CANADA 6-19-23 by Top Agent Magazine

CANADA EDITION

CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

TO ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS

TURNING YOUR PROFESSION INTO A PASSION

FEATURED AGENTS

CARRIE NICHOLSON CLAUDIA RINO KELLY STINSON

3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WORKSPACE WORK FOR YOU

HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR COVER STORY

AUGUSTIN HÉBERT

CANADA EDITION

KELLY STINSON CLAUDIA RINO CARRIE NICHOLSON

estate market trends and new lis HavingThey worked numerous kno sayin that if youinduswant to get something Carrie Nicholson knows personalized gifts sent to clients, Claudia sends out20 informative ne tries and 7 mastered 16 mom. As the ulti19 dee done, give four it tolanguages, a busy other who help along the on aagents regular basis. REALTOR® and broker Claudia Rino’s all too well how fast life ters ing mate multi-taskers, most moms are natural diverse cultural and professional back- can throw curve balls. attributes her accomplishments addition to real the estate, Having a few of Incoach. Following TomClaudi Perry ground problem-solvers. has propelled her to the top them for Give a dodged challenge, community of the real estate industry. Born in her own, she also knows several few years ago she and was charitable given the from and they’ll find a way to make it happen. that sheshe is would involved withb Argentina to Italian parents, Claudia that with hard work and nizations While worried never Wit certainly top agent Kelly forhas women’s pursuedThat a Bachelor’s degreeapplies in Humanto determination, she can cares goal, deeply today she reached right over went to Africa where she worked Relations before embarking on her anything. bee Stinson with Blinkhorn overcome Real Estate LtdAfter and helped to emw career path. Before earning her real Carrie’s first husband missionaries Carrie and her team stay in touch mar in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. “My time “We set up a bakery in K estate license, she was in administra- passed away, she was left women. anniversary emails and texts. Sh where the women in the comm a fa management skills are really, really good,” tion for over twenty-five years, worked AUGUSTIN HÉBERT CARRIE NICHOLSON CLAUDIA KELLY STINSON with three kids and a new baby. KnowingRINO she had to ings using publications such as C would bake and sell bread,”awe she in inside andwith travelled exten- “Jumping into the shesales says a laugh. do something, she bought a few pieces of farmland “This Farmgave Marketer, Cottage Markete them their own susta sively. Having completed the Canadian and(CSC sold had always been flyers. “We justthey started going bac tim realCourse estate world, didn’t expect tointerested be as in business ® them. IShe where could make m ) and passed Securities To learn more about Augustin Hebert, call 514-222-5071, real estate, so in 2011 she obtained her real estate remarks Carrie, adding, “This is and feed their families. It was aw with Honors, she also highly savvy email ahebert@royallepage.ca orbusy visit augustinhebert.com as Iis am. It took me a little bit of time to find that When six months passed and she only made meaningful involved. My youngest daughter experience.” at both business license. and finance. Regularly In her free time balanceone with two kids, but I’m finding it.” transaction, she wasn’tClaudia sure this earning awards for her sales performance, is was the right and loves to wow people with he CONTENTS with her kids,ina job for Remarried onceuseagainClaudia’s pregnant,passion edge.” the Prince George’s for Since people shines through thrilled to be working in her. real estate whereand she can aspect of her career. “I’m a helper, it’s in myvid na was frustrated. her luckowner, changed.Kelly theydealso useas drones to shoot her knowledge toCarrie help others find theirFortunately, perfect homes. a basketball A former dental assistant and business she says. She works her clien 4) CONNECT BEYOND 17) 3 WAYS TO In one day, she sold three houses and from that point signs incredibly in front ofhard massfor properties. party: “I love cided to take the plunge into real estate when her secas a result, they come back to work with her agat Currently, TO Claudia services selling. residential home buyon continued Today, she is a solo agent with WORKSPACE REAL ESTATE MAKE YOUR clients can I’m always on I that have time child was justfirm, three old. Herof“My aunt, also anottrustbuying ers andond sellers in Montreal and eXp all months surrounding thethe brokerage Realty and is again. one the When or the selling pr ATTRACT FUTURE CLIENTS WORK FOR YOU ® side. They know they are getting the best deal areas such as Laval, Lanaudière, South Shore and the successful agents in Britishher Columbia. her church. , had often encouraged to get Carrie into theheavily busi- involved she in looks aheadf Realtormost best house.” Laurentians, Quebec. The majority of her clients come found niche inither backyard of go Prince ministry helps with variouswe ness,YOUR and sheherdecided was time to forGeorge it.TO In less than and even further from referrals, which bolstered her network over 14) TURNING 21) HOW GET sellinghas rural residential properties. With a 90 percent groupTHE luncheons for up to 200 pe the years. “I’m at the point where I need to hire an a year in business she’s already proven herself to be a OUT a “go-to” top a PROFESSION INTO BIGGEST referral rate, she was 19th in Canada last yearRECHARGE with ing at soup kitchens such as St. V assistant to help with the growth,” she says. Always natural22salesperson. definitely a hustler. I’m commillion dollars“I’m in sales. A PASSION OF YOUR LUNCH HOURthat I’m here f available for a phone call or email, Claudia is known Carrie Irecently attended petitive, hardworking, self-motivated. Sometimes myself soaIsumm can for being honest and integral with her and clients. Her sucdoes Carrie believe helpedhard to make her suc- decide where she sees herself in cess is based exclusively perseverance, take almost onWhat more than Ionprobably should, but I have a hard I can be,” she s cessful? “People know that I care,” work and an innate passion for helping people. She she begins by recently licensed 19-year-old da time saying no people,” she says. Kelly services all are planning to build a “andtoand they know I am not just out to sell a the two is a specialist insaying, negotiation will work tirelessly of Pictou County inthem Nova Scotia, beautiful area to ofhelp theother upcoming agents su property but want to do what is peace bestafor them.” With her client’s behalf to provide with total Phone on 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 two assistants on her team, one handles all therelaxed—but sys- it, “There have been many age of mind. world that she describes as “low key and mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com tematic transactions following a detailed list. This career who have made an impac themay real estate world here is crazy!” No portionTo of this issue behelps reproduced in any manner whatsoever without consentHer of the publisher. Topsame Agent for Magazine market her listings and maximize her reach, to take any stress away from theprior clients. to do the them.” We hav is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Claudia takes advantage of social media channels like other assistant handles client relations. This includes achieve this goal. Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Facebook as well as Google campaigns. “I also cre- clients To learn more about Claudia Rino Sheaddress, stays in ad with her frequently To subscribe or change send inquiry totouch mag@topagentmagazine.com. ate fun and engaging videos for every property I list Published in the U.S. please call or To contact can reach her514-358-5337 at 250-614-6766, through texts, and Carrie good you old-fashioned and post these out social on all mymedia, social media channels,” carriejnicholson@gmail.com or carrienicholson.exprealty.com email claudia.rino1@gmail.com she explains. To keep her clientsShe in the loopan on MLM real face-to-face time. had fitness business www.

Immobilier Baker and BakerWest are the exclusive listing brokerages of the projects presented. Augustin Hébert is an independent broker representing buyers in real estate transactions and does not represent the developer.

www.

for several years, and believes that experience taught Top Agent Magazine her a lot about how to use social media effectively to Copyright Top Agent Mag

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

to Attract Future Clients What kind of content are you sharing on your blog, website, and social media? Does most of it have something to do with buying or selling a home? While sharing the latest market information or tips on how to qualify for a mortgage, or when someone should buy or sell is important and demonstrates your value as a REALTOR®, it shouldn’t be the only subject you cover. If you only focus on real estate, you’ll be missing the chance to connect with future clients that might not be ready to move just yet. By sharing a lot

of industry-heavy content, you are only going to appeal to those who are currently in the market rather than a broad base of potential clients. To pull in those other future clients you want to provide fresh, interesting content that will appeal to those possible future clients that aren’t quite ready to move yet. However, you also want to still tie this content back into your business goals. So, how do you share content that will speak to a wider audience, but also still be relevant to your business?

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n Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

The philanthropic work you do to support your community says a great deal about who you are as a person. Many people will be attracted to working with you because of the charitable works you are involved with. While you may be hesitant to share these efforts because you feel it may come across as bragging, you also need to remember that sharing information about the charitable organizations you support will actually help those organizations. Many of them have small marketing budgets, so any free exposure you can give them helps to promote their cause. In fact, they want and need you to promote them. And you can promote them without coming across as a braggart. Focus your content entirely on the organization. Talk about why you support them, how they help the community, and how others can also get involved. This turns what could have been bragging into something that benefits everyone. n Your Local Community

We humans are connected to each other through our community – our local sports teams, parks, churches, schools, and much more. What better way is there to connect with people in your community than to talk about your community? Demonstrate that you are an expert on your community, and bring that community to your followers. Share information about a local event; perhaps even share the actual event through live-stream video. Interview city officials to get the low-down on the latest development project. Share information with your followers about things they didn’t know about their community. Consult with local historians or the historical society to share interesting information about your community that your followers will want to read. You could even turn it into a series of podcasts or videos. n Use Your Creativity to Connect

Find creative ways to engage your followers on the topic of real estate. Try engaging your followers in an interactive project such as posting photos of interesting front doors. Doors are the entry point into our homes as well as our private lives. The way we adorn our front door can give someone a sense of our style and personality. Ask followers to submit photos and choose one to post each Friday. Make sure to watermark each photo with your logo at the bottom and include an inspirational quote that ties back to the importance of home. You could also ask your followers to provide a little story or caption to go along with the photo that tells something about them and their home. These kinds of projects are interesting and unique, and clearly connect back to your business. n Share Your Hobbies

Are you an adrenalin junkie who has bungee jumped from some of the tallest bridges in the world? Are you a foodie that grows your own organic vegetables and fruit? Do you have a Top Agent Magazine

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secret passion for photography? Everyone has hobbies that they enjoy outside of work. When you look past the surface people become quite interesting. People also happen to find interesting people interesting, and tend to remember people based on their distinctive traits. We humans love discovering a person’s behind the scenes story, the mind behind the face. While you don’t want to talk too much about yourself, sharing pieces of your personal life and things that interest you can be a great way to connect with followers. By sharing interesting facts about your life, you will find that many followers will feel a strong, personal connection to you based on your hobbies and personal interests. n Divulge Interesting Experiences

This is somewhat similar to the idea of sharing your hobbies. Sharing some of your more interesting personal experiences such as a fateful conversation with a stranger or an exciting adventure you had while in another country can be a great way to connect with followers as long as it also relates to some kind of life or business lesson. Talk about experiences you’ve had with clients or purchasing your own home. Experiences that relate to your business are great ways to connect with future clients in a manner that goes beyond the world of business. n What and Who Inspires You

No matter what you’ve chosen to spend your life doing, you didn’t get there alone. You may have had a mentor that made a special impact on your life or someone already in the business that you looked up to and who perhaps inspired you to get into real estate. You may have found inspiration through a love of architecture or design. People want to know why others do the things they do. Sharing who or what influences you in your personal and business life is a great way to connect with followers. Recognizing that you didn’t get to where you are now by yourself shows humility, and talking about those people that had an influence on you shows others that you stay connected to the world and people around you. Connecting with potential clients is something that is essential to any REALTOR’S® business. If you’re doing the work to create interesting blog posts and make those connections, you want to make sure that you’re sharing the right kind of content to draw in those future clients. It takes a lot more than simply providing the latest market news. To get the most out of what you share, you need to provide a wide array of interesting content

that will draw in a broad range of followers. Providing the right kind of content can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with future clients and building the right kind of relationship with them right from the start. Connecting through your website or social media and sharing more than just real estate advice will help you build confidence and trust with future clients before you even meet them.

