NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL 9-26-22

NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL EDITION

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REASONS WHY YOU NEED A MENTOR BEYOND CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING:

WHAT IMPROVEMENT EXPENSES MAKE THE MOST SENSE? 3 EASY AT-HOME DIY PROJECTS TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE

FEATURED AGENT

MACKENZIE BOBBY

TIPS ON BREAKING INTO THE LUXURY MARKET

COVER STORY

NICK MAY

NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL EDITION

MACKENZIE BOBBY

“Mackenzie was a Throughout Mackenzie Bobby’s work, she 7 16 also very personab always keeps in mind the Golden Rule: treat were looking for a h others as you would want to be treated. It’s on it, sending me h helped her reach great heights as an agent had asked for in s in southeast Michigan. As a member of the to work with us t Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate Brand, could find our drea Mackenzie is committed to bringing her extremely smart an clients towards their goals. She first started the market and for on this path after graduating from high NICK MAY MACKENZIE BOBBY buyers it was impo school, and was inspired by her father. agent who knew their stuff and “My dad is a loan officer, and he also had his real estate knew how much we should offer license, so when I was younger I would go to showings to be able to get our offer pick with him,” Mackenzie explains. “He’s CONTENTS great at what he are extremely happy with the pr does, so he really motivated me to pursue this path.” As Mackenzie and will be recomme real estate 4) provides an ever-changing environment and BEYOND CLEANING AND 18) TIPS ON DECLUTTERING: THE looking for a friendsINTO and family fast pace, Mackenzie knew thisWHAT was the perfect path BREAKING for EXPENSES LUXURY MARKET her. It alsoIMPROVEMENT allowed her to engage with people, someMAKE THE MOST During Mackenzie’s free time, sh thing she absolutely loves.

“I amSENSE? a people person,” she 20) 3 EASY AT-HOME on walks and working out. Sh explains. “So this was the best career choice.”

14) 5 REASONS DIY PROJECTS and Group hanging out with family an op AgentWHY NickYOU May of The Carolinas Property NEED TO INCREASE taking time to plan for her futu Currently in a growth phase of her business, Mackenzie A MENTOR PROPERTY VALUE vices thehundreds Charlotte area andreaching the surrounding territory. making the ‘30 Under 30’ list. “ is making of calls a week, out to $10 million in 2023, it would potential sellers and buyers. She’s also soaking up as state a strange career path keeping the side.upInwith 2018,thewhenplishment it looked like time for me.” muchseems new information as possible, Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 hemist.

But, for Nick, was the“I’m to always move onwatching from that company, he decided latest market trends anditchanges. mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com ne.

He was negotiating proposals go alland in with the support of his Mackenzie’s wife and Wherever path lead YouTube to see what other agents are to doing, we have No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine ntracts R&D for his the chemistry recommendations hisathefriends. bright With natur weeklyinmeetings teamGA,where we discuss our is published bywith Feature Publications Inc. Although precautions are taken toof ensure accuracy offuture publishedahead. materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. y, pitching CEOs, and company an insatiable desire to learn, no struggles and howorto overcome she says. Closing To subscribe change address, sendthem,” inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published inso the U.S. worked his was up of to her be the lead listnts. wife, Jessalyn and andHeabout success. aboutNick’s 30 homes far this year, $5 million specialist on an who were already in real estate ing in volume, Mackenzie is continually pushing herself to eighteen-person team.

Keith Sandman, out that thoselevel. negotiating skills reach the next This drive and determination attractswho had encouraged 2 Top Agent Magazine him from the start make Nick an excellent clients, as they know shefit. willWith do everything possible to and helped him along,

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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 4

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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NICK MAY Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Nick May of The Carolinas Property Group services the Charlotte area and the surrounding territory.

Real Estate seems a strange career path for a chemist. But, for Nick, it was the right one. He was negotiating proposals and contracts in R&D for his chemistry company, pitching CEOs, and company presidents. Nick’s wife, Jessalyn and friends who were already in real estate pointed out that those negotiating skills would make Nick an excellent fit. With the support and encouragement from his wife, Jessalyn May, he was brave enough to took the step. He started taking night classes to explore the real estate world on 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

the side. In 2018, when it looked like time to move on from that company, he decided to go all in with the support of his wife and recommendations of his friends.

He worked his was up to be the lead listing specialist on an eighteen-person team.

Keith Sandman, who had encouraged him from the start and helped him along, suggested they form their own team. The Carolinas Property Group was formed.

For now, it’s just the two of them as they put systems in place to get ready to hire Top Agent Magazine

and grow. That won’t take long, and they’ll service the Charlotte area and the surrounding territory with the same attention to communication and detail that they’ve developed over years of working together.

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Charlotte is going through a growth explosion right now, with 100-125 people moving in daily. The draw of the financial industry there, the low cost of living and attractions like the Panthers and Hornets is huge. The opportunities available in Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

When not catering to his clients, Nick works at charity events, volunteering to raise awareness about pressing issues.

Plus, plans are in place to add members to the team and mentor them to the same success Nick has found. the mortgage and banking industries has new developments springing up and being filled almost as fast as they’re built. This is the clientele that appreciates Nick’s skill at negotiating.

All of the business Nick currently lands is from his expansive sphere of influence.

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There’s no cold calls or door knocking, just friends and neighbors that know and trust him. Whether it’s the bowling league or playing casual cornhole at the bars, Nick is always there as a source of information and connections. Many agents are notoriously bad at answering their phones – a trait Nick simply doesn’t understand.

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Unless he’s physically unable to answer, he’ll take your call or text you back that he will soon be with you. Clients appreciate the consistently open lines of communication, and it doesn’t matter if it’s for a new deal or a simple question, Nick will respond.

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Nick’s communication keeps up long after the transactions are over. He sets simple meetings for coffee or lunch with past clients a few times a week and reaches out for special life events. If he didn’t know them as friends at the start of a transaction, they are by the end, so the relationships grow Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

organically. Client appreciation parties with ice cream and pizza make it easier to keep in touch with a growing database.

When not catering to his clients, Nick works at charity events, volunteering to raise awareness about pressing issues.

Real Estate is a lonely industry, and plans

are in place to add members to the team and mentor them to the same success Nick has found, rather than let them try to figure it out on their own. Much like spending time with his two spoiled dogs (Teddie and Lucy), some things are best done together.

For more information about Nick May, please call 864-993-2852 and email Nick.May@exprealty.com

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5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor As great as it might feel to start your own business, and be solely responsible for its success, at some point, every entrepreneur reaches the limit of their potential, and needs a boost that only experience can provide.

But how do you get a lifetime of experience when you’re just starting out? Sure you can read countless books, but no book can replace the real life experience and advice of a mentor.

Mentors not only provides valuable insights, but they also have access to valuable connections as well. In fact a majority of the 14

most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country have said that having a mentor early on was instrumental in their success.

Here are some of the reasons why.

1. They’re able to see where you need improvement, when you can’t When you’re working non-stop to get your business off the ground, you might feel sensitive to any criticism from people who aren’t going through what you are. A good

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mentor knows exactly what you’re going though, and has probably made every mistake. When you’re in the thick of it, you might not be able to see where the problems are. A knowledgeable outsider, who knows exactly where you’re at and has only your best interests at heart is just what you need.

When you have a trusting relationship with someone like that, you will be more willing to listen to that brutal honesty, even if that constructive criticism stings.

energy into it. They can see things in a completely logical way and guide you based on the facts rather than emotion. A good mentor helps you work smarter, not harder. They help you focus on your goals and how to get there, as well as setting boundaries for you so you don’t overextend yourself. They teach you how to say no and help you let go when you need to move on from a setback.

2. They will encourage you to think outside of the box

In addition to expertise, building a strong network is something that can only come with time. A mentor will most likely have that already, giving you access to people and resources that would take others years to gain. These connections will lead to opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. It’s also a great confidence boost knowing that your mentor trusts and believes in you enough to invite you into their inner circle.

Years of experience can give someone a great idea of what works and what doesn’t.

They’ve seen things first hand, not just in theory. At the same time, mentors recognize the importance of taking chances, calculating risks, as well as cutting losses and moving on. A good mentor isn’t trying to encourage you to be a carbon copy of them, they are trying to create the best ‘you’ possible. That includes encouraging you to take chances, and then being there pushing you to keep going forward if it doesn’t work out.

A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and Top Agent Magazine

4. Networking

5. Encouragement At the heart or it all, a mentor offers you encouragement and motivation along the way, in good times and in bad. After a failure, it can be hard to get back on track and keep forging ahead. It helps to have someone who has spent year getting back up after being known down and coming out stronger than ever. It’s during those moments, when you feel alone and isolated, that having someone around offering you advice and positive feedback will be a much needed salve. They’re your cheerleader, they want you to succeed, and hopefully, you’ll pay it forward one day when you become as successful as them.

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MACKENZIE BOBBY Throughout Mackenzie Bobby’s work, she always keeps in mind the Golden Rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. It’s helped her reach great heights as an agent in southeast Michigan. As a member of the Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate Brand, Mackenzie is committed to bringing her clients towards their goals. She first started on this path after graduating from high school, and was inspired by her father.

“My dad is a loan officer, and he also had his real estate license, so when I was younger I would go to showings with him,” Mackenzie explains. “He’s great at what he does, so he really motivated me to pursue this path.” As real estate provides an ever-changing environment and fast pace, Mackenzie knew this was the perfect path for her. It also allowed her to engage with people, something she absolutely loves. “I am a people person,” she explains. “So this was the best career choice.”

