PHILADELPHIA
C O N N E C T I N G .
Top Producer Cover Story JESSE BARNES AND JOSEPH MCCABE RE/MAX Affiliates
Agent on Fire SAM AKIF KW Philly
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
Preferred Partner Highlight AVA WESTFIELD Arising Home Inspection
REALTOR® Safety Month Top Tips on Staying Safe with Terry Rogers
Rising Star / Featured Agent CORY BENHARDT Keller Williams Main Line
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This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community! ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Philly Permit Expediters LLC Paulette Ahmad (267) 982-3072 phillypermitexpediters@ gmail.com BARBER Blueprint Barber Lounge Isaias Perales (856) 628-2541 blueprintbarberlounge@ gmail.com BOOKKEEPING/PAYROLL Refresh Financial Services LLC EJ Glenn (267) 259-6321 www.refreshfs.com BUSINESS CONSULTING/ MARKETING White Label Consulting, Inc Sara Howanski (267) 582-0334 www.whitelabelphilly.com CIGAR LOUNGE The Mobile Cigar Lounge Joey Mac Dizon (201) 618-7776 www.themobilecigar lounge.com CLEANING SERVICE 3K Cleaning Service LLC Kaleandra Vicks (267) 566-8896 kally3kclean@gmail.com CREDIT REPAIR Trinity Solutions USA James Sacchetti (609) 385-9570 www.trinitysolutionsusa.com
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LUXURY / CELEBRITY RENTAL CARS Imagine Lifestyles & Philly Slingshot Rental Tom Messenger (305) 877-2755 www.imaginelifestyles.com www.phillyslingrental.com
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PUBLIC ADJUSTING SERVICES Superior Loss Adjustment LLC Shawn McKenna (215) 913-5443 shawn@slaclaims.com
TITLE COMPANY Blackstone Stewart Abstract, LLC Dana Stewart (215) 690-4402 dstewart@blackstone settlement.com
REAL ESTATE LAW Joshua L. Thomas & Associates Joshua Thomas (215) 806-1733 joshualthomas@gmail.com
Keystone State Abstract LLC Jadah Hill (610) 656-7107 jadah@btsclosings.com
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Walnut Street Closings, LLC Stephanie Chiacchio (267) 566-4928 stephanie@walnutstreet closings.com TRASH REMOVAL + CLEANOUTS Sankofa Clean Outs & Junk Removal Khalia Luff (215) 987-2802 www.facebook.com/ sankofacleanouts
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Blackstone Stewart Abstract, LLC Full Service Title Company Specializing in REO, Residential, Commercial and Refinance Settlements Dana G. Stewart Owner/Licensed Title Agent
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Bookkeeping For The Real Estate Industry
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Jennifer has been in bookkeeping, payroll, and, HR for the Jefferson Hospital System for over 20 years. Her experience working for Jefferson Hospital has given her a deep knowledge and understanding of bookkeeping & payroll working for one of the largest hospital systems in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Jennifer is a very detail-oriented person and has been able to thrive in a fast-paced and complex environment.
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Philadelphia Real Producers • 11
TABL E OF
CONTENTS 06
22
30
Preferred Partners Index
Rising Star Featured Agent Cory Benhardt
REALTOR® Safety Month
36
42
46
Top Producer Cover Story Jesse Barnes and Joseph McCabe
Agent on Fire Sam Akif KW Philly
Preferred Partner Highlight Ava Westfield Arising Home Inspection
If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at josh.buchter@realproducersmag.com. DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Philadelphia Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.
N O M I N AT E A C O V E R S T O R Y PHILADELPHIA
Please send all nominations to josh.buchter@realproducersmag.com 12 • September 2021
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Bryant Sanders Photography Services that we provide: Head Shots 24 Hour Turnaround - Real Estate Photography - 360 Virtual Tours
PA, NJ • 267-230-5488 BryantSandersPhotography@gmail.com www.BryantSanders.com @Bryant_Sanders_Photography Jasper Studios • 2930 Jasper St, Phila PA 19134
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FOR ALL OF YOUR HOME INSPECTION NEEDS Two Rivers Inspections, LLC TwoRiversInspections.com | tworiversinspections@gmail.com | (267) 225-8752 realproducersmag.com
Philadelphia Real Producers • 13
WHITE LABEL Consulting, LLC.
