ILLINOIS 7-10-23 by Top Agent Magazine

ILLINOIS EDITION

FEATURED AGENTS

BRANDIE MALAY SIAVELIS BRITTANY CUMMINGS SIMON MICHAEL KANG

THINKING OF LISTING? NINE WAYS TO GET READY

6 HABITS

OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE AGENTS

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CONVERTING INTERNET LEADS TO REAL LIFE SALES

COVER STORY

KATHRYN FESTEN

ILLINOIS EDITION

BRITTANY CUMMINGS SIMON

BRANDIE MALAY SIAVELIS MICHAEL KANG With three generations of real estate in my pay grade. I do everything. If I have “It often depends on the pa If there is one word that Brandie Malay Born and raised in Chicago, Michael is 70 p Siavelis sums up it’s her real to 7estateto think of Brittany 16 to make beds, I make beds. 19If I havestates 20 hersaysblood, hard Brittany, “Sometime Kang is a well-versed realI stage es- homes. ing fr career, it is “blessed.” Fueled by a desire walk dogs, expert I walk dogs. Cummings Simon doing anything else. But conclusion that we need to be closer to family, she moved from I do everything I can to make the protate agent serving the entire Chicago with tp Los Angeles Chicago years ago with cess as seamless as possible.” Brandie with ato degree in communication and English that area. “I do a lot the on north in-levelaoflittle further, and inthem just a suitcase and $50 in her pocket, alsowithin prides herself her high fromnoMiami University, different mediums todoing sprea but wasted time pursuing her real Brittany confidentiality. “I’m“Lincoln a vault,” she adds. neroriginally city,” Michael explains. estate wanted career. She to eventually “These transactions are some of the bigcreatesettled her atown path. SheLogan start- Square, Park, West Town—we year a @properties and will soon celebrate gest ones my clients go through in their ed inanniversary broadcast andreach advertising Being a solo agentwill allow pretty far.” previously o her 20-year with journalism the comlives.He Personal informationwas is involved, pany. sales, “I’ve been able to accomplish a personal situations are involved, so it’s successful business owner but after flexibility and creativity t but the flexibility, growtha opportunilot of bucket list items because of real really important that my clients have thecorporate crash of 2008, he decided to move she can see herself buildi When ties, andsays. desire to step estate,” Brandie “It’s been goodaway from confidence in my discretion.” KATHRYN FESTEN BRANDIE MALAY BRITTANY CUMMINGS MICHAEL KANG to me.politics It has given me acalling unique perspective. As I’ve on. Michael’s a commercial bro- the ings, kept her back. Today she is dad, road. As she puts it, M SIAVELIS SIMON traveled the country and been able to experience other is both creative ker, Brandie’s pushed him in approach the direction of realand estate. company, a solo Iagent Compass utilizing her cre-marketing may comeing a time whensta I marketplaces, just feelwith so blessed and fortunate.” strategic. She tailors her marketing strategies to each “I did this on a whim,” he says. In 2014 he got life. “It’s actuall property, always aiming to showcase ativity and energy to help build herindividual brand and support and add ontheeither a showing agent a team Coldwell Hefor is m a One of those blessings was being able to participatehis in license, house in itsand best today light. Shehas emphasizes thewith importance her clients. On track for a record year, Brittany services provide me with moreexplains. face time several TV shows during her career, including HGTV’s of staging. “The house has to show as well as possiBanker that fluctuates from 18-23 agents. look like with ren top-rated to Sell” in Chicago and “Hidden she suburbs, stresses. “That’s the best marketing. How you all “Designed of Chicagoland, including the cityble,” and with would also like to continue improving photos of the hom Potential,” as well as “Property Envy” on Bravo. live CONTENTS is not how you sell. They’re two totally different the western suburbs being her specialty as it is awhere and thehave branding of her business. Brandie’s market is focused on Chicago’s North Shore, animals and that’shis journey clients and towithin go Michael started teamthat inmy2020, a and re-edit it to grewGeneva, up and resides. along she with Lake Wis.currently These areas are sought on to get from point A to point B. Their house is now two-year span, business upward OF and LISTING? re- ing, or declutteri after due to an asset in their portfolio.” 