GEORGIA 10-3-22

GEORGIA EDITION

Is Finding a

How to Incorporate Current Events to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant

NICHE MARKET

Right for You? How to

FEATURED AGENTS

SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

ALLYSON HARRIS ASHLEE WATSON JAN THURSTON JULIE HALES NICOLE AMBROSE SUELLEN COFIELD

COVER STORY

ALICIA TANKERSLEY

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

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 4

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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ALICIA TANKERSLEY

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Top Agent Alicia Tankersley of Marietta, Georgia, is a solo agent for Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage, and she services the Metro Atlanta area.

Alicia Tankersley of Marietta, Georgia, combines her entrepreneurial skill set with a penchant for lifelong relationships to fuel her real estate enterprise.

“I always tell new clients, ‘You’re stuck with me forever.’ I want to build that lifelong relationship, to help them and their families whenever they need me.”

In 2015, Alicia was inspired by the increasing popularity of house flipping shows on television, so she and her husband Tray decided to try their hand in the industry. “I started calling my REALTOR® friends to view potential properties, and they kept telling me, ‘Why don’t you just get your license?

You have a knack for this.’ That summer, I took the course, passed my test, and after trying residential real estate, 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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I fell in love.” Today, in 2022, Alicia is a solo agent for Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage, and she services the Metro Atlanta area. Her business boasts a foundation of clientele that is over sixty percent repeat and referral.

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After seven years in the real estate industry, Alicia still finds opportunities to learn and grow her enterprising spirit. “I love the various roles that are required to be a Realtor: helping people, researching homes, analyzing, creating Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

While Alicia prides herself on her self-sustainability, she is grateful for the professional assistance and mentorship she receives from her broker, as well as the team of professional photographers who help showcase her listings. marketing plans, bookkeeping, networking, planning. A Realtor wears so many hats and juggling all of that is a perfect fit for me.” Her omnidirectional growth has helped her to serve her clients in every arena, and when asked about her future Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

plans for the business, her immediate response is to continue the trajectory: “I want to manage my time and business better so I can serve my clients even better. At the end of the day, what matters most is a happy client.”

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While Alicia prides herself on her selfsustainability, she is grateful for the professional assistance and mentorship she receives from her broker, as well as the team of professional photographers who help showcase her listings. Her marketing strategy combines social media platforms and open houses; but primarily, she relies Top Agent Magazine

on her sphere of influence and keeps in touch with past clients: “I do a monthly email to my sphere, and send out four postcards a year, including sports schedules and events around town during the holidays. I also do a client appreciation party in the fall, and I just stay in touch with texts, phone calls, and pop-bys.”

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When she’s not busy growing her business and helping her clients, Alicia enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her husband and two cats. She gives blood every

eight weeks and encourages others to do the same, and most importantly, volunteers at her church and the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.

To learn more about Alicia Tankersley, call 404.775.4712, visit aliciatankersley.com, or email aliciatankersley@att.net https://

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How to Incorporate Current Events to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant Email marketing is a cost effective and straightforward method of getting your name and services in front of clients with just a few keystrokes. This tried-and-true approach to digital marketing is a favorite of many, and there are countless ways to customize (and maximize) your email blasts to reap superior results. Despite this, many real estate profesTop Agent Magazine

sionals are content to standardize their email advertising and take a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to capturing interest and leads. While an up-front sales pitch certainly has its uses and benefits, it doesn’t hurt to shake up your routine and refresh your email marketing approach by adding specifics that draw renewed interest from your audience.

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One way to accomplish this is by tying in current events and local happenings to your email blasts. After all, your sphere of influence likely receives countless marketing emails per day. To cut through the noise, sharpen your message with a few specifics that separate your communications from the pack. Not every email should be focused on closing a sale, or else your audience will learn to stop listening.

