LOS ANGELES 6-5-23

LOS ANGELES EDITION

Modern Email Etiquette for Today’s Agents Embracing Smart Homes

Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours COVER STORY

MICHELE HALL & BRIAN STRAHL

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LOS ANGELES EDITION

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MICHELE HALL & BRIAN STRAHL

CONTENTS 4) MODERN EMAIL ETIQUETTE FOR TODAY’S AGENTS 6) BEYOND CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING: WHAT IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES MAKE THE MOST SENSE?

15) EMBRACING SMART HOMES: DOES NEW TECHNOLOGY REALLY INCREASE HOME VALUE? 18) PRODUCTIVITY KILLERS: 4 WAYS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR WORKING HOURS 22) CREATIVE MEDITATION FOR THE REAL ESTATE

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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 4

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, Top Agent Magazine

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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Beyond Cleaning and Decluttering: What Improvement Expenses Make the Most Sense?

Decluttering open spaces, emptying cabinets and drawers and removing knick-knacks might seem like obvious – and free – ways to improve a home’s presentability. Unfortunately, however, not all sellers or agents are willing to do much more than decluttering and cleaning.

Think of the listing as a reflection on yourself. If you didn’t comb your hair, shine your shoes, dress 6

neatly and drive a clean car, people would think you don’t care about yourself. They may wonder, “If he doesn’t care about how he presents himself, how is he going to present my house?” Likewise, not prepare a house for its most beautiful presentation might cast doubt on how the overall marketing will go. And, while not all changes will be immediately noticeable, chances are that what isn’t changed will be noticed.

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Ashley Aguilera, REALTOR®, broker and owner of The Aguilera Team in California’s Murrieta Valley and Temecula, says that after every consultation, her team formulates a game-plan. “We want to set their property apart from everything else on the market, but also fall within the comfort zone of the seller’s lifestyle,” she says. Changes may run the gamut from minor repairs and moving furniture for better flow, to adding accent pieces to harmonize the home’s look or create a “wow” factor before professional photography.

Many agents recommend conducting a professional inspection prior to listing; some will even hire the inspector at their own expense. Of course, any necessary repairs found during inspection and not repaired before listing must be formally disclosed. But wouldn’t it be nice to have no surprises during the buyer’s formal inspection?

In general, some improvements are required, others are low-cost and others pay for themselves

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with lower time on the market, competing offers or higher sale price.

Landscaping & Exterior First impressions begin outside. Be sure to mow and edge the lawn regularly; prune back overgrown trees and hedges; hire a professional to repair uneven pavement (especially if it’s a hazard); remove or replace dying annuals; and clean or repair porches or railings. Are there dry or dead patches of lawn? An inexpensive repair to the irrigation system might be the solution.

While painting an entire house can be extreme, a wise investment is to paint trim, porches, steps or railings that may look tired or have too many colors; choosing a single, neutral color for trim can create a bright, cohesive look. Finally, check the roof, gutters and windows, looking for spots to caulk, shingles to replace, or debris to remove.

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Paint is extremely important if the home has faded or dirty walls, holes or chips on paint or plaster. If an entire paint job is not feasible, at least consider cleaning repairing the obvious and adding a fresh coat of semi-gloss to baseboards, moldings, windowsills, doors, banisters balustrades and built-ins. Don’t overlook the ceilings!

A long-ago leak from a second-floor bathroom may have been completely repaired and moisture abated, but a patched-up ceiling is a red-flag.

Kitchens and baths

Walls, carpets, ceilings and trim Next, it’s time for agent and seller to open up to one another about the interior. Janelle Holte, who leads Seller’s Edge Home Team in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, loves walking into a home knowing that her team will be the driving force behind selling it.

“I like seeing how owners took care of it and raised their family in it,” she says. “But I won’t sugar-coat anything, so I tell them not to shoot the messenger!” She gives it to them straight, explaining what needs to be done to stage it to present well from a buyer’s perspective.

Those changes often include repainting at least the primarily living areas and replacing carpet, especially worn carpet or carpet that has faded or stained beyond what professional carpet cleaning could remedy. Sometimes, all that’s needed is professional carpet stretching to remove any buckling prior to cleaning.

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Most agents agree that the easiest costs to recoup in home improvements prior to selling are those spent in bathroom and kitchen updates. Complete remodels are unwise; you can’t anticipate the style preferences of their buyer. But refinishing, touching-ug up or painting cabinets can create a great impact, while also forcing the seller to remove unwanted or overstocked items from cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls – shiny, new nobs look nice.

