Canada 5-7-18

CANADA EDITION

Why Delegating is the Key to LONG-LASTING SUCCESS GOAL CONTRACTS (A Life Skill from the Old School) Killing Clients with KINDNESS AND VALUE Daily Habits that Will INCREASE YOUR MENTAL STRENGTH

FEATURED AGENTS

DIANNE GILLETTE MEREDITH KENNEDY COVER STORY

KAYLEY SPALDING

CANADA EDITION

7

15

21 MEREDITH K DIANNE GILLETTE

Top Agent Meredith Kenn It’s helpful when a real estate profesestate, in addition Realty Liftlock is a mem sional is either related to or friends “Of course, I can’t and Du with more than half the people in the the Peterborough sees something, he Estate boards and doesthey mo area she serves. Also helpful is having other projects, her clients buy and a background in banking and diplomatic purchase that sell workth relations, foreign affairs and internaTWOth Autosports she works hard to educate tional trade, plus property management car clients stay at o entire process.

A teacher for a diplomatic post in Ottawa. Meredith For chef and bottle was is passionate ab someone like this, full-time workher in buyers and sellers mak residential, commercial and farm decisions real Given the response regarding what comes naturally. is growing her team KAYLEY SPALDING DIANNE GILLETTE estate MEREDITH KENNEDY largest transaction of their tive, staging and m “In all my careers I was somehow in interested real estate,” saysestate,” her says future daughter “I involved was always in real Meredith.

Dianne Gillette, a Broker with Keller Williams Integrity Realty in Williams Integrity father was a carpenter, and my family would spend Ottawa, Ontario. “It may have taken a while for me to finally get I’moraorganizing going to different open houses. teacher byevent trai in to real estate sales, but it has always been my passion.” Her prior year for various cau love teaching, but I didn’t like the way the profession s experience contributed to an easy transition in 2006. Because of her going, so I decided to get my real estate license. I did, a work in banking, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ottawa, Dianne ex looked back since.” That was in 2008, and Meredith h International Trade, plus Financial, HR and Property Management fortunate to live he last decade developing a solid reputation as an agent of the New Zealand High Commission in Ottawa, she knows quite noting that she and trusted to always put her client’s best interests frontAantr a bit about diplomatic relocations. “I’m on the relocation list for the grandchildren.

Department of National Defence; I truly understand the possible Ottawa or the valle nearly of her business based on repeat and refe complications of moving abroad or With moving into75% Canada.”

Meredith is clearly striking a chord of confidence wit grateful clients. what she believes would Covering Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, Dianne has When earnedasked a terrific this exceptional customer reputation. “It’s quite a diverse market, but because level I was of raised on loyalty, she respond buildingValley, my business, my number one goal from t a farm and probably related to half was the Ottawa I have family to focus on honesty, integrity, and providing superior s and longtime friends there,” she says.

“I think my clients feel that I look after them very well.” She is very careful to make sure each client will benefit from their sale orSuperior purchase.service, “I do a lot of research; indeed.

One need only glance at th if something doesn’t look like a good fit, I’lltestimonials recommend on theMeredith’s client glowing website to under walk away.” This is particularly trueexactly in commercial. want Among the stellar rev what she“You doesdon’t provide. to make short-sighted, big-money decisions.”

WhenMeredith people feel cared one: “I asked to represent us when we sold o for, confidence builds and referralsliked roll in, more thansome 75% real estate agents she thetotaling fact that unlike of Dianne’s business. She is also onall thepushy Commercial BoardAtwith the during our associat or insistent. all times Ottawa Real Estate Board. understanding and knowledgeable. She stood up for us us decide on the price, and she was diligent in presentin Taking care of clients includes the comprehensive package often. She hadmarketing two or three open houses and advertise Dianne customizes for listings. With residential, she hires a stager.

“If it’s empty, we rent furniture for part of the house and I do virPhone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 tual staging, placing large prints of each room on easels so people mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com can visualize it furnished.” An interior designer helps Dianne and her clients determine what to remove or add before photography and No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is showings. “And we do extensive social media, targeted to the demopublished by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent graphics of the buyer for each property.” For commercial and farms, Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. marketing is a “whole different ball of wax,” but Dianne knows preTo subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. cisely how to conduct marketing through various outlets.

Published in the U.S.

CONTENTS

4) GOAL CONTRACTS (A LIFE SKILL FROM THE OLD SCHOOL) 13) WHY DELEGATING IS THE KEY TO LONGLASTING SUCCESS

17) KILLING CLIENTS WITH KINDNESS AND VALUE 22) DAILY HABITS THAT WILL INCREASE YOUR MENTAL STRENGTH

To learn

Dianne’s clients enjoy her sense of humor. “Some clients (and even visit dian agents) have a hard time with things that are thrown at you in a transaction, but I like sorting through the mud and achieving the goals.” or go She does this with a smile on her face. “Being friendly and Tophelpful Agent Magazine email please call 905 - 914 - 5302 helps everybody to relax; my clients know we’re in this together.”

For Dianne, helping people is one of the greatest rewards of real o

For more informa http://

2

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

Goal Contracts

By Barry Eisen

(A Life Skill from the Old School) A few months ago I spoke at a real estate sales meeting in an office where I’ve spoken and taught seminars for many years. As soon as I was finished, an agent, who had transferred into this office about a year before, standing in the back of the room, graciously offered a glowing testimonial about my seminar he had taken ten years ago. He talked of a number meaningful changes for the better he had experienced in his life since that seminar. Then he took out 4

of his pocket a small number of 3 by 5 cards and held them up like he was holding the Holy Grail. Of all the internal and external techniques he was exposed to in the seminar, these cards (Goal Contracts) were his game changer.

I stopped guessing years ago, which ideas or systems I teach will be best or most appreciated. We all perceive ideas so differently. Generally, feedback I get in coaching sessions is Top Agent Magazine

that the biggest issue for most, who are not fulfilling their own personal promises, is lack of focus, not lack of ability or planning. There are lots of good ideas available to shake a person out of the Limbo they’ve created. Here’s one that has worked for many. If you like the idea, don’t just acknowledge it as a “nice idea.”

Do it for a month. Get past the initial new/awkward/judgmental stage. Then decide whether this is an idea worth continuing or not. Come from KNOWING, not second-guessing. 3. On the second line, answer the You have everything to gain and time question. What is the specific nothing to lose.

TARGET or DUE DATE for that goal to be accomplished? (A specific The Goal Contract date creates a sense of urgency.)

Get as many 3 X 5 cards for as many 4. On the third line of each card selected personal/business goals answer the HOW? question. This is the action step, where the rubber you’d like to accomplish. meets the road. How are you going 1. Create 4 horizontal lines across to get from where you are to where each card with a few spaces in you are going? Dig deeper than the lazy answer: “If I knew what to do between each.

I’d be doing it!” If you’ve crossed the street by yourself a few times You have everything to already, chances are you know what gain and nothing to lose. you need to do. Write this down in a few words on the third line.

2. On the top line of each card answer the question WHAT? What 5. On the bottom line of each card, is that card’s goal? Write that goal SIGN YOUR NAME. As simple and on the top line (e.g. Weigh 150 lbs., perhaps silly as this may seem, we $200,000, run a 42 minute 10K, etc). have been conditioned to live up to Top Agent Magazine

5

you feel self conscious), on your office and home office desk, etc.

Just the physical act of moving the cards, subconsciously reinforces what the cards represent. Since most of our attitudes and actions are subconsciously motivated, you will feel more immediately compelled to make the better, usually more 6. Stick a small piece of double productive decision. sided tape on the back of each card.

This is a little idea that can play big 7. Carry these cards with you in getting you to another level. through the travels of your day. In Because it’s easy to do, it becomes your pocket or handbag, carry case, easy to NOT do. Do it, you’ll like it! on the dashboard of your car (not when you have others with you, if Copyright©, Barry Eisen.

responsibilities we sign for (mortgages, insurance, credit cards, cars, etc). Personal and business goals don’t generally fall into that category. A small action can have a huge impact. As you sign your name, feel the responsibility of your commitment.

