February 2017

February 2017

The right match —

How to choose a brokerage

Master these DIY

home skills

Melissa Goldstein Tucci also featured: Lidia Adamska The Campos Group Elizabeth Crombie Noel A. Dedrick Serg Lobodzinskiy

contents

buyers&sellers

professionals 4

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The right match — How to choose a brokerage

Master these DIY home skills

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6 Unexpected things that affect home values

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Who’s who in a real estate transaction

Top 10 Reasons to love your clients Use your words — 5 Tips for better business writing

Featured Agent Magazine Phone 888.437.5707 Fax 888.849.3663 contact@featuredagentmagazine.com www.featuredagentmagazine.com 2

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Materials and content included in Featured Agent Magazine and on featuredagentmagazine.com are subject to copyright and may not be copied or reproduced in any part without prior written consent. Featured Agent Magazine is published by Times 3 Publishing Group, LLC. Publisher shall not be liable for any inaccuracy, error, or omission and makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the information, content, or materials included.

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q featured cover agent

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Melissa Goldstein Tucci

Lidia Adamska

Noel A. Dedrick

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Elizabeth Crombie

Serg Lobodzinskiy

The Campos Group

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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.

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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.

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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.

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featuredagent Lidia Adamska magazine

two-and-a-half years, in addition to the resale part of my business, I have been working for one of the most recognized builders in the area. It’s fun to help people choose layout, colors, and design their homes,” she says.

“My previous work experience was in quality engineering, and the ability to read and understand blueprints has been very helpful,” she adds.

With more than 80% of her business coming from repeat clients and referrals, it’s clear there are a number of good reasons Lidia’s clients choose to work with her. Chief among them are honesty and integrity. “I’m very honest and always put my clients’ interests first,” Lidia says. “I also believe in being up-front, authentic and always professional — plus I’m available almost 24/7 and always pick up the phone.”

When Ontario real estate professional Lidia

Adamska and her husband moved to Canada from Poland in 1989, she couldn’t have imagined the success that was to come. With help from family and friends, she learned English, improved her skills and worked for a series of manufacturing companies. Eventually, she realized she wanted a career, rather than just a job.

That’s when she and her friend Tanya hatched a plan to pursue careers in real estate. “I wanted to concentrate on something I would be passionate about doing,” Lidia explains. “I have always been a people person, and I love homes and decorating — that’s how the idea was born.”

Now 11 years into a successful real estate career, Lidia knows she made the right choice. “I love my career and helping people with one of the most important decisions in their lives,” she says. “Plus, I have the independence and flexibility of being my own boss.” That flexibility allows Lidia to work with a wide range of clients throughout the Southern Ontario area, including Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and the surrounding areas. She works with a variety of transactions, including resale and new construction. “For the last

Additionally, Lidia always tries to view things from her clients’ perspective and takes the time to understand what they’re looking for in a real estate agent. “I treat clients like friends and that’s what they become,” she explains. “I get involved with them on a personal level and think about what they need based on where they are in their lives.” A perfect example of that is the annual children’s party she holds. “I realized I have a lot of clients who are families with young children, so I do something special for them every year.”

When prospective agents ask Lidia how she has achieved success, she shares with them what has worked for her.

“They should do research to be sure it’s what they really want, so they will be honest and passionate about what they do. I also tell them to be yourself and to concentrate more on the relationship than the transaction,” she says.

Staying true to that advice has earned Lidia not only loyalty from her clients, but recognition from the industry as well. “My first 100% Club Award made me so proud. I was ecstatic to reach a goal that I had been working on for some time,” she says. “I also received the Bronze Award for new homes sales; that was challenging because of the market conditions at the time.” And yet, as much as Lidia appreciates being recognized for her achievements, that’s not what drives her. “For me, the most rewarding part of this career will always be bringing buyers and sellers together to reach their common goal.”

Lidia Adamska

RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc. Brokerage | Cambridge, Ontario, Canada 519.241.6065 | adamska.lidia@gmail.com | www.CallLidia.com 6

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Master these DIYhome skills

Among the many responsibilities of owning a home is basic upkeep and maintenance. When caught and taken care of in the early stages, many home repairs are fairly easy fixes. You’ll save yourself plenty of time, money and hassle if you learn to take care of them yourself.

Of course, if a problem seems too big to handle on your own, it’s always best to be on the safe side and call a professional. But for those little day-to-day glitches, a few tools and some basic knowledge (plus a quick Google search) are probably all you will need. Here are several basic DIY home repairs and upgrades it makes sense to master:

Those Darn Doors — Whether they’re squeaking, sticking or slamming, chances are there’s at least one door in your home doing one of those things even as you read this. Fortunately, door issues are some of the fastest and easiest to fix on your own. If the door is:

• Squeaking — Squeaky door hinges are a nuisance. To quiet them down, spray WD-40 or rub petroleum jelly into the squeaky joint, opening and closing the door as you do so to work the lubricant in. If that doesn’t do the trick, lift the hinge pins halfway and spray some more WD-40, then slide the pins back in place.

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• Sticking — Wooden doors are affected by changes in temperature and humidity. They contract in cold, dry winter weather and expand when the heat and humidity rise. Generally, a sticking door will eventually resolve itself when the weather changes. If, however, you have a stubborn door sticking year ‘round, it may be just slightly too large for the jamb. In that case, it will need to be shaved down slightly to fit. Unless you have some basic carpentry skills, that job is best left to a pro.

• Slamming — A slamming door can really put a damper on a relaxing evening or a lazy morning sleeping in. To lessen the impact, use peel-and-stick weather stripping on the door stop to absorb the impact.

Water, Water, Everywhere — Did you know the average household wastes approximately 10,000 gallons of water a year due to drips and leaks? And 10% of homes have leaks that waste more than 90 gallons per day? Letting those leaks go is not only wasteful, it increases your water bill. Plus, many major household problems, such as mold growth, start as the result of water going where it doesn’t belong.

Here’s how to address some of the most common causes of water leaks: 7

• Faucets — The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out seat washer. It’s an easy and inexpensive fix just about anyone can master with a little patience.

It does vary a bit depending on the type, age and brand of your faucet, so it’s best to search for your faucet’s model number online to find specific instructions.

• Toilets — A constantly running toilet can keep you up at night from the sound alone (not to mention calculating how much higher your water will bill be).

The cause is most likely a worn or displaced flapper, float or chain — or some combination of those three — there are countless YouTube videos that run down the fixes step-by-step. Usually, they’ll only require a few bucks for parts and less than a half-hour of labor.

• Hose Bib — If you notice your water bill is higher than usual and you’ve checked all the usual suspects inside for leaks, there’s a good chance you have a leaky hose bib outside. It’s usually just a washer that needs replacing, which requires just a few steps and a screwdriver (there are plenty of YouTube videos for this fix, too).

One important thing to note about all these water-related repairs is that you’ll need to know where and how to turn off the water supply to each of these areas before you begin your work.

Pro Paint Prep — Painting is exciting because it can change the look and feel of any room for a relatively small investment. It’s so tempting to just grab 8

the roller, crack open the can and go town. But, if you do, you’re not going to get the results you want. Paint will look better and last longer if you properly prep the surfaces first.

• Clean — It’s not always visible, but walls collect dirt, dust and grime just like any other surfaces in your home. At a minimum, wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth. If you’re feeling really ambitious, (or the walls are visibly dirty), wash them with a solution of laundry detergent and water — about three teaspoons of detergent to one gallon of water. Make sure they dry completely before applying primer.

• Prime — Using primer before painting helps to hide minor imperfections in wall texture, helps paint glide on smoothly and helps ensure you get the true color you’re hoping for. Talk to a paint expert at the home store about which primer works best for the paint you choose.

• Odds & Ends — If possible, remove all furniture from the room to give you open space to work and avoid splashing or spilling paint on it. If you can’t move furniture out, cover it with drop cloths. Remove switch plates and cover any sconces, fixtures or decorative trim with painter’s tape.

Learning to do some basic home repairs and upgrades isn’t just a matter of practicality — although saving money and time is great. It’s also a way to deepen the pride you take in your home and fully participate in the experience of being a homeowner.

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featuredagent Noel A. Dedrick magazine

them through the process from start to finish.” In turn, her clients show their appreciation by referring their

“I love what I do and I think my passion shows naturally when I meet people and work with them.” friends and family to Noel for the same level of outstanding service. “Clients always tell me they appreciate my thoroughness and how easy it is to work with me,” she says. “That’s what keeps the door open and referrals circulating through.”

For Wisconsin REALTOR® Noel Dedrick, her suc-

cessful real estate career is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. She recalls asking her dad to take her to open houses when she was just a little girl. And she always aspired to be part of the town’s largest real estate firm, a goal she accomplished by working there for three years before switching to a different firm in 2008. “Being in real estate really is a result of me following my dreams,” Noel says.

By living out her dreams, Noel is able to help her clients fulfill their goals of home ownership. She works with home buyers and sellers throughout Washington County and the surrounding areas. Through more than a decade in the business, she has earned a reputation for being an agent who conducts herself with honesty and integrity by following a strong code of ethics. “I love what I do and I think my passion shows naturally when I meet people and work with them,” Noel says.

A strong sense of empathy and dedication also influence how Noel conducts her business. “I’ve been involved in several of my own real estate transactions, so I know what it feels like to be going through that,” she explains.

“It’s always my goal to be there for my clients and guide

Many real estate agents get started in the business, only to get frustrated quickly and quit. That’s why Noel is happy to talk with people who are considering making the move. “I always let people know it takes time to establish a client base,” she explains. “And you need at least six months of savings put away to get a good start.

A lot of people think it’s fast, easy money and it’s not.”

Fortunately for Noel, any of those concerns are in the past, and she can now focus on growing her business.

“Every year my sales continue to increase. Last year I was in the top 1% of all agents for Washington County and I’m expecting that or better again this year,” she says. Noel is also enjoying an impressive seven-year run as a 5 Star Real Estate Professional in Milwaukee Magazine. It’s an honor based entirely on feedback from clients and other real estate professionals, which makes it especially meaningful.

As a long-time resident of the area, Noel makes it a point to stay involved with the communities she serves.

She is active in the Kewaskum Chamber of Commerce — they just completed the 2nd annual Cookie Hunt — and other events that support the community.

Looking toward the future of her business, Noel looks forward to continuing to excel. “My 11-year-old son usually gives me a number of homes he thinks I should sell each year,” she says with a laugh. “And I have exceeded those numbers each and every year, even though he puts a pretty tough marker on Mom.”

Noel A. Dedrick

Star Properties, Inc. | Jackson, WI 414.467.7652 | noel.dedrick@starproperties.com | www.noeldedrick.starproperties.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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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 10

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 Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

here and there will still give the home personality without feeling overwhelming.

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 memorable-for-thewrong-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.

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 Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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.

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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.

You 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.

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Melissa Goldstein Tucci

Melissa Goldstein Tucci

As the Official REALTOR® of the San Diego Padres, and consistently one of the nation’s top real estate agents, the name Melissa Tucci has become synonymous with real estate success in San Diego.

Averaging 160 sales each year, Melissa is indeed a household name when it comes to all things real estate in America’s Finest City. Even those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to work with her, know her as the face of the American Dream television program, and a frequent voice on 1070 AM, KCBQ Real Estate Talk Radio. San Diego buyers and sellers simply couldn’t hope to find a more professional, honest, or skilled REALTOR® to trust with their real estate transactions.

The staggering number of awards Melissa has collected since entering real estate at the turn of the millennium serves as a testament to her dedication to her craft. As a San Diego Magazine 5-Star Winner for Customer Satisfaction, Melissa was also ranked

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the #1 Agent in sales for the entire Century 21 Western Region from 2012-2015. In 2015, she also earned the title of the #1 Agent in the Nation for Century 21, and the #2 Agent Worldwide. After moving to Coldwell Banker, Melissa maintained her position as a top producer, earning the coveted status of the #1 Coldwell Banker Agent in California in 2016.

With such an enviable track record, it’s no surprise Melissa is also accustomed to speaking to tens of thousands of fellow REALTORS® at elite industry conventions, all of whom are eager to hear her “secret” to success.

However, those hoping to glean insight into Melissa’s tricks of the trade will find Melissa — a proud wife and mother of three children — honest and humble when saying there is no secret to her success. Instead, success has been the natural by-product of sticking to fundamentals which include providing superior Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“Real estate has always been so much more than a career for me. I feel like it was made for me, and helping others with real estate is what I’m truly meant to do.”

marketing, unmitigated professionalism, and exceeding client expectations through premium customer service.

With a comprehensive marketing plan in place for each listing, Melissa spares no expense on ensuring that her clients’ homes are extensively, professionally, and beautifully advertised. Utilizing television, radio, print, and online opportunities, each listing Melissa takes on receives top-notch exposure to the greatest possible number of potential buyers.

