May 2022 Southern by Featured Agent

May 2022

Emily Walter also featured:

Keith A. Duncan Top 10 Traits of successful real estate agents

Home improvements

that add value Productivity boosters —

Get more done every day

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Top 10 Traits of successful real estate agents

Productivity boosters — Get more done every day

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t featured cover agent

Emily Walter

q featured agent

Keith A. Duncan

buyers &sellers 4

Create a beautifully staged home

Bank on it — Home improvements that add value

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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.

Eliminate stacks of mail, magazines, catalogs, newspapers, and any other extra paper. Box up knick-knacks, 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.

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).

Be a Cleaning Machine — A clean house is a

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:

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.

Quick tips Visit local model homes to stay current on design trends Make sure the home smells as fresh as it looks Clean out closets and cabinets to show off storage space Arrange furniture to create room-to-room flow Hang extra-plush, pure white towels to give bathrooms spa-like ambiance house that sells quickly. Be sure the home is thoroughly cleaned 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 minds and let their imaginations run wild. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Let There Be Light —Take down any heavy, or dark 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 much 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 the entry area clean and free of excess debris 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 colorful new welcome mat for the perfect finishing touch. 5

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. 6

Emily Walter

Emily Walter As all real estate professionals are aware, this business is about so much more than just buying and selling homes. It’s about making connections — with your clients, with your peers, and within your community. Building these important relationships comes easy for Executive Broker/REALTOR® Emily Walter of RE/MAX Elite of Conway, Arkansas, and has helped her find great success along the way. After obtaining a degree in Interior Design from the University of Central Arkansas, Emily went to work as a designer and visual merchandiser for a high-end furniture retailer, and later, worked for a major cell phone company. However, after experiencing two corporate buyouts, Emily knew this was not the path for her. “I got tired of the corporate life and I just knew there was something else out there for me,” she said. With her background in interior design and a passion for historical homes, Emily obtained her license in 2013, and quickly found the real estate industry to be a natural fit.

Currently assisting buyers and sellers in all of Central Arkansas, Emily especially enjoys working with firsttime homebuyers and recently discovered a new niche finding short-term rental properties for her clients. Home to UCA, Central Baptist College and Hendrix College, Conway gets an influx of parents who prefer an AirBnB property over a hotel when coming to town to visit their college kids. Emily’s extensive knowledge of the area along with her own experience in owning short-term rental properties is a huge asset to those who are looking to invest for themselves. “I know what to look for as far as what the traffic is like in certain areas, proximity to the highways, and how much they can expect to rent their property for,” Emily stated. “The market is amazing right now and I love that I get to be the matchmaker in finding the right home to fit my clients’ needs.” Emily likes to stress to clients and even newcomers to the business, that real estate isn’t all glitz and glamour as it’s often portrayed. It’s important to find an agent who

“I offer a concierge service to all my clients whether they closed five days ago or five years ago. Just because we’re done at the closing table doesn’t mean you’re done with me!”

is well-rounded and experienced in all aspects of the business. “It’s not just a fun show you see on tv. There is so much more that goes into it and you have to find a REALTOR® who can analyze the market and strategize accordingly, as well as someone who knows the area well. I’ve become that local expert who can answer all your questions,” says Emily. That’s exactly who she set out to be and it’s exactly the reputation she’s earned.

So much so, that Emily estimates at least 98% of her business comes from referrals and repeat clients. It’s understandable that so many trust Emily with what is often one of the most important transactions of their life, in part because of the gold standard of service she provides her clients. “I offer a concierge service to all my clients whether they closed five days ago or five years ago. Just because we’re done at the closing table doesn’t mean you’re done with me! My clients know they can call me anytime for anything,” Emily says. “My slogan has become, ‘I’ve got a guy for that’ because I know the best of the best when it comes to any type of service you might need for your home. My connections have helped me become a leader in this business.”

Although Emily’s strong connection with her clients stems from her expertise, she is also part of a three person team called ‘The Emily Walter Team.’ After seeing her business grow each year, her husband, Jeremy, quit his job to help Emily with their marketing and short term Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“I don’t look at a home and see it as a paycheck. I see it as part of someone’s story. I believe certain homes were meant for certain people and I love being the matchmaker and taking them down the path to their perfect home. I get to be part of their story.” rentals. With his degree in Graphic Design, it was the perfect fit. Jamie Hammond also joined the team at the end of 2021, and works alongside Emily with their buyers and sellers.

Like many busy REALTORS,® Emily doesn’t have a ton of spare time, but she does like to carve out time to stay active in her community. She teaches Sunday School to high schoolers, volunteers in her church’s food pantry at least once a month, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Conway Symphony Orchestra, as well as on the Historic District Commission for the city of Conway. Emily is most proud of her collaboration with the city to create an interactive walking tour where participants can learn about some of the most famous historic homes in the downtown area.

As far as what the future holds for Emily, she is intent on growing her team and her brand so she can continue helping clients achieve their dreams. “I don’t look at a home and see it as a paycheck. I see it as part of someone’s story. I believe certain homes were meant for certain people and I love being the matchmaker and taking them down the path to their perfect home. I get to be part of their story,” says Emily. “This is my passion … my niche and it’s what I’ve always wanted.”

Emily Walter

RE/MAX Elite | Conway, Arkansas 501.269.8688 | emilywalterrealtor@gmail.com | www.emilywaltertherealtor.com 10

Bank on it — Home improvements that add value There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when home improvement projects take center stage. Whether you’re preparing to put your home on the market, or simply want to spruce it up and make some upgrades for your own enjoyment, there are several improvements that give you a great return on your investment. Here are the improvements that always add to a home’s value.

Back to Basics — It may not be as glamorous as say, adding a steam shower (more on that later), but when considering home improvements, it’s always best to start with basic care and maintenance. Repairing or replacing worn plumbing and leaky windows are a great place to start. Consider adding extra insulation and upgrading your HVAC system to keep your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Hunt for cracks and leaks in the foundation and have them repaired. Basically, if it’s involved with the structural integrity of the home, it needs to be inspected and fixed (if necessary) before starting any other projects. Doing so not only helps your home maintain its value, it catches small problems before they have a chance to turn into expensive emergency repairs.

Take it Outside — Once you have the basics covered inside, it’s time to do the same outside. Trim trees and hedges, get your lawn looking green and lush and plant flowers to add color. Be sure there are no tree roots heading for the pipes or overgrown limbs interfering with gutters or drainage. Conversely, if your front or back yard is looking too plain, add plants, trees, or decorative rocks. No one wants to look at a yard that’s little more than dirt, especially if you’re in the process of trying to sell.

Open Up Space — Whether your family is growing or you’d just like a little more breathing room, creating more space is one of the most meaningful home improvements you can make. The sale price of a home can increase up to 30% for every 1,000 square feet of space added, making it easily worth the investment. If you’re not up for the process or expense of doing an actual addition, strategically removing existing walls can create the illusion of more room and give you much more workable living space.

Create a Beautiful Bathroom — Today’s busy, stressed out homeowners want maximum relaxation with minimal time and effort. Replacing your seldom-used bathtub with a spacious walk-in shower is an unbeatable upgrade that will always add value, not to mention aesthetic appeal. Extra points if it’s a floor-to-ceiling steam shower for the ultimate spa-like experience.

Cook Up an Island — Ditch the breakfast nook or high-top bar counter and elevate your kitchen by adding an island. It will bring in extra storage and muchneeded counter space, not to mention being the stuff Instagram envy is made of. If a built-in island isn’t in the cards, there are many stylish moveable kitchen islands that can give you the same look and functionality at a fraction of the cost. If you’re not sure an island is the way to go, a portable island can help you decide if you want to follow through with building a permanent one.

Look Under Your Feet — Flooring is an often overlooked aspect of your home that can either detract or add value. If your tile or hardwood floors are still structurally sound but looking a little worse for wear, have them thoroughly cleaned and polished. If your place is still bogged down in wall-to-wall carpet, it’s definitely time to do something about it. If you can’t afford to go all out and replace every room with new flooring, start with largest living area and work your way through the rest of the house.

Get Green — Adding green home features, such as solar panels, super-efficient HVAC systems, or low-flow plumbing instantly increase your home’s value. Many prospective homeowners are looking for green homes and won’t even consider listings that don’t have at least a few green features. Plus, it won’t take long to reap a return on your investment when you see how much you save on utilities.

These are just a few of the upgrades that can add value and beauty to your home. When choosing what home improvements to pursue, adding value is important, but what’s even more important is that the change you make adds to the love and enjoyment of your home.

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? 12

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 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. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Oftentimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone to propel you to the next level in your business. month, you simply cannot afford to not utilize it. 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.

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 several billion active users on Facebook every Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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 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. 13

KEITH A. DUNCAN

Since becoming an agent, Keith has represented luxury listings, received training from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to become certified, and launched his own home probate company. Keith’s probate team consists of experts in law, estate sale, cleaning, and repairs who assist in the preparation and listing of a departed loved one’s home or property. Having gone through the home probate process a few years ago with his own parents, Keith empathizes with clients and wants to make the process as painless as possible. Unlike non-specialized real estate agents, who don’t necessarily have the knowledge to handle the specific ins and outs of the probate process, Keith’s team knows its stuff. “My team goes a step above in assisting clients in the process of probate and holding their hand throughout.” Keith has plans to help even more people by adding on additional team members and expanding into other states.

As an agent, Keith stands apart thanks to his communication skills and desire to understand his clients. “I stay in communication,” he explains. “Not just in contact, but in communication. I listen to my clients’ needs and apply them in my searches and recommendations. I build up a friendship with my clients, which, in turn, helps with referrals.” In fact, Keith receives approximately half of his business through referrals. “But, for me, the goal is to make my clients feel I am 100% on their side.”

IT WOULD BE UNDERSTANDABLE for a marketing expert who spent two decades consulting for some of the technology industry’s biggest brands to retire after he’d had his fill of success. Denham Springs-based real estate agent Keith A. Duncan of Keller Williams enjoyed such a career before deciding to try his hand at a different path. “I retired a few years ago, but as a somewhat younger person, retirement was not good for me,” Keith says. So, he chose to learn the trade and dive into real estate. Serving mid- to south Louisiana, Keith brings considerable experience to bear as he incorporates his marketing and technology skills, including social media and SEO, with the wisdom passed on to him by real estate veterans through extensive classes and online webinars. 14

Going hand-in-hand with Keith’s desire to create a sense of trust is his personal value of connecting with his clients. “I relate with the clients and their personal situations, whether they’re looking for a home with proper schools, or they are looking for retirement homes, or investment properties.” In order to give each and every person the focus they deserve, Keith limits his number of clients. “I do not take too many clients on at one time, so that I can give each one individualized, specialized service.”

Even as he focuses on quality of relationships over quantity of clients, Keith has been honored with a 2021 Top Agent Award for fastest-growing agent in his region. “I was very thankful,” he says. “I worked hard building up my business, connecting with clients and taking care of them.” Keith especially appreciates the chance to represent his clients at the negotiation table. “I enjoy

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“I ENJOY GETTING MY CLIENT THE BEST SQUARE DEAL POSSIBLE, WHETHER AS A LISTING AGENT OR AS A BUYER’S AGENT.”

getting my client the best square deal possible, whether as a listing agent or as a buyer’s agent.”

“From a personal point of view, I am most proud of receiving my certification in social assistance for suicide victims and their families.” Keith is also involved in fundraising and financial assistance for the Shriners Hospital for Children, which provides care at no cost for patients.

At home, Keith is joyfully involved with his family, including his daughter and grandson. “I have a grandson who is named after me and I am enjoying the opportunity to help raise him into a good, strong-valued person.” One of Keith’s own lasting values that he is sure to pass on to his grandson is persistence. “The best piece of career advice I ever received was from a college professor, when I was starting my first venture. He told me to persevere. That has been my motto ever since.”

KEITH A. DUNCAN

KELLER WILLIAMS | DENHAM SPRINGS, LA 225.362.0671 | KADUNCAN@GMAIL.COM | WWW.KADUNCAN.COM Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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