June 2022 Southern by Featured Agent

June 2022

4 Must-ask questions when buying

a home

Tricks of the trade — Improve your

BRALYN LADSON

time

management skills

Keeping your cool — How to remain calm when things don’t go as planned

contents

professionals 4

Tricks of the trade — Improve your time management skills

Keeping your cool — How to remain calm when things don’t go as planned

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t featured cover agent

Bralyn Ladson

buyers &sellers 6

4 Must-ask questions when buying a home

Top 10 Reasons to use a REALTOR®

Transform your home into a summer oasis

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Tricks of the trade — Improve your time management skills One of the greatest gifts being in the real estate industry provides, lies in the fact that no two days are ever the same. It keeps you on your toes, keeps your mind active, and your days often seem to pass in the blink of an eye. With amazing opportunities for personal success — all the while being able to genuinely help others — there’s frankly no other career quite like it.

However, a real estate career is certainly not known for being a particularly predictable profession. Appraisals can come in low. Basements flood. Multiple offers come in all at once. Financing gets delayed. And sometimes that’s just a Tuesday! Sometimes it can seem downright impossible to not only plan your days, but actually stick to your plan. 4

That’s not to say you can’t make the most of each day, even when the not-so-uncommon curveball is thrown your way. While you can’t control potential challenges that may arise, nor make the day any longer, there are ways you can be sure to make the most of your time. Here are seven tips for best managing your time as a professional in the real estate industry.

Acknowledge Your Business Goals — Remind yourself of your short-term and long-term business goals each day. That way, you’ll be able to look at the big picture when scheduling your days, and your weeks. By reminding yourself of your immediate goals, and where you would like your business to be Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Learning to manage your time as a busy real estate professional can take effort and dedication. But it can also feel like a life-saver in terms of keeping you calm, cool, and collected in a career synonymous with constant change and unmeasurable rewards.

next quarter, next year, or five years from now, you’ll keep your sights firmly focused on working towards those overarching goals, even when things get hectic. Put Effort into Prioritizing — There are many methods of prioritizing your tasks, but one of the simplest ways to do so is to sort your various responsibilities into categories so you can take a clear look at what is most time sensitive, what can be put off if necessary, and what items can be postponed easily. By prioritizing your tasks, you’re less likely to stray from your plan, and avoid feeling like you’re busy, yet unproductive.

Use Technology to Track Your Time — Time tracking and time management apps can be incredibly useful for real estate professionals on the go. By logging how you spend your time, you’re likely to see patterns, thereby being able to identify your most productive days, or pinpointing tasks that wind up taking more time than they should. When you can look at how you planned to spend your day, and compare it with how you actually spend your time, you’ll be in a better position to see where adjustments need to be made.

Learn to Live with Saying No — As real estate professionals, it’s hard not to say yes to every request, invitation, or opportunity that comes your way. After all, you’re in the business of customer service. But you’re also in the business of being honest, which means that sometimes you’re going to have to say no to a request when you simply don’t have the time, and that’s ok. Your clients may see you as a super Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

hero, but you must remember you’re only human and can only take on so much.

Minimize Distractions — Multi-tasking is a way of life for most real estate professionals, but there can be too much of a good thing. Try reducing the number of notifications you receive from various apps, or social media during times when you need to focus. Or, consider silencing your phone while you’re working on a new listing. Little distractions can lead to big delays, and wasted time.

Decide to Delegate — Learning to delegate can be a challenge, but committing to do so can significantly lighten your load, and free up extra time. To get started, it may be beneficial to delegate the least time sensitive items until you become comfortable with entrusting others to help you meet your goals.

Sleep, Eat, Exercise, Repeat — Getting plenty of rest ensures that your mind is poised to function at its peak level. Likewise, a balanced diet, will help you to maintain your energy level throughout the day. Exercise is also a powerful tool for learning to manage your time, through relieving stress and providing a boost of endorphins to feel good during the day and sleep well at night.

