July 2018

July 2018

Make the most of small space

living

How to write

listings that sell

Refresh your

real estate etiquette

Becky Brock also featured: Catherine Burgess Leslie Friedson Vicki Jako-Ostojic Diane Stefan

contents

professionals

buyers&sellers

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How to write listings that sell

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New in town? Tap into your REALTOR’SŽ rolodex

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Refresh your real estate etiquette

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Make the most of small space living

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

Becky Brock

q featured agent

Vicki Jako-Ostojic

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q featured agent

6Leslie Friedson 17

q featured agent

Catherine Burgess

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q featured agent

Diane Stefan

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Visit www.featuredagentmagazine.com to find out how to recommend a professional to be featured, advertise or subscribe.

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New in town?

Tap into your REALTOR’S® rolodex There are few professionals who will know more about their community than real estate agents. Even if your agent doesn’t happen to live in the exact location where you’ve purchased a home, there is a good chance that you have an incredible resource at your fingertips, who will be more than happy to help you get acquainted with your new neighborhood.

REALTORS® are almost unanimously active in their communities, often involved in multiple community organizations. In addition, because their profession puts them in contact with countless people every year, real estate agents always know a lot of people in different industries. Moreover, because part of their job 4

is to be able to introduce and educate others on the various benefits afforded by each community, they tend to have their finger on the pulse of the regions where they live, work and play.

As a newcomer to town, the vast knowledge that your agent possesses is an invaluable resource, right at your disposal. Here’s a look at some of the many resources most real estate agents can provide, when you’re moving to a new community.

Movers — Experienced real estate agents will be able to recommend you to a trustworthy, professional moving company to make your move as seamless as possible.

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REALTORS® are often worth their weight in gold, not only when it comes to helping you secure a buyer, or helping you to get into a new home, but in helping you feel at home in your new community as well.

Pet Sitters/Boarding Facilities — Trying to move while your pets are running around, or stressed out, can make moving day a lot more cumbersome. Instead of trying to keep an eye on Fido or Fluffy while moving, ask your agent for a referral to a safe place to keep your pets until you’re able to pick them up.

Cable/Satellite/Internet Providers — Your REALTOR® or the seller’s agent will be able to provide you with the options for internet service and/or cable options available in your new community so you can schedule installation ahead of time, and have all systems up and running when you need them.

Daycare Centers — If you’re moving with young children, you can certainly spend time online researching reputable daycare or childcare centers in your community. Or, you could save time and just ask your REALTOR® for a recommendation.

Carpenters/Handymen — Because real estate agents work with these professionals frequently, they will be able to refer you to a skilled professional to help you with repairs, or construction projects.

Painters, Carpet & Flooring Professionals You may wish to have your new home upgraded a bit before you move in, or after you’ve moved and if so, your REALTOR® definitely has the name and number of painting and flooring professionals who can help.

Electricians — If there are new lighting fixtures you’d like installed, or if you have specific electrical needs your new home isn’t properly wired for, contact your agent or the seller’s agent. They will be able to refer you to a trusted, experienced electrician in your area to make any necessary changes.

HVAC Professionals — When you need your hot Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

water heater replaced, or your furnace serviced, a single phone call to a real estate agent can likely save you a lot of time researching HVAC professionals online.

Landscapers/Seasonal Professionals — If you’re looking for help with mowing your lawn, designing gardens, raking leaves, or even snow removal in the winter, ask your REALTOR® for a referral — they will have one.

Babysitters — Believe it or not, real estate agents may even be able to point you in the direction of a trusted, reliable babysitter, for times when you need to leave your children at home.

Restaurants — If you’re looking for a nice evening out, or an amazing weekend brunch, your REALTOR® likely has suggestions in spades. To boot, they may know of specials, coupons, or weekly events at various restaurants in town.

Fitness Facilities or Classes — From yoga, to local gyms, to great walking, running, or hiking trails, your real estate agent will know where residents go to exercise.

Community Events — From getting in touch with your local chamber, rotary, or neighborhood association, to discovering a weekly farmer’s market, or story time at the library, your REALTOR® is a valuable community resource for you to utilize.

