ILLINOIS 5-15-23

ILLINOIS EDITION

6 Ways to

GET YOUR CLIENT TO TRUST YOU

Is Finding a NICHE MARKET Right for You?

INCORPORATING CHARITABLE GIVING IN YOUR REAL ESTATE PRACTICE Is Starting a Team

THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY COVER STORY

FEATURED AGENTS

ANA SANDOVAL AARON SHARE GIA DEVENYI NICOLE FLORES PRADEEP SINGH SLAWEK RACHMACIEJ

EMI MORALES

Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com

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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 Top Agent Magazine

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 Top Agent Magazine

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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Incorporating Charitable Giving in Your Real Estate Practice

As real estate professionals, taking part in the community and serving others is central to a long-lasting practice. After all, agents are in the business of homeownership, building a financial future, and helping their clients begin new and fruitful chapters. With that in 6

mind, how might an agent deliver that spirit of service in a broader sphere?

The truth is, charitable giving offers nothing but upsides. Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it

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Contributing to a worthy cause is a noble and meaningful endeavor, but it also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network.

also presents positive byproducts for the giver: tax write-offs, name recognition in the community, and the ability to expand your network. If charitable giving is an idea you’ve toyed with, or a practice you’ve engaged in only now and again, here are a few ways to make it a foundational element of your business and a win-win for all.

Find causes that speak to you.

Donating funds or resources can feel anonymous if you’re divorced from the organization you’re working with. While national and international charitable organizations are certainly effective and worthwhile, you might consider partnering with local chapters of those organizations, or identifying hyper-local organizations that address need in your state, county, town, or even your own neighborhood. The first step to establishing a charitable relationship is to find a cause that you genuinely care about. For many, animal rescue is a tangible cause where resources and volunteership are always welcome. For others, children’s health and advocacy is a calling. Regardless Top Agent Magazine

of your personal passion, participation can be big or small. From sponsoring a local youth sports league to partnering with an area animal shelter for their annual spay-athon event—there are all sorts of ways to make a difference.

Unite your team for the common good.

One way to make charitable giving a staple is to do it in arm and arm with others. Supporting a local cause is a great way to bring your team together in a unifying capacity. Hosting coat drives in winter, blanket drives for local animal shelters, or backpack drives for needy students at the start of the new school year— all are straightforward and highly useful, direct ways to give to your community as a team. It’s also important to set collective goals as a way of keeping people motivated and accountable over time. Offices are productive, but often hectic spaces.

Injecting a collective goal with a positive, tangible result can create an ambiance of goodwill and generosity—both of which are worthwhile attributes to cultivate as

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the leader of your team. Lastly, consider timely giving as a way of connecting your team to their community. Natural disasters, local fundraising drives, and improvement funds are all direct ways your team can contribute, while they themselves reap the benefit in the community.

Include clients in the process.

You’ve likely heard of charitable donations made in the name of your client as an alternative to the classic closing gift, but there are a few ways you might update this method of giving. For starters, consider including your clients in the selection process. Do they have a special cause that’s close to their hearts? Likewise, you might

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consider making regular, consistent giving a part of your routine post-closing. Instead of following up with your yearly poinsettia plant or pumpkin, you might find a cause in their neighborhood or township that you can support in their name. It’s wise to choose something apolitical, but a cause that’s hyperlocal to their area demonstrates unique thoughtfulness.

There are plenty of ways in which society as a whole can benefit from charitable causes that build goodwill in the world, support those less fortunate, and bolster a positive future. Incorporating charitable giving in your business model is a generous way to make this mentality a central tenet of your team and a defining characteristic for your clients to remember.

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EMI MORALES

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Emi Morales’ law firm, Cohen, Donahue, and Morales, offers proven criminal defense and real estate attorneys serving Northern Illinois.

For Emi Morales, an interest in the law began early on and soon became a passion. She’s always loved helping people, and an uncle who was an attorney provided a role model that showed her the way forward. “I admired my uncle and the way he was able to help others and 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

the community,” Emi recalls. “I was intrigued by the endless possibilities of helping people and being involved. I just knew that was what I wanted to do, and it was a calling. I tell my kids that if I won the lottery, I’d still work! I love what I do.”

