NEW ENGLAND 7-18-22

NEW ENGLAND EDITION

BUSINESS GROWTH HACK:

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SUREFIRE METHODS THAT MAKE FOR A PRODUCTIVE MEETING COVER STORY

MICHAEL SAKEY

ABSORB YOUR CLIENTS' STRESS! FEATURED AGENTS

ALEX ABRAMO JACKSON HINES LEAH SNOWDALE NIKKI MARTIN CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU TIPS ON BEING A GOOD TEAM LEADER

NEW ENGLAND EDITION

JACKSON HINES

Jackson Hines beams with joy every you know everyone’s 7 17 21 morning he walks into his office on hisgood to stay involved, toric Charles Street in Boston’s Beacon do.” In his tenure at Cr Hill. There starts another day where he seen his clients help r will get to strike up a conversation with For example, his first c one of the residents of the intimate, florist shop named Fleu diverse community. There, also, he may but also helps beautify engage a renter on a journey to become from one with previou a homeowner. An agent specializing in to a desirable destinatio rentals at Crescent ALEX RealtyABRAMO since 2020, MICHAEL SAKEY JACKSON HINES Jackson has quickly become a neighborCrescent’s Beacon Hil MICHAEL SAKEY hood specialist in his adopted hometown. thanmarket just conven Martin has and more every listing hikki Snowdale has always always believed that 22 stay ahead25of what’s coming on the was able to really be a part of the community aspect of plays into a marketing blend that on you the help right people. thing, and“I what says Jackson, who director from workdoand to potentially find off market thelove neighborhood,” also manages The renters and nowopportunities seeks to drawCom own Tavern, a neighborhood restaurant in Beacon Hill. properties.

The highly visible ou do, in everything will into place. technique with histo top degree Sociology, shefallHill for clients.”

“I am very close-knit with all of the residents here. That heavy car and foot traffic. “We get proven true in her and easy to stay here and focus on my real ness through she walk-ins, is able but to also obtain y’s years in to thebe corporate madelife my decision just in Beacon Hill.” When she’s not working, neighborhood,” Jackson “There reer, like as she’s of the topestate realinterests estate price for her sellers nies Johnone Hancock Leah is says. either mouth that goes through the restaura le shein was learning a lot, North helping out her community, spending timea c gents Massachusetts’ Shore is able to offer Those interests began in high school for Jackson. He was I gain business, but also, some of m egion. a more client-facing po- inworking with her company family, or doing for summers with a commercial painting ing to move Beacon Hill. k LEAH SNOWDALE NIKKI MARTIN Born and raised Lynnfield, loantosomething service asThey well when he saw his first construction projects from start to is right here on Charles Street, right felt she was actually herself, like kickboxing or a spin class. e’s like passionate about herfinish. area, and “It really opened up my interest in the construcneighborhood. Renters trust our offic t in it people’s lives. rewarding Real tion aspect onfirst-hand the board forAfter thewith South Shore of real estate, but alsoShe’s let me see relationships the property owne nds incredibly to help the transactio CONTENTS what it takes to go from the starting point to the endpoint hood.”

Fifty years in the neighborho nd after some encourageChildren’s Museum, which a lot of eople achieve their dreams where here.people It was withhosts clients, buildi get to move in and the project’s complete.” credibility to the Crescent Realty bro usband, as ago someone for children and their families.

From there, hetoattended Suffolk fun University in Beacon bout fourbut years that she decided tionships.

Buyers 4) BUSINESS GROWTH 20)events CREATIVE WAYS Hill, majoring in political science with a real estate Jackson aspires to climb the rse, startedMartin her newTeam,YOUR “We’ve done a drive-in movie night andcareer aabo rm Leah the Nikki wanting spread the word HACK: ABSORB TO SAY THANK YOU minor. Jackson obtained his real estate license and joined while keeping his focus on becoming teps getting her license and workTrunk or Treat — those kindsker.ofHeevents that toget kids CLIENTS' STRESS! Crescent immediately after graduation. looks more of his find— like-minded individuals to reach Oneforward client recently e still maintaining her corporate poengaged with the community,” she says.

