June 2018

June 2018

Top 10 Traits of

successful real estate agents

Ready to buy a home?

Get your credit

ready first

Transform your home into a

summer oasis

Marcus Walgrave also featured: Christine Aubrey Melissa Fore Jim Wade Laura Walker

contents

professionals 4

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Work/life balance — Tips for setting boundaries when business is booming Top 10 Traits of successful real estate agents

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

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buyers&sellers 9

Transform your home into a summer oasis

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Ready to buy a home?

Get your credit ready first

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Marcus Walgrave

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Christine Aubrey 6

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Melissa Fore 8

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Jim Wade 18

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Work/life balance —

Tips for setting boundaries when business is booming A career as a real estate professional, is by design a bit unconventional. With late nights and weekend work, there’s no disputing that top producing REALTORS® often have a full plate. Trying to balance family life, or a personal life on top of the demands of providing exceptional service, it’s little wonder that most REALTORS® cite the need for balance as a goal year-after-year.

While achieving perfect equilibrium is probably a lofty goal when business is particularly busy, it is still possible to achieve a semblance of balance, or at least a feeling that your life isn’t completely lopsided.

Here’s a look at ways to work towards better work/ life balance, even when your real estate business is booming.

Focus on What Needs to Be Done First No matter how disciplined you are, or how hard you 4

try to stick to a schedule, the reality is that things come up in real estate which are time sensitive. Because every transaction is different, it’s impossible to foresee all challenges that can come up on any given day.

That’s why it’s beneficial to start each day with a list of things that need to be done that day, no matter what. Start with those tasks, so if something comes up later in the day, you will have at least accomplished those to-do items that were necessary.

Block Off Chunks of Time for Specific Tasks Studies are beginning to indicate that multi-tasking can lead to decreased productivity. For this reason, it’s beneficial to focus all attention on a specific task for a set period of time. If you need to make follow-up calls, for example, schedule a block of time when you’ll focus only on that task. Likewise, if you need to work on a listing, schedule a set period of time in which Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

No one said being a busy REALTOR® would be easy. But there’s no doubt the rewards are worth it — as long as you make it a priority to carve out time for your own personal life, in addition to the time you spend making your clients’ lives better. love what you do. So, make certain to plan to reconnect with friends, enjoy family activities, or otherwise have fun when you have the opportunity to take some time off. It might help to buy tickets in advance to a movie, or schedule reservations at a restaurant, to keep you accountable to your personal obligations.

Put Personal Time in Your Calendar — Schedule time for yourself, or time with your family, and put it in the calendar like you would any other appointment. Even if it’s just 30 minutes of reading, relaxing, taking a bath, or walking the dog, it’s important that you honor commitments to yourself like you would commitments to your clients.

you’ll dedicate yourself to working on that task only.

In most cases, when you focus your whole attention on completing a task, you’ll find you’re able to do so faster than if you’re trying to work on multiple projects at once.

Assess Your Lifestyle Habits and Overall Health — If you’re not sleeping enough, chances are you’re not performing at your best, which makes everything feel unbalanced. Monitor your diet, make at least a little bit of exercise a priority, and avoid too many late nights coupled with early mornings. You’re less likely to feel frazzled, overwhelmed, or exhausted if you’re taking good care of your health.

Plan for Fun in Your Free Time — Because real estate can be consuming, it’s important to remember the adage about all work and no play, even when you Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Unplug for a Bit — Technology is great in allowing real estate professionals to work from virtually anywhere, but as is the case with most things in life, there can be too much of a good thing. Try shutting down your phone during lunch meetings. Silence your calls while watching your children play sports. Unplugging from your phone, computer, or tablet is a smart way to set boundaries in your pursuit of balance.

Learn to Delegate — If there are tasks that can be handled by an assistant, a colleague, a family member or a friend when you’re particularly busy; let them handle it. This will help keep you focused on priorities, and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by tasks that need to be done, which are not necessarily the best use of your time.

No one said being a busy REALTOR® would be easy.

But there’s no doubt the rewards are worth it — as long as you make it a priority to carve out time for your own personal life, in addition to the time you spend making your clients’ lives better.

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featuredagent Christine Aubrey magazine

In 2006, Christine was ready to take the enterprise to the next level and leverage her office with the power of Coldwell Banker’s international imprint. Now, the business is flourishing more than ever, and Christine and her team have built a steadfast reputation for professionalism, resourcefulness, and value.

Back in 1988, Christine Aubrey began her tenure in the industry as the manager of a burgeoning home construction and real estate office. She had come from a background in teaching, but her immersive new role gave her the chance to learn from the ground up.

As the company’s real estate office continued to grow, Christine eyed expansion, ultimately merging with a successful local office in 1993. Unified in their efforts and talent, they became the number one real estate office in Franklin County, a top spot they still enjoy today. Over the years, Upton-Massamont Realtors continued to thrive under Christine’s leadership, going on to open a total of four offices across Franklin and Hampshire Counties, with outposts in Northampton, Amherst, Shelburne Falls, and South Deerfield.

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Serving the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts, Christine and the team of Coldwell Banker UptonMassamont Realtors serve clients from the Connecticut border to the Vermont border, all along the corridor of Route 91. Today, Christine heads an ever-growing office, consisting of roughly 30 agents and supported by an in-house staff of professionals that includes a marketing director, a trainer/coach, and an operations manager. For her part, Christine serves as Broker/ Owner and focuses on building her office’s resources and connection to the community. “Our agents have a great deal of support, which in turns gives them the ability to do a very professional job for their clients,” she explains. “I’m here to help guide and support our agents, stay on top of rules and regulations, and act as an advocate for our voice in the community. Whatever our agents need, they know they can count on me to get them the answers and support necessary. At our company, we think of our agents as our clients — we want them to be successful so they can work successfully for their clients, too.”

In terms of resources available to agents at Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors, Christine cites global exposure, a host of strategic tools to source and target particular buyers, and the ability to stay ahead of new technologies as they emerge on the marketplace. As a result, Christine’s office is the #1 Coldwell Banker Affiliate in the state of Massachusetts — a noteworthy feat due in large part to her vision for her office, as well as her agents’ authentic investment in the goals of their clients. “It comes down to quality service,” Christine explains. “Our agents are extremely knowledgeable, well-trained, and they pay attention to the details. Because they have access to the resources they need, they’re able to guide clients thoroughly, from start to finish. We have a very good Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors “Our agents are extremely knowledgeable, well-trained, and they pay attention to the details. Because they have access to the resources they need, they’re able to guide clients thoroughly, from start to finish. We have a very good reputation in the area because of our hard work and results.” reputation in the area because of our hard work and results.” When it comes to listing properties, Christine’s in-office marketing manager sits down with agents and clients to craft a custom strategy built around each property’s unique characteristics. Then, the team leverages Coldwell Banker’s extensive web access to reach target demographics and source a buyer in short order.

With agents in the office who have worked alongside Christine anywhere from 10 to 30 years, the team now drives 70% of business from repeat and referral clientele. What’s more, the company takes its role in the community very seriously, and goes to great lengths to make a positive impact even beyond the pursuit of homeownership. “We want to be a vital part of our community,” Christine says. “Our agents are very active on local and regional levels.” Accordingly, Christine has served on various boards over the course of her career, including 12 years on the Board of Directors for the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, as well as time served on the board for the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS.® Likewise, she sits on the board for Habitat for Humanity of Pioneer Valley, and she and her team contribute to an annual build day on the organization’s behalf. Throughout the office, giving is central. Popular causes include

organizations dedicated to animal welfare and sponsorship of road races that support cancer research.

“For 18 years we were an independent company, and in many ways, we still operate like one,” Christine says. “We think of ourselves as a local business — we all live locally and we work with local properties.

Though we have the tools, systems, and recognition that Coldwell Banker provides, I’m able to make all the decisions for our business, and everything we do is with the community in mind.”

Looking to the future, Christine plans to continue growing her business and stay consistently ahead of the industry curve. For now, she’ll continue acting as an advocate for her agents and their clients, remaining steadfast in her commitment to quality service that builds community in the Pioneer Valley. Now, with decades of experience behind her and an unflinching eye on the road ahead, Christine Aubrey describes her professional philosophy this way: “It can be challenging out there, especially for new agents,” she says. “At our office, we understand those limitations and opportunities. If an agent is serious about making a career for themselves, we are extremely dedicated to giving them all the tools and support they need to get there.”

Christine Aubrey

Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors Amherst | Northampton | So. Deerfield | Shelburne Falls 413.665.3771 | chris@cbumr.com | www.coldwellbankerUMR.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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featuredagent Melissa Fore magazine

Melissa Fore’s tenure in the real estate industry began at the young age of 19. She got her start as a receptionist at New West Property Management, and within a year’s time, she knew she’d fallen for the business and set out to earn her license. From there, she worked her way up the ranks — gaining a few years of practical experience before becoming an assistant, then graduating to become a property manager soon after. In 2013, the opportunity arose for Melissa and her business partner to take over the company from its retiring owner, and together they leapt at the chance. Today, Melissa heads a dynamic team of real estate professionals skilled in the intricacies of the industry and who place a high premium on relationships built to last.

As a 25-year Las Vegas resident, Melissa knows the region’s inventory and communities intimately. She and her team primarily focus on serving the areas of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson, and together, they base much of their business on providing comprehensive single-family property management. Clients also benefit from a staff that’s fully licensed and permitted — designations that highlight New West’s commitment to consummate professionalism.

Likewise, approximately 80% of their business is generated by repeat and referral clientele. “Referrals are our highest compliment,” Melissa says. “Much of our business comes from word of mouth. Good service is the crux of our marketing.” Considering her business’s flourishing growth, Melissa cites quality interpersonal relationships as the foremost driver of their success. She takes seriously the trust placed in her and her team when it comes to managing homeowners’ valuable assets. Relationships are a priority for Melissa, and she goes the extra mile to satisfy her responsibilities as wise counsel and effective steward. “Our foundation is built on relationships,” she says. “We build relationships that are special and focused on the long-term.

We’ve worked with some of our clients for 20 years, and we get to know their properties, but also their stories, families, and goals.”

To grow her business over the years, Melissa has focused on keeping her company and team adaptable to shifts in the

industry and emerging technologies. Not only has this kept her host of services ahead of the curve, but it also speaks to her passion for the business and willingness to grow and evolve within her field. All the while, her commitment to foundational tenets like honesty and teamwork remain steadfast. “As REALTORS,® there are certain duties we need to uphold, and being honest with our colleagues and clients is so important,” she explains. “You also need to have a willingness to try new things and look at all perspectives — especially when it comes to technology. The industry has changed so much over the years, and today we’re living in a digital era. To keep up, we need to be willing to adapt and continue growing. Being passionate about the industry creates success. Anything can happen with a lot of patience and perseverance.”

To give back to the Las Vegas community she’s called home for more than two decades, Melissa and her team pair up as sponsors for various causes close to their hearts. Recently, they contributed to Project 150, an organization that hosts drives for school supplies for homeless youth in the Valley. In her remaining free hours, Melissa most enjoys quality time spent with her family and loved ones, which include her husband, three stepsons, two grandchildren, and her 11-year-old daughter. She also relishes the chance to pore over a good book, support her daughter’s softball team, and travel with her husband and closest friends.

Looking ahead, Melissa has plans to continue growing her business, applying a renewed focus to servicing the growing Millennial homebuyer population. All the while, she plans to keep relationships squarely in focus. “Relationships are central to the culture of our business,” she says.

“Without empathy and gratitude, it just doesn’t work.

What I’ve learned over the past 20 years is that sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and allow someone’s belief in you to be enough to take the first step and do something different.”

Finally, considering the most cherished aspect of her dayto-day work and career, Melissa has this to say: “When it comes down to it, I love helping people. This business isn’t for everyone, and it can be a challenge to make sure clients and customers are happy simultaneously. But when people recognize our help as invaluable — it’s so fulfilling.