Lee Ritchie of Ritchie Realty Group in Columbus, Ohio, gives a reminder to discuss any and all issues up front. “People need to be able rely on the professional who’s presenting, pricing and marketing their home,” she says. An honest and diligent agent will be an open book about the current market conditions, the quality of comparable listings and the potential return-on-investment for improvements.

Some agents, like Debra Dobbs of @properties in Chicago, even roll up their sleeves to help with decluttering and repairs. While not at all required or expected, doing so sure lets sellers see the investment their agent is willing to make for them.

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MICHELE HALL & BRIAN STRAHL Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agents Michele Hall & Brian Strahl are ranked in the top 1% of REALTOR®s nationally and internationally and are among the top 100 agents in Southern California.

With complementary skill sets, a decade of working together, and a combined total of more than 55 years of experience, Michele Hall and Brian Strahl have built a thriving real estate partnership in West Los Angeles. They are ranked in the top 1% of REALTOR®s nationally and internationally and are among the top 100 agents in Southern California. Consummate professionals with a large referral base and decades of expertise, they’ve built a reputation for true excellence. While their main focus is on luxury properties on the prime Westside of Los Angeles, they have personally driven across the state to help clients find their perfect home or 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

they consult with area experts when listing something out of their market.

Their clients come from all walks of life. They are corporate executives, attorneys, investment bankers, entertainers, business managers, the tech world as well as friends and family. Many clients are native to the Westside; others come from a national or international sphere.

Hall & Strahl have assembled a brilliant team to support them in making sure they are always delivering the distinguished level of service their clients expect Top Agent Magazine

and deserve. This includes an expert administrative staff to ensure every transaction runs smoothly, an expert marketing team, staging professionals, and an extensive referral network. The Los Angeles based duo represent all price points. Whether a client wants to lease, buy, or sell, Brian and Michele have the market knowledge, superior negotiating skills and flawless follow-through to deliver a FiveStar experience for each client.

What inspires Michele and Brian? Michele’s sense of adventure and desire to overcome any obstacle in her path is what gives her the undying passion to continue her fruitful career in real estate. “When I get up in the morning, I can’t wait to get started. It is the thrill of discovering the unknown and being with my clients during each step of the transaction,” says Michele. When she speaks, the excitement and enthusiasm in her voice is palpable and her excitement is contagious. The volatile nature of the industry is what Michele loves best and she is an expert at taming each new trend in the market.

While Michele looks at the big picture and creates strategies for addressing current market conditions, Brian is inspired by the opportunity to build winwin transactions and make the client happy. He is

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all about attending to the detailed process of getting a property ready to sell, managing construction or remediation needs, and making sure the paperwork is flawless. Both are superb listeners. Together their skillsets perfectly complement each other and fully support the client, whether seller or buyer.

The pair have listed and sold hundreds of millions of dollars of real estate and continue to defy negative fluctuations in the market. “I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful experience. My career has given me many lifelong friends and the ability to continue helping people achieve their goals,” attests Michele graciously.

The art of customer satisfaction is an ongoing learning process, shares Michele. “Every day, we go through on-the-job training. There are always ways to improve on how we serve our clients, how we negotiate on their behalf and how we counsel them.” Michele, Brian, and their capable associates understand the bottom line: it is all about the client and how to best meet their expectations.

A long-time Los Angeles resident, Michele graduated cum laude from USC. Her first real estate purchase was an investment property, which led

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The pair have listed and sold hundreds of millions of dollars of real estate and continue to defy negative fluctuations in the market. “I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful experience. My career has given me many lifelong friends and the ability to continue helping people achieve their goals,” attests Michele graciously. to her choice of a career in real estate. “When I watched the entire process, the realization sparked that I could really enjoy doing this every day of my life. I decided to go to school and learn all about it.” It didn’t take her long to build up a great client base. “I am a firm believer that dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. No request was too big or too small if it meant that I had another satisfied client.”

As a kid helping his dad manage the family farm in Indiana, Brian developed an interest in how 12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

systems, equipment and buildings are constructed.

In 1992, the allure of a big city and warmer climate drew him to the West Coast. He found work as a legal assistant for a San Francisco law firm that defended title insurance and construction defect cases, and then became a real estate investor.

His passion for real estate began with the purchase of a Victorian home in San Francisco. He moved in and proceeded to remodel the house on speculation. In rapid succession he did the same Top Agent Magazine

with a second residence. With two successful San Francisco remodels for speculation under his belt, he moved to Palm Springs and created five more.

His experience in construction proves invaluable to clients considering upgrading properties to sell them or remodeling properties they might purchase.

His hands-on understanding of California title and construction defect litigation is an asset to every Hall & Strahl transaction.

Michele and Brian have assembled a team of trusted industry professionals to provide staging, moving, contractor services, auction resources, organizers and more to meet any imaginable need. “We provide full representation in any situation,” explains Brian.

As a result, about 80% of their business comes from repeat and referral clients. “It’s very satisfying to know that as a result of the great work we have done, clients feel comfortable returning again and again,” says Michele. “Many of them have become friends,” adds Brian.

To spread the word about listings, Michele and Brian first reach out to their large network of agents to identify potential buyers. When Michele and Brian have a buyer seeking a property, they contact their network to find any off-market or soon to be listed properties that might be a good fit for their clients.

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“We treat every transaction as if it were our own,” says Brian. “We personally do the legwork, and our clients appreciate that.”

Staying engaged with their community in as many ways as possible is a priority for the pair. They support Children’s Institute Incorporated, which assists around 30,000 families in need in the SouthCentral LA area each year. They’re also involved with the LA Library Council, who provide reading assistance and computer access to underprivileged children. For fun, Michele loves playing Pickleball and Mahjong. Brian, a foodie, enjoys dining at all his favorite LA restaurants. Both love traveling.

Michele’s favorite destination is Paris and Brian’s is Greece. Their carefully coordinated ventures always ensure that one partner is available to assist clients while the other is away.

With a sales volume of $40-50 million per year, Michele and Brian are already operating at a very high level with a strong reputation for success. They enjoy being very hands-on but will likely take on a new team member with a similar work ethic. “We think we have done a great job of taking care of our clientele; however, we always like to improve,” says Michele. “As we look to the future and beyond, there’s no stopping us.”

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Michele Hall, DRE 00517739 Brian Strahl, DRE 01361078

To learn more about Michele Hall and Brian Strahl, call 310-850-1357 or 310-904-9570, email Mhall@michelehallrealestate.com or Brian@michelehallrealestate.com, and visit them online at https://www.instagram.com/hallandstrahl_realestate/ www.hallandstrahl.com or instagram @Strahl_RealEstate “Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.”

https://www.instagram.com/strahl_realestate/

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Embracing Smart Homes:

Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

Technology and innovation move at a lightning-fast clip, so it can be hard to keep up with all the smart-home trends sweeping the market at a given time. From smart thermostats to security systems accessed through an app on your phone—there are endless options to customize and update your home for the modern era. But which, if any, of these smart home products add Top Agent Magazine

value to property in a significant, worthwhile capacity? Especially with new generations of the same products released in quick succession, it can be hard to determine whether it’s worth it to take the plunge. With that in mind, we’ve conducted a deep-dive into the smart home options out there that make the most sense for your bottom line and real estate investments.

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Smart home amenities range in price and return.

There are certain smart home products that won’t break the bank while still adding lovely touches and time-saving features to your space. For instance, a smart thermostat may not run more than a few hundred dollars, but it can take so much of the guesswork and analog nuisance out of programming your home’s internal environment. That said, buyers selling properties with mid-range amenities like this can’t expect a windfall in return. While smart home features can certainly lure buyers and give the sense that a home is attractively modern (and thus move-in ready), it doesn’t mean that you’ll be reaping a sizable monetary reward for your foresight. Conversely, this reality doesn’t mean those smart options

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are without value entirely; it just means that the value of smart home options may be apparent in a different capacity, like luring a particular buyer or creating a desirable, sleek image for a property headed to market.

On the other hand, larger scale smart home amenities that are being left behind for the buyer—like a smart refrigerator or wired sound throughout the property—may be able to lure particular buyers who value high-end details. While it can be difficult to state definitively the value of smart home options, the rule tends to be that the more you put in, the higher the likelihood you’ll reap the investment you sow. Focus your smart home options on home appliances first, then work your way toward security, thermostat, and entertainment options.

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Smart home amenities capture the attention of buyers

Agents must know how to pitch the value of smart home options

Even if you have mostly opted for small or mid-range smart home options, you can still benefit from their presence in a property—even if they don’t inflate your bottom line as a result. Smart home amenities have the power to focus the attention of buyers, sending a clear signal that the previous owners were tech-forward and made an effort to upgrade the property for the contemporary era. Millennial or Gen Z buyers especially value these up-to-date modifications, and the presence of these desirable gadgets can create added interest and drive up value naturally. Likewise, featuring these options in listing photography can also drive interest from younger or high-end buyers looking for move-in ready spaces.

Remember that smart home features are relatively fresh to the market. While some new construction properties are equipped with these smart amenities, just as many homes on the market don’t offer these upgrades and modern flairs. This means that many buyers, of all ages even, aren’t familiar with the benefits and perks of these options, let alone how they’re operated. Before you can derive value from a smart home or smart home features, you’ll need to understand a product’s proper usage, cost, and benefits. Do your homework regarding what smart home features can offer in terms time or cost savings, and be able to show prospective buyers how easy these objects are to use, as well. Do both, and you’ll be in proper command of what smart home features can offer buyers and pitch them accordingly.

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Productivity Killers: 4 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Working Hours

Even on the busiest of days, it can be hard not to get distracted by social media, smartphones, chatty colleagues, or personal to-do list items. So how do you keep your professional blinders on and power through your tasks with efficiency? Practice these four tips and witness your productivity skyrocket—easing stress and bringing renewed energy to your daily duties.

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1. Create a sense of peace and quiet The office may not be your idea of a tranquil oasis, but for most, focus requires quiet and calm to best lend attention to the task at hand. If you find yourself seated next to talkative coworkers or in the center of a bustling office atrium, consider noise can-

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celing headphones, earplugs, or carving out an empty conference room for your work day. Turning the volume down creates fewer chances for disruption, allowing you to make the best use of your time.

4.Take your smartphone off the table

2. Organize your workspace A messy work area breeds anxiety and distraction, but a clean and organized desk inspires efficiency. If you’ve got a busy day ahead, take fifteen minutes and organize your workspace: gather miscellaneous papers into their proper place, dispose of out-of-date or unnecessary documents, or give your keyboard a dusting. Not only does cleaning and organizing your workspace prepare you for the work ahead, it also helps you transition to a productive, goal-oriented mindset.

3.Create a goal-oriented reward system Coffee breaks, coworker catch-up, and social media check-ins tend to break up our workflow on an hourly basis. Instead of trying to go cold turkey on these workplace routines, reframe them as rewards.

For every to-do list item you complete, allow yourself a fives minute treat, whether that’s a fresh cup of coffee or a walk around the block. Not only will creating a reward Top Agent Magazine

system help you stay motivated throughout the day, it will also provide you with much-needed mental breaks that actually boost long-term productivity.

The number one productivity killer in this day and age? Smartphones. With access to endless social media portals, web browsing, text conversations, and games, smartphones are one-stop shops for distractions. While you may not want to delete apps from your phone, try leaving your smartphone in a locked desk drawer until your next break, or safely in your car. By simply putting your smartphone out of your line of sight, the impulse to distract yourself is muted.

Even though technology and the modern office create ample opportunity for distraction, making these few small adjustments can go a long way in safeguarding your productivity. After all, a productive day allows you to enjoy your time at home and outside the office, without the worry of incomplete tasks and looming deadlines darkening your day. Keep these productivity tricks in mind as you mount your daily to-do list and you’ll be thanking yourself tomorrow.

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Laughs!

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Putting the power of humour to work for you!

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Creative Meditation

for the Real Estate Professional The real estate world can be an industry of intense emotional and psychological pressure. Deadlines, meetings, employee needs, client needs and a hundred other items on which one needs to focus on a daily basis can create an environment that is not only not conducive to mental well-being, but can be outright detrimental.

easily into the daily hustle & bustle world of the busy real estate agent.

Learning to quiet the mind has been the focus of meditation for millennia. While those not familiar with the concept of meditation may instinctively think of yoga mats, incense, and chanting when the word “meditation” arises, there are in fact, many forms of meditation that can integrate quite

• When driving to a showing or to meet a client

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First, think about when you are alone each day. Here are some possible times to practice mediation during the work day: • When driving to the office in the morning

• Before your open house begins • After the open house • Driving home in the evening Top Agent Magazine

Repeating a mantra can be very calming, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts.

These are just five examples of times when you can take advantage of meditation techniques to quiet your mind and, by extension, increase productivity. A calm mind is a more thoughtful, better tuned instrument.

Here are some examples of meditations you can try.

1 For when you’re driving, download and listen to any number of audio Guided Meditations available on the internet. YouTube has a generous selection of these, many of which are geared towards success in business.

2 Repeating a mantra can be very calm-

ing, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. It doesn’t matter what words you choose, as long as you feel good about your choice. “I am a success” or “I will approach all of my clients with love today” are two examples. Whatever works for you and gets you into the desired mindset.

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3 Something as simple as listening to pleasant music in your car can be considered meditation, provided it brings you to a place of comfort as opposed to one of spiritual discordance.

4 The most important thing, however, is to take time to find gratitude in everything you do. Count your blessings, be grateful the exciting career in real estate you have built for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered some of these techniques at quieting your mind, you can attempt to find some that work even better for you. Walking, plain silence, or even exercise can have meditative qualities and benefits if practiced on a regular basis.

When you’re truly feeling calm, your clients can sense this. And with this comes the feeling that you can be relied upon to stay focused and calm in any unforeseen circumstances. And in the world of real estate, that’s a highly prized commodity.

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