FLORIDA 3-6-23

FLORIDA EDITION

9

Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering:

THINGS THE BEST LEADERS NEVER SAY

WHAT IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES MAKE THE MOST SENSE?

FEATURED AGENTS

EFREN GRAFALS JESSICA CRUSE NESREEN LABABIDI

HOW TO GET THE

BIGGEST RECHARGE

3 SUREFIRE METHODS THAT MAKE FOR A PRODUCTIVE MEETING

OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR

COVER STORY

JANET MOORE

FLORIDA EDITION

EFREN GRAFALS NESREEN LABABIDI JESSICA CRUSE

With a passion for guiding®her clients Lababidi When Group it comesasto amarketing diverse background Efren sees The Grafals REALTOR Nesreen may have Ha 7 16 19 20 to buying or selling their ings, Jessica uses a technolog ly contributed toalong histhe path shop for buyers, sellers, and only started her career in realone-stop estate three a c home, Jessica Cruse stands out for the approach that ensures optimum ess as a real estate investors, where they handle everyago, but her personalizedyears care she provides and star the is already rising in sure. She invests in digitalone ma his career in the industhing from searching for a property to lasting relationships she builds.

“My and her listings are also shared the industry.

Since joining her brother’s a R professional club DJ providing services afterward. husband and I were looking into buying cally among “We’re her past clients and brokerage, The Firm has soldservice,“I’ve our first house, and I went to school to RE, she sold there a lot offor my own lik list years as an educator a concierge we’re become a real estate agent homes to represent way,” Jessica says. “Some ofcla m forty-four to date, anything completing tor. “I always wanted they need.” us,” Jessica recalls. “I quickly fell in will reach out and pass along li EALTOR®, but when million in sales last year alone. love with it $7.4 and realized this was just their friends, and there havenew be d by the Department When it comes to marketing their what I needed!

I joined times when a listing has no gon Working asaGRAFALS abrokerage solo agent with the support JANET MOORE EFREN JESSICA CRUSE NESREEN LABABIDI ided to pursue teachproperties, The Grafals Group takes where a friend was working, and I’ve contract the same day we listed ho of the brokerage behind her, she serves been there ever since.” Now 5 years Efren explains. After advantage of Keller Williams’ techher communities throughout estate career, Jessica has Jessica to her comm o decades, that into pas-her realnumerous nology and network.

Theygives postback their found her calling and couldn’t hap- a positive mindset participating with local anima pre Floridabewith est in real estatepier washelpingcentral listings online on all the“I help top people real find thei her clients achieve their efforts. and generous, hardworking attitude that herasclients CONTENTS nd Efren knew itreal was estate websites, estate goals. so well why as not social help animals fi JANET MOORE homes as well?” she says. r it. “I wanted to build media.

As she looksWht recognize and appreciate.

With Coastal Luxury Partners, Jessica serves Sarasota, not working or giving back, Jessica enjoys s 4) aBEYOND CLEANING AND 17) 9 THINGS would leave legacy many more fa Manatee, and Pinellas Counties in Florida. OverTHE 50% BEST time on the water in her boat and at the ra DECLUTTERING: LEADERS n and grandchildren,” he says.WHAT Efren After the transaction, clients love to tell others of Jessica’s business year over yearabout comes the fromareas repeat she “I represents have a familyand that loves all types of cart very exciting Knowledgeable IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES NEVER SAY f faith, leaving his career in educaabout their experience with The Grafals Group. and referral clients, a sure sign that her clients trust her Jessica says. “I used to race, my husband used to finally willing to go the extra mile to attend listings, Nes- Efren.

MAKE THE MOST SENSE? ning his real estate license.

Withas his Onefriends recently He be ab to take care of them well as their and said, family.“I highly and we recommend have friends who still race.” of this reen has earned for keeping herGET clients 21) TO THE that appreciate my communication, and job. they justHOW d drive, Efren is“Clients dedicated to making dida areputation great He works with his family are importa more and fun working with me!”

Jessica explains.

Looking toward the future, Jessica 3have SUREFIRE METHODS BIGGEST OUT informed at allall times.

Whether they areRECHARGE buying n the lives14) of his clients helping amazing.

They respond to all mytheir questions and says, “I’m of myFOR clientsAhave turned into some of my bestYOUR to seeLUNCH the business grow. The clients who r THAT“Many MAKE OF HOUR ams of homeownership. issues immediately.

They have the experience and first home or looking to invest in real estate, she friends, and my clients even become friends with one have really done a great job of getting my n PRODUCTIVE MEETING knowledge that took any stress Iwith had.herIt love wasofa racing, Jes another. I love connecting people, and my clients loveofaway there.”

Inownership keeping takes the complicated process home eads his own team called The Grafals pleasure to work with them.” it too.” branded herself with a signature checkered and makes it simple. “This is a great area for inshe incorporates into photos and videos when consists of himself, his wife, and their vestment properties,” Nesreen.

“The Jessica also sets herself apart byLooking being realexplains with her clients close on theme aplans house.on“It’s fun, and puts a s uch of theirPhone business derives towards the future, Efren expand|from Faxthem 310-734-1440 ents310-734-1440 and looking out for every step of the way.

“I the client’s face,” she says.

“There’s nothin parks draw a huge amount of tourists, so I work with and referrals, as have thosetheir who work with ing the business and getting more involved with backs for the entire process, and they know than sitting at the closing table with my cli mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com many people who buy properties to do term n away by their support and guidance. the community.

“I would loveshort to grow to to thegetpoint they don’t need to stress out,” she says. “They know knowing they’re about their keys or h No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine that if they have a question, canprecautions pick up the phone inoftheir bank account. uth Florida isregion, they develop lastwhere I can give back toplus causes that I believe in,”TopheThe smile published by Feature Publications GA, Inc.they Although areAirbnb. taken to ensure thefunds accuracy published materials, rentals with platforms like It’s a great form Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. and I will answer.”

She provides additional services face alone is all I need.

It letscan me know tha ips with their clients, only wantingincome explains.

“We want to get to the level where we of second for them.”

To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. such as property management for select clients, becomdone a good job for them, and I love to see ho or them. “I’m very personal,” Efren become philanthropists.”

Published in the U.S. ing their “one-stop shop” for all things real estate. they are.” ive to make relationships out of all my From day one of working with Nesreen, she is each secEach member of the group has their Wherever his path leads, Efren will enjoy To find out more about Jessica Cruse, please call 727-459-85 2 Top career, Agent Magazine to to help ond coordinate inspectors, repairs, roof, and one of Efren’s is histhere ability of it. “I love so many things about my but or email jessica@coastalluxurypartners.com s. “I understand that not every the people thatfor are renovations. my favorite part. ers,investor and otherit’s vendors needed HerIt becomes

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

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 4

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 ®

5

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.

6

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

JANET MOORE Top Agent Magazine

7

Top Agent Janet Moore of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty can proudly say that 100% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.

Born and raised in New York City, but currently based in the Tampa Bay area, REALTOR® Janet Moore was encouraged from an early age by her parents to go into real estate. For the past 18 years, she has worked hard to build her business, supported by a skilled administrative team at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Today, she can proudly say that 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

100% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. Whether on the buying or selling side, Janet provides a high-end real estate service that exceeds client expectations every time.

Since the pandemic, Janet has seen a high level of growth in her area, which Top Agent Magazine

she attributes to people wanting a better quality of life by the beach. “Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Pete have so much to offer, including beautiful waterfront properties with close access to fun restaurants, bars, and cultural events,” she says. “This area is booming. While

Top Agent Magazine

I’ve worked on projects across the country, I’m really excited to now be focusing my efforts on Tampa Bay.” After so many years of working as a REALTOR®, Janet has many friends and former clients referring her services. Her

Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

Janet’s knowledge and the way she takes care of her clients keep them coming back again and again to work with her specifically. “I listen to their needs and wants and find the right home for each of them,” she explains. knowledge and the way she takes care of her clients keep them coming back again and again to work with her specifically.

“I listen to their needs and wants and find the right home for each of them,” she explains. Janet often finds houses off-market and uses her expert negotiation skills to make sure her clients always Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

come away from the closing table happy.

After they move in, Janet follows up and keeps in touch with clients at least on a quarterly basis. She hosts regular client appreciation parties, including a recent Chinese New Year celebration. “I love sharing my culture with my clients and learning about theirs,” she says. Janet is Top Agent Magazine

fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin and frequently works with EB-5 visa clients from China.

To give back to her community, Janet is involved with the Mike Evans Family Foundation. This organization empowers

Top Agent Magazine

children and supports women who have been victims of domestic violence. She is also involved with the American Cancer Society and the Children›s Cancer Center. In her spare time, Janet loves to relax with her husband, their two English Bulldogs, and their two Frenchies.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

As she looks to the next few years of her business, Janet plans to continue to grow in her area. She wants to add several more assistants to take care of the backend paperwork while she remains present and attentive to

her clients. “I want to continue to give every client I work with the same level of care, no matter what type of home they are purchasing. I believe that you should be able to have luxury at any price point.”

For more about Janet, call 813-892-0998, email Janet.Moore@premiersir.com, and visit janetmoorerealtor.com, linkedin.com/in/janet-moore-mba-8aa1a95, www.

www.

www.

twitter.com/Janet_Tampalux or instagram.com/janetmoorerealtor

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

www.

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

13

3 Surefire Methods that Make for a Productive Meeting Sometimes a business meeting can achieve exactly what it sets out to do: communicate, assess actions, set goals, or otherwise. Other times, meetings can feel like a drain on your time and energy, and only advance your agenda in marginal ways. While meetings are an integral form of communication in the professional world, how can you ensure that they are both productive and worthwhile?

14

The truth is, it takes intentioned planning to make a meeting a success. A well-curated meeting makes partners and employees feel unified as a team, excited about what’s to come, and motivated to achieve a collective goal. With that in mind, consider a few approaches below to maximize your next meeting and ensure that all parties involved leave with a renewed sense of direction and inspiration.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

1. Create a detailed agenda in advance Oftentimes meetings are scheduled with a loose goal in mind—to hash out the terms of a contract or to strategize a new marketing campaign, for example. To ensure your meeting is productive, time-efficient, and achieves its end, create a detailed agenda in advance. This means breaking down your overarching goal into pieces and outlining what’s required to complete each component. You might also consider making time blocks for each respective component, so there is a clear structure and hierarchy in place. Not only does this ensure that time is used wisely and evenly, but it also creates order and momentum for the greater task at hand. What’s more, you’ll want to distribute this detailed agenda in advance of your meeting, so that all attendees will be familiar with the format and delineated goals of your gathering. This will set a professional tone, while keeping team members and conversation on task.

2. Reserve off-topics ideas and comments for later Too many meetings are derailed when an off-topic question or comment is made and hijacks the attentions of attendees. While it’s natural that outlying issues may arise when all team members are gathered, you can ward off distractions by creating a so-called holding area for off-topic talking points. This holding area will serve as the receptacle for any off-topic or lower priority addendum, and you can create a chunk of time towards the end of your meeting to readdress those Top Agent Magazine

points separately. Once you’ve achieved the highest priority goals of your meeting, you can then return to the items in your holding area. Note: be sure to familiarize your staff with this approach so that the expectation is already in place and interruptions won’t distract from your meeting’s true intent.

3. Conclude every meeting with a brief summary and action items The very last thing you should do before concluding your meeting is to reemphasize the main takeaways of your gathering and outline a specific list of action items. Again, successful meetings are clear and give attendees a sense of direction. That’s why reiterating action items—or next steps in need of completion—to each respective employee is an essential component of a productive meeting. Likewise, summarizing main takeaways unifies a team’s understanding of what’s important and why the meeting was called in the first place. Ending on a concrete yet proactive note helps launch team members toward the next event in their day and gives them a sense of confidence as they tackle their duties.

Meetings don’t have to be a formality or a bore. When planned and executed with incisiveness, they can inspire your talent roster and streamline productivity in your office.

Especially in the world of real estate, ensuring everyone is on the same page and doing their jobs effectively is key to success and longevity. Put a little planning into your next meeting, and you’ll save yourself valuable time and energy as you move forward.

Top Agent Magazine ®

15

EFREN GRAFALS Efren Grafals’ diverse background has undoubtedly contributed to his immense success as a real estate agent. Prior to his career in the industry, he was a professional club DJ and spent 20+ years as an educator and administrator. “I always wanted to work as a REALTOR®, but when I was recruited by the Department of Labor, I decided to pursue teaching full-time,” Efren explains. After more than two decades, that passion and interest in real estate was still present, and Efren knew it was time to go after it. “I wanted to build something that would leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren,” he says. Efren took a leap of faith, leaving his career in education and obtaining his real estate license. With his experience and drive, Efren is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of his clients and helping fulfill their dreams of homeownership.

Today Efren leads his own team called The Grafals Group, which consists of himself, his wife, and their daughters. Much of their business derives from repeat clients and referrals, as those who work with them are blown away by their support and guidance.

Serving the South Florida region, they develop lasting relationships with their clients, only wanting what is best for them. “I’m very personal,” Efren explains. “I strive to make relationships out of all my transactions.” Each member of the group has their own strengths, and one of Efren’s is his ability to assist investors. “I understand that not every investor is the same, so I take a lot of time to find out what they’re looking for.” No matter who he is serving,

Efren sees The Grafals Group as a one-stop shop for buyers, sellers, and investors, where they handle everything from searching for a property to providing services afterward. “We’re a concierge service, we’re there for anything they need.”

When it comes to marketing their properties, The Grafals Group takes advantage of Keller Williams’ technology and network. They post their listings online on all the top real estate websites, as well as social media.

After the transaction, clients love to tell others about their experience with The Grafals Group.

One recently said, “I highly recommend Efren. He did a great job. He works with his family that are all amazing. They respond to all my questions and issues immediately. They have the experience and knowledge that took away any stress I had. It was a pleasure to work with them.”

Looking towards the future, Efren plans on expanding the business and getting more involved with the community. “I would love to grow to the point where I can give back to causes that I believe in,” he explains. “We want to get to the level where we can become philanthropists.”

Wherever his path leads, Efren will enjoy each second of it. “I love so many things about my career, but it’s the people that are my favorite part. It becomes such a personal process and as an empath, that’s a great thing to be involved in.”

For more information about Efren Grafals, please call 786-344-6761 or email efrengrafals@hotmail.com 16

Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

9

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

Top Agent Magazine

you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

1

I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

Top Agent Magazine

17

2

6

I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

5

I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

18

THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

7

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

8

DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

9

YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

JESSICA CRUSE With a passion for guiding her clients along the path to buying or selling their home, Jessica Cruse stands out for the personalized care she provides and the lasting relationships she builds. “My husband and I were looking into buying our first house, and I went to school to become a real estate agent to represent us,” Jessica recalls. “I quickly fell in love with it and realized this was just what I needed! I joined a brokerage where a friend was working, and I’ve been there ever since.” Now 5 years into her real estate career, Jessica has found her calling and couldn’t be happier helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.

With Coastal Luxury Partners, Jessica serves Sarasota, Manatee, and Pinellas Counties in Florida. Over 50% of Jessica’s business year over year comes from repeat and referral clients, a sure sign that her clients trust her to take care of them as well as their friends and family.

“Clients appreciate my communication, and they just have more fun working with me!” Jessica explains.

“Many of my clients have turned into some of my best friends, and my clients even become friends with one another. I love connecting people, and my clients love it too.”

Jessica also sets herself apart by being real with her clients and looking out for them every step of the way. “I have their backs for the entire process, and they know they don’t need to stress out,” she says. “They know that if they have a question, they can pick up the phone and I will answer.” She provides additional services such as property management for select clients, becoming their “one-stop shop” for all things real estate.

When it comes to marketing her listings, Jessica uses a technology-driven approach that ensures optimum exposure. She invests in digital marketing, and her listings are also shared organically among her past clients and sphere.

“I’ve sold a lot of my own listings that way,” Jessica says. “Some of my clients will reach out and pass along listings to their friends, and there have been many times when a listing has gone under contract the same day we listed it!”

Jessica gives back to her community by participating with local animal rescue efforts. “I help people find their homes, so why not help animals find their homes as well?” she says. When she’s not working or giving back, Jessica enjoys spending time on the water in her boat and at the racetrack.

“I have a family that loves all types of car racing,” Jessica says. “I used to race, my husband used to race, and we have friends who still race.”

Looking toward the future, Jessica says, “I’m excited to see the business grow. The clients who refer me have really done a great job of getting my name out there.” In keeping with her love of racing, Jessica has branded herself with a signature checkered flag that she incorporates into photos and videos when her clients close on a house. “It’s fun, and puts a smile on the client’s face,” she says. “There’s nothing better than sitting at the closing table with my clients and knowing they’re about to get their keys or have surplus funds in their bank account. The smile on their face alone is all I need. It lets me know that I have done a good job for them, and I love to see how happy they are.”

To find out more about Jessica Cruse, please call 727-459-8520 or email jessica@coastalluxurypartners.com

Top Agent Magazine

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 19

NESREEN LABABIDI REALTOR® Nesreen Lababidi may have only started her career in real estate three years ago, but her star is already rising in the industry. Since joining her brother’s brokerage, The Firm RE, she has sold forty-four homes to date, completing $7.4 million in sales last year alone.

Working as a solo agent with the support of the brokerage behind her, she serves numerous communities throughout central Florida with a positive mindset and generous, hardworking attitude that her clients recognize and appreciate.

Knowledgeable about the areas she represents and willing to go the extra mile to attend listings, Nesreen has earned a reputation for keeping her clients informed at all times. Whether they are buying their first home or looking to invest in real estate, she takes the complicated process of home ownership and makes it simple. “This is a great area for investment properties,” explains Nesreen. “The theme parks draw a huge amount of tourists, so I work with many people who buy properties to do short term rentals with platforms like Airbnb. It’s a great form of second income for them.”

From day one of working with Nesreen, she is there to help coordinate inspectors, repairs, roofers, and other vendors needed for renovations. Her top-notch communication skills make it easy for her to work with clients who are out of state, which not every REALTOR® can do. When it’s time to list a property, Nesreen starts by having photography and 3D floor plans created. She then hosts open houses, sends out postcards, and posts on social media. To keep her clients updated on everything happening, she is truly hands-on.

20

Having the freedom and flexibility that a career in real estate offers has been one of Nesreen’s favorite perks of being a REALTOR®. She’s very social and likes to attend local events. A self-proclaimed foodie, she also loves trying new restaurants in town when she’s not working. Nesreen has sold many homes in her community because of her strong relationships and active presence in her neighborhood.

As she looks to the future, Nesreen’s goal is to help many more families find their dream homes. “It’s very exciting to help people who have always rented to finally be able to own a home. I love being a part of this important time in their lives.”

To learn more about Nesreen Lababidi, please call 407-338-1495, email nesreen@thefirmrealty.com, visit thefirmrealty.com and find her on Instagram @nesreenlababidi www.

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

21

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine ®

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine