FLORIDA 6-19-23

FLORIDA EDITION

6

WAYS TO GET YOUR CLIENT TO TRUST YOU

FEATURED AGENTS

MY CRYSTAL BALL: YOU CAN PREDICT YOU'LL BE SUCCESSFUL SELLING REAL ESTATE TURN OPEN HOUSES INTO DESTINATIONS TIPS ON BEING A GOOD TEAM LEADER

ANNA JIMENEZ DARYL & AMY TEBLUM HELLE HARTLEY JAKE SCHMIDT JOHN HUBBERT JR. MIKE PLATON OMAR ANDREASEN SUSAN HANSON THOMAS MCGUIRE

COVER STORY

LISA FOREHAND

FLORIDA EDITION

ANNA JIMENEZ DARYL & AMY TEBLUM HELLE HARTLEY

JAKE SCHMIDT

overan $ With entrepreneurial spirittargeted and a desire Coming to real estate a medical you has become a dinosaur.

And although what thephone issue is, there’s always Hartley built heran business onmagazines, For from Daryl and Amy Teblum, Helle business mailings, calls, 20 push 23 a way to w background, Anna Jimenez has7 long is important, you stillheights, need to reach19 great is clear swer, always her16 ability technology to provide turnkey experisuccess starts and ends with one thing: and more.it “We reallyJake it and out there’s there. We been guided by a passion for helpthe human Schmidt component.

It’s important After was destined for success in the things out,” she says.

In the past dec ences and personalized attention to her relationships.

“They’re everything to us,” not to be complacent. Peoplehandle ing others. When her niece formed need about 90% of our open house ourHelle’s business grew so much tha clients—even after the sale is complete. spread real estate industry.

He Any can way tracethere’s his jourDaryl says. selves. an opportunity to get The Opes Real Estate Group, she “It’s felt wonderful to have the help navigating the process, whether husband left his job in banking “Just the other day we got up at 6the a.m. said, a“ ney back to days of pursuing a Master’s that Anna wouldopportunity be a natural fittoforwatch them blossom it’s the selling process, investments, a over in front of a buyer or reach more people at years ago to obtain his licensehome and a to help a lady move out of at herthe condo the profession. Anna was unsure at second home, or anything else.”

Anna degree University Tampa, when time in this field.” Daryl grew up and working one time,of we’re working on it,” Daryl says. her.

Last year, she closed $45 millio into anis assisted living home,” she first, since she had never sold anyalways there to answer questions the pr he was prompted by a professor to try family’s real estate office, but it was“Sometimes thing in her life. in Buthis quickly she saw for her clients, providing a human residential property sales, and this remarks. people don’t have his hand at residential real estate.

Once only after covid In their free time, Daryl and Amy en- that. “Icould the potential to change people’s lives shut down the country touch replicated through she expects to exceed set a familythat close by that thatcan’t can be help them, so at hea he earned his license, he hit the groundrelaxing at home. through real estate.

“The moment he decided to get back into the business. myself to do $10 million more we will. I’lltechnology. throw out your garbage. I’lljoy traveling as well asfor I started seeing that I wasstill helping running, and has even expanded the LISA“People FOREHAND ANNA JIMENEZ DARYL &They’re AMY HELLE JAKE SCHMIDT cto do itmake need a place to live, even your during covid,” rebuilding theirinto personal home, which year than last, and I’m on track if we clean house.

If you’re selling also and you need HARTLEY people achieve their American dream or build gen- Anna is excited to work TEBLUM with her team to help clients His knowledge o commercial side.

“Residential is still my ‘bread and he says.

He quickly became so busy serving clients was devastated by Hurricane Ian, and turning their keep the ball rolling,” she says. staging, I have two storage rooms full of furniture, erational wealth for their families, I realized that I’d achieve their real estate goals. “We empower each butter,’ but weifthe are working more multifamily andand in- justexpertise in real that amazing experience is We’ve found teacher of thein year ca andFlorida, I can do that.later, When you move into your new throughout South Florida thatthrough less than ashe year backyard into anamy oasis for rest and relaxation. build presence, feature listings, OmarAnna Andreasen of Celebration, made the right decision,” says. “It’s so people satisfyother here,” says.

“It doesn’t matter you’re Susan Hanson may 24 27 28 31 32 ® erything look set dustrial sectors now,” he explains.

He has extended his over here!

Not only does Thomas ma incredible, and you end up working with In addition to marketing her listings online place, I’ll help set up your utilities.

Whatever you , knowledge is very ing to know that Amy I’mhas doing some good for people and veteran or a novice her job in himself educationasand him REALTOR at the get ourselves out in front of clients. Becca established a joined leading ® left have received her rea ® important.

But what you do with that knowledge is making them happy.” on top of all doc professional sphere beyond Tampa and St. Petersburg, McGuire keep busy as a teacher and ab international luxury home market, Helle still need, we’ll get it done.” team leader in many Central gottoher estate – she’s a lot REALTOR them on so different projects Teblum Team ofand CENTURY 21 Selling Paradise.

“Whenboth wejust want feelreal like we’relicense not really working— makes a difference.

The culture in our office is tate license until 201 always willing to traditional methods like phone calls, open hou successfully closing deals in Jacksonville, Orlando, varsity football coach at Bonita Springs are Florida by groundingreal his estate real what estate career smarter than me and way more organized, although we’re always working--we put the phone andand otherwise.” about people putting service first. There are Anna relies on the support of a great team and bro- all related and texts to stay in touch with her clients.

Cle As a top agent with Century 21 Jim White & High School, but he also has a thriving to with me.

There’ Sarasota, and Port Richey. in transparency and integrity.

“I am brutally so I’m hoping she will take over the day-tohaspool been workin Now optimum the dynamic husband-and-wife team out takes pride down one corner of the lanai and head she into the there, but the ones whoinsucceed do kerage to help ensure exposure when she many agents her formula is working.

More than 70% ofor her b Associates indon’t Treasure Florida, Helle sperealseeIsland, estate career in the area!

Getting to home with,the ha honest“Our withprocess the clientele work If you day operations.”

While his wife grows and because they only transactions and numis marketing herinlistings. is His streambeing ultra-accessible toIenthusiasm bothsowith. their clients and othreally quick!”

Amy says.

The future looks bright. therepeat industry for la for homeownership is bol- in Pinellas ness now comes from customers and refer cializes in luxury waterfront property stranded in Southwest Florida during co or dishonest, sooner or phone laterpeople, manages the real organization, Omar plans towith sellers. He’ bers.the We see and From them through ourthey’re lined, and we work withdeceptive a network of like-minded his roots in residential estateto to increase his ventures er are industry professionals.

“When rings, itwe help Looking ahead, on track their busistered byservice-oriented a love of platform.” his hometown.

“We In 2005, “Allenergy of our speaks friendsyears. are basically peopleSusan thatma w County and the surrounding areas.

A native of Covid-19 individuals such assomeone lenders, marketers, designers, spring break of 2020 due to will uncover your bullshit.

I don’t focus his time and highlighting his in commercial transactions, Jake’s work voldoesn’t matter and whatinspectors,” time of day or night itshe is: worked we an- in retail nessinbyCalifornia more than 40% this year while also developing videographers, photographers, met in the real estate world,” she remarks.

W Denmark, before were voted the number one real estate ing the advice careit!” if we have to back out of a contract – of expertise: coaching new andNot turned to be life-changing moment “it only of is her Jak umesout hisa areas adaptability, determination, andagents love swer Amy says withor aa laugh.