Likewise, she consistently puts forth effort to market her own brand. “A strong online presence is vital.

Over the past 10 years, the internet has made a huge difference in how REALTORS® market. Buyers and sellers do so much of their own research, that as an agent, having a strong online presence is crucial,” Melissa says. Maintaining active social media accounts and a sophisticated website play a role in her Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

powerful online presence, but it is the reviews of satisfied clients that have elevated her online visibility to the next level. More than 200 5-Star Reviews from overwhelmingly satisfied clients ensure that others can easily find Melissa when searching for a top REALTOR® in San Diego.

Of course, Melissa wouldn’t be the recipient of such favorable reviews if she wasn’t so dedicated to excellence in her career. “I’m very responsive to clients. I learned early in my career that if you don’t get back to people immediately, there are 20 other people who will. I respond to emails, texts and phone calls within minutes. I am responsive and I

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am a problem-solver. I am disciplined, I follow up, and I know my market,” she says.

Another fundamental factor to Melissa’s success lies in consistently delivering more than her clients expect. She is able to do so based on her unmatched knowledge of the communities and neighborhoods in San Diego, her experience with virtually every type of transaction and her tenure in the industry.

With a book of business that is made up of 50% referral or repeat clients, Melissa has helped buyers and sellers with nearly every type of real estate transaction. From relocations, to investors, first-time home buyers, and everyone in between, there isn’t a type of real estate transaction Melissa doesn’t have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to facilitate. Likewise, because she refused to limit herself by focusing only on specific areas, over the years she’s become a true expert in all neighborhoods throughout greater San Diego.

Finally, Melissa’s profound success would not be possible without the passion she feels for helping others. “After the transaction has closed, I don’t just go away. I’m a resource for life for my clients. If they need lenders, inspectors, movers, electricians,

I am always here for them. I just love the feeling of helping people. Getting the transaction done, and having people say to me, “You made my dreams come true,” is a natural high for me. Real estate has always been so much more than a career for me. I feel like it was made for me, and helping others with real estate is what I’m truly meant to do.”

Melissa Goldstein Tucci Coldwell Banker West | REALTOR®/Broker | San Diego, CA 619.787.6852 | Sold@MelissaTucci.com | www.MelissaTucci.com 16

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featuredagent Elizabeth Crombie magazine

With a lifelong passion for teaching, meeting new people, and building lasting friendships, Elizabeth “Libby” Crombie found real estate to be a perfect fit after leaving her career as a teacher and school administrator in 1999. “I always loved being around people and being a teacher, and with this job, I’m able to do both of those things,” says Libby. “In real estate, I get to guide my clients through what can often be a difficult time, and it’s very rewarding to have been instrumental in that process.”

Leading her dedicated team of agents at Royal LePage, Libby is an expert in the area of Prince Edward County — or “The County” — as it’s known to the locals. Years ago, when she was raising her family, she and her husband purchased a home in the County. They spent many weekends and every summer there until they finally made it their permanent home over 16 years ago.

Libby’s clients have come to rely on her expertise, as well as her easygoing and no-pressure approach to the business. “I don’t like being pushed into things, so I don’t do that to others. I find that being honest and upfront while providing as much information as possible works better because then they can go forward with what you’ve taught them to make decisions that are best for their family,” Libby says.

Being available to answer questions and ease the worries that are common during a real estate transaction are important qualities for any real estate professional, and Libby and her team certainly have a knack for taking care of people. “As I got busier running my business, it became harder to manage the needs of all my clients.

But now there are three of us and we are able to take care of anyone’s requests. We really do work seamlessly together,” Libby says. “We cover all of The County, Picton, and Quinte District. This is such a special place and many people are beginning to realize that,” says Libby. “It’s nice to be able to share my knowledge and love for it with everyone from retirees to young families who want to settle here to raise their children.”

Along with a deep sense of accomplishment and pride in finding solutions for the diverse real estate needs of her clients, Libby has also been rewarded within the industry over the years. She has been the recipient of the Diamond Award at Royal LePage several times, which she is most proud of. “I don’t work just to get the awards but it sure is nice to be recognized for your hard work and dedication. It’s encouraging to know that others care and are aware of what you’re doing.”

