California 5-21-18 by Top Agent Magazine

CALIFORNIA EDITION

How to Get the Biggest RECHARGE Out of Your Lunch Hour HOW TO THROW A NETWORKING EVENT that Can Put Your Business on the Map

IS FINDING A NICHE MARKET Right for You? CREATIVE MEDITATION for the Real Estate Professional

COVER STORY

TAMAR HOUSE

FEATURED AGENTS

ALLISON GELBRICH-DOWNING LENORA HARRISON

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LGS was founded in 1987 to assist Realtors in meeting mandatory requirements prior to the close of escrow. As the list of requirements grew, so did we! LGS has been committed to providing the professional service necessary to successfully meet our customer's needs. One hundred percent customer satisfaction is not only our goal, but it is our mantra. n

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Call 1-800-771-5971 or visit us at www.lgscompliance.com email info@iusecompliance.com Top Agent Magazine

CALIFORNIA EDITION

Scott Edwards is proud to congratulate

Tamar House 7

TAMAR HOUSE

LENORA HARRISON

ALLISON GELBRICH-DOWNING

on being featured for the state of California in Top Agent Magazine! CONTENTS 4) HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR

17) CREATIVE MEDITATION FOR THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

Scott Edwards | NMLS - 1097143 Mortgage HOW TOAdvisor THROW A 21) Skyline Home Loans | Corp. Lic# 1071

14) NETWORKING EVENT THAT c: 661-373-1034 CANsedwards@skylinehomeloans.com PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP scottedwards.skylinehomeloans.com

IS FINDING A NICHE MARKET RIGHT FOR YOU?

www.

Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the U.S.

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create 4

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon. But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule? Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed. Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order. Top Agent Magazine

PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list. 6

Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow. Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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TAMAR HOUSE Top Agent Magazine

TAMAR HOUSE Aptly-named Top Agent and Broker Tamar House - of Team House Real Estate in Valencia, California - has been providing multitudes of grateful clients with exceptional real estate guidance since 1994. Working with her husband Ryan, the pair offer a wide range of industry knowledge, from residential and commercial sales to property management. With a focus on exceptional client service and employing a hands-on approach, they have firmly established themselves as Realtors who can be trusted to put their client’s needs front and center in any situation. 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Tamar began her adventures in real estate when she acted upon the advice of her father and obtained her license. “I had received my Associates Degree in Business Administration,” she explains, “and I was going to be an accountant. But I didn’t want to sit behind a desk all day, I wanted to talk to people and help people.” Tamar then went on to obtain her Broker’s license in 2007. Currently, Tamar and Ryan oversee a team of four that include an Executive Assistant, an Agent Liaison, a Media Director, and a Graphic Designer. Selling all the way from the Santa Clarita Top Agent Magazine

Valley to Orange County, the team covers a vast swath of the Los Angeles region. As the owners of All Valley Leasing, the pair also have achieved success in the property management arena. With nearly 80% of their business predicated on repeat and referred clients, Team House is clearly doing something right. “We pride ourselves on our customer service,” says Tamar by way of explaining this impressive level of client loyalty. “We have more than Top Agent Magazine

150 five-star reviews on Zillow, which shows that our clients are extremely satisfied with our service. We really pride ourselves on making sure our customers feel special. This is a very big purchase or sale and we want to make sure we treat them all like family.” Among those glowing reviews is this testimonial that clearly illustrates the gratitude their clients feel for them: “Tamar and Ryan are focused like a laser on excellent client services. Their knowledge of real estate, property management, business and customer service surpasses any realtor or Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

broker that I have worked with. They work so hard for you and see to it that you get what you asked for in a timely fashion. You can call them any time and they pick up! If you truly want excellence, give them a call as they will no doubt provide it.â&#x20AC;? Consummately professional and cuttingedge marketing have played a large part in the success of Team House, and to that end they utilize state-of-the-art photography and aerial video. Combined with their substantial 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

online efforts and their marketing team, they create maximum exposure for their listings. A flourishing social media presence also ensures that their listings are seen by as many potential buyers as possible. Team House, despite the impressive number of homes they sell annually, maintains hands-on contact during the entire transaction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think a lot of experienced agents that have been around a while get the listing and then hand it off to someone else on their Top Agent Magazine

team,” says Tamar. “We never, ever hand someone off. Our team helps us, but we’re there every step of the way for our clients.”

including The Wish Foundation, Single Mothers Outreach, The Circle of Hope and Trinity Classical Academy.

Giving back is important to Tamar and her team. They consistently sponsor events or assist with multiple charitable organizations,

When they aren’t working, Tamar and Ryan enjoy spending time with their four children at Disneyland, and also take twice-annual

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trips to Hawaii, which is, says Tamar, “literally our favorite place to be.” As for the future, Tamar is contemplating at least partial retirement in ten years. “I’d probably still be selling real estate,”

she says, “because I really enjoy it. But I’d like to take a day off here and there.” Until then, expect Team House to continue to provide the same exceptional customer service that has become synonymous with their name.

For more information about Tamar House, call 661 - 714 - 0777 or email tamar@teamhouserealestate.com

TEAM HOUSE SINCE 1994

all valley leasing SINCE 2010

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Scott Edwards is proud to congratulate

Tamar House

on being featured for the state of California in Top Agent Magazine!

Scott Edwards | NMLS - 1097143 Mortgage Advisor Skyline Home Loans | Corp. Lic# 1071 c: 661-373-1034 sedwards@skylinehomeloans.com www.

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scottedwards.skylinehomeloans.com 13

How to Throw a Networking Event

that Can Put Your Business on the Map

It’s hard to argue with the benefits of attending networking events—you make new connections, enjoy industry skill-building conversation, and expand your reach in the local business community. However, have you ever considered the benefits of hosting a networking event? Instead of attending as a guest, you’ll be the wizard behind it all. Throwing a networking event can position you as a local business leader, and you’ll be able to curate the experience to your tastes and goals. This idea may be tempting, but how do you pull it off? Review some of our tips and tricks below and you’ll be more than ready to throw a networking event that’ll put you on the map.

MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR GUESTS TO SAY YES. From the outset, try to keep things as simple as possible for your guests. This means that e-invites should be structured, yet conversational. Include a link to register online so that arriving to your event is seamless and requires no sign-up sheets or stuffy check-in procedures. Select a venue that’s relatively well-known and central to your area. It should also have easy-to-access parking so that attendance is streamlined and hassle-free. Also consider sending an automated event reminder the day before and the day of the event—that way you’ll set guests up for easy attendance that they don’t have to debate.

CREATE A THEME. Capitalizing on a holiday or local event is a great way to drive attendance to your networking function. While getting to know area professionals is a worthy reason to meet up, you’re likely to engender a livelier ambiance if you incorporate a holiday or theme. This will inspire comradery among your guests, in addition to giving your event a natural focus. Major sporting events, a Thanksgiving themed pie bake-off, or a spring cleaning themed community volunteer day can generate more interest than your average mixer. 14

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR GUEST LIST. While you may be trying to keep your invite list industry-specific, you may benefit from casting a wider net. Invite area entrepreneurs, young professionals, collegiate professional organizations, and even friends and family. You never know what sort of connections will be made, and high attendance is key to keeping the energy of your networking event at a high tier. Don’t worry about only collecting info from realtors or brokers or mortgage pros. Instead, create a sense of community so that opportunities flow naturally and conversation remains diverse.