Currently in a growth phase of her business, Mackenzie is making hundreds of calls a week, reaching out to potential sellers and buyers. She’s also soaking up as much new information as possible, keeping up with the latest market trends and changes. “I’m always watching YouTube to see what other agents are doing, and we have weekly meetings with the team where we discuss our struggles and how to overcome them,” she says. Closing about 30 homes so far this year, and about $5 million in volume, Mackenzie is continually pushing herself to reach the next level. This drive and determination attracts clients, as they know she will do everything possible to meet their needs. When it comes to her sellers, she utilizes her vast network of agents to spread the word about listings. “I have an extensive group of REALTORS® I’ve done business with,” she says. “We also have a group chat in our office consisting of around 80 agents. So we send our listings there and see if anyone has potential buyers.” She posts her listings on all the top real estate sites as well, like Zillow and realtor.com.

Those who work with Mackenzie appreciate her diligence and experience. One client recently said, 16

“Mackenzie was a true professional and also very personable. My husband and I were looking for a house and she was right on it, sending me houses that she knew I had asked for in specifics and was quick to work with us to get showings so we could find our dream home. She was also extremely smart and knowledgeable about the market and for us as first time homebuyers it was important for us to have an agent who knew their stuff and Mackenzie was it. She knew how much we should offer on the homes we liked to be able to get our offer picked. My husband and I are extremely happy with the process and working with Mackenzie and will be recommending her to any of our friends and family looking for a new home.”

During Mackenzie’s free time, she stays active by going on walks and working out. She also loves shopping and hanging out with family and friends. Mackenzie is taking time to plan for her future, too, which includes making the ‘30 Under 30’ list. “I hope to produce over $10 million in 2023, it would be an amazing accomplishment for me.”

Wherever Mackenzie’s path leads, she undoubtedly has a bright future ahead. With natural talent, ambition, and an insatiable desire to learn, nothing stands in the way of her success.

For more about Mackenzie Bobby, please call 586-549-9849 or email mackenzie@anthonydjon.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

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Tips on Breaking Into the Luxury Market So, you’ve been doing residential real estate for a while and you’re looking to up your game. A lot of people consider going into the luxury market at that point. Or, maybe you started in the business always intending to specialize in luxury properties and were just learning the ropes before you tackled one of the industry’s most lucrative specialties.

No matter the reason, the luxury market is a whole new ballgame and you don’t want to go into it unprepared. First impressions are everything in this business, especially when you’re dealing with wealthy clients and investors. Here are few things to consider if you’re thinking of going from starter homes to estates.

LEARN HOW THE LUXURY MARKET AND CLIENTELE ARE DIFFERENT As experienced as you might be in traditional real estate, the luxury market is almost like starting at ground zero. Everything from the buyers, to the sellers, and obviously, the properties themselves, will take a new approach.

One of the key ways it is different is that the feeling of exclusivity truly matters. You will be doing more targeted marketing through high-end networking groups as wealthier clients tend to be more comfortable when 18

you come recommended by people they trust to have the highest standards. There are no mass-marketed open houses. It’s all about private showings. Although professional, one-on-one service is key in this business no matter what the price point, wealthier buyers are accustomed to concierge-style service, and the way to stand out from the rest is to provide service that goes above and beyond what even they expect.

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LOOK THE PART If you’re thinking of going the luxury route, creating high-end branding and marketing yourself properly is of the utmost importance.

That includes your own personal look. You and your business will need a total makeover, or at least a major upgrade. It might even be time to buy that new car you’ve always wanted. It is also key that all of your marketing materials are high end. So start gathering a stable of highly-trained professionals,

photographers, and stagers as every aspect of the service network you’ll be providing complements the brand that you’re selling.

It’s well worth the time to get all of this nailed down and seamless before you even think of entering the luxury market. Another good investment? You want to have an indepth knowledge of all the latest real estate technologies and innovations. Don’t just look the part, actually be on the cutting edge.

SELL THE LIFESTYLE Yes, you’re selling a home, but you’re also selling a lifestyle, which in luxury is almost more important. When someone is spending millions of dollars on a home, they want to see the fabulous life they will be living in their new digs. Really highlight amazing party spaces, unique one of kind features,

and amenities. As with anything of value, things that make a property rare, will automatically make it more appealing to people who can afford the best. It also helps people connect more emotionally with a home, giving it even more value than if you just try and sell it as a good investment.

NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING Networking is an important aspect of this business at every level, but it a vital tool in the luxury market. Most of your referrals and targeted marketing will be done through luxury agent exclusive networking groups. In addition to that, it is even more important in this segment of the business to be actively Top Agent Magazine

involved in your community through volunteering and supporting local charitable events. You will not only build a stellar reputation, but you’ll also be giving back to the community you represent, and ultimately, integrity is what it’s all about in this business.

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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 20

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 Top Agent Magazine

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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 22

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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