CANADA 12-12-22

CANADA EDITION

HOW TO SPEED UP

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS FEATURED AGENT

PHIL MOORE

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TIPS TO MAKE NEW HIRES A LONG-LASTING SUCCESS

COVER STORY

HOW TO OVERCOME

YOUR WORKPLACE FEARS 3 EASY AT-HOME

DIY PROJECTS TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE

LANA BURNLEY

CANADA EDITION

PHIL MOORE With his steadfast dedication to 7 his clients and his community, Phil Moore stands apart as an agent who truly cares. Phil left a career in policing 33 years ago for real estate, and ever since then he has been a trusted resource for his clients, and a faithful advocate who helps them to achieve their real estate goals.

In 2018 Phil served as the of the Real Estate Board o Vancouver and then i Phil received that organ REALTORS® Care Award fo unteer work in the communi he’s not working or giving b enjoys getting peace of mind hiking. “Here in metro Vanc have so many incredible mo Serving Burnaby, New Westminster, he says. “I like to get peace and the metro Vancouver area, Phil nature. Going for a hike is works LANA with aBURNLEY clientele that is 80% where I can get away from ev PHIL MOORE repeat and referral. It’s an impressive feat that and really get grounded.” speaks to the trust and confidence he inspires. “Our clients appreciate that we give personal service,” Looking toward the future, Phil plans to Phil explains. “We’ve always been a partnership; providing the same caring service for his cl we’ve never been a mega team. They know that his community. “After 33 years, I’m still p CONTENTS when they call us, they can always get ahold of us, about serving my clients and I’m still en and they know that we’re going to be taking care about the business,” he says. “I don’t see m 4) Lana 5 TIPS TO MAKE 17) HOWtiring TOany SPEED UPnear future. I am en Top Agent Burnley serves of their needs.”the greater time in the by giving back to my national association a NEW HIRES FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER Ottawa area with muchA ofLONGher work consisting It’s that personal touch that keeps clients atTRANSACTIONS the center community. Life is a network of conversat LASTING SUCCESS of repeat clients and referrals, as word has of Phil’s business. “When the market slows down, it it is the people that I get to meet and inte spread about her canexcellent be a perfectservice. time to reach out and touch base who make it so special.”

14) HOW TO 3 EASY AT-HOME DIY with clients,” Phil says. “That’s what we20) did during ng up in a military family, mov- and decide where we wanted to do Covid.

It was the perfect opportunity toPROJECTS reach out OVERCOME YOUR TO INCREASE d finding new homes was always homework. It was just a fascinating check on people, to check on theirPROPERTY wellbeing WORKPLACE FEARS VALUE of Lana Burnley’s life. “I wantedandthing to inme.”

Throughout the years, and see if they needed anything.” nvolved in the entire process as Lana realized some moves were eas-

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” she explains. “I would go with ier than others. So when she decided to believes strongly giving rents to look at houses, and IPhilbecome a real estateinagent, sheback knewto his commuwhen we got to pick our roomsnity. sheHe wanted to make the experience fun through the mentors at-risk youth weekly

t Top Agent Magazine

East End Boys Club, and he also founded a charity that facilitates a leadership camp in the summer. mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com “When there’s a need, I take up the task,” Phil says.

“I think it’sreproduced important to manner give back professionally, No portion of this issue may be in any whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top but it’s just as important to give back toarethe commuTo find out more about Phil Moo Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied nity. We all can do our part, find things that we’re by its authors.

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. call 604 230 3772 passionate about, and discover our purpose. It’s not Published in the U.S. email phil@philmoore.com, all about selling real estate. I’ve found passion in or visit philmoore.com giving back.”

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440

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5 Tips to Make New Hires

a Long-lasting Success Bringing a new employee into the mix is process commonly known as onboarding. The idea behind onboarding is to make the transition from new hire to team member as efficient and pain-free as possible. However, polling shows that some 31% of entry-level and intermediate level hires leave their new posts within just six months of starting. The question is: why?

The hiring and training process is time-intensive and doesn’t come cheap. This means that making 4

a good match for the long haul requires more than just assessments of skill and personality. To ensure a talented new hire sticks around and is truly positioned for success, the onboarding process must be executed with the same care applied during hiring. For a few ideas on how to make the most of the onboarding process, consider the tenets below as you guide your new hire toward long-lasting success within your company.

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1. Be honest about the scope of the role

2. Build in some perks

Let’s say you’re looking to add a new buyers agent or loan processor to your team. You write up the position’s responsibilities, but neglect to mention that you want the new hire to handle a host of administrative tasks, as well. Maybe it doesn’t seem important enough to outline in detail, as it’s the sort of thing the rest of your does. Miscommunications like these are a leading reason why new hires leave their roles.

If there isn’t clarity and transparency about a position’s true responsibilities, then new hires may become quickly disillusioned and seek out greener pastures.

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While stocking the breakroom with bagels every Friday may seem like a small gesture, it’s often those little morale-boosting moves that build loyalty and comradery among the team. Bike-to-work incentives, subsidized gym memberships, and benefits that match the needs of your employees—all are ways to demonstrate appreciation and investment in your team.

Likewise, the right candidate will return the favor and invest his or her energies into their new role.

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3. Get a sense of big-picture career plans

4. Keep the lines of communication open

Another reason new hires move on may have nothing to do with you or your office. In fact, many hires in entry-level or even intermediate roles have doubts about their long-term vision.

That’s why it’s important to be upfront from the beginning regarding a candidate’s five-year plan and ultimate dream job. Maintain realistic expectations when asking these questions, but use it as an opportunity to gage a candidate’s seriousness about the real estate or mortgage industry. Why this line of work over another?

Emphasizing industry longevity and career growth during the interview process can save you drama down the road.

Take a proactive approach in communicating with your new hire. Take time to check in regularly during the first six months of his or her addition. If you can, make time to train new hires yourself—if only for a part of the onboarding process. You’ll forge a deeper professional bond and create an avenue for further questions. All in all, make it clear that you’re personally invested in their presence and talents, and that you care what they have to say. That way, if any issues or doubts arise, you can stay on top of it and work out a solution, rather than lose a new employee.

5. Give new hires meaningful work to do It’s natural to keep the kid-gloves on with new hires, but don’t let that stop you from giving them a chance to shine. New team members will feel empowered and motivated if given meaningful projects to focus on. Don’t relegate their daily duties to busy work as they build experience.

Instead, task new teammates with something challenging, or that draws on a specific skill you hired them for. You’ll instill confidence, demonstrate your commitment to their growth, and with any luck—keep them around for the long haul.

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LANA BURNLEY Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Lana Burnley serves the greater Ottawa area with much of her work consisting of repeat clients and referrals, as word has spread about her excellent service.

Growing up in a military family, moving and finding new homes was always a part of Lana Burnley’s life. “I wanted to be involved in the entire process as a kid,” she explains. “I would go with my parents to look at houses, and I loved when we got to pick our rooms 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

and decide where we wanted to do homework. It was just a fascinating thing to me.” Throughout the years, Lana realized some moves were easier than others. So when she decided to become a real estate agent, she knew she wanted to make the experience fun Top Agent Magazine

for her clients. “Moving is frequently associated with some very stressful or high pressure events, like divorce, marriage, or a growing family, so I just want to make the transition into this new life chapter as easy as possible for my clients.” Earning her license in 2000, Lana hit the ground running. With extensive experience and knowledge, she’s helped many buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals.

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With a part-time assistant who will soon become her buyer’s agent, Lana’s business is thriving. Serving the greater Ottawa area, much of her work consists of repeat clients and referrals, as word has spread about her excellent service. She’s a heart-centered REALTOR®, always putting others first. “I give my clients my full attention when I’m talking with them,” Lana explains.

“I will be there for each step. And I

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Those who work with Lana appreciate her ability to make the buying and selling experience enjoyable.

One client recently said, “Lana went above and beyond what we expected in a REALTOR®. will make sure that everyone involved is informed and prepared, including the kids if there are any.” Buyers are shown properties that meet their musthave checklists, and once their dream home is found, Lana gets them the best deal possible while remaining competitive. For her sellers, Lana’s goal is to spread the word far and wide about Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

their properties. She makes sure each home looks its best. “I take care of the staging, and we shoot drone footage as well as high quality photography.”

Those who work with Lana appreciate her ability to make the buying and selling experience enjoyable. One client recently said, “Lana went above Top Agent Magazine

and beyond what we expected in a REALTOR®. She was attentive and meticulous in helping us with finding our new home in Ottawa. She is detail-oriented and doesn’t miss a beat.

Her personality is one in a million. We

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feel blessed to not only have found an incredible agent but also a new friend.

There is a reason she has been awarded Ottawa Faces Award for Ottawa’s Best Luxury Real Estate agent in Ottawa.

Thank you Lana!”

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While real estate takes up much of Lana’s time, she does make sure to give back to the community. She is involved with the Breast Cancer Association of Canada. As a breast cancer survivor, she is passionate about raising awareness and research funds for the disease. She is also involved with Ottawa Connecting

Women, Heighten Your Business, and the Canadian Club of Ottawa.

Lana plans to continue growing her business and reaching new heights. She hopes to have a small team in the future, and will remain focused on delivering the best service possible.

For more information about Lana Burnley, please call 613-266-9020 or email lana@srrealty.ca Cover photo by Gary Madore, Ottawa, Canada Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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How To How To Overcome Your Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether.

Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

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Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step.

By just naming it and then talking it out in

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me,

ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

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TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

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it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

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THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad after all.

Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off.

Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world. Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

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COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, Top Agent Magazine

Start thinking of fears as challenges.

As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed.

you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

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START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed.

A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence. A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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PHIL MOORE With his steadfast dedication to his clients and his community, Phil Moore stands apart as an agent who truly cares. Phil left a career in policing 33 years ago for real estate, and ever since then he has been a trusted resource for his clients, and a faithful advocate who helps them to achieve their real estate goals.

