FLORIDA 4-17-23

FLORIDA EDITION

5

TIPS TO GET NEW CLIENTS

FEATURED AGENTS

DR. FRANK DITTSCHAR NICOLE BAGLEY TRACEY HUNTER

TURN OPEN HOUSES INTO DESTINATIONS

HOW TO BUILD A TEAM THAT WILL WIN BIG

THINKING OF LISTING? NINE WAYS TO GET READY

NO MATTER ITS SIZE

COVER STORY

ARTHUR COVAS

FLORIDA EDITION

DR. FRANK DITTSCHAR

TRACEY HUNTER

his thriving Southwest Florida community, from Dusseldorf, Germany, Dr. Frank Guided by atocommitment to her faith 7 about 17 from its iconic beachfront 18 properties to its 21 That has always been passionate and a passionbooming for helping people, Tracey ing, local economy. hers. For 17 years, he served as a sucHunter truly stands out in her local marfloor Nicole Bagley has reached orney in Germany, holding a doctor's ket. Now in her real estate, great heightsof in her career mar as In sixth 2020, year the inNational Association law from the University of Cologne Tracey brings Realtors availability andawarded dedication (NAR) Frank the Certified g as a partner at the country’s largest ato real estate agent. Prior othe to ® International Property Specialist (CIPS) for construction and real estate law; her dealings with clients, a winning combithing becoming a REALTOR , she Designation, in recognition of his proficiency upon relocating to Southwest Florida, nation that has led to lasting relationships worked as an assistant vice in international business and gained knowledge e found himself seeking a new opporand happy clients. president at Citibank for overAsid a in international real estate practices. The CIPS t better spoke to his entrepreneurial decade. Despite having a stable her designation is synonymous with advanced exeraging his background in real estate career in banking, Nicole felt succ serves all ofa global Florida’s Treasure perspective, and distinct un- HUNTER cided to pursue his license and launch DR. FRANKTracey ARTHUR COVAS DITTSCHAR pertise,NICOLE BAGLEY TRACEY ® pulled to explore a more entrepreneurial path.

Knowwith a focus on Martin it?’ B derstanding of a global buyer,County placing from him among 3,500 as a REALTOR , quickly establishing a network Coast, ing she had the skills to flourish as an agent, she decidHobe to Jensen Beach, as well as Saint Lucie man upstairs. H eliteSound real estate professionals in over 45 countries. d clients that spans the region.

NICOLE BAGLEY

to pursue passion forbest, real estate County. “I like to ed focus on theher area I know be- and took a leap Since delving intoofprovide real estate, Frank has earned terrific ank is an agent with Premiere Plus Realty—the cause faith inthe2015, herajob and earning hertoward liI know I can best leaving service that way,” Looking reputation throughout Florida.

Having recorded $11 million dependently owned real estate firm in Southwest Tracey became a licensed agent in goal September of explains. Acense. very Nicole high proportion of Tracey’s is to have in volume in 2022 alone, he remains dedicated to the lastwith offices in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita that comes year andfrom has been working in real estate everevery since.cli CONTENTS business, about 90%, repeat and referral touch ing standards thatHaving set himflipped apart. “Ihomes love the freedom real Fort Myers and Cape Coral—where he assists in the past, she has a valuable have great with Imy estate“Iprovides,” he relationships says. “As an agent, canclients, help myand cli- that my client oughout Naples, Fort Myers, and the surrounding clients. perspective on the industry, allowing her to advise clithere’s no doubttheir thattransaction if they’reinever looking to buy ents structure the way that feels best or for I would like to ies of Southwest Florida.

4) 5 TIPS TO GET 19) TURN OPEN HOUSES help make the bestthem financial decisions. sellthem. again, callents Tracey says. clients.

