December 2018

December 2018

Get SMART

about goal setting

Cold snap— Tips for winter home listings

Top 10 Ways

to give back

MaritĂŠ Cochard also featured:

Diana Wong

contents

professionals 4

Get SMART about goal setting

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Top 10 Ways to give back

­Featured­Agent­Magazine Phone­888.437.5707 Fax­888.849.3663 contact@featuredagentmagazine.com www.featuredagentmagazine.com 2

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t featured cover agent

Marité Cochard

q featured agent

Diana Wong

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buyers&sellers 7

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A warm welcome — Prepare your home for holiday guests Cold snap — Tips for winter home listings

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Get SMART about goal setting

As the year quickly comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about what you’d like to accomplish in 2019. Setting goals to reach both professional and personal milestones will help you formulate your strategy, stay motivated and achieve success. Take a look at these effective goal-setting tips:

Get SMART — How many times have you set a goal (New Year’s resolutions come to mind) only to give up on it, or forget about it altogether, within a few weeks. Setting goals is more than just committing to doing something, you have to make a plan to get there. That’s why SMART goals make so much sense. SMART goals are:

• Specific • Measurable 4

• Attainable • Relevant • Time-bound

Using these metrics as a guide will help you set and track your goals so you can make meaningful, lasting changes.

Keep it Professional — Conducting your real estate business without setting goals is like taking a road trip without a map. You will end up somewhere, but it probably won’t be where you planned. Professional goals can include the obvious, such as sales goals and prospecting targets, along with things like hiring an assistant, improving your website’s SEO or establishing a team. Because it’s impossible to do everything at once, try breaking up your goals by Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

SMART Goals Ask yourself these questions to determine if your goal is SMART. • Specific — Is the goal precise, clear and concise?

• Measurable — Can you track the progress and measure the results?

• Attainable — Can the goal be accomplished using current resources?

• Relevant — Is the goal meaningful, worthwhile and consistent with your values and other goals?

• Time-Bound — Can you give your goal a clear “accomplish by” date?

quarter. Focus on one large goal and several smaller goals. Anything you don’t accomplish will roll over into the next quarter. If you’re not sure where to start or what to focus on, talk with your managing broker or a more seasoned agent in your office to find out how they approach goal-setting.

Make it Personal — As you’re pursuing your professional goals during the coming year, it’s also important to focus on personal development. Personal goals can include working toward health and fitness milestones, seeking continuing education, networking to expand your sphere of influence and doing volunteer work or donating to a cause that’s important to you. In some instances, such as pursuing specialty designations, your personal and professional goals will overlap, and that’s great. Your goals should be complementary and positively affect the different facets of your life.

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Focus on the Family — While working toward your professional and personal goals, it’s important not to let family take a backseat. Your family goals will differ whether you’re married or single, with kids or child-free, but the important thing is that they help you strengthen the bond with those closest to you. They can be things like eating dinner together a set number of nights per week, attending school events, or getting away for the weekend once a month. If you’re single, make it your goal to reach out to your parents or a sibling on the same day every week, plan a family reunion or preserve old family photos or home movies.

Setting goals for different areas of your life, rather than just your real estate career, will help you maintain balance and not lose sight of what’s truly important to you. Remember that goal setting isn’t a one-time activity; it’s an active process that should change and grow as your career and priorities continue to evolve.

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featuredagent Diana Wong magazine

Born and raised in her native Hong Kong, Diana Wong’s first foray into the real estate industry arrived in 2013. She had worked in New York City for three decades prior, and has also owned an investment property in Manhattan for the past 20 years. With her local knowledge of New York’s five boroughs well-established, Diana has built a name for herself as a proven professional with a strong business background, a host of first-hand experience, and a reputation for delivering results.

Today, Diana works under the banner of New Vista Horizons, Inc., where she has earned the top producer spot within her company for the past two years. There, she specializes in residential resale and investment properties across the greater New York City area. Likewise, Diana is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, which adds noteworthy value for multilingual and international clientele. Over the course of her career, she has not only built a reputation of esteem for her work alongside buyers and sellers, but has also earned several designations in the process, including Certified Buyer’s Representative and Certified Negotiating Expert. As a member of the Real Estate Board of New York, she also makes an impact in her regional professional community, where her relationships with fellow industry colleagues facilitate a collaborative transactional process. Beyond her proactive approach to her career and service of clients, Diana’s skillset is cemented by her formal education and degree. At New York University’s Stern School of Business, she earned of Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting, followed by more than 25 years of experience earned in the financial services industry. All told, Diana’s qualifications, experience, and talents are well-suited to a career in real estate, and clients benefit from the expertise unique to a seasoned professional.