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White Label Consulting, LLC partners with you to develop unique strategies and solutions to produce results.
Primary focus on: Growth Strategy | Sustainable Growth | Sales Training -Social Media Marketing | Process/Execution White Label will partner with you to customize your action plan, and together, we will create a process with unique strategies and next-generation tools to get to the next level. White Label will be launching its ‘Selling Elite’, Real Estate training program, in the 4th quarter of 2020 for elite agents looking to crush the competition in this dynamic real estate market. *This program is in high-demand and registration is limited!
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Philadelphia Real Producers • 15
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YOUR MORTGAGE CONSULTANT SHOULD Understand Your Needs
I'm that guy! Let's close that deal together! “The homebuying experience is so many more emotions than I was EVER expecting, being it was my first time. Paul answered all my questions, no matter how silly they may have seemed and didn't make me feel silly asking! Everything was relayed in terms that weren't always "industry" language, very easy to follow. Extremely responsive and always available. The real difference was how personal the experience felt, the kindness and understanding was above & beyond while remaining the most professional.”
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Office: 215-469-1000 EXT 320 Cell: 267-253-0261 parena@clghomeloans.com PArenaCLG.com 1126 Horsham Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002 Philadelphia Real Producers • 17
18 • September 2021
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MEET THE PHILADELPHIA REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
Josh Buchter
Vernon Ray
Matt Robnett
Geneva Eilerston
Ad Design/ Management Team
Perspective Media LLC
Owner/Publisher
Reprints Manager
Bryant Sanders
Bryant Sanders Photography
Creative Mind Productions
Megan McDonnell Executive Assistant
PLUSH Image Corporation
Christian Powell
Sara Howanski, Marketing Director
Katie Kohler Writer
Heather Pluard Writer
Jason Herbert,
Virtual Event Productions / Philly RP TV
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at josh.buchter@realproducersmag.com.
realproducersmag.com
Philadelphia Real Producers • 19
Local. Trusted. Involved. We're IN your neighborhood in the city. Kelly Maccia | Loan Officer NMLS#: 1504248 P: 609.947.9862 | F: 215.550.0716 E: kmaccia@centercitymortgage.com
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22 • September 2021
@realproducers
rising star featured agent
Written by: Katie Kohler Photography by: Bryant Sanders Photography
KELLER WILLIAMS MAIN LINE Cory Benhardt, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Main Line, is this month’s “Agent to Watch.” At only 25 years old, Cory Benhardt has been involved in real estate for six years, starting out as a house flipper at the age of 19. Today, he is an active multifamily investor and REALTOR®. Starting out originally as a part-time agent, Cory soon realized that he needed to “burn the boats” and quit his full-time job in order to achieve his goals as an agent. In Cory’s first year as a full-time licensed REALTOR®, he did five times the amount of business that statistics show first-year agents typically do. Cory mainly serves the Philadelphia suburbs, specifically Bucks and Montgomery County. He represents buyers and sellers of primary residences as well as those interested in building wealth through purchasing or selling investment properties. Cory’s clients have come to expect the best professional service, relentless work ethic and expertise of the market trends. Also, Cory wants the home buying/selling process to be as easy as possible for clients. Cory is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® and the Tri-County Association of REALTORS®. His hard work,
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connections, network and personal experience give him unique insight to advise clients on the trends of the local housing market and help buyers and sellers understand complex real estate processes. He’s passionate about real estate as a way to build relationships and
promote positive community growth. A Bucks County native, Cory now raises his young family in the area, which gives him firsthand knowledge of the area’s schools and communities. In his spare time, Cory spends time with his family and enjoys the outdoors.
Philadelphia Real Producers • 23
24 • September 2021
@realproducers
Cory’s clients have come to expect the best professional service, relentless work ethic and expertise of the market trends.