4 Must-ask questions

when buying a home

Buying a home is the investment of a lifetime. To safeguard this investment, you’ll need to do your homework and go beyond the standard, surface-level questions that only get you so far. To understand a home’s true viability, you’ll need to arm yourself with all the facts, history, and records available. That way, you’ll be able to uncover any hidden costs or possible pitfalls that await. So, where do you begin? For starters, consider the four questions below, inspiring you to think slightly outside-the-box when it comes to researching and assessing your future home’s potential. What’s the cost of the average monthly utility bill? As you make your list of must-have home features, you’re probably crunching numbers for your budget planning. This is a wise move, but don’t overlook the smaller details. A properly insulated home with weather-proofed windows and doors can make all the difference in your bottom line during a harsh winter. The same is true for steamy summers that will test the durability and efficiency of your cooling unit. Pay particular attention to these features and inquire with the current owners about what they pay in monthly utility bills. While you may have a budget in mind for your mortgage, a drafty home with old insulation can rack up your monthly pay-out. Get a clear idea of what the power rates are in the area and compare them to your potential home’s energy tallies. Also, consider how much any standard maintenance would cost you — another forgettable annual fee that can add up over time. Before you buy, get the real lowdown on utility costs, from electric or gas heat to monthly HOA fees and trash collection.

What will you pay in property taxes? This helpful information is usually outlined on a listed home’s info sheet, but be sure to account for this detail. An offhand estimate shouldn’t suffice either. While your purchase price impacts the home’s ongoing tax rate, it’s wise to get a picture of the property tax history. Buying a home is enough of an undertaking without the added stress of unexpected or miscalculated 6

annual costs that can break your budget. As an added bonus, understanding a home’s tax history and projected value is a smart figure to account for when making a savvy purchase offer. Have there been any prior pipe or sewer problems? The Insurance Information Institute reports that broken pipes make up nearly 22% of all home insurance losses. This means that pipe and sewer issues are not only common, but they’re expensive. Be sure to ask sellers for a history of any pipe or sewer back-up problems, but you shouldn’t stop there. Hire a trusted home inspector who can verify a seller’s report and you can save yourself the headache if the pipes in question aren’t in the best shape. Likewise, you’ll be made aware of pipes that may need replacing shortly down the line. This research can help you adjust your offer accordingly to offset any future replacement costs. Has the home undergone any major renovations? Sometimes, sellers and their agents are forthcoming with this essential information — but it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Request detailed records and documentation regarding any renovated bathrooms, additional wings or floors added, a basement that’s been finished — and the like. Firstly, this will help you assess the true cost of a renovation and help you craft a conscientious offer. Secondly, gathering information on prior home projects allows you to keep tabs on contractors used. It can also help you plan and budget for when the next round of renovations will likely be needed in the future. If you do this research, you could save yourself a hefty sum and earn an excellent bargaining chip along the way.

While some of these considerations may seem straightforward, you’d be surprised at the impact these finer points can make in terms of affordability, safety, and long-term planning. Buying a property of your own requires due diligence, but if you put in the legwork now, you’ll land a home that satisfies your budget, matches your vision, and will be the place you make memories to last a lifetime. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

BRALYN LADSON

BRALYN LADSON When you hear the term southern hospitality, many things come to mind — such as helpfulness, warmth and charm, just to name a few. But what does it actually mean to embody the spirit of southern hospitality? One meeting with Bralyn Ladson, of HomeSmart (former agent of J.P & Associates REALTORS®), and you will have your answer. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Bralyn practically has it running through his veins, and that results in him being able to provide service to his clients like no other.

planner, where he worked with high profile clients and took care of every detail in executing large-scale events. But the thought of real estate never left his mind, and after 17 years, Bralyn knew it was finally time to follow his dream. “I was good at what I did,” he said. “I can plan an event from absolutely nothing to the biggest party you’ve ever been to in your life — but I wasn’t passionate about it.”

So he switched his majors to Art and Accounting and chose a career in the entertainment industry as an event

Although it’s only been a few years since he’s been in the business, Bralyn already has a growing list of clients

With plans on majoring in Real Estate at Clemson University, Bralyn knew early on what he wanted to do in life. However, that all came to a screeching halt when the market crashed in 2008, forcing Bralyn to change paths. “I wanted to be in real estate all my life, but then real life happened and changed everything,” explains Bralyn.

And although it sounds as if things were finally falling into place for Bralyn, real life happened yet again when COVID hit just as he was beginning. “I started in real estate right when most people would advise you not to,” Bralyn said with a laugh. “But knowing what you want to do and having it completely terrify you is the first step to success. There was no way out of it and it was sink or swim.”

