Florida 2-19-24

FLORIDA EDITION

Using Client Feedback to

Elevate Your Real Estate Business

COVER STORY

NOAH WARD

6 Things You Need to Do to BE A GREAT MENTOR

WHAT SELLERS WANT FROM YOU AS THEIR REAL ESTATE AGENT

BEYOND CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

FLORIDA EDITION

9

NOAH NOAH WARD WARD CONTENTS 4) WHAT SELLERS WANT FROM YOU AS THEIR REAL ESTATE AGENT

15) USING CLIENT FEEDBACK TO ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

6) BEYOND CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: WHAT IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES MAKE THE MOST SENSE?

21) 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO TO BE A GREAT MENTOR

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S.

2

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

WHAT SELLERS WANT FROM YOU AS THEIR REAL ESTATE AGENT

Although sellers’ individual preferences may differ, they often share a set of expectations and needs when it comes to what they seek in their real estate agents. Here are the top six things sellers often want: 4

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

1

List Price Expertise and Market Knowledge

Sellers want their agents to have a thorough understanding of the local real estate market. This includes providing an accurate and realistic pricing strategy for the property based on current market conditions, comparable sales, and other relevant factors.

2

Reliable and Effective Communication

3

Strong Negotiation Skills

Sellers appreciate real estate agents who maintain open and transparent communication throughout the entire selling process.

This includes providing regular updates on the status of the property, relaying feedback from potential buyers, and being responsive to the seller’s inquiries.

Sellers expect their real estate agents to be skilled negotiators who can secure the best possible deal on their behalf. This includes negotiating the sale price, handling counteroffers, and navigating any potential challenges that may arise during the negotiation process.

4

Marketing Knowledge

A strong online and offline marketing strategy is crucial for selling a property quickly and at a desirable price. Sellers value agents

Top Agent Magazine

who can effectively market their homes through various channels, such as online listings, social media, professional photography, and traditional advertising.

5

Strategic Guidance and Support

6

Transparency and Ethical Standards

Sellers seek agents who offer strategic guidance throughout the selling process. This includes advising on the best times to list the property, suggesting improvements or staging techniques to enhance the property’s appeal, and providing insights on market trends that could impact the sale.

They value an agent’s ability to navigate the complexities of the real estate market, offering support and expert advice to make informed decisions and ultimately achieve a successful sale.

Trust is a key factor in the real estate relationship. Sellers want an agent who is professional, trustworthy, and acts in their best interests. This includes maintaining confidentiality, adhering to ethical standards, and demonstrating a commitment to providing excellent service.

Remember, individual preferences can vary, so it’s essential for real estate agents to communicate openly with their clients to understand their specific needs and expectations. Building a strong, trusting relationship is crucial for a successful real estate transaction.

Top Agent Magazine ®

5

Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability. Unfortunately, however, not all sellers or agents are willing to do much more than decluttering and cleaning.

Think of the listing as a reflection on yourself. If you didn’t comb your hair, shine your shoes, dress 6

neatly and drive a clean car, people would think you don’t care about yourself. They may wonder, “If he doesn’t care about how he presents himself, how is he going to present my house?” Likewise, not prepare a house for its most beautiful presentation might cast doubt on how the overall marketing will go. And, while not all changes will be immediately noticeable, chances are that what isn’t changed will be noticed.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

Ashley Aguilera, REALTOR®, broker and owner of The Aguilera Team in California’s Murrieta Valley and Temecula, says that after every consultation, her team formulates a game-plan. “We want to set their property apart from everything else on the market, but also fall within the comfort zone of the seller’s lifestyle,” she says. Changes may run the gamut from minor repairs and moving furniture for better flow, to adding accent pieces to harmonize the home’s look or create a “wow” factor before professional photography.

Many agents recommend conducting a professional inspection prior to listing; some will even hire the inspector at their own expense. Of course, any necessary repairs found during inspection and not repaired before listing must be formally disclosed. But wouldn’t it be nice to have no surprises during the buyer’s formal inspection?

In general, some improvements are required, others are low-cost and others pay for themselves

Top Agent Magazine

with lower time on the market, competing offers or higher sale price.

Landscaping & Exterior First impressions begin outside. Be sure to mow and edge the lawn regularly; prune back overgrown trees and hedges; hire a professional to repair uneven pavement (especially if it’s a hazard); remove or replace dying annuals; and clean or repair porches or railings. Are there dry or dead patches of lawn? An inexpensive repair to the irrigation system might be the solution.

While painting an entire house can be extreme, a wise investment is to paint trim, porches, steps or railings that may look tired or have too many colors; choosing a single, neutral color for trim can create a bright, cohesive look. Finally, check the roof, gutters and windows, looking for spots to caulk, shingles to replace, or debris to remove.

Top Agent Magazine ®

7

Paint is extremely important if the home has faded or dirty walls, holes or chips on paint or plaster. If an entire paint job is not feasible, at least consider cleaning repairing the obvious and adding a fresh coat of semi-gloss to baseboards, moldings, windowsills, doors, banisters balustrades and built-ins. Don’t overlook the ceilings!

A long-ago leak from a second-floor bathroom may have been completely repaired and moisture abated, but a patched-up ceiling is a red-flag.

Kitchens and baths

Walls, carpets, ceilings and trim Next, it’s time for agent and seller to open up to one another about the interior. Janelle Holte, who leads Seller’s Edge Home Team in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, loves walking into a home knowing that her team will be the driving force behind selling it.

“I like seeing how owners took care of it and raised their family in it,” she says. “But I won’t sugar-coat anything, so I tell them not to shoot the messenger!” She gives it to them straight, explaining what needs to be done to stage it to present well from a buyer’s perspective.

Those changes often include repainting at least the primarily living areas and replacing carpet, especially worn carpet or carpet that has faded or stained beyond what professional carpet cleaning could remedy. Sometimes, all that’s needed is professional carpet stretching to remove any buckling prior to cleaning.

8

Most agents agree that the easiest costs to recoup in home improvements prior to selling are those spent in bathroom and kitchen updates. Complete remodels are unwise; you can’t anticipate the style preferences of their buyer. But refinishing, touching-ug up or painting cabinets can create a great impact, while also forcing the seller to remove unwanted or overstocked items from cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls – shiny, new nobs look nice.

Lee Ritchie of Ritchie Realty Group in Columbus, Ohio, gives a reminder to discuss any and all issues up front. “People need to be able rely on the professional who’s presenting, pricing and marketing their home,” she says. An honest and diligent agent will be an open book about the current market conditions, the quality of comparable listings and the potential return-on-investment for improvements.

Some agents, like Debra Dobbs of @properties in Chicago, even roll up their sleeves to help with decluttering and repairs. While not at all required or expected, doing so sure lets sellers see the investment their agent is willing to make for them.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

NOAH WARD

Top Agent Magazine

9

Top Agent Noah Ward operates primarily as a solo agent, geographic area of service lies in greater Southwest Florida, specializing in vacant land deals and the construction of multimillion-dollar custom homes.

Just shy of nineteen years old and fresh out of high school, Noah Ward ventured on a journey into the world of real estate, steered by his natural passion for architecture and design. Harnessing a grander vision, Noah boldly moved from Wisconsin to Florida, where he earned his real estate license. Despite stepping into 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

unknown territory with limited influence, Noah leveraged his video marketing skills to brand himself and cultivate visibility as a new agent. As a result, he began developing meaningful customer relationships, further propelling him forward in the industry and quickly redefining success as a Top Agent.

Top Agent Magazine

Operating primarily as a solo agent, Noah actively collaborates with other agents within his network. Additionally, he shares his expertise to mentor new and upcoming agents in the Sarasota area. His

Top Agent Magazine

geographic area of service lies in greater Southwest Florida, specializing in vacant land deals and the construction of custom multimillion-dollar homes. Despite his youth, Noah has cultivated a 30-40%

11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Despite his youth, Noah has cultivated a 30-40% repeat and referral business, a testament to his extensive market knowledge, consistency, and career-driven mindset. repeat and referral business, a testament to his extensive market knowledge, consistency, and career-driven mindset.

In Noah’s pool of effective marketing strategies, he has mastered the art of video marketing. Additionally, he employs various promotional avenues, including YouTube marketing, social media ads, and Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

paid advertising, to showcase and advertise his listings. Beginning without a pre-established network after moving to Florida, Noah realized an opportunity to make a name for himself by leveraging platforms like TikTok and YouTube, ultimately gaining a following of 40,000. His content unfailingly reaches over 20,000 views.

As a result of his efforts, Noah averages Top Agent Magazine

nine million dollars in volume annually, doubling his production each year, outside of his custom home projects. Plus, by the age of 21, Noah also furthered his knowledge in the real estate industry to better serve his clients by getting his Florida Real Estate Broker’s License.

Top Agent Magazine

Beyond his professional achievements, Noah finds fulfillment in the world of new construction and most enjoys nurturing client relationships. He guides clients throughout the entire building process and remains devoted beyond the transaction. With efforts to give back to

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

his community, Noah is eager to continue coaching new agents entering the field and enabling them to learn the skills that helped him succeed. When he isn’t working, he enjoys golfing, boating and fishing.

The future looks bright for Noah as he anticipates continued business expansion.

His trajectory remains focused on custom

home building with his company JN Development Group Inc, further grasping the power of video marketing and amplifying his marketing strategies to reach the proper demographic. After knowing his story, Noah’s standing is confirmed as a rising star in the industry and becoming living proof of what one can achieve with perseverance, heart, and soul.

To learn more about Noah, email Noah@NoahWardGroup.com, call 715-531-8021, or visit SouthWestFloridaNewConstruction.com http://

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14

Top Agent Magazine

USING CLIENT FEEDBACK

TO ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS For real estate professionals, publishing your client testimonials is a key strategy for establishing trust, enhancing your reputation, and drawing in new clients.

Through the strategic use of positive Top Agent Magazine

client feedback, you can demonstrate your expertise and the exceptional value you offer in real estate transactions. Here are key strategies for maximizing the impact of real estate testimonials in your business:

Top Agent Magazine ®

15

Diversify Your Testimonials Collect feedback from a broad spectrum of clients, such as first-time buyers, sellers, investors, and those facing unique challenges.

This approach offers a comprehensive view of your capabilities.

Promptly Request Testimonials Aim to obtain testimonials soon after closing a deal. Prompt timing ensures clients’ memories are fresh, enabling them to share detailed and impactful experiences.

Utilize Testimonials in Marketing Efforts Embed powerful testimonial excerpts in your marketing materials, including brochures and flyers, to catch the eye of prospective clients and underscore your track record.

Broadcast Testimonials on Social Media Publicize your client feedback on social platforms, using engaging visuals or property photos to accompany the testimonials.

Enhance Your Website with Testimonials

Innovate with Testimonial Videos

Develop a section on your website dedicated to client testimonials. Display them attractively, including clients’ names, photos, and specific transaction details if possible.

Elevate your client feedback with video testimonials. Short, engaging videos can make a lasting impression on potential clients by showcasing genuine satisfaction.

16

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

Incorporate Testimonials into Email Marketing

Create Detailed Case Studies

Utilize testimonials in your email campaigns to underscore your expertise and encourage engagement from potential clients.

With client consent, develop case studies that explore specific challenges and your successful interventions, offering deep insights into your problem-solving prowess.

Present Testimonials to Prospective Clients

Highlight Testimonials in Your Online Presence

Integrate client success stories into your presentations to illustrate your track record and reassure potential clients of your ability to deliver favorable results.

Feature client testimonials in your profiles on key real estate and social media sites to bolster your online reputation and attract new clients.

Feature Testimonials in Your Blog

Promote Third-Party Platform Reviews

Share client success stories in blog posts, integrating testimonials to lend credibility and a personal touch to your narratives.

Top Agent Magazine

Encourage clients to review your services on esteemed real estate platforms, enhancing your visibility and credibility.

Top Agent Magazine ®

17

Engage Through Testimonial Events

Keep Your Testimonials Current

Host webinars or events where clients can share their experiences, providing a dynamic forum for potential clients to learn and interact.

Advertise with Testimonials Use testimonials in your advertising campaigns to spotlight positive client experiences and foster trust with your target audience.

18

Regularly refresh your testimonials to maintain relevance and demonstrate your continuous commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

By strategically publishing real estate testimonials across various platforms and marketing channels, you can build a compelling narrative that resonates with potential clients. Authentic endorsements from satisfied clients serve as a powerful tool for establishing trust and differentiating yourself in a competitive real estate market.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

19

Laughs!

20

Top Agent Magazine

6 Things You Need to Do to Be a Great Mentor

Everyone reaches the point in their career where they feel they have gained enough experience and wisdom about business and what it takes to succeed, to actually help someone else achieve the same. Although you may have trained or given advice over the years, taking on the official status as a mentor to someone is a whole new ball game.

Top Agent Magazine

Although mentorship is an unpaid endeavor, you’ll be surprised to find out how much you’ll gain from the experience. You’ll also grow as a business person through the process of teaching someone else. It’s also an endeavor that many will pay forward one day, creating a business atmosphere that is based more on mutual success than competition, which is better for everyone.

Top Agent Magazine

21

If you were mentored, you may already have an idea of what it entails, and what you liked or didn’t like in your mentor/mentee relationship. Although it is a personal relationship that will need an individual approach, there are certain things that are key when it comes to being a great mentor: 1. Be a good listener

est about your own failures. It can be a huge relief to find out someone they look up to has gone through similar experiences and still managed to come out on top. As we all know, oftentimes the greatest lessons come from failures, which can be times when our character is truly tested. Building trust through mutual respect and honesty will make every aspect of your mentorship more effective.

You’re basically a sounding board who needs to hear your mentee’s ideas, plans and goals in order to advise them. Strong, constant and clear communication is key to any successful mentoring relationship.

Sometimes just letting them talk things out with you, will lead to them to discovering the solution they were looking for.

2. Set expectations and goals at the start When listening to your mentee in your first meeting about the potential relationship, it’s important to establish the parameters of what that relationship will be: What can you give them? What do they need or expect from you? Once the terms are agreed upon, you may want to set specific goals you’ll be working on together so that there’s a defined plan of action, timeline and result you can both expect.

3. Be honest This is important when it comes to offering them constructive criticism or tough love, but more importantly, you need to be hon22

4. Get them to think, don’t make decisions for them Sometimes being a mentor is being a bit like a psychologist. By asking certain ques-

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

tions you can lead your mentee to their own conclusions about their business dilemmas and strategies to reach their goals. Being a mentor is all about guidance. Build confidence by drawing out the best in your mentee rather than just presenting them with solutions.

5. Look at the situation objectively One of the key strengths you offer your mentee is a complete emotional detachment to their business. You have no sentimental attachment to doing things a certain way or working with an incompetent vendor because you ‘go way back’. Your only motive is what’s best for your mentee and their business. Although emotions cans still get in the way sometimes, having a detached perspective on hand to guide you is invaluable.

6. Don’t just offer constructive criticism, be supportive Yes, being a mentor is sometimes advising your mentee that he’s doing something ineffectively, but your main purpose is to alway approach everything like cheerleader.

You need to let them know that through it Top Agent Magazine

all, you are a reliable support to them and have a complete belief in their abilities.

Make sure to always praise their accomplishments.

Remember: your job as a mentor is more about guidance than constant feedback.

Your goal is to help someone become the best they can be, not someone who just does everything the way you do it. You’re helping them build confidence in their own intuition, which will hopefully lead to a lifetime of success, and one day, they too might be a valuable resource to another mentee down the road.

Top Agent Magazine

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine