May 2019 by Featured Agent

May 2019

Create a

beautifully staged home

Write listings

that sell

Lance King also featured:

Carla Masse Chris Pequet Nykole Wyatt

productivity boostersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Get more done every day

contents

professionals 4

Create a beautifully staged home

Productivity boostersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Get more done every day

Top 10 Things every first-time home buyer should know

Avoid these mortgage mistakes

Write listings that sell

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

buyers&sellers

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

q featured cover agent

Lance King

q featured agent

Carla Masse

q featured agent

Chris Pequet 14

q featured agent

Nykole Wyatt

Create a

beautifully staged home

A beautifully staged home does more than just look good. It can actually help potential buyers bond with a home and imagine themselves living in it. Savvy sellers understand the power of staging a home for sale, but may not quite know how to achieve the look they want.

You could hire a professional home stager to get the job done, but if that expense isn’t in the cards, there’s no reason you and your seller can’t work together to stage the home — especially when you have these low-cost, high-impact home staging secrets:

Kill the Clutter — ALL of it! It’s the necessary first step that will make the next steps easier (not to mention giving the homeowners a head start on their packing). Eliminate stacks of mail, magazines, catalogs, 4

newspapers, and any other extra paper. Box up knickknacks, keepsakes and kids’ toys and stack the boxes neatly in one corner of the garage, attic or basement. And while we’re on the subject — those areas need to be cleaned and organized, too.

Send Personal Items Packing — This can be hard for some homeowners, because those are the things that make a house feel like home. But remind the sellers how potential new owners need to imagine themselves making memories there, which is hard to do when they’re looking at years’ worth of kids’ school pictures, family vacation photos, or old sports trophies. Be a Cleaning Machine — A clean house is a house that sells quickly. Be sure the home is cleaned

quick tips Visit local model homes to stay current on design trends tu

Make sure the home smells as fresh as it looks tu

Clean out closets and cabinets to show off storage space tu

Arrange furniture to create room-to-room flow tu

Hang extra-plush, pure white towels to give bathrooms spa-like ambiance from top to bottom, including often-forgotten areas like corners, under and behind appliances, ceiling fan blades, and window tracks. See to it that bathroom fixtures and mirrors shine, and kitchens look spotless and neat.

Neutralize It — A fresh coat of neutral paint on walls and trim will go a long way toward making a house irresistible to buyers. Freshly painted walls, free of scuffs and nicks, make the whole house feel clean and new. Again, you want potential buyers to imagine all the ways they can make a home their own, and having a neutral canvas onto which they can project those daydreams will free their imaginations to run wild. Let There Be Light —Take down any heavy, dark Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

window coverings and replace them with sheer or light colored panels. Add lamps with high-wattage bulbs to brighten up dark corners. Bathing rooms in light makes them look larger, warmer, and more inviting. Plus, on a subliminal level, it shows buyers there’s nothing about the house that you’re trying to hide.

Make an Entrance — Be sure the home’s entrance gives an accurate hint about what’s inside. Keep walkways and entry area clean and free of excess paper and leaves. Don’t let any spiderwebs (yikes!) hang out in the corners. If the front door is looking worn, give it a new coat of paint and shine up the hardware. Ensure the doorbell is in working order and add a new welcome mat for the perfect finishing touch. 5

featuredagent Carla Masse magazine

Real estate has always been a part of Carla Masse’s history. Her father and grandfather were active in the industry back in Brazil, and in 2005, Carla decided to followed in their footsteps. “I was always watching them do business and it was part of my life from a very young age,” she remembers. “When I got licensed and began working as an agent, I discovered this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Today, Carla spearheads her work with the support of two intrepid team members — an assistant and a marketing lead. Together, they serve buyers and sellers under the banner of Sun Realty, USA, focusing on the areas of Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero, though they have built experience across the greater Southwest Florida market at large. Because the region is well-known for its waterfront, second home, and vacation properties, Carla has built substantial know-how in this arena — knowledge she readily passes along to those she serves. To date, she manages to drive more than half of her business through repeat and referral clientele — a testament to her lasting impact on the clients she works alongside.