With th Atthey the end ofme,” theand day, it’s them so satisfying to see As part of The Duncan Duo team (the #1 RE/MAX NEW CLIENTS INTO DESTINATIONS secure one of the biggest investments in their life.” ing a property, Frank takes a comprehensive apcoming in, I ca team in the state of Florida, with Nicole being the #1 fo fter helping his clients fully prepare their home for It’s easy to see what brings people back to work with Tracey looks forTHINKING Duncan Duoto in 2022), Nicole offers top-tier Outside of real Frank is dedicated his community, t, he shares it 14) both toHOW a highly targeted blend of soagain.

“I’mestate, aagent people person,” Tracey says.

“I like ents the person TO BUILD ATracey 22) OF donating a portion of every to making Barbara'sthe Friends campaigns and his extensive sphere of influence. service andincome support, real estate journey an to go above and beyond for my clients, and help them get enjoy. “It’s not THATdatabase WILLofWIN LISTING? WAYS Golisano Children's Hospitalexperience CancerNINE Fund Lee clients benefitTEAM from his extensive qualenjoyable forwithin everythe client. connected with anybody everybody theywho need to once get action for me,” BIG NOIn MATTER SIZE TO GET READY Health Foundation.

An and avid tennis player was + International) buyers. fact, their homeITS might with. have question, such whethabout the relatio ranked Top 10Ifinclients the world in ahis age group, he as also enjoys e sold when they list with Frank. Along the way, connected Serving the greater Tampa Bay area, much of her can put in apickleball pool, I’m the type of agentthe who will after leaving supporting local year. proven resources such as flyers, standout signage, er they business leagues derivesthroughout from repeats and referrals, as Nicole campaigns to give each client an added advantage. go to the building department and pull the information goes above and beyond toFrank achieve their goals. “I think his volume its steady intends for As them.”

On themaintains listing side, Traceygrowth, says, “I’m not just my clients know that I work from the heart,” she exon to building team whileyard. scaling his to penchant for client e, Frank is just as attentive when assisting his buy- going stick ahis sign in your I want make sure that plains.

“And“Ithey knowinI’m going to service throughout the region. believe delivering su-negotiate the best ng from his background in real estate law to unPhone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 if a property is listed, it will be seen.” terms and conditions, making sure I get the best deal

ARTHUR COVAS

perior service to every buyer or seller,” he says. “Offering a right investment for their best interests. He also mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com unique perspective my legal I can guideevery step of the IP Buyer Programme, through which his clients forwith them.”

She background, is honest throughout To them that end, Tracey is excited to have joined her brothrough the entire process and raise concerns whento the best buying opportunities and great deals process, telling what they Magazine need to know, No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without always prior consent of thethem publisher.

Top Agent kerage, LPT, of the extensive marketing ever I see a redbecause flag.

Most of all, though, I am committed to est Florida evenis before these homes hit the marpublished

by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top to hear. even if it’s not necessarily what they want finding the best property for their needs—no matter what.” than anything,Agent he loves welcoming Magazine cannot benewcomers held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. tools it makes available to promote her clients’ list- she says. “And “I’m upfront and bold with them,” To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. ings.

Founded in no February 2022,their LPTgoal grew out ofgoing to adjust to matter what is, we’re Published in the U.S. To learn more about Dr. Frank Dittschar, email fdittschar@pprinbox.com,

2

Listing Power Tools, a proprietary marketing package make sure we reach it.” Nicole gets to know her buyvisit www.FD-Florida.com or call (239) 823-9916. for agents that included 150 pieces of marketing for ers and sellers, gaining a deep understanding of what You can also visit: agents to use. “Now with LPT, I have the ability to get they’re looking for, then she gets to work on developFacebook: facebook.com/FrankDittscharFloridaRealEstate Top Agent Magazine that whole package,” explains. She ensures ingTracey an individualized plan.

Whenopit comes to her sellInstagram: instagram.com/f.dittschar_florida_realestate To find ou timum exposure both digitally through YouTube virers, she thoroughly markets their properties, reaching www.

www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

5 Tips to Get New Clients

4

If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably built up a healthy percentage of repeat and referral business.

Although it can be tempting to just maintain those relationships rather than generating new business, there’s something to be said for staying on top of

your game by never resting on your laurels. Actively pursuing new clients is not only a way to generate more business, but depending on how you do it, it could even lead to a profitable new niche. Here are just a few ways to build up your new client base.