BE THE BOSS. As host, it’ll be your job to play matchmaker and drive conversation at your networking event. This means that you’ll get to know more people, but it also means you’ll be able to create connections between different professionals and businesses. You can maximize your matchmaking abilities by planting a few socially-minded friends around to drive additional conversations. Your goal is to keep people talking and to be outgoing. It should also be your goal to follow-up once the event is complete. Use this as an opportunity to continue to connect different people you met, or to follow-up with coffee or lunch with someone you found interesting. Try sending out a group thank-you e-mail to your guests after the fact, telling them to keep an eye out for your next event, or to get in touch with you for any questions or contact information of fellow attendees. While it may feel like a risk to throw a networking event, it’s a risk worth taking. By positioning yourself as the host of your event, you’ll drive awareness to your business and brand, and build up the local professional community in a way that’s sure to draw good will your way. Keep these ideas in mind as you go about planning a memorable networking event of your own, and above all—have a good time and others will follow suit.

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Creative Meditation

for the Real Estate Professional The real estate world can be an industry of intense emotional and psychological pressure. Deadlines, meetings, employee needs, client needs and a hundred other items on which one needs to focus on a daily basis can create an environment that is not only not conducive to mental well-being, but can be outright detrimental. Learning to quiet the mind has been the focus of meditation for millennia. While those not familiar with the concept of meditation may instinctively think of yoga mats, incense, and chanting when the word “meditation” arises, there are in fact, many forms of meditation that can integrate quite Top Agent Magazine

easily into the daily hustle & bustle world of the busy real estate agent. First, think about when you are alone each day. Here are some possible times to practice mediation during the work day: • When driving to the office in the morning • When driving to a showing or to meet a client • Before your open house begins • After the open house • Driving home in the evening 17

Repeating a mantra can be very calming, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. These are just five examples of times when you can take advantage of meditation techniques to quiet your mind and, by extension, increase productivity. A calm mind is a more thoughtful, better tuned instrument. Here are some examples of meditations you can try.

For when you’re driving, download and listen to any number of audio Guided Meditations available on the internet. YouTube has a generous selection of these, many of which are geared towards success in business.

2 Repeating a mantra can be very calm-

ing, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. It doesn’t matter what words you choose, as long as you feel good about your choice. “I am a success” or “I will approach all of my clients with love today” are two examples. Whatever works for you and gets you into the desired mindset.

3 Something as simple as listening to pleasant music in your car can be considered meditation, provided it brings you to a place of comfort as opposed to one of spiritual discordance.

4 The most important thing, however, is to take time to find gratitude in everything you do. Count your blessings, be grateful the exciting career in real estate you have built for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered some of these techniques at quieting your mind, you can attempt to find some that work even better for you. Walking, plain silence, or even exercise can have meditative qualities and benefits if practiced on a regular basis. When you’re truly feeling calm, your clients can sense this. And with this comes the feeling that you can be relied upon to stay focused and calm in any unforeseen circumstances. And in the world of real estate, that’s a highly prized commodity. Top Agent Magazine

LENORA HARRISON Top Agent Magazine

LENORA HARRISON Lenora Harrison began her real estate career in Florida 30 years ago. With her personable approach to sales, her career instantly took off and she was a highly sought after agent in the lucrative oceanfront property market. In just her second year in the business, Lenora received Realtor® of the Year and became a member of the Million Dollar Club. In 1997, Lenora moved to Sun City Roseville, where she now specializes in the 55 plus community. Her son Larry Pearson recently tuned 55 and he’s joined his mom. Lenora and her team have been the number one selling and listing agent in the area for the past 20 years , a truly remarkable feat. Lenora lives and enjoys all the the Sun City lifestyle has to offer, and she’s eager to share that with her clients. She recognizes that when you buy here it’s more than just the property, it’s the tennis courts,the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the fitness centers, Billy Casper Signature golf courses, the restaurants, and of course, the people. Lenora has an in-depth knowledge of the homes throughout the different developments, including Sun City Roseville, Sun City Lincoln Hills, Springfield Whitney Oaks and The Club at Westpark You won’t be able to find someone who knows more about the various upgrades and options that each home has and how that affects the properties value, which gives her clients a distinct advantage. It’s no surprise that Lenora has an impressive 90% rate of repeat and referral business. She is well known for operating herself with the utmost integrity and is always maintaining a competitive edge by staying educated and up to date on