To account for her steady success thus far, Carla cites ethics, strategy, and lasting relationships as some of her professional hallmarks. “We’re very proactive and we take the whole picture into account when working with clients, and we always focus on their priorities,” she explains. “When we’re working with buyers, we’re proactive by beginning with an interview to learn their goals and specifications. When working with sellers, we’re proactive by pricing the property competitively, creating beautiful presentations, and marketing to the right buyer. No matter who we’re working with, we do our best to make the process as smooth as possible and help clients reach their goals.”

Over the course of her 14-year career, Carla has been repeatedly recognized for her professional accomplishments. She is the recipient of her real estate board’s Gold and Platinum Awards for high production volume, and her clients also sing her praises. “Carla worked hard to find the right property for our family,” said one happy client. “We regularly received updates with new properties, and she patiently visited many properties with us. Her negotiations on our behalf saved us a lot of time and money. When it was time to sell, Carla quickly moved our property and helped us get a great price!”

When listing properties, Carla ensures no detail is overlooked, and her work is fortified with the help of her team. All properties are showcased through high quality photography and then leveraged across the leading online listing platforms and social media outlets. Geographic target marketing ensures the ideal buyer is sourced in short order, while strategic pricing and negotiations give clients an edge during the transactional process. “I love working with residential buyers and sellers because it’s such an important and exciting time,” she says. “Especially here on Marco Island, where we are often working with waterfront properties — families are so happy to find their dream vacation home, explore the area, go boating and fishing. At the end of the day, it’s all about the client, being professional, and following a code of ethics. We make sure our clients are protected and always think about the customer first.” Beyond the office, Carla gives back on a local level through work with her children’s Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, her church, and through various community events. In her free time, she stays busy with her family and loved ones. She also enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Southwest Florida and taking in a coastal sunset.

As for the future, Carla intends to grow her business continually, with hopes to share her knowledge with upand-coming agents as they ascend the industry ranks. Now, with 14 years of insight behind her, Carla is content to use her skills within the community to build homeownership and local growth for years to come.

Carla Masse

Sun Realty, USA | Naples, FL 239.207.5614 | massesellsflorida@gmail.com | www.CarlaMasse.com 6

Productivity boosters — Get more done every day Maybe you’re just starting out in the real estate industry or your career is already established, but you’ve hit a plateau. Whatever the case may be, it’s always good to step back and re-evaluate your business practices and find ways to improve or increase productivity. Oftentimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone and going through some challenging growth phases to propel you to the next level in your business. Ever heard the saying, “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what a ship is built for?” Don’t be afraid to take chances and make changes. Here are some ways you can shake things up and increase your productivity:

Build a Team — If you’re an individual agent, ask yourself: are you able to give your clients the very best service by handling every aspect of business by yourself? Sure, you’re an expert at finding the perfect fit for your client and negotiating a deal, but what about marketing, lead generating, or maintaining social media accounts? Each can require quite a bit of time and expertise, now might be a good time to let go and let others use their talents so you can focus on what you do best. Be the King or Queen of Follow-up — It’s not only critical to follow up with potential clients or Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

industry professionals to expand your database, it’s equally important to keep in touch with the contacts you already have. Reach out to them even if it’s just to say hello and update them on what’s happening in the market. It’s a great way to stay on their radar. If an opportunity arises or a property comes on the market, they’ll think of you first.

Prioritize Your Day — Do you ever feel as though you constantly have your nose to the grindstone only to discover you haven’t really accomplished much? Scheduling time for specific tasks throughout the day is much less daunting and can be extremely beneficial in boosting efficiency. Set aside an hour or two in the morning for returning phone calls and emails, then be done with it. Your next block of time can be dedicated to listing appointments, showings, or meetings with clients. End the day by finishing up paperwork, researching marketing strategies, or making your to-do list for the next day. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when you have a plan and stick to it. Use Social Media to Your Advantage — With more than 1.65 billion active users on Facebook every month, you simply cannot afford to not utilize it. 7

Oftentimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone to propel you to the next level in your business. However, make sure you’re using it efficiently to get the most out of your posts. Posting on certain days of the week — or even specific times of day — can garner more likes and shares. And remember, quality over quantity is what you should aim for when posting. Share things that will be useful to your clients, such as a link to your most recent blog post on how to pack for a move, or photos and information about an upcoming open house.