Top Agent Magazine

1

Become a referral partner with industry peers

2

Cold Call Expired and FSBO Listings

Everyone from mortgage lenders, to financial planners, to insurance agents, can be potentially lucrative referral partners for a Realtor®. You may already have great relationships with some that just need to be more formalized. But, you don’t just want to partner with anyone, make sure these are people you also feel completely comfortable referring your clients to - people who share your values and work ethic.

Another avenue to consider is divorce attorneys – yes, you heard that correctly. Helping people go through this difficult period actually requires a very specific skill set.

You need to be able to handle the legal aspects, as well as the emotional ones. There are numerous training courses you can take if you decide to take this route, which could end up being a lucrative and much-needed specialty.

This is a route a lot of agents take when they are just starting out, that usually leads to great success. You probably haven’t cold called since you started out, and this is a great skill to build up again.

It will not only sharpen your sales skills, but could generate a lot more business.

People with For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) and expired listings, are usually very motivated to sell. This is a great chance for you to really hone in on why they need to hire you. Do you offer innovative marketing plans? Access to a large sphere of influence? Expired listing clients are looking for ways to sell a property that seems impossible to move. With FSBOs, you need to show them how you can get them more money in their pocket, even

Top Agent Magazine

with paying you a commission. Pursuing both will really engage your mind to think outside of the box, which will not only get you more business, but make you better at what you do.

5

3

Partner up with a Relocation Company

4

Become a Builder’s Realtor® of choice

This is another niche market that you can really capitalize on if you want to pursue a new specialty. But, it is a specialty, so getting educated on the process will help you generate the business you want. It’s a complicated area of real estate, you’ll often

times be helping to facilitate dual transactions, as you try and secure a property at the same time you are helping your relocation client sell their previous home. This specialty is becoming an in-demand skill in areas that have major corporate headquarters.

This can be a real score for any Realtor®.

The competition might be fierce to land a client like this, but there are numerous ways to make yourself stand out from the rest.

Gain certifications and become knowledgeable about the construction process. Be wellversed on what trendy materials, features, and finishes will add value to a property.

Get the builder on board with you by offering to take just a segment of the subdivision then wow them with your marketing skills.

Take on properties they haven’t been able to sell. You can even offer to throw an open

5

Create a Website that Offers Real Value to Potential Clients

Perhaps the most useful way of getting contact information for people looking to sell is by adding a home valuation feature to your website. When people are first considering selling their home, finding out how much 6

house for them. This is another way to show them the level of service they can expect from you. These clients might be harder to land, but the payoff will be enormous.

it is worth is one of the first questions they want answered. By becoming a resource to potential clients (and current clients!), you just might be the first person that comes to mind when they’re actually looking to sell.

Top Agent Magazine

ARTHUR COVAS Top Agent Magazine

7

AR T HUR COVAS Top Agent Arthur Covas specializes in pre-construction properties and frequently works with investors and first-time buyers. “I have the knowledge and expertise to help find the perfect property to suit my client’s needs.”

Motivated to serve his clients and make their real estate journey memorable, Arthur Covas has become a top agent in Palm Beach County. Born in Moldova, a small country in Eastern Europe, he worked in the casino and resort industry 8

for seven years before starting his real estate career in 2013. He initially had a partner, but decided to work solo in order to have more control and build stronger relationships with clients. Primarily serving Palm Beach County and the Miami Top Agent Magazine

area, as well as Orlando for strategic development projects, much of his business consists of repeat clients and referrals.

He specializes in pre-construction properties and frequently works with investors and first-time buyers. “I have the knowledge and expertise to help find the perfect property to suit my client’s needs,” he explains. With his experience in the hospitality industry and dedication to providing personalized service, Arthur

Top Agent Magazine

is a valuable asset to anyone looking to buy or sell Florida real estate.

“I live my life by three principles: honesty, integrity, and results,” Arthur explains. “I’m a problem solver with a strong work ethic.” Arthur’s clients always come first, and he aims to build lasting relationships with them. “I take care of my clients as if they were my family.”