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Emi’s focus on real estate law stems from a desire to help clients accomplish major life goals. “In real estate law, you get to help people achieve the American dream,” Emi says. “For many people it’s the biggest purchase they’ll ever make, and I love solving problems and figuring out how to make everything work.”

Building strong relationships with clients comes naturally for Emi. “I love

talking to people and becoming part of their story,” she says. “We become a part of their family. Our clients connect to us for everything they need. It’s really like we’ve made a friend for life with them. We’ve gained their trust and confidence, and they will keep coming back.”

Emi and her team also like to focus on providing valuable information to the REALTORS® they work with.

“In real estate law, you get to help people achieve the American dream,” Emi says. “For many people it’s the biggest purchase they’ll ever make, and I love solving problems and figuring out how to make everything work.”

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“It’s very important for us to always network and make a commitment to REALTORS®,” Emi explains.

“We provide continuing education such as Lunch and Learns and seminars for brokerages to keep agents updated. We like to help them stay ahead of the curve.”

“It’s very important for us to always network and make a commitment to REALTORS®,” Emi explains. “We provide continuing education such as Lunch and Learns and seminars for brokerages to keep agents updated on everything from 1031s and articles of agreement to market developments.

We like to help them stay ahead of the curve.”

Giving back to her community is a top priority for Emi. In addition to sitting on the housing authority for her county, she also volunteers at local events and works with several nonprofits. “I’m Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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a product of my community, and I’m very thankful for the people I’ve met along the way who have helped me be where I am today,” she says. “It’s so important to me that I give back to my community, and I’m so happy that my firm, Cohen, Donahue, and Morales, are committed to giving back as well.

We’re here to make this a better community for everyone.”

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In the future, Emi looks forward to doing more work in commercial, as well as continuing to grow. More than anything, Emi wants to continue being of service to her clients. Her love of people shines through in everything she does. “I love getting to know people and bringing the whole group together at the closing table,” she says. “It’s a great feeling to be able to close the deal and make everyone happy.”

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To find out more about Emi Morales, you can reach her at (847) 695-2886 or emi@cdslawgroup.com.

You can find her online at northernillinoislegalteam.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.

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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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ANA SANDOVAL Top Agent Magazine

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ANA SANDOVAL

Growing up in Mexico with a father who invested in land gave REALTOR® Ana Sandoval an early glimpse into what a career in real estate would be like. She was always interested in becoming a REALTOR®, but chose to work in other types of sales for eleven years before finally getting her real estate license in 2014. Always a go-getter, Ana started making more real estate sales working part-time than the full-time agents at her office. When she finally went fulltime, it was clear by her success that real estate was her calling.

REO properties, and more. Around 75% of Ana’s business finds her through referrals, or return to work with her after having a great experience. Whether she’s working with a first-time home buyer or an experienced investor, she always makes sure to succeed their expectations. “After being a sales person for so long, I’ve learned how

Today, Ana works as an independent agent in Chicago, Illinois, serving home buyers, sellers, and investors across the city. She has expertise in short sales, investment properties, rehab loans, land, commercial, 18

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not to act like one,” she says. “I’m here to provide help and make sure that my clients have a smooth experience and are set up with everything they need after the closing.”

Highly resourceful, Ana loves to experiment with her marketing to make it stand out from the crowd. In addition to having professional photography for her listings, she conducts extensive research to determine the best way to showcase a property. For example, she frequently uses Matterport 3D walkthrough technology and creates videos in English and Spanish to reach more people.

Being bilingual also opens up Ana’s access to a wide community of Spanish speakers across the globe. She has clients in countries like Ecuador, Venezuela, and Spain and hopes to be able to travel in the near future to visit them in person. In her spare time, Ana is involved in the International Society of Female Professionals, which is a network of professional women who look out for each other and share resources.

To no surprise, Ana’s business keeps expanding every year. In 2022, she completed 44 transactions on her own. Drawing from her experience of selling residential, rental, and commercial properties, she hopes to one day open her own brokerage. Having a team of people to support her business is a key component of her five-year plan for growth. “I see clients as people, not as a dollar deal,” she says. “When I open my own brokerage, it will be with like-minded agents who will go above and beyond for our clients, just like I do.”

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To learn more about Ana Sandoval, please call 312-929-6651 or email ana.realestate.il@gmail.com

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Uncommon Contact:

Connecting with Clientele Through Social Media Social media is one of the newest and most powerful tools in an agent or mortgage professional’s arsenal. With just a few keystrokes, you can stay top-of-mind with buyers, sellers, and borrowers near and far, past and present. The key is knowing how to use these mediums to your advantage, working smarter instead of harder to keep the thread of professional relationships intact. With that in mind, here are a few ways you can maximize the pull and power of social media by shifting just a few of your ideas and practices for the better.

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Not everything has to be about business.

While your relationship with a client or fellow vendor began over the course of business, your relationship going forward doesn’t have to be limited. One of the great things about social media is that’s it’s social. Not every comment, post, or communication has to revolve around your business, its metrics, or turning a sale. In fact, you should do your best to branch out and curate a brand and online identity that’s about who you are and

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the lifestyle you’re authentically interested in living. In that vein, consider interacting with clients in an organically-driven way, encouraging them during life’s milestones, reaching out with a local event, restaurant, or news item that’s relevant to their interests or neighborhood. The goal is to be a persistent presence in their lives without feeling like a talking head. Engage as you would like to be engaged with, as a human being with interests and needs and boundaries. Keep that personal thread in mind and your dynamic will shift from past business contact to present resource.

Expand your medium.

Many Realtors are comfortable on Facebook as an interactive meeting to connect with clients, but there are several other mediums where you can connect with clients both past and present, as well as future. Particularly when courting Millennial clientele, the fastest-growing segment of the buying market, a presence on Instagram and Snapchat are key to finding new faces, demonstrating hot properties, and creating an interactive brand as an agent. Not only does this help when you’re listing a property and seeking potential buyers, but it also serves as a perusable portfolio of your work and real estate prowess. You can also use these mediums to interact with clients on an outlet they might feel most comfortable in. Liking pictures, commenting, streaming Instagram Live home tours and Stories are all ways you can build engagement by simply spreading your social media presence around. Likewise, 22

these photo and video driven mediums are popular for home design ideas, and before and after renovation pictures. When you expand from Facebook into these new platforms, you’ll already have plenty of visual content ready to be transferred and consumed by an expanded audience.

Don’t just react.

Create your own content.

It’s easy enough to post a link to a new listing, or retweet a helpful article on real estate news. Creating your own organic content is a different story, but worth its weight in gold when it comes to luring engagement, ranking higher in search fields, and overall crafting an interactive presence for yourself and your business online—which is where more than 90% of homebuyers and sellers begin their process. Creating your own content can seem risky, or else like no one is listening in a digital world already crowded with information. However, original content is sure to boost personal engagement with your social media pages, guaranteed.

Instead of recycling content, consider posting a video with a Q+A theme for first-time homebuyers, or perhaps posting a live tour of a new listing will perk up your clientele surfing at home.

No matter how you decide to expand your social media presence when it comes to interacting with clients, consistency is key.

Find the ways that work best for you and stick to them, and you’ll watch your audience and business grow in tandem.

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AARON SHARE Aaron Share has made a name for himself in the Chicago and North Shore real estate market. Back in college, he took up a part-time job at a property management company, leasing properties to students.

Little did he know that this experience would ignite a spark that would eventually lead him to his dream career. Fast forward to today, and he has built a reputation as one of the most trusted and reliable real estate agents in the area.

What sets Aaron apart is his commitment to personalized service, which is why he mostly operates solo. He wants to make sure that each of his clients receives individual attention, tailored to their unique needs. Aaron’s success is not just measured by the number of properties he’s sold, but by the loyal customer base he’s built over the years. His clients trust him to deliver exceptional results every time, and he’s never failed to meet their expectations.

By focusing on truly understanding each client and their goals, Aaron’s business is now largely referral-based.

“It’s really important to lay the groundwork and get to know my clients,” Aaron says. “I want to learn what their goals and best interests are, so that I can serve them in the best way possible.” When it comes to his buyers, Aaron takes a holistic approach, helping them navigate the often overwhelming process of finding the perfect home. His own experience of moving from the city to the suburbs gives him a unique perspective that allows him to advise young families on everything from education for their children to social activities in the area.

Sellers also appreciate Aaron’s attention to detail and willingness to take the time to properly prepare their home for sale. He understands that the first impression is crucial and strives to present the property in the best possible light. It’s this commitment to quality over

quantity that has grown his business to great heights.

In today’s real estate market, Aaron is no stranger to adapting his marketing strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

“I’m very particular on how things present,” he says, emphasizing the importance of staging, decluttering, and cleaning to make a property as attractive as possible. Aaron goes the extra mile, opting for high-quality photography, floor plans, and marketing materials from top-notch professionals to ensure a strong online presence for his listings.

Once the carefully curated visuals and information are uploaded to the MLS, they automatically populate on various other sites.

When Aaron isn’t working, he’s staying active in the community through the Glenview Chamber of Commerce. He is also a sponsor of the Glenview Education Foundation. “I coach baseball, and I’m part of a group called LVOG (League of Very Ordinary Gentlemen),” he explains. “It started as a pick up game of softball with friends, and now we have over 100 members, and we provide scholarships to kids in need to play baseball. We’re a full-fledged charity now and doing some great things in the community.”

Looking ahead, Aaron sees his business growing over the next ten years. “I’ve been slowly transitioning from the city to the suburbs,” he says. “I want to keep expanding, but mainly I want to make sure I’m happy, positive and doing good things.” He plans to continue providing a holistic experience for his clients, no matter where his business leads, as it’s what he truly values. “Being a good broker is about being proactive and making the transaction as smooth as possible.”

For more about Aaron Share, please call 773-710-9932 or email aaron.share@compass.com

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GIA DEVENYI With a commitment to helping clients achieve their real estate goals, REALTOR® Gia Devenyi has built an impressive business over the past 17 years. She got her license when she was just 22, after seeing her dad’s success as a property investor. While the timing to start a team in 2020 wasn’t ideal, the idea to grow her business was. Currently working with three other agents, Rachel Kitay, Nora Hennessy, and Rakshat (Roc) Singh Mohil, Gia serves the Chicagoland area with exceptional customer service, a strong work ethic, and an emphasis on personalized attention and care for every client.

Close to 95% of Gia’s business is referral-based, with the majority coming from past clients and family friends. She not only acts as a hands-on guide throughout the real estate process, but she makes time to celebrate her clients with special appreciation events. For her annual Cinco de Mayo event, “Yoga and Margaritas,” Gia rents out a yoga studio and invites clients to take a class and enjoy margaritas and tacos afterwards. At the end of every year, she also does a Zillow review contest and offers free market reviews for clients. “It’s these small, fun things that clients really love and that help us build a lasting relationship,” she says. Many of Gia’s clients organically develop into friendships over time.

When it comes to marketing her listings, @properties, which was recently acquired by Christie’s International Real Estate, has Gia’s back. Their stateof-the-art press and marketing team uses the latest technology and resources to ensure listings reach the right clientele. On a more personal level, Gia is very active on her Instagram @Gia_Chicago_ as well as TikTok. She also frequently does Facebook ads and 24

mailers to get the word out in every way possible.

Gia is very big on supporting local and has a lot of friends and clients who own small businesses. As she resides in Avondale, she is an avid supporter of their shops and restaurants. She’s also a member of the Lincoln Park Tennis Association and the Zen Yoga Garage in Bucktown. Every year, Gia’s team hosts a 5K for the organization, Believe in Blake, which raises money for the family of Gia’s friend who lost their son to cancer. “It’s our fourth year hosting this event and it’s very close to my heart,” she says.

Last year, Gia completed $13 million in sales volume by herself. Her goal for 2023 is to hit $30-35 million with her team. Looking ahead, she plans to add a few more agents who will be in sync with her current team members. “We’re looking to build a hardworking team that really supports each other. Together, we’ll keep turning our clients’ dreams into a reality.”

Contact Gia Devenyi at 773-569-7049, email Giad@atproperties.com, visit giasellschicago.com, or follow her on Instagram @Gia_Chicago_ or facebook.com/giasellschicago www.