Sometimes those aabout new niche market.

“We’ve recently been picking up spending Anna explains. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a rental she’s not working, Helle enjoys time moving to Florida and obtaining her real estate market in the US about five years ago,” we just came out of aMIKE $1.5 million contract the business.

“I’m increasing forfor Thomas and expanding hisSUSAN wife.

Both high he’s also a ded estate friend, purcha the vibrant world of Florida realwant estate.

He emHUBBERT OMAR ANDREASEN HANSON phone lead them to PLATON unexpected For more and more investors who toTHOMAS work withMCGUIRE us. listing in JOHN the millions; wecalls treat JR. them with the same family, boating, and traveling, especially Europ license inplaces.

2014.

Helle found the transition into real because the owner lied on their seller’s disclosure.

My our presence in design and developing – both buyingserving he exudes.

“People realized that prices school teachers fell in love with the area on phasizes a culture of ‘people first,’ fostering strong professionalism.”example, In additionDaryl to promoting her listrecalls one situation a client’s We’re thorough condo and begantheTh reb estatewhere to be an easyand one. “Itproperty was avery good fit because client upset, but in sheTampa appreciated my honesty; and architecture.

I want to know everything and decided to move, and after meeting ow ings online, Anna also getswas out into the surrounding Bay and Orlando were out of University offriT withtoclients by putting theiralso needs brother contacted them and asked if theyselling, would sell and detail-oriented, couple frequently I love and his I relationships was already used working it and out. hosts Shefamily thenand be days had her back contract for there isteam, toinknow this The industry.” neighborhood to getthree the word out.later we control, their Realtor The about Dellatore Group, ye and under they landed with us right

MIKE OHN HUBBERT JR. PLATON

THOMAS M GUIRE SUSA

OMAR ANDREASEN

thrives on personal interactions and enjoys conducting most of his business outside the office. “I love meeting people,” Mike says. “I love people and I cannot stay in the office all day, so I like to do a lot of my business outside the office meeting and talking to people.” Whether it is showcasing properties or engaging in meaningful volvement cent interests the forefront. also get creative house in greater Miami—in a Spanish-speaking area. and atthey extended stays inwith their own home. long hours in retail.

I’m available to appreciate clients 24/7,“Wefor CONTENTS $1.3 million. I’m not here to make a single sale – I’m a mortgage broker from 2006 through 2010.

Thomas was encouraged to get licensed in conversations, Mike believes that building low socio-econo how we market our properties, and use a millennial, the middle.

We became even more attracthey even if they call meDaryl at 10:00 at night, “I asked he chose and hesosaid itknow was because that,” remarks.

A lifelong resident of thetowhy Tri-County area,us, Anna here make lifelong connections and help people If you follow Omar and Becca’s journey, you’ll see and their team.

Now two years later, acc experience mitigating her lossesHeduring market sport.

Additiona technology-minded approach,” he explains. stays loves to give back towas her community.

She is involved “St. Petersburg isreal such anthe awesome area, I’m going to pick up thejoin phone—unless I’m sleeptive during lockdown – you can still get TIPS he impressed the way we had treated his sisgenuine relationships is the key to a sucinCRYSTAL the longwith term.” them balance a busy lifestyle that combines estate CAN 21) ON BEING A 4)grow MY BALL: YOU he is enjoying his work with such a fun with the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Project, as well it’s grown much.

We love being able toho ing!” she a in ofto Com touch with pastSusan clientstothrough aongoing varietyso ofeducation, methods, was recruited by a different friend gs he Daryl took on the “and wewith got itlaugh. to says. either city in about anlisting, hour, wesays have multiple beaches nce have notter,” kegiving was with a dedication fitness, andChamber as backborn via causes related to autism, litergroup serving Bonita Springs, Naples, rea PREDICT YOU'LL BE SUCCESSFUL GOOD TEAM LEADER cessful real estate career. visitors around,” she says.

Looking ahead to th estate networkin wanting to nurture those connections.

“We do weekly in 48 hours—for a lotand more than price. in daughters propertygoand casualty nearby, andwaterways, Disney is only forty-five minutes away.” ut formally entering the world ofhis realasking estate, Omar two growingvolved girls!

“Our to school heretoinsurance. acy,have cleaningalso up sold the Before local beach and and the surrounding communities. flex his skillsW tc Helle wantsreferral nothing more than to maintain Hellespeak also takes pride in her communication and ture, singers and with his friends interactive networking sessions that promote SELLING REAL ESTATE And the funny thing was, I don’t even Spanish!” empowering entrepreneurs.

It’s this ethos of in property management in Florida. “When in the community.

We’re always helping the retired dancetheir able forcefemale in worked this mentor and colleague in 2019, S new momentum and continue to do what shehome does problem-solving skills and addresses any like chal-and trust, partners who we know, along market that guides Anna in everything she does. estate wasgoes booming, backlengths in 2008,” he recalls, teachers and here in with extrawith floor mats estate andbase ofbusi25) WHY EMPLOYEE also to great toabout support extended ‘above and realJohn In addition to his thriving real hgservice ultimately For more Anna call 305-322-3223, Duethe tothe the nature ofschools his career education, Thomas vendors having always had a love for all things real eh “The beauty of real estate is that you don’t hav lenges that arise during transaction promptly updates,” he says. takes advantage mediahereIn the coming The“Icouple’s to go the extra mile is also couldn’t willingness believe thehas things agents were saying to uniforms, or Jake sponsoring outings of forsocial educators email anna.jimenez@compass.com community that helped him establish his business: es on all day.

14) MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA APPRECIATION MATTERS & CAN has a wide network of people he comes into contact they are looking retire. time It’s so to funobtain to help people find their Lo pe and effectively. “Things come up all the time in it was As for what the future holds for her and her busidecided her license. brokerage, expa platforms likeMike Facebook and utilizing these involved in the ted States in clientsto just to get their If commission.

I’m not a financial in Celebration.

We is like Instagram, toactively be out and about not only reflected in their community involvement.

Daryl is the opesre.com or visit her online atness, ness, AnnaIsays, “You have keep up to date. not, One with in the community.

Word of mouth is the main servic home.

I’m hoping toway be able any to doother this forever. realMore estate with inspections andJunior such, but no YOUR matter he privately supports Child and The though stillMARKETING YOUR CALLING CARD BOOST BOTTOM LINE oftoF guy by any means, but I doSchool have common and to meet clients, but to see how can best serve thegenerations channels to remain top-of-mind with clientele andshe every aspect of we ithisever since, continues of the Lee County District sense, Financial McGuire maintains most of hismember repeat and referral busi- Vera munity gives him community.

He is a proud of the Fund, ne ofspend theChairman best young drumLeague, and he champions Team Hubbert (which includes I still I just got sick of it.

I decided to do things differently.” neighborhood where we work and live.” what he does keep them apprised of the market.

This combination of for Advisory Board, and both of them volunteer at Cape the entire greater Jacksonville area includin ness. “I like taking care of people around the school that all professions.

To contact Helle Hartley, call 727-504-2487, eleven additional agents) insome ahim yearly community service ow sills.”

It’sCoral His penchant for honesty has landed at the head of estate allows me strong relationship-building, creative strategies, and Civic Association as well as nonprofit oran organization dedicated to investing in and developsian Federation.

Soon after, 17) 6 WAYS TO GET YOUR 29) five TURN OPEN HOUSES I work at,” transThomas comments.

Hisorclientele spans not surrounding counties. email hellesellshomes@gmail.com, visit hellesellshomes.com event.

“We just got out there – me, my agents, my de them withganizations.

The Andreasen & Teles Group, and he currently boasts new people.

It is modern communication tools is what distinguishes “We try to get involved as much as possionly his colleagues, but Recently, also their families, asparticipated well as McGuirein is heav CLIENT TO TRUST YOU INTO DESTINATIONS ing real estate projects. he a s and competitive position a book of business that is over eighty percent repeat action coordinator and marketing support – and we spent walks o in theof field of real estate, leading complete ble in our city, and we’re always ready to lend a hand,” theJake families some of his students.

He him alsoto works with different munity. Beyond and referral clients, bolstering the group’s annual Susan’s dream continues to become a reality a a day painting the exterior of a home that was in need of he says.

“People let us know when they have a need, groundbreaking ceremony for for theshort-term construction of townshow bandaverage on the Imperial investors purchasing properties rentals, teaching at Bon to over $50 million in volume. we’re happy to help them resources help— repair.

At least once a year we find antoopportunity likeclient that inpractice John workedand has towith grow, increasing bu Phone 310-734-1440 |find Fax 310-734-1440 Forcontinued more information about Jake Sch and has one particular who he has worked trivia and puts To contact Daryl Teblum, call 239-424-0363 houses Aventura.

Outside of work, Mike’s passion for mpleting 9todeliver month contract food and clothing ourselves,” Amyin adds. give back.” work for myorato please callproves 727-744-0273 or jschmidtrefl percent over the last year. Susan’s biggest several times.

All of this business profitable, as email others in thema co In addition to candor, Omar attributes his| continued or email darylteblumrealtor@gmail.com. www.topagentmagazine.com ” he recalls.

McGuire sold over $1.25 million in his first year, and donated right ba music is still strong.

Looking toward the future, Mike has New Yorkmag@topagentmagazine.com City and worked success to a systematic, broadly cast marketing strateingAmy tool Teblum, is the use of239-424-0364 her own social media ou To contact call and Amy market their listings in in aand wide variety No of this issue reproduced anyboth manner whatsoever without priorthat consent of thein publisher.

Top Agent has already surpassed number his second yearMagazine enjoy spending t With the love for hisbehometown the people who reside my clienteleDaryl gy.portion The Andreasen &may Teles Group leverages physor email amyteblumc21@gmail.com She utilizes herofpersonal Facebook page to po ambitious plans for his business.

He aspires to npart-time movedforoftoisways, Miami where he including social media, Internet publications, published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy published materials, Top as agent. ing.expand They also a ical and digital mailers, housthere, John channels ensuresincluding every client of open his receives top of the listings, updates regarding thosetoliss Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its including authors. visit family es, social media campaigns, and reverse prospecting lineI customer service. is helping find educational meetings focused y license “When and To subscribe hisheteam anda buyer create on estate. moved from Whether or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. client’s purchases and succes Thomas feels like celebrating his age worksher to his advantage to Bengals.

Thoma to their build dream connections with agents representing clients home or helping a seller sell their current home ndemic.”

Published in the U.S. areas not expand typically covered realwithestate school or sales my dream to start a career his network, as he isin savvy targeting his continue to grow with andcomplementary find another.criteria.

“We use professional photography, drone ries. She also applies old-fashioned standard desired audience on social media. Aside from his social one who gets ref keting techniques such as the use of flyers, associate training.

“Ihewould likewith to clients teach something that ,” Mike “So,follow I got my reels; footage, everything.

We ensure our able: he 2wassays.

Top Agent Magazine This combination ofthrough interpersonal and professional media presence, stays in touch through he states, “is tha To learn more about Omar Andreasen, to-door knocking, and open houses. marketing strategy is continually changing andtraditional adapting” Gardens Realright advertising is being highlighted in you a recently the methods, from phone to holiday resource for peom arereleased not going to learn in realcalls estate school or“Pretty any al estate away.” omarandreasen.com, visit

musician in REALTOR winding path LISAtoFOREHAND laton his with Vera vibrant areas dale, South

www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine

www.

cleared $24 “Day In The Life” series on YouTube. “My wife

everything I do is organic.” states Susan, “I www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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My Crystal Ball:

You CAN Predict You’ll Be Successful Selling Real Estate ►Carla Cross, CRB, MA

You can predict if you’ll be successful in real estate. It’s not what you think, either.

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Top Agent Magazine ®

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Grab the best business start-up plan you can find and start the plan. Find someone to coach you to the plan.

What New Agents Expect From my survey of hundreds of agents under three months in the business, I found that more than 1/2 of them expected a sale the first month of the business.

What does that mean? When do they have to start looking for leads? That first week in the business! Yet, how many new agents start lead generating even in the first month? How long have you been in the business?

When did you start lead generating on purpose? Or, have you started? That’s why my book, Up and Running in 30 Days, now in its 6th edition, has you lead generating in week one. It’s your assurance plan you will get a sale fast and will stay in the business.

Expecting ‘Dumb Luck’ to Carry You to Success Inevitably, there is a new agent who has an Aunt Martha in his back pocket. That is, Aunt Martha wants to buy a home, and has told nephew Tommy she’ll wait until he gets his license to purchase from him. Ca-ching. Dumb luck. Tommy concludes that’s how the business goes. You just wait for someone to find you and Top Agent Magazine

sell them a home. We know that’s not the norm, though.

Unfortunately, Tommy’s going to wait a long time for that next transaction! The ‘dumb luck’ approach to the business results in low results. Since the ‘dumb luck’ agent isn’t doing a business start-up plan, we have no way of predicting results, because we can’t measure businessproducing activities. We can only measure other ‘dumb luck’ agent incomes. That’s way too late to actively coach–or to terminate with purpose.

Your Manager Could be a ‘Dumb Luck’ Manager– Pardon the Expression…

Dumb luck managers just look at results; sales and listings sold. So, they are not aware that agents may be failing for months. If new agents expect to make a sale in month one, how many months do you think it takes for them to get dis enheartened? 2-3? Not long. So, once new agents are mentally and emotionally out of the business, they will resist any help from managers. They’ve decided they can’t make it in the business. They’ll stay awhile, though, for ‘dumb luck’ transactions.

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Are You Lead Generating on Purpose?

Are you working a specific, prioritized lead generating plan? Is it made up of prioritized lead generating activities? Does it have ratios of activities to results, so the new agent knows whether he is on track to his goals?

Here are my activity ratios from Up and Running that will result in 8-12 transactions the first year in the business: • 20 contacts to get one buyer or seller lead • 8 times of putting people in the car to sell someone a home • 3 listing appointments to gain one marketable listing

• 80% of listings sell • 80% of transactions close What are the ratios in your office? Do you know? Do you know the work it takes to consistently generate the income you want to generate? Or, are you counting on ‘dumb luck’?

Best Advice to Create your Assurance Plan Grab the best business start-up plan you can find and start the plan. Find someone to coach you to the plan. Analyze your numbers frequently. You’ll stay on track AND assure your success.

https://carla-cross.com In the real estate business for over 3 decades, Carla Cross is an international speaker, trainer, and coach for real estate. She specializes in career development, business planning, leadership, and instructor development.

She’s won numerous sales and leadership awards in each area, including being named as a National Realtor Educator of the Year. A popular international speaker, Carla has spoken on leadership and training topics for 16 years at national Realtor conventions.

Author of eight books on real estate sales, her wildly popular book, Up and Running in 30 Days, is used by hundreds of thousands of new agents internationally to start their careers right.

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LISA FOREHAND Top Agent Magazine

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LISA FOREHAND Lisa’s standout qualities as a real estate agent stem from her emphasis on personal growth, team building, and genuine client connections.

A

serendipitous career move led Lisa Forehand from the world of accounting to the dynamic and fulfilling realm of real estate. After a decade in accounting, Lisa found herself craving more human connection and 8

a different kind of challenge. Despite entering the real estate world during its rockiest period in 2009, Lisa persevered and eventually found her niche in vacation rentals. However, as her family grew and the real estate market recovered, she Top Agent Magazine

discovered that her true passion lay in the real estate transactions themselves. As life shifted, Lisa found herself transitioning from managing vacation rentals to focusing solely on real estate. Her ability to adapt and flow with change led her to become a top producer in the industry.

Last year, Lisa took her success to new heights by forming a team, prioritizing

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not just financial success, but also fostering a work-life balance and helping others grow in the field.

The area Lisa serves is Gulf County, known as the “Forgotten Coast’’ of Florida. It is an hour away from Panama City Beach and offers a more relaxed, old Florida feel with its two stop

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lights, mom-and-pop restaurants, and pet-friendly beaches. “It’s one of those towns that you feel like you’re stepping back in time, which is really nice,” Lisa explained. Her business thrives on repeat clients and referrals, with 90% of her clientele coming from organic connections.

Lisa believes in staying in touch with her clients even after a transaction is completed. She uses social media, CRM systems, and occasional check-ins to maintain relationships with her clients.

Lisa’s standout qualities as a real estate agent stem from her emphasis on personal

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growth, team building, and genuine client connections. She’s formed a team of dedicated agents that she supports and nurtures through tutorials and team bonding activities. Lisa is also committed to maintaining open communication with her clients. “I prioritize an opendoor style of communication,” she explains. This dedication to honesty and transparency is what sets Lisa apart and builds strong relationships with her clients. Furthermore, Lisa’s mastery of time management and her willingness to adapt to different communication styles, such as using text messages and social media, enables her to efficiently check in on clients and offer them personalized support.

This level of care and attention to detail contributes to her success as a real estate agent and team leader.

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When it comes to marketing listings, she primarily relies on the power of social media, especially Facebook and Instagram. She explains, “Facebook and Instagram are huge. It’s been the best organic marketing.” In addition to social media, she utilizes various marketing tools to showcase her listings, such as creating reels, videos, and using a CRM to send out blasts to her clientele. Her company also produces a quarterly map featuring a “hero shot” of the main listing, which is distributed along the coast and even at welcome centers like the Florida-Georgia line.

Born and raised in Port St. Joe, Lisa is heavily involved in her community. She has come to appreciate her small-town roots and wouldn’t trade them for anything. With her strong community ties, commitment to her team, and dedication to her clients, Lisa has carved a successful path in the real estate industry. Her journey from accounting to real estate is a testament to the power of following your passion and working hard to achieve your dreams.

For more information about Lisa Forehand, please call 850-227-6489 or email lisa@beachproperties.realtor

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

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Make Social Media Marketing Your Calling Card These days, it’s no secret that buyers begin their home search online. As the industry continues to take a digital turn, Realtors in the know must learn to utilize a whole new range of tools available to them—and for good reason. Social media is a dynamic hybrid of personal contact and targeted marketing. To make the most of this new medium, agents can’t settle for the occasional post and expect results.

Instead, let’s consider a few techniques that will make your social media presence 14

interactive, unmissable, and effective in generating business.

Your Profile is a Portal Ideally, you’ll have profiles across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and otherwise—but no matter what portal you’re utilizing, make sure your profile page is up-todate, well-curated, and easily navigated.

Consider your profile a landing page.

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Your photo, location, contact information, homepage, and a brief bio should all be readily visible so that potential clients can get an immediate sense for who you are and what your voice is. If a client wants to connect with you, it should be obvious how to do so. You might also incorporate a few savvier tools that make your profile more engaging—like hashtags. These searchable tags can help you lure potential clientele and give your audience a chance to explore deeper. #DreamHome #JustListed and #HomeInspiration are popular, existing tags to choose from, but you can cultivate your own hashtag by consistently tagging posts, which gives clients an extensive thread to comb through.

Interacting with Your Audience Posting regularly is great way to appear in feeds, but engaging with your audience is just as important—and it helps you reach a new audience in the process. It’s a positive start to like your audience’s posts, pictures, and statuses, but commenting takes your engagement a step further and separates you from typical respondents. It’s also important that you diversify your engagements. In other words, don’t center every communication around your business, propositioning your services, or trying to sell. If applicable, present your value-add, but otherwise steer your engagement towards the personal. Let your clients know that you’re there, you’re human, and Top Agent Magazine

ready to work at their pace. Which leads us to our next point...

Blending the Professional with the Personal Engaging with your audience is one thing, but what about generating original content?

How do you strike the right balance between a Call to Action, industry updates, and a personal touch? Think of it this way: any post you create should provide a point of connection for your audience.

Sometimes, you might be sharing a family photo, or commenting on some unifying current event—like the Super Bowl! Other times, you may be sharing a Coming Soon listing, or providing tips to spruce up a home for spring. Regardless, you should focus on quality. Is your copywriting engaging? Does it express your unique voice and personality, while maintaining clarity? Are you giving your audience something to connect with, even if you are sharing property photos or advertising an open house? Instill some fun and some personalization to every piece of content you make, so that clients can picture the voice and person behind the post.

Things are always changing on the social media frontier, but some rules never shift.

Adding clarity, consistency, and personality to your online presence are three surefire ways to grow your business and make social media second nature.

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ANNA JIMENEZ Coming to real estate from a medical background, Anna Jimenez has long been guided by a passion for helping others. When her niece formed The Opes Real Estate Group, she felt that Anna would be a natural fit for the profession. Anna was unsure at first, since she had never sold anything in her life. But quickly she saw the potential to change people’s lives through real estate. “The moment I started seeing that I was helping people achieve their American dream or build generational wealth for their families, I realized that I’d made the right decision,” Anna says. “It’s so satisfying to know that I’m doing some good for people and making them happy.”

Anna relies on the support of a great team and brokerage to help ensure optimum exposure when she is marketing her listings. “Our process is streamlined, and we work with a network of like-minded individuals such as lenders, marketers, designers, videographers, photographers, and inspectors,” Anna explains. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a rental or a listing in the millions; we treat them with the same professionalism.” In addition to promoting her listings online, Anna also gets out into the surrounding neighborhood to get the word out.

A lifelong resident of the Tri-County area, Anna loves to give back to her community. She is involved with the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Project, as well as giving back via causes related to autism, literacy, cleaning up the local beach and waterways, and empowering female entrepreneurs. It’s this ethos of service that guides Anna in everything she does.

As for what the future holds for her and her business, Anna says, “You have to keep up to date. If not, 16

you become a dinosaur. And although technology is important, you still need the human component. It’s important not to be complacent. People need help navigating the process, whether it’s the selling process, investments, a second home, or anything else.” Anna is always there to answer questions for her clients, providing a human touch that can’t be replicated through technology.

Anna is excited to work with her team to help clients achieve their real estate goals. “We empower each other here,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran or a novice REALTOR®, knowledge is very important. But what you do with that knowledge is what makes a difference. The culture in our office is all about people and putting service first. There are many agents out there, but the ones who succeed do so because they don’t only see transactions and numbers. We see people, and we help them through our service-oriented platform.”

For more about Anna call 305-322-3223, email anna.jimenez@compass.com or visit her online at opesre.com www.

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6 Ways to Get Your Client to Trust You The word “REALTOR®” can leave a sour taste in some people’s mouths. Many of today’s home buyers and sellers grew up during the 2009 recession. They are wary of anything Top Agent Magazine

or anyone who comes off as too salesy, and they want to work with individuals who they can trust.

But how do you prove to someone you’ve likely never met that you can be trusted?

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1

Put Testimonials or Case Studies on Your Website

When something goes wrong, own up to your mistakes. Don’t hide bad news from your clients. Be upfront and responsive.

Testimonials and case studies are social proof that you have both the experience and the skills to do the job your clients are hiring you for. People often leave testimonials when they are either incredibly disappointed or extremely happy with the service they were provided, so they’re a good indication to prospective clients of the treatment they’ll receive.

Case studies, which you can post on your blog or website, have much of the same effect, but even more than testimonials, case studies demonstrate your real estate and finance expertise because they explain how you achieved a specific set of results.

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Be Responsive and Accessible

Can your clients reach you easily? That doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7, but you should respond to your clients within a few hours of receiving their message. When agents don’t respond to their clients’ calls or emails for days on end or fail to provide them with a direct line of contact, their clients’ experience can quickly become frustrating.

Agents are busy but so are their clients. If you constantly show up late to or reschedule meetings, your clients won’t feel like their time is respected or their business is valued. Make sure you set a realistic schedule for yourself rather than spreading yourself too thin.

3

Be Honest and Transparent

Sometimes you don’t have the answer to a client’s question. Be honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and the limits of your knowledge. A good response might be, “I don’t know, but I can find out.” Be transparent with your clients, and they’ll respect you for it.

You should always act in their best interest.

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4

Go the Extra Mile

If you do the bare minimum, that’s what your clients will remember. Their experience won’t be memorable, and they won’t gush about you in online testimonials or in real life to people they know who could use your services. It’s that simple.

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Put Yourself in Your Client’s Shoes

Clients understand that you need to earn money, but that doesn’t mean they want to feel like they’re just a dollar sign to you. Be empathetic to your client’s concerns, even if you’ve heard it all before. Your clients should know that you are there for them.

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Be Consistent

Being responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable shouldn’t be an act. If you “turn on” your personality for clients and then suddenly become a different person when they leave the room, it’s likely that the cracks in your mask will eventually become apparent.

But “faking it till you make it” is so common it’s become a cliché. When we are starting out, we don’t always have the systems or resources in place to create a smooth client journey, from onboarding to closing, so instead we constantly try to reinvent the wheel. Give yourself time to pause, slow down, and reevaluate your workflow. Creating systems creates

consistency, and those systems can and should be constantly updated.

Developing trust between you and your clients will take time, but doing these things can give you a running start.

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DARYL & AMY TEBLUM For Daryl and Amy Teblum, business success starts and ends with one thing: relationships. “They’re everything to us,” Daryl says. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to watch them blossom over time in this field.” Daryl grew up working in his family’s real estate office, but it was only after covid shut down the country that he decided to get back into the business.

“People still need a place to live, even during covid,” he says. He quickly became so busy serving clients throughout South Florida that less than a year later, Amy left her job in education and joined him at the Teblum Team of CENTURY 21 Selling Paradise.

Now the dynamic husband-and-wife team takes pride in being ultra-accessible to both their clients and other industry professionals. “When the phone rings, it doesn’t matter what time of day or night it is: we answer it!” Amy says with a laugh. Sometimes those phone calls lead them to unexpected places. For example, Daryl recalls one situation where a client’s brother contacted them and asked if they would sell his house in greater Miami—in a Spanish-speaking area.

“I asked why he chose us, and he said it was because he was impressed with the way we had treated his sister,” he says. Daryl took on the listing, “and we got it sold in 48 hours—for a lot more than his asking price.

And the funny thing was, I don’t even speak Spanish!”

The couple’s willingness to go the extra mile is also reflected in their community involvement. Daryl is the Chairman of the Lee County School District Financial Advisory Board, and both of them volunteer at Cape Coral Civic Association as well as some nonprofit organizations. “We try to get involved as much as possible in our city, and we’re always ready to lend a hand,” he says. “People let us know when they have a need, and we’re happy to help them find resources to help— or to deliver food and clothing ourselves,” Amy adds.

Daryl and Amy market their listings in a wide variety of ways, including social media, Internet publications, Top Agent Magazine

magazines, targeted mailings, phone calls, and more. “We really push it out there. We handle about 90% of our open house ourselves. Any way there’s an opportunity to get in front of a buyer or reach more people at one time, we’re working on it,” Daryl says.

In their free time, Daryl and Amy enjoy traveling as well as relaxing at home.

They’re also rebuilding their personal home, which was devastated by Hurricane Ian, and turning their backyard into an oasis for rest and relaxation.

“When we want to feel like we’re not really working— although we’re always working--we put the phone down in one corner of the lanai and head into the pool really quick!” Amy says. The future looks bright.

Looking ahead, they’re on track to increase their business by more than 40% this year while also developing a new niche market. “We’ve recently been picking up more and more investors who want to work with us.

We’re very thorough and detail-oriented, and they appreciate that,” Daryl remarks.

To contact Daryl Teblum, call 239-424-0363 or email darylteblumrealtor@gmail.com.

To contact Amy Teblum, call 239-424-0364 or email amyteblumc21@gmail.com 19

HELLE HARTLEY Helle Hartley has built her business on her ability to provide turnkey experiences and personalized attention to her clients—even after the sale is complete.

“Just the other day we got up at 6 a.m. to help a lady move out of her condo and into an assisted living home,” she remarks. “Sometimes people don’t have family close by that can help them, so we will. I’ll throw out your garbage. I’ll clean your house. If you’re selling and you need staging, I have two storage rooms full of furniture, and I can do that. When you move into your new place, I’ll help set up your utilities. Whatever you need, we’ll get it done.”

As a top agent with Century 21 Jim White & Associates in Treasure Island, Florida, Helle specializes in luxury waterfront property in Pinellas County and the surrounding areas. A native of Denmark, she worked in retail in California before moving to Florida and obtaining her real estate license in 2014. Helle found the transition into real estate to be an easy one. “It was a good fit because I love selling, and I was already used to working long hours in retail. I’m available to clients 24/7, so they know even if they call me at 10:00 at night, I’m going to pick up the phone—unless I’m sleeping!” she says with a laugh.

Helle also takes pride in her communication and problem-solving skills and addresses any challenges that arise during the transaction promptly and effectively. “Things come up all the time in real estate with inspections and such, but no matter

what the issue is, there’s always an answer, and there’s always a way to work things out,” she says. In the past decade, Helle’s business grew so much that her husband left his job in banking a few years ago to obtain his license and assist her. Last year, she closed $45 million in residential property sales, and this year she expects to exceed that. “I set a goal for myself to do $10 million more this year than last, and I’m on track to do it if we can keep the ball rolling,” she says.

