeff & Robin Snell Greenberg Realty | 3651 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201 440.258.4449 | JeffandRobinProperties@gmail.com | www.JeffandRobinProperties.com 14

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Managing

client stress

Real estate professionals are responsible for guiding clients through some of the most significant transactions of their lives. And because these transactions involve making huge life changes, coupled with major financial decisions, they’re going to be inherently stressful. But that doesn’t mean they have to be unpleasant. Learning how to manage clients’ stress (along with your own) can help make every aspect of the deal go more smoothly for everyone involved. Try some of these client stress management tips: Stay in the Moment — Clients will cause themselves lots of stress and sleepless nights envisioning all the ‘what if?’ scenarios that could possibly derail the deal. Encourage your buyers and sellers to stay in the moment and make decisions based upon facts you know to be true, not things that may or may not happen.

Focus on the Positive — Buyers and sellers can get caught up in the negative aspects of a deal and talk themselves out of it entirely. Try to keep clients focused on the positive aspects of the deal and work through challenges one at a time, as they come up, rather than waiting and then trying to tackle them all at once.

Keep Your Ducks in a Row — Clients will follow your lead, so be sure you’re setting the tone for a relaxed and productive partnership from the start. Stay organized and informed so you can address concerns quickly and never leave a question unanswered. Not keeping clients informed is one of the quickest ways to undermine trust and create unnecessary stress.

Customize Communication — Each client comes with a different set of needs and expectations regarding communication. Some will get stressed out if they don’t hear from you every day — even if there’s nothing significant going on. Others will prefer to hear from you only when there’s noteworthy news to report.

Learn each client’s preferred style and communicate accordingly, whether that’s through text messages, email, or good old-fashioned phone calls.

Take Five — When you sense a client’s stress level rising, take a quick break to breathe and regroup; talk about something else for a few minutes. You can also suggest going on a short walk, or stopping to have a quick bite. In fact, steady blood sugar and proper hydration will go a long way toward reducing everyone’s stress level.

If you’re heading out for a full day seeing properties, put a small cooler with bottles of water and healthy snacks in your car so everyone (including you) can refresh when needed.

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featuredagent DJ Delgado magazine

After finishing active military duty and becoming a reservist, DJ Delgado was in search for her next challenge. She knew she wanted a career beyond the average civilian’s nine-to-five office schedule, so when a friend suggested she try her hand at real estate, DJ decided to take the leap. That was back in 2006, and real estate swiftly proved to be the perfect fit. As a reservist, DJ was able to balance her burgeoning real estate business alongside her Navy commitments. She immediately hit it off within the investment sector, thriving as a property manager. To take her business to the next level, DJ earned her broker’s license in 2008. More than a decade since her start in the industry, DJ has cultivated a strong reputation for memorable service, a dedicated work ethic, and professional promises worth their weight in gold.

Today, DJ serves the Lakeland, Florida region, including Mulberry, Winter Haven, and Auburndale — to name just a few areas. She heads a team of seven and prioritizes her time working with several investors in the area. Likewise, she’s cemented her position in the community’s business scene, having earned multiple accolades over the course of her career. In addition to her 23 Navy decorations, she’s also been awarded the Best Miscellaneous Real Estate Service in Lakeland in 2012, and a 2017 certificate from her hometown’s mayor for Best Veteran-Run Business in the City of Lakeland. All the while, DJ has managed to forge a business with 100% of its clientele driven by repeat and referral work — the surest testament of a job well done.

At the heart of her success story is an abiding commitment to honorable service, a theme that harkens back to her days in the military. “I run my business as if I was still on active duty,” she explains. “Honor and commitment are first and foremost before anything, and I make sure that my agents know that too. If you make a promise to a client, make sure you can deliver — that’s part of being honorable.”

What’s more, DJ’s approach to property management and

investment work breaks the mold. She offers a low, flatrate fee to investors, while offering engaged, personalized service. “What you see is what you get. My clients can be sure that if I promise them something, they’ll get it,” she explains. “I do my homework. I put together a market analysis before clients even make offers on the properties.

I pretty much serve everything on a platter.”

Back in 2010, DJ had the rare chance to meet future President Donald Trump during Fleet Week in New York City.

For a day, she served as his military publicist, and once he learned of her work in real estate, he took a special interest in her business. The advice he gave DJ still resonates with her today as she crafts and executes her own business philosophy. “Always sell as if you’re buying it yourself,” he advised. “That’s how I run my business,” DJ says, “and that’s how I sell to my investors. I wouldn’t sell anything to them that I wouldn’t buy myself.”

Along with her team, DJ takes the reins for investors by helping ready properties for rental conversion or flips. This allows investors to earn an excellent return on their resources, while delegating the labor and detail work to DJ and her capable team. Remaining accessible and communicative is also a major facet of DJ’s work, and she ensures that no questions go unanswered. “I answer my phone from eight in the morning, to eight in the evening — seven days a week,” she says. “I most enjoy making people happy. I’m always glad to hear when clients are satisfied with their investment and that tenants have positive feedback. It gives me strength to start each day.”

As part of the Lakeland community, DJ gives back through her work with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is very involved with veteran organizations in the city. During the yearly Veteran’s Parade, she represents the active duty honor guard from the local Airforce base. In her remaining free hours, DJ most enjoys riding horses, scrapbooking, and taking the occasional vacation cruise.

Looking ahead, DJ plans to continue building her business in the same honorable manner she has for more than a decade. With experience and passion to guide her, the path to come is bound to be prosperous for DJ Delgado. “The more investments I’m able to make for my clients, the more investments I want to find,” she says. “There’s no stopping in this business.”

DJ Delgado

Bosun Property Management & Investments | Lakeland, FL 863.258.8288 | bmdjdelgadorealtor@gmail.com | www.bosunpropertymanagement.com 16

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Fresh start —

Spring home staging tips

Even if the weather suggests otherwise, spring is right around the corner (and has already arrived in many places). With this change of season comes a change in the way you stage and present your listings. Spring is all about showing off a space that looks fresh, clean and inviting. Check out these pro-approved home staging tips for spring.

They don’t call it ‘spring cleaning’ for nothing Spring home staging starts with a deep cleaning.

Winter is tough on a home’s interior. There’s been water and dirt tracked in on boots. Dust building up from heated dry air. And clutter accumulating from holidays and other activities. Before you start adding the aesthetic touches, get back to basics and be sure the home is cleaned and freshened from floor to ceiling.

Encourage your sellers to overhaul and purge, rather than just stuffing clutter out of sight in closets. Remember, buyers will check closets for storage space Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

and if they’re overstuffed, it appears there’s not enough room for storage.

Turns out, it’s easy being green — Spring is all about new beginnings. The Pantone Color Greenery is the perfect starting point for adding spring color to the home. The fresh hue is inspired by the color of new leaves, and is surprisingly easy to blend with other colors (Pantone calls it ‘nature’s neutral’). Give the home a fresh, trend-ready look and feel by incorporating the color into throw pillows, bed and bath linens and kitchen towels or placemats. Additional colors that will be hot for the season are blush pink, tan, sage and a spectrum of blues — from delicate robin’s egg to rich lapis.

When in doubt, bring the outside in — Nothing says spring like something in bloom. Fresh flowers placed throughout the home are always an elegant 17

Spring is such a special time of year. Capture that feeling in your listings by staging them to reflect the promise of the season. You’ll attract buyers who will want to make your listings their new beginning. and upscale choice. But if that’s not in the budget, there are plenty of other ways to bring the outside in.

Flowering potted plants are a more affordable and longer-lasting choice. Potted herb gardens are beautiful, fragrant and perfect for a kitchen windowsill. Indoor succulents remain a popular choice and require almost no maintenance. They’re an easy way to add greenery to any room.

From April showers to fresh flowers — While winter is all about scents that evoke cozy warmth — like vanilla and cinnamon — spring’s home scents should be fresh, clean and light. Think of those things that make you take a big deep breath, like laundry drying in the sun, freshly cut grass, or spring’s brightest blooms. Look for candles or oil diffusers in these scents and place them strategically throughout the house for 18

subtle hints of fragrance. Extra points if the candle colors echo the spring color theme.

Don’t forget those finishing touches — Showing homes this time of year is tricky. You might go through two or three weather changes in the same day. But you’ll be ready for them if you keep a fresh welcome mat by the front door, an umbrella holder in the entryway and hang a few Command hooks to hold raincoats or sweaters. Be sure the front walkway stays clean and unobstructed. On cloudy days, turn on lights throughout the house to chase away the gloom.

Spring is such a special time of year. Capture that feeling in your listings by staging them to reflect the promise of the season. You’ll attract buyers who will want to make your listings their new beginning.

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featuredagent Melissa Dondalski magazine

partners to work with to meet their needs.” A selfdescribed “numbers junkie,” Melissa isn’t just knowledgeable about the city and its many neighborhoods. She also spends time studying the market and the economy as a whole, to get a feel for how things like interest rates and consumer spending will affect inventory and pricing. “My goal is to advise clients on a property, not sell them on a property,” Melissa adds.

Yet, as much as she loves crunching the numbers and putting together the deals, Melissa makes sure to always put people first. “For me, it’s about the relationship, not the transaction,” she says. “I always make sure that everyone, from traditional home buyers to investors, feels they are being heard and understood, that our goals are in line and that ultimately, their goals are met.”

W for a 13-year-old to spend hours glued to a computer screen, it’s not often they spend that time researching local real estate listings.

For REALTOR® Melissa Dondalski however, that wasn’t unusual at all. “My parents were always talking about moving, and I was the one who would be on realtor.com looking at listings and asking to go to the design center,” she recalls. “I grew up loving houses and real estate.” But when she graduated from Notre Dame years later, she didn’t immediately gravitate toward real estate as a career.

“I tried a few different things, and found out what I didn’t want to do,” she explains. “Then my mom suggested getting back to doing what I loved as a kid. I decided to take the plunge and haven’t looked back. I absolutely love what I do!”

hile it’s quite common

That love for her chosen career shows through in all aspects of Melissa’s business, which is ruled by putting her clients’ needs before her own. “I was born and raised in Chicago, and know it very well,” she says. “Most of my transactions are in the city, but I’ll go pretty much wherever my clients need me, provided I can find the right

As Melissa continues to build her team, she’s quick to tell new agents that real estate isn’t quite as glamorous as it appears on all the popular HGTV home shows. “Because your hours revolve around your clients, you really have to love it — the business itself and the people,” she says.

“I firmly believe that real estate is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle.”

For Melissa Dondalski Real Estate Partners, that lifestyle includes giving back to the communities they serve.

Melissa was proud to be asked to be the chair of Notre Dame’s alumni real estate group. “That was quite an honor because there are a lot of very accomplished and senior people involved in the group,” she says. The team also participates in activities sponsored by the Chicago Notre Dame Alumni Club, including homebuilding events with Habitat for Humanity.

Melissa has been named a Top Producer by both the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and @properties.

With 90% of her business coming from repeat clients and referrals, it’s not surprising that Melissa says she’s always networking. “As a result of that, I’ve become quite the foodie,” she says. “I love exploring new restaurants throughout Chicago’s 77 different neighborhoods.”

Looking ahead, Melissa is focused on one central goal.

“I plan to conquer the Chicago real estate market, one happy client at a time.”

Melissa Dondalski

@properties | Chicago, IL 312.632.0380 | melissad@atproperties.com | www.atproperties.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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