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4 Qualities of Exceptional Employees Hiring a new employee is one of the more stressful parts of being a business owner. After all, you’re taking someone on and trusting that they’ll not only be a valuable addition to the team, but won’t do anything to hurt your business’s hard earned reputation.

Sometimes a person comes in and you click right away, and other times you might be blown away by an impressive resume. But there are things you should look for that might not be as obvious at first. Employees that have the following qualities are ones you should seek out, because they will definitely be well worth the time and energy you invest in them.

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1. They have the confidence to be innovative There’s a reason people are drawn to those who think outside the box. Not only do innovations often lead to an extremely profitable business, even when that thinking doesn’t pan out, creative thinking is something that will energize your business and will motivate more employees to start taking chances.

Innovative thinkers also usually have great leadership skills. Ironically, you want an employee who isn’t afraid to speak up to authority and is someone who knows how to bend the rules without breaking them. They know that

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the success of the team and business is what’s most important, as long as it’s done ethically and with respect for everyone involved.

2. They are constantly reviewing their past performance A good employee looks forward, but they also look back. They are always evaluating what worked and what didn’t work in past performances and then adjusting their plans going forward accordingly. If they are coming off a big win, they know how to capitalize on that by using the momentum and cementing in everyone’s minds the value that they add to the team.

If things didn’t go as planned, they assess what they can do better next time, and they don’t get bogged down in insecurity. They take responsibility and they have confidence that they won’t repeat past mistakes. They know that failure is a temporary state, and are able to learn lessons from their mistakes, that will make them a better employee going forward.

While no one wants to fail, having the confidence to try something and fail will one day let you strike gold. Someone who lets failure shut them down, leads to a dead end and will soon make them a dead weight on your team.

3. They value teamwork Even though an exceptional employee might be a rising star, they realize that success is 26

not an individual endeavor, it relies strongly on who you’re working with. Exceptional employees make sure that everyone is contributing and valued for their input. They put the interests of the company above their own, and thrive in an environment where ideas and information are shared freely.

Shared success is the ultimate goal for every project. Exceptional employees have the confidence to know that even when they’re not singled out for praise, they’re an irreplaceable component of a larger machine.

4. They are self-motivated learners A key thing to remember is that while experience is a valuable commodity, intelligence and intellectual curiosity is usually something that can’t be taught. Yes, you might request employees get additional training or attend seminars, but exceptional employees will be seeking out educational opportunities constantly. Even if they don’t have a lot of money for weekend retreats, they will be getting books from the library, downloading audiobooks, and most importantly, taking advantage of one their greatest resources, YOU. Exceptional employees know that the way to stay ahead is to always be at the forefront of new technology and systems. They don’t see educating themselves as a burden, they actually enjoy it. They realize that everything they take in, will one day make them not only an exceptional employee, but an exceptional boss as well.

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NICOLE FLORES In the past 17 years of working in real estate, REALTOR® Nicole Flores has established her reputation as a hardworking and knowledgeable real estate professional helping clients navigate all types of situations— residential, investments, relocation, foreclosures and short sales.

Her interest in the industry began when she was in her early twenties investing in property with her husband, who is her high school sweetheart. It quickly became apparent that not only could Nicole do a better job as their REALTOR®, but that her gift for communication would make her a great guide for other people. Licensed in 2005, she has since built a team of nine talented agents and two assistants serving her hometown of Chicago. After achieving her biggest year ever last year, Nicole is poised for more growth in 2023 and years to come!

Whether she’s working on a $25,000 or a million-dollar listing, every person Nicole works with receives her absolute best when it comes to care, marketing, and an overall smooth experience. She represents clients throughout the city and suburbs, specializing in properties on the Northwest side of the city. In 2022, Nicole was named the neighborhood Top Producing Agent for Edgebrook, Sauganash, Wildwood, and Forest Glen.

“My number one goal is to help my clients achieve their goals,” she says. Nicole is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that every one of her clients is taken care of no matter where they are located. To show a property, she’ll travel to Edison Park, Norwood Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Dinning, Elmwood Park, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and more. As the leader of her team, Nicole takes full responsibility in mentoring newer agents to uphold the same high levels of service that she has become known for.

When it comes to marketing, Nicole prides herself on creating innovative strategies that begin with organizing and staging every property. She regularly publishes listings on social media, does print ads, and creates Top Agent Magazine

eye-catching digital ads. Her customized campaigns are highly effective in both selling properties as well as bolstering her team’s reputation around the city.

For her clients, she frequently pops by to say hi and often sends little notes in the mail. Her one big annual event is an appreciation party around Thanksgiving.

She asks, “What could be a better time of year to express my gratitude and love for all who support me?”

Nicole cares deeply for her community and is active in supporting her local Edgebrook school as well as giving back to worthy organizations. For the past 15 years, she has hosted an annual coat drive for the New Hope Food Pantry as a tangible way of helping those less fortunate get through the cold winters in Chicago. She is a proud sponsor and volunteer with the Danny Did Foundation. She also supports the Henry Schueler 41 & 9 Foundation.

Last year, Nicole closed $28 million in sales, a number that she plans to surpass in 2023. Most important, though, is that her team is on the same page with her in doing real estate for the right reasons. “I love what I do and I’m blessed to be able to do it in an authentic way.

I just want to do a good job for my clients.”

To learn more about Nicole Flores please call 773-816-9264, email nicole.flores@dreamtown.com, or visit nicolefloresrealtor.com www.

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PRADEEP SINGH Meet Pradeep Singh, a real estate professional who is committed to guiding his clients through the process of buying or selling a property and building lasting relationships. Pradeep’s real estate journey began with a positive experience as a client, and he has since made it his mission to help others in the same way.

Pradeep’s professionalism, communication skills, and dedication to his clients have made him a go-to real estate agent in the northwest and southwest Chicagoland area. His impressive 80% repeat and referral rate is a testament to the trust and confidence he inspires in his clients, and his accessibility and communication skills set him apart.

Pradeep takes the time to understand his clients’ needs and customize his service to fit their unique requirements. As a native speaker of Punjabi and Hindi, he can communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds, making them feel comfortable and understood.

Pradeep, a dedicated real estate agent, is making waves in his community through his active involvement in various community events. In addition to his professional work, Pradeep sponsors sports and cultural activities clubs and is an esteemed member of a local Sikh temple. But it’s not all work for Pradeep, as he also knows how to enjoy his leisure time. When he’s not busy with his real estate endeavors, Pradeep can be found exploring the vibrant city of Chicago and its surrounding areas, indulging in long walks, playing tennis, and keeping up with the latest developments in the crypto world. Family is also a top priority for Pradeep, as he loves spending quality time with his beautiful wife, Sharon, and their two sons. Pradeep and

his family often venture out to explore the diverse culinary scene of Chicago, as well as the natural beauty and all that the Chicago land has to offer. Pradeep truly embodies the spirit of an active and engaged community member, both in his professional and personal life.

Looking to the future, Pradeep is passionate about growing his business and becoming a top agent in his community.

He loves serving his clients and helping them achieve their goals, and he is committed to providing value and consistent improvement.

If you’re looking for a real estate professional who will guide you through the process and build a lasting relationship, look no further than Pradeep Singh. With his expertise, communication skills, and dedication to his clients, he will help you make the biggest financial decision of your life and ensure that you’re happy with the outcome.

Contact Pradeep Singh at 847-322-5832, email ishowhomes@yahoo.com, or visit him online at pradeepsinghrealtor.com www.

Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Is Starting a Team the Right Solution for your Business?

You’ve started your own real estate business and after a slow start, you’ve found your footing and business has really taken off. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Until maybe you’re getting more business than you can handle. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice service for more listings. The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in Top Agent Magazine

business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that. But, at the same down, you don’t want to turn down business either. It’s at this point, a lot of Realtors® consider starting a team. But, how do you know if that’s the right call for you? Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself to help make your decision.

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The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that.

