MICHIGAN 5-9-22

MICHIGAN EDITION

How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions and Up Your Productivity

5 Lessons from Silicon Valley to Modernize and Monetize Your Business

Welcome Home: WORKING WITH RELOCATORS IN TRANSITION

FEATURED AGENTS

PATRICE HENDERSON LAURA KELSO LISA KRAHEL ALICIA KUZEL EMILIE LANGE COVER STORY

RONDRÉ ‘KEY’ BROOKS

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Welcome Home:

Working with Relocators in Transition People stage moves for all sorts of reasons.

From the joyous and pre-planned, to the unfortunate and unexpected, new chapters begin with the help of an agent. When you’re working with buyers from a different region, state, or country, the typical complications of a transaction can be compounded. So, what’s a savvy agent to do?

For starters, envision the big picture. Relocators have extra obstacles between them and 4

their dream home. They don’t necessarily know which neighborhoods are ideal for their lifestyle, what they should budget for utilities, what type of homeowner’s insurance is ideal, or how they can tour, let alone close, on a house from afar. All in all, it’s a tall order, but if you can manage a relocation transaction successfully, you could tap into a sizable pool of clientele. Think of it this way: if you’re the shining star of a relocator’s moving process, their word-of-mouth praise could be

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exponential. Likewise, a winning reputation within that client’s corporate sphere could lead to lucrative, stable referrals and partnerships for years to come. Here are a few key ways to help clients navigate the relocation process with minimal stress and maximum results.

Create a full-scale timeline for you and your client that makes expectations clear.

Moving is already one of life’s biggest stressors, but relocations have a dozen more moving parts that your average deal. Consider creating a master-plan of sorts to help you and your client visualize the steps required to achieve success in the midst of a relocation.

Even from afar, your client will be able to refer to the roadmap you’ve set. Likewise, this makes sure you and your client are on the same page regarding expectations, timelines, and checklists. Assemble an articulated, overarching gameplan also helps demystify the process and lower stress. Instead of clients wondering what’s next, what’s needed, who to call, and when to be ready—handy guidelines of your own devising will be at their fingertips.

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Attune your communication style so that nothing goes overlooked or miscommunicated.

Establish early on how your client prefers to communicate and which methods should be excluded. Also, make sure to outline what timeframes are ideal to communicate in, and how often they expect to hear from you with status updates or follow-ups. Some clients might prefer a more hands-off approach that lets you manage most details behind the scenes with updates only when progress is made. Most clients in the midst of a serious relocation, however, will prefer to be in touch more frequently. Customizing is key. If they prefer text messages and emails over calls, that’s a helpful detail to know from the outset. If they prefer face-to-face video chats or can only speak after business hours—those are also key parameters to work within. The less mystery and hassle, the better.

Be a local resource with vetted recommendations and vendors on-hand.

Relocating homeowners may not know the best neighborhoods and their amenities, or where the best school districts are, which areas are high-traffic, or where their dollar might stretch a little further. Identifying your clients’ goals can help narrow this field, but you’ll also want to be careful not to overwhelm them with information. After all, they’re taking on a huge life transition and making a move as an outsider. You’ll want to serve as a onestop-shop who can remove some steps and stress from their organizational obligations.

Have a contractor who can get a head-start on home projects while clients make the move?

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Excellent. Or, perhaps you can provide an out-of-state agent referral so that clients can sell their existing property in a timeline that works in conjunction with their new purchase. Make yourself a community expert and a connector, and you’ve won a client— and their referrals—for much longer than a single transaction.

Think outside the box when weighing variables.

Relocations aren’t your typical transaction.

You’ll need to do a bit more planning to avoid pitfalls along the way. For instance, have you considered how you’ll tour homes with clients if they live hundreds of miles away?

Are there time zone differences to factor in?

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If clients are relocating from another country, are there any special visa or naturalization considerations? How will their belongings travel? Are there pets to relocate? There are plenty of questions to ask and plan for, but the key is to be communicative and thorough up front. The more information and planning time you have, the smoother the transition will go.