Leah also moving to Boston and sharing his jou 23) TIPS ON BEING ven greater heights. Consisting of seven members, multiple transactionsyearswith Nikki Jackson spends most of his time between rental clients of professional under his belt er first year of working in real estate enjoys going to the beach and taking mini weekend 15) to 3 SUREFIRE METHODS A GOOD TEAM LEADER and production the restaurant, all in Beacon Hill. “It’s of great,” he anewer agents.

“I would advise other ey were able double their after moving both very small property an r seeing aTHAT 114% MAKE increaseFOR insays. herA“There’s vol- plenty getaways where possible. of business, and there’s plenty of first start off in the business to find a Compass Real Estate, and have been experiencing property.

For both price points, sh great people to meet, so I really don’t find myself not nitely meets your ideals, your values, corporate, she knew she MEETING had made PRODUCTIVE having something to do. has There’sgreat always something that’s going to value you respons and make yrocketing success ever since.

“My team level toof professionalism, . “At this point, I was doing someyear, didbut$14 million inappropriate sales volume and always catch up onLast in Beacon HillLeah real estate also just you the time and the appr nergy,” she explains.

“Our slogan is ‘Simply the Best,’ knowledge.

She and her team of pr Beacon Hill in general because it’s a very bustling reached comyour business.”

Jackson says he was y enjoyed Phone and I couldn’t let myself this year, she’s already $9 million.

Leah loves 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 ecause we strive to delivermunity. a high end,a lot white gloveinteraction streamlined perfectly And there’s of community where all ofexperience those things at Crescent Realtyta

NIKKI MARTIN LEAH SNOWDALE ALEX ABRAMO

the challenge of growing her business and as a natural pproach are aher first-time buyer born hustler has big plans to increase volume year No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent Magazine For more about Jackson Hines, email jhinescrescent@gmail.com, call a seasoned investor who needs to8 s as a soloisagent Boston GA, and over year.

While she’s many jobs, often publishedserving

by Feature Publications Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure thehad accuracy of published materials, Topoverlapor visit crescentrealty-co.com/agents/jackson-hines Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. ikki firstShe entered theup industry 38 years ago, after being dence. uburbs. grew on the South ping, it’s clear that Leah hasHighly finallyrecommended.” found her perfectAn To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. spired

by Published her and with sister.cliShe started her real was a pleasure to work with. She w in theto U.S.meet all around the mother city fit in real estate.

Copyright T career attending a co-op at Northeastern the homebuying process went smo state is based on while 90% repeat and referral 2 Top Agent Magazine extensive my questions and concerns, and ta eniversity. attributes Her to her ability toexperience relate to and dedication | www.topagentmagazine.com to mag@topagentmagazine.com every transaction.” whether you https://

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Business Growth Hack: Absorb Your Clients’ Stress!

Your business coach or a CRM software sales rep has probably described a number of products or services to help you grow your business. But sometimes the easiest way to increase the deals you’re closing is to simply be present for your clients. In doing so, you’ll find have the power to decrease the stress they feel. And when you decrease their stress, you increase your value to them, leading to new referrals and organic growth.

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You may be thinking, “I have enough stress; how can I find the emotional bandwidth for other people’s stress?” But consider this: As their day-to-day point of contact in this life decision, you are already a strong presence in your client’s lives. Why not allow yourself to be the only seemingly calm part of this process? By asking them what’s on their mind, by truly listening, by showing that you truly understand and even by rolling up

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your sleeves to relieve some of their grunt work, you’ll prove yourself invaluable.

Think of yourself as the equivalent of an anti-anxiety pill to your clients. All you have to do is form a few easy habits.