her industry Throughout the years Lenora has obtained her broker’s license, the Senior Residential Real Estate Specialist designation (SRES), her CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert) and she’s completed the course for her GRI, Graduate Realtor® Institute. She is also a Life Member of the Placer County Board of Realtors® Masters Club, which is obtained by only 10% of its members. If you ask Lenora’s clients what they must remember about working with her most comment on her strong work ethic and the high level of customer service she offers. “My goal is to help my clients achieve their real estate goals, and to make that process as easy and as seamless as possible. I go above and beyond to make sure my clients get an unparalleled level of service and I think that’s why they feel comfortable recommending me to their friends and their family.” Lenora is actively involved in her community and has sponsors numerous golf tournaments, as well as supporting the women’s and the men’s softball teams. She is always eager to help out with special event her community holds throughout the year. When she isnt working, you can find Lenora enjoying all that her community has to offer, including line dancing and socializing at the local restaurant. Lenora has no plans to retire anytime soon. If she can remain an effective advocate for her clients, she’ll be doing what she loves forever. “It’s such a great joy for me to help seniors find their dream retirement home and community. This is such a rewarding career and I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

To learn more about Lenora Harrison (Lic # 01229917) call 916 - 765 - 4188, email lenorasellssuncity@gmail.com or visit WeSellSunCity.com www.

Is Finding A Niche Market Right for You?

A lot of Realtors® take the ‘jack of all trades’ approach to their businesses, and some are extremely successful with doing it all and doing it well. But taking that approach can also make it hard to stand out if there are a lot of agents in your area taking the same approach. If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the rest, finding a niche market might be the way to go. Although it might sound limiting at first, with the right branding and marketing, your specialty and expertise may help you lock up a market after you become well known for being the ‘go to’ Realtor® in a certain demographic. Having a niche helps you target your marketing, making it more effective, until eventually people are seeking you out as you build your reputation as the foremost expert in your particular niche. Top Agent Magazine

Despite the benefits of taking on a specialty, it’s still something that only a small percentage of Realtors® do, which means you have a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor in your area by being ahead of what is sure to be a looming real estate trend. You want to claim your stake on the niche that best fits not only your passions, but something that fills a void in your market. If this all sounds good to you, the next step is finding your niche! Here are a few things you need to consider:

There are two approaches to having a specialty, one that is truly your all-consuming passion or a sort of revolving niche, one that changes with the market 21

In addition to creating a thriving business, finding a niche may even unlock a hidden passion. Does your area have a large historic home inventory? Are you passionate about helping first time home buyers realize their dreams? Having a personal connection to what you specialize in is always a great way to start out. If you’re passionate about something, you’re almost guaranteed to have the work ethic it takes to have success in a niche market. Once you hone in on a niche, make sure the market data backs up your focus. Another approach is changing with the market. If you’re truly an expert in a few areas of the business, it might be good to have sort of a revolving niche. In a down market you might specialize in short sales and foreclosures. When things pick up, you may take your innovative approaches and start applying them to luxury homes. Whether you take the consistent niche approach or the flexible one, it’s really all about figuring out what best suits you and your market.

Fill a void in your market Maybe you don’t have an instant passion for one particular niche. In that case, there are several areas you can consider. A lot of it will start with really researching and analyzing your market and having a good eye for what future trends will be. Is there a certain demographic that is surging in your area? Cater your business to serve them. Maybe you are fluent in Spanish and your area is seeing a rise in a Latino population, who are emigrating from other countries. Or perhaps, you live in an area that has a larger retirement population. There 22

are numerous demographics that truly need expert real estate advice. Be the one to fill it. You can also focus on a particular neighborhood or gated community. Helping people navigate the ins and outs of a particular HOA can be a lifesaver.

Are you already serving a niche? Of course, sometimes you may already have a niche and are unaware of it. Maybe you are already dealing with a lot of first-time homebuyers. Look over your sales records and see what might already be there, then make it official. Figure out why you’re drawn to that area and then nail down the reasons you’ve excelled with that niche and use it to create a marketing plan and branding.

