Illinois 1-8-18 by Top Agent Magazine

ILLINOIS EDITION

3 TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES to Revitalize Momentum in the Office 6 Things You Need to Do to BE A GREAT MENTOR

FEATURED AGENTS

DIENSE BANIAK ESTERA WILSON MOHAMMED IFTIKHAR BRYAN KASPRISIN ROCIO MENA COVER STORY

JESUS PEREZ

3 Ways to MAKE YOUR WORKSPACE WORK FOR YOU How to Overcome Your WORKPLACE FEARS MODERN EMAIL ETIQUETTE for Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agents

ILLINOIS EDITION

JESUS PEREZ JESUS PEREZ

DIENSE BANIAK

ESTERA WILSON

MOHAMMED IFTIKHAR

BRYAN KASPRISIN

ROCIO MENA

CONTENTS 4) 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO TOBE A GREAT MENTOR

21) 3 TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES TO REVITALIZE MOMENTUM IN THE OFFICE

13) 3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WORKSPACE WORK FOR YOU

25) MODERN EMAIL ETIQUETTE FOR TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AGENTS

17) HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR WORKPLACE FEARS Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068

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6 Things You Need to Do to Be a Great Mentor

Everyone reaches the point in their career where they feel they have gained enough experience and wisdom about business and what it takes to succeed, to actually help someone else achieve the same. Although you may have trained or given advice over the years, taking on the official status as a mentor to someone is a whole new ball game. 4

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

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

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

You’re basically a sounding board who needs to hear your mentee’s ideas, plans and goals in order to advise them. Strong, constant and clear communication is key to any successful mentoring relationship. Sometimes just letting them talk things out with you, will lead to them to discovering the solution they were looking for. 2. Set expectations and goals at the start When listening to your mentee in your first meeting about the potential relationship, it’s important to establish the parameters of what that relationship will be: What can you give them? What do they need or expect from you? Once the terms are agreed upon, you may want to set specific goals you’ll be working on together so that there’s a defined plan of action, timeline and result you can both expect. 3. Be honest This is important when it comes to offering them constructive criticism or tough love, but more importantly, you need to be honTop Agent Magazine

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

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tions you can lead your mentee to their own conclusions about their business dilemmas and strategies to reach their goals. Being a mentor is all about guidance. Build confidence by drawing out the best in your mentee rather than just presenting them with solutions. 5. Look at the situation objectively One of the key strengths you offer your mentee is a complete emotional detachment to their business. You have no sentimental attachment to doing things a certain way or working with an incompetent vendor because you ‘go way back’. Your only motive is what’s best for your mentee and their business. Although emotions cans still get in the way sometimes, having a detached perspective on hand to guide you is invaluable. 6. Don’t just offer constructive criticism, be supportive Yes, being a mentor is sometimes advising your mentee that he’s doing something ineffectively, but your main purpose is to alway approach everything like cheerleader. You need to let them know that through it 6

all, you are a reliable support to them and have a complete belief in their abilities. Make sure to always praise their accomplishments. Remember: your job as a mentor is more about guidance than constant feedback. Your goal is to help someone become the best they can be, not someone who just does everything the way you do it. You’re helping them build confidence in their own intuition, which will hopefully lead to a lifetime of success, and one day, they too might be a valuable resource to another mentee down the road.

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JESUS PEREZ Top Agent Magazine

JESUS PEREZ Jesus Perez understands the emotions people go through when buying or selling a home, because he’s been there himself. He has the patience, knowledge and engaging personality that make the process smooth and fun.

lot of them. At that time, they all had one thing in common: they weren’t motivated. They couldn’t accommodate my schedule, which was basically the same as everybody’s schedule—you get out of work late.”

Jesus began looking for a house in 2012, when the effects of the recession were still present. “There weren’t many Realtors out there,” he says, “and the ones that were, were a little discouraged. I went through a

So Jesus decided to do real estate himself, thanks to his REALTOR®, Arturo Zamudio, who is now his manager broker. He got his license and started on a part-time basis. “I’ve always had a good work ethic,” he

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says. “Within the first year, I was the top agent in my office. As the years went on, I kept doubling what I was doing.” Now he’s a full-time agent with Casablanca Realtors in Elgin, Illinois, and couldn’t be happier. He loves helping people, hearing their stories and establishing long-lasting relationships. Jesus serves the entire Chicago area, going wherever clients want him to go. He cares more about helping people accomplish their real estate goals than about the numbers, which explains why, in just four years, his repeat and referral rate is already 95 percent. He’s patient, Top Agent Magazine

helpful and a great listener. He focuses on his clients’ needs, reads their expressions and intuitively understands what will please them, even when they’re not sure themselves. Jesus closes deals quickly and then stays in touch, whether through social media, phone calls, or seeing them around town and stopping to chat. He’s the kind of guy who gets to know the whole family, even the aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers. Those he sold homes to when he started now have equity built up, so he’ll call to see if they’re ready to sell. When they are, he puts his marketing skills to work, Copyright Top Agent Magazine 9

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“I really like seeing everyone in so many different stages of life, whether they’re just starting out or this is their fifth home. treating every listing the same, regardless of its price point.

with the owners throughout the entire process. It’s a joy for him to help people.

“Putting the home at the right price is the hardest thing,” he says. Once that’s established, he takes photos himself and spends days adjusting each one so it’s perfect. He posts the listing on social media, puts “For Sale” signs all over, advertises it everywhere he can and holds open houses. And he communicates

“I really like seeing everyone in so many different stages of life,” he says, “whether they’re just starting out or this is their fifth home. I have so much to learn from my clients! I like to ask questions, too, which might be why I establish relationships so easily. I’m really interested.”

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He takes that joy of life to the community, too, where, with his agency, he sponsors local events. “It’s a big plus, because I feel like I know everyone!” he says. Although he’s addicted to working, he loves those last few hours of the day when he gets to spend time with his family, and those occasional trips together.

It doesn’t get any better than that. Jesus works hard, and as he continues to look for ways to make life easier for his clients and himself, he knows he’s found the right path. “I thank God for the opportunity life has given me to help out so many people,” he says. “They’re happy, I’m happy. It’s an accomplishment I’ll never forget.”

To learn more about Jesus Perez, please visit: zillow.com/profile/jrjesusperez, www.

realtor.com/realestateagents/Jesus-Perez_Elgin_ IL_2102843_677584536

www.

or facebook.com/jesusperezbestrealestate www.

call (630) 878-9064 or email jrjesusperez@yahoo.com 12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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3 Ways to Make Your Workspace Work for You Productivity experts agree that a curated workspace positively impacts productivity and mood, but oftentimes we settle for bland desks and cubicles that lack personalized details or considerations for workflow. Why miss out on the opportunity to optimize your surroundings when it could brighten your day—and boost your performance? Keep in mind some of these tactics to make your workspace your own and reap the benefits along the way. Top Agent Magazine

DETERMINE YOUR WORKING STYLE AND DECORATE ACCORDINGLY For the creative set, a colorful and art-filled workspace can inspire fresh ideas and reduce stress. Likewise, casual yet aesthetically pleasing furniture, accessories, and décor set an inviting yet functional mood. A pop of color from an office tool—even something as basic as a stapler—can inject a sense of fun and modernism into your daily tasks. For the more analytical, right-brained worker, clean

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lines and zero clutter go a long way. A few well-chosen personal photos in tasteful, unassuming frames can provide a motivating connection to the world beyond the office, while accessories and supplies that are sleek, monochrome, and contemporary inspire a sense of calm efficiency. BUILD A WORKSPACE WITH YOUR DAILY ROUTINE IN MIND If you find yourself spending hours on the phone per day, or assembling stacks of documents and brochures, or even coming and going from the office with frequency—there are simple adjustments you can make to your workspace that will save you time and energy. If you sit for long hours—responding to e-mails or making calls—try incorporating an ergonomic chair or keyboard wrist-pad to maximize comfort. If you spend a long time assembling presentation materials, then file organizers, trays, and easy-to-pull labels can shave valuable time off your efforts. Lastly, those who step out for frequent meetings can reduce the hassle of being on-the-go by making your space mindfully organized—a coatrack and a dish for your keys by the door, an auto-brew coffeemaker, or an easily edited whiteboard calendar can make jet-setting simpler.

ADD EASY DETAILS THAT ENRICH YOUR WORKING EXPERIENCE While organization and décor can rally productivity and mood, there are also a few extra details you can introduce to your workspace to improve the quality of your working life. Healthy, easy to grab-and-go snacks—think nuts, homemade trail mix, and fresh fruit— can keep your energy up without the sugar crush or guilt. If there’s a window nearby, a hard-to-kill plant like a philodendron or a fern not only cleanse the air around you, but also provide a welcome connection to the natural world. Being prepared in a pinch is another great way to make your workspace work for you: a spare tie, a tube of lip balm, hand sanitizer, or a box of Band-Aids can save you a trip to the store when an unexpected need arises. While we take great pains to make our homes our sanctuaries—complete with the decorations, furniture, and food we favor—we often overlook our work areas, even though we spend a sizable portion of our week sitting at the same desk. Challenge yourself to add a few of these personalizing, productivity-boosting details to your work area and bring the comfort of home to your working life.

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DIENSE BANIAK Top Agent Magazine

DIENSE BANIAK Top Agent Diense Baniak of Baird & Warner in Arlington Heights, Illinois is that rare real estate agent who is willing to put her clients needs ahead of her earnings. Whether she’s working with buyers or sellers, she is constantly aware that the value of relationships formed with her clients supersedes her commission check every time. Diense found her way into her career as an agent following a sixyear stint doing rental properties for investors. “I really enjoyed showing the different properties and talking to the clients,” she says, “and I decided that the next step up would be to actually get a license and help people buy and sell homes.” Almost four years ago, Diense became licensed and has since built a solid reputation as one of the most dependable agents currently selling in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. With a growing percentage of her business comprised of returning clients and referrals from satisfied customers, Diense is clearly doing something right. That something, it turns out, is her dedication to a “client first” ethos, coupled with her ability to forge long-term friendships with her many buyers and sellers. “I don’t believe in just servicing the transaction,” says Diense. “I believe in taking care of the client. I actively work toward building a longterm relationship with them, I don’t just let the relationship end at the end of the transaction.” This continued contact with past clients can take many forms for Diense. “Once a month or so,” she says, “I contact them by phone, email or text, depending on their preference. I also send out monthly newsletters to them with information about what’s going on in the market or in their area. Sometimes I send relevant information on mortgages or special government programs.” Pop-by visits and gifts are also utilized. “For Thanksgiving I dropped off pumpkin pies to some of my clients, and sometimes I’ll drop off goodie bags for their children or their dogs. I work to stay top-of-mind, so when they, or their friends, need a realtor they’ll think of me.” The lengths to which Diense will go for her clients is made evident by a recent situation that involved a family moving into their new home. “They had forgotten to eat on the day of their move,” explains Diense. “It was seven o’clock at night and they were still working on their

move and hadn’t eaten all day. I went to Boston Market and ordered a dinner for ten so they and the movers could all eat.” Diense is proud to have completed the Senior Real Estate Sales Specialist certification to better support her clients 50 years and older. She has also completed a continuing education program to help her clients identify profitable investment properties. “I think it’s important to have a solid educational background to support my clients with specific needs.” With a solid five-star rating on Zillow.com, Diense’s clients are clearly more than satisfied by the work she does for them. Reads one glowing testimonial on the site: “To say that Diense went above and beyond, would be a monumental understatement. From the moment we met, I knew Diense was committed to selling my home. Her suggestions of things to do to update my home were extremely helpful and spot-on. She kept me updated throughout the process and was always available. She was respectful and professional at all times. I wholeheartedly recommend Diense to anyone looking for a realtor who is honest, committed and truly invested in her client’s needs.” Savvy marketing practices also play a large role in Diense’s success. Just-listed postcards, flyers, email marketing and even social media marketing are tools that she employs. “I work to optimize open houses,” she says. “I’ll invite the neighbors over before the public is invited and I serve refreshments. It’s a more welcoming atmosphere as opposed to just walking through an open house.” When she’s not working, Diense enjoys spending time with her husband, their three grown children and her two small dogs. Diense also focuses on giving back by donating a portion of each commission to charities that are meaningful to her, such as St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the ASPCA, Wounded Warriors, Kay’s Animal Shelter and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She also participates in charitable contributions and ongoing volunteer work through her brokerage. As for the future, Diense wants to continue to grow her business and her client base by keeping her client-first philosophy in the fore. “I really want to help my clients make the right move. Whatever my clients need is what I try to do for them.”

For more information about Diense Baniak, please call 847-818-6132 or email Diense.Baniak@bairdwarner.com 16

How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me, it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad Top Agent Magazine

after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world. Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence. A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties. Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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ESTERA WILSON

ESTERA WILSON Happiness: it’s EsTera Wilson’s bottom line for her clients. Considered a real estate “matchmaker,” she uses her keen insight and expertise to immerse herself in each client’s circumstances. “Buying a home you love is an investment in happiness,” she says. “In order to find that happiness, agents must ‘live’ in their clients’ situations.” Home and happiness compose a theme that runs through EsTera’s life. As a young professional ballroom dancer in Lithuania, she often traveled to international competitions, staying with families who opened their homes. “In every country, the families made sure we felt at home,” she says. “Over 15 years, that experience gave me a sense of what makes a home. I got the spark of real estate.” Moving to the U.S. with her two children in 2000, she nourished that spark, soon becoming the office manager for a construction company. She learned how to build a house and sell it, including everything from knowing the required materials and costs to staging. During the 2008 economic crash she worked on a short sale project, creating a short sale processing platform to help agents make the transaction smooth and efficient. “I had to be in the homeowner’s, agent’s and lender’s shoes,” she says. “I had to know what they needed to make the platform as good as possible.” After EsTera had worked “backstage” in real estate for so long, people began asking her why she wasn’t an agent. “Why not try!” she thought. She jumped in, got her license two and a half years ago and found her niche. Now a broker associate with CONLON/Christie’s International Real Estate, she serves the Chicago metro area, focusing on the Southwest suburbs. In such a short time, her business has become almost entirely repeats and referrals, and in 2017 she was voted Agents’ Choice winner for Chicago Agent magazine.

EsTera attributes her high rate of referrals to being part of the Lithuanian community, where for many years she taught dance in the evenings. People there know her and trust her. She’s also fluent in Lithuanian, Russian and English, so her clients always feel comfortable. She stays in contact with them from the beginning of the process to the closing, making sure all their questions are answered. Through the process of what EsTera calls “living in their situation,” she becomes friends with her clients. After the transaction has closed, she uses social media and email to connect with them. “It’s a very natural process,” she says. She aggressively markets her listings, which begin with staging and professional photography, followed by custom brochures and online distribution to numerous websites. She places signs, hosts brokers’ and weekly public open houses, creates email campaigns, sends postcards and places print advertising. Clients often tell EsTera they feel safe and happy in her care, and that’s what she’s after. Being able to have a job where she puts families together with a home, a place where they can have meaningful interaction, is happiness for her. She’s busy, but she’s not all work. EsTera likes to backpack, hike, climb and travel to countries where she can feel the culture. “Travel feeds my soul,” she says. “My traveling buddies are my family. We learn, even about ourselves in different situations, and grow together.” Every day is a learning process for EsTera, every day she gets new ideas. The one closest to her heart is to grow her business into a nonprofit organization to help people who have no home. As someone who gives wholeheartedly to the community in numerous ways, there’s no doubt EsTera will make this dream, too, a reality.

To learn more about EsTera Wilson, visit EsTeraSuperiorRealty.com, call 708-307-9103 or email EsTera@EsTeraSuperiorRealty.com. You can also check out her website at gordhonor.com. http://

www.

3 Team Building Exercises to Revitalize Momentum in the Office A positive team dynamic can transform an average office into a powerhouse lineup. Likewise, a healthy in-office atmosphere translates to boosted productivity, while clients sense an environment brimming with positivity and support. Just as professional self-development is an essential ingredient to a dynamic career, the development of a team is indispensable to long-term growth and success. So, how do you create a platform for office Top Agent Magazine

members to combine their energies and talents for the better? For starters, add these team-building exercises to your repertoire to inspire natural comradery and momentum in your workplace.

Dream Big, Together If team members arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t challenged, productivity stagnates and the office loses steam. The same can

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If team members aren’t challenged, productivity stagnates and the office loses steam. The same can happen if employees don’t believe their voice is being heard or taken seriously. happen if employees don’t believe their voice is being heard or taken seriously. How should a leader compensate? To curtail negativity and bring a breath of fresh air into the office, give team members a platform to think big, no questions asked. Before your next office-wide meeting, devote a half-hour to visionary thinking. Ask each member of your team to write privately for ten minutes, considering what if scenarios regarding their current roles, career aspirations, and the office’s culture. What do they wish was different? How might things be streamlined? What skills do they wish they possessed? Encourage team members to be imaginative and wrestle with the hurdles or questions they’ve been grappling with. When time is up, split employees into smaller breakout groups and allow them to share their thoughts with one another. Not only will this ignite thoughtful discussion, but it will also allow team members the chance to brainstorm creatively, while articulating their ideas and visions for the road ahead.

Lend a Hand If in-office team-building activities aren’t your style, consider service-oriented excursions that bring office staff together and benefit a worthy cause. In the real estate field, there are countless housing-related organizations to which your office can donate their time and energies. For instance, Habitat for a Humanity constructs homes for those in need using amateur volunteers, while there are nationwide projects that support housing relief for military veterans. The scope of your service commitment can also vary—from a dedicated day hammering away at a new home, 22

to sponsoring a golf tournament benefitting area organizations. Either way, service projects unite your team’s energies, afford employees a refreshing change of pace, and positively impact your community.

When All Else Fails, Keep it Light Sometimes team members need to blow off steam to avoid office burnout. One way to combat low energy is bring team members together for a lighthearted game. Try office-themed trivia: come up with thirty trivia questions based on your office, then divide team members into competing groups. Encourage groups to think up team names, and organize trivia questions into themed categories. Remember to award fun prizes to create a light incentive. A healthy sense of competition revolving around silly subject matter can get team members loosened up and working together. Concoct questions of moderate difficulty that speak to people’s common ground. For instance, how many tiles are in the office kitchen? Or, how many doors can be found in the office? These questions are light and won’t create any real tension, but will allow a reframing of a stuffy office into a collective home base. Plus, it’ll keep your next holiday party lively. Team-building is an important form of routine maintenance, whose benefits shouldn’t be overlooked. Whatever activity you land on, the overarching idea is to nudge team members beyond their comfortable routines and come together in a new way. At the end of the day, you’ll boost your business, office morale, and colleagues in the process.

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MOHAMMED IFTIKHAR Top Agent Mohammed Iftikhar of HomeTown Real Estate in Chicago, Illinois is that rare agent who can truly help his clients evaluate a property prior to purchase. A seasoned general contractor, his clients are in good hands when it comes to providing the the with the market value of properties.

a home. Home is a very important part of everyone’s life, and when someone appreciates you because you’ve gotten them a great deal and a great home, that’s what I like.”

“I got started in the business right out of high school, back in 1995,” says Mohammed. “I started working for my uncle, who was a general contractor. I never looked back.” Since then, he has been developing a reputation as a Realtor who provides his many grateful clients with the very best in customer service. “Being a general contractor and having that knowledge means that I know what it takes to rehab a property. I have a vision that most other Realtors don’t have. I can anticipate some of the issues that night arise in a deal, which I’m able to show before we get into contract, which gives my clients the ease to go forward with the deal.”

As for the future, Mohammed has plans to continue building his award-winning career: “I want to get more into development,” he says, “where I’m able to provide housing for the lower and middle income families. Because that’s what I’ve already started to do currently, rehab single family homes mostly, so I want to continue growth on that part.” He would also like to achieve recognition as being among the top 1% of Realtors in Chicago, something he is well on his way to doing.

Almost all of Mohammed’s business is based on repeat clients and referrals. “I keep getting them great deals,” he says by way of explanation. “And I’ve worked with several investors who are ready and hungry for more of the deals that I find. I also get a lot of referrals from friends and family.”

For Mohammed, giving back to his community is important, and to that end he sponsors local mosques, community events, local firefighters, the sheriff department and sports leagues. “We do things like expos and family fun night affairs. I sponsor a lot of those community events that raise funds for charities.”

“I believe buying a home is one of the biggest investments a person can make, and choosing the right Realtor should be their priority,” says Mohammed.

With a perfect five-star rating on Zillow.com, the gratitude Mohammed’s clients feel for him is obvious. One of his clients said, “Mohammed Iftikhar is very aware of the market, he has been doing this for a very long time. It was great collaborating with him in finding a new home. We were first-time buyers and he made this process very easy and simple and explained everything in detail. He was not pushy and understood our needs completely and showed us properties that matched our range. He is very smart, reliable, efficient and one can depend on him completely. Great guy with great skills.” Staying in touch with his past clients is of vital importance to Mohammed, and to that end he makes sure to communicate with them through various means, including phone calls, emails and the occasional get-together. “We try to get together through community events,” he says. “Also, once a year I have a client appreciation night, where we all meet and have a good time.” When asked what he likes most about his job, Mohammed pauses for a moment before answering, “I enjoy saving people money, and making them money. I like that I can sleep with ease because people appreciate the hard work I’ve done to get them Top Agent Magazine

For more information about MOHAMMED IFTIKHAR, please call 773 - 317 - 6200 or email im_mgmt@yahoo.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 23

BRYAN KASPRISIN Bryan Kasprisin jokes around when asked why his clients have been so loyal to him over his nearly three decades in real estate. “I ask myself that all the time!” he says with a laugh, noting that while client likely remember him for his corny jokes, he does see some patterns in their accolades. “A lot of what I find when I look through notes is that people say, ‘You made it easy and you didn’t make me feel like I was being sold,’” he says. “And that’s how I would want if I were in their shoes.” Describing himself as a straight shooter, Bryan tells it like it is in every relationship with a buyer or seller. “If I think it’s a really good deal, I’ll tell them; they feel at ease because they know that if I say it, I really mean it.” As General Manager and Managing Broker of Re/Max Ultimate Professionals in the Greater Chicagoland area, Bryan and his agents represent buyers and sellers across Will County communities such as Plainfield and Joliet, as well as Grundy and Kendall counties. Although managing a large number of agents, Bryan primarily works independently on his own transactions. “My daughter is also joining the business, helping me with the tech side of things,” he says. He enjoys mentoring her.

of the Joliet region and March of Dimes of Northern Illinois. “I pitch in where needed, whether coaching baseball teams or working with the school board to secure financing for fields,” he says. It’s a pleasure for him to leverage his longstanding networks to help get thigs done for the community. Distinguished by his open communication and willingness to work with people before and after they hire him for the purchase or sale of a home, Bryan welcomes opportunities to help others, whether they hire him or not. It’s Bryan’s goal to help as many people as he can through his knowledge. After all, this line of work has allowed him not only personal and professional success but has afforded him the luxury of focusing on the most important things in life – family time and recreation. The future, he says, promises greater immersion in real estate technology plus opportunities to learn from the younger generation. “I’m taking a lesson from my daughter on how the new generation engages and communicates,” he says. Always giving back, Bryan is also continuing to help his agents grow while managing a third office of the brokerage and mentoring other professionals in the industry he loves.

Part of that mentoring involves modeling excellent service. “On listings, the first thing we do is set realistic expectations regarding not only to price but what they can expect of me and what their level of motivation is,” says Bryan. After establishing the price, marketing begins, incorporating advance preparations to get the home ready. “I sell enough properties that I have a feel for what buyers want and I’m a big believer in not spending too much on improvements.” Unless it’s broken or dangerous, Bryan generally won’t advise a change. Decluttering is most important, so that the home can shine in professional photography. “Professional pictures will make or break your marketing.” He then “shakes trees” and implements what he refers to as “blue collar real estate” to find buyers, all while keeping his clients engaged the entire time. Bryan makes himself readily available to his clients, staying in touch during and after every transaction. “I’m on the phone constantly and I’m also active in the community,” says Bryan, who becomes close friends with many clients. He is even incorporating video emails and video texting into his ongoing communication and is seeing great response from that effort. Meanwhile, he is visible as a longtime community member who never misses his kids’ sporting events and has served in fundraising and leadership capacities for schools and nonprofits such as Easter Seals 24

To learn more about Bryan Kasprisin, visit bryanksellshomes.com or on Facebook, email bkrealtor@aol.com or call 815.791.2357 www.

Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts. As a real estate agent or a loan officer, how do you stand apart from the noise? What’s more, how do you stay relevant in a digital landscape that’s constantly changing? For starters, there are a few timeless techniques you can apply to up your skillset when it comes email and digital communication: asking questions that Top Agent Magazine

inspire conversation, politeness, and following up regularly—to name a few. Likewise, there are surely new tricks you can add to your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s outline a few ways you can refine and update your email etiquette to compete in today’s virtual marketplace.

Make your subject line count Too often, we labor over the content of our emails without giving much thought to subject lines.

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Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. However, these little headlines can go a long way in luring the consumer to open your email and ultimately click through to your website in search for your services. An enticing subject line should be short and sweet, ideally less than fifty characters. You might also include the name of the recipient, and be up front (though concise) about the subject matter of your message. Remember: the first thing a client will see is your name and subject line—be sure to make this prime real estate shine.

Think mobile Research tells us that 79% of Americans check their phones within fifteen minutes of waking up. In fact, much of modern day correspondence occurs by smartphone. Accordingly, you’ll want to account for email readability on a mobile phone. For instance, incorporating paragraph breaks for each new thought allows information to be parceled out in a palatable way for readers utilizing small screens. Also, any sort of graphic flair or links within your email should be shortened and streamlined for mobile consumption. Send yourself an email every now and again and access it from your phone—you’ll be able to double-check that all the elements of your emails are working well on a mobile platform.

Incorporate email tools There are excellent tools out there to enhance your email experience. With just a quick download, 26

you can add spellcheck, a URL address shortening feature, or a delay option that holds emails for thirty seconds before they’re sent. Think about the possibilities! Haven’t you sent an email without including the attachment you intended, or realizing you sent correspondence to the wrong client? If that’s the case, a delay feature can help you save face and build in a window for error— just in case. Regardless of which tools speak to your email habits, there are plenty of add-ons out there that can revamp your digital correspondence style.

Use email to maximize your online presence These days, there are plenty of ways to communicate—email, text, phone, apps, and social media. When you interact through email, consider it an opportunity to invite your client to follow you elsewhere online. Ensure that your email signature includes unobtrusive, streamlined links to your social media accounts, professional website, or review page. This will build in an opportunity for clients to engage with your brand, and you may even add an online follower for the long term. Though email is no longer a new-fangled invention, there are certainly ways you can modernize its use and take advantage of its ubiquity. Keep these approaches in mind as you reenergize your email technique and fortify your communication in the digital era.

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ROCIO MENA Rocio Mena grew up around the real estate industry, and had long been intrigued by it. Four years ago, she finally made the leap into what is now her passion. “My uncle was a contractor and would renovate and flip homes. I was always just so fascinated by the transformations and I loved seeing the buyer’s happiness. When I purchased my own home, that’s when I really became interested in becoming a Realtor®. I knew I wanted to help people achieve the American Dream of homeownership, so I got my license and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.” Rocio is a top producing agent and primarily serves the Northeastern suburbs of Chicago and Lake County. After only four years, Rocio has already established a strong reputation for integrity and for providing an exceptional customer experience that has her clients not only coming back to her, but referring her to their friends and family as well. “I strongly believe in providing a full service experience and I pay attention to all of the details. I’m always trying to think of everything a client could possibly need, including having strong relationships with vetted service providers that I can wholeheartedly recommend to my clients. I’ve built great relationships which helps make everything go even more smoothly. I also provide constant and clear communication every step of the way. Everyone involved in the transaction is informed throughout. The journey can sometimes be long and bumpy, and I think I make my clients feel comfortable by educating them in advance and constantly keeping them in the loop.”

Rocio is actively involved in her community and is always looking for more ways to give back. One of her passions is helping others. She just started on a project she hopes to continue annually. A volunteering and donating project that benefits a local shelter. When she isn’t working, Rocio enjoys relaxing, watching movies and spending time with friends and families, You can also find here enjoying museums and restaurants, and all wonderful amenities the city has to offer. Rocio is excited to continue her growth, both professionally and personally, and would like to form a team in the near future, in order to bring her high level of service to even more people. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to help my clients achieve their real estate dreams. I am so touched by all of the wonderful messages and reviews I receive, it really lets me know that I’m making a positive impact on people’s lives. I love what I do. It’s a very rewarding career.”

Rocio feels truly blessed by the strong relationships she has built and maintained over the course of her career, and goes to great length to maintain those connections, not just as former clients, but as valued friends. Another area in which Rocio truly excels is when it comes to marketing her listings. She takes a comprehensive approach ensuring her listings get maximum exposure and sell for top dollar. “I do a lot of marketing on social media, but I still like old school techniques like print media and open houses. I’m a Certified Staging Consultant so I really take a hands on approach when it comes to getting the home show ready. I do everything I can from top to bottom and my clients appreciate that effort.” Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about

ROCIO MENA call 224 - 489 - 4046 or email mrociomena1@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 27

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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