October 2018

October 2018

Top 10 Reasons to use a REALTOR®

Lisa Levina

also featured: Adam Glick Esin Susol

Warm up —

Fall home staging tips

contents

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professionals 4

Warm up — Fall home staging tips

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5 Tricks to throwing a memorable networking event

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t featured cover agent

Lisa Levina q featured agent

Adam Glick

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q featured agent

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Esin Susol

buyers&sellers 7

Top 10 Reasons to use a REALTORÂŽ

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Real estate designations — What you need to know

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Warm up — Fall home staging tips

As the days get shorter, the air gets cooler, and the leaves start crunching underfoot, there’s no mistaking it — fall has arrived! That means it’s time to get back to creating cozy, inviting spaces when staging your listings — so put away the nautical accents and sunbleached colors and break out the decorative pumpkins and spicy scented candles. Here are several ways you can stage a home for fall.

Start Outside — Creating a fall feeling begins before you even open the front door. Place a pumpkin on the porch, create a grouping of potted fall flowers such as mums, coneflowers and asters, and hang a beautiful fall wreath on the door to establish an autumn mood from the very start. Add a new welcome mat 4

to catch moisture and mud and keep the yard looking neat and tidy by making sure leaves are raked and gutters are clear.

Shift the Color Palette — This fall’s color trends are a comforting mix of earth and sky. Worldwide color authority Pantone points to medium blues, mid-tone golds, and rustic reds, grounded by deep grays and warm taupe, as the colors of the season. Incorporate these hues into accent pieces, wall art, throw rugs, bed linens and towels to create an on-trend look.

Add Touchable Textures — While summer is all about keeping cool, fall is time to get cozy. Bring out the throw blankets and add extra decorative pillows Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Quick Fall Staging Tips • Incorporate on-trend colors including medium blue, gold, deep gray & taupe • Bring back cozy textures like corduroy, tweed & faux fur • Showcase arrangements of autumn leaves, fruits & vegetables • Add a special touch with fall home fragrance • Don’t overdo Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations

pears, gourds or ornamental pumpkins are an easy, inexpensive way to add a fall feeling to any room.

Soaking pumpkins and gourds in a mix of warm water and dish soap for 10 minutes, then letting them dry thoroughly in a warm, sunny window before putting them on display will help them last longer.

in rich fabrics like corduroy, brocade, faux fur, and microfiber suede. Just like we layer clothing this time of year, layering textiles creates a feeling of stylish warmth.

Incorporate Seasonal Scents — Pumpkin spice, warm vanilla, energizing cinnamon, juicy pomegranate — fall is filled with delicious scents that create a warm and welcoming feeling. Place candles or reed diffusers in strategic places throughout the home to subtly scent the air with these evocative aromas.

For an extra luxurious touch, add similarly scented hand soaps to each bathroom.

Embrace the Harvest — Decorative ceramic, wooden, or enameled metal bowls filled with apples,

Remember, fall isn’t just a season, it’s a state of mind.

Now you’re ready to stage a home for fall, even if you live a climate that still feels more like summer.

Rearrange the Room — Shift the focus from the outside and bring it back into the heart of the home.

Arrange clustered groupings of furniture to create areas that are conducive to conservation. If the room has a fireplace, make that the focal point by directing seating toward it and enhancing the mantle with a garland of fall foliage.

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Light it Up — Fall’s shorter days and softer light means you’ll want to make sure the home’s interior is well-lit for showings in the afternoon and evening.

Make sure to turn on lights in every room and have warm light visible in the front windows to create an inviting glow.

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featuredagent Adam Glick magazine

A native Angeleno who grew up on the Westside, Adam Glick has quickly become a rising star. Adam graduated from the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in psychology, focused on special education. While he enjoyed a successful turn working with special needs children upon graduation, he soon set his sights on real estate as his next challenge, and set out to build a brand, honing his skillset and forging lasting relationships with clients of all kinds. Today, Adam has built a strong following based on an honorable reputation for personalized service, strong moral character and a proven track record.

Likewise, he has earned impressive accolades along the way, including a $4,225,000 sale, which still holds the record as the highest price per square foot residence in Cheviot Hills.

Even with his successes, Adam remains humble and attuned to his clients’ needs — whether buying or selling. In fact, he serves a diverse array of clients that includes first-time homebuyers, downsizing seniors, those selling homes due to the loss of elderly family members, fixer-uppers and everywhere in between. Adam also works with developers and rebuilds older properties. Based on the Westside, he serves the regional market from Beverly Hills to Venice, Santa Monica to the Palisades. As part of the Ron Wynn Team of Coldwell Banker, Adam has also managed to accrue roughly 50% of his business through repeat and referral clientele.