As for her relationships with clientele, Diana’s working style is defined by integrity, forthright communication, and attentive care. With 85% of her business driven by repeat and referral clientele, Diana cultivates valuable and lasting relationships with those she serves. “My customers’ interests always come first,” she says. “Absolute loyalty and trust are central to my work with clients, and I hold myself to a high standard of ethics and honesty. I’ve built

an extensive knowledge of real estate, both in general and a local level in our regional markets. When it comes to guiding clients through the process, I have a positive, upbeat attitude. From beginning to end, I’m committed to serving my clients.”

When approaching the listing process, Diana draws upon her firm’s extensive reach across New York City’s five boroughs. To maximize listings headed for their market debut, Diana incorporates sophisticated technological tools to ensure presentations are immersive, cutting-edge, and memorable. As an investor in her own right, Diana offers clients a knowledgeable, first-hand perspective on the transactional process. While buying or selling property is a major commitment in the lives of those she services, Diana acts as wise and attentive counsel so that no detail is unaccounted for. “There are so many advantages to working with an experienced real estate professional who knows her market and has her customers’ best interests at heart,” she explains. “When working with a boutique agency, every client receives VIP attention, regardless of price point. My clients have confidence that I’ll be at their side from the beginning of the home search and on through closing,” she continues. “I also know how stressful this process can seem, so I do my best to be a good listener and communicate with my clients steadily. One of the most sincere forms of respect is to actually listen to what others have to say.”

To give back to her community, Diana supports causes and organizations close to her heart, including the local ASPCA and animal shelters, as well her church. In her free hours outside the office, she most enjoys time spent with family, friends, and loved ones, travel, reading, and exploring open houses.

Considering the future, Diana’s goal is to continue helping her clients improve their financial standing through the power of real estate. Finally, with five sterling years of service to her name, Diana Wong considers what she values most about her career thus far. “I really enjoy helping people, especially the first-time homebuyers or younger generations of homebuyers achieving their homeownership dreams for the first time,” she says. “There’s nothing more rewarding than meeting new clients and colleagues and building those friendships and connections that last.”

Diana Wong

New Vista Horizons, Inc. | New York, NY 646.331.8162 | diana@nvhny.com | www.nvhny.com 6

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A warm welcome —

Prepare your home for holiday guests ‘Tis the season to open your home to out-of-town guests. Whether they are just passing through for the night or plan to stay several days, you’ll want to treat your guests like the VIPs they are. Here’s how to make every room in your home feel warm and welcoming: Guest Room — The guest room should be a cozy retreat that allows your guests to recharge.

• Make up the bed with high-thread-count linens and provide extra pillows and blankets so they can customize to their liking.

• Set up a tray with a few bottles of water, a fresh box of tissues, lip balm, hand sanitizer and lotion so they can immediately freshen up after a long trip without digging into their bags for the essentials.

• Clear out at least one drawer and make space in the closet; provide empty hangers, a hand-held garment steamer and a lint roller.

• Surprise them with a small gift, such as a bottle of wine from a local winery or fresh cookies from a favorite bakery. A vase of fresh flowers is always an elegant touch.

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Bathroom — Create a spa-like space to leave guests feeling rejuvenated.

• Provide stacks of thick, fluffy towels, the more the better.

• Offer all basic toiletries including body wash, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant and dental care items.

• Fill a small basket with over-the-counter medications and first-aid items such as pain reliever, antacids, cough drops, Benadryl, Neosporin and Band-Aids.

• Add luxurious hand soap and a scented candle, fragrance diffuser or room spray.

Kitchen — Make sure guests feel welcome in the heart of the home.

• Find out if your guests have any food allergies or dietary restrictions and plan meals accordingly.

• Make sure to provide everything they need for their favorite morning beverage, whether that’s coffee, tea, or smoothies.

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• Fill a basket or bowl with snacks like small bags of nuts, protein bars, crackers and fresh fruit so they can grab something without having to ask you each time.

• Keep the fridge stocked with pitchers of filtered water and be sure there’s plenty of fresh ice.

Living Areas — Whether watching a movie or chatting about old times, it’s all about making guests feel comfortable.

• Add some extra pillows and throw blankets to chairs and couches so guests can snuggle up.

• Provide written instructions for how to use remote controls and access streaming services.