Real estate agents are in the business of helping others. Their success is also contingent upon knowing the ins-and-outs of the communities where they work.

As the result, REALTORS® are often worth their weight in gold, not only when it comes to helping you secure a buyer, or helping you to get into a new home, but in helping you feel at home in your new community as well.

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featuredagent

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Vicki Jako-Ostojic Her dedication to honesty and authenticity has certainly struck a chord with her clients. In fact, an impressive 90% of her business comes directly from referrals or from returning clients. “I become friends with my clients, through the process. I am punctual and efficient, and my greatest pleasure is seeing someone find their home,” she says sincerely.

“I greatly value the trust my clients place in me. That’s the most important thing to me.”

Years ago, when Vicki Jako-Ostojic, Certified

Residential Specialist with @Properties, decided she was ready to launch her real estate career, she had no idea how rewarding it would become. “My family bought and sold real estate, so I was always intrigued by the process,” she recalls. “I had young children, so I thought this would be something I could do part-time. I soon found out that wasn’t the case, but I also discovered how passionate I was about real estate.”

Today, with more than $100 million in sales to her credit, Vicki still loves helping buyers, sellers and investors as much as she did when she first began.

“I love meeting new people and becoming a part of their lives,” she says. However, she takes her responsibility as a professional advocate and negotiator for her clients very seriously. “I greatly value the trust my clients place in me,” she says. “That’s the most important thing to me.”

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Make no mistake, Vicki brings a whole lot more than friendship and strong communication skills to the table. Dedicated to premium marketing and continuing education, Vicki’s clients benefit from her vast experience and expertise in complementary aspects of real estate. With extensive knowledge of interior design and expertise in home staging, Vicki is also a builder, and loves to rehab homes. Knowing the intricacies involved in home design, staging, and construction certainly impresses her clients, as evidenced by the glowing reviews she’s received.

By way of example, Matt Sonntag says, “I used Vicki to sell 11 condos in a building my company took over. She was very persistent with buyers and buyer’s agents throughout the entire process and we ultimately concluded with 11 successful sales at pricing that met or exceeded our initial expectations. Vicki definitely knows the Chicago market well and puts in the extra effort needed to ensure smooth transactions.”

Though she’s focused much of her efforts on serving clients in the South Loop, Vicki is currently growing

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“Our team is expanding so that we can help more buyers and sellers throughout the city, and those in the suburbs.” her team in order to provide award-winning service to even greater numbers of buyers and sellers throughout Chicagoland. “I want people to know that anyone can be a part of the American Dream of homeownership,” she says. “Our team is expanding so we can help more buyers and sellers throughout the city, and those in the suburbs.”

Vicki is living her own dream these days. An active member in her church, her desire to help others in any way she can has manifested itself into a full, busy life that she says is endlessly fulfilling. When

she’s not working, Vicki loves to entertain and cook, as bringing people together in any capacity brings her tremendous joy.

Not surprisingly, with such a passion for helping people, Vicki has long been a mentor to younger agents, helping to guide them through the early years of their career, and has even inspired her own children to pursue careers in real estate. “Seeing my daughter graduate with a Juris Doctor degree, and my son becoming a project manager of large buildings in West Loop, is the greatest reward I’ve been given,” Vicki says.

Vicki Jako-Ostojic @ properties | Chicago, IL 312.506.0457 | vicki@atproperties.com | www.vickijakohomes.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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featuredagent Catherine Burgess magazine

The lifelong mission of Catherine Burgess has been to be of service to others. As a REALTOR,® being of service requires that Catherine keep her finger on the pulse of the areas she serves. After all, this deep local market knowledge is paramount to being able to successfully advocate for her home buyers and sellers.

A former employee for the Boulder Valley School District, and leader of the Whittier Elementary PTA, Catherine’s love for family, her community, and devotion to education, are matched only by her passion for real estate. Indeed, for more than 20 years, Catherine and her husband and business partner Andy Burgess, have been personally buying and selling homes, acquiring extensive experience with all types of properties and real estate transactions. From custom builds to cosmetic fixers, subdivisions, spec homes, green building, FSBO, and move-in condition homes, they have done it all.

Catherine’s experience and skills have also driven Burgess Group to great heights of success. In fact, after winning Rookie of the Year in 2013, she became part of the top 25% of producers at Colorado Landmark, Realtors. By 2015, under her direction, Burgess Group achieved the “Elite” sales level, and they have since gone on to earn the “Platinum” designation, and are now considered one of the top 20 REALTORS® by volume in Boulder County.

“We started by helping others with the same investments we’ve made over the years,” says Catherine. But they added a twist, in the form of concierge-style service. “We love working with buyers relocating to the Boulder community. We pick them up from the airport, and have real estate materials, and even pastries from a local bakery waiting for them. We will help them to identify extracurricular activities for their children, or even find a doctor,” she explains. “We offer to help with things like this, so they can be as productive as possible through the real estate transaction.”

As far as delivering concierge-style service to sellers, Catherine also goes the extra mile. “Our team specializes in high end and luxury homes and we have sold some of

Boulder County’s most prestigious properties, ranging from Charles Haertling Homes, to spacious horse properties, to gated lake community homes,” Catherine explains.

“We have really made our mark with our commitment to customer service. We have a strong in-house marketing team that is super responsive to the needs of sellers.” To that end, Catherine says that Burgess Group offers digital magazines, and 3-D tours of their luxury listings.

“We are highly attentive, with active, consistent communication. This helps us deliver fast and profitable results, for our clients. We negotiate collaboratively, but aggressively for our buyers and our sellers,” she adds. The service standards that Catherine and her team hold themselves to, are a direct reflection of how much they truly love what they do. “We absolutely love the relationships with all of the incredible people who come into our world, through real estate,” she says. “It is a helping profession, and that is very satisfying.”

Catherine and the team are equally devoted to the communities in which they live, work, play, and most of all, thrive. “We are always trying to do our part to create a meaningful community,” she says. As such, Burgess Group contributes time, money, and resources to numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. For example, they partnered with the Boulder Opera, Boulder Philharmonic, and Colorado Music Festival to raise money through a charity ticket give-away for premium — and highly coveted — Hamilton seats, in Spring 2018.

Catherine is also active with PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization), which fundraises for women’s education. In addition, she supports Direct Relief International, she/EO, and Intercambio.

Today, Catherine says that the reason the team counts a full 90% of their business from referrals or repeat clients, boils down to their unmitigated customer service standards, deep local knowledge, and ability to negotiate aggressively but collaboratively for the client. “We help people make sense of a new community when they are relocating. We love working with seniors who are ready to downsize, and also love to help others to invest in our community through buying locally,” she explains. “Our team has had explosive growth because we minimize stress, while maximizing happiness and productivity.

We lighten the load, and intend to continue to be of service not only to our clients, but to organizations in our community for a long time to come.”

Catherine Burgess

Burgess Group at Colorado Landmark, Realtors | Boulder, CO 303.506.5669 | catherine@burgessgrouprealty.com | www.burgessgrouprealty.com 8

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How to write

listings that sell

As the saying goes, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words.’ But when you’re trying to sell a home, you need more than just beautiful pictures to tell the story — a well-written listing description is important, too.

With most buyers beginning their home searches online, you need to having listings that are somewhat brief and SEO-friendly, yet descriptive and evocative.

It’s a tall order, to be sure. But it’s very possible if you follow these tips for writing listings that sell.

Use Space Wisely — Zillow conducted a study that found 250 words is the optimal length for a listing description. Depending on how much you enjoy writing, that may sound like a little, or a lot. It’s definitely enough to allow you to describe the home and the neighborhood adequately, if you choose your words carefully. Don’t get too caught up in spinning a story of making memories or discovering your dream home.

Instead, use concrete, objective language that talks about the home’s statistics and features in an interesting, engaging way. Rather than cramming everything into one solid block of text, aim to create ‘bite-size’ Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

pieces of information. Be sure to use shorter, punchy sentences and break out details with bullet points so readers can easily scan your listing to find the details they feel are most important. (For reference, the paragraph you just read is 137 words. If it was a listing description, you’d have 113 words left.)

Focus on Features and Benefits — When describing a home, the immediate impulse is to focus on all of its amazing features. But, by doing that alone, you’re only telling half the story. If you just list a home’s features without explaining how those features will benefit the buyer, you’re missing an opportunity to make an emotional connection. For example, you could say the home has a screened-in porch. Or, you could say: lovely screened-in porch allows three-season indoor/outdoor entertaining. Now you’ve created an instant picture in the buyer’s mind about why they should want a home with a screened-in porch. By using just a few more words, you can create descriptions that lead buyers to wanting features they didn’t even realize they needed.

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Don’t Forget the Neighborhood — Remember, buyers aren’t just looking for a house, they’re searching for an overall lifestyle. The most successful listings are the ones that focus not only on the home itself, but also give information on the neighborhood, too. Whether that’s calling out award-winning schools, well-kept parks, or restaurants and entertainment within walking distance, people want to know what’s good about where they might live. Be sure to talk to the current homeowners to get their input on what makes the area unique.

Keep it Professional — Some rogue agents swear by crafting listings with crazy headlines or a million exclamation points, claiming they get people to stop and take a second look. That may be true, but it’s probably not the look you want. Don’t compromise professionalism for catchiness. Using all caps, excessive exclamations, and randomly capping letters makes your listing look amateurish at best. At worst, overly ‘creative’ headlines can cause your listings to be mistaken for spam.

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Don’t get too caught up in spinning a story of making memories or discovering your dream home.

Avoid Keyword Stuffing — There was a time when loading up your listing with keywords was enough to get it noticed by search engines. But as we’ve all gotten smarter about how the internet works, those tricks no longer apply. Rather than stuffing your precious 250-word count with meaningless keywords, use it to write good quality copy that buyers will actually want to read. If you don’t think your writing skills are up to snuff, it will pay to hire a freelance writer or an assistant with excellent writing skills to create your listings.

Creating a compelling listing description is one of the many important phases of preparing a home to go on the market. These tips will help you craft compelling listings that sell.

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Becky Brock

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Becky Brock Back in high school, Becky Brock got her first taste of the business working at a real estate office on the weekends. There, she learned the industry’s ins and outs, while developing an admiration for the agents working in the office. After college, she entered the corporate sales world, before making the switch to interior design. Although she’d always maintained an interest in real estate, it wasn’t until 2009 that she finally took the plunge. “I decided to give it 110% and just go for it,” she remembers. For the last nine years, Becky has been an integral component of Kansas City’s #1 real estate group, the Koehler Bortnick Team. Over the course of her near-decade long career, she’s cemented a sterling reputation as an agent guided by integrity and with proven follow-through.

With an expansive reach, Becky covers Kansas’ Johnson County area, in addition to Kansas City, Missouri’s metro region. “Big or small, I sell them all,” Becky says, noting her work with clients of all kinds — from first-time homebuyers to multimilliondollar listings. She also works with specialized properties, such as lake homes, acreage, and luxury listings. Becky offers additional value to her clients

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as a Certified Relocation Specialist, often pairing with local companies or national corporate brands through Reece Nichols Realty and HomeServices of America.

Becky loves Kansas City and everything it offers.

With roughly half of her business generated by repeat and referral clientele, her track record is well-established. In 2017, she closed 42 homes, completing $20,889,503 in volume, making her one of the top REALTORS® in the area. The method behind her success? Becky cites directness, steadfast communication, and service that goes the extra mile. “Not every agent is created equal. Clients choose me because I’m direct and honest. I don’t make the market, I just interpret it and set the right expectations from the beginning,” Becky explains. “I educate my clients about the importance of pricing, staging, and how to have the home ‘show ready’ when buyers come through. I go above and beyond in marketing, advertising, social media utilization and always use a professional photographer for all listings. It’s also important to adapt to the preferences of my clients, and I stay in touch with them frequently and respond quickly. I’m communicative with all parties involved

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— from getting feedback from showing agents, to working through contract negotiations, and navigating inspections and title work. I handle everything that happens behind the scenes to help make the process less stressful for my clients.”

Whether searching for a client’s dream home or listing a property, Becky’s personalized approach allows for clients to be heard. She begins with a needs analysis meeting to determine each client’s vision and goals. When exploring potential properties, she makes use of her design background to help clients realize a home’s truest potential. She also maintains an extensive network of resources and contractors, passing along her insight to educate the clients she serves. This creative eye also helps Becky prepare homes for market, readying each soon-to-be-listed property for professional photography and videography, as well as exposure across the leading digital listing platforms.

Even after the closing table has been reached, Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Becky continues to add value by acting as a onestop-shop for buyers and sellers. “It’s important to me to remain accessible,” Becky says. “I follow up and keep in touch even after a sale, so I can be of value to my clients. I reach out to see if they need any home maintenance tips, contractors, if it’s a good time to refinance, or just touch base with a pop-by gift or note.”

Becky’s foundational commitment to her clients informs all aspects of her working style, and she never forgets the person or family driving the transactional process. “It’s about the clients, not about me,” she recounts. “I make sure to remember that throughout the process, because I want my clients to feel like they’re my number one priority and that this process is about them and their needs — not just a transaction.”

When it comes to lending her spirit of service to the larger Kansas City community, Becky is active in several philanthropic organizations and has even won her team’s Cornerstone Award for philanthropic 13

“I truly have a passion for real estate. This industry has been the perfect fit for me…” and community involvement for five years. For the past several years, she’s supported the Victory Project, serving children battling cancer and assisting their families if needed. She currently serves on the organization’s volunteer committee taking on a leadership role. In addition, she contributes to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Unbound, United Way, Harvester’s, Kansas City Hospice, KVC, and many more local organizations extending her altruism near and far. In her remaining free hours, Becky most enjoys spending time with her husband and son, cheering on local sports powerhouses like the Kansas City Royals, the Chiefs, and Sporting KC. Her son is an avid golfer and she enjoys watching him on the course.

Looking ahead, Becky’s future plans include continued service of her community’s residents and their homeownership aspirations. As a Top Producer on Kansas City’s #1 team, she hopes to continue to grow her business while relishing the limitless potential of her field. With almost a decade of intrepid service complete and no signs of slowing anytime soon, the best is yet to be for Becky. “I truly have a passion for real estate,” she reflects. “This industry has been the perfect fit for me and I love that there is no ceiling. You’re only limited by yourself along with the time and work you put into it, and I think that’s fantastic.” Becky Brock will turn your dreams into an address!

Becky Brock KC’s #1 Koehler Bortnick Team - Reece Nichols Real Estate | Leawood, KS 913.271.0638 | becky@beckybrocksells4u.com | www.beckybrocksells4u.com 14

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Refresh your

real estate etiquette

There was a time when the rules of etiquette governed everyday interactions, and breaking those rules was ground for (mild) scandal. Fortunately, social norms have relaxed over the years, and most of us operate much less formally than in times past. But even in this informal age — and in some cases, because of it — it’s important to observe a set of guidelines and best practices when it comes to real estate etiquette. That’s because, at its heart, real estate is, and always will be, a people business. And as the famous Maya Angelou quote says: “… People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” With that in mind, here are some simple rules of real estate etiquette that can help ensure you always make your clients and colleagues feel good about working with you.

Behave Respectfully Toward Colleagues Real estate is a unique profession in that your competition is often also someone with whom you have to get along to reach a successful outcome for your client.

Cultivating a reputation as someone who is respectful to all the parties in a transaction — other agents, lenders, appraiser, stagers, inspectors and everyone else — will only serve you well. That means being on time for meetings (or calling if you’re going to be late), quickly responding to messages, being willing to resolve issues as they pop up and never speaking ill of someone behind their back. If you’ve heard someone else is difficult to work with, give them the benefit of the doubt. Go in with an open mind and you might find that the two of you hit it off and get along great. By demonstrating respect for your colleagues at every level, you’ll become someone other agents and real estate pros can’t wait to have the chance to work with again.

Offer Feedback on Listings — You take your clients to a home, they decide it’s not for them and then what? Do you just move on or do you let the seller know what your clients liked and didn’t like about it? Not offering feedback is a little like going on a first date and then never calling the person again — they’ll get over it, but they’ll always wonder what went wrong. Offering polite, constructive feedback is not only the right thing to do, it could lead to a deal.

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If your clients like the house with the exception of a few small things or one big deal breaker, you might be able to get the seller to make concessions and create a win/win outcome for everyone.

Mind Your Manners on Social Media — Love it or hate it, social media is here to stay. And it can be a landmine for your business if you’re not careful. A simple rule of thumb, never (ever) write something on social media you wouldn’t say to someone directly, and never post a photo you wouldn’t want your mom to see. Even if you have separate business and personal accounts set up, clients and colleagues are bound to cross from one to the other. And while technically not social media, be careful with texting, too. Never talk badly about a person or a business via text; it’s all too easy to accidentally send it to the wrong person. If you simply must get something off your chest, call a trusted friend — ideally someone not in the business — and talk about it instead.

Work Out Issues One-on-One — No matter who you work with or what size brokerage you’re in, at some point you’ll have a disagreement with a colleague.

When it happens, don’t be the person who immediately escalates the situation by involving your broker or cc’ing half the office on a snarky email chain. Work things out one-on-one, preferably face-to-face (too much can get lost in translation over email). It won’t always be easy, but when you gain the reputation for being someone who takes the high road, there’s a good chance those disagreements will hardly ever happen.

Leave the House Like You Find It — Whether or not the listing is occupied, it’s important to leave it in as good (or better) shape, than you find it. Turn off the lights (if it’s approaching dusk leave one light on), straighten anything that gets moved and be sure all doors and windows are closed and locked — that includes interior garage doors and any exterior gates or security doors. Additionally, if you notice anything out of place, say, a leaky faucet or a trail of ants on the kitchen floor, do your best to remedy the situation and be sure to contact the listing agent immediately to let them know what you saw.

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Make the most of

small space living

The Tiny House Movement is one of the fastest-growing housing trends in recent memory. Tiny houses are fully functional mobile living spaces that measure from 100400 square feet. Obviously, fitting all of life’s necessities in such a tiny space poses many challenges. But you don’t have to live in a tiny house to face the realities of small space living. Studio apartments, loft spaces, cottages and many other small spaces all present similar issues. Here are seven ways you can maximize small space living to create a comfortable, well-organized and stylish home.

Take Care with Color — Adding color to walls is one of the fastest, easiest, most affordable ways to add character and personality to a room. But be careful when you’re working in small spaces, because the wrong color can make your room seem smaller than it actually is. Avoid dark colors and stick with lighter hues to make the space feel more open.

Embrace Light & Reflection — Keep window coverings light, both in color and materials. Heavy window coverings will make rooms look and feel dark and claustrophobic. Stick to lighter colors and airy fabrics that allow light to filter through, even when closed. Another trick is to let curtain rods extend past the ends of windows on either side to create the illusion of width. Mirrors are another great way to visually trick the eye into thinking a room is larger than it is. Bonus points if you can hang a mirror across from a window to capture and reflect even more light.

Make Furniture Multi-Task — When you live in a small space, everything should have more than one purpose. Think ottomans that double as storage space, tray tables that pinch hit as end tables, and dressers that serve as nightstands. If you live in a studio space, it’s practically illegal to have a sofa that doesn’t fold-out into a bed. And remember seeing Murphy beds (also called wall beds) in old black and white movies and TV shows? They’re making a 16

comeback and can solve a multitude of small space furniture and storage issues.

Keep Floors Clear — Crowding the floor with baskets or bins for storage may seem practical, but it will make room look and feel smaller. Open things up by keeping floor space clear and moving storage up to the walls (or even the ceiling, in some cases).

Shelves, hanging baskets, peg boards and other storage solutions will keep floor space free.

Get Control of Clutter — Clutter is the enemy of small space living. When every available surface is covered with mail, magazines, clothing and other everyday odds and ends, the space looks messy and unfinished.

One way to keep clutter under control is to practice the rule all minimalists live by: one in, one out. That simply means every time you bring something new into your space, an equivalent item has to go. If you buy a new pair of shoes, for example, you have to get rid of a pair you already have, and so on. It’s definitely challenging, but it will make you think twice when tempted to purchase something on impulse, knowing that something you already have will get the axe.

Utilize Hidden Spaces — The space under, in between or behind furniture is no longer just a place for dust bunnies to collect. When you live in a small space, it can be used for valuable storage. You can get specialized storage bins made to slip under the bed or simply use your imagination to decide what goes where, like slipping a folding tray table under the couch or hanging an ironing board or shoe rack behind a door.

Keep it Extra Clean — Speaking of dust bunnies, small spaces need to be cleaned more frequently and thoroughly than their larger counterparts. It’s easy to ignore dusty corners or a too-full trash can in a large space, but everyday messes add up quickly when there’s not a lot of room. Take some time at the end of every day to do a quick cleaning and you’ll keep your small space feeling tidy and inviting.

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featuredagent

Leslie Friedson

As a former Montgomery County school teacher, Leslie Friedson understands firsthand how best to guide others through the learning process. When she ultimately decided to set her sights on a new professional challenge in real estate, it was a natural fit.

That was 20 years ago, and today Leslie is at the helm of a dynamic team of professionals at the Friedson Group. Over the course of her career, she has cultivated a sterling reputation defined by professionalism, insightful market knowledge, and an abiding enthusiasm for her daily work.

A property-specific strategic approach to marketing listings is always employed. From professional photography to detailed floorplans, Leslie compiles a memorable presentation that showcases each home in its best light. Weekly open houses drum up local interest, while comprehensive, personalized marketing plans utilize the best practices of digital and print media. From networking and exposure across the leading online listing platforms, to advanced social media use and frequent mailers — no stone is left unturned. This includes a top agent alliance that nets global exposure for properties headed to market.

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Serving clients throughout the D.C. area, Leslie heads a multigenerational, multicultural team. Their business breakdown is a near-equal split of buyers and sellers, demonstrating their overarching transactional knowledge.

“In order to be a good listing agent, you have to understand the psyche of the buyer,” she says. “To be a good buyer’s agent, you have to understand the mindset of the seller.”

Leslie cites her experience and personal connection with clients as the foremost drivers of her success. “My clients choose to work with me because of my real estate know-how,” she explains. “I pride myself on my level of commitment and sensitivity to clients. I also have a deep understanding of the housing market, skills in marketing, and outstanding negotiating strategies. Combined, this ensures that I give the highest level of service. I treat my clients like family and provide them with the most positive experience I can.”

Nearly 100% of Leslie’s business is generated by repeat and referral clientele — a testament to her sustained ability to deliver results. During her real estate tenure, she’s earned a host of accolades and designations, including recognition as the #1 Agent in her office and a Top 100 Agent award.

At the heart of Leslie’s professional approach is a commitment to integrity, knowing her role well, and always keeping her clients’ interests at the forefront. “My business and personal skills have allowed me to achieve a high level of success,” says Leslie. “I have a good reputation within the real estate community, and I continue to find new ways to better serve my clients. This business is always changing. Learning is an ongoing experience.”

To give back to the community she calls home, Leslie is active in a variety of civic and charitable organizations. She and her team volunteer with Rebuild Together, an organization that fixes up homes for those in need and promotes in-home safety. Leslie has been active in the Greater Capitol Association of REALTORS® and served on the Professional Standards Committee. In her remaining free hours, she most enjoys time spent with family — especially her grandchildren — in addition to cooking and travel.

Looking ahead, Leslie plans to continue growing her business and fostering her team’s development. As she reflects on her work, she says, “I love what I do. Problem-solving, negotiating, and helping people make one of the most important decisions of their lives are what I enjoy the most.

I’m really proud that many of my clients are parents, siblings and children of the same families, and that I’ve been able to buy and sell multiple houses with them over the years. It’s always nice when people keep coming back.”

With no signs of slowing down, the future looks bright with promise for Leslie Friedson and her team.

Leslie Friedson The Friedson Group | Compass | Potomac, MD 301.455.4506 | Leslie@TheFriedsonGroup.com | www.TheFriedsonGroup.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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featuredagent Diane Stefan magazine

in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Considering her lengthy career, she’s amassed a wealth of experience and presently handles a variety of transaction types, including new construction, relocations, investment properties, property management, horse properties, small business acquisitions, as well as commercial and residential resale work. What’s more, 98% of her business is driven by repeat and referral clientele — a true testament to her staying power.

For her part, Diane considers herself a servant, assisting clients on their path to homeownership. Oftentimes, she works with those in the midst of transition or hardship, and Diane makes a personal investment and connection in each relationship she cultivates. “Many clients become dear friends,” she says. “In fact, the hardest part about what I do is staying connected with all of my clients because I really do just fall in love with everyone I work with; they all become dear to my heart.” These interpersonal connections are reflected throughout Diane’s life and working philosophy. “I take what I do very personally,” she says. “To me, it’s not about money and I don’t think of myself as a salesperson. I’m a servant, and this is my ministry.”

Diane Stefan received her initial exposure to the industry, by working in a local real estate office while still in high school. There she witnessed firsthand the life of an agent. When she made the move to Alaska, Diane knew she wanted to get involved in the business and began building experience in property management. Almost 30 years since the launch of her real estate career, Diane has cultivated a genuine reputation for comprehensive service that prioritizes personal connections and is grounded by an authentic investment in her clients’ goals.

Licensed in Alaska, Diane prefers to go wherever clients may lead, though much of her work is centered 18

Diane’s dedication extends to her daily duties, as well.

She goes above and beyond to serve clients during the buying and selling process, and the diversity of her experience allows her to work alongside a variety of clientele. She also takes great pride in advancing her technical knowledge to better serve her clients’ needs.

She’s earned the status of Top Producer, along with many designations including Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified New Home Specialist, and is Residential Construction Certified as well. Diane also has extensive experience working with military personnel, and has been featured in a variety of trade publications. “As a REALTOR,® it’s important to have an ongoing education,” she explains. “It’s also important to remain adaptable and stay up-to-date on new technology. I take my role seriously and do everything I can to figure out what will put my clients in the right financial position. I sit down and really listen and address what Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“I take what I do very personally. To me, it’s not about money and I don’t think of myself as a salesperson. I’m a servant, and this is my ministry.” my clients’ needs are so I can serve them in the best way possible.”

To contribute her spirit of service to her community, Diane is active in a variety of charitable causes. A portion of each commission check is donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and she is an active supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network, the Special Olympics, Anchorage Fire Explorers, and the Anchorage Search Team. In her remaining free hours, Diane most enjoys going on adventures through motorcycle rides, car races, and joining friends on excursions. She is also an avid weightlifter, loves to hike, and is teaching herself to play guitar.

Considering the future, Diane has plans to continue growing her business steadily and mindfully, while cultivating emerging sectors of her business, such as

her commercial real estate representation. While she certainly has ambitions well in place, she is also content to serve her Alaskan community and go where she is called. “Wherever God leads my business is where I’ll go,” she says.

Nearly three decades after her career began, Diane Stefan considers what she enjoys most about her chosen field. “My work is super rewarding. So many of my clients are so appreciative of what we’re able to accomplish, and we become such close friends,” she reflects. “What I’ve found is that most of the time, it’s not about real estate. So often, God has put me in my clients’ lives for a completely different reason. We find connection over difficult points in their lives and I’m blown away — even when you think you’re helping someone, you wind up being the one that’s blessed.”

Diane Stefan

RE/MAX Dynamic Properties | Anchorage, AK 907.229.2250 | dianestefan.realtor@gmail.com | www.alaskaluxuryhomes.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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