MICHIGAN 7-1-22

MICHIGAN EDITION

UNTANGLING THE BIDDING WAR:

A BUYER’S & SELLER’S PERSPECTIVES

3 EASY AT-HOME DIY PROJECTS

SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT:

TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES FEATURED AGENTS

CASSEA BEAR KRISTIN & CHARLIE CRAIG COVER STORY

ANTONIA LISI

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Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

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you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

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I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

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THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

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I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

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I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

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I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

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DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

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YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with 6

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods Top Agent Magazine

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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ANTONIA LISI Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Antonia Lisi works solo with eXp Realty of Greater Detroit assiting buyers and sellers in the Oakland and Macomb County areas in Michigan.

Antonia Lisi knows a lot about the Oakland and Macomb County areas in Michigan, especially the Rochester and Rochester Hills suburbs of Detroit. And she should, of course, since she’s a REALTOR® for eXp Realty of Greater Detroit after earning her real estate license in 2016. As she likes to explain to her clients, the area is a family environment with excellent school districts and plenty of auto industry executives. Oh, and if you’re looking for a great Italian restaurant, she has insight on that, too. Try the Silver Spoon Ristorante in Rochester, an authentic trattoria known for its outstanding food, wines, and ambiance.

Antonia would know. She owns it.

“I am from Romania and my husband is from Italy. We love to cook, we love to host,” Antonia explained. “My background is in retail management in sales. I worked for Nordstrom for more than 10 years. I also 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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have a degree in interior design, and I was also passionate about investment properties and real estate. I love building relationships and working with people.”

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The symmetry of all her careers – retail management, owning a restaurant, and real estate – can’t be ignored. They are all customer-centric and are all about building a 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“For me, the most important thing is the client. I do everything for them to have an amazing customer experience and to find something they really love. They appreciate my knowledge, that I’m honest, transparent, and genuine.” foundation of goodwill and trust among clients, something Antonia is an expert at.

“I am big on connections. I remember my clients’ birthdays, I send gifts, thank you notes, I make comments on social media, we celebrate holidays, we do coffees, lunches, dinners, and we organize events every month,” said Antonia, who works solo as a part-time agent for eXp and nonetheless Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

brought in almost $3 million last year. “For me, the most important thing is the client. I do everything for them to have an amazing customer experience and to find something they really love. I go above and beyond for that. My clients appreciate my knowledge, that I’m honest, transparent, and genuine.”

When she’s not cooking up great food or cooking up great deals for her clients, Top Agent Magazine

Antonia loves to spend time with her three daughters – who are into dancing – as well as travel, read and bake, naturally. She continually gives back to the community and most Top Agent Magazine

recently helped spur an initiative that raised $20,000 for families with children with cancer to enjoy a summer camp in Montana.

And she has plans to grow her business.

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“Well, with this market being so crazy, you don’t even need to do staging anymore.

People find out a house is on the market and that’s about it,” Antonia said with a laugh.

“But I do want to become a top producer and sell $10 million a year. And I am planning to have a course or a guide or even a book to help other agents.”

Antonia Lisi is based in the Detroit suburb of Rochester, MI. She can be reached at 248-225-8466 or through email at antonialisi.realtor@gmail.com

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3 Easy At-Home DIY Projects to Increase Property Value Most homeowners have a lengthy list of chores and bit projects they intend to accomplish around the house. Oftentimes, those to-do items are completed piecemeal over a long stretch of time, or else sometimes not at all. However, when it comes time to prepare a home for market, all those tasks begin to pile-up and overwhelm. The Top Agent Magazine

list of things to do before the photographer comes or the first open house is held might seem endless, but not if you tackle just a few things here and there as you go. These sorts of projects—easy, DIY, at-home tasks you can accomplish in a few hours or less, with tools you most likely have on hand— go a long way with marginal effort.

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Complete a quick rehab of closets and storage areas Many agents advise clients to declutter and depersonalize their spaces ahead of professional photography and home showings. The idea is to provide prospective buyers with a neutral palette. Not only does this allow them to imagine their own lives unfolding within those four walls, but it also helps make a home’s square footage stand out. One way to add visual space to your home without calling in the contractor is to declutter common storage areas and closets. When buyers can get a complete look at a closet’s capacity, or a pantry’s depth, or the garage’s full functional potential, they get a better sense of a home’s potential and thus, its value.

In that vein, consider decluttering and cleaning your high-traffic storage spaces: the garage, pantries, closets, attics, and basements. Besides, organizing and discarding unwanted items help you prep for a move anyway, while giving potential buyers a peak at how spacious your home really is.

Add easy curb appeal with a bit of sweat equity Sure, curb appeal can arrive in the form of a new mailbox, pathway lighting, or updated house numbers, but it can also come cheaper than that. Curb extends to the upkeep of your lawn, landscaping, and home’s façade, and there are plenty of ways 16

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you can give these zones a refresh without spending anything but time. Keeping your front and back yard green and uniform adds a lux layer to exterior square footage.

Likewise, polishing the outside of your windows, trimming hedges, and sweeping the walkway can make a tidy and wellcared for first impression. There are other measures you can take too. Planting wildflower seeds in empty beds, or collecting some landscaping rocks to frame mulched areas can add a bit of character to your residence. Repainting the front door, ensuring trees are trimmed, and keeping back patios Top Agent Magazine

neat and uncluttered also underscore a home at its finest, which is ripe for buyers to snatch up.

Transform tiled spaces into sparkling clean surfaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens are where sellers can stand to add plenty of value in the process of selling a home. While pricey renovations might be out of the question for some, there are still affordable and time-effective ways you can transform for these spaces for the better. Cleaning,

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bleaching, or redoing your tile grout—in either kitchens, bathrooms, or other tiled spaces—can give these high-trafficked areas a new lease on life. Ensuring windows, mirrors, stainless steel appliances and backsplashes are streak-free and polished also demonstrate to buyers that your home is well-cared for and practically move-in ready. Sometimes, the devil is in the details. You might consider relining drawers, changing out knobs and fixtures,

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or else decluttering cabinets and shelves for a fresher look.

No matter the challenges ahead as you prepare your home for sale, completing a few small tasks every weekend or so can put you miles ahead of the competition.

Without spending a dime, you can add serious value to your home’s bottom line, setting you up for success as you begin your own home-shopping adventure.

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Area Specialist CASSEA BEAR At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Cassea Bear found herself in one of the worst possible positions, professionally speaking. She was working for one of the nation’s largest hotel companies. By September 2020, with the hospitality sector of the economy nearly grinding to a halt, Cassea found herself in the same position as millions of other Americans – unemployed.

As luck would have it, Cassea’s sister was in real estate and she convinced Cassea that this was the perfect time for a career change. “She pointed out that I had a strong background in customer service and am a true people person,” explained Cassea. “She thought I would be a natural for the real estate business…and it turns out she was absolutely right!” As Cassea described it, she “jumped right in” and “It has completely changed my life for the better.”

Cassea has an office in Troy but covers all of the six counties making up the greater Detroit area, including as far west as Ann Arbor. “I basically go wherever my client relationships take me,” said Cassea. “I think my favorite area, and a place where I have done a lot of business, is Canton, which is about midway between Ann Arbor and Detroit. It is a great family area with some of the best schools in the state. And great restaurants – I have to mention the restaurants.” A self-described foodie and a vegan, Cassea particularly loves Indian cuisine and enjoys discovering new, independent restaurants in the area. “My favorite breakfast place has to be Johnny Cakes,” Cassea said excitedly. “Another favorite spot is Kabuki Sushi, but I love discovering new places and meeting the owners.”

Having worked with nearly 60 clients last year, we are not sure how or when Cassea has the time to hang out at cafes and coffee shops. Her sales volume for 2021 was $18.5 million and her goal for 2022 is an ambitious $25 million. That’s pretty remarkable for an agent in just her second year in the business. But her success may have something to do with what Cassea calls her life philosophy. “The energy you put out into the world is the energy you are going to receive,” explains Cassea.

“When you treat people right and do good by them, good things will always come your way. Life is full cycle.” Adds Cassea, “I believe strongly in the law of attraction. The energy I give and my personality make it easy to connect with people. For me it is not about the transaction, it is all about the relationships I form along the way.” Apparently, Cassea is building a lifetime of relationships as she builds her business. “Do you have any idea how many weddings I have been invited to this year,” she asks with a laugh.

Being a vegan, it should be no surprise that Cassea is a very active animal rights advocate. She spends much of her free time raising money and awareness for animal causes and promoting the virtues of mind, body and soul. Cassea loves to travel and enjoys discovering new cultures where she can venture outside her comfort zone. She offsets her love of food and cooking with a regular workout routine and “anything outdoors”. As for her future in real estate, Cassea says, “I am so excited for the possibilities ahead and for what’s to come.

I would eventually love to become a team captain and help coach other real estate professionals. I just love this business and love helping people. Thanks sis!”

You can contact Cassea Bear at cassea@socialhousegroup.com or by calling 734-620-1301

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Untangling the Bidding War: A Buyer’s & Seller’s Perspectives In a competitive marketplace, bidding wars become the norm. While this may put sellers in an excellent position to recoup on their investment, it can push buyers beyond their budgets and test their temperaments in the process. As an agent, how do you navigate both sides of the coin? After all, you want to net the best results for your client—regardless of which side of the closing table they’re on. To fortify your approach to a heated bidding war, here are a few ideas and insights to better clue you in on the perspectives of buyers and sellers alike.

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Buyer’s Perspective: Emotions Running High?

Channel it.

When the market is booming, buyers feel the pressure—especially when affordable inventory is limited. This can create stress, feelings of hopelessness, and impulsivity. As an agent, how do you channel this emotional energy into something positive? Consider asking buyers to put those anxieties and high hopes onto paper. Have buyers outline

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who they are, why they’re inspired to buy a home at this juncture in their lives, and how they see their lives unfolding once they become a homeowner (or repeat homeowner). Think of it as a letter of intent.

Buyers benefit from taking abstract fears and dreams and articulating them on paper. Likewise, this document can serve as a valuable tool during a bidding war. Letters like these can help sellers with multiple offers make a personal, emotional connection with a particular buyer.

Sellers Perspective: Manage expectations.

When multiple offers are rolling in on a property, it’s easy for sellers to get carried away. Numbers are flying, expectations are heightened, and sellers may become hypnotized by higher and higher offers and ideal outcomes. While it’s good to celebrate prime market positioning, it’s also important to maintain an even keel so that your seller’s mind is clear and they’re thinking rationally through their options.

Sometimes the highest offer isn’t necessarily the sure thing. Manage your clients’ expectations by leading by example, offering a balanced perspective, and talking them through all potential outcomes so that they don’t only hone in on the best-case scenario.

During a bidding war, tensions are running high for seller’s too, who will soon begin their next chapter in another home. Keep a cool head and remind your client to see the big picture, recognize that it’s possible for some offers to fall through, and to sit tight until the closing table has been successfully reached.

Buyer’s Perspective: How do you authentically and convincingly convey your interest?

When ten or so offers are in the mix, it can be hard to differentiate your buyer from the next. While numbers will obviously do a lot of the talking, you’d be surprised how much of a difference a 22

personal touch can make. Some popular approaches to standing out include personal letters—as mentioned above—tailored to the property. Was the property in question a family home for years? You might have clients detail their dreams of raising a family inside those walls, rather than tear the property down and rebuild something to boost the lot’s value. Including a family photo is also a good tact for personalizing letters in a bidding war. Likewise, little gifts included with your offer can speak volumes about your personality and due diligence as an agent. It may seem a little cheesy, but when sellers are looking at ten near-identical offers, those personal touches can really paint a compelling, personalized picture.

Seller’s Perspective: How powerful is cash?

Data shows that cash offers—typical of investor clientele—double the chances of having an offer accepted. This goes hand in hand with waiving a financing contingency, which also helped boost the probability of an accepted offer, according to research. Cash is king, however, since offers that aren’t completely reliant on comprehensive financing seem to minimize risk for sellers, who are already eager to see a deal go through. Cash deals also tend to go through quickly, freeing sellers up to pursue their next property and move on to new horizons. While not every buyer has the ability to operate in cash, it’s a worthwhile consideration for those in ultra-competitive markets and with liquid capital.

While the bidding process can be stressful for agents and clients alike, it’s important to remember that it’s a time of opportunity, too. If you want to make the most of it as a seller, data shows that a personal touch can endear buyers to their seller counterparts. For sellers navigating a competitive process, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. For agents, here’s the bottom line: get creative, be resourceful, and use all the tools in your arsenal to achieve the best result for the clients you serve.

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KRISTIN & CHARLIE CRAIG The husband and wife team, Charlie and Kristin Craig have built a real estate partnership based on trust and hard work, putting their clients first for the past seven years. While Kristin has had her real estate license for over twenty years and is a certified broker, her husband entered the industry more recently after years of working in construction in the South. Together, they focus their business on representing buyers and sellers all over Oakland County, Michigan. Having lived in Milford for over twenty years, they are an integral part of their community with a trove of localized knowledge that they are always willing to share with their clients.

With everyone they work with, Charlie and Kristin go above and beyond to exceed expectations, which is likely why their thriving business is made up of 70% repeat and referral clients. In addition to the high level of attention they provide, they also offer value-added services that prove that real estate to them is more than just a job. To spread the word about their services, the team posts on social media, sends monthly mailings, makes phone calls, and texts. In addition, they have some pre-marketing strategies in place to show prospective buyers available homes before they hit the market.

Most of what Charlie and Kristin do on a daily basis is linked in some way to giving back to their community.

For example, they host quarterly happy hours for prospective and current clients that benefit local charities.

Currently, they are working on collecting non-perishable foods for the Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford. They are also involved in ongoing church outreach programs to help the homeless in downtown Detroit and Pontiac and further afield through mission trips. “We both have servants’ hearts,” Kristin says.

“We try to do one mission trip every year at least.”

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In their spare time, the couple loves to travel. “We alternate between going to the beach and the mountains. I also love traveling abroad,” says Kristin. They visit national parks, where they hike and ride Harleys. Closer to home, they enjoy local festivals and events. “Milford Memories is a really fun annual festival weekend that we love going to every year. It’s a strong community gathering where everything is handmade and we all support each other,” explains Kristin.

With Kristin currently working towards getting her real estate license in Florida, the team has plans to grow and expand their business to focus on both Michigan and Florida. It’s an exciting time in real estate and with their small team, there is so much potential to keep the momentum going. Of course, you can be sure that no matter where their business is based, Charlie and Kristin will provide the same level of care for their clients. “We try to think outside the box, especially in this market to get our families where they need to go, whether they are selling or buying. At the end of the day, their happiness is the best reward.”

To learn more about Charlie &Kristin Craig, please call 248-496-5223 or email kristinleecraig@gmail.com

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