When she has some time away from the office, Libby enjoys regularly meeting with her friends for lunch, reading and travelling. However, most of all, she treasures spending time with her four children and 10 grandchildren.

Libby is very dedicated to serving her community in a number of ways which include sponsoring Festival Players, The Regent Theatre, Art in the County and The Jazz Festival to name a few. She actively fund raises for the Glenwood Cemetery and organizes the annual Christmas House Tour. Libby is also a member of the Rotary Club of Picton, Women at Noon and County Construction Association.

In keeping with her strong commitment to serving others, Libby intends to continue her work in giving back to the community along with building her business. “Growing my real estate business is important, but so is helping out wherever I can,” says Libby. “I firmly believe that business will come your way when you put yourself out there to help others. It benefits everyone. It’s something I’ve always done and I always will.”

Elizabeth Crombie

Royal LePage, ProAlliance Realty | Picton, Ontario, Canada 613.476.2700 | elizabeth.crombie@sympatico.ca | pictonhomes.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Use your words —

5 Tips for better business writing

It may not seem like it, but as a real estate professional, you spend a good chunk of time writing for your business every week. From texts, tweets and Facebook posts to letters, emails, listing descriptions and presentations, much of how you communicate with clients and prospects relies on the written word. While you don’t have to be the most skilled wordsmith to be an effective communicator, it will serve you well to follow these basic rules for better business writing.

Relearn the Basics — Spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentence structure all matter in business writing. Not everyone will catch mistakes, but there will always be someone who will find an error, and 18

it could cost you. Sloppy spelling, incorrect word usage or glaring grammar mistakes can make it look like you’re willing to overlook the small stuff and let important details slide. That’s definitely not the impression you want to make on clients and prospects.

Luckily, there are a number of online resources that can help when you’re stuck. The website Grammarist is a terrific resource for everything from basic grammar rules to more complex questions, such as correct word usage and tricky punctuation.

Know Your Audience — The first, and most important, rule to consider when writing anything is to know your audience. Broadly, you can assume you’re Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Taking the time and care to construct and review your written communications will pay off.

Much of what makes humor work in conversation: tone of voice, inflection, facial expressions and body language, is missing when someone is reading just the words you use. It’s probably best to save your jokes and witty observations for face-to-face meetings. If you just can’t resist trying humor in your writing, be sure to run it by a quick ‘focus group’ of several different people in the office to see how it’s perceived.

Be Picky About Proofreading — Running a spellcheck on your document is a good start, but it isn’t enough. Spellcheck catches the basics, but it won’t alert you to things like misused words or run-on sentences. Start with spellcheck, but don’t stop there.

Go over your document at least twice; ideally, read it out loud. It will feel a little awkward at first, but it’s a good way to catch words or phrases that will trip up your reader in the same way. For longer documents, you can also try reading from the bottom up. Reading out of sequence is a good way to find mistakes because your brain isn’t anticipating what comes next. If you have an assistant or someone else in the office willing to help, a set of fresh eyes will catch things that you miss. Even if it’s a short piece of writing, like a social media post, it’s important to put it through the same proofreading process.

writing to reach your clients and prospects, but beyond that, it’s helpful to take some additional details into consideration. Knowing some demographic data can help you craft your message more precisely. For example, if you’re writing something to target Baby Boomers, you would choose your words differently than if you were trying to connect with a Millennial audience.

Take Care with Humor — Trying to inject humor into business writing can be tricky. When done well, it can cause your reader to smile and feel a connection with you. Done poorly, however, it can come off as amateurish, flippant and in the worst cases: disrespectful.

Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Go Beyond Buzzwords, Slang & Acronyms Just as you should take care using humor in your writing, the same goes for popular slang, industry buzzwords and acronyms. Slang can be misinterpreted or come across as careless and too informal. Too much industry insider language and reliance on acronyms can be confusing and make people stop reading. Try to strike a balance by using friendly, easily understandable words that convey a conversational, yet professional tone.

Taking the time and care to construct and review your written communications will pay off. You will reach clients and prospects more effectively and present yourself as an articulate, competent real estate professional who is ready for anything.

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Serg Lobodzinskiy like the idea of helping people with such a major purchase of something that’s very close to their hearts.” And regardless of a property’s price point, all clients receive the same level of personalized service.