He’s meticulous about finding the right

9

property for his buyer’s needs, analyzing the options thoroughly and only advising them to purchase it if he’s confident it’s the right one. If Arthur doesn’t believe a home or investment property will meet their long-term goals, he’s not afraid to be upfront with them. Taking them stepby-step through the process and ensuring they are kept informed, Arthur eliminates stress and makes it seamless.

Clients are never disappointed in his ability to reach their goals. One recently said, “This is the second house that

10

Top Agent Magazine

Arthur helped us to buy. Every time we see a place, he is very informed about properties, circumstances, and organizational data. I recommend him with great confidence to all those who want a worry-free purchase/sale/rent. He will make your closing to be smooth and with a great deal.” Another wrote, “Arthur assisted me with selling and buying our dream house, he went above and beyond to make a great deal. Very intelligent and respectful. In the future, I will do business only with him. Thank you!”

When Arthur isn’t working, he’s spending time with his family, including his wife and their daughter. “We love to travel, Top Agent Magazine

11

we just visited Dubai and we are going to Mexico soon,” he explains. “Maintaining the work/life balance is important.”

Arthur plans to continue growing for years to come, both in his business and investments. “I’m in the process of

building my own portfolio,” he explains.

He’s passionate about real estate and wants to help more people discover the power it has to build generational wealth.

“It’s how you build your legacy and create a foundation for your family. So it’s really rewarding to assist people in this journey.”

For more information about Arthur Covas, please call 561-235-6804 or email intliongroup@gmail.com

12

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

13

How to Build a Team That Will Win Big No Matter its Size In the real estate world building a team is a goal almost every agent strives towards achieving. Doing business with a team as opposed to solo has numerous advantages. With more agents handling clients as well as other employees specialized in areas such as marketing and administrative support there to assist you; you can greatly increase your business and sales.

14

So, when creating a team, logic would tell us that the bigger it is, the better, right? Wrong. When it comes to real estate teams, size doesn’t matter so much as the players you bring onto that team to work with you. A team doesn’t have to be big to win big, and here are the secrets to building a team that wins big no matter its size.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

Hire the Right Team Members

Put Your Team Members in the Right Positions to Win

You’ve probably heard the saying, “you’re only as strong as you’re weakest link.” That idea holds true for any kind of team, including those in real estate. If you have weak members on your team, then it’s not possible to have a strong team. Drawing strong team members to your business is essential.

Finding strong team members is just one part of the equation. As the leader of your team, you now have to assess each member’s strengths and weaknesses and position them appropriately. You want the best player for each role playing that part and catering to their strengths. Choose your team member’s roles wisely, and place each individual in the position where their strengths can shine and they can best contribute to a win for the entire team. Every role is important to the team working smoothly and winning as a whole, so it is important to place each team member in the role most suited to his or her skills.

To better understand what kind of person would make a strong addition to your team, you need to ask yourself what skills and characteristics you want your team members to possess. The strongest members are often ones that share their leader’s values. When you share values with your teammates, you are all running along the same course towards the same goal as one. Your definition of a victory in this case is also your teammates’ definition of it. This helps strengthen even the smallest of numbers because you are all working together toward a common goal.

Another characteristic too look out for in potential team members is a positive attitude. You can teach someone the skills needed in real estate, but you can’t teach someone how to have a positive attitude.

Positive members tend to achieve more due to their optimistic nature, but more importantly, they spread that positive attitude to the rest of the team, which improves every members’ performance.

Top Agent Magazine

Communicating Your Vision to Your Team

Your team members are the key ingredients to ultimate victory, but what recipe do you follow now to lead them to victory? That is what communication is for a winning team; the recipe you will use to

Top Agent Magazine

15

help best utilize each team member and instruct them on how they need to work together to fulfill the recipe that will lead them to be a winning team. Your team members need to know the plan and you must give them the tools to successfully execute it.