How do you build your brand, stay top of mind, and keep the lines of communication open with your clientele? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

against an old rival? Do they host themed fan days honoring veterans or catering to families? Tailoring your communications to a local sports franchise’s big news or next event can draw intrigue and provide added value for your clients. Remember, not every communication you send should be focused on pitching and closing a sale, otherwise your audience will tune out your emails altogether. Instead, incorporate fun, community-oriented content that lets readers know you’re a resource for much more than real estate.

Sports news makes a splash

Become a one-stop-shop for holiday fun and seasonal ideas.

People love to rally behind the home team.

Is a regional, local university, or professional sports team in your area headed to the playoffs or the championship? Are they facing off

From Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving, anyone can send an email wishing clients a happy holiday. While the sentiment is a good one, you’ll be one of dozens flooding inboxes with

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your well-wishes. Instead, go beyond the traditional greetings and good tidings and become a hyper-specific resource for clients. Create a gift guide for Mother’s Day, outline family-friendly local events occurring in your area around the holidays, or engage in a promotional partnership with a local business who’s offering a holiday special of their own. In other words, don’t settle for just saying hello during certain times of the year. Instead, up the value of your email blast by offering clients curated information that relates to their interests and area.

Doing so makes your emails a must-read, while demonstrating your ability to go the extra mile.

Pop culture serves as a fun and timely tie-in.

Is a new gaming app sweeping the nation? Have your social media feeds been flooded with the same viral video? Is everyone gossiping about the same TV show premiere? Pop culture tie-ins in your email marketing campaigns can be extremely effective, but in order to for

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them to work, you’ll need to move quickly and keep your focus on the phenomenon, rather than your service pitch. The goal behind pop culture marketing tie-ins is communicating the progressiveness and hip factor of your brand, while capturing timely, topical interest that’s at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be in on a running joke or trend, and if you leverage trending pop culture moments in your email marketing, you’ll be able to draw views and clicks from a wide audience.

Plenty of services offer standardized email marketing templates and content for today’s real estate professionals, and while the motivation behind marketing is transactional, your communications don’t have to be. The surest way to make an impact in your clients’ inboxes is to add original value and break apart from the pack. Consider updating some of your routines with these current events oriented techniques and your email audience is sure to take a second look.

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ALLYSON HARRIS Everyone makes mistakes. It is what happens next that really matters.

Allyson Harris made plenty of mistakes when she bought her first home.

Her response changed her life. “I didn’t consult with a REALTOR®, didn’t get pre-approved, bought the first house I saw and just made a ton of mistakes that I’m still paying for, honestly,” she said. “I didn’t want to go through that again, and knowing that I wanted to invest, I wanted to make sure that I fully learned the ins and outs of the industry so I could make smart moves.” Allyson got her real estate license in 2020. She didn’t have intentions of pursuing a full time career and was hoping to sell one house a month, but it turns out she was really good at it. “I realized that I had a bit of a knack for it. And the rest is history.”

Allyson has more than a knack for real estate. She works hard at it, determined not to make a mistake her clients will have to pay for. By that same token, Allyson says it is just as important that she educates her customers to ensure they don’t make the same mistakes she did. “I’m very real with them and how I communicate what their options are. I try to keep what’s in their best interest at the forefront of the transaction,” she says.

Customers appreciate her honesty and word is spreading. “What resonates with the people that I work with is it’s not about me getting to the closing table so that I can get my commission check. I don’t want a client to feel like I didn’t do something that was in their best interest. I spend a tremendous amount of time making sure that the client is okay.”

It also matters to Allyson that her clients are good after the sale. She’s given out Christmas and Valentine’s gifts, sends out a bimonthly magazine and annual calendars. There is even an annual client appreciation party, catered, with a DJ. She frequently receives 16

invites to her clients’ family events. “I try to stay in front of them and let them know that it wasn’t just about me opening some doors for you.”

Opening doors for others is important to Allyson. For years, she’s contributed to Create Your Dreams, a youth organization that serves Atlanta’s underserved areas. “My goal is to actually set up a charitable arm of my business and the goal is twofold,” she says. “One, to provide scholarships to new agents and get them up and running in their businesses – I enjoy mentoring. But the other piece is to partner with other organizations, as well as Create Your Dreams, and provide support for them.”

Allyson plans to grow her business beyond the borders of Atlanta. She “has a desire to live internationally” and is still pursuing investing, her original reason for getting in the business. “Those are the two primary focuses going forward, once the charitable arm is established, is to go heavy into investing and the international real estate market.”

Contact Allyson at 678-447-8013 email allysmithharris@me.com, or visit Linktr.ee/HarrisHomesSell https://

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How to Throw a Client Appreciation Event No One Will Forget Clients are the foundation of any flourishing enterprise, and this is particularly true in real estate—an industry where relationships are central. Demonstrating your gratitude to former and current clientele is a winning way to cultivate your network, while upping your potential referrals and creating face-to-face time with the individuals that make your business tick. Keep in mind a few of the tips below as you stage a client event that will positively impact your brand, while conveying your appreciation to those who have driven your business all year.

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Supersize Your Guest List Inviting former clients to your client appreciation bash is only the first step in crafting your guest list. To really expand your sphere of influence, invite neighbors, local business owners and staff, old friends, family, associates, fellow alumni from your alma mater, and the like. Think of your client appreciation event as a celebration of business bringing people together. Expand your guest list and you’ll create a coveted, in-person opportunity to forge relationships and broaden your reach.

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An appreciation event may be geared toward your clients, but if done correctly it can also provide a fun-filled venue for your employees to enjoy a morale boost.

Consider A Sponsor Client appreciation events shouldn’t skimp on the details, but you don’t want to break the bank, either. To defray the cost of a client appreciation event, consider enlisting local businesses as co-sponsors. Not only does this approach ease the price tag of throwing a party, but it also creates an easy partnership between you and other entrepreneurs—widening your database and making for a memorable and generous event.

ship, or the Super Bowl is coming up quick, tailoring client appreciation events to already-established happenings can create an organic tie-in and boost your attendance numbers in the process. Throw a gingerbread house decorating party during the holiday season, or throw a barbeque during the Fourth of July. Capitalizing on a naturally occurring theme creates the opportunity for comradery between you and your guests.

Apply A Personal Touch

Don’t Forget To Reward Your Employees An appreciation event may be geared toward your clients, but if done correctly it can also provide a fun-filled venue for your employees to enjoy a morale boost, as well.

By encouraging your employees to cut loose at this celebratory event—instead of having them run interference all night—your team will feel appreciated and validated, too.

Theme Your Event Whether the area’s high school sports team has made it to the state champion18

Invitations may seem like a small detail, but they shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Consider handwriting some of your invitations for the clients you remember well, or for business associates who you regularly partner with. Personalizing invitations to key players is the surest way to a confirmed RSVP. Cultivating your network of professional connections is an essential part of driving business, and client appreciation events not only create memories between you and your clientele, but also inspire your to step back, reflect, and give thanks to those who keep your business booming.

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ASHLEE WATSON Ashlee Watson is a highly knowledgeable and professional real estate agent serving the expansive communities of northern Georgia. Born and raised in Atlanta, she has lived in the state for over 40 years and understands the intricacies of the area. Her communicative, client-first approach makes her an accessible and committed agent for those looking to buy, sell, or build.

Ashlee shares that real estate has been “something that I’ve always enjoyed and loved.” Her professional background boasts 15 years of co-owning and operating an electrical contracting company, where her company serviced commercial and residential customers across the south. A career shift and life transition led Ashlee to consider other professional pursuits. She earned her real estate license in 2020 and quickly began working as an agent.

Ashlee currently works under Keller Williams Realty, a nationally recognized and top-ranking brokerage.

Her extensive network includes access to over 170,000 associates across the country, optimizing the process of buying or selling a property. She joined a team in her first year and recently branched out to work with a real estate partner under the Joe Sells GA team. Together, they serve the ever-evolving region of north Georgia.

marketed heavily on social media and across Keller Williams’ extensive listing syndication system, which features properties across top-name sites like Zillow and Trulia.

In the last two years, Ashlee has reported 62 transactions, clearing over 10 million in sales volume. When asked what she enjoys most about the field, she says, “I especially love buyers.” She shares, “The home buying process is often a positive one. I gravitate towards what makes people happy, and that makes me happy.”

Ashlee’s community involvement is quite personal, having a son with special needs. She is deeply involved with the special needs community in her area. Having lived in north Georgia her entire life, Ashlee is a core part of local initiatives. She was recently accepted into the Leadership Forsyth program which focuses on projects and other initiatives across the community.

Outside of work, Ashlee enjoys spending time with her husband and five children. They can often be found boating on Lake Lanier. Her plans for the future are to “grow as much as possible,” attending conferences to expand her network and build her knowledge.

Ashlee’s repeat and referral business is 50%, a testament to her strong client base and commitment to quality customer service. She shares, “The number one positive feedback that I get is my responsiveness.” She continues, “I answer my phone every time.” Rain or shine, holiday or not, Ashlee is always willing to show a home to a client. She says, “I don’t look at it as work.” Her passion for the field is evident in her commitment to the task and credible track record for both buying and selling.

Ashlee stays in touch with her past clients via social media. She makes it a point to distribute special cards on birthdays and anniversaries. Current listings are

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Contact Ashlee at 404-328-8583, email ashleewatson@kw.com, or visit ashleewatson.kw.com https://

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JAN THURSTON A good REALTOR® reads the market, plays to its strengths, and enjoys the moment. A great REALTOR® reads the market, plays to its strengths – but always casts an eye on the future and anticipates how the market is going to change and how changes will affect their clients.

That’s Jan Thurston. An agent in the Atlanta area with Collette McDonald & Associates, brokered by EXP Realty, Jan is like the ultimate chess player – already thinking several moves ahead.

“It’s interesting how things change. We’ve been in ‘La La Land’ for the past two years with the strongest selling market ever, and now we’ll have to change gears. We’ll really see what happens in real estate in the coming months,” Jan said. “Back in the most recent downturn in 2008 and 2009, it gave us an opportunity to learn about short sales and foreclosures as well as the obstacles that could play into the real estate world. It’s fascinating to me in a lot of ways. You learn different skills sets, you learn how to use them and react to them.

I fear that a lot of Agents in the market right now aren’t going to understand how to transition over; however, at EXP Realty LLC, through Collette’s leadership, we have been trying to better educate our peers and figure it out, and it’s truly been a great experience.”

Jan works mainly in DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties in the metro Atlanta area, but goes where she is needed at any time. She’s been licensed for over 16 years and is experienced enough to work solo without mentorship, but she said she enjoys the camaraderie of a team and the ability to “bounce ideas off each other.”

To date, she has brought in over $5 million in volume through the first seven months of 2022. “The year’s not over, she said.”

A good chunk of her clientele is devoted to helping families that need to move elderly parents into the next phase of their lives and get their home sold! “When you are helping folks downsize there are more steps involved and the process takes longer,” she said. “You have to work with the seller and their family members, and help them plan ahead. You have to be a mediator, a coach, sympathetic, empathetic…and you have to bring everything and everyone together. I believe I go above and beyond.

I try to help ease the kids’ minds, and the parents’ minds. It’s a one day at a time process.”

And Jan does more than just talk the talk. She has helped clean out people’s homes, brought in cleaning services, helped paint shutters, shred decades of documents, organize real estate sales, and much, much more. As she said, it can be a much more involved process than just a buying and selling transaction. But that process has a great upside!

“Just getting to know people is rewarding, because you’re working with them on a very personal level,” Jan said. “I tell people we’re going to be best friends for a few months, but you’re going to remember me long after. And if I do a good job, they’ll remember and if I don’t, they’ll remember.”

Going forward, Jan has her focus set on continuing to grow her business, of course, but also making more of an impact away from the office. “I plan on putting more effort into community involvement, and work in different arenas. I’ve had a great year, and I feel like I need to pay it back. I don’t expect business, but helping others is a large part of a real estate professional’s role in the community,” Jan said.

Jan Thurston can be contacted at 404-217-6562 or through jan.thurston@exprealty.com Her website can be found at janthurston.georgiamls.com or ColletteMcDonald.com Jan is a Certified Member of the Institute For Luxury Home Marketing, part of an international network of Real Estate Professionals who specialize in the luxury market. https://

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www.

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Is Finding A Niche Market Right for You?

A lot of Realtors® take the ‘jack of all trades’ approach to their businesses, and some are extremely successful with doing it all and doing it well. But taking that approach can also make it hard to stand out if there are a lot of agents in your area taking the same approach.

If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the rest, finding a niche market might be the way to go. Although it might sound limiting at first, with the right branding and marketing, your specialty and expertise may help you lock up a market after you become well known for being the ‘go to’ Realtor® in a certain demographic. Having a niche helps you target your marketing, making it more effective, until eventually people are seeking you out as you build your reputation as the foremost expert in your particular niche.

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Despite the benefits of taking on a specialty, it’s still something that only a small percentage of Realtors® do, which means you have a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor in your area by being ahead of what is sure to be a looming real estate trend.

You want to claim your stake on the niche that best fits not only your passions, but something that fills a void in your market.

If this all sounds good to you, the next step is finding your niche! Here are a few things you need to consider:

There are two approaches to having a specialty, one that is truly your all-consuming passion or a sort of revolving niche, one that changes with the market 21

In addition to creating a thriving business, finding a niche may even unlock a hidden passion. Does your area have a large historic home inventory? Are you passionate about helping first time home buyers realize their dreams?

Having a personal connection to what you specialize in is always a great way to start out. If you’re passionate about something, you’re almost guaranteed to have the work ethic it takes to have success in a niche market. Once you hone in on a niche, make sure the market data backs up your focus.

Another approach is changing with the market. If you’re truly an expert in a few areas of the business, it might be good to have sort of a revolving niche. In a down market you might specialize in short sales and foreclosures.

When things pick up, you may take your innovative approaches and start applying them to luxury homes.

Whether you take the consistent niche approach or the flexible one, it’s really all about figuring out what best suits you and your market.

Fill a void in your market Maybe you don’t have an instant passion for one particular niche. In that case, there are several areas you can consider. A lot of it will start with really researching and analyzing your market and having a good eye for what future trends will be. Is there a certain demographic that is surging in your area? Cater your business to serve them. Maybe you are fluent in Spanish and your area is seeing a rise in a Latino population, who are emigrating from other countries. Or perhaps, you live in an area that has a larger retirement population. There 22

are numerous demographics that truly need expert real estate advice. Be the one to fill it.

You can also focus on a particular neighborhood or gated community. Helping people navigate the ins and outs of a particular HOA can be a lifesaver.

Are you already serving a niche?

Of course, sometimes you may already have a niche and are unaware of it. Maybe you are already dealing with a lot of first-time homebuyers. Look over your sales records and see what might already be there, then make it official.

Figure out why you’re drawn to that area and then nail down the reasons you’ve excelled with that niche and use it to create a marketing plan and branding.

Find ways to really sell your expertise Once you figure out your niche, get the training, designations, and certifications that will enhance your expertise. Another way to let it be known that you are the ‘go to’ Realtor® in your particular niche is to become a resource online. Create a website with informative blogs and marketing information. Make a mark on social media where you can link back to your site, so potential clients can actually interact with you.

There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking of going the niche market way with your business, but if you consider everything carefully and focus in on something you can be passionate about, the rewards could be a major win for you and for your clients.

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JULIE HALES A lifelong Georgia resident, Julie Hales has always been passionate about empowering those in her community. For years, she worked in the media business at her hometown newspaper, later opening her own publishing business in Effingham County.

However, a close friendship would spark her interest in real estate. One day, she saw that her best friend, a prominent agent in the region, was struggling to make time for her growing family while still balancing the demands of her career. Noting this, Julie pursued her own real estate license in hopes of being able to help her friend.

From there, she went on to author an accomplished career as a REALTOR®—all while running her successful publishing business. Most recently, Julie decided to switch tracks and become a full-time agent in 2021.

Today, she is a REALTOR® with Next Move Real Estate, where she assists clients throughout Effingham County and the surrounding areas. Combining over 20 years of experience with her proven business acumen, she has cultivated a boutique process to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Julie draws from her background in marketing to ensure a seamless transaction.

After helping her clients prepare their home to sell, she broadcasts it via a series of MLS platforms, as well as a targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns.

She also leverages her extensive network as a member of the Savannah Board of REALTORS® and Georgia Board of REALTORS® to give each client a personalized advantage.

Elsewhere, Julie is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, drawing from her in-depth knowledge of the

region to uncover the right investment for their best interests. Over the years, she has earned a fantastic reputation throughout her community, with the majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Having exceeded $10 million in volume in 2021, Julie is most inspired by the way real estate speaks to her passion for helping others. “The process isn’t as easy as it used to be,” she says. “I’ve seen firsthand how it can be stressful for a buyer or seller to navigate today’s market. Because of that, I can think of nothing more rewarding than seeing my clients celebrate when they get the keys to their dream home.”

On top of her successful career, Julie believes in serving her community. She has served on the Board of Directors at United Way, Effingham County Recreation Hall of Fame, Effingham Victim Witness, Effingham Family Promise, and is currently serving on the Board of the Veteran’s Memorial Park and the Effingham Hospital Foundation Board where she currently holds the position of Treasurer and chairs their Marketing Committee.

When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found traveling or relaxing on the water with her friends and family.

As her volume maintains its steady growth, Julie intends on scaling the leading standards that have consistently set her apart in her home state. In the meantime, she offers clear advice to any aspiring agent. “Be honest with your clients—no matter what. It might not always be the easiest thing to do, but it’s definitely the smartest. More than anything, your buyers or sellers need an agent who truly knows their market, someone they can lean on as a reliable sounding board to better realize their goals.”

Contact Julie at 912-657-4120 or email jhales346@windstream.net

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NICOLE AMBROSE Nicole Ambrose of Atlanta, Georgia, has an unwavering dedication to community improvement, leading people toward the dream of home ownership, and assisting them with achieving their real estate investment goals. “It’s my passion, my purpose, and I know God is using me as a vehicle to lead people to financial freedom through homeownership and real estate ownership. I’m a voice for the voiceless, and that’s easy to get excited about.”

Twenty years ago, as a single mother of two daughters, Nicole unknowingly embarked on her journey as a real estate agent when she purchased her first home. “If that house had been a car, it would’ve been an absolute lemon. Anything that could’ve gone wrong did go wrong. One night, my oldest daughter came up to me while I was on the phone with my sister, and said ‘Mommy… it’s raining in my room. I said, ‘No it is not, it is raining outside.’ I took her hand and walked her to her room and she had put her princess garbage can under the leak. I remember wishing then that I had known the ins and outs of owning a house so that I could protect people from this.” Thirteen years later, after launching her successful tax practice, Nicole was reminded of that tumultuous moment when a client visited her to pick up their tax returns in order to purchase a home, and she saw an opportunity to better serve the citizens of Atlanta: “I wanted to be an agent for the people.”

Today, in 2022, after five years and four hundred closed transactions as a licensed REALTOR®, Nicole is steadfast in her dedication to that vision, and her community involvement is the cornerstone of her enterprise. “I started out going from park to park with a bullhorn and a pile

of coloring books and crayons. I wasn’t a credit specialist, but I knew enough to be dangerous, and I could keep the kids busy while teaching their parents about fixing their credit to guide them to home ownership.” This grassroots approach to entrepreneurship helped Nicole establish a foundation of repeat and referral clients that, in 2021, accounted for forty-six percent of her business. Her recent averages place her just over $20 million in total volume, and she’s on pace to clear $23 million this year.

Despite her tremendous success in the industry, Nicole continues to dedicate a portion of her time and resources to ongoing education for people in Atlanta. “I make a list of schools every summer and try to go through things at an elementary school level. I walk the students through the importance of ownership and not just renting. The key is to help our children understand the importance of ownership so they will not be a generation of renters. I teach them about equity and equip them with the knowledge they need to go home and educate their parents on what they learned.”

This union between education and financial freedom has Nicole Ambrose Real Estate poised for continued growth in the burgeoning markets in Atlanta, and she is eager to make the most of the opportunity: “My oldest daughter, Ashley – the little girl with the pink princess bucket – she’s grown now, and she’s my full time Director of Operations! My goal is to build my real estate agent coaching program so there are more agents like me that are trained to build communities and serve the underserved population… I want to lead the masses to home ownership and investing but I know I cannot do it alone.”

To learn more about Nicole Ambrose, email info@iamnicoletherealtor.com, visit nicoleambroserealestate.com, or call 678-650-7236 https://

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9

Things the Best Leaders Never Say

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

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

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

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

1

I’M THE BOSS

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

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

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

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2

6

I’LL DO IT MYSELF

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

3

THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

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

4

I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

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

5

I ALREADY KNOW THAT

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

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

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

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

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

7

I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

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

8

DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

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

9

YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

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

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

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SUELLEN COFIELD When Suellen Cofield looks back on her nearly 20 year career in real estate, she gets emotional. “It has just brought me so much joy,” she explains. This path has given her countless amazing experiences, allowed her to get more involved in the community, and feel a sense of closeness with those around her. She gets to hear her clients’ life stories, finding out how their paths led them to where they are today, and how she can help them reach the next chapter. “Every day is completely different,” Suellen says. “It’s impossible to get bored.” Suellen decided to explore this path after working in sales. Her sister was an agent, and she encouraged her to become one as well. Once Suellen earned her license, there was no turning back, as she instantly knew this was what she was meant to pursue.

Today she is licensed in both Alabama and Georgia, primarily serving Heard, Troup and Coweta counties, and has produced more than $1.2 billion in real estate transactions over the course of her career.

With almost all of her business consisting of referrals, it’s clear Suellen impresses each buyer and seller. “I’ve always been known to either answer my phone right away or call back immediately,” she explains. Whether it’s a call from another agent or a client, Suellen stays on top of her communications. Knowing that this business can move quickly, she understands the importance of being responsive. This helps all of her transactions run smoothly, as she handles issues quickly and prepares her clients for the next steps. And while Suellen always wants to build her business, she makes her buyer’s and seller’s best interest her top priority. “I’ve even talked people out of selling or buying, because I knew it wasn’t the right thing for them to do at that moment in time,” she says. Suellen truly wants people to be happy, and if that means they should stay put in their current home, then she’ll encourage it. “Sometimes you just need someone to tell you what the market is doing, and you don’t need to sell because you’re already in the perfect place for your needs.”

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When the transaction is over, clients leave wanting to spread the word about their experience. One recently said, “I was very impressed by the service of Suellen. It’s hard to find people with the commitment nowadays. She was on top of things from the start. She hears what you are asking for and works hard day or night to make the sales happen. Suellen listed my home in Newnan, and it was under contract within a week. Everything went smoothly.

I will use her again and to this day I am still referring her to friends.”

Suellen loves her community and is always looking for ways to give back. She regularly helps local students who are affected by a family tragedy or poverty, donating Christmas presents, paying for their utility bills, providing lunch money or other necessities. During Suellen’s freetime, she can be found at sporting events, enjoying time with her family, friends & neighbors or at the beach.

As her career continues to grow, Suellen is excited to wake up every day and get to work. She hopes that everyone gets the chance to experience the joy real estate has brought her. “It doesn’t matter what career you choose, just do something that makes you happy, do something that inspires you to wake up every morning and give it 110% of your effort.”

For more information about Suellen, please call 678-378-7240 or email suellen.realtor@gmail.com 27 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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