Serving Burnaby, New Westminster, and the metro Vancouver area, Phil works with a clientele that is 80% repeat and referral. It’s an impressive feat that speaks to the trust and confidence he inspires. “Our clients appreciate that we give personal service,” Phil explains. “We’ve always been a partnership; we’ve never been a mega team. They know that when they call us, they can always get ahold of us, and they know that we’re going to be taking care of their needs.”

It’s that personal touch that keeps clients at the center of Phil’s business. “When the market slows down, it can be a perfect time to reach out and touch base with clients,” Phil says. “That’s what we did during Covid. It was the perfect opportunity to reach out and check in on people, to check on their wellbeing and see if they needed anything.”

Phil believes strongly in giving back to his community. He mentors at-risk youth weekly through the East End Boys Club, and he also founded a charity that facilitates a leadership camp in the summer.

“When there’s a need, I take up the task,” Phil says.

“I think it’s important to give back professionally, but it’s just as important to give back to the community. We all can do our part, find things that we’re passionate about, and discover our purpose. It’s not all about selling real estate. I’ve found passion in giving back.”

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In 2018 Phil served as the president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and then in 2022 Phil received that organization’s REALTORS® Care Award for his volunteer work in the community. When he’s not working or giving back, Phil enjoys getting peace of mind through hiking. “Here in metro Vancouver we have so many incredible mountains,” he says. “I like to get peace through nature. Going for a hike is my place where I can get away from everything and really get grounded.”

Looking toward the future, Phil plans to continue providing the same caring service for his clients and his community. “After 33 years, I’m still passionate about serving my clients and I’m still enthusiastic about the business,” he says. “I don’t see myself retiring any time in the near future. I am encouraged by giving back to my national association and to my community. Life is a network of conversations, and it is the people that I get to meet and interact with who make it so special.”

To find out more about Phil Moore, call 604 230 3772 email phil@philmoore.com, or visit philmoore.com www.

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While Top Agent Magazine

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases 18

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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3 Easy At-Home DIY Projects to Increase Property Value Most homeowners have a lengthy list of chores and bit projects they intend to accomplish around the house. Oftentimes, those to-do items are completed piecemeal over a long stretch of time, or else sometimes not at all. However, when it comes time to prepare a home for market, all those tasks begin to pile-up and overwhelm. The 20

list of things to do before the photographer comes or the first open house is held might seem endless, but not if you tackle just a few things here and there as you go. These sorts of projects—easy, DIY, at-home tasks you can accomplish in a few hours or less, with tools you most likely have on hand— go a long way with marginal effort.

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Complete a quick rehab of closets and storage areas Many agents advise clients to declutter and depersonalize their spaces ahead of professional photography and home showings. The idea is to provide prospective buyers with a neutral palette. Not only does this allow them to imagine their own lives unfolding within those four walls, but it also helps make a home’s square footage stand out. One way to add visual space to your home without calling in the contractor is to declutter common storage areas and closets. When buyers can get a complete look at a closet’s capacity, or a pantry’s depth, or the garage’s full functional potential, they get a better sense of a home’s potential and thus, its value.

In that vein, consider decluttering and cleaning your high-traffic storage spaces: the garage, pantries, closets, attics, and basements. Besides, organizing and discarding unwanted items help you prep for a move anyway, while giving potential buyers a peak at how spacious your home really is.

Add easy curb appeal with a bit of sweat equity Sure, curb appeal can arrive in the form of a new mailbox, pathway lighting, or updated house numbers, but it can also come cheaper than that. Curb extends to the upkeep of your lawn, landscaping, and home’s façade, and there are plenty of ways Top Agent Magazine

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you can give these zones a refresh without spending anything but time. Keeping your front and back yard green and uniform adds a lux layer to exterior square footage.

Likewise, polishing the outside of your windows, trimming hedges, and sweeping the walkway can make a tidy and wellcared for first impression. There are other measures you can take too. Planting wildflower seeds in empty beds, or collecting some landscaping rocks to frame mulched areas can add a bit of character to your residence. Repainting the front door, ensuring trees are trimmed, and keeping back patios 22

neat and uncluttered also underscore a home at its finest, which is ripe for buyers to snatch up.

Transform tiled spaces into sparkling clean surfaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens are where sellers can stand to add plenty of value in the process of selling a home. While pricey renovations might be out of the question for some, there are still affordable and time-effective ways you can transform for these spaces for the better. Cleaning,

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bleaching, or redoing your tile grout—in either kitchens, bathrooms, or other tiled spaces—can give these high-trafficked areas a new lease on life. Ensuring windows, mirrors, stainless steel appliances and backsplashes are streak-free and polished also demonstrate to buyers that your home is well-cared for and practically move-in ready. Sometimes, the devil is in the details. You might consider relining drawers, changing out knobs and fixtures,

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or else decluttering cabinets and shelves for a fresher look.

No matter the challenges ahead as you prepare your home for sale, completing a few small tasks every weekend or so can put you miles ahead of the competition.

Without spending a dime, you can add serious value to your home’s bottom line, setting you up for success as you begin your own home-shopping adventure.

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