With more than a decade in the business, Serg has had the chance to assist clients during a variety of market conditions. “I’ve seen a really strong seller’s market and really strong buyer’s market,” he explains. “I’ve succeeded in both by providing knowledge and expertise and going the extra mile for my clients. That consistency has allowed me to continue selling five or more houses a month regardless of market conditions.”

When Seattle-area real estate agent Serg

Lobodzinskiy first got into the business, his broker at the time shared with him some wisdom he’s never forgotten.

“She said if I got into the business for the money, I would not be successful,” Serg recalls. “But if I was doing it to help people, I would be a success.” Those words have proven true, and helping people remains at the core of how Serg conducts his business.

In fact, the whole reason he pursued a real estate career was to help others in his community. A native of Moldova, he immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 19, and by his mid-20s, he recognized the need for a real estate agent who could communicate in his community’s native language. Now 12 years into his career, he continues to work with the immigrant community, as well as a wide range of other clients, throughout King and Pierce Counties, and into Snohomish County, as well.

Committed to always treating his clients the way he wants to be treated, Serg recognizes that for most people, buying or selling real estate is more than just a transaction. “It’s really a personal, family-focused business,” he says. “I

Much of that success can be attributed to the high percentage of repeat and referral business Serg enjoys. In addition to assisting families buy and sell homes, he is also a preferred agent for real estate investors. “I have clients who I’ve done five or six transactions with over the last 10 years,” he says. “Some of my investors will buy three or four houses a year with me.” As an investor himself, Serg also has a network of professionals he can refer his clients to. “I have a chain of people for any type of work that’s required to remodel the house,” he says.

“It’s part of how I give my clients more than just the paperwork that relates to the sale.”

With his deep connections to the communities he serves, it’s no surprise Serg is passionate about sharing his good fortune. For the past three years, he has sponsored the Christmas in Bellevue concert. “It’s a great way to get connected with the public and give back to the community,” Serg says. “During the event we give out vouchers and gifts to families who have adopted children. This year we’ll be giving out scholarships for music classes.”

As his business continues to grow, Serg is excited about the possibilities for the future. “Reaching out to new communities has opened me up to a larger group of customers,” Serg says. “And I’m planning to expand even more into commercial sales.” But no matter how much Serg’s business changes, one thing will always remain the same. “Real estate is about helping people make their dreams become reality.”

Serg Lobodzinskiy Caliber Real Estate | Bellevue, WA 206.229.5027 | serglobodz@gmail.com | www.caliberrealestateteam.com 20

Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Who’s who in a real estate transaction If it’s your first time buying a home, or even if you’re experienced but haven’t bought or sold in a while, you might not be familiar with (or remember) all the people who are involved in a real estate transaction.

There are more than you might think! Remember the classic Sesame Street segment “These Are the People in Your Neighborhood?” It’s kind of like that! With that tune in mind, these are the people in your real estate transaction:

REALTOR® or Real Estate Agent — These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. A licensed real estate agent is a professional licensed by the state to represent parties in the transfer of property. A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent who has taken the extra step of becoming a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and also belongs to their state and local associations. Just remember that not all real estate agents are REALTORS.® Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Listing Agent — If you’re selling your home, you may work with a listing agent. A listing agent is a REALTOR® (or real estate agent) who specializes in selling property, and does so under a contractual agreement known as a listing agreement.

Home Stager — Your listing agent may choose to use a professional home stager to get your home market-ready. A stager is someone with a background in design who is skilled at making the inside of the home look its best to encourage a quick sale.

Buyer’s Agent — If you’re purchasing a home, you will probably work with a buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent is a real estate agent who specializes in helping house hunters find the right property and negotiating the terms of purchase.

Transaction Coordinator — If you’re working with a high-volume agent, they may have a transaction 21

The terms REALTOR® and Real Estate Agent are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. coordinator as part of their team. A transaction coordinator’s job is to process listings and transactions under contract.

Loan Officer — Loan officers work for banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. They help home buyers figure out the types of mortgages available to them and are responsible for educating consumers on the terms of their loan.

Appraiser — An appraiser works on behalf of the lender to determine how much a property is worth.

The decision is based on the condition of the property as well as data regarding other similar sold properties in the same neighborhood. The appraiser’s findings are subjective; two appraisers may come up with two different values on the same property.

Real Estate Attorney — Depending on where you live, you may or may not require the services of a real estate attorney. In some states, an attorney is required to conduct real estate closings. But even if it’s not a requirement in your state, you may want to retain a real estate attorney’s services for difficult or complex transactions. It’s always helpful to have another set of expert eyes to draw up and review contracts.

Insurance Agent — Homeowner’s insurance is a requirement of homeownership. The insurance agent 22

will help you determine the coverage you need and help you find a policy to fit those needs.

Escrow or Closing Officer — It’s a good day when you get to meet the escrow or closing offer, because that means your transaction is almost complete! This non-biased third party works with all sides to facilitate the successful closing of a real estate transaction. The closing officer collects the purchase money funds from the buyer and lender, along with the settlement costs from each party. They then disburse the funds according to the HUD-1 Settlement Statement and record all necessary documents to transfer ownership of the property.

Title Agent — The title agent paves the way for a title insurance policy to be issued by conducting a title search on a given property to ensure it has a clean title. In some states title agents are also able to manage the transfer of real estate.

Now that you know who all the players in a real estate transaction are, you’ll encounter fewer surprises as you go through the home buying or selling process. You may not encounter every one of these people, but it’s good to know who they are. Remember, they are all in business to help you. So if you have questions or concerns at any time while you’re buying or selling your home, be sure to speak up. These real estate professionals want to help you have a smooth, pleasant and worry-free transaction.

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featuredagent The Campos Group magazine

All of their hard work has paid off and placed the team at the forefront of Chicagoland real estate.

The strong family ties of The Campos Group are at the core of every transaction. “We care about every client; it’s not just about getting the sale. We want to create lifetime relationships,” says Jaime. Today, the majority of the team’s business comes from repeat clients and referrals. “Clients really seem to love our full team approach, and the resources we have access to — such as lenders, attorneys and home inspectors — which help to achieve an efficient closing.”

The Campos Group shares a cohesive vision with RE/MAX Loyalty that is conveyed in their mission statement: To go above and beyond our clients’ expectations by providing outstanding service, while consistently growing to achieve our goals by helping others achieve theirs. “We are fully committed to success and continually strive to provide top quality service to our clients and promote a positive, supportive and team-oriented brokerage,” Jaime says. “We offer leading technology, service and tools to clients and train our agents to be knowledgeable so they are prepared to help clients make one of the biggest decisions of their lives.”

The initial instinct of most children is to claim inde-

pendence from their parents as soon as they have the opportunity to do so. For Jaime and Augustina Campos, “The Chicago Property Sisters,” it was quite the opposite.

Following their father’s legacy was something the two sisters had always dreamed of. As a successful broker, he laid the foundation for Jaime and Augustina’s real estate careers.

“I like to say he raised us to be brokers,” Jaime says.

The two worked with their father since they were teenagers, gaining as much experience as possible. Even through the downturn of the housing market, they stuck by their father’s side and persevered. Jaime kept the books while Augustina sustained the company’s properties through efficient property management. Once the market started to make a comeback, Jaime and Augustina were ready to hit the ground running.

After years of working together and closing many successful transactions, Jaime, Augustina and their father partnered with Mark Santoyo, a licensed real estate broker for over 13 years. Together, they opened RE/MAX Loyalty, located in the vibrant and diverse area of Logan Square. Jaime and Augustina maintained partnership with their father and established The Campos Group within RE/MAX Loyalty.

Acts of giving and serving the communities around them are very important to The Campos Group and the entire RE/MAX Loyalty team. “We recently hosted the My House Music Festival with more than 6,000 attendees,” Jaime says. “All of the net proceeds benefitted Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago.”

Jaime, a former college basketball player, coaches youth basketball, and everyone in the office is encouraged to volunteer and give back to the community.

There is a lot in store for Jaime, Augustina, and the RE/MAX Loyalty team in the near future. Due to recent growth and the addition of many new agents, they plan to move to a larger facility in the area. “We are currently in the build-out phase of a new 3,400 square foot space, and have plans to grow to be a 50-60 agent office.” Jaime explains.

“We want to see all our agents be successful and reach their full potential.”

Even as their business grows to impressive heights, one thing has never changed for the sisters who grew up loving real estate. “What we love the most is the satisfaction that comes from helping our clients sell or buy a home,” Jaime says. “It feels great to be able to help someone accomplish their dreams and goals.”

The Campos Group RE/MAX Loyalty | Chicago, IL 708.715.7258 | info@camposgroupchicago.com | www.Chicagopropertysisters.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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