“IF YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, YOU NEVER HAVE TO TRY TO SELL YOURSELF. MY GRANDMOTHER TAUGHT ME THAT MANY YEARS AGO AND IT’S STILL TRUE TO THIS DAY.” in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who sing his praises. “I think it’s because I’m a people person. I can talk to anyone, I’m a calm person, and I can work with a variety of personalities,” Bralyn stated. “But hands down, I love that I get to meet new people and help them. Helping others is like my birthright.”

Additionally, he relies on his strong sense of authenticity, which is one of the guiding principles that help him run his business successfully. “I know who I am as a person. That’s how I was raised, so getting to know someone else as a human being first has always been the main goal of mine.” Bralyn said. “If you know who you are, you never have to try to sell yourself. My grandmother taught me that many years ago and it’s still true to this day.” Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

That is sound advice to follow and it’s served him well in his short time in the industry. With 90% of his business already coming from referrals from past clients, Bralyn recently learned that he ranks among the Top 5% in business growth in his office, Top 5% in the Metroplex for real estate agents, and also formerly ranked in the Top 500 Nationwide with JP & Associates. When he’s not busy in the office or meeting with clients, he enjoys traveling. And in true Bralyn fashion, he handles all the plans of what he calls ‘friend-cations,’ trips he makes a point to take regularly with his lifelong friends. “They just need to take care of their flights and I take care of everything else. We recently went to Barcelona … it was like a ‘real housewives’ trip,” Bralyn

“IT’S HARD WORK, BUT IF YOU KNOW YOU’RE DOING THIS FOR SOMETHING THAT’S BIGGER THAN YOURSELF, THEN YOU’RE IN IT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.”

laughed. “We have a lot of fun. Mental health is important, and although we may all have different careers and responsibilities, we have to make time for ourselves.”

All his hard work has certainly paid off, but he has no plans to slow down now. In fact, his future plans include owning his own brokerage someday. In the meantime, he’ll continue to put his clients’ needs above all else. “I am in this business to help others, not the other way around. Real estate isn’t like the reality shows … many people think this is easy money, but there’s no such thing,” said Bralyn. “It’s hard work, but if you know you’re doing this for something that’s bigger than yourself, then you’re in it for the right reasons. Anything else and you’re not going to survive.”

Bralyn is thankful for his upbringing and attributes much of his success to his family. “For my dad, grandma, and most importantly my mom, who I lost during the pandemic and never got the chance to say goodbye … This is for you. We did it,” he says. “For anyone who’s looking for a sign — this is it. I established and grew a successful business during the worst time of my personal life, the entire world, and $102.04 left in my savings account which is STILL there as a reminder of how far I’ve come. I’ve lost so many people and things in such a short time — but I never lost myself. Never give up.”

BRALYN LADSON HOMESMART | DALLAS/FORT WORTH, TEXAS 864.275.7737 | BRALYNLADSON@GMAIL.COM WWW.BRALYNLADSON.COM 10

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 3 AM 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!).

Transform your home into a summer oasis

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

Decide to Declutter — Think of your favorite summer beach house or the best hotel room you’ve ever stayed in. Chances are part of the reason you loved it was because it was clean, serene and clutterfree. To achieve that look, pack away a majority of the dust-collecting knick-knacks, framed photos, heavy throws, books, and other clutter. It’s a great first step in opening up rooms to give them a lighter, airy feel. Your items will feel new again when you bring them back out in the fall; or you may decide you like the look so much that you begin to embrace minimalism.

Change the Layout — Nothing can change the look and feel of a room more quickly than rearranging the furniture. If your current seating arrangement is centered around a fireplace, change it around to focus 12

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

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

The Scents of Summer — We all love the smell of a pumpkin spice or rich, warm vanilla candle, but strong, foody scents can become heavy and overwhelming during the warmer months. Switch your home fragrance to something light, fresh, and clean. Citrus aromas and green florals are universally pleasing choices, as are scents reminiscent of a day at the beach (especially if you’re landlocked). Instead of candles, which can generate extra heat when they’re burning, switch to scented oil diffusers. They’ll keep a steady, subtle aroma in the air without worrying about whether kids, guests or pets might accidentally knock over a burning candle. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Add Splashes of Color — Here’s where it gets really fun! Summer is the time for punchy brights, crisp nautical hues, and All-American red, white, & blue color schemes. Incorporate color into bedrooms and bathrooms with crisp new linens and towels in your favorite summer colors. Add some striped, floral and solid throw pillows to couches and chairs in the family room. Stock up on Turkish towels, which are super-lightweight, dry quickly and come in loads of fun colors. They can serve as pool towels, swim cover-ups, tablecloths or light throws if the AC is cranked a little too high. In the kitchen, add some brightly colored acrylic serving pieces like trays and pitchers to your table settings, and use cloth napkins in a complementary hue. Bring the Outside In — Fresh flowers are abundant this time of year — maybe even in your own yard! Take advantage of Mother Nature’s good mood and keep fresh flowers in your home throughout the season. It’s one of the easiest, most beautiful ways to make a home feel summery. Stick with vibrant colors like hot pink, sunny yellow and juicy orange; save the deep, dramatic hues like burgundy and purple for fall and winter. Whether you go for a full-on arrangement Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

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

Don’t Forget the Floors — Sandy. Wet. Muddy. Grassy. Dusty. Floor coverings take a beating during the summer. Roll up and store wool throw rugs and replace them with inexpensive washable rugs you won’t feel bad about getting rid of at the end of the season. Don’t forget to add a new doormat to every entrance door to catch sand, dirt, and water before they get tracked inside. 13

Keeping your cool — How to remain calm when things don’t go as planned Change is inherent in the real estate industry, which means that learning to roll with changes as a real estate agent is an occupational hazard that simply can’t be avoided. Although the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of work as a professional REALTOR® is exciting, stimulating and incredibly rewarding, it can also be an incredibly stressful career. There are dozens of variables at play in every transaction, whether you’re selling a distressed property, working with nervous first-time homebuyers, or even 14

working with seasoned investors. No matter how organized, how diligent, or how long you’ve been in the field, there are going to be days when things go a little haywire, and there’s nothing you can do to control it.

Fortunately, there are ways to control how you react to stressful situations. Indeed, there are tried-and-true tactics for keeping your cool, even when blindsided by an unexpected challenge in a purchase or sale. Here are five tips that will help you to stay calm, when things don’t go as planned. Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

way, making a phone call you don’t want to make isn’t hanging over your head for any longer than necessary. Addressing the situation as soon as possible will help you to feel less stressed.

Keep Away from the Caffeine — When stressful situations arise, steering clear of additional stimulants is a good idea. Caffeine can trigger additional adrenaline production which may give you a quick extra burst of energy, but will soon likely be followed by a “crash” period, where fatigue, if not outright exhaustion can set in. Reach for a glass of water, or a healthy juice in lieu of a caffeinated beverage when things feel chaotic.

Tap into the Power of Positivity — Catastrophizing when things go wrong only serves to induce additional stress. Try taking a few moments to identify the positive things happening in other transactions, in your life, or with a new promising client, to keep your chin up. Positive thinking during challenging times will do wonders in terms of keeping you focused on the next task at hand, rather than letting an obstacle or setback throw off your whole day.

Remember to Breathe — When you get word that an unforeseen delay, or other obstacle has arisen, the first thing to remember is that taking a few deep breaths will help to calm you down immediately. Try closing your eyes for a few minutes and put the problem on pause, to focus on breathing. This helps to calm your mind and can help slow down your body’s physical response to stress.

Seek a Solution — When a curveball is thrown your way, it’s helpful to look at the problem and identify whether there is anything you can do to correct it, or whether it’s out of your control. If there is a possible solution, determine your strategy, and take the next steps towards resolution. If there is nothing you can do about it, let your clients, or others involved know about the setback as soon as possible. That Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Talk it Out — There is great benefit to discussing the challenge you’re facing with someone you trust. Perhaps it is time to call your mentor, or your coach. Maybe you need to just touch base with a confidante or close colleague. Not only will talking through the challenge likely feel like a weight off your shoulders, but there’s always the chance that whomever you call may have a solution you haven’t thought of. Either way, sharing your feelings with someone else can help take some of the sting out of a stressful experience.

As real estate agents, the personal satisfaction earned through helping others, succeeding in negotiations, or selling a home that clients are desperate to sell is limitless. Yet, all REALTORS® will have to work their way through stressful situations to get those rewards at some point in their career. It’s important to remember that staying calm, when times become stressful will only help you to better serve your clients, your referral partners, and your own well-being. Learning to accept that obstacles will come up, and employing these best practices to stay as relaxed as possible when unexpected obstacles arise, will be an invaluable tool for the rest of your career. 15

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