What clients are saying about Cory:
• “Cory was great from start to finish. He made the whole process super easy for us. He was very knowledgeable and explained everything to us in detail, and answered any questions and concerns we had very quickly.” • Cory is incredibly hard-working and has fantastic people skills. He did a great job of educating me. I trust him completely and highly recommend him to my friends.” • “Polite, professional, knowledgeable and helpful throughout every step of the process.” This month’s “Rising Star” took some time to answer “Closing Questions” with Real Producers. What attracted you to the real estate industry? Cory: As far back as I can
remember I’ve always been interested in real estate. As a new agent, how do you manage the low inventory and the high demand of the real estate market? Cory: Creativity within offers when
representing buyers and key negotiation tactics for both buyers and sellers.
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What advice have you received early in your career that has been very helpful? Cory: Invest in yourself and
your business. Clients praise your knowledge. Why do you think it’s so important to educate clients? Cory: The terms and the process of
real estate is what we hear and go through daily with clients. But we have to remember that most people only go through the process of buying or selling a home four or five times in their entire lives. They need guidance and education when it comes to the process. What do you love about Bucks County? Cory: I feel that Bucks County has the
best of both worlds. It’s under an hour drive to Center City while still being far out enough from the city to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and playing in the backyard. What are your goals for the rest of 2021 and beyond? Cory: Continue to sell real estate
and provide my clients with the best service while still having fun throughout the process. I also will continue to invest in multi-family properties to build our investment portfolio.
Philadelphia Real Producers • 25
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Philadelphia Real Producers • 27
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Philadelphia Real Producers • 29
September is National REALTOR® Safety Month TOP TIPS ON STAYING SAFE WITH TERRY ROGERS REALTOR® safety month
Let’s face it: Being a real estate agent can be dangerous. According to the latest National Association of REALTORS® safety report from 2018, nine percent of agents have been assaulted or threatened while working. But there are ways to lower the risk. Keller Williams REALTOR® Terry Rogers, who has 15 years’ prior experience in law enforcement and security, shares his top tips on staying safe. DURING SHOWINGS:
The number-one rule is to trust your instincts, even if that means upsetting a client. “Your life is more important than anything, and if you’re uneasy, there is probably a good reason,” Terry says. “Always let clients lead the way through a property, and don’t get trapped in a small room. Also, make sure you announce yourself when going into a property, even if
30 • September 2021
you have an appointment. There may still be someone there, and people feel threatened if you surprise them.” AT UNOCCUPIED PROPERTIES:
You’re responsible for your safety and actions, and you must protect both yourself and your clients. “Walk around any unoccupied property before going to the front door, especially if you know there hasn’t been a showing recently,” Terry says. “Look for open windows or unsecured back doors. If you see signs of a break-in and you are the listing agent, call the seller before dialing 911 because it may have already been reported to law enforcement. If you’re the buyer’s agent, talk to the listing agent first. Either way, do not enter the property. If someone is in the home who shouldn’t be, like a squatter, immediately call the police.
Written by: Heather Pluard
DURING OPEN HOUSES:
Have a buddy system in place so that you are not alone. “It could be another agent, a friend, or a partner,” says Terry. “For example, I’ve brought my charming wife to several open homes, and she helps keep an eye on things. If you must be there alone, have someone check in on you every thirty minutes. They should call you, and you should have an agreed-upon distress code, like, ‘I’ll pick up the tabasco sauce on the way home.’ If you’re in a situation making you uncomfortable, use the code so that your buddy knows to call the local police and ask them to check in on you. Before the open house starts, establish an escape route in case the front door is blocked. It’s also a good idea to do a sweep of the home to ensure all valuables are secure and no weapons
@realproducers
or prescription drugs are accessible. I once found a gun leaning behind a door! If that happens to you, don’t touch it. Instead, just shut the door and don’t allow access to the room.” IN THE OFFICE:
At a minimum, know where the emergency exits and fire extinguishers are located. “It’s easy to run right by them in a crisis,” Terry explains. “After hours, try to park in a well-lit area and make sure you lock the doors behind you. If someone aggressive comes into the office, you have four options. Flight is always best. Next is passive resistance, where you seem to cooperate with the person while putting distance between the two of you. Then there is verbal assertiveness. Loudly yelling ‘stop’ will draw attention to yourself and let the attacker know you are willing to fight back. Most criminals look for easy targets, and this might be enough to dissuade them. Fighting is always a last resort. Just be aware that you cannot use deadly force, including strikes above the shoulders, unless you fear serious bodily injury or death. In that case, use whatever weapon you can and strike hard.”
Do not carry a firearm unless you are proficient and practice shooting often. Guns should only be used when deadly force is allowed. Never use one to threaten someone because an attacker can take them away easily. If you end up using a firearm in self defense, be able to articulate to the police, District Attorney, and a judge or jury as to why deadly force was necessary. You could be at risk of criminal and civil liability.” Hopefully, Terry’s tips help REALTORS® make it home safely every night of the year.
“Unfortunately, bad things do happen in our business,” he says. “To protect ourselves, we need to develop a situational awareness mindset. Be aware of your surroundings, analyze threat situations that could arise, and determine how you will respond ahead of time. No one is invincible, but an ounce of prevention goes a long way to staying safe.” To help agents learn how to protect themselves, Terry offers a thought-provoking, three-hour discussion class called “Let’s Be Careful Out There.” For more information, email tdrogers@ kw.com or call 704-560-9630.
ALL THE TIME:
Consider carrying personal safety equipment, much of which can be found online for less than $10. “Pepper spray comes in single-use containers that are only 4 inches long and easily kept in a pocket or on a key chain,” says Terry. “Small noisemakers on your keychain will draw attention to yourself when needed. A Kubaton with a pointed tip can be used as both a defensive weapon and glass break device if you are trapped inside your vehicle due to an accident. Every REALTOR® should also have a flashlight in their car, but stay away from the small stuff. Instead, get a metal flashlight, which is also a great defensive weapon. It could save your life someday.”
realproducersmag.com
AND DON'T GET TRAPPED IN A SMALL ROOM.
Philadelphia Real Producers • 31
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Philadelphia Real Producers • 33
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Sankofa Signings: (215) 987-2802 34 • September 2021
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“THE MORTGAGE MOM” AT G R E E N T R E E M O R T G A G E C O . L P
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"I can't believe they said that about her..." “She is the best and treats you like family and friends you trust. It’s a smooth process from start to finish. And she always answers every time I call.” - Michelle Guest
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SERVING THE REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS!
DEANNE KATSAROS
Branch Manager NMLS #: 143589 609-605-7153
deannekatsaros@comcast.net MortgageMom.net
“She handles every scenario with a level of expertise I have never seen. The best in my 16 years in the industry. Never lost one buyer in the 5 years I’ve been working with her. Deanne’s willingness to communicate and pick up the phone....on vacation or on the weekend is unmatched. She has helped my business flourish. She the most amazing person all around.”
“Communication, knowledge, experience and hard work is what Deanne is! She makes all my transactions smooth and painless.” - Marco Vargas
Branch NMLS ID 1514532-Branch Address: 1917 Welsh Road, Suite 204, Philadelphia, PA 19115 Licensed Mortgage Lender by the NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance, Licensed Mortgage Lender by the PA Dept. of Banking and Securities License # 21020.006
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top producer cover story
&
Joseph Jesse Barnes Written by: Philadelphia Real Producers Staff Photography by: Bryant Sanders Photography
McCabe
RE/MAX Affiliates 36 • September 2021
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RE/MAX Affiliates get the “Team Cover Feature” treatment at Real Producers this month. The Sixers have Embiid, the Phillies look to Harper, and just like in pro sports, real estate teams have great leaders. Joseph McCabe is the owner, and Jesse Barnes is the general manager. Joseph McCabe is an entrepreneur from Philadelphia. He is the owner of: Four RE/MAX Affiliates offices CEO of Home Front Mortgage Owner of Keystone State Abstract, Vista Abstract LLC, and many other title agencies, Managing Partner of Surefire Group holding over 60 properties. Managing partner in multiple home care agencies with a gross revenue of $15 million nationwide.
Joseph has many LP investments in the tech and healthcare spaces, including a board position with Lease Pitch. He’s a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Military Police Corps. Joseph is a Philadelphia native who graduated from Father Judge High School and attended Pennsylvania State University and Cabrini College. He is a founding member of the National Museum of the Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In addition, he is a private pilot and leases airplanes at northeast airports to flight schools. Joseph enjoys traveling with his wife, collecting historical American art, flying, and powerlifting. Whether piloting a plane or leading the team at RE/MAX Affiliates, Joseph sets the tone for helping clients achieve their real estate goals by doing what he does best – putting a plan into action and making it happen. Jesse Barnes is the general manager of RE/MAX Affiliates and leads a team that serves the areas of Center City, Northeast Philadelphia, the Main Line, Media, South Jersey and the Jersey Shore. He received his real estate license in 2010 and since then has grown into one the
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Philadelphia Real Producers • 37
top investors, developers, managers, and real estate coaches in the Philadelphia area. No two homes are alike and this drives Jesse’s versatile approach to real estate. With over 11 years of experience, Jesse has a proven track record helping clients and agents in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. He loves playing sports and is also a devoted family man, with his wonderful, intelligent, strong and supportive wife, Melanie, and their two marvelous kids, Owen and Eliza. Joseph and Jesse took some time to answer “Closing Questions” with Real Producers. What differentiates RE/MAX Affiliates from their competitors?
“We are an office full of self-starters. A full-service brokerage offering free
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leads, a high commission split, and single low cap across three states! We don’t spoon-feed our agents, we give them leads because they go out and get the job done. We have everything in-house, from title, insurance, and mortgage, to conveyancing, transaction coordination, and the best tech suite in the industry for our agents and clients.” Describe your individual leadership styles?
“We lead from the front. We understand that you are only as strong as your weakest link, so collaboration, inclusion, and bringing people together is extremely important.” What about Joseph impresses you the most?
Jesse says, “Joe leads by example. He outworks everyone he meets and doesn’t stop. He is one of the most diligent and big picture people in the industry. His personality is a driver.
He gets the deal done when other people are still trying to figure out how to start. What about Jesse impresses you the most?
Joe says, “Jesse is an accomplished REALTOR® and a great coach. He genuinely cares about the agents he’s speaking to and helping. What you get is what you see with Jesse. There are no hidden agendas. Only a focused, caring growth mindset.” What’s next for RE/MAX Affiliates?
“We are excited to partner with Franklin Management Company on the Port Richmond Power Plant Project to rebuild the Philadelphia waterfront,” Joe says. “We are taking the iconic building that everyone recognizes when they cross the Betsy Ross Bridge and turning it into 1,500 residential units and 200,000 square feet of commercial property, with future
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Joe McCabe and Richard Branson on Necker Island, British Virgin Islands one week after the historic Virgin Galactic Space Flight (July 2021).
build-outs planned. We view it as the lynchpin for growth in Port Richmond. In addition to providing much-needed housing, the 21-acre, seven-year project will have community spaces that encourage people to connect. These include a state-of-the-art event venue managed by Live Nation, the only public boat slip in the area, and a co-working space complete with a tech incubator.
We lead from the front. We understand that you are only as strong as your weakest link, so collaboration, inclusion, and bringing people together is extremely important.
Joseph McCabe
Jesse Barnes
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As someone who has lived in Philly all my life, I’m proud to be a part of a project that will positively impact the community that helped raise me. And I’m thankful to have the absolute best team in real estate to help! Jesse and I are eager to grow our agent count to 300 by the end of 2022. The Port Richmond Power Plant Project is just one of the many ways we provide opportunities to our RE/MAX Affiliates team that they won’t find anywhere else!”
Philadelphia Real Producers • 39
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agent on fire
SAM AKIF K W P H I L LY 42 • September 2021
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Written by: Katie Kohler | Photography by: PLUSH Image Corporation
Sam Akif, a REALTOR® with KW Philly, is this month’s “Agent on Fire.” Sam is a listing and investment specialist who has incredible knowledge of real estate in Philadelphia.
WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT SAM:
“I’ve been in real estate for over fifteen years and Sam is the best REALTOR® I’ve ever worked with. He pays attention to my goals and sends me listings that fit my needs. So easy to work with, very patient, intelligent and super trustworthy. Looking forward to working on many more properties with Sam.” “He made the whole process very easy. Sam is very knowledgeable, reliable, and trustworthy.” “He patiently listens to your concerns and assists in any way that he can. He is accessible to you as his client.”
Even before becoming a REALTOR® in 2015, Sam was an avid investor for many years. His passion for investments grew from the stock market where he specialized in finding intrinsic value in small companies. He leverages his financial knowledge and applies it to real estate where he specializes in the sale of investment real estate. In addition to building an investment company of his own, Sam is constantly studying the market and looking for the next opportunity for his clients. By applying his knowledge of the market, his transaction experience and his general financial knowledge he is able to make the buying and selling process as lucrative as possible. Sam prides himself on his high ethical standards, responsiveness and negotiation skills, which has allowed him to provide the highest quality customer service. He strives to build lasting relationships with all of his clients through trust and communication. His efforts are focused mainly on the sale side of the transaction but he loves helping buyers find their next investment or their first home. In his spare time, Sam enjoys cigars, golf, reading and spending time with friends and family.
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WHAT DOES THE NEW CHANGE IN THE SHERIFF SALE PROCESS MEAN FOR PHILADELPHIA INVESTORS? Sam: There is now a new process for
purchasing sheriff sale properties in Philadelphia. There will now be more competition than ever for real estate investors. Outside investors from all over the country now have a much easier time purchasing property online from auctions, without having to be present, in addition, a $10,000 deposit is required a week in advance of bidding on a mortgage foreclosure and a $1,500 deposit for a tax sale. THE STOCK MARKET, NFTS, CRYPTO, MEME STOCKS. THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO INVEST AND SOME ARE GETTING A LOT OF ATTENTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA FROM SO-CALLED EXPERTS. WHY IS TRUSTWORTHINESS AND EXPERIENCE MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER? Sam: Trustworthiness and experience
is everything right now for the everyday investor as well as the seasoned one. There are many ways you can put your money to work, but there are only a handful of people in each industry you should pay attention to. Now that social media has allowed marketers to be more relevant than even some of the most experienced individuals, in nearly every industry, you really have to be careful whose advice you take.
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WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE GREAT QUALITIES OF AN INVESTOR-FRIENDLY REALTOR®? Sam: I think two important qualities of an investor-friendly agent are their networking abilities and their ability to adapt to market shifts. It is important for an investor-friendly agent to not only network with other local investors and developers but to also build relationships with other brokers and REALTORS®. Piecing together complicated deals are much simpler when a sense of trust has already been instilled beforehand. Also, an agent’s ability to understand market shifts and trends as they are happening, gives the REALTORS® and their clients an upper hand when negotiating a purchase or sale. WHAT GETS YOU EXCITED ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Great clients and the ability to learn something new everyday excites me about being a REALTOR®. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to talk to great people everyday and help them with their financial goals. I am constantly learning as well. The great part about real estate is that you cannot learn everything there is to learn, as the market is always changing. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE NEW REALTORS® WHO WANT TO SPECIALIZE IN INVESTMENTS? Sam: The number one piece of advice I would give a new REALTOR® who wants to specialize in investments, is to spend the majority of their time talking to property owners. If they structure their day around building quality and meaningful relationships with property owners, their businesses will benefit greatly.
GREAT CLIENTS AND THE ABILITY TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY EXCITES ME ABOUT BEING A REALTOR®.
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I AM FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO GREAT PEOPLE EVERYDAY AND HELP THEM WITH THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS.
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AVA Westfield A R I S I N G HOME INSPECTIO N While battling Crohn’s disease, a painful inflammatory condition she suffered with for over a decade, Ava Westfield often dreamt about a phoenix rising from the ashes. So when she finally found herself Crohn’s-free, she too felt ready to fly! In 2018, Ava pursued her dream and launched Arising Home Inspection.
46 • September 2021
“I started in the real estate industry as a conveyancer for my sister’s brokerage,” Ava says. “In my downtime at work, I used to read home inspection reports for fun. Whenever the home inspector, Hasani Bakari, came by the office, I’d always ask him questions. He invited me to shadow him in the field one day, after which, he
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preferred partner highlight Written by: Heather Pluard Photography by: Vernon Ray (Creative Mind Productions)
A walk-through doesn’t take the place of a full inspection, where I’ll take electrical panel covers off and get up on the roof, but I can point out red flags and give clients some peace of mind. realproducersmag.com
Philadelphia Real Producers • 47
said I should go to Home Inspection School because I had a keen eye for pointing out defects.” In 2006, Ava followed Hasani’s advice. Then, after finishing home inspection school, she shadowed him again for six months and learned all the ins and outs of the business. Noticing her drive and attention to detail, Hasani, who has since passed, encouraged Ava to become an independent contractor for FEMA. “The number one thing I learned working as a hurricane disaster inspector for FEMA is you have to have a heart,” Ava says. “When you are dealing with people’s homes, you have to listen to their concerns and advocate for them. Throughout my career, people have thanked me for my thoroughness. It’s my nature to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb. While I love making sure people are protected, it’s also important not to be an alarmist. My philosophy is education without dramatization.” After two FEMA deployments, Ava went to work in the commercial insurance inspections industry, where she enjoyed learning a whole new set of safety details. In 2013, tired of Crohn’s disease interrupting her life with frequent bouts of severe illness, Ava decided to undergo surgery and take back her health. “I had been in and out of the hospital for years and missed a lot of work,” Ava says. “I was so sick at times that starting my own business felt like an impossible dream. But after my surgery, I finally found relief. I went to work for another Philadelphia home inspector for a while, and when I turned 40, I decided it was time to build a legacy for myself and follow my dream of being an entrepreneur.”
Recognizing that many people are currently waiving inspections due to the low inventory on the market, Arising Home Inspection offers a walk-through service with REALTORS® and their clients. “I get a lot of calls from agents wanting to put a quick offer in, but also wanting to know if their client is walking into a lemon,” she says. “A walk-through doesn’t take the place of a full inspection, where I’ll take electrical panel covers off and get up on the roof, but I can point out red flags and give clients some peace of mind.”
Today, Arising Home Inspection provides outstanding service to the five-county area of SE Pennsylvania: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. “We pride ourselves on being professional, knowledgeable, and courteous,” Ava says. “And we understand the real estate business. I’m an investor myself, so I know the time-sensitivity surrounding transactions. We typically have a two-day turnaround from completing the inspection to delivering a full report. We also offer termite inspections and radon testing.”
A Philadelphia native, Ava grew up in the West Oak Lane neighborhood with her parents and seven sisters, of whom she is the youngest. Her mother, a Pastor, taught them all the Christian philosophy of taking care of others. Her father, Michael, now works with Ava every day. “I needed a temporary assistant, but that was
48 • September 2021
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Philadelphia Real Producers • 49
I enjoy having those personal touches with people. That’s why I’m still the one who answers the company phone at work. In 15 years, I’ve come a long way. Now I’m looking for ways to make Arising bigger and better, because I absolutely love what I do!
three years ago, and he’s still with me,” Ava smiles. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. We are both incredibly service-oriented.” Outside of work, Ava’s biggest passion is singing. She’s been a member of the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale for five years and has experience teaching vocal music. She also loves cooking, baking, and sharing her cookies and cakes with friends and family. “I enjoy
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having those personal touches with people,” Ava smiles. “That’s why I’m still the one who answers the company phone at work. In 15 years, I’ve come a long way. Now I’m looking for ways to make Arising bigger and better, because I absolutely love what I do!” For more information, please visit ArisingHomeInspection.com or call 267-410-HOME.
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