Barry Eisen teaches personal development seminars and coaches Southern California top producing rEALtOrS®. “Your business will never grow more than you do” is the theme; self hypnosis and behavior modification are the tools for playing a bigger game. barryeisen.com, barryeisen@LA.twcbc.com 818-769-4300 6

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

KAYLEY SPALDING 7

Top Agent Kayley Spalding and her team at Coldwell Banker Thompson Real Estate Brokerage in Muskoka, Ontario have carved out a reputation as soughtafter real estate professionals for a diverse range of both buyers and sellers.

KAYLEY SPALDING Top Agent Kayley Spalding and her team at Coldwell Banker Thompson Real Estate Brokerage in Muskoka, Ontario have carved out a reputation as sought-after real estate professionals for a diverse range of both buyers and sellers. A dominant force in what’s known as the “Hamptons of the North”, Kayley and her team have built their reputation on providing outstanding customer service and a unique ability to sell luxury, waterfront properties to buyers from across North America.

8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Kayley, who oversees a highly-motivated and specialized team of professionals, began her journey in real estate over twelve years ago. “I wanted to make sure I had could build a career in Muskoka that challenged me every day and I haven’t looked back since.” It was clearly the right decision, and since then Kayley has not only created a thriving, dynamic business, but has also been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions within the industry. Her many accolades include being the recipient of the International President’s Premier Award for numerous years. In 2017, Kayley was also Top Agent Magazine

Old Hemlock

recognized by Coldwell Banker as #2 in Canada and #8 in North America for unit sales.

Kayley’s team does it all, offering a comprehensive suite of services for their clients. Assisting both buyers and sellers, they ensure each listing receives professional staging and integrated marketing campaigns to guarantee all of their listings are shown to their best advantage. “We have our own in-house staging division as well as sales, marketing, photography, videography, and Top Agent Magazine

administrative professionals who work on our team exclusively.” To call it a well-oiled operation would be a significant understatement. “I’ve been able to build a team Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

Brunel - Muskoka River

of professionals that all have like-minded morals and values,” says Kayley. “I think that’s important.”

While hard work has been a major component of her success, Kayley doesn’t think of it as Copyright Top Agent Magazine Copyright 10

such. “I can honestly say that I love my job,” she enthuses. “It doesn’t ever feel like work to me. My job has become an extension of my lifestyle. It’s not just a job, it’s the way I live my life.” Kayley’s passion for her work and helping her clients is palpable. “It’s a pretty Top Agent Magazine

Brunel - Muskoka River

In 2017, Kayley was also recognized by Coldwell Banker as #2 in Canada and #8 in North America for unit sales. personal experience when you’re working with someone who is looking to purchase a property. We are invested in the same goals as our clients “ she explains. “There’s an emotional Top Agent Magazine

element in helping our clients find a home or cottage.” Kayley makes a point of emphasizing her commitment to finding her clients properties that enhance their quality of life. “We’re Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

32 Prices Point - Lake of Bays

able to align our clients with the right property based on the lake, the proximity to amenities, the exposure, and all of the things that are tailored to what their family needs.”

When she’s not working, Kayley enjoys spending time on the lake with her family,

and is also passionate about giving back to her community.

As for the future, continuing expansion is on the horizon. “We’re always looking at how we can innovate, better serve our clients and grow our business,” says Kayley.

For more information about

KAYLEY SPALDING , please call 705 - 788 - 2959 or email kspalding@vianet.ca Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

Top Agent Magazine

Why Delegating is the Key to Long-lasting Success Delegating isn’t a dirty word. In fact, it’s the secret weapon of some of the most successful real estate leaders out there. Those that want to succeed and lead a business built to last understand that delegating is the key to growth and longevity. While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

DELEGATING DEVELOPS YOUR MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE Have you ever considered that delegating tasks and responsibilities can help you, as Top Agent Magazine

a leader, develop your managerial skills?

While the main objective of delegation is to distribute work in a balanced, efficient way, it’s also a chance to assign tasks with insight, calibrating your team in the process.

Consider delegation an opportunity to build strengths and address weaknesses on your team by choosing specific tasks for specific employees. You can also work on and expand your communication skills, find ways to streamline your delegation tactics, and create opportunities for collaboration. Don’t just delegate blindly, be thoughtful in how you parcel out the workload and responsibilities. Doing so will allow you to fortify your

Top Agent Magazine®

13

While the idea of delegating may sound nice, consider a few ways in which delegating adds professional value that goes far beyond efficiency.

management skills, in addition to lightening your load for the better.