In addition to marketing her listings online to an international luxury home market, Helle still uses traditional methods like phone calls, open houses, and texts to stay in touch with her clients. Clearly, her formula is working. More than 70% of her business now comes from repeat customers and referrals.

“All of our friends are basically people that we’ve met in the real estate world,” she remarks. When she’s not working, Helle enjoys spending time with family, boating, and traveling, especially Europe.

The couple also frequently hosts family and friends for extended stays in their own home.

“St. Petersburg is such an awesome area, and it’s grown so much. We love being able to show visitors around,” she says. Looking ahead to the future, Helle wants nothing more than to maintain her momentum and continue to do what she does best.

“The beauty of real estate is that you don’t have to retire. It’s so fun to help people find their perfect home. I’m hoping to be able to do this forever.”

To contact Helle Hartley, call 727-504-2487, email hellesellshomes@gmail.com, or visit hellesellshomes.com www.

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Tips on Being a Good Team Leader Your business is booming, so much in fact, that you’ve finally made the decision to start a team. You’ve made sure it’s financially feasible, and you’ve found the right people, but there is still one other component of a successful team. And that’s an effective leader. It’s your job to not only generate business, but to motivate your team, which in turn increase productivity. Here are a few simple tips on being a good team leader.

1. Evaluate each team member, making sure to utilize their strengths Hiring the right people is one of the first steps in creating a successful team, but once you have those people it’s really Top Agent Magazine

important to figure out where they best fit into the operation. Having every team member be an ‘expert’ in their part of the process leads to seamless transactions and a business that runs like a well-oiled machine.

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Of course it’s also important to create a supportive atmosphere that allows team members to stretch beyond their comfort zones, under your guidance. It’s to the whole team’s advantage when people take initiatives to up their game by taking additional training or mastering a new and innovative technology that can improve productivity. The key is to constantly evaluate not only your systems but the people running them. It’s your job as a leader to encourage that personal growth while making sure to always protect against any major misfires. Which leads us to…

2. Always reevaluate what is and isn’t working It’s a good idea to have a weekly meeting where the whole team can convene and go over any snags they may have hit in the systems that you developed when starting your team. Your team is in the trenches with you and since everyone probably focuses on a different aspect of the transaction, it’s important to make sure things are working on every level. Make sure copious notes are taken during these meetings so you have a track record of what was suggested, as well as a history of things that may have been tried and the results.

Another good thing to focus on in these meetings is goal setting. Set weekly and monthly goals, and use the meetings to discuss what’s being done or needs to be done to meet them. When goals are met, it’s a great bonding experience for everyone. When they aren’t, it’s a moment to learn how you can do better in the future.

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Don’t forget to always take in what you can do to be a better team leader as well.

3. Stay connected and in communication These are your team members! There’s more to that than just a label. Be connected to them on a daily basis. Clear, open and honest communication is important on a busy team and that’s much easier if you actually like and trust your co-workers.

Sure you want to succeed for yourself, but knowing that other people you respect are counting on you, is an additional motivating factor, that is certain to lead to everyone going above and beyond creating a wildly successful business.

4. Be inspiring and supportive If you’re enthusiastic about what you’re doing, it really will be infectious. Encourage innovation and creativity. Yes, systems and consistency are great but don’t let your team get in a rut either.

Support their individual careers, always encourage them to go for more, let them rely on you for mentorship. If they sense that you want each member to succeed as much as you have, you won’t find more loyal employees. And perhaps most importantly focus on what’s being done right. Don’t be the boss that just points out things they don’t like. Let them know when they’ve done an amazing job and be specific about what it is. Make them feel valued and they will become a valuable asset to you and your business.

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JAKE SCHMIDT With an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to reach great heights, it is clear Jake Schmidt was destined for success in the real estate industry. He can trace his journey back to the days of pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Tampa, when he was prompted by a professor to try his hand at residential real estate. Once he earned his license, he hit the ground running, and has even expanded into the commercial side. “Residential is still my ‘bread and butter,’ but we are working more in multifamily and industrial sectors now,” he explains. He has extended his professional sphere beyond Tampa and St. Petersburg, successfully closing deals in Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota, and Port Richey.

From his roots in residential real estate to his ventures in commercial transactions, Jake’s work speaks volumes about his adaptability, determination, and love for the vibrant world of Florida real estate. He emphasizes a culture of ‘people first,’ fostering strong relationships with clients by putting their needs and interests at the forefront. “We also get creative with how we market our properties, and use a millennial, technology-minded approach,” he explains. He stays in touch with past clients through a variety of methods, wanting to nurture those connections. “We do weekly interactive networking sessions that promote referral partners who we know, like and trust, along with market updates,” he says. Jake takes advantage of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, utilizing these channels to remain top-of-mind with his clientele and keep them apprised of the market. This combination of strong relationship-building, creative strategies, and modern communication tools is what distinguishes Jake in the field of real estate, leading him to complete

over $30 million in production last year.

After working together, clients love to spread the word about him. One recently said, “Jake is truly the best. As a first time home buyer, I was feeling nervous about the process and knew I needed someone I could trust and who had my best interest at heart. Jake went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and supported.

His knowledge of the Greater Tampa Bay Area and expertise in real estate are unmatched. Jake made everything look seamless and feel effortless, he stayed on top of all documents and updated me in real time, always willing to hop on a call and talk things through with me. There’s no one I’d rather tour home after home with, or have in my corner during negotiations with sellers. He’s a seriously phenomenal agent!”

Not only is Jake an exceptional real estate agent, he’s also a dedicated member of his community, serving on the board of a non-profit run by former University of Tampa lacrosse alumni. Jake’s involvement centers around helping children from low socio-economic backgrounds participate in the sport. Additionally, he’s active in the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, partakes in commercial real estate networking, and even co-owns a restaurant with his friends called Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co. In the coming years, he plans to open his own brokerage, expand his reach, and continue serving generations of Floridians. Along the way, his passion for what he does will keep growing. “I love that real estate allows me the ability to connect with and meet new people. It is so rewarding to help those from all different walks of life reach their goals.”

For more information about Jake Schmidt, please call 727-744-0273 or email jschmidtrefl@gmail.com Top Agent Magazine

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JOHN HUBBERT JR. In the vast and competitive world of real estate, there are only a few professionals who manage to rise above the rest and establish themselves as true industry leaders.

These individuals possess an innate ability to understand the dynamics of the market, adapt to ever-changing trends, and deliver exceptional results for their clients. Among these standout agents, John Hubbert Jr.of Lakeland Florida has established himself as one of them.

people through that amazing experience is incredible, and you end up working with them on so many different projects both real estate related and otherwise.”

John has managed to leave an indelible mark on the real estate landscape. His relentless drive, commitment, and passion for excellence have not only positioned him as a trusted advisor but have also earned him the reputation of being a formidable force in the industry. A lot of people talk about going ‘above and beyond’ for customers by leaving their phones on all day.

That’s what we like to call the baseline. Even though I still average over one hundred transactions a year, I still spend time mowing lawns and power washing window sills.” It’s all about my customers and ensuring I provide them with unparalleled customer service.”

Prior to entering the world of real estate, John worked in a completely different field. “I used to work for my father-in-law who owns a septic company,” he recalls.

“I met builders and started getting to know my clientele that way. My wife has been doing real estate part-time for eight years, and in November of 2019 I got my license and became a full-time REALTOR® during the pandemic.”

Since then, John’s trajectory has been remarkable: he was Rookie of the Year for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in 2020 with $8.9 million in volume, cleared $24 million in his second year, and closed 2022 with over $30 million. In addition to his work ethic and support network, John attributes a bulk of his success to his passion for assisting first-time homebuyers. “The relationships I’ve built by handing people that first set of keys – meeting

His enthusiasm for homeownership is bolstered by a love of his hometown. “We were voted the number one real estate market in the US about five years ago,” he exudes. “People realized that prices in Tampa Bay and Orlando were out of control, and they landed with us right in the middle. We became even more attractive during lockdown – you can still get to either city in about an hour, we have multiple beaches nearby, and Disney is only forty-five minutes away.”

John also goes to great lengths to support the extended community that has helped him establish his business: he privately supports One More Child and The Junior League, and he champions Team Hubbert (which includes eleven additional agents) in a yearly community service event. “We just got out there – me, my agents, my transaction coordinator and marketing support – and we spent a day painting the exterior of a home that was in need of repair. At least once a year we find an opportunity like that to give back.”

With the love for his hometown and the people who reside there, John ensures every client of his receives top of the line customer service. Whether he is helping a buyer find their dream home or helping a seller sell their current home and find another. “We use professional photography, drone footage, follow through reels; everything. We ensure our marketing strategy is continually changing and adapting” In the realm of real estate, where competition is fierce and success is hard-fought, John has emerged as a true industry titan. Through their unmatched expertise, unwavering dedication, and outstanding track record, they have elevated themselves to the upper echelons of the real estate world.

To learn more about John Hubbert Jr., visit teamhubbert.com, email johnhubbert.realtor@gmail.com, or call 863-243-4024 http://

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Why Employee Appreciation Matters & Can Boost Your Bottom Line Attracting and retaining talent creates a positive working environment for your business, but it’s also good for your bottom line. When team members come and go constantly, your office becomes a revolving door, with no steady workforce, abiding company culture, or continuity for your clients. What’s more, breaking from your duties to post ads, interview applicants, and train new hires takes up valuable time—and time is money. Instead, creating a working environment with built-in Top Agent Magazine

perks and morale boosters makes everyone happy, including you as a leader. You’ll have fewer fires to put out or squabbles to referee if your employees are motivated, feel appreciated, and inclined to work together for the business’s greater good.

In that vein, let’s consider the concrete benefits of employee appreciation and how to apply these principles to your business in meaningful ways.

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What is employee appreciation and how do you enact it?

Whether built-in through perks and benefits or by hosting regular events, employee appreciation is about making your team feel valued and part of a whole. No one wants to feel replaceable or voiceless, so it comes down to this basic truth: employees who feel heard and appreciated invest more in their work and your business. Likewise, no one wants to hop jobs every six months.

Employees desire reliability and consistency in their work options, but they’ll be forced to move on to greener pastures if they don’t feel like their talents and contributions are recognized, or if there isn’t enough value to match their output.

By displaying gratitude through employee appreciation, you’re sending the message that your employees’ efforts are respected and considered integral to your operation’s success. Employee appreciation also sets the right tone for professional relationships in your office to flourish, which makes for better workflow and communication on an interpersonal level. Motivation and morale are closely tied to employee appreciation, so there is a clear symbiotic benefit to investing in your employees’ happiness in order to breed a happier, more productive work environment.

How do you make employee appreciation an active part of your business model? To start, keep it simple. Treat your employees to a bagel spread on a Monday morning to boost morale ahead of the workweek. Or, consider 26

an employee happy hour on a Friday, or a group lunch mid-week. Well-timed moments of generosity can lift spirits and signal your intuitiveness as a leader, while creating fuel for upcoming projects and deadlines.

If you want to take it to the next level, consider in-office perks from which your employees can derive value or morale. For instance, some offices allow employees to bring in their docile pets. Other offices keep the communal kitchen stocked with sparkling water, fresh fruit, and quality coffee to keep team members satiated. Maybe your office would benefit from a modern décor update, which might make for a more compelling, progressive workspace for your employees to enjoy. Whatever route you take, cultivating a positive office environment can extend employee appreciation on a daily, hands-on basis.

Perks and benefits are another way to build-in employee appreciation and demonstrate your investment in your team. Bike-to-work benefits, subsidies for public transportation or gym membership costs, or even supplying your team with their own smartphone—all demonstrate a company culture that’s focused on fueling your team’s morale and productivity.

While some of these steps may seem like a costly investment, the returns are unequivocal when it comes to lasting employee retention.

Turnover is a blight on your bottom line, so taking a proactive approach to employee appreciation can inspire a dynamic team, lead to a more positive work environment, and boost your financials for the long term.

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MIKE PLATON The journey from successful musician in Ukraine to luxury-market REALTOR® in southern Florida was a winding path that eventually led Mike Platon to his current real estate career with Vera Realty, where he serves the vibrant areas of Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, South Miami and Hallandale.

With more than a decade of experience in the real estate industry, Mike was born into a family of professional singers and musicians in Ukraine, which ultimately led to him coming to the United States in 2007 after being chosen as one of the best young drummers of Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Soon after, Mike earned the prestigious and competitive position of being the drummer in the show band on the Imperial Majesty Cruise Line. After completing a 9 month contract on the ship, Mike settled in New York City and worked as an Attorney Assistant, then moved to Miami where he developed a passion for real estate. “When I moved from New York to Florida, it was my dream to start a career as a sales associate or broker,” Mike says. “So, I got my license and started selling real estate right away.”

What sets Mike apart from other agents is his genuine passion for assisting families with children. As a father of three, he understands the unique challenges and concerns that arise when relocating to a new area with kids.

“My aim is to help people with children,” he explains, “so working with families gives me the greatest pleasure. There is something inside of me that connects when I work with a family with children. I would like to grow my business and concentrate on just helping the families.” Mike and his wife work together as a team, providing valuable guidance on matters such as finding the best pediatricians, schools and insurance options.

They ensure that families transitioning from other states, like California or New York, feel at ease and well-supported during their move to Florida.

For Mike, the most rewarding aspect of his work is the opportunity to meet and interact with people. He Top Agent Magazine

thrives on personal interactions and enjoys conducting most of his business outside the office. “I love meeting people,” Mike says. “I love people and I cannot stay in the office all day, so I like to do a lot of my business outside the office meeting and talking to people.” Whether it is showcasing properties or engaging in meaningful conversations, Mike believes that building genuine relationships is the key to a successful real estate career.

In addition to his thriving real estate business, Mike is actively involved in the community. He is a proud member of the Vera Fund, an organization dedicated to investing in and developing real estate projects. Recently, he participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of townhouses in Aventura. Outside of work, Mike’s passion for music is still strong. Looking toward the future, Mike has ambitious plans for his business. He aspires to expand his team and create educational meetings focused on areas not typically covered in real estate school or sales associate training. “I would like to teach something that you are not going to learn in real estate school or any broker client class,” he relates. “The schools just don’t teach how to relate to people, how to react. I would love to teach from my own experience.”

Contact Mike at 305-809-6788, email mikeplaton@gmail.com or visit mikeplaton.com www.

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OMAR ANDREASEN Omar Andreasen of Celebration, Florida, has established himself as a leading REALTOR® and team leader in Central Florida by grounding his real estate career in transparency and integrity. “I am brutally honest with the clientele I work with. If you are deceptive or dishonest, sooner or later someone will uncover your bullshit. I don’t care if we have to back out of a contract – we just came out of a $1.5 million contract because the owner lied on their seller’s disclosure. My client was upset, but she appreciated my honesty; and three days later we had her back under contract for $1.3 million. I’m not here to make a single sale – I’m here to make lifelong connections and help people grow in the long term.”