To account for his successes thus far, Adam cites honesty, a collaborative attitude, and an unflagging work ethic as the central attributes of his working style. “I’m client-driven,” he explains. “To me, it’s never about a single transaction. I always make myself available and know that communication is extremely important. I never want clients to second-guess or wonder what’s going on during a transaction. I always follow up with feedback and keep them informed throughout.”

Adam builds a rapport with his clientele through listening, asking questions, and taking a cooperative approach. “Trust, respect, and communication are central to what I do,” he says. “I let my clients know what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. It’s important to be honest, be yourself, and let clients like you for who you are. That way, we can work as a team together.”

When it comes to listing properties, Adam’s record-breaking experience may speak for itself, but he applies an effective combination of traditional and digital marketing to net ideal results for home sellers. “I want to add value for my clients,” he says. “I really have all types of services to offer — from access to contractors and painters, to handymen. I want my clients to know me as more than the average REALTOR® — as someone energetic, down to earth, and hungry to do better.”

While online exposure is an integral component of marketing, Adam also spends multiple hours on door-knocking excursions that ensure he builds a face-to-face relationship with the community. He also credits his educational background and first-hand knowledge of the city as key factors that separate him from the everyday agent. “I’m a good listener and good observer,” he explains. “You have to look outside the box, and I’ve really benefited from my education in that way. I believe in hard work and I know nothing is given to you in this business, so I’m always focusing on solutions and next steps.”

To give back to his hometown, Adam takes an active role in the community landscape. He participates in an annual Thanksgiving food drive for the Westside Food Bank, spends time at area senior living homes where he presides as a bingo master and a jack-of-all-trades volunteer, and he also partners with local schools to reconnect with his passion for education and special needs children. In his remaining free hours beyond the office and community commitments, Adam most enjoys time spent with family and loved ones, staying active through sports, catching a live show, and hitting the beach.

Looking toward the future, Adam is focused on increasing his growth and expanding into development, further cementing his brand, and continuing his steadfast service in the Westside community. Finally, Adam Glick considers lessons learned and what he values most about his chosen field. “It’s all about building relationships,” he says. “Honesty always wins and I work hard and do whatever it takes to makes the whole process a smooth success for my clients. There are always things that are out of our control, but it’s about staying calm and continuing on strong,” he continues. “What I love about this business is that no two days are the same. From one day to the next, I can help a first-time buyer into a great home, or I can help an elderly couple downsize. Either way, buying or selling involves the biggest investments of someone’s life, and for me to be part of that is extremely humbling, exciting, and very rewarding as well.”

Adam Glick Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | Santa Monica, CA 310.488.4410 | adamrglick@gmail.com 6

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Top 10 Reasons to use a REALTOR®

With so many online real estate resources available today, it’s tempting to think you can buy or sell a home without the help of a professional. But there are lots of great reasons you should use a real estate agent. Here are our Top 10: Market Knowledge — Savvy agents stay up-to-date on everything that’s happening in their local real estate market.

Objectivity — Real estate transactions are inherently emotional; an agent can help you keep things in perspective.

Negotiating Skills — Having someone negotiate on your behalf is priceless. Look for an agent who has the CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert) designation for even more skill.

Inside Information — Agents are often ahead of the MLS when it comes to new listings.

Emotional Support — Who can you call at 3am because you’re just not sure about the color of that bathroom tile? Your agent, of course!

Trusted Partner Network — Agents spend a lot of time building up networks of trustworthy service providers.

Professional Marketing — When it comes to listings, image is everything. An agent has access to the pros to make your house look amazing online (and IRL).

Guidance with Inspections — An agent will negotiate the most crucial fixes to help ensure a deal doesn’t get derailed by the property inspection.

Ethical Treatment — All REALTORS® must follow a strict code of ethics designed to protect their clients.

Support at Closing — Your agent will be your partner throughout the process and help you understand everything that happens at the closing (and probably take you out to celebrate after!).

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5 Tricks to throwing a

memorable networking event While networking connects you with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners, hosting a networking event can position you as a professional leader in your area.

Of course, making your event memorable requires planning and execution, and if you haven’t tried to organize an event like this before, the prospect may seem overwhelming. With that in mind, consider these techniques as you curate a networking event that’s sure to impress.

Minimize Hurdles — For your networking event to memorable, it must be well-attended. Accordingly, consider fine-tuning details that make it simpler for invitees to say yes and show up. For instance, e-invites with an easy-to-follow link for event registration make signing up simple for guests, while also making it easy for you to count heads. Likewise, pick a wellknown, centrally located venue with ample parking.

Consider incorporating an automated e-mail reminder close to your event date, that way guests are virtually ushered through the front door.

Incorporate Local or Holidays Events — One way to attract area professionals to your networking event is to create a natural tie-in with an already occurring holiday or occasion. For instance, a viewing party for a major sporting event, a Labor Day barbecue, or a Christmas-themed meet and greet are chances to capitalize on already spirited occasions. This will add a natural ambiance of comradery and celebration between attendees, giving a sense of theme and direction to your event.

Connect Others — To ensure that your networking event delivers its aim — bringing people together from across the business community — it is your job to play host among your guests. Introduce yourself to as many people as possible and once you find commonality between different guests or groups, play matchmaker and provide an introduction. Connecting others will build energy in your event, and you’ll reap the rewards as host.

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Creating a hub where professionals can network with others in and outside of their field is an excellent way to grow your business, brand, and position.

Anchor Your Attendees — Though you can’t be everywhere at once, you can enlist a few close colleagues to help you meet and greet your guests. At a networking event, the last thing you want is stale conversation and attendees who refuse to mingle. That’s why anchoring your guest list with a few friends who have outgoing social skills is a surefire way to keep energy high. Jumpstart your event by planting a few people who can keep conversation flowing and make introductions between guests.

Keep in Touch — The whole point of a networking event is to connect like-minded professionals. In the world of real estate, knowing the agents, brokers, and lenders around town can go a long way in streamlining a transaction. Of course, to capitalize on these connections, you’ll need to find ways to stay in touch long after the event is over. Follow up the week after your event to thank guests for their attendance and offer to connect them with other attendees they might have hit it off with. You may consider touching base again a few months later in preparation for your next event, or choose a few new faces and invite them to meet up for coffee or lunch to keep the conversation going.

Creating a hub where professionals can network with others in and outside of their field is an excellent way to grow your business, brand, and position. Keep these tips in mind as you put together a memorable networking event in the future. If all goes well, you’ll have made new contacts, broadened your horizons, and created a welcome opportunity for others to do the same.

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Lisa Levina Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Lisa Levina

In 1986, Elizabeth “Lisa” Levina first staked her claim in the real estate world by building an impressive portfolio of investment properties. Before that, she earned a Master’s Degrees in Business and Finance from the prestigious Oxford University and went on to command successful enterprises in the home furnishings industry for over 20 years.

When she earned her license and made the transition to real estate full-time in 2005, it was in pursuit of an authentic passion. Now, she owns and serves as the Principal Broker of New Vista Horizons, Inc., an intrepid real estate outfit based in Manhattan.

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Over the course of her lengthy industry tenure, Lisa has made a name for herself as a consummate professional and a dynamic talent.

Today, Lisa’s business serves all five of New York City’s boroughs, as well as Florida’s Miami metro region and southwest Florida’s North Port and Port Charlotte communities. In the Sunshine State, Lisa built her experience back in 2006 working alongside one of Florida’s largest and oldest developers.

Applying her seasoned insight and education, as

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“I love the thrill of the deal, and I plan to continue helping my associates excel in their business.

I also love making sure people are empowered to build wealth — turning from renters, to buyers, to owners.” well as her ability to speak seven languages, Lisa consistently sets herself apart as a professional with a personal touch and an international pedigree. She has also earned a host of designations over the years, including Certified Buyer’s Representative and Master Certified Negotiating Expert. Likewise, she is a New York State Certified real estate instructor, further underscoring her in-depth knowledge of the industry.

Heading an office of exceptional agents that she personally handpicked, Lisa describes her business model as a comprehensive boutique firm that takes a tailored approach to every client and property — from sales and new development marketing, to rentals in both residential and commercial markets.

“We’re a boutique, full-service company located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. We want to remain a boutique firm to provide that individual, hands-on care for our clients,” she explains. “Our style is very personalized and I supervise each and every one of my clients’ needs, in addition to leading a very qualified team of professionals. We also work with a great team of attorneys, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, home inspectors, and appraisers. We’re a one-stop destination for real estate. We give absolute honesty and loyalty to our customers and clients, and always have their interests at heart.”

lasting relationships and longevity as a real estate professional. “I have extensive real estate knowledge in general and in local markets,” says Lisa. “My credentials and uncompromising loyalty and commitment guides clients through the process, from beginning to end. The advantage of working with a boutique real estate firm is that every client is a VIP, not just a number. It’s a unique experience to be surrounded by and working with true professionals that I’ve personally trained. All of my associates come from the real estate school where I teach, and I only choose the best of the best.”

When it comes to giving back, Lisa takes an active role in charitable and professional organizations alike. As a certified real estate instructor, she is hands-on in coaching rising talent and is passionate

Beyond her professional philosophy, Lisa’s track record is well-proven. She has been recognized as Producer of the Year in her company for the last four years — a clear indicator of her ability to deliver. Additionally, 80% of her business is driven by repeat and referral clientele, which speaks to her

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about teaching licensing and ongoing education courses. Lisa also supports Temple Shaaray Tefila, where she is a member of the Social Action Committee and supports the soup kitchen. Lisa is a committed member of REBNY, and active in the Small Firms Committee. Additionally, she supports MSK, the Humane Society of New York, the Wounded Warriors Project, Disabled American Veterans, and is the Vice President of the Russian Department at Bnai Zion Organization. In her remaining free hours, she most enjoys travel and exploring open houses and new construction properties.

Looking ahead, Lisa intends to maintain her superlative standard of client care, while fostering the next generation of real estate professionals through her commitment as a teacher. Now, with decades of experience behind her, and a steadfast eye on the future, Lisa Levina considers what she enjoys most about her chosen profession. “I love the thrill of the deal, and I plan to continue helping my associates excel in their business,” she says. “I also love making sure people are empowered to build wealth — turning from renters, to buyers, to owners.”

Lisa Levina New Vista Horizons, Inc. | New York, NY 212.563.6999 | lisa@nvhny.com | www.nvhny.com 12

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Real estate designations — What you need to know The real estate industry is laden with opportunities for professionals within the field to continue their education for a lifetime. In fact, any agent identifying as a professional REALTOR,® has committed to abide by a very strict Code of Ethics, as mandated by the National Association of REALTORS.® In addition to adhering to these standards of professionalism, many real estate agents choose to earn additional certifications in specialized fields within real estate.

From a consumer’s standpoint, these extra-mile efforts signify a real estate professional’s dedication to education and a true desire to serve as an advocate for buyers and sellers. Here is a look at some of the many designations that real estate agents opt to earn through the Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

National Association of REALTORS,® and other real estate associations.

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) When an agent has the initials ABR after their name, this indicates they have earned the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation through the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council. Agents with the ABR designation have completed the requirements which focus on working directly with buyers through all stages of buying a home.

Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) — Real estate professionals who boast the initials CCIM after their name have earned this 13

Although agents are not required to earn any of these specific designations, when you find an agent who has multiple initials after their name, you can rely on the fact that the agent has invested his or her own money to continue their education and sharpen their skills, all in effort to best serve you as a consumer. designation after 200 hours of classroom and professional experiential requirements. The Certified Commercial Investment Member designation is earned through the CCIM Institute. REALTORS,® brokers, property managers, developers, asset managers, leasing professionals and others choose to earn this degree as the education and training involved yields realworld expertise in negotiation, along with financial, market and investment analysis.

the Military Relocation Professional certification aims to educate real estate professionals on the unique needs that current and former military service members may have, and how to best serve military clients.

Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) — Agents who have earned the CIPS designation through the National Association of REALTORS® successfully attended and completed five full-day courses which focus on vital and unique aspects of international real estate transactions.

Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) — The SRS designation is earned through the Real Estate Business Institute, and is considered a premier credential for listing and selling agents. Requirements to earn this designation include specific educational and practical experiences. Achieving the Seller Representative Specialist designation denotes that agents have dedicated themselves to elevating professional standards, and demonstrate that they maintain the knowledge and skills vital to professionally, and ethically represent home sellers.

e-Pro — The e-Pro designation is earned through the National Association of REALTORS.® This program focuses on sophisticated technology and digital initiatives, and how to apply tech to real estate, as a means of better serving clients’ needs.

Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR) These initials indicate that a real estate professional has successfully completed a program designed to work with distressed sellers, in conjunction with finance tax and legal professionals to help them through a short sale. Agents who have earned this are also seasoned in negotiating with lenders, and protecting buyers.

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) — The CRS designation is the highest credential a residential sales agent, manager, or broker can earn, and is offered through the Council of Residential Specialists. Out of more than 1 million REALTORS,® less than 3% have earned the designation of Certified Residential Specialist.

Agents who earn this designation, complete nearly twice as many transactions annually, compared to other agents.

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) — Offered through the National Association of REALTORS,® agents who have earned the GRI designation have gone through additional education and training in legal and regulatory issues, along with an emphasis on technology, sales processes, and professional standards.

Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Presented by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, 14

Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) — The fastest growing market in real estate continues to be clients over the age of 50. The SRES Designation program is an educational program which teaches real estate professionals how to ethically serve this specific market. The SRES designation is available

It’s worth noting that individual state real estate associations often offer additional designations, which REALTORS® may also opt to earn. Although agents are not required to earn any of these specific designations, when you find an agent who has multiple initials after their name, you can rely on the fact that the agent has invested his or her own money to continue their education and sharpen their skills, all in effort to best serve you as a consumer.

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featuredagent Esin Susol magazine

Esin Susol has built a strong reputation for success in international sales. Originally from Istanbul, Esin made the move to Boston eight years ago and began working as a Foreign Marketing and Sales Deputy Manager, successfully increasing her company’s exports by a 25% share. “Through personalized attention to clients and coordinated contracts and projects, we created new business from the start,” Esin recounts. “We negotiated and successfully closed distribution contracts from some of the largest manufacturers in the world. With years of experience in sales and marketing, I now combine all of my expertise into my real estate business.” Since earning her license, Esin has swiftly made a name for herself as a dedicated agent with a true passion for her work. “My interest in real estate began a few years ago when we purchased our first home,” Esin remembers.

“I fell in love with the whole process, and now, real estate is more than an interest to me — it’s a complete commitment.”

Based in Boston, Esin primarily serves the metro region, including the South Shore and North Shore areas where she has regularly paired with investors. In addition to her years of hands-on experience in sales and marketing, Esin comes well-equipped with a formal pedigree. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, as well as a Master’s Degree in Global Marketing and Strategic Business Management, and an additional Master’s Degree in International Business. With more than half of her business driven by repeat and referral clientele, she has also built a proven track record of success in short order. As a highly vetted professional, Esin cites communication, strategy, and diligence as some of the key drivers of her professional philosophy. “One of my driving mantras in both life and business is, ‘Attitude is a little thing that makes a huge difference,’” she says. “Listening with understanding and empathy is crucial when meeting my clients’ expectations.

My number one goal is negotiating the best price and best deal for my clients. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation, but takes seconds to destroy it. That’s a guiding principle in

how I conduct my business. Being ethical pays more in the long run, and I take pride in the relationships I build. I work relentlessly on my clients’ behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals, no matter how small, difficult, sensitive, or out of the ordinary the deal may be.”

To market listings, Esin puts her education and professional background to mindful use. Likewise, she stays ahead of the game and incorporates social media and digital marketing to promote wide-ranging visibility for properties on the market.

“I believe thinking and operating like a marketer is very important in our business,” Esin says. “A central aspect of marketing involves interpreting the data and targeting the right audience.

I try to gain insight into different personality types and different approaches for engagement. At the end of the day, we are in a people business. Knowing how to read people and understand their needs makes me more effective with my marketing.” Rounding out her skillset, Esin also holds several designations and certificates that speak to her versatility and knowledge as an agent. She earned the Certified Buyer Representative designation (CBR) and is trained in marketing for luxury homes and estates from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. Recently, she even began taking event planning courses to round out her skillset. “I like to put all my skills to use in real estate,” she says. “Learning is my passion and I love to challenge my comfort zone.”

Beyond the office, Esin is involved with various charities and organizations that focus on women’s empowerment and children’s education. In her free hours, she keeps busy with her family — especially her four-year-old daughter — and enjoys trips to the beach and international travel. To date, Esin has visited more than 21 countries thus far. “Integrating different cultures is something I have always enjoyed,” she says. “Traveling extensively through Europe and the U.S. has exposed me to so many new things, and I apply those lessons and inspirations in so many ways.”

As for the future of her blossoming career in real estate, Esin intends to continue growing her business steadily, with hopes to one day open her own brokerage. Finally, Esin Susol reflects on what she enjoys most about her evolving career as an agent: “I love being social and meeting new people,” she says.

“Building relationships with clients from all different backgrounds in a fast-paced business like real estate really keeps me motivated. Closing days are my favorite. There is nothing more rewarding than being part of my clients’ happiness when I see a smile on their faces.”

Esin Susol Concept Properties | Boston, MA 857.350.0921 | Esin@ConceptPropertiesRE.com | www.ConceptPropertiesRE.com Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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