DELEGATING BUILDS COLLECTIVE CONFIDENCE Another byproduct of delegating is that it builds collective confidence in the ranks of your office. By giving employees the chance to flex their skills and control their own small slice of the pie, you’ll be fostering a sense of responsibility and growth on your talent roster. Not only will your staff benefit from the chance to step out on their own, but the team will also benefit as a whole, as each member will attack their duties with a renewed sense of confidence and competence. This collective aptitude will translate to clients and industry colleagues, who will sense the power of a practiced, well-calibrated team in which each member has the chance to shine.

DELEGATING SHARPENS WEAK SPOTS IN OFFICE COMMUNICATION Proper delegation requires clear communication and the careful outlining of responsibilities, goals, and expectations. By regularly delegating to staff, you’ll be giving the whole office the chance to curtail careless communication habits and establish a new benchmark for quality correspondence. Begin by setting an example by clearly communicating delegated responsibilities, leaving the door open for 14

questions, and by making progress reports the standard. After a while, these good habits will become engrained in your team, and your office will benefit from a uniform and effective communication style, no matter the project.

DELEGATING TURNS ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTO A TEAM WIN The ultimate goal of delegating duties is to get the job done, but when you practice delegation, each team member will have a stake in the outcome. In other words, a job well done can be celebrated by all. Giving your team the chance to invest themselves in an overarching project allows for a big pay-off once success is achieved. Not only does this boost morale and provide meaningful motivation for daily work, but it also builds a sense of comradery among the ranks. What’s more, team members will know they’re taken seriously and considered valuable to the team’s dynamic. And don’t forget: a job well done is a reward in and of itself, but it also doesn’t hurt to demonstrate your gratitude for a team goal accomplished.

Delegating responsibilities isn’t a new idea, but the benefits are more plentiful than most imagine. With that in mind, capitalize on opportunities to delegate and you’ll not only be bolstering your business, but building your team and your own professional profile for the long haul.

Top Agent Magazine®

Top Agent Magazine

DIANNE GILLETTE It’s helpful when a real estate professional is either related to or friends with more than half the people in the area she serves. Also helpful is having a background in banking and diplomatic relations, foreign affairs and international trade, plus property management for a diplomatic post in Ottawa. For someone like this, full-time work in residential, commercial and farm real estate comes naturally.

“In all my careers I was somehow involved in real estate,” says Dianne Gillette, a Broker with Keller Williams Integrity Realty in Ottawa, Ontario. “It may have taken a while for me to finally get in to real estate sales, but it has always been my passion.” Her prior experience contributed to an easy transition in 2006. Because of her work in banking, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, plus Financial, HR and Property Management of the New Zealand High Commission in Ottawa, she knows quite a bit about diplomatic relocations. “I’m on the relocation list for the Department of National Defence; I truly understand the possible complications of moving abroad or moving into Canada.”

estate, in addition to the fun of seeing new places and properties.

“Of course, I can’t take my husband with me anymore; every time he sees something, he wants to buy it or build it!” This is how, among other projects, they ended up owning a cottage at Calabogie Lake – a purchase that worked out well for their two youngest sons, who own TWOth Autosports Inc., not far from the cottage. “We have had race car clients stay at our place on race weekends; I end up being ‘chief chef and bottle washer!’”

Given the response to Dianne’s real estate sales work since 2006, she is growing her team. Assisting her are another agent, plus administrative, staging and marketing professionals. By 2019, she plans to add her future daughter-in-law to the team. In addition, Dianne and Keller Williams Integrity focus on “giving where you live,” by taking part or organizing events and outreach, raising thousands of dollars every year for various causes.

Ottawa, Dianne explains, is a wonderful place to live. “I feel very fortunate to live here; I’m so glad I raised my family here,” she says, noting that she and her husband have five grown children plus four grandchildren. A true area expert, she adds, “If anyone considering Ottawa or the valley, I hope they’ll contact me.”

Covering Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, Dianne has earned a terrific reputation. “It’s quite a diverse market, but because I was raised on a farm and probably related to half the Ottawa Valley, I have family and longtime friends there,” she says. “I think my clients feel that I look after them very well.” She is very careful to make sure each client will benefit from their sale or purchase. “I do a lot of research; if something doesn’t look like a good fit, I’ll recommend the client walk away.” This is particularly true in commercial. “You don’t want to make short-sighted, big-money decisions.” When people feel cared for, confidence builds and referrals roll in, totaling more than 75% of Dianne’s business. She is also on the Commercial Board with the Ottawa Real Estate Board.

Taking care of clients includes the comprehensive marketing package Dianne customizes for listings. With residential, she hires a stager.

“If it’s empty, we rent furniture for part of the house and I do virtual staging, placing large prints of each room on easels so people can visualize it furnished.” An interior designer helps Dianne and her clients determine what to remove or add before photography and showings. “And we do extensive social media, targeted to the demographics of the buyer for each property.” For commercial and farms, marketing is a “whole different ball of wax,” but Dianne knows precisely how to conduct marketing through various outlets.

Dianne’s clients enjoy her sense of humor. “Some clients (and even agents) have a hard time with things that are thrown at you in a transaction, but I like sorting through the mud and achieving the goals.”

She does this with a smile on her face. “Being friendly and helpful helps everybody to relax; my clients know we’re in this together.”

For Dianne, helping people is one of the greatest rewards of real Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Dianne Gillette, visit diannegillette.point2agent.com https://www.facebook.com/DianneGilletteRealEstate/ or go to her Facebook page, email DianneGillette@kw.com or call 613.721.7512 http://

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 15

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

16

Top Agent Magazine

Killing Clients with Kindness and Value

By Walter Sanford

Sometimes, we need to “kill” our clients with kindness and offer value. I know it goes against everything in our nature to turn the other cheek when they are being mean.

Recently, a coaching client had some challenges with a particular client, and I’m sure you have also worked with the kind of client who discourages you so much that you just want to hit the delete button!

How about offering a response that increases your fame and makes the client always wonder what they may be missing? They might not list with you, but they will never forget you.

Included in the balance of this article are the email from the client, the request for help from my coaching client, and then my suggested response.

Email from the Potential Client: Sorry, I have been really busy. Let me tell you where I’m at with everything. You may or may not be interested.

I am definitely putting the house on the market. The house has been rented for the last 5 years with the same family. They originally signed a rent to own lease. Three years ago, they decided they didn’t want to buy it.

Top Agent Magazine

17

Anyway, I recently informed them that I’m going to put the house on the market. Now, they are reconsidering buying the house. I don’t think they will buy the house, but I guess you never know. If they do buy the house, it would be for sale by owner. I will not let them drag their feet.

We happen to know a lot of REALTORS® in (area). Some are pretty good friends and with that comes opportunities at rates way under the norm. One of them did sell our last house quickly but circumstances have changed. I know you are a very good REALTOR®, because I have heard other REALTORS® talk about you.

You may not be interested at this point anymore. If you are still interested, let me know what your best rate is. Let me know if you are okay with the current tenants on a “for sale by owner” agreement, if that happens.

I would want a short-term agreement. The current rent is higher than my mortgage payment so I’m okay if they don’t buy and I’m not forced to sell at a low price. However, I want to sell ASAP. I’m wanting to purchase another property so I’m not going to overprice the house and I will negotiate.

Email from Coaching Client to Me: Walter, this guy is a college basketball coach. I want to help him, but I need to have a chance to run a successful business, too! How do I answer this?

Email from Me to Coaching Client (to share with potential client): Thank you so much for the nice words. It is very exciting to hear that our hard work is creating some buzz. I think we can accommodate you and exceed your expectations: 18

Top Agent Magazine

1. We believe that we exceed client expectations more often than most agents, because we spend the time to understand what the client needs.

Then we develop a customized program to meet and exceed that goal.

We would love to help you in accomplishing your real estate needs.

2. We would be happy to exclude the current residents from the listing agreement for 30 days. This would help in motivating the current residents to buy in that they can see the price discounted by the commission, if they commit to buy within the 30 day period. We would like to offer you our closing service that handles everything for a flat fee of $4,000. This handles the contract phase, aligning the team of affiliates, and the closing. This, of course, is at your option.

3..Our commissions are normal for our market, but we save you money over any commission discounter. Our specialty is increasing your net proceeds. We do this by bringing you more buyers with more effective marketing, better negotiating, better systems for handling inspections, better pre-approval tools for your buyer, better contracts, and less post-seller litigation from better contracts. Commission discounts usually cost you money because of the agent’s lack of emphasis on your net proceeds check. It is like a basketball player who is playing with no heart, only for the scholarship.

4. Our rate is retail 6%. This may eliminate us, but that would be a shortsided conclusion. Here are 5 of the ways we can beat any commission discount: A. We beat the average List to sell ratio in (area) by a larger margin than any discount.

B. We beat the days on market, which affects your carrying costs and lost opportunity costs on your equity.

C. We have a low litigation rate as compared to national standards.

D. We can market your home a little over retail due to our marketing.

Top Agent Magazine

19

D. We urge a pre-inspection plan to get rid of the little and big problems before a buyer is involved and wants everything built new.

5. Our agreements are 6 months, but that is not what sells properties.

Marketing and price sell property. If we are wrong about those two items, we will adjust every week based upon showings and consultations with you.

6. I would also like to advise you on a misconception. Rental costs average about 35% of market rent in our area. Add in lost opportunity costs on your equity that is not doing anything at this point. I can show you how your current position is losing you money every month.

I think our next step is a presentation of the tools we bring to achieve your goals. Listing with friends is loyal, but is it the best business decision?

Do they have the tools and will you hold their feet to the fire when the results are not what you need? (Client’s name), you know the difference superstars make on a team. Let’s go for the win.

It’s not so much whether my coaching client obtained the listing, but he needed to stand up for a profitable, long term business. Never sell yourself short to get business. You will never be happy.

In these situations, I cannot guarantee an outcome, but I can guarantee the client will never forget you. You are planting seeds of discontentment with the small amount of money saved in a commission compared to not achieving their goal. Whether he/she admits it or not, he/she will have respect for you.

Do more lead generation so you won’t have to work so hard on leads like these.

Copyright©, Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.

Walter Sanford has been designing and implementing real estate systems for 30 years.

One of the most successful REALTORS® and now wealthy from his systems, Sanford teaches his systems and strategies through his products, seminars, and personal coaching producing the best results in the industry. Do what works, do what is proven. Hire Walter Sanford. Call our office at 800.792.5837, email walter@waltersanford.com, or chat with us online at www.waltersanford.com.

20

Top Agent Magazine

MEREDITH KENNEDY Top Agent Meredith Kennedy of Exit Realty Liftlock is a member of both the Peterborough and Durham Real Estate boards and does more than help her clients buy and sell their homes: she works hard to educate them on the entire process. A teacher by training, Meredith is passionate about helping her buyers and sellers make informed decisions regarding what is often the largest transaction of their lives.

“I was always interested in real estate,” says Meredith. “My grandfather was a carpenter, and my family would spend weekends going to different open houses. I’m a teacher by training, and I love teaching, but I didn’t like the way the profession seemed to be going, so I decided to get my real estate license. I did, and I haven’t looked back since.” That was in 2008, and Meredith has spent the last decade developing a solid reputation as an agent who can be trusted to always put her client’s best interests front and center.

With nearly 75% of her business based on repeat and referral clients, Meredith is clearly striking a chord of confidence with her many grateful clients. When asked what she believes would account for this exceptional level of customer loyalty, she responds: “When I was building my business, my number one goal from the start was to focus on honesty, integrity, and providing superior service.”

Superior service, indeed. One need only glance at the wealth of glowing testimonials on Meredith’s website to understand that’s exactly what she does provide. Among the stellar reviews is this one: “I asked Meredith to represent us when we sold our house…I liked the fact that unlike some real estate agents she was not at all pushy or insistent. At all times during our association she was understanding and knowledgeable. She stood up for us and helped us decide on the price, and she was diligent in presenting the house often. She had two or three open houses and advertised the house

well…the house sold quickly and for a great price…I’m really glad we went with Meredith.”

The appreciation her clients feel for her is reciprocated, and Meredith maintains contact with her clients long after the transaction is finalized. “I try to contact them at least three or four times a year, whether that’s by email, texting or a phone call,” she explains. “I will often send out birthday cards, or send little gifts like lottery tickets, just as a way of saying hello.”

Superior marketing also plays a large role in Meredith’s continued success. “I’m working with a woman now who is a phenomenal photographer,” she enthuses. “She’s also very tech-savvy and does a lot of social media posting for me. I have a very big internet presence.”

Meredith’s former teaching career absolutely informs her approach to real estate, she believes. “I love working with first-time home buyers,” she says, “because I do get to educate them. They’re also the most excited people on the planet when they find the right house. I love working with people in general. I love helping to find a home for them and their families. It makes them happy. There’s also a big financial side to it in my mind as well. It’s about helping people plan for their futures.”

When she’s not working, Meredith enjoys spending time with her family, and can often be found golfing or kayaking. She is also passionate about animal rescue, which she does personally with her family. Many of her rescues live on her farm. She also contributes her efforts to a local food bank.

As for the future, Meredith is excited about a new venture: she has partnered with her current broker and purchased an Exit Realty franchise, which will begin operating soon. Again, education plays a part in her excitement. “I’m not just excited about building the Exit Realty brand, I’m looking forward to being able to take my education background and help other agents further their careers and become successful.”

For more information about Meredith Kennedy, please call 905 - 914 - 5302 or email meredithjkennedy@gmail.com Top Agent Magazine

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 21

Daily Habits That Will Increase Your Mental Strength When it comes to building physical strength, the solutions are obvious, but keeping up your mental strength isn’t as easy as going to the gym. Although physical exercise does help clear your head and relieve stress, there are other things you can do daily that will help your mind be as strong and flexible as your body after a workout. Here’s just a few things you can do to help clear your head and make you more productive.

22

DON’T WASTE YOUR BRAIN POWER That might seem obvious, but think about how much mental energy you might use up worrying about negativity or things you have no control over. Instead of focusing on problems, focus on solutions.

This actually take a lot of effort, we’re all conditioned to let worry paralyze us sometimes. Try and catch yourself when you’re Top Agent Magazine

wasting time thinking about about past mistakes or current dilemmas you don’t have the power to stop. You really only have so much mental energy, and if you have kids and an especially stressful work situation, that might be even less than normal. Start treating your brain like the precious resource it is. You don’t want to be running on empty when it really matters.

BE MORE POSITIVE Eliminating negative thoughts is essential to increasing your mental strength. Carrying around negativity is like swimming with all of your clothes on. You might be okay at first, but eventually you’ll feel like you can barely stay afloat. Don’t drown in negativity, use positive thoughts as a lifesaver. This doesn’t mean you should ignore things you need to improve, just approach them with solutions rather than beating yourself up. Constant monitoring of this is important since it’s really easy to slide back into negative thinking.

STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE A lot of mental energy can go to dealing with anxiety. One way to deal with that is by forcing yourself to try new things and take on new challenges, that you might normally avoid because they make you feel unsure or scared. Challenge yourself daily, even with small things.

This is definitely something that becomes easier with practice. Start small, and in no time you’ll be taking on things you never Top Agent Magazine

thought were possible. The simple task of trying something new every day will have you feeling energized and put you on the path to self-growth.

BE SELF-AWARE Your emotions affect everything you do, even if they’re not at the surface. Recognizing and labeling them is key. A lot of the above exercises require selfreflection. It’s okay to have the emotions you have, understanding why and where those emotions come from allows you to focus on dealing with them rather than just wallowing in them. Being self-aware is also about self-care. Know the things that help relax and rejuvenate you. That way you can handle everyday stresses and remain calm even during the most turbulent times.

BE WILLING TO LEARN A lot of people are still hung up on the idea that learning is a boring and tedious process, but you aren’t in junior high anymore. You can find something you’re actually interested in and immerse yourself in it, which engages your mind like nothing else. Whether it’s learning a new technology that will improve your business or something that will make you a more well-rounded person, the learning process keeps you engaged and open to new ideas. A curiosity about the world and new things is something that all mentally strong people have in common.

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine