NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 9-18-23 by Top Agent Magazine

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

MORNING HABITS TO MAKE YOUR DAY SUPER PRODUCTIVE

MY CRYSTAL BALL: YOU CAN PREDICT YOU'LL BE SUCCESSFUL SELLING REAL ESTATE COVER STORY

DONNA PADULA

TURN OPEN HOUSES INTO DESTINATIONS FEATURED AGENTS

KRISTA VOOSEN MOE YOUSOFI SUCCESS– THESE 7 HABITS ARE THE REAL SECRET TO SUCCESS

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

KRISTA VOOSEN MOE YOUSOFI Donna is undeniably driven by

Known as the “Summit Specialist” U.S. In a twist of fateof that reads more like only communities in the contiguous interaction wh her profound connection with 7 16 20 California’s Donnera Summit, North Lake that gets an inordinate amount of snowfall film script, Moe Yousofi traded in about forming people, finding immense joy“Last year we had Tahoe and Truckee communities, Krista every year,” she says. his jobheratcompany’s Verizon Wireless, where he 67 feet of snow, so it’s not for the faint ingofclients thro Voosen recently celebrated in assisting them, and thrivpioneered of www.verizon- heart. It’s for people who buy cabins, they 50th anniversary. Serving as thetheir latestlaunch in ing amidst a hectic schedule. a succession of proud owners of Serene out- working wireless.com, for the property world of like to ski, they like to hike, and beAfter Nicknameddoors. a “bulldog” for community with Lakes Realty, Krista knows that her terriIt’s a very unique Dublin, California, and its scenic surleave glowing tory is not for everyone. “We have such only spirit, about 800 homes. It’s a beautiful her tenacious Donna’s Thoughshe his beginnings were in area.” Her market, she adds, is surrounded rience. One rec a small market on rounds. Donner Summit,” devotion to going above and software engineering, longing for the by the continent’s largest cross-country agents before w explains. “It’s not for brokers focused on beyond for her clients is leggrowth and bringing in more led agents. outdoors himI to a pivotal career ski resort, Royal Gorge, with 6,000 acres. met Moe from endary. As she looks to the only have one or two main competitors, change. Since 2004, Moe has solidified him as an age Krista’s commitment to her commuDONNA KRISTA VOOSEN MOE YOUSOFI and we’re really friendly,PADULA we all work well future, she remains open to as aofpowerhouse agent,nity boastknowledgeabl extends beyond real estate. She has been actively together. It’s a momhimself and pop kind thing.” new adventures, including the ing an impressive tenure of over twoin various local activities, from serving asnot engaged the been able emerging sector of manufacKrista’s journey in the world of His real estate began region with a includes co-editor of a resurrected “gold rush” newspaper to decades. primary Another wrot childhood deeply connected to the industry. Reflecting tured being on the board of the Donner Summit Association. homes as well as accesthe picturesque Dublin, Pleasanton, with Moe and on her early exposure, Krista recalls, “My childhood sory Her dedication tounits. her clients iswill evident through her dwelling “This Sanparents Ramon, Danville stretch, with notable him.with He showed was marked by my beingand involved in real personalized services,dealincluding ommend helping clients allow homeowners to have a estate. I was alwaysings around it and heard property management tasks and being a resource foraallwonderful o extending toconversations Walnut Creek, Fremont, and Union expertise, and CONTENTS small second dwelling on their regarding real estateCity. all the time.” careerdown officially needs.Alto, “This sounds corny, but theand people I getnever to And if Her you’re souththeir in Palo chances wife I will forget. began in Florida after obtaining her license in 1999, property work with … I just can reallybe like thesefor people,” she shares. which used are Moe’s made his mark there too. 4)prior MY CRYSTAL BALL: 17)orfun, SUCCESS– THESE to relocating to California and becoming licensed “They’re they’re smart, they’re passionate about guests extra rental income! Reflecting on his there in 2000. their homes and the area in which they’re choosing to extensive YOU CAN PREDICT 7 ADUs HABITS ARE THE REAL The would be manubuy a second home. We have a lot in common.” When delving into what makes Moe a standout figenvisions branching out, add YOU'LL BE SUCCESSFUL SECRET TO SUCCESS Although Krista initially joined a small agency in factured for cost-effectiveness ure in the real estate domain, his intrinsic motivations his already robust portfolio. Colfax, her true ambition was evident early on. Her over Krista’sstick-built journey has showcased adaptSELLING REAL ESTATE homes.” her Asresilience, come to her light. is pinpointthe Her thrill of negotiations dream of becomingquickly a broker and having ownHis com-primary abilitydrive and genuine care for herlies clients. story is 21) TURN OPEN HOUSES she grows, Donna is always inginwhat’s right the forchallenges his clientsa intestament the grand cessfulone’s deals. Beyond the in pany became a reality 2005. Despite to thescheme. power of following passion truemeaningful toapproach the values that 14) DESTINATIONS posed5byMORNING market fluctuations, including isn’t the recession of to staying and building relationships in thejoy world of the sheer p Moe’s HABITS prowess limited hisINTO altruistic a simpler too: 2007, Krista’s resilience and adaptability propelled her real estate. served her so inwell erties. for It’s clear that for Mo TO MAKE YOUR DAY alone, as he brings to the tablehave extensive expertise forward. Eventually she took over Serene Lakes Realty years. “I just love helping othnegotiations and contracts, which he humbly labels as just business—it’s an enduri SUPER PRODUCTIVE and now heads a small staff there. Looking to the future, ers and being there for them “justmentoring a small her part” of his offering. Yet, perhaps his most her plan is to continue current licensed when they“I’ve needwalked it. I’m always assistant to becomedefining her partner,trait gradually transitioning is his steadfast integrity. into a new phase of her career. “Eventually she’ll be excited to go to work.” away from many sales,” he reveals, “when I knew able to buy half of the company,” notes Krista. “I plan shouldn’t have on working into thethey foreseeable future, and itbought would bethat home.” Such an ethos Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 more fun to do it with a partner. Plusthe I’d be able to take Moe places on genuine underscores importance mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com more camping trips”counsel she adds over with a quick laugh. |commissions Contact and stands as a Krista true at 530-426-0421,

