October 2019

October 2019

Initial investment — 7 Things you need to know before investing in real estate

Wendy Rodgers also featured:

Maryem Ahbib

Warm up — Fall home staging tips

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buyers&sellers 7

Initial investment — 7 Things you need to know before investing in real estate

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Should you rent or buy?

Ask yourself these 5 questions

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t featured cover agent

Wendy Rodgers

q featured agent

Maryem Ahbib

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professionals 4

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Warm up — Fall home staging tips The perks of mentoring young professionals

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

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Shift the Color Palette — 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 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.

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

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

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

Incorporate Seasonal Scents — Pumpkin spice, warm vanilla, energizing cinnamon, juicy Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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.

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.

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.

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featuredagent Maryem Ahbib magazine

Maryem Ahbib hadn’t anticipated a career in a real estate, but after teaching business administration at the university level, she was offered opportunities for her next challenge. Since earning her license from UBC Sauder School, she has swiftly built a reputation as an honest expert, with the knowledge and customer care to position her clients for success.

Today, Maryem works under the banner of Seafair Realty’s Sutton Group, serving clients in the greater Vancouver, British Columbia area. There, she has developed experience in a wide range of transaction types, including commercial, residential, and investor-focused projects. Thus far, she drives roughly 80% of her business through repeat and referral clientele who turn to her for her proven track record, exceptional knowledge base, and consistency of results. “I value the individual first,” Maryem says. “What’s most important to me is honesty, good service, up-to-date knowledge, and quick feedback. Those attributes go a long way.” Likewise, Maryem’s specialization in Supply Chain Management, as well as her MBA in International Business, Trade, and Tax Law, cement her status as a highly-informed professional. She passes along this in-depth understanding of the market to her clients, which serves as an especially useful tool in a competitive market. “Clients can count on my service,” she says.

“I always make sure I’m well-researched and that I understand exactly what their needs and goals are. I help them find the right opportunities out there, and they know they can rely on my work ethic and support — even after a transaction is complete.”

Another critical element of Maryem’s working style is

“I value the individual first. What’s most important to me is honesty, good service, up-to-date knowledge, and quick feedback.

Those attributes go a long way.”

her commitment to transparency and straightforward communication. “Even in moments of stress, it’s essential to stay rooted in integrity and honesty,” she explains.

“If you’re truthful in all situations and always offer the best service, strong relationships are formed. If you don’t know the answer to a question, you can research and learn as much as possible, so you can bring back the best information to your client.” In short order, Maryem has leveraged this hands-on, professional approach to outstanding effect. In fact, she is the recipient of both the Diamond and Platinum Awards from Sutton, and has ranked as a Top 3 Real Estate Agent in the Richmond, BC region.

Outside of the office, Maryem gives back to her local community through participating in her church, volunteering with seniors and through sharing professional support. In her free hours, she most enjoys time spent with her family and loved ones, as well as teaching yoga, and exploring the outdoors, especially at the park or the beach.

As for the future, Maryem intends to keep her quality service steady while she continues to hone her business and regional reputation. For now, she is content to serve clients of all kinds in their pursuit of buying or selling a home, and continuing to learn more about construction.

Finally, applying years of hard-won insight, Maryem Ahbib considers what she enjoys most about her chosen field. “With all my respect to my previous career, which I loved and excelled in, I enjoy real estate because it speaks more to my personality,” she says. “It can be hard work, but I like being surrounded by people, helping others, and seeing those results as people achieve their homeownership dreams.”

Maryem Ahbib Sutton Group - Seafair Realty | Richmond, British Columbia 604.273.3155 | mahbib@sutton.com | www.MaryemAhbib.com 6

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Initial investment —

7 Things you need to know before investing in real estate

If you’re considering investing in real estate, rest assured you’re in good company. Millions of Americans have successfully done so in the past, and countless others continue to do so each year. However, that’s not to say that being successful with real estate investments is guaranteed. Like all investments, real estate comes with its own set of risks, so it’s not a decision to be made without careful consideration and planning. Here are seven essential factors you need to consider before purchasing your first investment property.

You’ll Need to Do Your Homework — Before you decide to take the plunge into real estate investing, Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

spend time talking with other investors, with your financial advisor, asset manager, or CPA. Seek out advice from those who have experience, and learn as much as you can through research. When it comes to investing in real estate, knowledge is power.

Running the Numbers is Necessary — Investing in real estate will require that you have an incredibly solid grasp on your financial status. If you intend to become a landlord, know roughly what rental rates the market will bear. Keep in mind that an investment is only lucrative if you earn money from it, either in the short term or long term. Basing your decision solely on an expectation of rapid appreciation can backfire.

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Investing in real estate is not a decision that is best made spurof-the-moment. Take time to explore your options, research the markets where you are hoping to invest, and ask for help from experts. You’ll find that the time you put into planning a smart investment strategy will prove invaluable over time.

Be Sure You’re Ready to be a Landlord — Being a landlord comes with its own unique set of challenges. Anyone who has been a landlord for at least a few years will confirm that things can and will go awry. Your property may be damaged, or your tenants may be difficult. They may pay rent late, or they may be noisy and disturb neighbors. Consider that these possibilities are very real, and determine whether you want the responsibility of handling these issues if and when they arise. Even if a property management company assumes the bulk of the responsibility for your property, at the end of the day, you are ultimately the owner, which means that you’ll be obligated to make tough decisions from time to time.

Weigh the Pros and Cons of a Live-In Property — For your first investment, it is more than worth considering the possibility of living in the property. You may find a home with apartment units attached, for example. Or you may invest in a duplex or triplex, and choose to live onsite in one of the units.

First-time homebuyers often find this option to make a great deal of financial sense.

Lead with Your Head, Not Your Heart — Unlike buying a first home to live in, or upgrading to your dream home, purchasing investment properties should not be an emotionally driven decision. On the contrary, falling in love with the way a property looks doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right property to 8

purchase as an investment. Remember that real estate investing is by and large a business decision, rather than an emotional decision, and you’ll be more likely to save yourself time and money.

Take an Honest Look at Your Liquidity — As a real estate investor, you need liquid capital on hand.

Appliances break, roofs leak, carpets need replacing, and rooms need to be repainted. You’ll need to make sure you have a reasonable cushion of cash on hand to be able to cover the costs of repairs, maintenance and cleaning of an investment property.

Have Realistic Expectations — Very few people get rich quick from real estate investments, and those who do are typically investors with years of experience.

Furthermore, if you’re hoping to make a lot of money from a real estate investment, but opt for a low downpayment loan, chances are that you won’t see that dream through to fruition for quite some time.

Becoming a real estate investor has proven to be a dream come true for millions of Americans, and there is no reason why it can’t be the same incredible experience for you. However, it is not a decision that is best made spur-of-the-moment. Take time to explore your options, research the markets where you are hoping to invest, and ask for help from experts. You’ll find that the time you put into planning a smart investment strategy will prove invaluable over time.

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Wendy Rodgers

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Wendy Rodgers

After purchasing her first home, Wendy Rodgers discovered her love for real estate and began investing in her own properties. “I bought, sold and flipped homes on my own. I built a portfolio of properties and managed them for several years,” she explains. “This gave me great experience and a taste of the industry.”

In 2005, upon realizing her expertise could benefit others, Wendy set out to pursue real estate as a fulltime career. With early success and determination to continue the steady growth of her business, she went on to earn her broker’s license and open her own brokerage just a few years later.

Centrally located in Jacksonville, Florida, Wendy has been the proud owner of Planet Realty & Management for more than a decade. With their in-depth knowledge of the market, Wendy and her close-knit 10

team of agents serve clients throughout the largest city in the nation, and expertly handle many aspects of real estate including residential sales and property management. They also work closely with individuals and investors interested in building a portfolio, and aim to provide an exceptional real estate experience, catering to the specific needs and goals of each and every client.

Wendy has earned a host of designations along the way, further demonstrating her commitment to excellence. These include the GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute) Designation, and REO Certified Designation. Additionally, as Certified Military Relocation Professionals (MRP), Wendy and her team are well equipped to help the area’s active duty and retired service members find housing solutions, and take full advantage of the benefits and support available to them.

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“You can become very successful in everything you do, if you are honest with yourself and others.”

When working with Wendy and her team, clients can expect complete transparency throughout the entire transaction. “If I see something that’s not of value, I will be very honest about it,” she explains.

“It’s about my clients’ satisfaction, and it’s about me finding the right fit for them, whether it’s a home to live in, or an investment property.” In fact, when it comes to success in business, Wendy believes that integrity is of the utmost importance.

“You can become very successful in everything you do, if you are honest with yourself and others,” she reflects.

In the extremely competitive real estate industry, Wendy’s high energy and strong work ethic have clearly driven her achievements thus far. With an Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

impressive 90% of her business generated by repeat and referral clientele, Wendy attributes the lasting relationships she’s built to her hands-on approach, as well as her commitment and availability to her clients. “I work very hard for my clients and I am extremely reliable,” she says. “I’m here all day, every day… You can always come in and find me.”

Wendy also stresses the value of straightforward, open communication and dedication to her work.

Outside of the office, Wendy is passionate about giving back to her community. One of the causes closest to her heart is working with the Humane Society. She recently rescued a German Shepherd and is committed to helping abandoned dogs find longterm care and forever homes. Wendy also supports 11

several other organizations including a local nonprofit, Hunger Fight, which provides nutritious meals to children and families in need.

Wendy, a native Floridian, loves to take advantage of all that the area has to offer. She enjoys numerous outdoor hobbies and activities, such as boating, snorkeling, and kayaking, and is also planning to get her scuba diving certification this summer. She can often be found out in the community, walking

across the iconic seven bridges throughout the city.

Looking towards the future, Wendy and her team at Planet Realty & Management intend to continue serving their clients with the high level of care they have come to be known for. They also have plans to expand their service area in the coming years and open a second office in nearby Lake City. According to Wendy, “It’s all about finding the right fit for my clients,” whether it be in Jacksonville, Lake City, or beyond.

Wendy Rodgers Planet Realty & Management | Jacksonville, FL 904.425.7253 | planetrealtyjax@gmail.com | www.planetrealtyjax.com 12

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The perks of

mentoring young professionals

In the world of real estate, most lessons are learned in a hands-on capacity, and practices and techniques are often developed over years of trial and error. When budding agents kick off their careers, they’re far less equipped to handle the inevitable challenges of the business. That’s one reason why mentorship is an essential institution. But, did you ever consider that mentors have just as much to gain from taking new talent under their wing?

Oftentimes mentorship is viewed as a one-way street solely benefitting the mentee, but keep in mind a few advantageous reasons below, how mentoring young professionals can reenergize your routines and perspective, while ultimately making you better at your job.

Mentoring young professionals broadens your perspective — After years in the business,

it’s not uncommon for veteran agents to slow down or burn out. However, time spent mentoring rising agents can help you reconnect with your professional roots.

You’ll remember the exhilaration, the hurdles, and impactful lessons learned along the way. Mentoring the newest generation of agents, while retreading the basics from the perspective of a beginner, will reinvigorate your approach to routines long set in stone.

Teaching newcomers can help fortify your processes — By explaining to young agents how

to execute each step of an established process, you’ll be forced to consider the efficiency and productivity of these processes. Perhaps you’ve overlooked key ways to streamline systems, but verbalizing the rationale behind your routine helps you identify areas for improvement. Mentorship can also help you reassess and polish your broader working philosophies, or inspire you to try something new.

lessons you’ll want to impart. All these tasks are par for the course when it comes to leadership. Likewise, inhabiting a leadership role refines your ability to communicate clearly, empathize, teach, and give constructive feedback. Sharpen those desirable skills and you’ll enhance your practice, as well as your long-term professional prospects.