Find ways to really sell your expertise Once you figure out your niche, get the training, designations, and certifications that will enhance your expertise. Another way to let it be known that you are the ‘go to’ Realtor® in your particular niche is to become a resource online. Create a website with informative blogs and marketing information. Make a mark on social media where you can link back to your site, so potential clients can actually interact with you. There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking of going the niche market way with your business, but if you consider everything carefully and focus in on something you can be passionate about, the rewards could be a major win for you and for your clients. Top Agent Magazine

ALLISON GELBRICH-DOWNING Give Allison Gelbrich-Downing a challenge and she’ll run with it, not away from it. “I was licensed in 2006, which was when the market started turning, so my first few years in real estate were largely in REOs, short-sales, or working with buyers,” says Allison, who is grateful she was new to real estate back then. “It’s good to learn in a tough market.” Once the market turned around, that hard work helped her build a strong business. Now an independent agent with Big Block Realty, which recently expanded from San Diego to the Temecula area, Allison spent the first 11 years of her real estate career with Century 21. “I got licensed right around the time I moved to Temecula from San Diego, but I grew up in Ketchikan, Alaska,” she adds. “Prior to that, I was born in Seoul, South Korea and adopted by an American family at age five.” Allison’s personal story has great bearing on her devotion to serving people. “It means a lot to me, having immigrated here and being adopted by an American family, to help families achieve the American Dream,” she says. Customer service has always been her top priority, along with round-the-clock accessibility. “My clients always ask, ‘Do you sleep?’ because I’m always reachable by phone, email or text!” Given the competitive South Riverside County market, and the fact that many of her clients have worked with other agents in the past, Allison’s goal is to turn any negative perception someone may have about real estate into a positive experience. “I really, truly care about my clients and their happiness; I’ve always run my business by putting their needs first.” She doesn’t think about commission. “I know that if I’m acting as a client advocate first and foremost, then I will I be compensated for it.” That compensation takes many forms, including 75% of her business coming from repeat clients or referrals. Her client reviews

paint a picture of a professional, persistent agent who is personable, down-to-earth and willing to go above and beyond. “My clients say that working with me is like working with a friend. We build trust; it means a lot that they trust me enough to refer me to their friends and family members.” Her dedication to clients’ needs and wants during their purchases or sales also endears her to them and many become friends. While Allison sends regular, useful mailings about property values and trends to all her clients, she also sends handwritten notes or Starbucks cards quarterly. “I’ve built such a great rapport with many people on a personal level that we’ll do lunches or I’ll call, drop by or stay in touch on social media, always keeping it personal.” “I’m not just a transaction REALTOR®,” she says, explaining that everything she does for her clients helps her develop long-lasting relationships. To market listings, for instance, includes coordinated effort beginning with two weeks of premarketing. While Allison conducts “Coming Soon” marketing with advertising, flyers, signage and networking with local agents, her clients can prepare their house based on the staging tips from Allison or her professional stager. Once the house goes on the MLS, all advertising includes professional photography and videography. “We highlight the home’s features and will do drone and aerial photography where appropriate.” Her open houses are so thoroughly marketed in advance that they are well-attended. “I’ve sold from open houses,” she says. Meanwhile, beyond providing exemplary service, Allison enjoys giving back to the community by hosting or taking part in special neighborhood events and activities benefiting animal shelters and food banks, such as Animal Friends of the Valley in South Riverside County or the Temecula Mission of Hope. “I’m also married with four grown stepsons, and love traveling, yoga, and anything outdoors.” Variety keeps life interesting, she knows. “I’m always open to learning and I love that, in real estate, there is always a new, interesting challenge or new people to meet.”

To learn more about Allison Gelbrich-Downing, visit homesbyallison.org or go to herhttps://www.facebook.com/allisongelbrichdowningsells Facebook page, email allison@homesbyallison.org or call 951.710.0382. http://

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