When we’re able to get a family into the ideal house that they turn into a home, it’s really a feeling that can’t be matched.”

Melissa Fore New West Property Management | Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.362.8099 | Melissa.Fore@propertymgt.com | www.propertymgt.com 8

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Transform your home

into a summer oasis

Whether you’re preparing a home for listing during the summer months, or just want your own living space to feel cool, comfortable and seasonally appropriate, there are several things you can do to make that happen. Of course, you can’t fully redecorate every room for every season, but there are many easy, inexpensive and fun ways to transform a home into a relaxing summer getaway.

Decide to Declutter — Think of your favorite summer beach house or the best hotel room you’ve ever stayed in. Chances are part of the reason you loved it was because it was clean, serene and clutterfree. To achieve that look, pack away a majority of the dust-collecting knick-knacks, framed photos, heavy throws, books, and other clutter. It’s a great first step in opening up rooms to give them a lighter, airy feel.

Your items will feel new again when you bring them back out in the fall; or you may decide you like the look so much that you begin to embrace minimalism.

Change the Layout — Nothing can change the look and feel of a room more quickly than rearranging the furniture. If your current seating arrangement is centered around a fireplace, change it around to focus Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

on a window instead. If living areas are feeling crowded, consider removing extra chairs or end tables and replacing them with large floor cushions in bright fabrics for lounging and watching movies; they can be stacked out of the way in a corner when not in use.

Embrace the Light — Replace dark, heavy curtains with light and airy sheer panels that catch the breeze and let in light. Your room will feel larger and more open when the windows aren’t weighed down with heavy fabrics and dark colors.

The Scents of Summer — We all love the smell of a pumpkin spice or rich, warm vanilla candle, but strong, foody scents can become heavy and overwhelming during the warmer months. Switch your home fragrance to something light, fresh, and clean.

Citrus aromas and green florals are universally pleasing choices, as are scents reminiscent of a day at the beach (especially if you’re landlocked). Instead of candles, which can generate extra heat when they’re burning, switch to scented oil diffusers. They’ll keep a steady, subtle aroma in the air without worrying about whether kids, guests or pets might accidentally knock over a burning candle.

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Add Splashes of Color — Here’s where it gets really fun! Summer is the time for punchy brights, crisp nautical hues, and All-American red, white, & blue color schemes. Incorporate color into bedrooms and bathrooms with crisp new linens and towels in your favorite summer colors. Add some striped, floral and solid throw pillows to couches and chairs in the family room. Stock up on Turkish towels, which are super-lightweight, dry quickly and come in loads of fun colors. They can serve as pool towels, swim cover-ups, tablecloths or light throws if the AC is cranked a little too high. In the kitchen, add some brightly colored acrylic serving pieces like trays and pitchers to your table settings, and use cloth napkins in a complementary hue.

Bring the Outside In — Fresh flowers are abundant this time of year — maybe even in your own yard! Take advantage of Mother Nature’s good mood and keep fresh flowers in your home throughout the season. It’s one of the easiest, most beautiful ways to make a home feel summery. Stick with vibrant colors like hot pink, sunny yellow and juicy orange; save the deep, dramatic hues like burgundy and purple for fall and winter. Whether you go for a full-on arrangement 10

Of course, you can’t fully redecorate every room for every season, but there are many easy, inexpensive and fun ways to transform a home into a relaxing summer getaway. or just a few stems in a simple vase, you’ll smile every time you see them.

Don’t Forget the Floors — Sandy. Wet. Muddy.

Grassy. Dusty. Floor coverings take a beating during the summer. Roll up and store wool throw rugs and replace them with inexpensive washable rugs you won’t feel bad about getting rid of at the end of the season. Don’t forget to add a new doormat to every entrance door to catch sand, dirt, and water before they get tracked inside.

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Marcus Walgrave

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Marcus Walgrave

While attending the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse as a student athlete, Marcus Walgrave made his first foray into the real estate game. When a fellow track teammate was looking to sell the investment property his parents had purchased, Marcus decided to take him up on the opportunity. Once he graduated with a focus in business marketing, Marcus decided to follow in the footsteps of his older brothers and become an agent, earning his license in 2013. Since then, Marcus has cultivated a flourishing reputation for professionalism, community mindedness, and client-centric care. In fact, in his first full calendar year as an agent, Marcus closed over $6 million in volume — an impressive feat.

Primarily serving the Sioux Falls and Sioux Empire region — one of the fastest growing small city metro areas in the country — Marcus enjoys a focus on serving residential sellers, though catering to buyers on his roster is also of high priority. “I’m a

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big believer that if you want to have a good grasp of the entire market as a real estate professional, it’s in your best interest to represent a balanced number of buyers and sellers,” he explains. “That way you’re up to date on the buyers’ perspective in our ever-changing industry. It’s actually a big factor in representing sellers at a high level, as well.”

What’s more, Marcus understood from the outset that applying digital savvy would not only help him launch his career, but would also allow him to thrive in an increasingly digitized marketplace. Accordingly, he established a web presence early on and makes use of the most cutting edge tools available to make listings and his brand stand out. “The majority of buyers begin their search online, and time is valuable,” he says. “If you have an opportunity to take advantage of today’s technology, you can save your clients time and money. Having a solid understanding of modern technology and an advanced Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

degree in business marketing, I know how to represent sellers at the highest level.”

As a deeply rooted member of the Sioux Empire community, Marcus is the founder and host of South Dakota Home Talk on KELO News Talk. On air, Marcus spends Saturday mornings live from 9am–10am covering major topics related to real estate — from getting pre-approved as a buyer and finding the right mortgage banker, to conducting home inspections. He also invites local professionals, like Sioux Falls’ chief zoning and planning officials, to come on the show and talk about development in the area and the city’s idea for future land use. Marcus is passionate about equipping area homebuyers with the know-how necessary to navigate a real estate transaction. “Getting free information out to the public is so important, so if they want to get into the real estate market, they have knowledge up front,” he says. “If we can help the community become more Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

knowledgeable about the process, they’ll have smoother transactions — and if that happens the community as a whole can stay strong and get through anything.”

To market his listings, Marcus harkens back to his family’s farm and the work ethic, strategy and diligence needed to yield fruitful results. “I grew up on a small farm and my mother and father always encouraged us to work hard and go out and own something of our own,” he recalls. “Real estate transactions are a lot like farming in that way. You plant the crops, work the field, maintain a high quality, and you get to harvest at the end of the season.”

Throughout a transaction, whether facilitating a sale or a purchase, Marcus prioritizes communication and integrity above all else. “Communication is extremely important in our business,” he says. “I do not sugarcoat anything and I’m always up front.

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“Having a solid understanding of modern technology and an advanced degree in business marketing, I know how to represent sellers at the highest level.”

I provide my clients with all the information and options available, so they can make an educated and intelligent decision on how to move forward.”

While Marcus’s superlative level of professionalism precedes him — having already netted a sizable rate of repeat and referral clientele —he never loses sight of the people at the heart of every transaction. “It’s remarkable to see my clients move on to the next chapter of their lives — whether downsizing and purchasing a motor home to travel the U.S., or moving up with their family — to experience that excitement alongside them is a unique and rewarding experience.”

To give back to his cherished community, Marcus is active in a variety of civic and charitable endeavors.

He volunteers his time toward Habit for Humanity Build, and helps to build homes for families in need.

He serves on the board of the Dakota Relays, a track meet for local athletes, and he and his wife host a track club clinic for Avera Sports. He also mentors a local fourth-grader at Hawthorne Elementary School. “The community gives so much to us as REALTORS,® it’s important to give back ourselves,” he says. In his free hours, Marcus enjoys spending quality time with his amazing wife Caitlin, beautiful daughter Malia, and their beloved Labrador Moxie.

As for the future, Marcus has plans to continue fostering the steady growth of his business, with hopes to pass along his knowledge and insight to other agents as they ascend the ranks of the industry.

Today, with five stellar years of service behind him, along with an exacting eye for the market and his clients’ best interests, the years still to come are bound to brighter than ever for Marcus Walgrave.

Marcus Walgrave Hegg, REALTORS® | Sioux Falls, SD 605.496.9872 | marcus@marcuswalgrave.com | www.marcuswalgrave.com 14

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Top 10 Traits of

successful real estate agents

It takes a special person to become a successful real estate agent. Succeeding in the business requires a unique set of qualities and skills that not everyone has. But when they all come together, the result is someone who is perfectly suited to the ups and downs of a life in real estate. These are the Top 10 traits real estate agents need.

Friendliness — As an agent, you have to be able to talk to all kinds of people about a wide range of topics.

Being open and friendly is a must for real estate professionals.

Empathy — Agents deal with people at some of the highest — and lowest — points in their lives. Being able to empathize and understand what clients are going through is essential.

Listening Skills — Successful real estate agents are great listeners. It’s an important part of finding out what your clients true wants and needs are.

Sense of Humor — Weathering the ups and downs inherent to real estate is going to be easier — and more fun — for agents who are able to laugh at themselves and maintain a sense of humor when faced with adversity.

Tenacity — Great real estate agents possess a mental toughness that may not always be on display, but is definitely there. They are tenacious, committed and goal-oriented.

Desire to Learn — With markets and technology changing at an ever-increasing pace, it’s essential for agents to want to learn more and continue their education throughout their careers.

Assertiveness — You want what’s best for your clients, and sometimes, you’ll have to fight for it. Being assertive while remaining professional is a balancing act the best agents have down pat.

Attention to Detail — When it comes to real estate, the devil really is in the details. When you’re working with contracts and figures, having a good eye for detail is essential.

Honesty — No agent lasts in this business without developing a reputation for honesty and integrity. Real estate agents must be committed to doing the right thing at the right time — every time.

Self-Starter — Perhaps the most important trait successful real estate agents share is the ability to motivate themselves. Without it, agents won’t last long in this business. You have to have the drive and desire to succeed.

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Ready to buy a home?

Get your credit ready first If you are thinking of purchasing a home in the coming year, there are several things you should do before you ever step foot into a potential house. One of them is to review and improve your credit to help ensure you receive the most favorable home loan terms. Of course, everyone has their own unique set of circumstances when it comes to finances, but there are some basic guidelines all borrowers can benefit from. Here they are:

Start with Your Score — The first thing you want to do is get a copy of your credit report, which includes your FICO credit score. You can get your report for free at annualcreditreport.com. Review it thoroughly for any errors or inaccuracies. If you find any, get to work having them corrected; you want lenders making decisions based on your information, not someone else’s. Traditional lenders typically require a credit score of 620 or higher to consider applicants for a loan; FHA loans require a minimum score of 580. However, your score will also affect the interest rate on your mortgage — the higher the score, the lower the rate.

So it’s worth it to work on improving your score before you apply.

Pay On Time, Every Time — This is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a good credit score. Having a strong record of on-time payments is essential when applying for a home loan. Even one recent late payment can greatly influence the decision.

If you’ve had any issues paying on time in the past, make it impossible to pay late by setting up all your bills up for automatic payments.

Hold Steady with Credit Cards — When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will be looking for consistency and responsibility. So now isn’t the time to open a lot of new credit cards. But it’s also not the time to close the ones you have. It’s a great idea to pay down high balances, but even if you pay off one or more cards, don’t close the accounts. Doing so can have a negative effect on your credit utilization ratio 16

(amount of total debt divided by total available credit), which has the potential to lower your credit score — exactly what you don’t want.

Even if you’ve made financial mistakes in the past, you can still work toward improving your score. It takes time, patience and discipline, but it will be well worth it.

Beware of Quick Fix Credit Repair — If you’re credit score is lower than you’d like, you might be tempted to go for one of the quick fix credit repair solutions. Don’t do it. There is no way to immediately “fix” bad credit. What these companies do is initiate disputes on all negative entries on your credit report.

While the creditors look into it, those line items will disappear from the report, which gives the temporary appearance of a cleaner credit record. But, once the creditor determines the entry is valid, it will show back up on your report. You are better off taking the money you’d spend on credit repair and using it to pay down high balances.

Have a Talk with Your Boss — While this won’t directly influence your credit, it can help as you prepare a plan to buy your home. Talk with your manager about what you can expect in the coming year. Are you on track for any bonuses? Will the company be giving salary increases? If so, are you in good standing to get a raise? Having an idea of what is to come financially can help you make better decisions and formulate a solid plan to help you reach your goal of home ownership.

Getting a handle on your credit situation is an important step when considering buying a home. Even if you’ve made financial mistakes in the past, you can still work toward improving your score. It takes time, patience and discipline, but it will be well worth it.

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featuredagent Laura Walker magazine

After a 15-year career in financial advising on Wall Street, Laura Walker knew she was ready for a change. Along the way, she had earned extensive experience in marketing and sales, but wanted the freedom to become her own boss and serve others directly. Since real estate had always intrigued her, she decided to follow her instincts and earned her license in 2010. Soon after, she joined the ranks of Keller Williams, learning the ropes and putting her skillset to good use. There, she earned the Rookie of the Year Award in her first year in business, enjoying years of success thereafter. Last year, Laura opened her own brokerage and office, Walker Realty Group, and has earned a superlative track record for professionalism, knowledge, and creative problem-solving.

Licensed in two states, Laura primarily serves the areas of Kent County and New Castle County in Delaware, and Chester County and Delaware County in Pennsylvania. As the broker and owner of her office, she leads a tight-knit, capable team that includes two additional agents. For her part, Laura has cultivated roughly 40% of her business from repeat and referral clientele to date — a testament to her staying power and execution. In considering her professional philosophy, Laura credits professionalism, creativity, and education as the foremost tenets of her success thus far. “To me, education is key,” she says. “It’s my job to be honest, transparent, and explain to clients everything they need to know to make an informed decision. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest investments a client will make, and it’s my goal to help them feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process.”

Drawing upon her years in finance and marketing, Laura also has a talent for selling properties that have lingered on the market. She often works with clients whose homes are still waiting to be sold, but their contracts with other REALTORS® have expired. Using her creative eye and keen understanding of market dynamics, Laura is able to assess the property and come up with creative solutions that attract buyers — from desirable staging layouts to new strategic shifts. “Whether it’s about staging a property differently, getting quality photography done, or marketing from a slightly different angle — I’ve sold numerous houses that sat on the market for months and months,” Laura explains. “In most cases I’m able to sell them fairly quickly, just by taking a new approach with a fresh set of eyes. Using my marketing background, I present properties in a way that is appealing to buyers and they sell.”

Additionally, Laura expands her marketing efforts to include a partnership with Comcast and their On-Demand streaming service, where buyers tune in to learn more about local listings. This type of in-home visibility is a tremendous value-add for clients, and Laura is among the few agents in the area to offer this exposure.

To give back to her professional and local community, Laura teaches first-time homebuyer seminars that connect aspiring homeowners to programs that ease the financial undertaking of purchasing a property. In her remaining free hours, Laura most enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two children. As a former personal trainer, she’s also an avid fitness enthusiast.

Looking to the future, Laura plans to continue growing her business, with hopes to gradually add more team members to her ranks in the next few years. For now, she’ll continue serving buyers and sellers looking to build their legacy and financial standing through real estate. Finally, considering what she most enjoys about her daily work, Laura reflects on the limitless possibilities of the industry and the joy of serving others as they start a new chapter. “I’ve always loved real estate,” she says.

“Above all, I enjoy being able to help people and use my knowledge to get a home bought or sold.”

Laura Walker

Walker Realty Group | Newark, DE 302.373.4884 | laurawalkerhomes@aol.com | www.laurawalkerrealtor.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Jim Wade grew up in a family of real estate pro-

fessionals, watching both his mother and father make their mark on the industry. After graduating from college with a degree in mechanical design, Jim honed his experience in the corporate world for seven years.

Then in 1992, he was ready to pursue new professional horizons and the idea of transitioning to real estate was a natural fit. Jim moved to Florida and joined forces with his parents, and his two brothers soon followed suit. Today, Jim and his family comprise The Wade Team of EXIT Realty Leaders, having expanded their business under the banner of EXIT Realty Corp International.

With two offices based in Beverly Hills and Crystal River, Jim and his team serve Florida coast to coast.

With roughly 50 agents on his roster and a talented staff that oversees lead generation, social media engagement, 18

and transaction coordinating, Jim and his team offer a range of services and specialties that span the Sunshine State, with a proficiency in REO management, as well as residential purchases and sales. What’s more, the family business also owns a title insurance company, which allows Jim and his team to see clients through, from start to finish.

While Jim’s lengthy tenure in the industry is wellestablished, so too is his track record of success. Approximately 80% of his business is generated by repeat and referral clientele — the highest form of praise a client can offer. “The service we offer is personal,” Jim says. “Because our team is well-trained and staffed by amazing people, there are huge benefits to working with us. We’re also passionate about helping people make one of the most important decisions and largest investments of their lives.”

Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Jim Wade — EXIT Realty Leaders “Because our team is well-trained and staffed by amazing people, there are huge benefits to working with us. We’re also passionate about helping people make one of the most important decisions and largest investments of their lives.”

When it comes to listing property, Jim and his team leave no stone unturned. In addition to tailored marketing campaigns crafted by the team’s dedicated social media marketing specialist, listings also benefit from custom websites personalized for each property. What’s more, geolocation technology and targeted traffic ensure that the most up-to-date technology is applied to promote properties headed to market. Likewise, Jim is sure to tap his extensive sphere of influence when drumming up interest in a property, as his decades in the area and industry allow him to cast a wide net.

“What keeps clients coming back to us is our service,” Jim explains. “We believe in making every client feel important, assuring them that their investment is worthy of our fullest attention — because it is.”

Jim and his team’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Along the way, they’ve accrued a host of accolades and designations. For the past seven years, they were voted the Best Real Estate Company in Citrus County, an honor Jim especially values, since voters are comprised of past clientele. The Wade family and EXIT Realty Leaders were also among the first EXIT Realty Corp International pioneer franchises back in 1999, and they’ve gone on to successfully leverage their banner company’s global reach. The Wade Team has also won recognition in the Sapphire Circle, highlighting teams that conduct over 250+ transactions, and they’ve consistently won Top Producer awards, as well as Bronze, Silver, and Gold distinctions for their service.

“As the broker, I enjoy watching my REALTORS® succeed in their businesses,” says Jim. “We strongly believe in lifting up others and fostering a family-like

atmosphere within our offices. Because of EXIT’s unique formula, we are built to make sure others succeed — 10% sponsoring residuals ensure that. While we are naturally competitive, we also break away from the typical combative nature that you often find in real estate.”

To give back to the community they call home, Jim and his team are active in a number of charitable and civic causes in the area. They give regularly to local schools, as well as to the area’s YMCA basketball and soccer teams. They sponsor the Crystal River Rotary, Kiwanis Club of Citrus Country, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Floral City Strawberry Festival, and the Crystal River Manatee Festival. In his remaining free hours, Jim enjoys time spent with his family and loved ones, and cheering on his favorite sports teams, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Florida Seminoles.

Looking ahead, Jim has plans to continue growing his business, building upon the real estate expertise of his parents who have been active in the local industry for more than 30 years. He also has plans to continue expanding his services through additional opportunities in REO management in the Daytona Beach area. For now, Jim and the team will continue to serve clients with the superlative level of care that they’ve built their family business upon. In reflecting on his favorite part of his career, Jim says, “I love working with people and helping make their dreams come true. It’s a wonderful thing when buyers and sellers are happy and reach their goal. I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Jim Wade EXIT Realty Leaders | Crystal River, FL 352.794.0888 | jimwade1@yahoo.com | www.exitrealtyleaders.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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