Before formally entering the world of real estate, Omar worked in property management in Florida. “When real estate was booming, back in 2008,” he recalls, “I couldn’t believe the things agents were saying to clients just to get their commission. I’m not a financial guy by any means, but I do have common sense, and I just got sick of it. I decided to do things differently.”

His penchant for honesty has landed him at the head of The Andreasen & Teles Group, and he currently boasts a book of business that is over eighty percent repeat and referral clients, bolstering the group’s annual average to over $50 million in volume.

build my presence, feature listings, and just get ourselves out in front of clients. Becca just got her real estate license – she’s a lot smarter than me and way more organized, so I’m hoping she will take over the day-today operations.” While his wife grows and manages the organization, Omar plans to focus his time and energy highlighting his areas of expertise: coaching new agents and expanding the business. “I’m increasing our presence in design and developing – both buying property and architecture. I want to know everything there is to know about this industry.”

If you follow Omar and Becca’s journey, you’ll see them balance a busy lifestyle that combines real estate with a dedication to fitness, ongoing education, and two growing girls! “Our daughters go to school here in the community. We’re always helping the dance teachers and schools here with extra floor mats and uniforms, or sponsoring outings for educators here in Celebration. We like to be out and about not only to meet clients, but to see how we can best serve the neighborhood where we work and live.”

In addition to candor, Omar attributes his continued success to a systematic, broadly cast marketing strategy. The Andreasen & Teles Group leverages both physical and digital channels including mailers, open houses, social media campaigns, and reverse prospecting to build connections with agents representing clients with complementary criteria.

This combination of interpersonal and professional advertising is being highlighted in a recently released “Day In The Life” series on YouTube. “My wife Becca and I worked with a contact who used to be with HGTV,” Omar exudes. “He’s been helping me 28

To learn more about Omar Andreasen, visit omarandreasen.com, email omar@theandreasengroup.com or call (407) 305-4790 www.

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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.

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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

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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 30

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.

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SUSAN HANSON Susan Hanson may not have received her real estate license until 2019 but she has been working in the industry for the last 20 years. In 2005, Susan, taking the advice of her real estate friend, purchased a condo and began renting it out. She then became a mortgage broker from 2006 through 2010. After mitigating her losses during the market crash, Susan was recruited by a different friend to get involved in property and casualty insurance. When this mentor and colleague retired in 2019, Susan, having always had a love for all things real estate decided it was time to obtain her license. Loving every aspect of it ever since, she continues to serve the entire greater Jacksonville area including its five surrounding counties.

Susan’s dream continues to become a reality as her practice has continued to grow, increasing by 24 percent over the last year. Susan’s biggest marketing tool is the use of her own social media outlets.

She utilizes her personal Facebook page to post her listings, including updates regarding those listings celebrating her client’s purchases and success stories. She also applies old-fashioned standard marketing techniques such as the use of flyers, doorto-door knocking, and open houses. “Pretty much everything I do is organic.” states Susan, “I like to send out birthday and holiday cards, send out random text messages and stay in touch with my clients as much as possible.” Participating in her clients’ lives is something Susan deems extremely

important, and she can often be found buying girl scout cookies or poinsettias from different fundraising activities her client’s kids are involved in.

This dedicated and determined agent is well-equipped to handle any of her client’s real estate transactions.

Her passion for helping people, perseverance, and customer-centric attitude is what drive a lot of her success. When asked what she enjoys most about her position, Susan remarks, “I just love helping people.

My background has given me the tools to assist my clients where it’s needed. When I get a customer who doesn’t necessarily understand the process or is starting from scratch, I am able to help and walk them through everything. At the end of the day, it is the satisfaction on their face that makes me happy.”

While practicing real estate currently takes up about 95 percent of Susan’s time, she is a huge animal enthusiast and participates in rescues. Working with her own veterinarian and other local shelters, Susan rescues and helps care for homeless cats. She also likes to surf and enjoys spending time in or near the ocean, which probably stems from her decades of living along the First Coast.

When looking toward the future, Susan wants to build upon her team. She started The Hanson Group last year with two agents currently working under her and envisions growing her business to include 3 to 8 more with the idea of helping each of them grow. “I want to create a team that is customer focused.” states Susan, “I want to help agents that come in and teach them the right way to care for their customers while doing this business with honesty and integrity.”

To contact or learn more about Susan Hanson, visit eaglesworldrealty.com, call 904-337-1392, or email susan@thehansongeoup.net www.

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THOMAS McGUIRE We’ve found the teacher of the year over here! Not only does Thomas McGuire keep busy as a teacher and varsity football coach at Bonita Springs High School, but he also has a thriving real estate career in the area! Getting stranded in Southwest Florida during spring break of 2020 due to Covid-19 turned out to be a life-changing moment for Thomas and his wife. Both high school teachers fell in love with the area and decided to move, and after meeting their Realtor team, The Dellatore Group, Thomas was encouraged to get licensed and join their team. Now two years later, he is enjoying his work with such a fun group serving Bonita Springs, Naples, and the surrounding communities.

cards and more. His monthly newsletter makes sure to notify all his past clients about the real estate happenings in the area —what the options are if you want to rent, buy, or sell property, in addition to new things that are happening in the community. As southwest Florida is a majorly seasonal area, McGuire believes “it’s good to keep people in the loop.”

Due to the nature of his career in education, Thomas has a wide network of people he comes into contact with in the community. Word of mouth is the main way McGuire maintains most of his repeat and referral business. “I like taking care of people around the school that I work at,” Thomas comments. His clientele spans not only his colleagues, but also their families, as well as the families of some of his students. He also works with investors purchasing properties for short-term rentals, and has one client in particular who he has worked with several times. All of this business proves profitable, as McGuire sold over $1.25 million in his first year, and has already surpassed that number in his second year as agent.

Thomas feels like his age works to his advantage to expand his network, as he is savvy with targeting his desired audience on social media. Aside from his social media presence, he stays in touch with clients through the traditional methods, from phone calls to holiday

Thomas himself is still a new home owner in the area, coming up on three years, so he feels a strong sense of pride in his home and the ability to help people achieve the dream of owning their own home. He also is highly competitive, so real estate gives McGuire an opportunity to flex his skills to show people he’s the best man to find their new home. He prides himself on his large database of vendors he can connect with his clients, whether they are looking for a plumber, or a drywall installer, or any other service, McGuire’s involvement in the community gives him the ability to network with people of all professions.

McGuire is heavily involved in the Bonita Springs community. Beyond coaching the varsity football team and teaching at Bonita Springs High School, he runs local trivia and puts up storm shutters before hurricanes for others in the community. Any money he raises gets donated right back to the school. Thomas and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors, and enjoy paddle boarding. They also are big into competitive sports, and will visit family to see their favorite team, the Cincinnati Bengals. Thomas hopes that his real estate business will continue to grow, and that he will continue to be someone who gets referrals. “One thing I always talk about,” he states, “is that my marketing plan is [always] to be a resource for people.”

To get in touch with Thomas, call (239) 329-1258 or email thomas@tdg239.com Check out his listings by visiting bonitaforsale.com/team/thomas-mcguire www.

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