January 2017 by Featured Agent

January 2017

Habits of successful real estate agents

Fresh start â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Winter home staging

Mark Warren also featured:

Erin P. Alls Ben James Daria Olah Andrew Wendt

Clear the clutter â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Easy home organization tips

contents professionals 4

The great eight — Habits of successful real estate agents

Fresh start — Winter home staging

buyers&sellers

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

Get a jump-start on organization — Top 10 Things to throw away today

Clear the clutter — Easy home organization tips

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The great eight —

Habits of successful real estate agents Perhaps you are just getting your start in the real estate business. Or, maybe you’ve been an agent for a while but you’re not experiencing the success you envisioned. And even if you are enjoying great success, there’s always room to take it to the next level, right? Whatever your current situation, take some time to review the following habits. They are the proven practices highly successful agents we talk to on a daily basis rely on to stay at the top of their game.

Establish a Morning Ritual — One thing we hear time and time again from the most successful agents is how they have an established set of practices they use to start their day. Whether it’s a pre-dawn cup

of coffee combined with quiet meditation, or sweating it out at the gym (or some of both), starting each morning the same way helps set the stage for a more productive, less stressful day.

Ask for Help & Utilize Resources — Every individual agent is essentially the owner of their own small business. That doesn’t mean you have to go it alone, however. Turn to your managing broker, fellow agents and other professionals, such as mortgage lenders and title agents, to help you learn about the intricacies of different types of transactions. Additionally, start making an effort to utilize assistants and other resources to keep your workload manageable.

agents make continuing education a priority. They see the value in learning everything they can about the many different aspects of real estate. And they understand that designations add credibility and help them present to clients as a trustworthy authority.

Establish Boundaries — Many agents pride themselves on being available to their clients 24/7. While it’s certainly advisable to make clients a priority, you can do so without sacrificing every moment of your personal life. Setting up reasonable boundaries on your time, such as not taking calls during your family’s dinner hour, is healthy and allows you to create a more realistic work/life balance. Schedule Your Days — Most agents we talk to tell us how important it is for them to schedule their time, even when they’re not seeing clients. Setting aside time for essentials tasks, such as lead generation and follow-up, will help ensure you have a steady stream of leads in the pipeline.

While it’s tempting to do everything yourself to retain control, keeping up that pace can lead to burnout.

Develop a Business Plan — Many agents get started in the business with no real road map for where they’re going to go. They get a running start by relying on friends and family for business, but once those transactions come and go, they’re at a loss for what to do next. Savvy agents get started with goals in place that go beyond their immediate sphere of influence. Continue Education & Pursue Designations Earning your license may feel like the end of a process, but it’s really just the beginning. Successful Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Make Work Enjoyable — Every job has its good days and bad days. But when you make a conscious effort to have a good time every day, the bad days will be few and far between. Successful agents we talk to all make it a point to mention how much they love being in real estate. Some agents love meeting new people, others love staging and marketing listings and we’ve even talked to some agents who are passionate about doing paperwork. Whatever it is you love most about being in real estate, be sure to do as much of it as possible.

Become a Force for Good — Getting involved in the community through volunteering and monetary support serves a number of worthwhile purposes. It creates outstanding networking opportunities and helps you to establish a reputation as someone who cares about the communities that support your business. Plus, it just feels great to give back!

There is no magic formula for real estate success. But when you combine your own unique personality and skills with these best practices, you’ll find every day is just a little easier, more productive and more enjoyable. 5

featuredagent Andrew Wendt magazine

“As a company we really focus on communication and making sure we’re communicating appropriately with our clients throughout the process,” he explains. “We also have established a transparent set of systems and utilize technology such as DocuSign and Google Apps for Work to help us manage transactions.”

Andrew and every member of his team conduct business based on a shared set of values that include honesty and integrity above all. “We never want to sell a property just to sell a property,” Andrew says. “We need to make sure it’s the right property for our clients. We also make it a point to treat every client to the same level of service, no matter what the size of their purchase is.”

Chicago REALTOR® Andrew Wendt understands that when his clients are choosing a place to live, it is about much more than walls and a roof. “I’ve always been fascinated by how people relate to their homes,” he explains. “It’s where everything happens in a person’s life and it’s interesting to me to see how people relate to different spaces.”

His fascination with homes started early when he spent time with grandfather, who was a carpenter and his dad, who is an architect. In fact, it’s when he started working with his dad’s development company that Andrew’s interest in real estate came to fruition. “I got my real estate license to help with that business and discovered I really enjoyed working with clients and researching the market.”

Now nearly a decade into his own successful career, Andrew is the President of Be Realty, a local Chicagoarea brokerage that focuses on being a part of the neighborhoods it serves. He is well-versed in Chicago real estate, with a strong focus on his hometown of Glenview, along with Northbrook, Wilmette and the North Shore. Being part of the creation of a brokerage from the ground up has allowed Andrew to create a business focused on what he knows clients want.

That strong commitment to client service has resulted in the team receiving high praise and 5-star reviews on Yelp, Zillow, Trulia and more. “Anywhere a client has reviewed us, we’ve received 5-star reviews,” Andrew says proudly. Their clients’ willingness to share their positive experience has also resulted in the team enjoying a repeat and referral rate approaching 50%.

Early in his career, Andrew made it a point to ask questions and learn from experienced agents, and he continues to follow much of that advice, and pass it on to newer agents as well. Much of what he learned centered on having perseverance and being patient while building up business. “I make sure to tell new agents it’s going to be a struggle at first to get their bearings in the industry, but if they do the right things, they’ll be able to make it and have yourself a very nice, comfortable working experience.”

Every day in this business is unique, and that’s one of the reasons Andrew loves it. “Every day is different because every deal is different and that’s kind of exciting,” he says. “You never know what you’re going to get!” As Be Realty continues to grow, Andrew has plans to open additional neighborhood offices. “We’d rather do that than simply have a huge office with an expanding agent base. In the next five years, we’ll be going into other neighborhoods around Chicago to help more people find their perfect homes.”

Andrew Wendt Be Realty | Chicago, IL 773.234.3363 | andrew.wendt@berealtygroup.com | www.berealtygroup.com 6

Fresh start —

Winter home staging Listing a home for sale during the winter months comes with its own unique set of challenges, not the least of which is how to stage a home for the season once the holidays have past. It’s easy to make a home look beautiful and inviting when everything is merry and bright, but more challenging when all the decorations have been put away and the weather is still gloomy and gray. But with some creativity and the right tools, it’s possible to make winter home staging look easy. Here’s how:

Clear the Clutter — Just like we tend to lighten up our eating habits after the holidays, our visual diet can use a break, too. The holidays are all about sparkle, shine, glitter and glam. And while all those things are beautiful, they can become overwhelming over time. That’s why January is the perfect time to stage homes to look clean, soothing and clutter free. It’s a welcome break after the visual feast of the holidays. And because Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

people tend to be spending most of their time indoors during the winter, clutter or anything overdone can contribute to feelings of claustrophobic cabin fever.

Shift the Color Palette — After a season of bright red, kelly green, and shiny metallics, a more muted color palette feels right this time of year. Try adding accents in rich, classic shades like slate blue, burgundy, ivory and sage green. You definitely want to incorporate color inside to counter the gray skies outside, but it should be muted and subtle, rather than bright and bold.

Add Layers and Texture — Potential homeowners want to walk into a home that looks and feels like a place conducive to snuggling in and relaxing. Adding texture and layers with decorative rugs, warm throws and extra pillows will create those feelings. Focus on cozy, touchable fabrics such as flannel, faux fur and 7

chunky cable knits that look like a favorite sweater. Make sure bedroom comforters and bedspreads have the same seasonally appropriate look and feel.

Bring the Outdoors In — Rooms always feel more authentic when you bring a bit of the outside in. Place seasonal citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit or pomegranates in a wooden or heavy ceramic bowl on the kitchen or dining room table. Pine cones offer the same earthy, organic ambiance. Even a small, indoor herb or succulent garden placed on a windowsill brings a dash of much-needed green life to a space and serves as a reminder that spring will eventually arrive.

Go Into the Light — When it’s dark and gloomy outside, it’s important for the home’s interior to look bright. Consider upping the wattage of the bulbs in lamps throughout the house and adding sleek torchiere lamps in dark corners to cast a warm glow throughout the room. Don’t forget to leave the porch 8

light and other exterior lights on so the home’s exterior appears inviting.

Show Other Seasons — Ask the homeowners for photos of the property during the spring and summer. Put them together in a photo album or in picture frames placed strategically throughout the house. Those viewing the house will appreciate seeing the flowers blooming in the spring or the garden overflowing with vegetables during the summer.

Add Thoughtful Details — Little details can make a big difference to prospective homeowners who are viewing the house. Make sure there are clean doormats by all exterior doors so they can wipe their feet before coming in. No one wants to walk around inside all bundled up, so bring in a coat rack or place some removable Command hooks in the entry way so they can shed coats, scarves and hats and walk around unencumbered. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent Daria Olah magazine

When you’re someone with a work ethic as strong as Daria Olah, a career in real estate makes perfect sense. After working for years in salaried positions and being frustrated by the limited earning potential, she started searching for an alternative. “I wanted a career where I could potentially earn more based on how hard I was willing to work,” she explains. “I also wanted to do something that was rewarding, and I realized there isn’t anything more rewarding than helping people find their first or forever home. It’s really an honor and a privilege to help people through that journey.”

Now a licensed real estate agent since 2013, Daria is based out of Elliot Lake, which is located between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. “I don’t limit myself to working in just one area,” Daria says. “I work with a lot of residential housing in town as well as waterfront properties.”

Daria’s clients know that when they choose her to help them buy or sell, they get her full commitment to work hard on their behalf. “All my clients know I work weekdays, weeknights, weekends, holidays, birthdays — you name it,” she says. “I rarely leave Elliot Lake or take time off.” For Daria, going above and beyond isn’t the exception, it’s the rule. She even worked while she was in the hospital in labor with her son, and took out-oftown buyers to view nine waterfront properties the day after he was born.

act like a professional, people are going to respond positively to that,” she adds.

Because the area she works has a classic small-town dynamic, Daria recognizes the importance of generating positive word-of-mouth as a way to grow her business. “I have earned a great reputation because of the outstanding service I offer and I think most of my clients see me as having a friendship with them, rather than just a client relationship,” she says. “Clients refer me to family members and friends because I’m very knowledgeable about the markets, as well as the community. That’s especially important because I work mainly with outof-town buyers.”

It’s clear Daria made the right choice when choosing a career in real estate, and her enthusiasm for her job is contagious. “I love the diversity that each day brings and how no two days are ever the same,” she says. “And I definitely enjoy working with people from all walks of life and different backgrounds. Buying or selling a home is very emotional for most people. It’s important clients know I understand that.” Already enjoying notable success after just three years in the business, Daria has every reason to be excited about what the future holds. “I’m looking forward to becoming more recognized in the community and to continue developing an outstanding reputation so I can become one of the top-selling agents in the area.”

As remarkable as that is, her work ethic isn’t the only quality that sets Daria apart. She also believes in conducting her business with honesty, integrity and patience. “I work with many first-time home buyers and since it took me more than two years and over 50 properties to find a house for myself, I’m definitely able to relate to them,” she says. She also places a strong emphasis on communication and professionalism. “If you look and

Daria Olah

Oak Realty Ltd | Elliot Lake, Ontario 705.261.2266 | daria@oakrealty.ca | www.oakrealty.ca Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Get a jump-start on organization—

Top 10 Things to throw away today

An easy way to get a jump-start on organizing your home is to take a few minutes to get rid of things you never use that are taking up valuable space. Here’s a list of things you can throw away (or recycle) right now. It’s guaranteed you won’t miss them when they’re gone.

Anything Past Its Expiration Date — Expiration dates exist for a reason. If you’re hanging on to anything past its prime, time to get rid of it. That includes food, toiletries, cosmetics, vitamins and medications.

Worn Towels or Bedding — You know you never use them, which means they’re just taking up space in the linen closet. Get rid of any frayed, faded, torn or threadbare towels and linens right now to make room for new ones. Old Keys — Everyone has that drawer filled with keys that have no purpose in your life. You’re never going to remember what they’re for, so quit trying and get rid of them.

Empty Boxes — Yes, they might come in handy. But when? If you really need a box, you’ll find one. Break down the ones you have and put them out for recycling.

Old Magazines, Books and Newspapers — All that paper creates clutter and can be a home for insects (yuck!). Recycle old magazines and papers; donate books to local schools or senior centers.

Outdated Electronics, Cords and Chargers — Old phones, iPods, tablets, computers, and all their accessories have become a major clutter category. Recycle, donate or sell any electronics you’re not currently using. Only keep cords and chargers for your current devices.

Missing or Mismatched Pairs — This includes socks, shoes, boots and jewelry. If you can’t make a match, you’re never going to use it. Time to let it go.

Cracked Dishes and Glassware — Not only are these unsightly, they actually pose a safety hazard.

Paper and Plastic Bags — It’s nice to have a few around, but if you have an overflowing stash, send most of it to recycling. Make the switch to reusable cloth bags to eliminate this category altogether.

CDs and DVDs — Chances are you’ve made the switch to digital entertainment formats. But even if you haven’t yet, sort through your collections and only keep the ones you know you’re going to watch or listen to. 10

Christy Buck Mark Warren

Mark Warren Often, it’s our earliest experiences and memories that end up shaping our lives in the most profound ways. That’s definitely the case for long-time Seattlearea REALTOR® Mark Warren. He recalls an idyllic childhood in Bellevue, Washington, where everyone knew everyone and took pride in owning their homes. Sadly, that scenario was interrupted at the age of five when Mark’s father passed away, and again at age 11, when he lost his mom, too. But in the midst of that unthinkable loss, he recalls a gentle soul who made the transition process of leaving the family home easier — their REALTOR®. “I don’t remember his name, or even really what he looked like, but I remember how he was a stand-up guy who just quietly took care of everything, and that calming presence has stuck with me, even to this day,” Mark says. “Creating that feeling of security for people is something I’ve tried to emulate in my own career.” 12

With a track record of more than two decades in the business and a client base that is almost entirely repeat clients and referrals, it’s safe to say Mark has succeeded in giving his clients that secure feeling. For many agents, that would be enough. But Mark takes things one step further to ensure his clients actually have fun throughout the home buying or selling process. However, he is quick to point out that the fun can only happen if all the rules are being followed behind the scenes. “It’s about combining the fun with the nuts and bolts of real estate; crossing the T’s, dotting the I’s, and making sure the contract and everything else is in order in my clients’ favor.” For many years Mark’s dog was his constant companion and unofficial real estate mascot, accompanying him to listing appointments and greeting guests at

“One of the things I’m most proud of is a book of handwritten cards and letters from clients over the years, letting me know they are happy in their homes. There’s nothing I’m more proud of than that.” open houses. When she passed away last year, he found the outpouring of support he received from clients past and present to be a true comfort. “Many of my clients have become friends who feel like family,” he says. “They miss seeing her, too.”

A strong sense of honor and an old-fashioned work ethic also define Mark’s way of doing business, both of which he credits to his grandparents’ influence. “They were raised during the Depression and spent most of their lives as farmers in North Dakota,” he explains. “They were from a time when you’d sit and have a cup of coffee and a piece of pie with your neighbor and it wasn’t just about me, me, me. They were very down to earth and I’ve never forgotten Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

that way of life. What it really comes down to is: if you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you promise to be somewhere, show up.”

His grandfather’s advice also ultimately influenced which career Mark chose, and it’s advice he in turn gives to those who may be thinking of starting their own real estate adventure. “My grandfather told me to first and foremost, enjoy what you do. Don’t choose a profession based on income or status,” he says. “Always care about providing a job well done and don’t focus on rewards or recognition,” he adds. Mark also offers some wisdom about the business that he’s learned on his own. “Many people choose real estate believing there’s a sense of freedom and 13

a flexible schedule. But really you have to be there when the client is ready to move; regardless of when that is,” he says. And there’s one more lesson he shares, courtesy of a more seasoned agent back when Mark was brand-new to the business. “I would always show up in a suit, trying to look the part,” he recalls. “There was an older agent who was always in shorts and flip-flops who would give me a hard time about it. I realized what he was trying to tell me was not to be afraid to be myself. There’s definitely a time and a place for a suit, but it’s more important to be authentic and true to who you are.”

Staying true to his grandfather’s advice, Mark doesn’t spend time chasing industry awards or competing for production stats. Instead, he focuses on what

matters most — his clients’ satisfaction. “One of the things I’m most proud of is a book of handwritten cards and letters from clients over the years, letting me know they are happy in their homes,” he explains “There’s nothing I’m more proud of than that.”

Going forward, Mark holds a characteristically Zen-like approach to the future. “I never thought I’d be in the business this long, and I want to continue to experience and enjoy the journey,” he says. “Real estate has become woven into my lifestyle. I will always enjoy watching the people, the process, and the market change.”

Mark Warren John L. Scott Real Estate | Seattle, WA 206.271.7601 | markwarren@johnlscott.com | www.markwarren.johnlscott.com 14

Clear the clutter —

Easy home organization tips

Now that the holiday hustle and bustle has passed, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start. Wouldn’t you love to have a neat, clean and organized home in 2017? One in which you can always find what you need, without wasting time looking through what you don’t? Rooms that are organized and free of clutter not only look better, they feel better, too. Studies have shown that excessive clutter can create or worsen feelings of stress and anxiety, and even make it difficult to get the quality sleep that’s so important for maintaining good health. If you’re not sure how or where to start getting your home organized, these tips will help.

Make it Manageable — If you’ve undertaken organizing projects before, only to quit before you achieve the results you want, chances are you’ve taken on too much at once. Decluttering and organizing is best done one room, or even one area of one room at a time. To stay motivated, set aside time each day to work on a specific area of your home, rather than doing a little bit here and a little bit there. It will be easier to focus, and as you begin to see progress, you’ll be even more excited to continue. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Sort and Purge — Remember the old saying, “a place for everything and everything in its place?” That’s impossible to achieve when all your storage space is already filled with stuff. You’ll never be able to get organized if you don’t go through what you have and start getting rid of things you no longer need, use or enjoy. The easiest way to do this is to get three boxes, baskets or bins and label them “Keep,” “Donate/Sell” and “Toss.” Everything you touch needs to go in one of the categories (and they can’t all be “keep”). Set a time limit and move quickly; don’t give yourself time to ponder or reminisce. Make quick decisions and stick to them. Once you’ve cleared space, it will be much easier to assign a place to everything. Get Off the Paper Trail — Nothing accumulates faster or looks messier than stacks of excess paper. Unopened mail, magazines, catalogs and even books are some of the toughest opponents in the war against clutter. To get it under control, start by going through what you have. Open all unopened mail, recycle outdated magazines, and find a place for books that you want to keep; donate the ones you don’t. Once you have things in order, take steps to ensure it doesn’t

happen again. Sign up to receive all your monthly bills and statements electronically, opt out of prescreened credit and insurance offers and switch to digital versions of your favorite magazines and books. Rather than letting mail pile up, take a few minutes to sort through it daily.

Embrace the One In, One Out Rule — Once you’ve purged and organized, you’re going to want to keep things under control. A great way to do that is to practice the “one in, one out” rule. That simply means that every time you bring home something new in a particular category, you need to get rid of something you already have in the same category. For example, if you get a new pair of shoes, an existing pair of shoes has to go. Getting in the habit of doing this will help keep clutter under control. And in time, it might actually help you save money, too. At first, it will likely be easy, because you’re in the mood to get rid of things anyway. But once you reach a certain point, you’ll have to think twice about what you’re willing to give up to bring in something new, and 16

you’ll have a harder time letting go of things you use and enjoy regularly. Get Creative with Storage Solutions and Space — Start looking at your space differently. Closets, drawers and cabinets aren’t the only places to store things. Consider the usually unused spaces behind doors, under beds and in corners. Look for places to use hanging baskets, over-the-door shoe racks, or a series of hooks. Hang shelves and use them to group potential clutter, such as perfume bottles or framed photos, into decorative accents instead. Once you free your mind and look at your space with fresh eyes, you’ll see plenty of possibilities you didn’t realize existed.

Don’t let the sheer magnitude of organizing your home keep you from getting started. Remember to focus on one area at a time and celebrate your small successes as you go. Once you achieve a state of clutterfree organization, you’ll be glad you took the time and made the effort.

featuredagent Erin P. Alls magazine

in both New York and Los Angeles who is able to help clients relocate coast-to-coast. Not a lot of people can say that.”

The principles that guide Erin’s way of conducting business are simply to put the client first in every regard. “Our customer service is superior and that’s why my clients come back or refer me to their friends and family. We don’t focus on price point or a specific area, we focus on the client and what their needs are,” says Erin. “It’s something I’ve worked hard to instill in my team: put the client first and everything else will fall into place. Once you realize it’s not about your commission, but about making your clients happy and always doing right by them, everything else works itself out.”

Although she swears she tried to avoid getting into the real estate industry at all costs, in the end, Erin Alls couldn’t deny her true calling. She is the daughter of long-time real estate professionals — her father is a developer and her mother is a broker — so growing up, she was exposed to every aspect of the business. “It was instilled in me from a very young age, so it’s really just second nature to me,” says Erin. “Even still, I tried as hard as I could to get away from it by moving from my home in Northern Virginia to attend film school in New York.”

However, the timing of her endeavor wasn’t quite right. “This was just after 9/11, when no one was making any films in New York, but I really wanted to stay there and the only way to do that was how? Sell real estate!”

Still a licensed broker in New York, Erin moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to open the LA office of Maison International, where she focuses her business in Silicon Beach. “I work mainly on the west side, from Venice, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades to Rolling Hills Estates and Beverly Hills,” says Erin. “But, really, I’ll go wherever my clients want me to go. And I’m really proud that I’m a broker

Speaking further about her team, Erin is proud to talk about how they run like a well-oiled machine, working together to be successful as a group, and as individuals, as well. “We don’t have buyer’s agents or seller’s agents. We do it all to serve the client to the best of our ability,” says Erin. “Each agent on my team is brilliant in his or her own respect, and our goal is to be successful by making the client successful. That’s what I want for my clients and my agents. You’re only as good as the people around you, so I’m striving to make sure they’re all high net worth producers who are happy, healthy, and making a great living!” Uplifting those around her doesn’t stop with her team. Erin is also dedicated to supporting local public schools and students in need. “We make regular donations to schools, we host teacher lunches, donate to book drives and any of their clubs,” Erin says. “My dad always told me the harder you work, the luckier you get and I believe that’s true, not only in real estate, but in our everyday lives, too. So, it’s really important to us that these kids get what they need and we’re so happy to be able to provide it.”

As hard as she works, Erin also carves out time for herself and her husband, and together they enjoy hiking, kayaking, traveling, and spending time on the beach. But when it really comes down to it, she truly enjoys being at work. “I love the one-on-one interaction with people and seeing their reactions when I take them out to look at interesting properties. Personally, that’s one of the things I love most. There’s always something new in real estate. That’s what keeps it interesting!”

Erin P. Alls

Maison International | New York & Los Angeles 424.272.0916 | erin@maisonintl.com | siliconbeachhomes.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent Ben James magazine

As an Alberta native, Ben has extensive local marketplace knowledge. But rather than relying on just that, he invests time into educating himself and staying current on trends in the market and in real estate as a

“I want to make sure my clients work with me for years to come and feel proud to refer my name.” whole. His clients also get the benefit of his experience in construction. “I’ve worked a lot of carpentry jobs and gotten to know the construction end of things, which I think is a big benefit to my clients because I can point out a home’s great features, as well as identify issues that might be a problem.”

While working in Alberta’s oil fields, self-

described “Alberta farm boy” Ben James had the opportunity to take a real estate course. He jumped at the chance, knowing it was a profession where the results you have are directly related to how hard you work, and that appealed to him. “I knew I would see results versus working in the oil field or even on the farm, where sometimes you work really hard but the outcome isn’t as good as you expect,” he says.

Now Ben works with real estate buyers and sellers throughout Central Alberta on a wide range of transactions, including acreage and farm real estate, along with lake properties and traditional residential transactions. “It’s a large area but not a big population, so I touch a little bit of everything,” Ben explains. 18

Above all, Ben focuses on gaining his clients’ trust and making them feel comfortable throughout the transaction. “REALTORS® have earned a bad name because unfortunately, many say and do a lot of things they shouldn’t,” Ben says. “I’m more open to telling someone I don’t know the answer instead of making something up just to make a deal. I want to make sure my clients work with me for years to come and feel proud to refer my name.” That strategy seems to be working, since he currently serves a client base that’s at least 75% repeat clients and referrals. Ben is thankful that early in his career, he was given the advice to be honest and stay true to himself, and that’s exactly what he tells others who ask him for the ‘secret’ to his success. “There are a lot of things people need to understand when getting into this business, including becoming educated about other parts of the process,” Ben explains. “I advise people to create a network of other professionals. Talk to home inspectors. Have conversations with mortgage brokers. Go to a building site and watch the building process.” Honesty, education and building relationships have Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“I love seeing the excitement buyers have when I hand them the keys and they know they’ve achieved home ownership. With sellers, it feels good to know you’re helping people move on to the next stage in life.” all contributed to Ben’s decade-long career. “I’m proud of being in the business over 10 years since the average agent doesn’t stick with it that long,” he says. “Being successful is a big achievement and being part of a team that’s been Top 1% in Royal LePage Canada for more than five years is pretty awesome!” No matter what Ben achieves, however, nothing compares to that moment when his clients achieve their goals. “I love seeing the excitement buyers have when I hand

them the keys and they know they’ve achieved home ownership. With sellers, it feels good to know you’re helping people move on to the next stage in life.”

Never satisfied with the status quo, Ben has plans to continue growing as a real estate professional. “I want to be bigger and better and continue to educate myself and become somebody who can hopefully contribute to making a better name for the real estate community.”

Ben James Lapp Realty | Red Deer, Alberta 403.887.1237 Ben@LappRealty.ca | LappRealty.ca Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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