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AUGUSTIN HÉBERT

The Future of Living

CURV by Brivia Group

The sky is the limit for Augustin Hébert, who in only his second year of business as a Montreal REALTOR® is already ranked in the top 1% of highest performing collaborative brokers according to Baker Real Estate Incorporated. He is also in the top 2% of Royal LePage agents throughout Canada based on total gross collected incomes in 2022. Originally hailing from Quebec City, Augustin earned an MBA in International Business, which paved the way for a successful international corporate career spanning 15 years. As he rose through the ranks of his former corporate roles, he kept a watchful eye on the real estate market, investing in pre-construction properties from the age of 24. Two years ago, Augustin took the opportunity to follow his dream of working in real estate. Since his start in the real estate industry, his performance has been hailed as “the most rapid 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

CURV by Brivia Group

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performance Canada has ever seen.” according to Dave Carter and Isabelle Parent, co-owners of Royal Lepage Blanc & Noir in Quebec. Today, Augustin focuses on pre-construction and luxury real estate, leveraging his personal experience with investing to match clients with high-end properties throughout the Province of Quebec and Canada. Augustin is proud to offer his clients a VIP treatment for every transaction. Not only do they receive access to the first properties in each

new construction project, but he provides a turn-key service that they won’t find anywhere else. Having worked in a corporate setting for a long period of time, Augustin understands how to meet the specific requirements of his clients. “As an investor myself, I speak their language and know what they want,” he says. Not to mention, he personally invests in most projects he works on, which demonstrates another level of commitment. In a testimony by Debbie Lafave, Senior Vice President of Baker Real Estate Incorporated in Canada, she says, “Augustin is

CURV by Brivia Group

Victoria sur-le-parc by Broccolini

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L’Hymne des Trembles by Brivia Group

Top Agent Augustin Hébert focuses on pre-construction and luxury real estate, leveraging his personal experience with investing to match clients with high-end properties throughout the Province of Quebec and Canada. sharp. He speaks 5 languages (French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian) and is very comfortable around high net-worth individuals. Since he sold his first unit with us at $2.7 million right at the beginning, Augustin hasn’t stopped and has topped all previous records set by our Montreal collaborating brokers!”

(augustinhebert-curv.com). Designed by legendary architect Tom Wright, it will be Vancouver’s tallest luxury residential tower and the tallest passive house in the world. In addition to selling pre-construction and luxury projects, Augustin is also developing a training product line to coach others to achieve success in the real estate industry.

Currently, Augustin has his hands on a number of high-end projects, including pre-construction luxury condo development called CURV

As part of a large family, Augustin has always been very involved in his area with a number of events and organizations. He has a brother

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with Down Syndrome and is actively involved in supporting the Down Syndrome community. Currently residing in Villeray, Montreal, Augustin spends his spare time enjoying the local community and diversity of cuisine & coffee shops that the area offers. As he looks to the future of his business, Augustin has plans to build a team of high-performing individuals like himself. “I’m being very careful

in choosing who to work with,” he says. “I want the dream team.” He is already bringing in three senior managers who quit their former corporate jobs to join him in real estate. Additionally, he is planning to start working in Florida in the winter season soon as many of his clients are snowbirds who fly south for the winter. “Everything is set to scale at the moment,” he says. “Success is inevitable when you work hard and love what you do.”

Victoria sur-le-parc by Broccolini

1 Square-Phillips by Brivia Group

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To learn more about Augustin Hebert, call 514-222-5071, email ahebert@royallepage.ca or visit augustinhebert.com www.

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Turning Your Profession into a Passion The old adage goes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. On the other hand, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day worries and responsibilities of your career, even if you generally enjoy what you do. While there’s no guaranteeing that every day on the job will be a picnic, there are a few steps you can take to vastly improve your morale and transform your profession into a passion. After all, cultivating a passion for what you do will not only add to your quality 14

of life, but will likely make you more successful in the long run. BUILD YOUR BASE OF KNOWLEDGE Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence breeds success. A sure way to light a fire in your heart for your daily work is to challenge yourself to learn more and expand your understanding of your field. By doing so, you equip yourself for success, create challenges, and find the most inter-

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esting features of your work—especially those that most appeal to your interests and talents. Try reading the top five books on the topic of your industry, or subscribe to a podcast where thriving professionals offer their two cents. Either way, learning more about your industry is bound to reveal a source of inspiration worth pursuing. THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

and excelling in your field, you may find that others’ approaches inspire your own. Likewise, what you learn from other successful, passionate people in your field can help you shape your own office and work life, in turn creating more opportunities for you to fall in love with what you do, all over again. TAKE RISKS

CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PROFESSIONALS

One of the biggest hindrances of professional passion is falling into a rut. Routines are familiar and everyday responsibilities vie for our energy. But the next time you tackle a task the way that you always have, take a moment and try to refresh your perspective—is there a more clever or efficient way you could approach this project? Even better: why not take the plunge and do the things you’ve always been meaning to—throw that client appreciation event you’ve put off planning, take the continuing education course you keep forgetting to register for, even try a creative activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone. There’s no better way to inject some passion into your life than by going outside your bubble and taking a risk.

Have you ever chatted with someone who was overflowing with energy for what they do? That sort of passion tends to be infectious—often causing us to beg our own questions about professional engagement. By participating in local organizations or networking with those who are active

Passion comes from all directions—from your own interior journey and from the world around you. To transform your profession into a passion worth having, invest in yourself and venture into the vast world around you. You’ll surely reap the rewards.

Sometimes reinvigorating your passion for your work is about looking outward, rather than inward. Gain some perspective and consider who your work helps in the long run. As a real estate professional—whether you work as an agent, broker, in mortgages, home inspections, or otherwise—your work positively impacts someone else’s home-sweet-home. You make a difference. While it may seem like just another day at the office, taking a moment to visualize exactly who you are helping in the world at large is a great way to add some motivational fire to your daily tasks.

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CARRIE NICHOLSON Carrie Nicholson knows all too well how fast life can throw curve balls. Having dodged a few of her own, she also knows that with hard work and determination, she can overcome anything. After Carrie’s first husband passed away, she was left with three kids and a new baby. Knowing she had to do something, she bought a few pieces of farmland and sold them. She had always been interested in real estate, so in 2011 she obtained her real estate license. When six months passed and she only made one transaction, she wasn’t sure this was the right job for her. Remarried and once again pregnant, Carrie was frustrated. Fortunately, her luck changed. In one day, she sold three houses and from that point on continued selling. Today, she is a solo agent with the brokerage firm, eXp Realty and is one of the most successful agents in British Columbia. Carrie found her niche in her backyard of Prince George selling rural residential properties. With a 90 percent referral rate, she was 19th in Canada last year with 22 million dollars in sales.

personalized gifts sent to clients, referrals, and even other agents who help along the way. Carries also attributes her accomplishments to her real estate coach. Following the Tom Perry coaching model, a few years ago she was given the goal of 20 listings. While worried she would never be able to obtain this goal, today she has reached over 100 listings! Carrie and her team stay in touch with clients through anniversary emails and texts. She markets her listings using publications such as Country Life in BC, Farm Marketer, Cottage Marketer, and door-to-door flyers. “We just started going back to open houses,” remarks Carrie, adding, “This is where I get my kids involved. My youngest daughter is very personable and loves to wow people with her real estate knowledge.” Since the Prince George’s area is quite rural, they also use drones to shoot videos and place large signs in front of mass properties. When not buying or selling properties, Carrie is heavily involved in her church. She on the kitchen ministry and helps with various events ranging from group luncheons for up to 200 people and volunteering at soup kitchens such as St. Vincent de Paul. Carrie recently attended a summit that helped her decide where she sees herself in the future. With her recently licensed 19-year-old daughter by her side, the two are planning to build a team. Carrie wants to help other upcoming agents succeed. As she puts it, “There have been many agents throughout my career who have made an impact on me, and I want to do the same for them.” We have no doubt she will achieve this goal.

What does Carrie believe helped to make her successful? “People know that I care,” she begins by saying, “and they know I am not just out to sell a property but want to do what is best for them.” With two assistants on her team, one handles all the systematic transactions following a detailed list. This helps to take any stress away from the clients. Her other assistant handles client relations. This includes

To contact Carrie you can reach her at 250-614-6766, carriejnicholson@gmail.com or carrienicholson.exprealty.com www.

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3 Ways to Make Your Workspace Work for You Productivity experts agree that a curated workspace positively impacts productivity and mood, but oftentimes we settle for bland desks and cubicles that lack personalized details or considerations for workflow. Why miss out on the opportunity to optimize your surroundings when it could brighten your day—and boost your performance? Keep in mind some of these tactics to make your workspace your own and reap the benefits along the way. Top Agent Magazine

DETERMINE YOUR WORKING STYLE AND DECORATE ACCORDINGLY For the creative set, a colorful and art-filled workspace can inspire fresh ideas and reduce stress. Likewise, casual yet aesthetically pleasing furniture, accessories, and décor set an inviting yet functional mood. A pop of color from an office tool—even something as basic as a stapler—can inject a sense of fun and modernism into your daily tasks. For the more analytical, right-brained worker, clean

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lines and zero clutter go a long way. A few well-chosen personal photos in tasteful, unassuming frames can provide a motivating connection to the world beyond the office, while accessories and supplies that are sleek, monochrome, and contemporary inspire a sense of calm efficiency. BUILD A WORKSPACE WITH YOUR DAILY ROUTINE IN MIND If you find yourself spending hours on the phone per day, or assembling stacks of documents and brochures, or even coming and going from the office with frequency—there are simple adjustments you can make to your workspace that will save you time and energy. If you sit for long hours—responding to e-mails or making calls—try incorporating an ergonomic chair or keyboard wrist-pad to maximize comfort. If you spend a long time assembling presentation materials, then file organizers, trays, and easy-to-pull labels can shave valuable time off your efforts. Lastly, those who step out for frequent meetings can reduce the hassle of being on-the-go by making your space mindfully organized—a coatrack and a dish for your keys by the door, an auto-brew coffeemaker, or an easily edited whiteboard calendar can make jet-setting simpler.

ADD EASY DETAILS THAT ENRICH YOUR WORKING EXPERIENCE While organization and décor can rally productivity and mood, there are also a few extra details you can introduce to your workspace to improve the quality of your working life. Healthy, easy to grab-and-go snacks—think nuts, homemade trail mix, and fresh fruit— can keep your energy up without the sugar crush or guilt. If there’s a window nearby, a hard-to-kill plant like a philodendron or a fern not only cleanse the air around you, but also provide a welcome connection to the natural world. Being prepared in a pinch is another great way to make your workspace work for you: a spare tie, a tube of lip balm, hand sanitizer, or a box of Band-Aids can save you a trip to the store when an unexpected need arises. While we take great pains to make our homes our sanctuaries—complete with the decorations, furniture, and food we favor—we often overlook our work areas, even though we spend a sizable portion of our week sitting at the same desk. Challenge yourself to add a few of these personalizing, productivity-boosting details to your work area and bring the comfort of home to your working life.

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CLAUDIA RINO Having worked in numerous industries and mastered four languages, REALTOR® and broker Claudia Rino’s diverse cultural and professional background has propelled her to the top of the real estate industry. Born in Argentina to Italian parents, Claudia pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations before embarking on her career path. Before earning her real estate license, she was in administration for over twenty-five years, worked in inside sales and travelled extensively. Having completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) and passed with Honors, she is also highly savvy at both business and finance. Regularly earning awards for her sales performance, Claudia is thrilled to be working in real estate where she can use her knowledge to help others find their perfect homes. Currently, Claudia services residential home buyers and sellers in the Montreal and all surrounding areas such as Laval, Lanaudière, South Shore and the Laurentians, Quebec. The majority of her clients come from referrals, which has bolstered her network over the years. “I’m at the point where I need to hire an assistant to help with the growth,” she says. Always available for a phone call or email, Claudia is known for being honest and integral with her clients. Her success is based almost exclusively on perseverance, hard work and an innate passion for helping people. She is a specialist in negotiation and will work tirelessly on her client’s behalf to provide them with total peace of mind. To market her listings and maximize her reach, Claudia takes advantage of social media channels like Facebook as well as Google ad campaigns. “I also create fun and engaging videos for every property I list and post these out on all my social media channels,” she explains. To keep her clients in the loop on real Top Agent Magazine

estate market trends and new listings, Claudia sends out informative newsletters on a regular basis. In addition to real estate, Claudia has several community and charitable organizations that she is involved with. She cares deeply for women’s rights and went to Africa where she worked with missionaries and helped to empower women. “We set up a bakery in Kenya, where the women in the community would bake and sell bread,” she said. “This gave them their own sustainable business where they could make money and feed their families. It was a very meaningful experience.” Claudia’s passion for people shines through in every aspect of her career. “I’m a helper, it’s in my nature,” she says. She works incredibly hard for her clients and as a result, they come back to work with her again and again. “My clients can trust that I’m always on their side. They know they are getting the best deal for the best house.”

To learn more about Claudia Rino, please call 514-358-5337 or email claudia.rino1@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

KELLY STINSON They say that if you want to get something done, give it to a busy mom. As the ultimate multi-taskers, most moms are natural problem-solvers. Give them a challenge, and they’ll find a way to make it happen. That certainly applies to top agent Kelly Stinson with Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. “My time management skills are really, really good,” she says with a laugh. “Jumping into the real estate world, I didn’t expect to be as busy as I am. It took me a little bit of time to find that balance with two kids, but I’m finding it.” A former dental assistant and business owner, Kelly decided to take the plunge into real estate when her second child was just three months old. Her aunt, also a Realtor®, had often encouraged her to get into the business, and she decided it was time to go for it. In less than a year in business she’s already proven herself to be a natural salesperson. “I’m definitely a hustler. I’m competitive, hardworking, and self-motivated. Sometimes I take on more than I probably should, but I have a hard time saying no to people,” she says. Kelly services all of Pictou County in Nova Scotia, a beautiful area of the world that she describes as “low key and relaxed—but the real estate world here is crazy!” She stays in touch with her clients frequently through social media, texts, and good old-fashioned face-to-face time. She had an MLM fitness business for several years, and believes that experience taught her a lot about how to use social media effectively to make connections. “For whatever reason, often when I meet people, we just instantly become friends,” she says. “I love going into people’s homes, getting to know them, and seeing them start to open up to me. Sometimes I feel like more of a therapist than a real estate agent! But it’s an honor that clients end up trusting me so much.” Kelly feels fortunate to be working with a firm whose values dovetail so closely with her own. Blinkhorn is 20

known as a friendly, professional agency deeply committed to providing outstanding service to its clients. “I’m so grateful for the team I have, the encouragement from my aunt, and of course my husband. Without his support, I never would have been able to make this happen,” she remarks. In fact, real estate has truly become a family affair. “My kids really have been awesome. I lug them to showings all the time!” she says with a smile. In her free time, Kelly loves exercising, spending time with her kids, and supporting her husband in his work as a basketball coach. She also enjoys a good dinner party: “I love to wine and dine with my friends when I have the time and just hang out and catch up.” As she looks ahead, Kelly has plans to extend her network even further while continuing to establish herself as a “go-to” top agent. “I want to show the community that I’m here for them, and I will continue educating myself so I can be the absolute best real estate agent I can be,” she says.

To get in touch with Kelly Stinson, please call 902-759-6070 or email kellyhayman1@hotmail.com Top Agent Magazine

How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’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 Top Agent Magazine

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. 22

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. Top Agent Magazine

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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