February 2017 East Coast by Featured Agent

February 2017

The right match â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

How to choose a brokerage

Master these DIY

home skills

6 Unexpected things that affect

home values

Nadine Morency-Mohs also featured:

Brian K. Ferguson Jeff Reynolds & Wende Harrison Reynolds Chris Traczyk

contents

professionals 4

The right match â&#x20AC;&#x201D; How to choose a brokerage

Master these DIY home skills

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who in a real estate transaction

6 Unexpected things that affect home values

Top 10 Reasons to love your clients

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

buyers&sellers

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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Jeff Reynolds & Wende Harrison Reynolds

Nadine Morency-Mohs

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Chris Traczyk

Brian K. Ferguson

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. 4

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. 5

featuredagent

magazine

Jeff Reynolds & Wende Harrison Reynolds team. As luck would have it, they each bring a different set of complementary skills to their partnership. Jeff focuses on generating leads and following up with potential clients, while Wende handles contract issues, social media marketing and more.

The team approach allows Jeff and Wende to offer clients the honesty, integrity, responsiveness and results they’re looking for. “If I had gotten into real estate when I was younger, I think I may have had more of a ‘what’s in it for me approach.’ Now that I’ve had more life experience, I realize it’s about providing what clients want and need,” Jeff explains. “We always respond to clients’ needs quickly and provide a form of security and comfort to let them know we have their backs and are trying to achieve the best results.”

in the world of real estate, Jeff Reynolds has all the necessary tools for success. Early in his career, he got into sales and spent years honing his skills, followed by more than a decade as a successful entrepreneur owning a popular local restaurant. But when his partners in that venture decided to go in another direction, Jeff had to make a choice. “I started to think about what my options were based on my skillset,” he explains. “I realized real estate was the best fit for me, so I got my license and started interviewing brokers.”

When it comes to forging a path

Jeff admits it was “a bit terrifying” to leave a secure income for something unknown, but that gamble has paid off. “My first year I was able to do 24 transactions. Being in a brand new industry and accomplishing that so quickly was very satisfying,” he says. One of the keys to Jeff’s quick success is his mindset and his belief that success leaves clues. “I’ve researched what other successful agents do in this business and I try to emulate their activities.” Jeff met his wife, Wende, while interviewing real estate brokers. Jeff says, “I walked into the local Keller Williams office to meet some of the other agents and get a feel for the office and met Wende for the first time.” Two years later they are married and now the two of them work as a

Just two years into what’s shaping up to be a long and successful career, Jeff is already attracting notice. He was invited to be part of the Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council, an honor reserved for the top 20% of producers in each market center. “I’m honored to be part of it and looking forward to learning from other top producers,” Jeff says. Jeff and Wende agree it’s important to give back to the communities that support their business. “We’ve participated in several local events in our community and Wende is a mentor for teens at a nearby youth home. “We are looking forward to doing even more,” Jeff says.

After a promising start in the business, Jeff and Wende are excited about what the future holds. “I started with 24 transactions in 2015, Wende and I teamed up and we intend to hit 40 transactions this year and our goal for 2017 is 60 transactions. That should translate to over 11 million in sales volume. We are currently getting the systems in place to be able to handle and sustain that kind of growth. Hopefully this encourages a lot of new agents out there.”

Although real estate keeps him very busy, Jeff still makes time pursue one of his passions — hiking in the Blue Ridge mountains. “I started five or six years ago with a hiking club and found I absolutely love it,” he says. “My goal is to eventually hike all 2,174 miles of the Appalachian Trail.”

Jeff Reynolds & Wende Harrison Reynolds Keller Williams Cityside | Douglasville, GA 404.326.2613 | jeff.reynolds@kw.com | www.reynoldsrealtypartners.com 6

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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

• 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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent Chris Traczyk magazine

Maryland real estate agent Chris Traczyk knows his way around houses. Growing up, he worked on rehabbing homes with his father from the time he was old enough to pick up a hammer. When he reached a point where he was using an agent to sell those homes, he had a light bulb moment. “I started to see that I was paying my agents to do a so-so job, and I realized I could offer better customer service,” he says.

Now a licensed agent for 15 years, Chris manages The Traczyk Team with RE/MAX New Beginnings. “Right now I primarily do business in Baltimore, Annapolis and Arundel,” Chris explains. “But my team and I would also like to branch out into Washington, DC, because it’s a much different market.” That team includes two buyers’ agents, two listing agents, and an office manager. In addition to working with listings, Chris and his team help many first-time home buyers and real estate investors. They all share the belief that education is key to making transactions run smoothly. “We offer free classes for first-time homebuyers at the local library along with a title company rep, a lender, and a home inspector,” Chris explains. “I give a presentation about how the home-buying process works and people can meet the full team before they even start looking at houses.” Acknowledging that buying or selling a home is inherently stressful for clients, Chris and his team are committed to minimizing that stress. “We are tough negotiators who are always looking out for our clients’ best interests,” he says. “We return calls as quickly as possible and hold our clients’ hands throughout the transaction to make it as comfortable as we can.”

Honesty and transparency are also key in how Chris conducts his transactions. “We are always honest and up-front with clients; we don’t try to hide anything. The more they know about the house the better,” Chris says.

“We are tough negotiators who are always looking out for our clients’ best interests. We return calls as quickly as possible and hold our clients’ hands throughout the transaction to make it as comfortable as we can.” “If we see something that’s a potential concern, we point it out. And we don’t just look out for our side. We look out for both sides and try to help the other agent if we see something going on.” Along with looking out for his clients, Chris is also committed to supporting the communities he serves. RE/MAX partners with the Children’s Miracle Network and sponsors an elegant social event every February, with all the proceeds donated to the organization. “When you see the money actually going to the organization and see what it does for them, it’s an amazing experience,” he says. Additionally, Chris does stunt work with the Baltimore Ravens cheer team, the only NFL team who uses male stunt performers. As he plans for the future of his business, Chris remains committed to his core principles. “There is a lot of competition out there, so I want to constantly be learning to maintain an advantage,” he says. “I also want to expand and do more in the luxury market in DC, as well as grow the commercial side of the business.” It’s clear Chris made the right choice when he decided to pursue a real estate career. “I love the feeling when you give clients the keys at the closing table and you see the big smiles on their faces,” he says. “Knowing I helped out with that feels great.”

Chris Traczyk RE/MAX New Beginnings | Baltimore, MD 443.904.4111 | christraczyk@gmail.com | www.christraczyk.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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.

Nadine Morency-Mohs

Buying a home without the proper guidance can be challenging. Just ask New York real estate broker Nadine Morency-Mohs. She learned that about 15 years ago when she was buying her home. “It was a daunting task,” she recalls. “When I did get to a point where I was ready to purchase, I realized it was more difficult than it needed to be because I didn’t have the right real estate agent.” That experience started Nadine thinking about what it would take to be a good agent, and evaluating her own skill set to see if the business would be the right fit. “I realized I had all the skills necessary to become an agent,” Nadine says. “I’m definitely a people person first and foremost. I also knew I’d be able to walk someone through the process step-by-step, and keep them informed and educated. I had a feeling real estate was something I would enjoy and 11 years later, here I am!”

With more than a decade of experience, Nadine serves 12

clients throughout Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau County. She doesn’t limit herself to working with one type of client or market segment; she welcomes anyone who needs help buying or selling a home, mixed use property or commercial property. “One of the things I love about this business is that I get to work with people from all walks of life,” Nadine explains. “I work with established homeowners, first-time home buyers, move-up buyers, and clients looking for rentals. I also work with renters who have vouchers from city programs for affordable housing, as well as those looking to rent luxury spaces.”

Nadine’s patience, wide-ranging experience and willingness to work with clients at every price point have allowed her to build a business largely based on repeat clients and referrals. “I’ll work with someone and they refer me to their friends or family members,” Nadine says. “I have clients where I’ve worked with multiple family members and I get a lot

“My core values are about putting my clients first because this is one of the biggest individual transactions they’re going to make in their lifetimes.” of repeat business from the same clients doing multiple transactions. I feel fortunate that the majority of my business is now referral-based.”

Careful attention to detail and consistent communication also contribute to Nadine’s ongoing success. “I’m super-big on communication. I like to keep everyone informed every step of the way,” she says. “That includes the other real estate agents, attorneys, the title company and of course, my clients. Everyone is kept in the loop as we go along so there are no surprises.”

It’s not just the way she conducts real estate transactions that sets Nadine apart. The values that form the foundation of her business are also noteworthy. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“I go out of my way to do everything above board ethically and morally,” she says. “I try to help people in any way I can — whether by giving the right advice or sometimes even monetarily to try to get to them to the finish line of a transaction,” she continues. “My core values are about putting my clients first because this is one of the biggest individual transactions they’re going to make in their lifetimes.” Above all, Nadine makes an effort to put herself in her clients’ shoes and empathize with what they’re experiencing. “There will be times along the way when they need a friend; sometimes a client is going through something in their life and they share this with me as we’re going through the process. I try to give guidance and lend an ear or assistance so I can make their process smoother and easier.” 13

There’s no question that getting into real estate was the right career move for Nadine. But she cautions others who may be looking at the business through the wrong lens. “Sometimes, all they see is the money. I know a lot of people who have taken a real estate course so they know how to invest versus wanting to be of service,” Nadine explains. “When anyone asks me I tell them to make sure they’re going to do it for the right reasons, because they’re not going to be happy unless they are passionate about it.”

There’s no question Nadine is passionate about the work she does in real estate, and that passion extends to her involvement in the community as well. She is the Vice President of the Board of Directors with the Neighborhood Preservation and Development Corporation of Allen AME Church. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater

Allen Development Corporation, which focuses on developing affordable housing and senior housing. Additionally, she recently partnered with another real estate company in Boston to create an organization called Hip Hop Real Estate. Their goal is to empower and educate youth about home ownership at a young age so they can learn the tools they need to invest in real estate early. They also plan to do bi-weekly podcasts with panel discussions featuring elected officials, celebrities and previous clients, all talking about real estate.

As her business continues to grow and change, Nadine never loses sight of what’s most important. “Meeting people from all walks of life will always be the best part of this business,” she says. “I love hearing my clients’ stories and helping them reach their real estate goals.”

Nadine Morency-Mohs Jaymore Realty, LLC | Brooklyn, NY 718.216.0633 | jaymorerealty@gmail.com | www.jaymorerealty.com 14

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 15

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 16

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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent Brian K. Ferguson magazine

While researching the pros and cons of a real estate career, Brian discovered that one of the keys to success is to have a measure of financial stability before taking the plunge. “Clients are very smart and they can tell if an agent is focused on the money,” he explains. “I put clients first, and when they’re ready to buy, they’re ready. They appreciate the extra time I give them to make decisions without feeling pressured.” Brian also finds his clients take note of the fact that he truly enjoys his job. “I’m out there having fun every single day because I get to meet great people and show million-dollar homes. If clients can see you’re enjoying yourself, that makes a big difference.”

Along with investigating the basics of real estate, Brian took it a step further and also researched who the top three agents in Philadelphia were, then reached out to them to see if he could arrange a mentorship. “I’ve had a lot of other agents ask me how I felt confident enough to do that so early in my career,” he says. “But during my time in the military I guarded the Secretary of Defense and other VIPs and even met the President, so it didn’t feel intimidating to make that move.”

While serving an incredible nine combat tours

in Afghanistan, Brian Ferguson was also formulating a plan for what he would do when he got out of the military. “I had grown up on construction sites, from laboring to contracting, and started thinking I wanted to get into real estate,” he recalls. “I checked with my wife to make sure she was on board because it’s a career that affects the whole family.” Once Brian got his wife’s buy-in, he began to do extensive research so he could hit the ground running when the time came.

Now a licensed agent on the Jim Becker Team at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach, Brian serves clients along the Mainline of Philadelphia and throughout Chester County. Committed to always putting his clients first, he calls upon his 23 years of military service to guide him in his real estate career. “I have a lot of discipline and I know how to formulate short- and long-term goals,” Brian says. “I’m always there for my clients because it’s about them, not about me. People want an agent for life and I try to bring that to the table.”

Brian’s confidence and commitment have earned him recognition in both his civilian and military careers. As part of the Jim Becker Team, he is in the Chairman’s Circle. And among the many military honors he received over two decades, one of them he’s most proud of is the Bronze Star, awarded for meritorious service. “My clients appreciate hearing about that and it means a lot when they thank me for my service,” Brian says.

As Brian works on growing his base of repeat business and referrals, he makes it a point to stay in contact with clients. “I always write down important dates and birthdays,” he says. “You’ll never get repeat business unless you’re genuine and continue to reach out to clients. That’s why they come back.”

When he’s not working, Brian spends time serving the community as a member of the Masons, and assisting other veterans who are experiencing PTSD. But spending time with his family takes priority above all else. “I was away so much in the last 20 or so years, now I’m getting to do a lot of things I feel like I missed out on.”

Brian K. Ferguson Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach | Malvern, PA 315.955.5345 | brian.ferguson@foxroach.com | www.buyfromveteranbrianferguson.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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 18

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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