SM@RT Matters Booklet | 2023

Nowhere but here

At Michael Saunders & Company, we are proud to invest in our Sales Associates, as they are at the core of each and every transaction. Since 1976, we have been committed to empowering our Sales Associates with elite professional services that raise the bar in the real estate industry. From state-of-the-art technology to award-winning marketing to global advertising opportunities, we provide unlimited access to in-house support that is staffed with exceptionally skilled specialists to help you meet your business objectives. With the most collaborative team in the industry by your side, there is nothing we cannot help you achieve.

We understand and value the time and effort required to build your business. Therefore, we offer a variety of company-provided options to assist you and grow your personal brand within Michael Saunders & Company.

Pictured left to right: Michael Saunders, Founder & CEO, and Drayton Saunders, President

Full-service means something different here.

We know when you are able to work faster and smarter, your quality of service goes up. Our in-office support, technology and marketing solutions are designed to give you the time to focus on being in front of your customers.

Digital Solutions

We understand your need for information at your fingertips anytime, anywhere. That’s why we offer leading technology services to add to your success. Our suite of digital solutions allows you to optimize your time, manage your business, promote your listings and increase your brand presence, so you can do what is most important: build relationships with buyers and sellers.

Social Media

Enhancing your online presence with turnkey graphics.

You never need to wonder what to post next.

Through Agent Icon, an extensive library of social media templates is available by text or email, so you can use imagery to promote your business. You will also receive daily social media content, including news to share, feel-good stories, and tech tips. You never need to wonder what to post next.

Digital marketing can also be used for property and self-promotion:

· Announce a new listing

· Share a price reduction

· Farming

· Celebrate a sale

· Announce a pending sale

· Provide updates on new construction opportunities

· Congratulate a customer

· Invite guests to an open house and more

Additionally, Michael Saunders & Company’s “Nowhere but here” social media gallery is accessible through your Xpressdocs account, including market statistics, holiday images, local area information, and social campaign images.

100% company paid

Just listed digital advertising program

Within 7 hours of your property being listed in the Multiple Listing Service, a digital ad is automatically created and posted on Facebook and Instagram to people within a 10-mile radius of the property. Typically running for 2-4 days, you will receive ad analytics from a custom agent dashboard, can boost current ads*, and rerun previously active listings as stories of market success. Analytics are easily shared with your clients.

*Additional fees are charged if you choose to continue advertising once your initial free ad campaign ends.

100% company paid

Listing Syndication

Connecting your listings to the world through online real estate platforms.

Once your listing is placed into the MLS, we ensure that it will be syndicated to the very best real estate platforms across the United States and around the globe.

Listings syndicate to:

· Zillow.com

· Realtor.com

· LeadingRE.com

· LuxuryPortfolioInternational.com

· MayfairInternationalRealty.com

· New York Times – NYTimes.com

· Trulia.com

· RELO Home Search

· Bradenton.com

· HeraldTribune.com

· HomeFinder.com

· Homes.com

· Juwai.com

· Nextdoor.com

Through syndication, properties also appear on many other websites worldwide.

Email Marketing

Rich-media email solutions.

Designed specifically for Michael Saunders & Company Sales Associates, our in-house marketing team administers rich media marketing through our email platform, sends property focused emails to strategically market to both consumer and REALTOR® databases setting you apart as an industry leader.

· Self-promotional communications

· Property marketing, including just listed and property price improvement

· Holiday eblast drip campaign

· Monthly Suncoast Living newsletter

· Weekly luxury property spotlight

100% company paid

Individual Property Websites

A stand-alone website to help advertise your listings.

All Michael Saunders & Company listings receive an Individual Property Website (IPW) with a unique URL that may be used in your property marketing. The responsive IPW is automatically created for each listing within 24 hours after input into the MLS.

Property marketing materials can include your unique IPW URL. Every property will receive a branded video that you can share on your social platforms, a printable property flyer, and a QR code. Showing requests can also be made directly through your IPWs.

100% company paid

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Presentation Platform

Built specifically for real estate professionals. Maintain your database and create custom presentations for your clients.

This presentation tool allows you to communicate with your customers meaningfully and frequently. Leverage the automated MSC-branded campaigns and create your own custom presentations and home valuations.

Branded to you, your custom link will allow you to attract more sellers, win listings and drive all leads back to you.