Forofmore information about Donna Padula, No portion this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine email krista@serenelakes.com, testament to his character as an agent. Krista’s market is onePublications that is filled with snowy vistas; it is published by Feature GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top please call 530-517-0513 or visit Agent Magazine cannot held responsible for opinions or facts supplied by itsserenelakes.com authors. includes the region of be Donner Summit. “It’s one of expressed the email donnapadula77@gmail.com To subscribeor or change address, send inquiry in to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Having clocked an astonishing 360+ homes sold Published in the U.S. http://

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and $370,000,000+ in transactions over his illustrious Copyright Top Agent Magazine career, he’s no stranger to the intricacies of the market. He ensures “each and every client is a priority.” 3 What truly distinguishes him in a sea of agents is not For more abou just his impeccable professionalism, but his enduring

My Crystal Ball:

You CAN Predict You’ll Be Successful Selling Real Estate ►Carla Cross, CRB, MA

You can predict if you’ll be successful in real estate. It’s not what you think, either. 4

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Grab the best business start-up plan you can find and start the plan. Find someone to coach you to the plan. What New Agents Expect From my survey of hundreds of agents under three months in the business, I found that more than 1/2 of them expected a sale the first month of the business. What does that mean? When do they have to start looking for leads? That first week in the business! Yet, how many new agents start lead generating even in the first month? How long have you been in the business? When did you start lead generating on purpose? Or, have you started? That’s why my book, Up and Running in 30 Days, now in its 6th edition, has you lead generating in week one. It’s your assurance plan you will get a sale fast and will stay in the business.

Expecting ‘Dumb Luck’ to Carry You to Success Inevitably, there is a new agent who has an Aunt Martha in his back pocket. That is, Aunt Martha wants to buy a home, and has told nephew Tommy she’ll wait until he gets his license to purchase from him. Ca-ching. Dumb luck. Tommy concludes that’s how the business goes. You just wait for someone to find you and Top Agent Magazine

sell them a home. We know that’s not the norm, though. Unfortunately, Tommy’s going to wait a long time for that next transaction! The ‘dumb luck’ approach to the business results in low results. Since the ‘dumb luck’ agent isn’t doing a business start-up plan, we have no way of predicting results, because we can’t measure businessproducing activities. We can only measure other ‘dumb luck’ agent incomes. That’s way too late to actively coach–or to terminate with purpose.

Your Manager Could be a ‘Dumb Luck’ Manager– Pardon the Expression… Dumb luck managers just look at results; sales and listings sold. So, they are not aware that agents may be failing for months. If new agents expect to make a sale in month one, how many months do you think it takes for them to get dis enheartened? 2-3? Not long. So, once new agents are mentally and emotionally out of the business, they will resist any help from managers. They’ve decided they can’t make it in the business. They’ll stay awhile, though, for ‘dumb luck’ transactions.

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Are You Lead Generating on Purpose? Are you working a specific, prioritized lead generating plan? Is it made up of prioritized lead generating activities? Does it have ratios of activities to results, so the new agent knows whether he is on track to his goals? Here are my activity ratios from Up and Running that will result in 8-12 transactions the first year in the business: • 20 contacts to get one buyer or seller lead • 8 times of putting people in the car to sell someone a home • 3 listing appointments to gain one marketable listing

• 80% of listings sell • 80% of transactions close What are the ratios in your office? Do you know? Do you know the work it takes to consistently generate the income you want to generate? Or, are you counting on ‘dumb luck’?

Best Advice to Create your Assurance Plan Grab the best business start-up plan you can find and start the plan. Find someone to coach you to the plan. Analyze your numbers frequently. You’ll stay on track AND assure your success.

https://carla-cross.com In the real estate business for over 3 decades, Carla Cross is an international speaker, trainer, and coach for real estate. She specializes in career development, business planning, leadership, and instructor development.

She’s won numerous sales and leadership awards in each area, including being named as a National Realtor Educator of the Year. A popular international speaker, Carla has spoken on leadership and training topics for 16 years at national Realtor conventions. Author of eight books on real estate sales, her wildly popular book, Up and Running in 30 Days, is used by hundreds of thousands of new agents internationally to start their careers right. 6

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DONNA PADULA Top Agent Magazine

D O N N A PAD UL A

Donna’s approach to real estate isn’t about chasing the latest trend or building the biggest team, it’s about genuine personal connection and community involvement. Donna Padula is a seasoned real estate expert with a unique blend of business savvy and a talent for connecting with people. She’s become one of the most well-known REALTORS® in Chico, Orland, and Paradise, California, always putting her clients’ needs first. After earning a degree in psychology and realizing her love for building 8

Cover painting: Lee Wright Top Agent Magazine

r ionships, she received her real estate license. “It quickly became my passion,” she explains. Having worked in the business for over 40 years now, she loves it more than ever. A truly spirited agent, she isn’t even close to slowing down, crediting her intense sport of cutting on horseback for keeping her vivacious and fit. Grandmother to seven grandchildren and wife to a supportive husband, Donna has mastered the art of balancing her personal and professional worlds. She’s so focused on building genuine relationships that she’s enlisted a web coach to handle the digital intricacies, allowing her to stay rooted in her true joy: the people. elat

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Serving Butte and Glenn counties, her approach to real estate isn’t about chasing the latest trend or building the biggest team, it’s about genuine personal connection and community involvement. Working solo, she has built a thriving business based almost entirely on referrals, highlighting her stellar reputation in her area. “My husband and I have a little ranch... and I met a lot of families when my kids were in 4-H and FFA,” she explains. One of her standout qualities? Staying in touch with past clients. “I am really, really good at personal contact, and handwritten notes,” Donna mentions, emphasizing the power of a simple gesture in this digital age. Whether

it’s helping families move across states or just checking in with a phone call, Donna’s personal touch ensures that her clients feel valued and understood. In the heart of her community, Donna is more than just a real estate agent. She’s a familiar face at local events, always eager to set up a booth at functions like Paradise’s Johnny Appleseed Day. Beyond the bustling fairs, Donna’s dedicated heart can be found contributing as a board member for the local Boys and Girls Club, a role she finds deeply fulfilling. She also played

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Nicknamed a “bulldog” for her tenacious spirit, Donna’s devotion to going above and beyond for her clients is legendary. a significant role in rebuilding Paradise after the devastating 2018 fire. “I volunteer at church as well, and belong to two women’s service clubs,” she explains. Away from work and community engagement, family takes center stage. She treasures creating experiences with her grandchildren, whether it’s snowboarding adventures in winter or summer barbecues by the pool. Deeply valuing family ties, Donna prides herself on being the glue that holds her family together, ensuring annual reunions and quality cousin time. Top Agent Magazine

Donna is undeniably driven by her profound connection with people, finding immense joy in assisting them, and thriving amidst a hectic schedule. Nicknamed a “bulldog” for her tenacious spirit, Donna’s devotion to going above and beyond for her clients is legendary. As she looks to the future, she remains open to new adventures, including the emerging sector of manufactured homes as well as accessory dwelling units. “This will allow homeowners to have a small second dwelling on their property which can be used for guests or extra rental income! The ADUs would be manufactured for cost-effectiveness over stick-built homes.” As she grows, Donna is always staying true to the values that have served her so well for years. “I just love helping others and being there for them when they need it. I’m always excited to go to work.”

For more information about Donna Padula, please call 530-517-0513 or email donnapadula77@gmail.com 12

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5 Morning Habits to Make Your Day Super Productive For many, most mornings begin with a rush—a rush to get dressed, a rush to find something edible for breakfast, a rush out the door and into rush hour. Likely you have heard articles advising you to set your

alarm early to give yourself some flexibility —which is sound advice, of course—but consider a few of these additional tweaks to your morning routine that can set a productive tone for your day at large.

1. Keep Screens Away Until Breakfast Oftentimes, our first instinct upon waking is to check-in on our phones, tablets, or computers, to scope out the latest social media updates and e-mail correspondence. While diving into the action might seem productive, studies show that waylaying screen time until you’re up and dressed, and have had a good breakfast, will actually make your first pass 14

at all things digital more focused, clear, and efficient. Instead of answering a few e-mails, checking out a friend’s photos, and then hurrying to shower and dress, instead make a resolution to keep the online world at bay for the first half-hour to an hour after you rise, then you’ll approach the digital world with fresh eyes, energy, and adeptness.

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2. Meal Prep Sometimes hitting the snooze button is inevitable, but if you make prepping breakfast the night before a part of your routine, then grabbing something healthy on the go will be a snap—and your stomach will thank you for it. Load up your coffee machine ahead of time, so all you have to do

is hit brew. Or, chop up a fruit salad, mix a smoothie, or simply put a granola bar and a grapefruit in your lunch bag, ready to be grabbed on your way out the door. Even if it’s small or basic, keeping yourself fueled will keep distractions, inefficiency, and mood swings at bay.

3. Queue Up a Podcast on Your Commute Whether you’re driving, biking, or taking public transportation into the office, a podcast is a perfect way to brush up on industry knowledge. Try sourcing a podcast relative to your field and narrated by experts. Not only will it get you thinking about the topics of your industry—while expanding

your professional vocabulary—it will also wake up your brain and get your head in the game as you prepare to launch your day. Use your commute time to bump up your knowledge and conversation points, and you’ll be ahead of the curve before you reach the office.

4. Begin with a To-Do List When work gets busy, sometimes just getting started is an overwhelming prospect. Before you dive in to your e-mails and projects, take twenty minutes and be thoughtful as you assess your daily and weekly to-do

list items, then map them. By giving yourself a bullet point system of what you need to accomplish and by when, you can undo some of the anxiety that a busy schedule promotes.