• Have a stack of magazines, books and board games ready to beat boredom.

Outdoor Areas — Extend hospitality outside the home, too.

• In cold climates, keep walkways clear of snow and ice to avoid slips and falls.

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Welcoming guests into your home is one of the most special aspects of the holiday season.

• In warmer climates, make sure outdoor seating areas are clean and inviting.

Little Details — Your guests will appreciate these thoughtful extras.

• Make sure the wi-fi signal is strong in all areas of the house; install extenders to boost weak spots.

• If it’s a rainy season in your area, have extra umbrellas ready by the front door.

• Put fresh batteries in all remote controls – don’t forget the garage door opener.

• If you have a lot of activities planned, provide a written itinerary so guests know what to expect.

Welcoming guests into your home is one of the most special aspects of the holiday season. With a little thought and careful planning, you can turn your home into an oasis that your guests will never want to leave.

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MaritĂŠ Cochard

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Marité Cochard

After graduating from film school, Marité Cochard focused her talents on a career in television production, staffed on major hits like Big Brother, and spending her days on the go. As the years passed, Marité knew she wanted to go into business for herself and began to seek the right course that would allow her to become her own boss. After visiting with a friend who had established a thriving career in real estate, Marité experienced a burst of inspiration. With her friend’s encouragement, Marité earned her license and launched her career in 2009. Although it was a turbulent time to dive into the real estate world, Marité built her business from the ground up, cutting her teeth in the short sale and foreclosure market and building a reputation for diligence, professionalism, and an authentic investment in her clients.

Ten years later, Marité now heads a tight-knit team that includes an office manager and two buyer’s 10

agents, under the banner of Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. There, she has established the Marité Cochard Homes brand and has made a name for herself in Los Angeles County through her work with buyers and sellers of all kinds — from firsttimer buyers and seniors downsizing, to investors and those grappling with foreclosure. All told, Marité drives roughly 95% of her business through repeat and referral clientele — a testament to her dedication and staying power. Today, she is among the Top 20 agents out of 1,200 company-wide, and has expanded her service offerings to include the certifications of Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR).

To account for her strident success thus far, Marité cites a commitment to good business fundamentals: communication, education, and enthusiasm. “I want my clients to feel confident that I’m always one

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step ahead over the course of a transaction,” she says. “I’d rather over-communicate than not give enough detail or information. In this business, I’ve learned and experienced enough that I can give people a clear sense of their options. I’m transparent and do my best to foresee any issues that may arise.

Throughout, I keep my clients safe by being honest and relaying every bit of information they need, so they can make the best, most-informed decision.”

When it comes to marketing listings, Marité applies a tech-forward approach that utilizes social media’s far-reaching, interactive influence — to Instagram stories and beyond. In fact, marketing homes is one of Marité’s specialties, and it’s little wonder considering her creative background, as well as her commitment to ongoing industry education. “I eat, sleep, and breathe real estate,” she says. “I love the community and I’d like to contribute to a healthy Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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“So many memories happen in a home, and playing a part in that process is the most rewarding part of what I do.” at her company. Likewise, she makes a charitable impact through her contribution to causes fighting human trafficking, as well as fundraising work with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, supporting kids battling the chemo process and their families. Beyond the office, Marité most enjoys time spent with her family and loved ones, exploring the outdoors through hiking, fishing, and hanging out with her beloved Australian Shepherd, named Sam. As for the future of her business, Marité intends to continue the steady growth of her brand and business, with plans to increase her numbers year over year, while bringing on new team members. “I want to train agents to feel confident working hard and staying busy, until they’re ready to spread their wings,” she says.

and sustainable real estate market through honest sales and communication flowing from the strong relationships I’ve built throughout the years.”

To further contribute to her professional community, Marité also mentors and teaches marketing classes to fellow agents

Now, with a decade of insights behind her, Marité Cochard considers what she has come to enjoy most about her career. “I love helping people accomplish those transitions in their lives,” she reflects.

“You really become a part of the family during those important changes in someone’s life, whether you’re working with clients who have worked hard to buy their first home, or someone who’s selling to begin a new phase. So many memories happen in a home, and playing a part in that process is the most rewarding part of what I do.”

Marité Cochard

Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. | Northridge, CA 818.605.1220 | Marite@MariteHomes.com | www.MariteHomes.com 12

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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.

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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.

refreshments such as hot chocolate or hot apple cider to help guests warm up. As a bonus, they’ll make the house smell amazing!

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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