CRM

· Be productive with MoxiEngage and stay in continuous contact with your sphere of influence

· Import your sphere and customer database for easy communication

· Set your Adjusted Gross Commission Income (AGCI) goal and track your progress throughout the year

· Organize your customers with grouping tags, e.g. hot prospects, tennis club, PTA

· Set up recurring Neighborhood News

Interactive Presentation

· Customizable and branded interactive buyer/seller presentations

· Control your personal brand and showcase your expertise using your own marketing pages and branding collateral

· MLS data automatically updates every 15 minutes, providing the most up-to-date listing information on whatever device you’re using

· In-depth market analysis showcasing your local real estate expertise with market trends that make it easy to show your clients exactly where their home places in the market

· Enables you to save time by quickly creating buyer, seller and marketing presentations and make changes mid-presentation based on client feedback

100% company paid

Print Advertising

Michael Saunders & Company has a nearly 50-year legacy of advertising our listings in a tailored collection of newspapers and magazines in our region and beyond. While we embrace digital marketing, having a local, regional, national and international print presence remains a viable and valuable tool to market your listings.

Newspaper Advertising

Unmatched visibility for your listing, courtesy of Michael Saunders & Company.

We strategically advertise your listings and open houses in the following local newspapers on a regular basis. Longstanding relationships with these publications allow us to have prime placement to feature your listings.

Local

AMI Islander Newspaper *

AMI Sun Newspaper *

Bradenton Herald*

Sarasota Herald-Tribune*

East County Observer *

Longboat Observer *

Sarasota Observer *

Siesta Key Observer *

The Sun Newspapers*

Boca Beacon*

Florida Weekly *

100% company paid

Magazine Advertising

Saunders Best Magazine

Saunders Best magazine is produced by Michael Saunders & Company. Published twice a year and available in print and digital formats, thousands of copies are inserted into the Wall Street Journal’s highest net-worth ZIP codes from Tampa Bay to Boca Grande.

Property Magazine Advertising

We strategically run Michael Saunders & Company branded property ads in hand-selected publications. The magazines expand well beyond our market area to reach qualified regional, national and global consumers. *Associates can opt into these publications.

100% company paid

Editorial and Advertorial

Adding publicity to your property marketing.

As leaders in the real estate industry, Michael Saunders & Company is often contacted by local, regional, national and international media outlets for editorial content and market commentary.

Your in-house public relations and communication professionals are available to write features on unique properties brought to market.

We offer coverage opportunities in the following publications:

· Bradenton Herald (Business/Real Estate Section)

· Business Observer

· Luxury Portfolio International Outlets

· Observer Group

· RISMedia

· Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Sunday Real Estate Feature/Front Page Business Section)

· Sarasota Magazine

· Sun Newspapers

· The Week Magazine

In addition, our affiliation with Luxury Portfolio International and Mayfair International Realty also offers generous print and digital opportunities with influential business media. These opportunities complement the marketing Michael Saunders & Company does to create a robust marketing campaign that no other company in the region offers.

Note: Editorial and advertorial are not guaranteed and can change at any time.

100% company paid

Communications and Public Relations

Our values set the pulse for all our interactions.

Corporate communications

Our communications professionals work closely with our affiliates – Luxury Portfolio International, Leading Real Estate Companies of The World and Mayfair International Realty – as well as local, regional and national publications to provide information on our market and key listings or sales promoting you and your business. These partners and publications publish content in print and on their websites and social media networks.

Social media management

Our communications and social media specialists regularly oversee and create, publish and share compelling company content on our website, blog, social media channels and via email campaigns. Our social media team uses visual storytelling to connect with our audience and encourage them to engage with our brand, and your properties.

Media relations

Our public relations professionals have relationships with publishers, editors and reporters locally and globally, and send well-written press releases with noteworthy story angles and content that resonate with their audience. Our team maintains a targeted list of relevant media contacts and follows up with journalists after distributing press releases. The team also positions us as the real estate market experts for editorial topics.

No press is guaranteed. The media is consistently looking for noteworthy, unique, and compelling stories that focus on key events, listings or sales.

Connect with Michael Saunders & Company and join the conversation.

100% company paid

Here to Assist You

Our dedicated Agent Services Division provides you with full-time marketing, technology, accounting, training, call center and relocation support. In addition to your branch manager, about 150 support team members are available to assist you with everything from accessing tools and resources to responding to your sales, technical and marketing needs.

Marketing Services

100% company-covered Sales Associate marketing services.

Michael Saunders & Company offers technology-driven tools like automated social media ads and rich email marketing with in-depth analysis to better target your audience. Turnkey social media content, daily social media content support and email campaigns are also included in our suite of offerings.

The following services are offered at no cost to Michael Saunders & Company Sales Associates, saving you a significant amount of time and money.

· Catalogue of marketing designs

· Copywriting

· Marketing strategy

· Photography allowances for properties over $1 million

· Signage installation and removal; transferred listings receive a complimentary sign

· Public relations support

· Market trends and reports

· Seller’s market activity report

100% company paid

New Agent Marketing Services

New to the company? We have you covered.

When you partner with Michael Saunders & Company, you will receive white-glove service from the moment you arrive. The transition period is key to your success, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Together with your branch manager, we will create the best transition plan for your business and success.

At your initial on-boarding meeting, we will immediately begin the process to provide the following:

· 500 business cards

· Announcement cards and envelopes

· 5 open house signs

· New agent announcement package, including a Facebook post and social badge

· Personalized open house flyer

· Personalized Just Listed/Just Sold postcards

· Professionally written biography for michaelsaunders.com

· Personal agent website with a michaelsaunders.com domain, or a review of your existing or personal website

· Review of your technology devices and setup with MSC Wi-Fi and Microsoft Outlook and Office applications

If you are transferring listings, we will provide the following services when ready:

· Personalized Michael Saunders & Company branded signage

· Each listing that you bring to market will receive a Michael Saunders & Company branded Individual Property Website (IPW)

· Letter from your manager to welcome sellers to Michael Saunders & Company

· Letter from Mayfair International Realty, our London affiliate. Upon meeting certain criteria, you also can request a letter from our affiliate, Luxury Portfolio International

100% company paid

Marketing Edge

Leverage your marketing credits to elevate your business.

Michael Saunders & Company offers Marketing Edge credits to augment your budget so you can better promote yourself and your properties. Credits are awarded based on your Adjusted Gross Commission Income (AGCI), are reassessed annually and awarded at the company’s sole discretion.

Creating a consistent and comprehensive marketing plan increases your visibility and keeps you top of mind, and through Marketing Edge, we are committed to helping you invest in additional materials that can make a big difference in your marketing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, taking advantage of your marketing credits can help you grow your business.

Marketing Edge credits can be used for a wide range of marketing. This includes our Marketing Concierge program, which offers ongoing social media support, property marketing like as Just Listed and Just Sold packages, one-time projects like building or improving your database and more. These services are competitively priced – underwritten by the company and well below market standards.

Developer Services Tailored

Program offers support with small developments.

The MSC Developer Services Tailored program is designed to support Michael Saunders & Company Sales Associates working directly with developers on boutique projects of 10-24 residences that do not require the traditional suite of services provided by MSC Developer Services. Knowing you have support from a team of new construction experts behind the scenes provides an added level of confidence for you and the developer. Developer Services can assist you with research, competitive analysis, marketing plans and strategy. Additionally, fee-based services are available at reduced rates for creative support materials, including brand development, print ads, signage and digital marketing. This additional resource ensures you and your client receive professional guidance from a dedicated Developer Services team from land acquisition through sell-out.

Technology Services

Innovation centered around your needs.

Our digital tools help save you time so you can focus on  building relationships with your clients and helping them achieve their real estate goals. We provide easy-to-use turnkey solutions that enable you to stay connected with your customers as well as access to industry-leading programs that assist you in growing your business.

· Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive

· Insured online email and software troubleshooting

· Michael Saunders & Company Sales Associate website with MLS search and personal domain name

· Michael Saunders & Company Individual Property Website

· Setup of agent’s computers to company’s multifunctional printers/scanners

· Wi-Fi setup on agent’s devices

· Technology training

· Virus and spyware removal

· Customer Relationship Management (CRM) / Comparative Market Analysis tool (CMA)

· Market trends and reports

· Seller’s market activity report

· Property pricing evaluation tool – What’s Your Home Worth

· Testimonial platform

· Dotloop – transaction management

· Trendgraphix – market analytics

· LeadTrax – lead management software

100% company paid

Career Development: Training & Education

Being #1 comes with commitment.

As the top independent real estate company in the tri-county region, Michael Saunders & Company is committed to providing you with the latest sales tools as well as continuous training and education opportunities to help you grow your business. Our professional development instructors teach a wide range of classes for all experience levels at our Palmer Ranch Training Center. A calendar of all courses is available on the company’s intranet site.

In addition, our full-time lead trainer teaches classes on industry-leading technology, enabling you to choose from sessions such as:

· MoxiPresent™ – Create interactive property tours, comparative market analysis (CMA) and presentations

· MoxiEngage® – Customer relationship management (CRM) tool to organize your leads, goal setting and email campaigns

· TrendGraphix – Market intelligence platform that offers market analytics

· LeadTrax – Relocation software to help you manage personal and company leads

· Dotloop – Digital solution for user-friendly transaction management

· TestimonialTree – Simplifies gathering customer testimonials

· And more

100% company paid

LeadingRE’s Online Classes

Michael Saunders & Company’s international brokerage affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World makes it possible for you to participate in LeadingRE’s world-class learning and development program. The Institute’s online learning offers you over 300 courses with new classes added regularly. Learning tracks for agents include:

· Sales

· Marketing & Technology

· Relocation

· Ninja Selling

· Planning series

Access to Institute webinars is easy via a single sign-on through our intranet site.

Sales Associates engage in training to help achieve their life and business goals.

100% company paid

In-Office Services

100% company covered in-office services.

Our sales offices are strategically located throughout Sarasota, Charlotte and Manatee counties. All offices are available to you, providing convenience for you and your clients.

The following services are offered at no cost to all Michael Saunders & Company Sales Associates.

· 18 office locations

· Support staff and coordinators

· Non-competing managers

· Weekly office sales meetings and caravan

· Global and in-house relocation services

· Call Center to schedule Sales Associate appointments for properties

· Access to in-office complimentary sales collateral materials, notecards and stationery to assist you with presentations for sellers and buyers

· Color copier with scanning capabilities

Bringing a Global Perspective to Local Properties

Our hand-selected affiliations reflect the personal relationships we have nurtured with real estate partners around the globe. Memberships are included on your behalf, providing an added layer of global connections with the very best brokerages in each market.

LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD

The largest network of premier locally branded real estate companies, connecting our associates nationally and internationally. LeadingRE is a global real estate community comprised of more than 550 of the best-known local and regional independent real estate firms, with 4,700+ offices and 136,000+ Sales Associates in over 70 countries.

LUXURY PORTFOLIO INTERNATIONAL

The trusted source for luxury listings around the world. Through Luxury Portfolio International (LPI), we connect luxury buyers and sellers from around the globe to our local listings. LPI attracts a global audience and markets approximately 50,000 of the world’s most remarkable homes annually on luxuryportfolio.com.

MAYFAIR INTERNATIONAL REALTY

With a home base in the heart of London, Mayfair International Realty brings together the finest luxury real estate with the very best brokers and agents around the world. Unsurpassed local knowledge, paired with a rare talent to market effectively internationally, ensures buyers and sellers that a Mayfair International Realty member firm offers the best for choice, experience, expertise, service and results.

MSC Foundation

Providing funds to local organizations offering shelter, sustenance, education and a path to self-sufficiency.

Investing in the lives of those in our communities has been a priority of Michael Saunders & Company since 1976.

The MSC Foundation was founded in 2011 as an opportunity for everyone in the company to contribute collectively and amplify support efforts throughout the community.

Every grant is made possible through the generosity of our participating agents, who voluntarily donate portions of their real estate commissions, and the company’s staff and leadership team, who make voluntary payroll deductions and special gifts throughout the year.

The MSC Foundation has distributed grants totaling more than $1,192,548 to 256 organizations across Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. Below is a sampling of the area organizations that have received grants from the Foundation:

· Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County

· Sarasota Manatee Association of Riding Therapy

· Big Brother Big Sisters of the Suncoast

· Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

· Meals on Wheels of Sarasota

· Englewood Helping Hand, Inc.

· Sertoma Club of Venice

· Valerie’s House in Charlotte County

·

SRQ Vets

· Holly’s Hope of North Port

For a complete list of organizations, ranging from youth and family services to literacy programs, please scan the QR code below:

Nowhere but here

The leading local, independent real estate company in the region centered around strong values, creative thinking, and rooted in customer service.

OUR GLOBAL PARTNERS