There are certified real estate agent designations you can pursue that set you apart for your experience when it comes to relocations, but in lieu of those—arm yourself with the planning details and methods that will make your client a raving fan. In the process, you’ll up your game, create a happy client, and hopefully field similar business for years to come.

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RONDRÉ ‘KEY’ BROOKS

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RONDRÉ ‘KEY’ BROOKS With some money from a settlement, Rondré (or Key as his friends call him) bought his first investment property. The selling agent was so taken by Key’s charisma and energy that they suggested he try his hand in real estate. A few months later, he took the course and the exam and got a real estate license, something he had never really considered or seen himself doing, but it felt like something he would be good at. After six years he moved on to get his brokers license, and now leads a team of six other agents from all levels of experience. That team is performing exceptionally well and he has no complaints. Keeping that team working as an efficient unit is important. Recently, they had a photo shoot that was more about the camaraderie and team building than anything else.

With Wayne County and the Detroit area as his focus, Key and his team have no problem extending their reach into Oakland, Macomb, Jackson and other regions. Detroit is the heart of their business, and Key loves

seeing the neighborhoods growing and pulling themselves up. New parks and business are sprouting everywhere and the people of Detroit are essential to the growth of the city and surrounding suburbs. Of particular note is Mrs. Erica’s Babycakes & Sweets, whose delicious cupcakes keep him in the jump. Other locals like Coastal Line Homes, TRUSA Investments and Images & Ideas, Inc. by Karen Dumas support his team as important allies.

Key works with a lot of investors that are constantly in the process of acquiring properties and he’s established a great rapport with them, leading up to an 85% repeat business rate. Real estate is a relationship business and once he’s gained the trust of a client, the in-depth knowledge he shows of the area serves to deepen that trust. Those relationships are maintained after the transaction in whatever form the client is comfortable with. If someone wants to get on the phone and talk or if they just want a quick email or text, Key adapts to the client’s needs.

With Wayne County and the Detroit area as his focus, Top Agent Key Brooks and his team have no problem extending their reach into Oakland, Macomb, Jackson and other regions.

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He maintains a huge social media presence, sharing information about stock investments, current events and engaging content, not just drowning followers in real estate information.

WhatsApp has become a very large chunk of his communications lately. He maintains a huge social media presence, sharing information about stock investments, current events and engaging content, not just drowning followers in real estate information. In 2021, that contact system lead Key to complete over 60 home sales and he loved every minute of it. Every day is different and the business is non-repetitive.

Key keeps connected with the community by going to middle schools and high schools to give presentations about entrepreneurship, credit, real estate and building a lasting legacy, things that the schools aren’t necessarily teaching. There’s a lot of competition out there and he wants to prepare kids as well as his team with the best tools he can provide, like the keys to success of consistency, dedication and professionalism. He teaches everyone to focus on the brand - not the money. If the brand is strong, the money will follow. Soon he’ll be growing his team, setting up motivational speakers and expanding his brand so some of his responsibilities can be moved to others under him. Then, maybe he can have some time to kick back with a movie or head over to Vegas to catch some shows.

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For more about Rondré Brooks call 313-598-7872, visit NewWayDetroit.com or email rondrekbrooks@gmail.com www.

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5 Lessons from Silicon Valley to Modernize and Monetize Your Business Silicon Valley may be the region for disruptors, tech entrepreneurs, and futurists, but even the most forward-thinking, abstract companies are still businesses that have to keep tabs on their bottom line. There’s much to learn from America’s fastest-growing sector, and even if Silicon Top Agent Magazine

Valley seems like a world unto its own, there are key lessons prime for adaption in your own endeavors. Below, consider a few ways to translate the trends and teachings of Silicon Valley for your own business, and reap the rewards in the process.

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1. Diversify your value Real estate is a business built on relationships, but your relationships will go stale if the only thing you communicate is you interest in making a sale. In order to sustain relationships for the long term, you’ve got to remain valuable to your clients beyond the transaction. Serve as a local resource, not just a salesperson or real estate expert. Ensure your marketing materials, social media presence, and communications offer useful, relevant, and original content your clients will benefit from. What’s more, vary your communications so that every time you reach out it’s not just about new business or a referral.

2. Company culture matters Silicon Valley tech giants always emphasize the importance of company culture—not just as a way of drawing and retaining talent, but also as a way to appeal to clientele. What are your company’s values? What do you stand for? How you’re positioned in the marketplace is becoming just as important as what you do and how well you do it. Your company culture is part of your branding, and your brand should feel clear and composed to clients eyeing your services.

3.Think big picture More and more, clients want to have an experience, not just a transaction. When it comes to buying a home, this means they care more about a property’s bedroom and bathroom count. As an agent, consider showcasing properties in terms of lifestyle. What neighborhood amenities are nearby? What opportunities are there for community involvement? How does public 14

transportation stack up in the area? Before making the purchase of a lifetime, clients want to envision a complete lifestyle.

4. Leverage multiple platforms By now, you probably recognize that social media is not afterthought. Your social media presence should fit your brand and voice, interact across platforms, and actively engage with your audience. In other words, if you want to reap the benefits of social media, it’s not enough to post a few times a month and walk away. Active engagement means responding to comments, interacting with your followers’ profiles, and posting original content beyond a sales pitch.

Likewise, you’ll want to be active across multiple social media platforms and ensure that your profiles are interconnected. That way, you’ll be working from a unified voice and brand.

5. Reputations rule the roost Never underestimate the power of word-ofmouth marketing and testimonials. If you haven’t asked for feedback from past clients, and you aren’t sharing positive testimonials and reviews—you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools at an agent’s disposal. You can pitch the virtues of your working style all day long, but those courting your business want to hear about positive experiences from the client’s perspective.

If you want to take your business to the next level and maximize the twenty-first century values of a company on the rise, look to the lessons of Silicon Valley to get your start. There are always opportunities to innovate, and doing so will help you break from your routine and stand apart from the pack.

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PATRICE HENDERSON Originally interested in the investment side of real estate, Patrice Henderson got her license in 2016 and began exploring different opportunities in the industry.

She joined a team as an inside sales agent and eventually, struck out on her own as a Principal Associate Broker of Designed Living Real Estate and an Associate Broker with Max Broock Realtors. Today, she manages her own business completing around 30 transactions a year as an award winning real estate broker and bringing an upscale and knowledgeable service to her clients backed by sixteen years of customer service experience.

Based in West Bloomfield, Patrice covers residential properties primarily across the Southeast region of Michigan. A lot of her business is in Metro Detroit but because her clients see the value in working with her, she services sellers and buyers all around the state. In addition, she has a referral network to ensure clients are properly serviced around the globe. Around 75% of her clients are repeat and referral-based, with a portion of that coming from agent referrals from out-of-state. With support from her transaction coordinator as well as a network of mortgage, insurance, inspection, home warranty and title companies, she runs her business as an entrepreneur would — always looking for creative opportunities to grow and expand.

Known for her excellent communication and people skills, Patrice stays in touch with current and past clients.

“I’m always in contact,” she says. “I believe in maximizing the opportunities when it comes to marketing because each channel will reach a different audience.”

From open houses to MLS, social media, traditional press, cards, gifts, and word of mouth, Patrice’s name is undoubtedly getting out in her area. The high-quality videos that she creates and shares online set her apart from other REALTORS® in the area by letting potential home buyers see what a home is really like before they visit. “I care about my clients and want to help them attract the right buyers to their home, have the smoothest transaction possible, get them the best price and Top Agent Magazine

terms and do all of this in the timeframe they need.”

When it comes to community involvement, Patrice strives to give back wherever possible. She’s a supporter of the Friendship Circle, a non-profit that supports individuals with special needs as well as their families. Patrice also participates in office-organized fundraisers and donates to numerous local causes. For example, a few years ago, they planned a Halloween event for kids at the Farmington Hills YMCA. In her free time, she loves to do yoga, cook, bake, listen to music, learn about personal development, and spend time with friends and family.

Impressively, she’s also a published author who believes her writing is her “work for a purpose.”

Looking forward, Patrice plans to build out a big real estate team that can support each other. “The goal is to truly work collectively as a group of knowledgeable and proactive experts,” she says. She hopes to focus on the luxury sector and also develop an investment side of the business. For the moment, though, she’s concentrating on building relationships and getting happy clients to the closing table. “I work with integrity to help them effectively sell one of their largest assets and help them purchase their dream home.”

For more about Patrice Henderson, please call 248-780-2521, email patrice@designedlivingre.com, or visit DesignedLivingRE.com www.

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LAURA KELSO Every past experience in REALTOR® Laura Kelso’s life lead her to thrive in the specific niche she occupies today in the real estate industry. She initially began working in direct sales, before moving to realty — first in commercial in 2015 and then in residential. With a nurturing personality and desire to teach others, Laura eventually chose to focus her efforts on helping senior citizens specifically, which she continues to do to this day. As a certified Senior Housing Professional, Laura works as an independent agent in Grand Rapids, Michigan to take the stress away from this important life transition for the elderly.

In 2018, after earning a certification from the Senior Real Estate Institute, Laura’s path in her career came into focus. She learned to serve seniors at the highest level, which includes far more than normal REALTOR® duties. For example, Laura has the education and experience to help seniors navigate handling trusts, wills, financial plans, and the emotional intensity of selling homes that many of them have lived in for a long time and don’t want to leave. “You need a specific knowledge to correctly care for senior clients and you need to be someone who won’t take advantage of them at this stage in their lives,” Laura explains.

Unsurprisingly, around 80% of Laura’s clients are from referrals, including those from other out-of-state Senior Housing Professionals, whom she stays in frequent contact with. Instead of taking on dozens of clients each week, Laura keeps her volume small to be able to care for them in the way they deserve. “I’m always available to my clients, seven days a week,” Laura says. “I don’t want them to be kept awake at night by questions, so they can call me anytime, even on weekends.” In terms of marketing, she tailors her efforts to means that seniors will appreciate, including printed newsletters and events.

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In addition to being a REALTOR® and broker, Laura created the GR Savvy Senior Learning Series at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids to focus on the educational side of senior living. She brings in speakers every month to teach the community and other REALTORS® about aging in place, Medicare planning, financial planning, how to cope with losing a spouse, and a whole host of other topics related to senior living.

It’s clear that Laura is dedicated to building a whole system where seniors can be assisted to thrive where they live. In addition to the learning series, she also sits on senior advisory boards and does speaking engagements at senior centers and conferences.

Through the connections she has made over the years, Laura has become the ideal resource for senior citizens looking to sell their homes for the final time. “I’m working my dream job,” she says. “I have a strong faith and believe everything in my life has lead me to this point. I’m using my God-given talents to help people everyday, and for that I’m am so blessed.”

For more about Laura Kelso, please call 616-724-7200, email lauratkelso@gmail.com or visit lauratkelso.com www.

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How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— Top Agent Magazine

it can feel impossible to untangle yourself from the worldwide web.

As a professional, you may not be able to withdraw from the digital world completely, but there are a few techniques you can use to limit your extraneous digital distractions and streamline the time you spend online. After all, it’s entirely common to faithfully begin one task and then

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get unexpectedly drawn down the digital rabbit hole. To save yourself time and virtual burnout, here are a few ways to unplug, recharge, and make the most of your time online and off.

Focus on one digital task at a time.

While multi-tasking may seem like a sound approach to productivity, this method usually results in surface-level progress across a few tasks, rather than reaching the finish line on any.

Instead of opening multiple tabs and trying to do it all at once, hone in on one digital task at a time. Have emails to return? Allocate an hour to work exclusively on this to-do list item. Need to post a new blog entry? Pencil in a dedicated half hour. If you focus on one task a time and exclusively devote your energy and productivity to it for a set period, you’ll make a far bigger dent in your list of duties for the day.

Give yourself a curfew.

In the real estate business, the hours may seem never-ending, but if you don’t want to slow your productivity with fatigue, you’ve got to set some boundaries. Try setting up a digital curfew for yourself and put your phone away after a certain hour. Devote an hour or two before bedtime to time away from your computer and your phone—read a book, prep your lunch for the next day, or try a round of mindful meditation. Carve out space and time to disconnect from your technology and stick to the habit. By morning, you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in.

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Mute social media notifications and create dedicated check-in times instead.

Instead of taking a reactionary approach to social media—waiting for the dings and pings that lure you back to your screen—try muting some of your social media alerts and instead dedicate three timed windows per day to check-in on your timelines and engagement. If you’re constantly interrupted at unexpected intervals when someone likes a post or leaves a comment, your whole workflow can be derailed. Instead, unchain yourself from the instant gratification of responding to every buzz and beep your phone emits. Systematize your professional social media life and you’ll stay organized and on task.

Keep your inbox organized.

While it may take some time and effort to create a sorting system for your email inbox, it can go a long way to limiting distractions and stress. Create folders and an organizational flow and every communication will have a place and a priority.

That way, when you open up your inbox and have to go digging for old emails or exchanges with past clients, you won’t have to waste time sorting or feel overwhelmed by the clutter. If everything has its place, you’ll have an unobstructed, streamlined canvass to conduct business from.

Digital distractions don’t have to derail your day or sap your productivity. Email, internet, social media—all are tools to be commanded. With the right planning, understanding, and consistent execution, you’ll be able to wield the power of each without the downside of distraction.

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LISA KRAHEL Lisa Krahel has been sewing her work into the tapestry of Plymouth, Michigan for a long time. An interior decorator for 20 years, she first met clients in their homes to dress up the place, sometimes handcrafting custom window dressings. Now an agent with The Knight Team of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel, she meets clients at the more emotionally charged point of moving in or out. “I know it’s an emotional thing buying and selling houses,” she says. “I’m always so grateful to be a part of it. And, if I can help them in any way that would be awesome.”

Lisa’s definition of help extends beyond real estate transactions. At the dawn of the COVID pandemic when face masks were sought but hard to find, she stitched together hundreds of them to pass out to clients and neighbors. Her personality and generosity help her keep close ties in the small town market she serves west of Detroit. Her base, Plymouth, hosts unique restaurants, a park, a theater in it’s idyllic downtown. “It is the most adorable town ever,” she says.

While the region attracts buyers, Lisa finds particular joy in matching them to the right home.

Walkthroughs are a special delight. “It’s very fun,” she says. “It’s all about customer service, It’s all about the connections and creating value for my customers and having a general concern about wanting to help them.” A reviewer from those delightful walkthroughs, happy with a new home, still misses going through empty houses with Lisa on weekends.

Clients don’t have to miss Lisa too long. She maps her sphere of influence through customer relationship Top Agent Magazine

management software to stay abreast of birthdays and anniversaries.

Customers can expect an email or text when their big days come around.

Throughout the year, Lisa stays engaged with her community through volunteer work and charity events.

Much of her charity work comes through Giving Hope, an organization for women helping women. She also contributes to SOUL. Through that organization, the entire office came together to adopt a family in need.

Lisa plans to keep growing sales and relationships with the team. More than that, she wants to “keep connecting with people, helping people.” Working with more first time homebuyers would be the most rewarding, holding their hands through a major life decision. At the end of the day, Lisa is all about making the experience rewarding for her customers. “I love that, she says. “I feel like I have made friends along the way.”

To learn more about Lisa Krahel, call 734-716-9568, visit lkrahel.cbwm.com, or email lkrahel@cbwm.com www.

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ALICIA KUZEL Heading into her seventh year in real estate, solo agent Alicia Kuzel takes a personalized approach to every listing, making sure her clients receive the best possible service no matter what their situation may be. After being disappointed years ago at how stressful the process of buying a home was, she always had it in her mind to get into real estate and do things a little differently. Today, her business is 90% built on repeat clients and referrals — a sign of how much people love working with her.

Representing the area in and around Midland, Michigan, Alicia offers a bespoke service for each transaction, which typically average around $300,000. She’s not only an agent, but also acts as a community resource advisor. “I want my clients to have an unforgettable experience, which is why I go above and beyond to help them through every sale.” In addition to helping you find the home of your dreams, she’ll also provide tips on where to go for essential services, from daycare to dry cleaning.

When it comes to keeping up with clients outside of a sale, she uses social media and email newsletters to reach new and old clients alike. “It’s important to always be in touch because sometimes even people who aren’t necessarily looking to buy may decide to if the right house pops up,” she says. She also makes a point to connect on a quarterly basis with everyone in her network by sending them personalized notes and gifts. “There are lots of small ways I say thank you throughout the year, from gifting lilies at Easter to sending clients with small children a sand bucket and bubbles in the summer,” she says.

It’s clear by the way that Alicia speaks about Midland that she truly loves being a resident there. “As the headquarters for the Dow Chemical Company, Midland 20

boasts a lot of luxuries that a city this size wouldn’t normally have, from a thriving cultural arts scene to a minor league baseball team,” she says. “I love supporting our local small businesses. It’s a wonderful community, honestly.”

Giving back is a priority for Alicia, who is an ambassador for the local Midland Business Alliance. She regularly volunteers with Cancer Services and was the President of a local medical alliance. Before she had her daughter, who is now five, she also used to coach Girls on the Run. In her spare time, Alicia loves getting outside and exploring Midland’s many parks and walking trails. She also enjoys exploring new restaurants and businesses — “It feels like there is something new to do every week!” While she does have plans to grow her business, she’s currently satisfied with the balance she has found between her work and life. “I want to maintain what I have now and take care of my clients, doing the best that I can to make sure they are always happy.”

To learn more about Alicia Kuzel, call 989-708-2641, visit AKMidland.com or email AliciaKuzel@remax.net www.

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4 Ways Mentoring Up-and-Coming Employees Makes You a Better Agent In the world of real estate, there are always new agents joining the ranks. Even if you’ve been practicing for just a few short years, you’ve likely learned your fair share of lesson along the way. As an agent, much of your working philosophy is derived from first-hand experience and your work on the ground. This means that new agents are less prepared for the inevitable curveballs of the industry. That’s where you come in.

While mentorship is often pitched as a relationship that solely benefits the mentee, there is actually plenty to be gained from becoming a mentor. After all, personal growth goes hand-in-hand with professional growth, and becoming a mentor asks agents to thoughtTop Agent Magazine

fully explore and demonstrate their own ideologies, practices, and rationale. With that in mind, take a look at some of the benefits of mentorship below, and you’ll get a sense of why counseling new agents can be a boon to your own business.

Teaching lessons to others reinforces your own professional values.

Showing the ropes to young agents is a great way to brush-up on your foundational skills.

Verbalizing and demonstrating processes, or walking through the rationale behind negotiation tactics—all cause mentors to think through their established practices and outline in detail why they’ve chosen this route over an

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alternative. This helps older agents fine-tune their routines, while getting back in touch with the critical thinking that went into constructing those habits.

Mentorships allows you to see the big picture.

surely sharpen your ability as the head of a team. What’s more, you’ll be building skills of empathy, understanding, teaching, and constructive criticism. Working on those skills will better your practice and your ability to lead in your office.

After a lengthy industry tenure, it’s not uncommon for battle-worn agents to lose some steam and begin to burn out. By devoting some time to mentoring up-and-coming agents, you’ll get back in touch with your early days, remembering the excitement, the trials, and the hard lessons gleaned. Spending time with the next generation of real estate professionals can reinvigorate your practice, as seeing the business from the eyes of an eager amateur can inject energy into your working life.

You’ll benefit from seeing things from a new perspective.

Just as working with young agents can help you remember your career’s big picture, you may also benefit from working alongside someone with a new perspective. Young agents bring a different set of skills and awareness to their work, and established agents can benefit from a fresh take. If technology isn’t your strong suit, or you’re interested in tapping the Millennial homebuyer market, working with a younger agent is an excellent way to see through fresh eyes.

Mentoring young agents makes you a better leader.

As a mentor, you’ll often direct the flow of your professional relationship—figuring out which issues to tackle, making an agenda, and imparting lessons in a clear way. These are all characteristics of a leader, and acting in a position of authority as mentor can 22

While some may balk at the time commitment or energy required to take on a mentee or two, you might consider it an act of ongoing education or professional development. While your mentee will undoubtedly benefit from access to your expertise, there’s certainly much to be gained from taking the time to cultivate tomorrow’s real estate leaders.

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EMILIE LANGE As a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Emilie Lange has spent more than a decade in the business of helping people. Starting her business career in Home Health Care in 2006, Emilie’s job was to help people get what they needed to keep them safe and comfortable in their residence.

Thus, transitioning into real estate was not a substantial change for her.

Emilie got her real estate license for the state of Michigan to continue helping families find a place they can call home. Emilie and her family love lake life. Having been born and raised in West Bloomfield, she likes to consider herself a lakefront property guru. She is partial to Elizabeth Lake being that she lives lakefront and enjoys the water as often as Michigan weather permits! “Michigan is definitely the freshwater capital of the United States.”

Emilie takes a special interest in interior design and collaborating with people who are looking for not only lakefront properties but all homes across the Oakland and Macomb County areas.

To Emilie, real estate is more than just a career; it is an opportunity to be effective in people’s lives by pairing them with the perfect home. Eighty-five percent of her business is from word of mouth, repeat clients and referrals. She attributes her communication skills and down to earth manner to her many years in the business world. Emilie’s listings are highlighted through her website, social media, and mailers. As a solo agent, Emilie produced approximately $8M in sales volume last year and looks to increase that to $10M this year.

Her passion for interior design and finding families the house they can call home are some of the facets that Emilie enjoys most about her career. “It’s very satisfying...connecting people with where they need to be.”

Still involved with the Home Health Care industry, for every home that she sells or buys, Emilie donates to Top Agent Magazine

the Children’s Network Foundation through RE/MAX. When not working, Emilie cherishes spending quality time with her husband Errol, two children and dog Toby. During her free time, she is all about the lake life which includes boating and attending Jet ski races with her husband, who races professionally all over the country. She adores dining out at her favorite restaurants, Fork & Pint and El Camino in the quaint old time fishing town of Keego Harbor.

Emilie currently resides in the township of Waterford which spans 34 lakes and comprises a variety of lakefront homes. Approximately four square miles of Waterford, or 11.22%, is made up of water. There are several parks to enjoy that have access to the lakes which include the Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, Dodge Brothers State Park and Waterford Oaks County!

Looking ahead, Emilie’s future plans include growth, more community outreach by getting involved in fundraisers and adding her husband as a partner. Her new website highlighting the pair’s expertise will ensure her valued clients’ realty goals turn into a reality. “I got into real estate as a potential career, having just the hopes and dreams that I could take it as far as I have, and I’ve definitely exceeded my own expectations that I’m so incredibly proud of.”

For more about Emilie, call 248-310-6800 email soldbuyemilie@gmail.com, or visit christopherbrookerealty.com www.

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