It is up to the leader of a team to help your players see your vision and help them understand what a victory looks like. The goal may seem simple and obvious to you, but you must communicate it over and over again to your team members, so they understand it as well as you do. With different personalities coming together to form a unit, you are going to be dealing with numerous challenges such as competing agendas. You will find this on any team. You must keep the goal and at the forefront of your player’s minds in order to encourage them to put aside their own personal desires in order to come together as one cohesive, single-minded unit and push towards the team’s goal.

16

Give Your Team Members the Tools to Help Them Perform at Their Best The final thing all great leaders do is equip their team members with the proper tools and training needed for them to succeed. You have to show them how they can each come together with their different strengths to work as a team towards one unified goal. This involves more than simple skills training, but also endurance, so they can last as a team and win even those matches that seem unending and impossible.

Think of all the challenges that they could possibly face ahead, and clear their path to victory by giving them the necessary training and tools they will need to get past any obstacle. As the leader, you must be prepared to continually communicate the team’s goal and your vision. Use that vision to motivate your team members throughout the journey towards victory.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

DR. FRANK DITTSCHAR Originally from Dusseldorf, Germany, Dr. Frank Dittschar has always been passionate about helping others. For 17 years, he served as a successful attorney in Germany, holding a doctor's degree in law from the University of Cologne and serving as a partner at the country’s largest law firm for construction and real estate law; however, upon relocating to Southwest Florida, in 2019, he found himself seeking a new opportunity that better spoke to his entrepreneurial spirit. Leveraging his background in real estate law, he decided to pursue his license and launch his career as a REALTOR®, quickly establishing a network of satisfied clients that spans the region.

Today, Frank is an agent with Premiere Plus Realty—the largest independently owned real estate firm in Southwest Florida with offices in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Cape Coral—where he assists clients throughout Naples, Fort Myers, and the surrounding communities of Southwest Florida.

When listing a property, Frank takes a comprehensive approach. After helping his clients fully prepare their home for the market, he shares it both to a highly targeted blend of social media campaigns and his extensive sphere of influence.

His seller clients benefit from his extensive database of qualified (US + International) buyers. In fact, their home might already be sold when they list with Frank. Along the way, he utilizes proven resources such as flyers, standout signage, and video campaigns to give each client an added advantage.

Elsewhere, Frank is just as attentive when assisting his buyers, drawing from his background in real estate law to uncover the right investment for their best interests. He also offers a VIP Buyer Programme, through which his clients get access to the best buying opportunities and great deals in Southwest Florida even before these homes hit the market. More than anything, he loves welcoming newcomers

to his thriving Southwest Florida community, from its iconic beachfront properties to its booming local economy.

In 2020, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) awarded Frank the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Designation, in recognition of his proficiency in international business and gained knowledge in international real estate practices. The CIPS designation is synonymous with advanced expertise, a global perspective, and distinct understanding of a global buyer, placing him among 3,500 elite real estate professionals in over 45 countries.

Since delving into real estate, Frank has earned a terrific reputation throughout Florida. Having recorded $11 million in volume in 2022 alone, he remains dedicated to the lasting standards that set him apart. “I love the freedom real estate provides,” he says. “As an agent, I can help my clients structure their transaction in the way that feels best for them. At the end of the day, it’s so satisfying to see them secure one of the biggest investments in their life.”

Outside of real estate, Frank is dedicated to his community, donating a portion of every income to Barbara's Friends Golisano Children's Hospital Cancer Fund within the Lee Health Foundation. An avid tennis player who was once ranked Top 10 in the world in his age group, he also enjoys supporting local pickleball leagues throughout the year.

As his volume maintains its steady growth, Frank intends on building his team while scaling his penchant for client service throughout the region. “I believe in delivering superior service to every buyer or seller,” he says. “Offering a unique perspective with my legal background, I can guide them through the entire process and raise concerns whenever I see a red flag. Most of all, though, I am committed to finding the best property for their needs—no matter what.”

To learn more about Dr. Frank Dittschar, email fdittschar@pprinbox.com, visit www.FD-Florida.com or call (239) 823-9916.

You can also visit: Facebook: facebook.com/FrankDittscharFloridaRealEstate Instagram: instagram.com/f.dittschar_florida_realestate LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-frank-dittschar-642090b9 www.

www.

www.

Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

17

NICOLE BAGLEY Nicole Bagley has reached great heights in her career as a real estate agent. Prior to becoming a REALTOR®, she worked as an assistant vice president at Citibank for over a decade. Despite having a stable career in banking, Nicole felt pulled to explore a more entrepreneurial path. Knowing she had the skills to flourish as an agent, she decided to pursue her passion for real estate and took a leap of faith in 2015, leaving her job and earning her license. Nicole became a licensed agent in September of that year and has been working in real estate ever since.

Having flipped homes in the past, she has a valuable perspective on the industry, allowing her to advise clients and help them make the best financial decisions.

As part of The Duncan Duo team (the #1 RE/MAX team in the state of Florida, with Nicole being the #1 agent for Duncan Duo in 2022), Nicole offers top-tier service and support, making the real estate journey an enjoyable experience for every client.

high-quality photographs, including Matterport and video walkthroughs.

Serving the greater Tampa Bay area, much of her business derives from repeats and referrals, as Nicole goes above and beyond to achieve their goals. “I think my clients know that I work from the heart,” she explains. “And they know I’m going to negotiate the best terms and conditions, making sure I get the best deal for them.” She is honest throughout every step of the process, always telling them what they need to know, even if it’s not necessarily what they want to hear.

“I’m upfront and bold with them,” she says. “And no matter what their goal is, we’re going to adjust to make sure we reach it.” Nicole gets to know her buyers and sellers, gaining a deep understanding of what they’re looking for, then she gets to work on developing an individualized plan. When it comes to her sellers, she thoroughly markets their properties, reaching a wide range of potential buyers. Her team maintains a television presence, appearing on the local channels for ABC and NBC. “We also have billboards across the Tampa Bay area,” she says. Each listing receives

Nicole has a plan in place over the next few years to increase her knowledge in the real estate industry and reach Hall of Fame status for RE/MAX. With a love for helping others and a passion for real estate, she’s an unstoppable force. “Working in real estate has just been such an amazing experience.”

18

One recent seller raved, “Nicole was amazing, she took the time to understand my needs. She provided detailed advice about the market and area. Living out of state I needed someone I could trust to put the time in to help me sell my house and Nicole was awesome.

She provided timely updates, communicated often, and gave great recommendations to get the house sold.

Thank you is not enough, but thank you a bunch!”

Nicole is highly involved in her community, with a particular focus on giving back to those in need. She has volunteered with organizations such as Metropolitan Ministries, the Housing Education Alliance, and Homes for Humanity, helping families who may not be able to afford a home on their own to obtain down payment assistance and find affordable housing solutions. Additionally, Nicole is passionate about helping veterans and is the go-to partner for military relocations in her area.

For more information about Nicole Bagley, please call 813-629-5895 or email nicole@theduncanduo.com Top Agent Magazine

Turn Open Houses into Destinations People are busy. Even those who are actively looking to buy a house or want to learn about the market for a future purpose have busy schedules.

But with bit of added time, creativity and investment in making open house into destinations, you’ll see greater turnout. And we all know that greater turnout increases the likelihood of offers.

There are several creative ways to hold an open house with a mindset of hospitality and with the goal of providing something of value to each person who attends.

Top Agent Magazine

The neighbors-only open house Some agents embrace the “nosy neighbor” concept as a benefit, not an eye-rolling challenge.

With his client’s permission, Wesley Peters, a Keller Williams broker in the Baltimore Metro Area, often gets the neighbors together before a home hits the market. “We invite other brokers, too, but we include as many neighbors as we can,” he says, explaining that he schedules these events for a Thursday or Friday evening, happy hour-style, rather than midday on a Sunday. They get a better turnout at 5:00 pm than

Top Agent Magazine ®

19

midday on a weekend when the neighbors are busy with their lives. In a relaxed setting, conversations flow, neighbors can mingle and catch up, and the buzz begins before the home is listed.

