New York 10-30-17 by Top Agent Magazine

NEW YORK EDITION

10 Seconds to CHANGE A HABIT Business Growth Hack: ABSORB YOUR CLIENTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; STRESS!

FEATURED AGENTS

ALLAN ZAPADINSKY APRIL H. MONACO

COVER STORY

AUBREY GURI

HOW TO THROW A NETWORKING EVENT that Can Put Your Business on the Map Why Millennials Are Now the HOTTEST SEGMENT OF THE BUYERS MARKET

NEW YORK EDITION

AUBREY GURI

ALLAN ZAPADINSKY

APRIL H. MONACO

CONTENTS 4) BUSINESS GROWTH HACK: ABSORB YOUR CLIENTS STRESS! 15) WHY MILLENNIAL'S ARE NOW THE HOTTEST SEGMENT OF THE BUYERS MARKET

21) HOW TO THROW A NETWORKING EVENT THAT CAN PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP 24) 10 SECONDS TO CHANGE A HABIT

Phone 888-461-3930 | Fax 310-751-7068 mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the U.S.

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

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. 4

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

Top Agent Magazine

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

Top Agent Magazine

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.

Top Agent Magazine

AUBREY GURI Top Agent Magazine

AUBREY GURI Sometimes, we just get lucky. Whether it was luck or divine intervention that brought Aubrey and Geraldine Abrams together we’ll never know, but real estate in the area would never be the same again. Aubrey Guri was destined to be a successful realtor, and though you may not recognize the name, Geraldine was consistently ranked in the Top 1% of all agents nationwide. And, back to luck. Geraldine chose Aubrey to join her small team. For seven years she mentored Aubrey, and the two mavercks worked side-by-side serving New York’s capital region, including the Adirondacks. Sadly, however, Geraldine lost her battle with cancer at an early age, passing away in 2007, leaving a legacy of unparalleled customer service and an unbridled passion for real estate. 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“I was extremely fortunate to have trained with her,” Aubrey says. “She was my mentor and what she gave me in life and career, was truly priceless. It was more than training, it was friendship.” As a way of continuing Geraldine’s trailblazing legacy, and to keep a memory of the footprint she left behind, Aubrey continues to market her homes on the web domain that Geraldine established years ago, www.geraldine.com, as way of paying homage to her cherished friend. Today, Aubrey much like her mentor, consistently ranks in the Top 1% in sales year after year. With more than 70% repeat and referral business, it’s clear that Aubrey not only learned the business, but is a natural leader. “I structure my business so that my clients have a good experience – a smooth experience. That way, they’ll naturally want to refer us to friends and Top Agent Magazine

family.” Aubrey says. With the goal of cultivating a successful client experience, her business model also offers a full suite of ancillary services and referrals, from lawn care and window washing to top notch inspectors, lenders, and attorneys. In addition, Aubrey cites her enthusiasm and negotiation skills as considerable value-adds for her clients. “What differentiates me from other agents is my enthusiasm and follow up. My clients enjoy having someone share in their excitement,” she says. “My negotiating skills also set me apart, and they’re something I learned well from Geraldine. I do everything in my power to ensure clients purchase a home at the best possible price, or sell their home for as much as possible based on the market.” Aubrey’s team demonstrates a range of specialties pertaining to type of transaction, as well as to Top Agent Magazine

specific regional expertise. “Everyone on the team has a specialty, whether it’s first time home buyers, investment properties, second homes, luxury homes, or commercial. We all do our part to make sure we offer the best experience and service to whomever needs it,” Aubrey says. Aubrey invests in her business to market her listings, above and beyond the Broker advertising. “This allows for more exposure and ultimately creates a power house of advertising, to get homes sold faster and for more money.” Aubrey says. When marketing listings, Aubrey and her team take an all-encompassing approach that includes staging, professional photography and videography, creating high visibility not just nationwide but worldwide. In reflecting on what she enjoys most about her work, Aubrey considers exceeding her clients’ Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

Top Agent Magazine

expectations as the most rewarding aspect of her career. “When I’m working with a buyer, what I enjoy most is finding them exactly what they want. Anyone can be an agent and set up automatic searches for buyers. But tuning in and listening goes a long way. Sometimes a buyer doesn’t know exactly where to start. By learning more about my client and what their needs are, I can match them with suitable homes. I am essentially a matchmaker. With sellers, I truly enjoy negotiating on my client’s behalf, knowing that what I’m doing to sell their home, is going to earn them the most out of their largest investment. Every dollar counts, and it’s satisfying to know at the end of the day that I delivered on what I promised.” To lend her spirit of service to her community, Aubrey contributes to Saratoga Bridges, an organization supporting those with developmental Top Agent Magazine

disabilities, and to the area’s senior center. “I’m extremely blessed,” she says. “Serving those charities is a great way for me to give back.” When she’s not matchmaking, Aubrey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children—Bella age five, and Beau age four – and their dogs, Ellie and Bogie. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in the momentum of this business. But at the end of the day, spending downtime with my husband and children, is an essential part of my long-term success.” As for the future, Aubrey recently earned her broker’s license and has plans to continue on her prosperous course. With a total of 21 years of industry experience, over 2,000 homes sold, $300,000,000 in career sales – and, a commitment to Geraldine’s legacy -- the years to come are sure to be as bright as ever for Aubrey Guri and her team at Howard Hanna (formerly RealtyUSA). Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

To learn more about Aubrey Guri visit geraldine.com, e-mail Aubreyadg@gmail.com, or call (518) 857-1942 www.

Top Agent Magazine

Michele L. Anderson is proud to congratulate

Aubrey Guri

on being featured for the state of New York in Top Agent Magazine!

Michele L. Anderson | ANDERSON FIRM, PLLC 48 Union Avenue, Suite 1 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Tel. 518-587-4905 | Direct 518-450-0329

Top Agent Magazine

Joanne Russell is proud to congratulate

Aubrey Guri

on being featured for the state of New York in Top Agent Magazine!

Joanne Russell, President (NMLS 60138) The Mortgage Place, Inc. (NMLS 872824) 646 Plank Rd, Suite 102, Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.982.0480 Office | 518.573.2012 Cell themortgageplaceinc.com www.

Top Agent Magazine

Why Millennials Are Now the Hottest Segment of the Buyers Market

and How You Can Attract Them to Your Home There are many factors when it comes to knowing how to sell your home to the Millennial generation. Millennials are becoming an important part of the buyer market, and to fail to cater to their needs will cut you off from a large and important segment. But, why have Millennials all of a sudden become interested in buying houses when they were perfectly content to rent for the rest of their lives? Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

A number of factors contribute to what has recently made Millennials the hottest segment of the Buyers market. One factor is the improved job outlook for Millennials. Millennials took a serious blow during the recession. Unemployment in this group soared to 14 percent, compared to the 9.6 percent for the population as a whole. But, in recent years that number has been decreasing, with unemployment for Millennials being 9.3 percent this past year. Rising rents are also contributing to making Millennials more interested in purchasing homes now. Rents have risen so much that buying a home now just makes more sense. Half of all renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Millennials are becoming increasingly stressed over the constantly increasing financial obligation to something that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even theirs to own. The near-historic low mortgage rates are luring Millennials towards purchasing a home with their promise of affordability. When compared with the skyrocketing rental rates, buying a house looks even more enticing. Another factor helping Millennials get over the hump of purchasing a house is the lower down payment requirements. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now offering new loan programs that require as little as a 3 percent down payment. This may just be the last push the Millennials needed to turn toward buying a home rather than rent. So, now that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve established that Millennials are finally joining the Buyers market, the next thing that it is important to understand is what exactly Millennials are looking for in a home. What kind of floorplans do they prefer? What locations are they interested in? Here are some of the essentials that Millennials are looking for in a home: â&#x20AC;˘ Updated Kitchens and Baths: Almost everyone wants to buy a

home with new kitchen and bath fixtures, but this is especially true for Millennials Buyers. Millennials are going to spend most of their savings on the down payment and furnishings, leaving little room to update the Kitchen and Bath, which are also the most expensive parts of a home to

Top Agent Magazine

• Less Maintenance: Many Millennials work different schedules that

don’t conform to the 9 to 5 workday, as well as full social calendars. This doesn’t leave them much time to clean a big house. Lawn services and low-maintenance front yards are particularly appealing, as they take less responsibility to still keep the curb appeal high.

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Millennials have been educated on

keeping the Earth clean from the time they were born. They want to do their part to help the environment and appreciate the long-term cost savings that come with it. Energy-efficient appliances and greener ways to heat and cool the home might end up being the tipping point that makes them choose one house over another.

• Hardwood Floors: Millennials don’t have the time or patience to clean

dirty carpets, especially those that own pets. Hardwood and laminate flooring is easy to mop up if there’s been a mess. The more time they can conserve, the better.

• Good Location: Millennial buyers are looking for homes that are in

proximity to public transportation and have a good walking score. Young Millennial buyers without children are more likely to want a location closer to the action of the city, while Millennials with children would prefer more residential areas.

• Technology: Technology rules the Millennial’s life. They do work on

their computers through an Internet connection and solely use cellphones for communication. They are going to ask about how strong the cell service is and about the Internet service provider. While these amenities are out of the seller’s hands, Millennials are still going to ask these questions, and you will need to know how to answer them.

Knowing what Millennials are looking for in a home will ultimately help you make the necessary changes that will attract these buyers to your home. Since they are the a serious segment of the market now, updating your home to fit their needs will lead to more buyers and better offers. So, get with the times and embrace the Millennial buyer. Top Agent Magazine

Top Agent Magazine

update. Millennials who are on a budget simply won’t have the money to sink into those areas. An updated Kitchen and Bath is sure to bring in a younger crowd. • Big Kitchen with Open Floor Plan: For Millennials, the kitchen has

become the room where they hangout in addition to the family room. This is why having an open space that can transition easily from the kitchen to the TV room is high on the list of things Millennials are looking for in a home. Along a similar vein, Millennials are attracted to an open floor plan rather than one that compartmentalizes the home. This has to do with how Millennials entertain. Millennials want their guests to flow through the rooms and mingle together, rather than be sectioned off in different rooms.

• Home Office: More than 13 million Americans now work from home,

and if you look at the trend, that number is only going to increase as the time goes on. With technology steadily increasing, more Millennials than ever have the flexibility to work from home. But, the home office isn’t just for someone working from home full time. Having a separate space dedicated to work helps people concentrate and focus on work while they are at home. They can separate themselves from the activities going on around the house and have a quiet space where they can set up their workday, plan a presentation, hold a meeting on Skype, or even pay bills.

Top Agent Magazine

ALLAN ZAPADINSKY

Top Agent Magazine

ALLAN ZAPADINSKY After graduating from Cornell University, where he was a nationally ranked tennis player playing on Cornell’s Men’s Tennis Team, Allan Zapadinsky began a successful ten year career in the jewelry industry. He had never considered a career in real estate until he hired a Realtor® to sell his own home. “I was trying to sell my home in Queens, and I wasn’t receiving the service I thought I deserved from my agent. I ended up firing them and doing an FSBO. I fell in love with the process, and knew I could offer the exceptional customer experience that I had wanted. With my background in luxury sales and customer service, it was just a perfect fit.”

have my complete devotion, and I’m dedicated to making the best deal for them.”

Allan got his license in 2015 and has quickly become a rising star in the lucrative New York City real estate market. In 2016 he was number #7 in transaction volume out of over 700 agents at his office, and has been the agent with the most rental and sales transactions per month numerous times, including 15 transactions in one month, which is a company record

Allan is actively involved in his community and supports several charities including the American Red Cross, recently providing support for victims of Hurricane Irma. He is also involved with the Cornell Alumni organization. When he isn’t working, Allan enjoys fantasy football, reading, and is still an avid tennis player.

Key to Allan’s remarkable success has been his educational approach to sales. “With my background, I’m really skilled at working with people through the process of purchasing and selling valuable assets. I educate them the whole way through and I make myself available 24/7. People really appreciate my follow-up and my attention to detail. I’m also 100% transparent which I think helps establish trust right away, which is so important in this business. We have a good time and I try to make what is oftentimes a stressful process fun. My clients know they

Allan has already earned an impressive 70% rate of repeat and referral business. Maintaining the strong relationships he has built is something he not only prioritizes but enjoys as well. ”I don’t just disappear after the transaction. I’m there as a resource to my clients, offering referrals to vetted service providers or whatever other real estate needs they may have. I also have client appreciation events and stay in touch via social media. I want to be their go to real estate professional.”

Allan is currently in major growth mode, and is working on expanding his sales goals. He has helped over 200 people find rentals, and he is passionate about helping them one day become buyers. “I take what I do very seriously. It means a lot to me to put people in homes. This is one of the biggest decisions most people make in their lifetimes, and it’s a great feeling to successfully guide them through the process. I feel like people have a lot of misconceptions about this industry, and I really want to change those perceptions. I don’t look at clients as a commission check, they are people who need my help.”

To Learn more about Allan Zapadensky call 646 -879 -0727, email azap@kwnyc.com or visit facebook.com/AllanZapadinsky and truthoverproperty.com www.

www.

How to Throw a Networking Event

that Can Put Your Business on the Map It’s hard to argue with the benefits of attending networking events—you make new connections, enjoy industry skill-building conversation, and expand your reach in the local business community. However, have you ever considered the benefits of hosting a networking event? Instead of attending as a guest, you’ll be the wizard behind it all. Throwing a networking event can position you as a local business leader, and you’ll be able to curate the experience to your tastes and goals. This idea may be tempting, but how do you pull it off? Review some Top Agent Magazine

of our tips and tricks below and you’ll be more than ready to throw a networking event that’ll put you on the map.

MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR GUESTS TO SAY YES. From the outset, try to keep things as simple as possible for your guests. This means that e-invites should be structured, yet conversational. Include a link to register online so that arriving to your event is seamless and requires no signup sheets or stuffy check-in procedures. Select a venue that’s relatively well-known and central

Top Agent Magazine®

Throwing a networking event can position you as a local business leader, and you’ll be able to curate the experience to your tastes and goals. to your area. It should also have easy-to-access parking so that attendance is streamlined and hassle-free. Also consider sending an automated event reminder the day before and the day of the event—that way you’ll set guests up for easy attendance that they don’t have to debate.

CREATE A THEME. Capitalizing on a holiday or local event is a great way to drive attendance to your networking function. While getting to know area professionals is a worthy reason to meet up, you’re likely to engender a livelier ambiance if you incorporate a holiday or theme. This will inspire comradery among your guests, in addition to giving your event a natural focus. Major sporting events, a Thanksgiving themed pie bakeoff, or a spring cleaning themed community volunteer day can generate more interest than your average mixer.

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR GUEST LIST. While you may be trying to keep your invite list industry-specific, you may benefit from casting a wider net. Invite area entrepreneurs, young professionals, collegiate professional organizations, and even friends and family. You never know what sort of connections will be made, and high attendance is key to keeping the energy of your networking event at a high tier. Don’t worry about only collecting info from realtors or brokers or mortgage pros. Instead, create a 22

sense of community so that opportunities flow naturally and conversation remains diverse.

BE THE BOSS. As host, it’ll be your job to play matchmaker and drive conversation at your networking event. This means that you’ll get to know more people, but it also means you’ll be able to create connections between different professionals and businesses. You can maximize your matchmaking abilities by planting a few socially-minded friends around to drive additional conversations. Your goal is to keep people talking and to be outgoing. It should also be your goal to follow-up once the event is complete. Use this as an opportunity to continue to connect different people you met, or to follow-up with coffee or lunch with someone you found interesting. Try sending out a group thank-you e-mail to your guests after the fact, telling them to keep an eye out for your next event, or to get in touch with you for any questions or contact information of fellow attendees. While it may feel like a risk to throw a networking event, it’s a risk worth taking. By positioning yourself as the host of your event, you’ll drive awareness to your business and brand, and build up the local professional community in a way that’s sure to draw good will your way. Keep these ideas in mind as you go about planning a memorable networking event of your own, and above all—have a good time and others will follow suit.

Top Agent Magazine®

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

10 Seconds to Change a Habit By Barry Eisen

I’ll bet that most of the speakers you’ve heard and books you’ve read on the subject of personal development, tell you that it takes 21-30 days to change a habit. Like a wives’ tale passed on generation to generation, sometimes the story is better than the information. Clichés like, “habits are hard dying,” and “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,”etc., are primarily about protecting your ego from possible failure (psychological) and upsetting your brain in its quest to stay unchallenged and comfortable (physiological). 24

Top Agent Magazine

If purpose is strong enough, shifts can happen immediately. A near death experience while driving on the freeway can make the driver quit tailgating forever. A drug overdose can have a sobering effect. Having The choice as to a new baby in the family can make a smoker stop smoking right now. whether you make Having enoughfinancial pressure, it easy or hard, like a child in the family needing fast or slow are college tuition money, can cause choicesyou get to an inconsistent salesperson to prospect consistently like their hair is make. on fire. There are lots of positive and negative motivations that can cause change instantly. When the perception of achieved pleasure is strong enough, the behavior will change. Purpose can take the form of the carrot or the stick. Some habits will never change if you perceive the end result not being worth the efforts necessary to get there. Over thinking is just another way of saying... self-sabotage. So, is there a real answer to the question, “How long does it take to change a habit or attitude?” Here’s my answer. See if it works for you. Immediately, NOW. The only time you spend on this earth is called NOW. What’s done is history. What hasn’t happened yet is the FUTURE. The only time you have to think or act is in the NOW. If you focus on the best decision in your NOW, for that moment you made a change. Make that same change again in the next NOW time, and you will have reinforced and made more comfortable the habit or attitude you are addressing. Make the same decision many times and you have the expression used by many neuroscientists that, “When brain cells fire together, they wire together.” At a certain point of critical mass (tipping point) the new behavior becomes a no-brainer... automatic. This can take a one time shift or days or weeks or...? The choice as to whether you make it easy or hard, fast or slow Top Agent Magazine

are choices you get to make. So why make things hard when you always have choice? You always have NOW. 3 Keys to Change Habits and Attitudes

When confronted with a “tough” decision (e.g.) Prospect for business or check out Facebook? - Eat this serious piece of cake or go for the fruit? - Go to the gym or turn on the TV? - Return the phone call or put it off for tomorrow? Take a deep breath and picture yourself doing what’s right, not what’s easy. Surrender the self-imposed stress you associate with the change. Let go of the history of excuses and make a better choice NOW.

Follow through with that thought (NOW), not just to make this better decision, but also to set a pattern of realizing the power you have in controlling your life. This is a simple, but valuable lesson about helping to develop confidence and a positive self-esteem. Most who go to the many varieties of therapy, usually go because of lack of control issues or self imposed victimization. Show yourself what you CAN DO.

Learn and use self-hypnosis and hypnosis to reinforce the habits you choose. In “speaking” to your subconscious mind with words, pictures and emotion, in a relaxed state of mind, you are encoding brain cells with instructions (cause). You become what you think about (effect). Hypnosis will speed up learning, whether it be specific subject matter or whether it be learning an improved habit, 2-5 times faster. Habit change doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does usually entail being Mindful. Exercise your good decision making abilities and you’ll develop a do it now attitude, improve physical health and energy, develop consistency in your business, more fully enjoy your relationships and so much more. Copyright©, 2016 Barry Eisen. All rights reserved.

Barry Eisen teaches personal development seminars and coaches Southern California top producing REALTORS®. “Your business will never grow more than you do” is the theme; self hypnosis and behavior modification are the tools for playing a bigger game. barryeisen.com, barryeisen@LA.twcbc.com 818-769-4300 26

Top Agent Magazine

APRIL H. MONACO Top Agent April H. Monaco of Houlihan Lawrence in Pelham, New York is that rare realtor who brings to the table not only a deep well of knowledge, commitment and determination, but also an affable demeanor and can-do attitude that her many buyers and sellers have come to love. Having worked in various sales positions her entire career, April is currently entering her eighteenth year in the real estate business. “I was expecting my second child,” she says of her entry into the industry, “and I wanted to work and be a salesperson even while on maternity leave, but didn’t want to be too far from home. I called my husband and told him I wanted to be an agent, and he thought I meant when the kids were grown. I told him I’d already signed up for weekend courses, and he was like, what? Fast forward all these years later.”

When asked what she likes most about what she does, April replies, “Everything. I really do. The initial meeting of clients, taking them around, getting to know them. So many parts of this business I love. It’s not an easy business by any stretch. There’s no such thing as spare time. I put my all into it, and I love every part of it because I love meeting people and making new relationships. It’s part of who I am.” Extremely active in her community, April is a member of the local Junior League, and is a fervent supporter of her children’s schools. When she’s not working, she loves listening to music and relaxing with her husband and four children. If April could pass one message on to potential new clients, it would be this: “I want them to know that I’m always willing and eager to listen to them, to lend an ear, and to help them any way I can.”

While acknowledging that there are some benefits to the team construct, April prefers to work solo. “I like to do the whole package from start to finish. I love meeting new clients or young families, and helping them through the whole process. I like to create the nice feeling of a relationship, and a lot of my past clients are absolutely my friends now.” With a rate of repeat and referral business that hovers around 40%, April is obviously doing something right. “I think my clients would say that I understand them,” she says. A sense of empathy imbues every one of April’s transactions. “I was once a young home buyer myself,” she says. And it was emotional, it was stressful. There are so many parts of the puzzle that need to mesh, and if you have an agent who is pressuring you, that’s not fair. I really put myself in their position and remember how I felt. I think that’s something my clients recognize in me, that I’m not going to push, I’m going to be understanding of the situation, and that I’m not only going to help them find a house, I’m going to help them find a neighborhood that feels like home.” As a Premier Agent on Zillow, April has amassed an impressive number of five-star reviews that uniformly sing her praises as a consummate professional, whether she’s working with buyers or sellers. Among the many glowing testimonials is this one: “April is amazing. Not only is she a good person but she’s a fantastic realtor. The first time we met April was to take a look at a house. She ended up showing us three that day and the third, the one I thought I’d like the least, we bought. She is always very quick to respond. Helped us negotiate, and made the transaction as smooth as she could. I highly recommend April if you’re looking for a home of your own.” Top Agent Magazine

For more information about

APRIL H. MONACO, call 914- 738-2006 ext. 271 or email AMonaco@houlihanlawrence.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 27

Top Agent Magazine