Working alongside young professionals can modernize your approach — Another

added benefit of mentoring young agents? This new crop of professionals is in touch with the needs of their generation — a large pool of clientele increasingly in need of homeownership assistance.

Budding professionals have an alternate set of skills and insights, and veteran pros can glean value from their fresh eyes. For instance, if your social media repertoire could use an update, or you’d like to contemporize your services in some way, mentoring a developing agent can serve as a perfect two-way street.

If you’re still unsure whether it’s worth your time to take on a mentee or two, think about it this way: the benefits of mentorship are akin to taking a continuing education course, or investing in your professional development. It’s hard to argue that these endeavors are without merit. In the same vein, mentorship has plenty of perks, from injecting new life into your practice to strengthening your professional offerings. All the while, you’ll be lending a hand to a colleague who is a beginner eager to learn — just like you once were.

Mentorship hones leadership ability —

Mentoring up-and-comers puts you in the driver’s seat. It will be your responsibility to lead the way as the senior agent — determining which topics to address, curating an agenda, and crystallizing the Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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Should you rent or buy?

Ask yourself these 5 questions

Any milestone life event, such as getting married or divorced, having a baby, relocating for a new job, or sending adult children out into the world, can put you in the position of having to choose whether to rent or buy your residence. There was a time when conventional wisdom dictated that buying was always the better choice, but the ’08 housing crash changed that.

Now, experts advise that people make the decision to rent or buy based on more than whether or not they can afford a mortgage payment, and take several other factors into account as well. Here are five questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to rent or buy the next place you call home.

How Stable is Your Life? — None of us can

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predict the future, but before choosing to buy a home, you need to have a general idea of where you see yourself in the next five years. Do you have a good job that you enjoy and plan on keeping? Is your relationship status likely to change? Will you be adding to your family — or will it be shrinking when kids move out?

Are you making plans to travel extensively? The way you answer all these questions will factor into your decision to buy or rent. Bottom line: If your life is reasonably stable and you foresee it staying that way, buying a home may be the way to go. If not, continue to rent until things settle down.

Have You Saved for a Down Payment?

While in some cases it’s possible to purchase a home Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

You may find that as your life changes, you end up being both a renter and homeowner at different points along the way.

a larger space and using more water. Making sure you’re financially prepared before buying a house will help ensure you get to enjoy your new home and not struggle with being “house poor.”

Are You Prepared to Furnish and Decorate?

Furnishing and decorating a home takes vision, time, effort and, of course, money. Even the most committed minimalist doesn’t want to live in a space that’s devoid of personality (or furniture). And really, at least half the fun of owning a home is making it your own with paint, décor and furnishings. When you’re working out your financials, don’t forget to factor in the cost of decorating the home.

without a down payment, most financial experts advise against it for a number of reasons. For one, buying a home without a down payment means a higher mortgage payment and will also require private mortgage insurance. Additionally, sellers are more likely to accept an offer that includes a down payment, especially in competitive markets.

Can You Afford the Monthly Costs? — As a renter, monthly housing costs are generally limited to rent, utilities and perhaps, renter’s insurance.

When you buy a home, your monthly costs on top of the mortgage payment can include property taxes, HOA fees, yard maintenance, and higher utility bills than you’re used to because you’re heating or cooling Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Do You Really Want to Own a Home?

This may seem like an obvious question, but it’s worth doing some soul searching to figure out if you’re really ready to be a homeowner. Many people buy a home because they feel it’s the logical “next step,” or because friends and family pressure them into making an investment, only to find it wasn’t what they really wanted. Spend some time really thinking about your needs, your goals, and the life you want to live. If you come out of it feeling energized and excited about the prospect of owning your piece of the American Dream, go for it! If not, keep renting until you feel differently.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer for whether anyone should rent or buy their home. It’s a decision entirely based on each person’s unique set of circumstances. And remember, nothing is forever. You may find that as your life changes, you end up being both a renter and homeowner at different points along the way.

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