In advance, prepare invitations and hand-deliver them to homes on the streets you and your client agree are best to include. The destination is the event; the value each attendee receives is the social interaction and the removal of any awkwardness over visiting their neighbor’s house.

Your client’s benefit is the buzz.

A turnkey block party any time of year Once a property is listed, some agents take on the role of party planners. Certain streets or neighborhoods, they find, are perfect for lowkey social occasions. In some place, such as neighborhoods with many young families, a bounce-house or games may even ramp up the fun factor. But the idea of a seemingly spontaneous block party during an open house can be easy to pull off, whether you’re serving lemonade and cookies or coffee and pastries. The chance to meet prospective neighbors turns the event into a destination for both buyers and the neighbors; the value comes in buyers’ ability to see how the neighbors interact. Your seller’s benefit is that the grapevine will be filled with happy stories about their home. Tips: By keeping basic supplies in storage, you’ll be ready for a pop-up block party any time. Promote this type of event with targeted social media marketing and fliers or postcards to communities within a short distance of your listing.

Invite other professionals It’s common mortgage lenders to attend open houses. But why not provide even more value to people who attend? Chances are, you have more than a handful of professional partners who welcome an opportunity to join you at your open house. Consider inviting an interior designer, a contractor, a gardener, even a gardener or a painter. Invite them to your broker’s open in advance or give them time to view the property 20

before the open house begins. Then encourage them to stroll the property during the open house or to sit with you. When visitors ask about needs or concerns they may have about the house – such as loan questions, the cost of improvements or upgrades or even remodeling – you’ll be able to introduce them to an expert on the spot. For that matter, your invited pros don’t even necessarily have to be in home-related businesses!

Prospective buyers always want to know about the community when visiting open houses.

Consider inviting representatives of community

organizations, like youth sports group or owners of mom-and-pop retailers to help your visitors get a feel for the neighborhood or town. For this type of open-house, prepare a flyer or card with your community contacts on it so visitors can leave with resources as well as information.

Open house should be about the buzz. They’re about creating a conversation about your listing and making the home memorable to visitors. By giving people a unique experience they won’t forget, you’ll show your sellers how creative you are in meeting their needs.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

TRACEY HUNTER Guided by a commitment to her faith and a passion for helping people, Tracey Hunter truly stands out in her local market. Now in her sixth year in real estate, Tracey brings availability and dedication to her dealings with clients, a winning combination that has led to lasting relationships and happy clients.

Tracey serves all of Florida’s Treasure Coast, with a focus on Martin County from Hobe Sound to Jensen Beach, as well as Saint Lucie County. “I like to focus on the area I know best, because I know I can provide the best service that way,” Tracey explains. A very high proportion of Tracey’s business, about 90%, comes from repeat and referral clients. “I have great relationships with my clients, and there’s no doubt that if they’re ever looking to buy or sell again, they call me,” Tracey says.

It’s easy to see what brings people back to work with Tracey again. “I’m a people person,” Tracey says. “I like to go above and beyond for my clients, and help them get connected with anybody and everybody they need to get connected with. If clients have a question, such as whether they can put in a pool, I’m the type of agent who will go to the building department and pull the information for them.” On the listing side, Tracey says, “I’m not just going to stick a sign in your yard. I want to make sure that if a property is listed, it will be seen.”

To that end, Tracey is excited to have joined her brokerage, LPT, because of the extensive marketing tools it makes available to promote her clients’ listings. Founded in February 2022, LPT grew out of Listing Power Tools, a proprietary marketing package for agents that included 150 pieces of marketing for agents to use. “Now with LPT, I have the ability to get that whole package,” Tracey explains. She ensures optimum exposure both digitally through YouTube virtual tours, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as in the neighborhood through door hangers, flyers, and business cards, all customized to the individual property.

Top Agent Magazine

That’s in addition to services such as staging, professional photography, and scaled floor plans. “Every little touch we do is marketing that home,” Tracey says. “No other brokerage out there is doing anything like it.”