4)their6 community-oriented HABITS OF atmosphere, HIGHLY 17) scaled THINKING When Brittany is not practicing real es quired that he add positions to support the growth. living there.” excellent school systems, beautiful lakeside locations PRODUCTIVE AGENTS NINE WAYS TO GET READY With a access true topassion helping people, began take walks with her Goldendoodle, Sn and convenient downtownfor Chicago. She The future looks bright fora Brandie, whose plans His team nowshe includes co-founder, Brandon also noted that some of her favorite local businesses include expanding her business in Wisconsin and two children. She is als fully practicing real estate in 2015. As executive Brittany puts it, and time with her Banks, director director of mar- Michael is invo and establishments are Noah’s Ark pet store, Lakeside becoming licensed in21) Florida.3Yet despite the hours 14) A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TEAM BUILDING people think you be a doctor or something and travel enthusiast. Foods,“Some Sophia Steak and Valentina, amongmust “too many keting. In their first they had ablend volume of Coldwell Banker she logs in real estate,year, she loves the unique of TO CONVERTING INTERNET EXERCISES TO REVITALIZE others to count.” flexibility and constant change. “I love the million. flexibility And of the sort to help others. But until you areTheir in this busi15 million. second year—42 immerse himself because I’m a very hands-on mom. My kids playIN a lotTHE OFFICE LEADS TO REAL LIFE SALES MOMENTUM this folks year? 100 million. Michael’s continued this year. As for h ness, it’s hard to fathom thatinmany lack repWith an impressive track record of $20 million sales of sports and good I am involved in school activities, so I sucper year, Brandie’s business is driven repeat cliflexibility. though I work 24/7, because cess like is the due in that partEven his nature. “I’m honest, outside of work, resentation and are at abydisadvantage. I like I to can ents and referrals, accounting for nearly 100 percent real estate never sleeps, I also like the fact that that’s for sure. I speak the truth.” Theseno traits with his three kid people what they when of herhelp business. “I trulyget believe that the levelwant, of ser- especially day is ever the same. they It’s been like that for 21 years, are more than helpful to learn his something clients, new especially is also an avid re vice Ithink offer myit’s clients is unmatched,” she shares. “I and honestly, I feel like I still all not possible.” And with at least 50 percent consider it concierge-level service. No task is above whentheittime.” comes to construction, in which Michael your life and say of her clients coming from referrals, it’s clear BrittaPhone 310-734-1440 | Faxis310-734-1440 highly knowledgeable. “It helps as a broker if ny isTodoing justBrandie that. Her genuine compassion her968-4550, contact Malay Siavelis, please callfor (773) you know the prices,” he explains. “I tell them Looking forward mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com clients and their or goals is what places Brittany ahead of email brandie@atproperties.com howin any to manner breakwhatsoever it downwithout and prior the consent big number at the bigger. No portion of this issue may be reproduced of the publisher. Top Agent MagazineI feel like her competition. “I never put a commission check beis published by Feature Publications GA,end, Inc. Although are taken to ensure the accuracy published Top branch o and Iprecautions give them ideas of what theyofcan do materials, ty firm, fore my clients,” statesbe Brittany. “Making decision to Agent Magazine cannot held responsible for opinionsaexpressed or facts supplied by its authors. Copyright Top Agent Magazine their future. We w to manage their budget.” To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. purchase a property is a huge deal. I don’t want my cligroup. And when Published in the U.S. ents to feel pressured, and I want them to always feel It’s no surprise that his repeat and referral business themselves, they like I am in their corner.” Her wealth of knowledge 2 Top Agent Magazine growing up in a household deeply embedded in the To learn more about Michael Kang, you can reach him industry and her sales and marketing experience also