Laura and Raj, their agent and their loan officer soon came to learn that Laura’s 80-year-old mother may eventually move in with the family. This news not only helped the agent best meet Laura’s and Raj’s needs for a new home; it gave both the agent and the loan officer opportunities to go above and beyond for their clients. Their REALTOR® connected Laura with a senior services nonprofit near Laura’s mom’s current home that may be able to assist the family.

And their loan officer outlined various, detailed options to Laura and Raj make smart, long-term financial decisions.

Meanwhile, the agent and loan officer earned the trust of Laura and Raj, who felt less worried about the future.

Listen – really listen – with patience Behind every home purchase or sale is a person or a family with a uniquely complex set of needs, motivations, objectives and priorities. Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers are the easiest ways to learn how to make clients’ lives easier. In doing so, you not only show that you’re interested in them as people, but you help yourself discover ways to surprise your clients with service.

Take “Laura and Raj,” for instance – a couple in their 30s who wanted a larger home because their family of five outgrew their first home. By patiently getting to know Top Agent Magazine

Empathize Don’t be afraid to describe your own personal experiences as a homebuyer or seller, explaining how you felt at the time; let your client know you “get” it. The agent who is willing to open up and let buyers and

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sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly.

Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted.

Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has 6

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’”

Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares.

If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help.

When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

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MICHAEL SAKEY Top Agent Magazine

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MICHAEL SAKEY Professionalism is a key trait to Michael’s success.

Being open, honest, and above all, available, sets him apart.

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background with decades of experience in hospitality eventually lead Michael to part from owning a restaurant and pursue real estate. After helping run that business for a few years, he decided he wanted to explore further career options. He knew he needed a career in a field, something not behind a desk, and something working with people. After some research, he pursued his real estate license and started talking to brokerages. None of the big brokerages felt right. A close friend then introduced him to Steve at Rovi Homes, New England, a small brokerage with about a dozen agents. It was the breath of fresh air that Michael was looking for. The company was forward thinking, open and honest, not the stale feeling he was getting from other companies.

Five years later, that dozen agents is now

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a sprawling team of a hundred and fifty, with Michael overseeing the agents in Connecticut.

His role grew as quickly as the brokerage and he found immediate success with an approach that felt natural and right to him, setting them apart from the big competition in the area.

The reason Michael attribute’s so much of their team’s success in such a short amount Top Agent Magazine

of time is the rigorous training platform.

All agents, regardless of experience in the industry, are required to complete a 5-day in-person course we call “Boost” followed by 40 hours of self-directed e-learning we call “Orbit”, and then twice monthly we have deep dives into very specific topics we refer as “Axis.” “It is an entire Rovi Galaxy/ Universe.” When it comes to “landing the 9

rocket,’’ aka putting it all together, agents are supported by a 1:1 mentor, 1:1 coach, and of course access to Michael, the CT team leader. One other unique thing to note, Monday - Friday the team has a 6:30 AM call that anyone can jump on. It starts with a 10-minute video about leadership, negotiations, self-care, and so on, followed by 20 minutes of “real estate roundtable” where the agents have access to all members of leadership on the call, including the broker.

Professionalism is a key trait to Michael’s success. Being open, honest, and above all, available, sets him apart. It’s a time sensitive

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industry, and it doesn’t work if you’re going to have to wait days to get a response from your agent. Michael makes sure he understands the needs of each individual client, whether it’s an investor concerned only with returns, or a super emotional life changing event with someone buying or selling what will be the biggest investment of their lives.

These different clients require different approaches, and he makes sure he wears the right cap for each unique client.

Even though the areas he serves all have a small-town feel, the marketing treatment is big business. Professional media companies create all of the photography and 3D tours Top Agent Magazine

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and video tours are a must have. These listings then hit social media and Google ads simultaneously with the general listings on MLS, getting in front of potential buyers who may not be reviewing the syndicated sites. This marketing strategy led to his team in Connecticut pulling 46 million in volume of sales in 2021. The first five months of 2022 already saw 25 million in closings. He anticipates 2022’s total sales to eclipse the year previously.

Michael loves knowing he’s helping people, being a valuable asset and guide and that extends well beyond real estate.

When friends doing senior portraits for school found out the kids wanted to do a fashion show, they joined forces and kicked into high gear. That was the start of Unify Against Bullying, which became an all-inclusive fashion show fund raiser to set up scholarships and aid for anyone willing to create programming that help bring light to bullying that have been so endemic in schools, while inspiring future youth to be leaders.

He wouldn’t be happy doing anything else, and the future just looks like more growth and expansion where he can help more agents create the best real estate customer service experience possible.

For more information about Michael, please call 860-947-4650 or email msakey@rovihomes.com 12

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Garvey Law, LLC is proud to congratulate

Michael Sakey

on being featured for the State of Connecticut in Top Agent Magazine!

Katherine Garvey | Garvey Law, LLC KGarvey@attorneygarveylaw.com (413) 327-7033 office attorneygarveylaw.com https://

11 Herbert P. Almgren Drive, Agawam, MA 01001 • 701 Cottage Grove Drive , F230 , Bloomfield CT 06002

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3 Surefire Methods that Make for a Productive Meeting Sometimes a business meeting can achieve exactly what it sets out to do: communicate, assess actions, set goals, or otherwise. Other times, meetings can feel like a drain on your time and energy, and only advance your agenda in marginal ways. While meetings are an integral form of communication in the professional world, how can you ensure that they are both productive and worthwhile?

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The truth is, it takes intentioned planning to make a meeting a success. A well-curated meeting makes partners and employees feel unified as a team, excited about what’s to come, and motivated to achieve a collective goal. With that in mind, consider a few approaches below to maximize your next meeting and ensure that all parties involved leave with a renewed sense of direction and inspiration.

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1. Create a detailed agenda in advance Oftentimes meetings are scheduled with a loose goal in mind—to hash out the terms of a contract or to strategize a new marketing campaign, for example. To ensure your meeting is productive, time-efficient, and achieves its end, create a detailed agenda in advance. This means breaking down your overarching goal into pieces and outlining what’s required to complete each component. You might also consider making time blocks for each respective component, so there is a clear structure and hierarchy in place. Not only does this ensure that time is used wisely and evenly, but it also creates order and momentum for the greater task at hand. What’s more, you’ll want to distribute this detailed agenda in advance of your meeting, so that all attendees will be familiar with the format and delineated goals of your gathering. This will set a professional tone, while keeping team members and conversation on task.

2. Reserve off-topics ideas and comments for later Too many meetings are derailed when an off-topic question or comment is made and hijacks the attentions of attendees. While it’s natural that outlying issues may arise when all team members are gathered, you can ward off distractions by creating a so-called holding area for off-topic talking points. This holding area will serve as the receptacle for any off-topic or lower priority addendum, and you can create a chunk of time towards the end of your meeting to readdress those 16

points separately. Once you’ve achieved the highest priority goals of your meeting, you can then return to the items in your holding area. Note: be sure to familiarize your staff with this approach so that the expectation is already in place and interruptions won’t distract from your meeting’s true intent.

3. Conclude every meeting with a brief summary and action items The very last thing you should do before concluding your meeting is to reemphasize the main takeaways of your gathering and outline a specific list of action items. Again, successful meetings are clear and give attendees a sense of direction. That’s why reiterating action items—or next steps in need of completion—to each respective employee is an essential component of a productive meeting. Likewise, summarizing main takeaways unifies a team’s understanding of what’s important and why the meeting was called in the first place. Ending on a concrete yet proactive note helps launch team members toward the next event in their day and gives them a sense of confidence as they tackle their duties.

Meetings don’t have to be a formality or a bore. When planned and executed with incisiveness, they can inspire your talent roster and streamline productivity in your office.

Especially in the world of real estate, ensuring everyone is on the same page and doing their jobs effectively is key to success and longevity. Put a little planning into your next meeting, and you’ll save yourself valuable time and energy as you move forward.

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ALEX ABRAMO

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ALEX ABRAMO

When buying his first condo in 2015, Alex Abramo worked with agent Todd Denman, and the two hit it off immediately. “Todd helped me find my first home, and in the process of going through the successes and struggles of homeownership, I realized I had a passion for real estate,” Alex recalls. After working in software sales for over 8 years, Alex was ready for a change, and he finally took the leap into real estate, joining Todd’s team in February 2020. Alex hasn’t looked back since. “Over two years later, I’m loving it more than ever,” he says.

leaving downtown to move north, and they can still commute almost anywhere very easily.”

Alex’s repeat and referral business is growing steadily, a sure sign that clients trust him to take care of them. He forms strong bonds with his clients and keeps those relationships going long after the closing, staying in touch with past clients via social media and handwritten cards.

Todd has since joined forces with Lisa Drapkin to form the Denman Drapkin Group, of which Alex is a member. Currently working exclusively as a buyer’s agent, Alex serves the area surrounding Boston, including Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, and other bordering towns. He praises his area north of the city for its highly regarded school systems, as well as its accessibility to the city. “Many people are 18

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“Many of my clients are millennials and are starting to have kids, so I’m around to answer any of their kid questions!” Alex says. “I’m also looking forward to having more in-person events so we can get out and get more face time with one another.”

As a buyer’s agent, Alex provides value to his clients by sharing his expertise and experience. He walks his clients through every step of buying a home or an investment property, and he spreads this knowledge via social media as well. “I share educational content to familiarize people with what to look out for as you become a homeowner, and in the first year of owning a property,” Alex says, “as well as useful tips to gain more equity in your property such as renovation or refinancing.”

These strategies help clients create wealth for their families through real estate.

Alex and the team at Denman Drapkin Group like to give back to their community, raising over $100,000 to local organizations last year alone. When he is not working or giving back, Alex loves spending time with his family, whether that’s walking around downtown Wakefield near the lake, playing at the playground, or going to the farmer’s market on the weekend.

Looking toward the future, Alex plans to eventually expand into the listing side, as well as building his own portfolio of investment properties and helping his clients do the same. Above all, he looks forward to continuing to serve his clients. “I love the business of real estate, and I love the flexibility it gives me,” Alex says. “Being a dad of two young boys, watching them grow up and being involved with them was a top priority for me, so I love that real estate allows me to do that.

I love the great work-life balance, and I love helping my clients.”

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For more about Alex Abramo, call 339.223.9277, email alexander.abramo@compass.com.

You can find him online at alexabramo.com https://www.instagram.com/alex.abramo_compass/ and on Instagram @alex.abramo_compass. http://

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Creative Ways to Say Thank You

Most top real estate agents find ways to welcome their clients to their new home. A common theme is a bottle of wine and some wine glasses for that first post-threshold toast, or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up that empty living space until the furniture arrives.

But are you truly being as creative as you can with your appreciation? Here are some innovative gift ideas that will truly keep you front of mind with your valued customers and assure their gratitude and repeat business, not to mention a slew of referrals.

1. How about a streaming video device, like a Roku

or Amazon Fire Stick? There’s a good chance your clients will not have their cable service up and running for a few days, and this is an excellent way for them to enjoy their television before they get that connection going. Bundle it up in a basket with some DVD’s for the kids, and don’t forget all necessary cables.

2. Matching bathrobes and Bath kits: Fleece or ter-

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rycloth bathrobes and a basket filled with highend his and her body scrubs, bubble bath and other luxurious pampering items can make the first night in a new home feel like a check-in at a fabulous resort and make the memory of that first night one to cherish. Again, don’t forget the kids!

3. Arrange a catered meal from a local vendor. As-

certain in advance dietary preferences and restrictions, and have a wonderful, healthy meal delivered on move-in night. To complete the magic, provide brand new plates, silverware and glassware to serve it all on.

4. For homes with swimming pools or Jacuzzis, a

stack of fluffy pool towels is always appreciated and will be used by family and friends for years to come. Additionally, acrylic stemware for celebrating safely can be provided alongside them.

5. If it’s winter time and the home has a fireplace, make sure there’s plenty of wood to burn. Some fireplace accessories and a log holder will certainly make your clients appreciate you on every chilly night to come.

So when it comes to gifting your buyers, the trick is to be creative. A bottle of wine lasts one night, and the flowers wilt in a few days. Try coming up with something a little more creative that will remain with your clients in their day-to-day lives and remind them of you consistently. The little bit extra you spend to show your gratitude can reap huge dividends when it comes time for your client to purchase a second home or refer a friend.

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JACKSON HINES Jackson Hines beams with joy every morning he walks into his office on historic Charles Street in Boston’s Beacon Hill. There starts another day where he will get to strike up a conversation with one of the residents of the intimate, diverse community. There, also, he may engage a renter on a journey to become a homeowner. An agent specializing in rentals at Crescent Realty since 2020, Jackson has quickly become a neighborhood specialist in his adopted hometown.

“I was able to really be a part of the community aspect of the neighborhood,” says Jackson, who also manages The Hill Tavern, a neighborhood restaurant in Beacon Hill.

“I am very close-knit with all of the residents here. That made my decision easy to stay here and focus on my real estate interests in Beacon Hill.”

Those interests began in high school for Jackson. He was working summers with a commercial painting company when he saw his first construction projects from start to finish. “It really opened up my interest in the construction aspect of real estate, but also let me see first-hand what it takes to go from the starting point to the endpoint where people get to move in and the project’s complete.”

From there, he attended Suffolk University in Beacon Hill, majoring in political science with a real estate minor. Jackson obtained his real estate license and joined Crescent immediately after graduation.

Jackson spends most of his time between rental clients and the restaurant, all in Beacon Hill. “It’s great,” he says. “There’s plenty of business, and there’s plenty of great people to meet, so I really don’t find myself not having something to do. There’s always something to always catch up on in Beacon Hill real estate but also just Beacon Hill in general because it’s a very bustling community. And there’s a lot of community interaction where

you know everyone’s name. It is always good to stay involved, and that is what I do.” In his tenure at Crescent, Jackson has seen his clients help rejuvenate the area.

For example, his first commercial tenant, a florist shop named Fleuri, not only thrives but also helps beautify a block in transition from one with previous vacant storefronts to a desirable destination for business.

Crescent’s Beacon Hill office location is more than just convenient to Jackson. It plays into a marketing blend that once targeted mostly renters and now seeks to draw owners with available properties. The highly visible historic location draws heavy car and foot traffic. “We get a lot of our business through walk-ins, but also just from being in the neighborhood,” Jackson says. “There’s a lot of word-ofmouth that goes through the restaurant I work at where I gain business, but also, some of my friends are looking to move to Beacon Hill. They know that our office is right here on Charles Street, right in the heart of the neighborhood. Renters trust our office as we have great relationships with the property owners in the neighborhood.” Fifty years in the neighborhood, he says, lends credibility to the Crescent Realty brokerage.

Jackson aspires to climb the career ladder at Crescent while keeping his focus on becoming a Beacon Hill broker. He looks forward to more of his Connecticut family moving to Boston and sharing his journey. With a couple of professional years under his belt, he has advice for newer agents. “I would advise other agents when they first start off in the business to find a company that definitely meets your ideals, your values, but also a company that’s going to value you and make sure that they give you the appropriate time and the appropriate care to build your business.” Jackson says he was very lucky to find all of those things at Crescent Realty and in Beacon Hill.

For more about Jackson Hines, email jhinescrescent@gmail.com, call 860.830.9595 or visit crescentrealty-co.com/agents/jackson-hines https://

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LEAH SNOWDALE REALTOR® Leah Snowdale has always had the drive to work and help people.

After earning a degree in Sociology, she worked for many years in the corporate world for companies like John Hancock and Dunkin’. While she was learning a lot, she longed to have a more client-facing position where she felt like she was actually making an impact in people’s lives. Real estate came to mind after some encouragement from her husband, but as someone who was risk-averse, Leah started her new career with baby steps — getting her license and working part-time while still maintaining her corporate position. 2021 was her first year of working in real estate full-time and after seeing a 114% increase in her volume after leaving corporate, she knew she had made the right decision. “At this point, I was doing something that I really enjoyed and I couldn’t let myself fail,” she said.

Today, Leah works as a solo agent serving Boston and the surrounding suburbs. She grew up on the South Shore, but travels all around the city to meet with clients. Her business is based on 90% repeat and referral clients, which she attributes to her ability to relate to people and help them through big decisions. “It comes naturally to me to work with many different types of people and personality types. I’m able to make them feel comfortable and walk them through the process of buying or selling their home,” she explains. When Leah is not with a client, she’s always on call for any questions. “If someone needs something, it’s important to them and therefore, it’s important to me to make sure they get what they need.”

In terms of marketing, Leah takes advantage of the topnotch resources that Compass provides. She’s active on social media and uses it as a way to maintain relationships and reach a new audience. Of course, in-person connections are also really important, particularly with past clients as well as industry professionals. “It helps to network with other industry professionals and 22

stay ahead of what’s coming on the market to potentially find off market opportunities for clients.”

When she’s not working, Leah is either helping out her community, spending time with her family, or doing something for herself, like kickboxing or a spin class.

She’s on the board for the South Shore Children’s Museum, which hosts a lot of fun events for children and their families.

“We’ve done a drive-in movie night and a Trunk or Treat — those kinds of events that get kids engaged with the community,” she says. Leah also enjoys going to the beach and taking mini weekend getaways where possible.

Last year, Leah did $14 million in sales volume and this year, she’s already reached $9 million. Leah loves the challenge of growing her business and as a natural born hustler has big plans to increase her volume year over year. While she’s had many jobs, often overlapping, it’s clear that Leah has finally found her perfect fit in real estate.

To learn more about Leah Snowdale please call 508-274-6897, email leah.snowdale@compass.com or follow her on instagram@realestateby_Leah Top Agent Magazine

Tips on Being a Good Team Leader Your business is booming, so much in fact, that you’ve finally made the decision to start a team. You’ve made sure it’s financially feasible, and you’ve found the right people, but there is still one other component of a successful team. And that’s an effective leader. It’s your job to not only generate business, but to motivate your team, which in turn increase productivity. Here are a few simple tips on being a good team leader.

1. Evaluate each team member, making sure to utilize their strengths Hiring the right people is one of the first steps in creating a successful team, but once you have those people it’s really Top Agent Magazine

important to figure out where they best fit into the operation. Having every team member be an ‘expert’ in their part of the process leads to seamless transactions and a business that runs like a well-oiled machine.

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Of course it’s also important to create a supportive atmosphere that allows team members to stretch beyond their comfort zones, under your guidance. It’s to the whole team’s advantage when people take initiatives to up their game by taking additional training or mastering a new and innovative technology that can improve productivity. The key is to constantly evaluate not only your systems but the people running them. It’s your job as a leader to encourage that personal growth while making sure to always protect against any major misfires. Which leads us to…

2. Always reevaluate what is and isn’t working It’s a good idea to have a weekly meeting where the whole team can convene and go over any snags they may have hit in the systems that you developed when starting your team. Your team is in the trenches with you and since everyone probably focuses on a different aspect of the transaction, it’s important to make sure things are working on every level. Make sure copious notes are taken during these meetings so you have a track record of what was suggested, as well as a history of things that may have been tried and the results.

Another good thing to focus on in these meetings is goal setting. Set weekly and monthly goals, and use the meetings to discuss what’s being done or needs to be done to meet them. When goals are met, it’s a great bonding experience for everyone. When they aren’t, it’s a moment to learn how you can do better in the future.

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Don’t forget to always take in what you can do to be a better team leader as well.

3. Stay connected and in communication These are your team members! There’s more to that than just a label. Be connected to them on a daily basis. Clear, open and honest communication is important on a busy team and that’s much easier if you actually like and trust your co-workers.

Sure you want to succeed for yourself, but knowing that other people you respect are counting on you, is an additional motivating factor, that is certain to lead to everyone going above and beyond creating a wildly successful business.

4. Be inspiring and supportive If you’re enthusiastic about what you’re doing, it really will be infectious. Encourage innovation and creativity. Yes, systems and consistency are great but don’t let your team get in a rut either.

Support their individual careers, always encourage them to go for more, let them rely on you for mentorship. If they sense that you want each member to succeed as much as you have, you won’t find more loyal employees. And perhaps most importantly focus on what’s being done right. Don’t be the boss that just points out things they don’t like. Let them know when they’ve done an amazing job and be specific about what it is. Make them feel valued and they will become a valuable asset to you and your business.

Top Agent Magazine

NIKKI MARTIN Nikki Martin has always believed that if you do the right thing, and love what you do, everything will fall into place.

It’s proven to be true in her life and career, as she’s one of the top real estate agents in Massachusetts’ North Shore region. Born and raised in Lynnfield, she’s passionate about her area, and finds it incredibly rewarding to help people achieve their dreams here. It was about four years ago that she decided to form the Nikki Martin Team, wanting to find like-minded individuals to reach even greater heights. Consisting of seven members, they were able to double their production after moving to Compass Real Estate, and have been experiencing skyrocketing success ever since. “My team has great energy,” she explains. “Our slogan is ‘Simply the Best,’ because we strive to deliver a high end, white glove approach to every transaction.”

Nikki first entered the industry 38 years ago, after being inspired by her mother and sister. She started her real estate career while attending a co-op at Northeastern University. Her extensive experience and dedication to client happiness has led to her enormous growth. “I want to make sure my clients feel as if they are the only one I am working with,” she explains. She guides them through every step, ensuring all questions are answered.

Nikki also shares her knowledge with her buyers and sellers, allowing them to make educated decisions. No matter what, Nikki remains patient at all times, only wanting what is best for them. For her sellers, Nikki starts with advertising the property off the market with the Compass Coming soon website. It enables Nikki to get twice the amount of exposure for her listings and sell her properties twice as fast before the property hits the market. She also develops a marketing plan for each

and every listing with her marketing director from Compass. Through this technique with top notch technology, she is able to obtain the highest and best price for her sellers. With Compass, she is able to offer a concierge and bridge loan service as well.

After the transaction, she stays in touch with clients, building long lasting relationships. Buyers and sellers love to spread the word about her work as well.

One client recently said, “I have done multiple transactions with Nikki Martin, as a seller of both a very small property and a more expensive property. For both price points, she provides the same level of professionalism, responsiveness, and market knowledge. She and her team of professionals provide a streamlined experience perfectly tailored to your needs whether you are a first-time buyer or seller, or you are a seasoned investor who needs to delegate with confidence. Highly recommended.” Another wrote, “Nikki was a pleasure to work with. She worked hard to ensure the homebuying process went smoothly, answering all my questions and concerns, and tackling any obstacles that came. I would highly recommend her to any family and friends, and would be happy to work with her again in the future. A+” When Nikki isn’t working, she’s staying involved in town events or spending time with her family. She’s also planning for the future, which includes expanding her reach into the Boston area.

As her team and business expands, she will never lose sight of her main passion: bringing joy to her clients’ lives. “What I love most is making people’s dreams come true. It is just such a fulfilling career.”

To contact Nikki for any real estate needs, please call or text her at 781-710-1440 or email her at Nikki.martin@compass.com

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