CAN YOU AFFORD IT? First things first, are you really making enough money to warrant hiring help? One of the key things to think about is your ability to generate leads. Are you so busy with your existing contracts, that you have no spare time to generate more business? Then, it might be time to consider your options. Figure out the time you’ll be afforded to generate more business, how many more transactions that will lead

to, and then see if that pays for the assistant’s wages. That should help you easily see if it’s worth the investment. If it’s on the border, you may still want to go for it if you have a lot of confidence in the market and your ability to bring in business. If you’re not quite there yet though, it might be a good idea to look into a virtual assistant until your business is ready to expand.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A TEAM LEADER? Or in other words, how comfortable are you delegating tasks and responsibilities? For some agents, they need to be actively involved in every step of the process. Being a team leader is not only about being able to delegate, it’s about mentoring and guiding your team as well. Not only do you have to help them serve the team

better, you need to look at yourself honestly too, constantly evaluating what you can do better. It’s also your job to set up systems and operations, that are constantly refined with the feedback of your team members. Clear and constant communication is key with your clients as well as your team.

CAN YOU FIND PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR VISION? Of course, the above two points are moot, if you’re unable to find people that you trust and that share your business’ philosophy. Having a supportive and professional team culture is instrumental in a team’s success. These are people you will be working with closely for long hours so you not only need to trust in their expertise and professionalism, you want to find people with a positive attitude. You will all be relying on each other to create seamless trans30

actions in sometimes stressful circumstances.

Having the right team spirit, so to speak, is what will help your business and team grow.

The ultimate goal of a team is to have thriving careers for everyone on board.

So, if you want to see your business grow maybe a team is right for you. It may even give you a little free time for a personal life. We can all dream, can’t we?

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SLAWEK RACHMACIEJ Slawek Rachmaciej, a former grocery manager of 14 years, found himself at a crossroads when his life changed dramatically, pushing him to seek a new career path. With encouragement from friends and the support of his mentor and managing broker, he dove headfirst into the world of real estate. Now, with five and a half years of experience under his belt, Slawek has not only conquered the challenges of language barriers and complex legalities, but he has also thrived as a real estate agent, thanks to his mentor’s unwavering guidance and Slawek’s natural talent. In a tale of resilience and reinvention, Slawek’s success in the industry is a true testament to the transformative power of mentorship and the boundless potential that lies within each of us.

Slawek’s impressive 80% repeat and referral rate reflects his dedication and care for his clients in the Greater Chicago area. As a solo agent, he treats his clients the way he would want to be treated, bringing passion and love to his work in real estate.

Slawek believes there are three major decisions in life—getting married, becoming a parent, and buying real estate—and he takes pride in being an integral part of the last. He says, “I am one who gets involved in those three majority decisions, I’m helping people build a new life and lifestyle.” This commitment to helping clients build their futures is what sets him apart as an agent.

Employing a comprehensive marketing strategy to ensure his listings get maximum exposure, Slawek’s properties sell quickly. “I place my listings on my website and all the top real estate sites like Zillow,

Trulia, Redfin, and realtor.com,” he says. Beyond that, he actively promotes his listings on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Snapchat groups created for real estate purposes. Additionally, Slawek sends out postcards to targeted zip codes multiple times, reaching out to potential buyers in the surrounding areas. Emphasizing the importance of open houses, he collaborates with agents from his office to hold these events and encourages them to share his listings on their own websites and social media platforms.

Slawek has a unique approach to staying in touch with his past clients that helps him maintain lasting relationships. He focuses on personalized, face-toface interactions. Instead of relying solely on text messages or emails, Slawek visits his clients during important events such as holidays, birthdays, or the arrival of a newborn. By dedicating his time to personally deliver small gifts and heartfelt wishes, he creates a strong bond with his clients, making a lasting impression. Slawek believes that this genuine connection is what keeps clients coming back and referring him to others.

His journey in the real estate industry demonstrates the importance of living your own dream and finding your unique path to success. He emphasizes the need to avoid comparing oneself to others and instead, focus on what makes you happy and what works best for you. By being authentic, practicing gratitude, and maintaining strong connections with clients, Slawek has been able to create a thriving real estate business that truly reflects his values and strengths.

For more information about Slawek Rachmaciej please call 847-903-2924 or email slawekexitbroker@gmail.com Top Agent Magazine

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