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6 Habits of Highly Productive Agents In a business that can be constant chaos, you’re constantly on the go and dealing with things as they hit you. It can be difficult to take a second and regroup. But there is a better and smarter way to work. If you take the time to create some better habits, in the end, you may end up being more productive. If you want to make better use of your time, as well as have more focus, here’s some habits that you’re going to want to pick up - all common to top-producing agents.

1. Learn how to prioritize Although it might be your instinct to get some of the boring work out of the way first, things 4

that actually generate income (or are time-sensitive!) should be the first thing you focus on when you start your day. Lists are your friend! Make a list of things you want to accomplish for the day, the week, and even the month. Always list them in the order of priority. If things get cut off when you run out of time at the end of the day, at least it’ll be the things that are not as important or time sensitive. As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list, you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as Top Agent Magazine

well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s and don’t ever waste it. As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s, and don’t ever waste it.

to accomplish it? Write it out and then incorporate that into your prioritized ‘to do’ list. You’ll be amazed at how driven you become to reach that goal when you actually write it out with clarity. And, the sense of accomplishment you get upon completing it will carry over to the next day. It’s important to remember to be specific. Once you get into the habit of meeting your goals, exceeding them won’t be far behind.

2. Remove distractions

when you need to focus This is especially hard when you’re a Realtor®. Most are constantly connected to their phones. But, unnecessary distractions can get you off schedule and make you lose your focus instantly. If you can, turn your phone off for the half hour it takes to do a task. Interruptions make everything take twice as long, especially when you take that text and then decide to check Facebook for a second. We all do it! Complete your task, then take ten minutes to respond to all texts and messages before you start up the next thing on your list. You can even schedule those ‘text backs’ into your schedule. A concentrated effort is always more effective than going back and forth between things.

3. Set daily goals This is so key. What do you want to accomplish for the day and what do you need to do

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4. Don’t make excuses There’s that old saying, “The buck stops here”. Well, take it to heart. This is your business and you are responsible for doing everything you can to make it successful. Sure, there are reasons for why you didn’t get a listing or why your business is slow, but what are you doing to change things and make them better? Successful Realtors® work harder and come up with innova-

tive ways to stand out when times are tough. They don’t look for excuses, they look for solutions.

5. Be deliberate

about everything you do When you’re making your list, it helps to have a goal in mind for even the smallest task. If you’re calling past clients to touch base, have a specific reason why you’re calling. Are you letting them know some market news? Thanking them for a referral? When you’re meeting a referral partner for lunch, have a goal in mind for what the outcome of that meeting will be as well. Yes it’s good to socialize and build relationships, but if you have a reason, make sure it isn’t put off until the final moments, when things are wrapping up. Always having a purpose in mind will also help you prioritize your list better.

6. Always look for ways to

get out of your comfort zone Yes, you are prioritizing what is most important or urgent to your business, but it’s also important to make an effort to break out

of your routine as much as you’re comfortable doing. Trying out new things or taking some time to learn about new and innovative real estate techniques and technology, can have an energizing effect on your business. Not only might they lead to things that make you more productive, but it keeps you sharp and engaged. And, ultimately keeping yourself at the top of your game is what it’s all about.

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KATHRYN FESTEN

Top Agent Kathryn Festen operates as a solo agent, serving a broad radius of the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The beauty of becoming a real estate agent is that a wide variety of professions have transferrable skills that aid in a successful real estate career. When Kathryn Festen was burnt out working for 30 years in banking as a branch manager, she was able to use her mortgage and client relations knowledge to her advantage as she made the shift into a real estate career over five years ago. “It was an easy transition,” 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Festen comments. Real estate was something she followed, and she jumped at the opportunity to move into a career where she operates as a solo agent, serving a broad radius of the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. While Kathryn is still on the newer side of the business, she attributes at least 70% of her business to referrals, and is just now Top Agent Magazine

starting to see repeat clients come back looking for their next home. Festen keeps a strong line of communication open with past clients. “Oh my goodness,” she laughs, “they probably get sick of me!” Festen sends out a monthly newsletter, a

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bi-monthly magazine, and LoLo gifts to past clients in order to keep at the top of their minds. The LoLo gift is a great tool, as it is an emailed coupon for a local business — not only do her clients receive something useful, but Kathryn is able to

“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions an individual is going to make, and to be a part of helping them make that decision… it’s a great feeling,” Kathryn says. highlight the services of a local business. Aside from reaching out to former clients, Festen markets her listings on multiple social media platforms, and contacts other real estate agents to make them aware of her properties. She will also drop postcards in the listing’s neighborhood to spread awareness of the property. Her tactics have proved successful, as her sales Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

volume last year alone was $8.2 million, which is impressive as a solo agent. “I’m sure you’ve heard other agents say this, too,” Kathryn states when asked about her favorite part of the job. “It’s one of the biggest financial decisions an individual is going to make, and to be a part of helping them make that decision… it’s Top Agent Magazine

a great feeling.” Community involvement is another way that Festen enjoys helping others. Not only has she gotten involved with Habitat for Humanity, but is highly involved in the Dundee Township Rotary Club. Kathryn is responsible for spearheading a scholarship program with the

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Rotary Club that has already provided over $1 million in scholarship funds for students. Outside of her real estate business and busy community involvement schedule, Kathryn is an avid walker. She walks

about 8.5 miles almost every day, using that time to decompress, as well as tend to her mental and physical health. She also enjoys reading in her spare time. Festen is a busy grandmother of six, who is very active in her family life. In the near future,

she hopes to increase her volume of sales to over the $10 million mark, and wants to continue to focus on building her business by staying in contact with existing clients on a regular basis and reaching out to potential future clients.

To get in touch with Kathryn, call (815) 210-6102, email kathryn.festen@bairdwarner.com or check out her listings at kathryn.festen.bairdwarner.com https://

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A Step-by-Step Guide to

Converting Internet Leads to Real Life Sales In the era of apps, instantaneous social platforms, and text messaging, it’s little surprise that the modern homebuyer begins his or her search for real estate representation online. Even if you’ve got a top-notch website or an influential social media presence, how do you connect with web surfers who have yet to commit to the services you offer? Take a look below to learn a few key techniques to bridge the gap between digital interest and real-world sales. 14

RESPONSIVENESS IS KEY Like it or not, our digital culture relishes immediacy and instant gratification. With that in mind, be sure to stay on top of online interest forms, e-mails, or newsletter signups. Don’t let an online lead go to waste by taking too long to engage and follow-up. Things move fast, and it’s easy for potential clientele to forget which websites they’ve visited. Even if your lead isn’t ready to commit then and there, you demonstrate your

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Mastering the fundamentals of digital communication is the first step to converting digital interest into concrete business. accessibility and attentiveness by following up swiftly—a characteristic anyone would seek in an agent or lender.

ENGAGE WITH OPEN-ENDED CONVERSATION When online back-and-forth goes stale, communication drops off quickly. If you’re following up via e-mail, social media, or text, be sure to keep topics focused squarely on the potential client. Ask open-ended questions to give your lead the opportunity to loosen up and engage on a personal level. There’s no better way to cement a digital lead than to take a pointed interest in the specifics of their situation. Doing so transforms the impersonal invisibility of the internet into a true connection.

GIVE ADDED VALUE Plenty of businesses send impersonal, automated messages in response to an online inquiry, but establishing a true connection may mean providing your lead with something of value. Perhaps you’re forwarding a property for sale that fits the interests of your lead, or a relevant article, or maybe you take the time to send a personal message—demonstrable value and a personal touch separate your follow-up response from spam. Other ideas to consider when Top Agent Magazine

adding value to your follow-up technique: incorporate area promotions and access to local events, make a date for coffee, or offer a brief consultation free of charge to make the first move.

DON’T STOP MAKING CONTACT If you don’t connect with your internet lead right off the bat—don’t be discouraged. It often takes multiple tries before a follow-up interaction sticks. Folks are busy and frequently flooded with e-mail blasts and junk mail. A lead may not engage without a little prodding that shows you’re committed to their business. Remember: it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. Digital leads don’t have to be difficult to capture. The internet plays a powerful role in funneling modern clientele your way, but in order to take full advantage of the web’s reach, you’ll need to tailor your follow-up technique. Mastering the fundamentals of digital communication is the first step to converting digital interest into concrete business. Keep these tips top-of-mind as you build your online presence and mine the vast world wide web for an endless wealth of clientele. Earning a command of digital lead conversion is the surest way to bolster your business in the ever-evolving digital era.

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BRANDIE MALAY SIAVELIS If there is one word that Brandie Malay Siavelis says sums up her real estate career, it is “blessed.” Fueled by a desire to be closer to family, she moved from Los Angeles to Chicago years ago with just a suitcase and $50 in her pocket, but wasted no time pursuing her real estate career. She eventually settled at @properties and will soon celebrate her 20-year anniversary with the company. “I’ve been able to accomplish a lot of bucket list items because of real estate,” Brandie says. “It’s been good to me. It has given me a unique perspective. As I’ve traveled the country and been able to experience other marketplaces, I just feel so blessed and fortunate.” One of those blessings was being able to participate in several TV shows during her career, including HGTV’s top-rated “Designed to Sell” in Chicago and “Hidden Potential,” as well as “Property Envy” on Bravo. Brandie’s market is focused on Chicago’s North Shore, along with Lake Geneva, Wis. These areas are sought after due to their community-oriented atmosphere, excellent school systems, beautiful lakeside locations and convenient access to downtown Chicago. She also noted that some of her favorite local businesses and establishments are Noah’s Ark pet store, Lakeside Foods, Sophia Steak and Valentina, among “too many others to count.” With an impressive track record of $20 million in sales per year, Brandie’s business is driven by repeat clients and referrals, accounting for nearly 100 percent of her business. “I truly believe that the level of service I offer my clients is unmatched,” she shares. “I consider it concierge-level service. No task is above

my pay grade. I do everything. If I have to make beds, I make beds. If I have to walk dogs, I walk dogs. I stage homes. I do everything I can to make the process as seamless as possible.” Brandie also prides herself on her high level of confidentiality. “I’m a vault,” she adds. “These transactions are some of the biggest ones my clients go through in their lives. Personal information is involved, personal situations are involved, so it’s really important that my clients have confidence in my discretion.” Brandie’s marketing approach is both creative and strategic. She tailors her marketing strategies to each individual property, always aiming to showcase the house in its best light. She emphasizes the importance of staging. “The house has to show as well as possible,” she stresses. “That’s the best marketing. How you live is not how you sell. They’re two totally different animals and that’s a journey that my clients have to go on to get from point A to point B. Their house is now an asset in their portfolio.” The future looks bright for Brandie, whose plans include expanding her business in Wisconsin and becoming licensed in Florida. Yet despite the hours she logs in real estate, she loves the unique blend of flexibility and constant change. “I love the flexibility because I’m a very hands-on mom. My kids play a lot of sports and I am involved in school activities, so I like the flexibility. Even though I work 24/7, because real estate never sleeps, I also like the fact that no day is ever the same. It’s been like that for 21 years, and honestly, I feel like I still learn something new all the time.”

To contact Brandie Malay Siavelis, please call (773) 968-4550, or email brandie@atproperties.com 16

Thinking of Listing? Nine Ways to Get Ready The less time a home spends on the market, the more likely it is to sell at or above list price. That’s why our Top Agents recommend getting a property ready for marketing well before listing. Anyone who is even just starting to think about listing will benefit from some basic upkeep and pre-staging work. Even if you decide now is not the time to list, you’ll enjoy these simple improvements around the home. With the right local resources, most pre-listing preparations take less than a week and will make the formal staging process simpler for all involved. Ask Top Agents in your area for referrals of local pros to hire. Once you’ve selected your Top Agent, keep yourself open to his or her opinion on other TLC to help decrease your home’s market time. 1. Inspection: The last thing a seller or buyer wants is a surprise at

inspection. That’s why a complete inspection before listing is so valuable. Many necessary fixes, such as minor roof or appliance repairs, can be discovered and repaired in less than a week. If inspection uncovers a major issue, any Top Agent will tell you that this knowledge is power; disclosing and expecting to take responsibility will increase buyers’ trust without affecting market time. 2. De-Clutter: Take a little time to pack away surplus furniture items and

extra knick-knacks, papers, books or occasional-use items throughout your house. Remember this may require boxing away video game supplies or packing up comfy throw pillows and blankets. Move these items temporarily into closets, the garage or attic with the assumption of possibly renting a storage unit just before listing. 3. Paint: Whole-house painting is likely not necessary, but consider touching

up baseboard moldings and doorways and open wall spaces in high-use areas Top Agent Magazine

such as bathrooms, the office, family room and indoor recreation spaces. Also consider a little varnish on the front door or banister. 4. Artwork and Decor: Take a neutral look at your décor. Better yet, ask a

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

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

the paint, request a deep cleaning from your housekeeping service and weekly cleanings thereafter. Make sure they pay attention to details like dusting or vacuuming window treatments and lampshades or wiping smudges off door jams and baseboard moldings. 6. Carpets and Rugs: Bring in the pros, but don’t just clean the carpets.

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

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

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

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

as they ascend the front walk. If you don’t already have one, hire a weekly gardening service to keep up with the mowing, weeding, pruning and basic maintenance outside so you can focus on other things. 9. Staging: Once you’ve selected a staging professional for the finishing

touches, ask them and your Top Agent for final recommendations on day-today upkeep, storage options and what-to-do (or what not to do) while your house is on the market. 18

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BRITTANY CUMMINGS SIMON With three generations of real estate in her blood, it’s hard to think of Brittany Cummings Simon doing anything else. But with a degree in communication and English from Miami University, Brittany originally wanted to create her own path. She started in broadcast journalism and advertising sales, but the flexibility, growth opportunities, and desire to step away from corporate politics kept calling her back. Today she is a solo agent with Compass utilizing her creativity and energy to help build her brand and support her clients. On track for a record year, Brittany services all of Chicagoland, including the city and suburbs, with the western suburbs being her specialty as it is where she grew up and currently resides. With a true passion for helping people, she began fully practicing real estate in 2015. As Brittany puts it, “Some people think you must be a doctor or something of the sort to help others. But until you are in this business, it’s hard to fathom that many folks lack good representation and are at a disadvantage. I like that I can help people get what they want, especially when they think it’s not possible.” And with at least 50 percent of her clients coming from referrals, it’s clear Brittany is doing just that. Her genuine compassion for her clients and their goals is what places Brittany ahead of her competition. “I never put a commission check before my clients,” states Brittany. “Making a decision to purchase a property is a huge deal. I don’t want my clients to feel pressured, and I want them to always feel like I am in their corner.” Her wealth of knowledge growing up in a household deeply embedded in the industry and her sales and marketing experience also help this dynamic force of nature assist her clients with their needs. Most importantly, it is her availability that makes her truly successful. Clients can always reach Brittany, whether by text or call, making the added pressure of buying or selling a home less stressful. Brittany markets her listings using a variety of mediums, including print, videos, and social media. Top Agent Magazine

“It often depends on the particular listing,” states Brittany, “Sometimes we come to the conclusion that we need to test things out a little further, and in that case, we utilize different mediums to spread the word.” Being a solo agent allows Brittany the flexibility and creativity to be herself, but she can see herself building a team down the road. As she puts it, “I believe there may come a time when I need to expand and add on either a showing agent or an admin to provide me with more face time for my clients.” She would also like to continue improving her video skills and the branding of her business. When Brittany is not practicing real estate, she likes to take walks with her Goldendoodle, Snoopy, and spend time with her two children. She is also a food, music, and travel enthusiast.

For more information about Brittany, please call 630-936-2930 or email brittany.simon@compass.com 19

MICHAEL KANG Born and raised in Chicago, Michael Kang is a well-versed expert real estate agent serving the entire Chicago area. “I do a lot within the north inner city,” Michael explains. “Lincoln Park, Logan Square, West Town—we reach pretty far.” He previously was a successful business owner but after the crash of 2008, he decided to move on. Michael’s dad, a commercial broker, pushed him in the direction of real estate. “I did this on a whim,” he says. In 2014 he got his license, and today has a team with Coldwell Banker that fluctuates from 18-23 agents. Michael started his team in 2020, and within a two-year span, business scaled upward and required that he add positions to support the growth. His team now includes a co-founder, Brandon Banks, executive director and director of marketing. In their first year, they had a volume of 15 million. Their second year—42 million. And this year? 100 million. Michael’s continued success is due in part to his nature. “I’m honest, that’s for sure. I speak the truth.” These traits are more than helpful to his clients, especially when it comes to construction, in which Michael is highly knowledgeable. “It helps as a broker if you know the prices,” he explains. “I tell them how to break it down and the big number at the end, and I give them ideas of what they can do to manage their budget.” It’s no surprise that his repeat and referral business

is 70 percent, a large portion of it coming from past clients. “I stay in touch with previous clients,” he says. “I call them or text them to see how they’re doing.” He has plans to automate this year and extend his outreach, which will only strengthen his connections. When it comes to marketing his listings, Michael utilizes his own rendering company, stagifi.com, to bring properties to life. “It’s actually the reason my team grew,” he explains. He is able to show what a home will look like with renovations or staging. “I can take photos of the home, do a 360 walkthrough of it, and re-edit it to demonstrate renovations, staging, or decluttering, so buyers can truly imagine living there.” Michael is involved with the charities that Coldwell Banker supports, and he would like to immerse himself even more in the community this year. As for how he spends the rest of his time outside of work, he loves playing in the backyard with his three kids and driving with his family. He is also an avid reader of books about enhancing your life and says he “is always learning.” Looking forward, Michael says “I want this to be bigger. I feel like I could turn this into an equity firm, branch off, and help my agents invest in their future. We would buy buildings together as a group. And when they want to go and do business themselves, they will have the power to do it.”

To learn more about Michael Kang, you can reach him at (773)-344-0738, email him at michael.kang@cbrealty.com, or visit spacematchinc.com www.

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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 aren’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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