Further Your Education — Think of your business as a software program that requires updates. Just as technology advances and programs need a little tweaking here and there, your business also needs to evolve with the current market trends and changes in the industry. Participating in continuing education in areas such as negotiating, home inspections, and real estate law ensures your clients peace of mind and keeps you ahead of the competition. Obtaining designations 8

is another way to make yourself stand out in the crowd. Becoming a Certified Relocation Professional makes sense if the area you serve is a haven for retirees or has a large military population. The GREEN Designation is beneficial in places where clients are more environmentally conscious. Network with colleagues to see what trends are on the horizon, then take action to be at the forefront of those changes.

Take a Day Off — It might seem counter-productive to take time off when you’re trying to grow your business, but it can actually be just what you need to achieve success. Time away from work can improve your mental state, performance, and productivity. You also run the risk of eventually burning out when there’s a lack of work-life balance. So make the decision to turn off notifications on your phone, pack a bag, and head out for the weekend to re-energize and get your creativity flowing again. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Lance King Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Lance King

Lance King never anticipated a career in real estate, but after selling his construction supply company back in 1999, he was primed to explore his next professional challenge. Lance took to buying and selling land across the Bay Area, eventually getting his Broker license, and was soon fielding requests to help buy and sell properties. After founding King Realty Group, one successful deal spiraled into the next, and Lance realized he was in the midst of a full-fledged career for which he had a passion and natural knack. Thirteen years later, Lance has built an impressive business model, along with a reputation for top-tier service steeped in forthrightness, tech-forward strategies, and a personal touch.

Today, Lance and his top-notch team cover San Francisco, Marin, the Peninsula, and the East Bay, with offices in San Francisco and Oakland. As a major driver of his business, he only brings on associates who believe in his client-first, collaborative, family-style approach. 10

“Unlike many others who pay lip service to a team approach, we live it every day. When someone needs help, they get it, which means no buyer ever misses out on seeing a property, and no showing requests for sellers are ever missed.”

His team members are equally respected because he trains all of his associates extensively from the start, with ongoing mentorship throughout. Oftentimes, he trains team members during the pre-licensing stage so they’re ready to hit the ground running.

When it comes to partnering alongside clients, Lance has built an industry name synonymous with integrity and wise counsel. “We work very hard to maintain a reputation of transparency and professionalism,” he says. “Because of that, we have a ratio for accepted offers that is off the charts. Other agents want to do business with us because they know we can be trusted.” This attention to detail and follow-through is apparent in Lance’s representation of clients as well, whether

buying or selling property. Beyond that, he and his team combine professional expertise with levity to cultivate a positive transactional experience. “In addition to doing the best for our clients, we try to make it fun as well. We know how to account for different personalities and sensibilities, and preferred communication styles,” says Lance. “We take a contoured approach to fit each client, and it makes for a more enjoyable experience.”

“On the flip side, we’re honest about halting a deal if there is an issue with the building or documentation. We’re thorough in our preparation and committed to making sure it’s the right choice before making an offer,” Lance explains. “We don’t just tell clients what they want to hear. Instead, we help people figure out how to navigate this process the right way, focusing on sound advice and serving our clients’ best interests.” As for marketing listings, Lance and his team understand the greater Bay Area’s competitive marketplace Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

and cement their presence across the region. With multiple offices and membership in four diverse MLS boards, and a strong presence in the agent community, no stone is left unturned when clients are hunting for inventory or the ideal buyer. Lance’s lengthy tenure in the area, along with his experience in land development and sales, also positions him as a local expert.

Accordingly, he has been honored repeatedly for his professional talents and contributions, from the Five Star Professional Award several years running and multiple covers on Top Agent Magazine, to recognition by Forbes, CBS, and KGO radio as a local expert in Real Estate. While these accolades speak to his longevity and track record, Lance cites his lasting client relationships as the ultimate honor. Almost every buyer client served has returned to Lance and his team when it’s time to sell. “What I’m most proud of is our client retention,” he says. “Clients know they can trust our advice, and they recognize what we bring to the table. There’s nothing more rewarding than that.” 11

“CLIENTS KNOW THEY CAN TRUST OUR ADVICE, AND THEY RECOGNIZE WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE. THERE’S NOTHING MORE REWARDING THAN THAT.” Beyond the office, Lance gives back to his community through service at his daughter’s school, where he often volunteers at functions, outings, and in the classroom through music. He is also an avid contributor to the Save the Children Foundation. In his free hours, he most enjoys time spent with his family and loved ones, playing music, traveling, and skiing.

As for the future of his business, Lance intends to keep progress on the steady upswing, with a new

high-tech website coming soon, as well as a mobile app in development to improve interactions between agents and buyers. Staying ahead of the curve is a major tenet of Lance’s working style, and he also plans to keep his team on the forefront of industry evolutions. Now, with more than a decade of experience behind him and an ambitious eye on the road ahead, the future appears bright for Lance King and his team at King Realty Group.

LANCE KING OWNER/MANAGING BROKER | KING REALTY GROUP | SAN FRANCISCO, CA 415.282.2280 | LANCE@KING-REALTYGROUP.COM | WWW.KING-REALTYGROUP.COM BRE # 01384425 12

Top 10 Things every

first-time

home buyer should know Buying your first home is exciting, stressful and life-changing. You’re going to be faced with a lot of important decisions along the way, and you’ll often have to make them quickly, so the more information you have going into the process, the better. Here are the Top 10 things every first-time home buyer should know.

Mortgage Pre-Approval Isn’t a Guarantee — Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step, but just because you’re pre-approved, doesn’t mean you’ll actually get the mortgage. Financial missteps following pre-approval could derail your chances.

Decide Location Versus Space — Figure out what’s most important to you. Is it the neighborhood you’ll live in, or the amount of square footage you’ll have? Once you decide that, you’ll be less likely to compromise one for the other and avoid being talked into something you don’t really want.

Understand the Total Cost — You’ve saved for a down payment, you can afford the mortgage payment, so that means you’re good to go, right? Not necessarily. You have to take into account the total cost of home ownership, which includes insurance, HOA fees, property taxes, home maintenance & repairs and more.

Don’t Expect Perfection — Very rarely does your dream home look like your dream home the moment you step through the door. You have to be able to envision the possibilities and be ready to transform it into your ideal space. Be sure you’re looking at homes with an open mind. The School District Matters — Even if you don’t have kids or aren’t planning to, the school district in which your home is located affects the property value. Don’t Make Rushed Decisions — While it’s true that you may have to make some quick decisions during the bidding process, don’t commit to anything you feel you’re being forced into or aren’t ready for.

Understand the Time Commitment — As a renter, you come and go as you please, and if something breaks or needs to be repaired, you make a phone call and that’s that. As a homeowner, you’re responsible for maintenance and upkeep, both inside and out, which will likely take a bite out of your free time.

Research the HOA — If you’re looking at a home in a community with an HOA be sure you read and understand the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) and talk with your potential new neighbors to get a feel for how the HOA performs.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions — You’re about to make a huge decision. It’s perfectly normal to have lots of questions for your lender, your REALTOR®, the home inspector and anyone else involved in the transaction. Most real estate pros enjoy working with and educating first-time buyers, so ask away. It Should Be Fun! — The home buying process can definitely be stressful, but it should also be fun, too. After all, you’re about to realize the American Dream of home ownership. Enjoy the ride! Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent Chris Pequet magazine

Chris Pequet got her start in the real estate industry more than three decades ago. She had graduated from college with a degree focused in communication and advertising, but it wasn’t until a friend who owned a brokerage encouraged her to join the business that Chris discovered her future career path.

In the many years since, Chris has established herself as a consummate professional, complete with a litany of accolades and designations. She holds the #1 Agent rank in her Hinsdale office, the #10 rank within her company, and was recently featured as 2019’s Most Notable Real Estate Agent. For eight years running, she has achieved the 5 Star National Service Award, while upholding her reputation for honesty, accessibility, and client relationships that stand the test of time — a testament to her motto: “Clients for Life.”

From her office in Hinsdale, Chris serves the residential needs of the greater western Chicago suburbs. She has built considerable experience working alongside a variety of clientele — from those relocating to the area, to those upsizing or downsizing as their families evolve. In fact, she has driven almost the entirety of her business through repeat and referral clients.

In detailing her working style, Chris cites transparency, responsiveness, and an authentic investment in her clients as some of her defining professional attributes. “The best advice I ever received is that your reputation is everything,” she says. “I’ve always tried to build my reputation on integrity and honesty, and that’s how I work. I’m very transparent and I try to be as honest and up front as possible throughout the transaction. My clients know that I wear my heart on my sleeve. They can always trust that they’ll know where we stand.” Likewise, Chris’s extensive service in the industry and area set her apart as a regional expert. Whether house-hunting

alongside buyers or taking properties to market, she taps her homegrown knowledge to serve clients to the fullest. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, so my knowledge of the area is very involved, and I know the intricacies of what’s going on in different communities,” she explains. “It’s also important to make yourself as available as possible during this process. I believe that the client comes first, so I stay accessible for any questions that may arise, and I am there for all the little details, in any way my clients might need.” “It’s so rewarding to share this experience with so many people, guide them, and grow close through the process.” When marketing properties, Chris draws upon her industry insight and the helping hands of her support staff to ready each home for its debut. Beginning with highquality photography, she casts a wide net across social media and the leading online listing platforms. From there, she targets key demographics to source ideal buyers in short order. Properties also benefit from her broad visibility within the regional community. In the past, Chris served on the board for the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce and now gives back in an advisory capacity. Additionally, she serves on the District 181 Foundation board, and is the co-founder of a veteran’s support charity group based in her hometown, which hosts the Red, White, and Blues event to support servicemembers and their families.

As for the future of her business, Chris shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. She plans to continue on her steady path, serving aspiring homeowners and sellers within her community. Now, with three decades of insight behind her, Chris considers what she values most about her chosen field. “I love getting a chance to meet so many new people and making friends along the way,” she says. “It’s an aspect of my career that’s been very fun, and it’s so rewarding to share this experience with so many people, guide them, and grow close through the process. It really has been wonderful to have so many special people in my life because of what I do.”

Chris Pequet

Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty | Hinsdale, IL 630.327.5175 | chris@chrispequet.com | www.chrispequet.com 14

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. 15

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. 16

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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

featuredagent Nykole Wyatt magazine

Nykole Wyatt is nothing if not determined — determined to learn, to help, and to serve. Prior to her success in the real estate business, Nykole handled insurance claims, but when she started to become jaded in that role, she knew it was time for a change. With a Master’s degree in Public Administration and the need for a new professional challenge, she was referred by a friend to Valarie R. Brooks, a top producing agent who had just launched her own firm. At that point, Nykole’s only experience with real estate was buying a home herself, but she set her mind on success, and after only a couple of months working part-time, joined the agency full-time and full-force.

With a natural knack for the real estate business, Nykole was continuously encouraged, mentored, and motivated by Valarie R. Brooks and went on to earn her Broker’s license just a couple of years later. Today, with a lot of hard work and consistent effort, Nykole is recognized as a top producer and partner at Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate. Recently, she was honored to receive the prestigious ‘40 under 40’ award from her alma mater, North Carolina Central University, to acknowledge her accomplishments in real estate and the progress she is making in the community.

Nykole serves clients throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and practices all types of real estate including residential, commercial, land, rentals, and property management. She does not believe in limiting herself, and even encourages people to contact her for recommendations outside of her extensive service area. “No matter what, we will make sure we get the job done,” Nykole says. “Here at Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate, we believe in putting clients first.”

Sharing her knowledge about all aspects of the home buying process allows for Nykole’s clients to make informed and sound decisions. “Every month I offer a free workshop for first-time homebuyers and anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. I believe in educating people

and letting them know what incentives are available and how to maximize the power of real estate to build generational wealth,” she explains. “I’m big on creating legacies and I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to help.”

By building a solid reputation based on trust and transparency, Nykole has earned an impressive 90% referral rate. “I’m not going to tell someone what they want to hear unless it’s the truth, especially if something is not in their best interest,” she says. “My actions speak for themselves. I have a naturally serving spirit, and I have been helping people all my life.”

Outside of the office, Nykole sits on the board of the Charlotte Chapter of the North Carolina Central University Alumni Association as the Correspondence Secretary. This year marks her fifth and final year in the position and she is already looking ahead to new opportunities on the board. She has been a speaker at college and youth events, and takes part in various community efforts including volunteering for the Prodigal Son, Hashtag Lunchbags and leads the company’s yearly blanket drive for the homeless, called Blanket Blessings. “I help any time that I can and I try to do anything I’m asked to do,” Nykole shares. She is also a self-declared “foodie” and loves to try new restaurants and visit wineries with her friends. She enjoys surrounding herself with productive people who are making an impact in their respective fields, and says she learned a long time ago that, “You are the sum total of the five closet people to you, and your network is your net worth.”

Nykole, a published author, is currently penning her second book, Success Leave Clues, in which she shares stories, tips, and trades learned on her road to success. Full of big ideas and plans for the future, Nykole intends to work closely with her partner, Valarie, to grow the brand of Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate. Although the company is a small boutique firm with an already large presence, Nykole chimes, “Why stop there? We plan to build this company to be recognized alongside the big names.” No stranger to hard work, Nykole believes that with effort, determination and God, anything is possible. “It is by God’s grace that I am where I am. The trials and tribulations I’ve gone through have made me the person I am today,” she shares. “I’m still growing, learning, and I’m loving the life I’m living.” With faith at the forefront of everything she does, Nykole is sure to continue making her clients’ dreams a reality, as well as her own.

Nykole Wyatt

Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate | Charlotte, NC 704.258.7046 | Nykole@ValarieRBrooks.com | www.ValarieRBrooks.com You can connect with Nykole on all social media platforms. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @KolesKeys Linkedin: Nykole Wyatt

Avoid these

mortgage mistakes

Applying for a mortgage is exciting, because it’s the first step toward becoming a homeowner. But the process can also feel invasive, intimidating, and a little overwhelming. After all, it’s not every day that someone you don’t really know takes a deep dive into your financial life while holding your future in their hands. If you’re wondering what you can do to make the process go more smoothly, here are five things not to do when applying for a mortgage:

Change Jobs — Stability is one of the most important things loan officers are looking for. Immediately before or during the mortgage approval process is not the right time to switch careers, start your own business, leave a job or make the move from a salaried position to a commission-based income. Even if you’re not crazy about your current job, grin and bear it until you have completed the home buying process. Once you’re happily settled in your new home, you can start looking for a great new gig. 18

Open or Close Credit Cards — During the mortgage approval process, every financial decision you make is going to be under scrutiny. Opening a new credit card can appear to be a reckless move, particularly if you run it up to its limit quickly. With that in mind, it might seem like closing any unused credit accounts you have would be a good idea. Wrong again. That will change your debt-to-income ratio and possibly hurt your chances of approval. Remember, your loan officer is looking for stability and responsibility, which is why you need to stay the course when it comes to credit. Co-Sign a Loan — Co-signing a loan might seem harmless, because you’re just helping someone out. You’re not really responsible for paying it back, right? Not true. Co-signing a loan can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated credit. The fact is, you are 100% responsible for paying that loan back if the other party can’t (or just doesn’t want to). In fact, a recent survey

You need to stay the course when it comes to credit. shows that nearly 40% of co-signers actually end up responsible for paying back the co-signed loan. Even after your mortgage is approved, you should always think twice about co-signing; in most cases it’s just not worth the risk.

Make a Late Payment — The excitement of the home-buying process can be hectic and unpredictable, which may cause you to let other things slide. But making a late payment on a credit card (or any other) bill, can spell disaster during the mortgage approval process. Just one late payment can cause a dip in your credit score that may be alarming enough to deny you the loan. Additionally, many lenders require a 12-month record of on-time payments on all accounts as one of the baseline measurements to be considered for a mortgage. To avoid overlooking paying bills during this busy time, set up everything you Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

can on auto-pay so you know all your bills are being taken care of.

Move Money Around — Unusual activity in any of your accounts is going to be a red flag for a mortgage loan officer. Avoid large cash deposits and moving big sums of money between accounts. If you receive any cash gifts intended to help with your down payment, the gift giver may be required to provide documentation that the money was given for that reason and does not need to be paid back.

Now that you know what not to do when applying for a mortgage, you can focus on the excitement of preparing to buy a house. Remember, virtually everyone who has ever purchased a home has gone through the mortgage approval process and lived to tell about it, and you will, too. Good luck!

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