Aside from all of her efforts on behalf of her clients, Tracey credits God with her success. “People ask me, ‘How do you do it?’ But as good as I may be, it’s all in the man upstairs. He puts the right people in my path.”

Looking toward the future, Tracey says, “My ultimate goal is to have a team, but I still want to be able to touch every client. I don’t want to ever get too busy that my client doesn’t know who Tracey Hunter is!

I would like to have a small team to better help my clients. With things continuing to grow and blessings coming in, I can see that happening soon.” Above all, Tracey looks forward to continuing to bring her clients the personalized service they enjoy. “It’s not all about the transaction for me,” Tracey says. “It’s about the relationships that are built after leaving the closing table!”

To find out more about Tracey Hunter, please call 772-763-8900, email tracey@traceyhuntergroup.com or visit traceyhuntergroup.com www.

21

Thinking of Listing?

Nine Ways to Get Ready The less time a home spends on the market, the more likely it is to sell at or above list price. That’s why our Top Agents recommend getting a property ready for marketing well before listing. Anyone who is even just starting to think about listing will benefit from some basic upkeep and pre-staging work. Even if you decide now is not the time to list, you’ll enjoy these simple improvements around the home.

With the right local resources, most pre-listing preparations take less than a week and will make the formal staging process simpler for all involved.

Ask Top Agents in your area for referrals of local pros to hire. Once you’ve selected your Top Agent, keep yourself open to his or her opinion on other TLC to help decrease your home’s market time.

1. Inspection: The last thing a seller or buyer wants is a surprise at

inspection. That’s why a complete inspection before listing is so valuable.

Many necessary fixes, such as minor roof or appliance repairs, can be discovered and repaired in less than a week. If inspection uncovers a major issue, any Top Agent will tell you that this knowledge is power; disclosing and expecting to take responsibility will increase buyers’ trust without affecting market time.

2. De-Clutter: Take a little time to pack away surplus furniture items and

extra knick-knacks, papers, books or occasional-use items throughout your house. Remember this may require boxing away video game supplies or packing up comfy throw pillows and blankets. Move these items temporarily into closets, the garage or attic with the assumption of possibly renting a storage unit just before listing.

3. Paint: Whole-house painting is likely not necessary, but consider touching

up baseboard moldings and doorways and open wall spaces in high-use areas 22

Top Agent Magazine

such as bathrooms, the office, family room and indoor recreation spaces.

Also consider a little varnish on the front door or banister.

4. Artwork and Decor: Take a neutral look at your décor. Better yet, ask a

Top Agent to do so. Buyers should be able to picture themselves living in your home. While your Top Agent may not advise you to appear generic, you’ll likely need to thin out any shrine-like displays to family, hobbies or cultural interests.

5. Deep-Clean Housekeeping: After you’ve de-cluttered and touched up

the paint, request a deep cleaning from your housekeeping service and weekly cleanings thereafter. Make sure they pay attention to details like dusting or vacuuming window treatments and lampshades or wiping smudges off door jams and baseboard moldings.

6. Carpets and Rugs: Bring in the pros, but don’t just clean the carpets.

Because the cleaners will be moving furniture anyway, ask them stretch and tighten any buckled areas of carpeting. Doing so now saves the trouble of having to credit your buyer for this following final walk-through. Also consider removing small area rugs to let the beauty of your hardwood floors shine.

7. Look at the Loo: Buyers may not notice a brand-new toilet seat, but they

will turn up their noses at the one with the broken hinges. Freshly replaced toilet seats, faucets or doorknobs in heavily trafficked bathrooms can go a long way in first impressions.

8. “Mow & Blow”: Consider buyers as guests you want to feel welcome

as they ascend the front walk. If you don’t already have one, hire a weekly gardening service to keep up with the mowing, weeding, pruning and basic maintenance outside so you can focus on other things.

9. Staging: Once you’ve selected a staging professional for the finishing

touches, ask them and your Top Agent for final recommendations on day-today upkeep, storage options and what-to-do (or what not to do) while your house is on the market.

Top Agent Magazine

23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine