December 2023 Nationwide by Featured Agent

December 2023

4 Must-ask questions

when buying a home

Top 10 Ways

to give back

The right match — How to

choose a brokerage

contents

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

professionals 6

Top 10 Ways to give back

The right match — How to choose a brokerage

t featured cover agent

Jim Anderson

buyers &sellers 4

4 Must-ask questions when buying a home

6 Unexpected things that affect home values

Cold snap — Tips for winter home listings

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4 Must-ask questions when buying a home

Buying a home is the investment of a lifetime. To safeguard this investment, you’ll need to do your homework and go beyond the standard, surface-level questions that only get you so far. To understand a home’s true viability, you’ll need to arm yourself with all the facts, history, and records available. That way, you’ll be able to uncover any hidden costs or possible pitfalls that await. So, where do you begin? For starters, consider the four questions below, inspiring you to think slightly outside-the-box when it comes to researching and assessing your future home’s potential. What’s the cost of the average monthly utility bill? As you make your list of must-have home 4

features, you’re probably crunching numbers for your budget planning. This is a wise move, but don’t overlook the smaller details. A properly insulated home with weather-proofed windows and doors can make all the difference in your bottom line during a harsh winter. The same is true for steamy summers that will test the durability and efficiency of your cooling unit. Pay particular attention to these features and inquire with the current owners about what they pay in monthly utility bills. While you may have a budget in mind for your mortgage, a drafty home with old insulation can rack up your monthly pay-out. Get a clear idea of what the power rates are in the area and compare them to your potential home’s energy tallies. Also, consider how much any standard maintenance Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

If you put in the legwork now, you’ll land a home that satisfies your budget, matches your vision, and will be the place you make memories to last a lifetime. projected value is a smart figure to account for when making a savvy purchase offer. Have there been any prior pipe or sewer problems? The Insurance Information Institute reports that broken pipes make up nearly 22% of all home insurance losses. This means that pipe and sewer issues are not only common, but they’re expensive. Be sure to ask sellers for a history of any pipe or sewer back-up problems, but you shouldn’t stop there. Hire a trusted home inspector who can verify a seller’s report and you can save yourself the headache if the pipes in question aren’t in the best shape. Likewise, you’ll be made aware of pipes that may need replacing shortly down the line. This research can help you adjust your offer accordingly to offset any future replacement costs.

would cost you — another forgettable annual fee that can add up over time. Before you buy, get the real lowdown on utility costs, from electric or gas heat to monthly HOA fees and trash collection. What will you pay in property taxes? This helpful information is usually outlined on a listed home’s info sheet, but be sure to account for this detail. An offhand estimate shouldn’t suffice either. While your purchase price impacts the home’s ongoing tax rate, it’s wise to get a picture of the property tax history. Buying a home is enough of an undertaking without the added stress of unexpected or miscalculated annual costs that can break your budget. As an added bonus, understanding a home’s tax history and Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Has the home undergone any major renovations? Sometimes, sellers and their agents are forthcoming with this essential information — but it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Request detailed records and documentation regarding any renovated bathrooms, additional wings or floors added, a basement that’s been finished — and the like. Firstly, this will help you assess the true cost of a renovation and help you craft a conscientious offer. Secondly, gathering information on prior home projects allows you to keep tabs on contractors used. It can also help you plan and budget for when the next round of renovations will likely be needed in the future. If you do this research, you could save yourself a hefty sum and earn an excellent bargaining chip along the way.

While some of these considerations may seem straightforward, you’d be surprised at the impact these finer points can make in terms of affordability, safety, and long-term planning. Buying a property of your own requires due diligence, but if you put in the legwork now, you’ll land a home that satisfies your budget, matches your vision, and will be the place you make memories to last a lifetime. 5

Top 10

Ways to give back Giving back to the communities you serve is important throughout the year, and even more so during the holidays. Clients and potential clients take note of your charitable and service activities and like to contribute and get involved if they can. Hosting a special holiday activity will help spread good cheer and positive feelings in the community. Here are the Top 10 ways to give back this holiday season. Adopt a Family — Work with a local school or nonprofit to identify area families in need, then choose one or more and donate all the trappings of a great holiday, including decorations, gifts, and all the ingredients to cook a special meal. Put Up a Giving Tree — Partner with a local nonprofit or social services agency to find out what they need, then set up a tree in the office and decorate it with ornaments that list those items. Ask anyone who comes in to choose an ornament and donate the amount of money needed to purchase that item. Host a Food Drive — Demand at local food banks rises during the holiday season and many rely on the increased giving at the holidays to make up for shortfalls other times of the year. You can help by hosting a month-long non-perishable food drive focused on collecting high-protein foods such as nut butters, canned tuna & chicken, and canned beans. Decorate Senior Citizens’ Homes — Get the whole team together and spend a Saturday putting up holiday decorations at the homes of senior citizens who wouldn’t otherwise get to enjoy the sights of the holidays. Have a Toy & Gift Drive — Foster kids often get placed in homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. Collect new, unwrapped toys, as well as gifts for teens such as cosmetic or toiletry kits, and donate them to a social service agency responsible for foster care placements. Visit a Children’s Hospital — Spend an afternoon visiting with kids and their families at a local children’s hospital or Ronald McDonald House. Pass out small gifts such as seasonal story books and tabletop Christmas trees. Collect Backpacks and School Supplies — Underserved students need supplies year ‘round to do their best in school. Plus, plenty of new students will be starting after the winter break, making this a perfect time to collect backpacks and supplies. Collect Coats and Warm Clothing — Collect new or gently used coats, sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves in kids’ and adults’ sizes to donate to local schools or homeless shelters. Host a Santa Open House — Have the jolliest agent in the office play Santa for an afternoon and invite kids from the neighborhood as well as clients’ families. Serve hot chocolate, cider and cookies and have someone in charge of taking digital or instant photos. Give Out Care Packages for the Homeless — Ask agents and clients to donate travel size toiletries, boxes of protein bars, and cases of bottled water. Make up care packages in resealable bags and give every agent several to keep in their cars to hand out to any homeless people they see while they’re out and about in the community. 6

Jim Anderson

Jim Anderson Jim Anderson was no stranger to customer service when he began his career in real estate. He started off working for his family’s cattle business and continued on with sales in various other industries. He decided to try his hand in real estate after years of success. After all, real estate was in his family — his grandmother had been a broker for years, and his sister was in the industry as well — so Jim was able to combine their collective knowledge with his own experience and work ethic to excel in the field. Jim worked in real estate part-time for a few years before deciding to go all in. “I thought, if I’m going to work this hard, I’m going to work for myself,” he shared. He entered into the real estate world with the same values he’d always had: honesty, integrity and attentiveness, along with strong communication and negotiation skills.

take care of anyone else.” Jim takes time for himself early each morning to ride his horse. This is his time to reflect, focus and plan his days. Family time is also very important to Jim. He and his partner, Jesus Rubio, recently purchased a small ranch in Woodland where they live happily together with their dog, Reis. Jim also enjoys skiing, running marathons and other races, and even competing in triathlons. Traveling is one of his favorite pastimes and he shares that summiting Mount Kilimanjaro was one of the best experiences of his life. In the process, he raised more than $60K for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. It took eight days of climbing to reach the summit at 19,341 feet. “You don’t always know where you’re stepping, but when you get to the top at sunrise and see the curvature of the earth, it’s just amazing,” he reminisces. This doesn’t apply to

Jim doesn’t skimp on the less than glamorous aspects of the job, either. He’s been known to do everything from mowing lawns and washing windows to completely fixing up properties. Clients really appreciate his willingness to do whatever it takes to best serve them. His availability and quality of service are also notable. Jim runs an Airbnb and says that he gets many of his clients from there because of how much they enjoy working with him. Jim is still enjoying a prosperous career in real estate 26 years after getting his start. Although he mostly works with residential properties, he also completes several commercial sales each year. Working out of the Land Park Lyon office, he provides his stellar service to a wide variety of clients, with specialization in the Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown, and Greenhaven areas of greater Sacramento. Jim knows the ins and outs of the business and has some valuable advice to share with new and future agents. “When you first come into the business, all you want to do is win every client you can … you want to give 150% of yourself,” he says. “But it’s important to remember that if you don’t take care of yourself first, you can’t 8

“I want more of a human connection than I do just a business connection.” just mountains, and is great motivation for anyone trying to make it in their career. Jim is passionate about helping others. He serves on the board of directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. In 2016, he ran for man of the year. He raised $78K for his campaign and was the runner up in the competition. He was also asked to be on a panel for the LeadingRE real estate agents of the world. Clients find that Jim can connect with them on various levels. “I’m not a solicitor of my business, meaning that not everything you’ll get from me is about real estate. I want more of a human connection than I do just a business

connection.” What he enjoys most about his career is that he is helping someone — whether it’s a family, a couple, or an individual — make one of the biggest decisions of their life. He keeps in touch with clients after their transaction is done and estimates that 80% of his clientele comes from referrals or repeat clients. As for the future, Jim doesn’t plan on leaving the real estate field any time soon. As he puts it, “I always laugh and say I’ll be the oldest real estate agent alive. I can do it from anywhere and it’s not gonna slow me down.” With the respect he has earned from his clients and colleagues alike, many people are glad that he plans to stick around!

Jim Anderson Lyon Real Estate | Sacramento, California 916.806.4061 | janderson@golyon.com | www.janderson.golyon.com 10

6 Unexpected things that affect home values Preparing your home to go on the market is a major undertaking. But despite your good efforts and best intentions, there are things that could be decreasing your home’s value that are all too easy to overlook. Use this rundown as a guide when you’re preparing your home for sale to help ensure all your preparation efforts pay off. Here are six unexpected things that could decrease your home’s value: Neglected Flooring — It’s only natural to be more concerned about what’s at eye level than what’s underfoot. But worn, stained, or damaged flooring can be a red flag to prospective buyers. They worry that if that’s neglected, other parts of the home may be suffering neglect, too. At a minimum, make sure carpets are newly cleaned, repair or replace chipped tile and buff and polish wood or laminate flooring. If there is extensive staining, damage or wear, it will be worth it to have the flooring replaced before listing your home. Lingering Odors — There’s a series of commercials for a popular air freshener that talks about being ‘nose blind,’ meaning, it’s all too easy to become accustomed to your home’s unique aroma. Others, however, will notice if your home has any lingering odors from pets, cooking or, in older homes, that ‘old house’ smell. While not a deal breaker, it can be a turn-off to potential buyers and distract them from the many wonderful qualities your home possesses. To be sure your home smells fresh and clean, ask a trusted friend who doesn’t visit often to come over and give it the sniff test. Ask them to be honest (and hopefully tactful) about any odor issues you need to address. Trendy Décor — You’re super-proud of that DIY Mason jar chandelier hanging in the kitchen (and you should be!), but its appeal might not translate to buyers. Overly trendy décor can be distracting, and cause some buyers to have a hard time envisioning the space decorated to their taste. If you’re one who stays on top of all the latest home design trends, evaluate each room with a critical eye. Remove and pack away anything extremely taste-specific and save it to decorate your new home. A few accents here and there will still give the home personality without feeling overwhelming. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Forgettable Curb Appeal — Even if your home looks like a million bucks online, buyers will be instantly attracted or repelled when they see your home in person for the first time. Forgettable — or memorablefor-the-wrong-reasons — curb appeal can knock down the value of your home. You don’t want curb appeal to scream, but it shouldn’t whisper either. Choose a feature to highlight, whether it’s a boldly painted front door color, a walkway lined with seasonal flowers or a cluster of potted plants in colorful containers by the front door. Remember, your buyers are looking at a lot of houses. One memorable, first-impression feature can really make your home stand out in a buyer’s memory. Outdated Appliances — Make no mistake, buyers will take note of the brand and condition of kitchen appliances. They don’t necessarily have to be brand-new and chef-approved. But they do have to be spotlessly clean and in good working order. That means all stove burners are working, the oven is clean and properly calibrated and the refrigerator and freezer run efficiently and are clean as a whistle, inside and out. If your appliances need frequent repair or never look quite clean enough, it will be worth the investment to replace them before listing the home. Overlooked Details — You’ve probably gotten used to your home’s little quirks, like that one light switch that never seems to work quite right or having to jiggle the handle after flushing the toilet. However, these minor inconveniences can stand out as major red flags to potential buyers. Not because they’re a big deal in and of themselves, but because they may assume that if you’re willing to overlook those details, there may be other, more important things you haven’t wanted to spend the time or money to fix. Thoroughly audit every room in your home to ensure everything is in its proper place and functions as intended.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s certainly true when potential buyers view your home. Don’t leave anything to chance. Give potential buyers every reason to fall in love with your home and make a top-dollar offer. 11

Cold snap —

Tips for winter home listings You’ve probably heard that the winter months are a terrible time of year to sell a home. Early in the season, people are focused on the holidays and out-of-town visitors. Later in the season the weather is dreary and properties, particularly the exteriors, don’t look their best. While all of this may be true, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad time to list a home. People still need to sell and move during the winter and savvy REALTORS® are more than happy to help them do it. The following strategies will help you make the most of selling a home during the winter. Make the house feel welcoming, warm & cozy — Curb appeal can take a hit during the winter, so it’s important that the home’s interior takes center stage. Let in as much natural light as possible and supplement it by turning on lamps to brighten up any dark corners. Keep the house at a comfortable temperature — between 65 and 70 is ideal — and consider offering 12

refreshments such as hot chocolate or hot apple cider to help guests warm up. As a bonus, they’ll make the house smell amazing! Give the entry extra attention — Just because curb appeal isn’t at its peak, doesn’t mean you get to ignore the entry. Keep the front sidewalk and walkway free of snow, slush, twigs and other debris. Make sure there’s a sturdy doormat at the front door to catch mud and water before it gets tracked inside. And on extragloomy days, keep the porchlight on around-the-clock to cast a warm glow. Highlight winter-perfect features — If the home has a working fireplace, woodstove, mud room or any other features that offer cold-weather comfort and convenience, be sure to highlight them in the marketing materials and give them special attention during the showing. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Show photos from other seasons — Find a way to include photos of the home’s exterior during the spring and summer when the leaves are on the trees and flowers are in bloom. Add photos to the online listing and all marketing materials. Additionally, a few framed pictures of the home placed around the interior are a subtle nod to its seasonal beauty. Have fun with the holidays — If the home is on the market during the holiday season, don’t hesitate to decorate for it. Just be sure to keep holiday decorations traditional and tasteful. You want to add to the ambiance and overall look of the home, but too many decorations can be distracting and obstruct key features you’re looking to emphasize. Turn up the heat — Prospective buyers will have heating on their minds. Arm yourself with useful information to share with them such as the home’s average Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

heating costs, how much and what type of insulation it has, and the dates of the last HVAC service, along with any upgrades that have been made. Make the market work for you — There’s usually less inventory this time of year, so take advantage of that fact by highlighting everything the property has going for it, both inside and outside. Don’t forget to include information on the neighborhood, as well as services including schools, shopping, dining and entertainment. If a quick sale is your goal, be sure to price the property appropriately.

Although it can be more challenging to sell a home during the winter, these tips will help make it easier. With some planning and creativity, there’s no reason homes listed during the winter will spend any more time on the market than they would any other time of year. 13

The right match —

How to choose a brokerage As a real estate agent, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the brokerage where you will hang your license. It’s a decision that will play a major role in your success as an agent. And unlike a traditional employer/employee dynamic, you will actually be interviewing brokers to decide which one is the right fit for you. Whether you are a newly licensed real estate agent, or a mid-career professional who is ready to make a change, here are the topics you’ll want ask questions about when choosing a brokerage. Education, Training and Development — Studying for your real estate license is just the beginning of your education as a real estate agent. Ongoing education, training and development will help you grow into a confident, successful real estate professional. 14

Find out about the types of education and training the brokerage offers. Are there in-house training opportunities? Will they pay for you to attend outside classes, seminars and events? Is there an annual continuing education requirement? The answers to all these questions will show you how much stock the brokerage places in ongoing education. If you find the training and education opportunities lacking, keep looking for a brokerage that offers a more robust program. Commission, Leads and Benefits — Don’t hesitate to ask about the commission split, how and who generates leads and what additional benefits the brokerage offers. Find out if you will be considered an employee or an independent contractor, and whether that classification affects how you are compensated and what benefits you receive. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

work area? Is the noise level manageable or distracting? Do the agents and other employees seem positive and motivated, or are they withdrawn and disengaged? Your own observations will tell you a lot about the culture and how you will potentially fit into it. Advertising and Marketing — Part of what will determine your success as a real estate agent is how well you are able to market yourself and your properties, and the brokerage you choose will have a hand in that. Be sure to devote time to reviewing your potential brokerages’ marketing materials, including their websites, printed materials, radio and television ads and signage. Are they up-to-date and attractive? Well-written and free of typos and grammatical errors? Are they interesting and attention-grabbing without being over-the-top? Honors and Awards — If you’re someone who enjoys friendly competition and is motivated by shooting for well-defined sales goals, you’ll want to choose a brokerage that has a structured awards system in place. In addition to a feeling of personal accomplishment (and bragging rights), being able to include honors and awards in your personal marketing materials shows potential clients you’re a high achiever. Reputation and Reviews — Sites such as Zillow, Trulia and Yelp make it easier than ever to assess whether or not the brokerage you’re considering is well thought of in the community. In addition to doing online research, see if there’s an opportunity to speak with other agents in the brokerage. That’s going to be the most accurate way to determine if the brokerage lives up to its promises. Culture and Environment — If you’ve ever had a job you hated — regardless of what industry it was in — you know how miserable that can be. One of the many perks of a career in real estate is not spending eight hours a day behind a desk. But there will still be times when you’re spending a good chunk of time in the office, so it will be important to find one that feels right to you. Will you have your own desk space or Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Community Involvement — One of the lesserdiscussed benefits of a career in real estate is how much you can make a difference in the communities you serve. Most national brokerages have established community service initiatives in place that provide a number of opportunities for agents to give back. Many smaller, boutique brokerages, which often have extremely strong community ties, also offer their agents the chance to help causes they care about. Becoming involved in the community is a wonderful way to network and spread the word about your business, while doing something positive for others.

When choosing a brokerage, don’t be afraid to ask questions and talk to current agents. The more information you gather, the better chance you have of choosing a brokerage that matches your personality and values to help you reach your real estate goals. 15

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