5. Walk It Out, Even If You Missed the Gym While we often rely on coffee for our morning buzz, exercise provides a potent burst of energy that can supercharge your day. But, let’s say you’re running behind and skip the gym—all is not lost! Take fifteen minutes in

the early morning to take a walk around the block a few times. The fresh air and aerobic exercise will wake you up, get your blood moving, and provide your morning with a natural injection of motivation.

Everyone’s morning routine varies, but perhaps the first step is identifying aspects of your routine that could be improved, and tackling them from there. From waylaying

screen time distractions to getting in a little blood-pumping exercise, keep these tips in mind as you launch your most productive morning routine ever.

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KRISTA VOOSEN Known as the “Summit Specialist” of California’s Donner Summit, North Lake Tahoe and Truckee communities, Krista Voosen recently celebrated her company’s 50th anniversary. Serving as the latest in a succession of proud owners of Serene Lakes Realty, Krista knows that her territory is not for everyone. “We have such a small market on Donner Summit,” she explains. “It’s not for brokers focused on growth and bringing in more agents. I only have one or two main competitors, and we’re really friendly, we all work well together. It’s a mom and pop kind of thing.” Krista’s journey in the world of real estate began with a childhood deeply connected to the industry. Reflecting on her early exposure, Krista recalls, “My childhood was marked by my parents being involved in real estate. I was always around it and heard conversations regarding real estate all the time.” Her career officially began in Florida after obtaining her license in 1999, prior to relocating to California and becoming licensed there in 2000. Although Krista initially joined a small agency in Colfax, her true ambition was evident early on. Her dream of becoming a broker and having her own company became a reality in 2005. Despite the challenges posed by market fluctuations, including the recession of 2007, Krista’s resilience and adaptability propelled her forward. Eventually she took over Serene Lakes Realty and now heads a small staff there. Looking to the future, her plan is to continue mentoring her current licensed assistant to become her partner, gradually transitioning into a new phase of her career. “Eventually she’ll be able to buy half of the company,” notes Krista. “I plan on working into the foreseeable future, and it would be more fun to do it with a partner. Plus I’d be able to take more camping trips” she adds with a laugh. Krista’s market is one that is filled with snowy vistas; it includes the region of Donner Summit. “It’s one of the 16

only communities in the contiguous U.S. that gets an inordinate amount of snowfall every year,” she says. “Last year we had 67 feet of snow, so it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s for people who buy cabins, they like to ski, they like to hike, and be outdoors. It’s a very unique community with only about 800 homes. It’s a beautiful area.” Her market, she adds, is surrounded by the continent’s largest cross-country ski resort, Royal Gorge, with 6,000 acres. Krista’s commitment to her community extends beyond real estate. She has been actively engaged in various local activities, from serving as the co-editor of a resurrected “gold rush” newspaper to being on the board of the Donner Summit Association. Her dedication to her clients is evident through her personalized services, including helping clients with property management tasks and being a resource for all their needs. “This sounds corny, but the people I get to work with … I just really like these people,” she shares. “They’re fun, they’re smart, they’re passionate about their homes and the area in which they’re choosing to buy a second home. We have a lot in common.” Krista’s journey has showcased her resilience, adaptability and genuine care for her clients. Her story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and building meaningful relationships in the world of real estate.

Contact Krista at 530-426-0421, email krista@serenelakes.com, or visit serenelakes.com http://

Success– These 7 Habits Are the Real Secret to Success What is it that makes some people so successful and others not? Is there a secret recipe one can follow, as easy as baking a cake, which will give them the strength to achieve their ultimate goals and have it all? The answer is that, in a manner, there is. The trick is in how you think about success and what it means for you. Many people define success as achieving their personal goals, but could this be leading them to look at the world a little too narrowly? The people that are truly successful in every aspect of Top Agent Magazine

their lives don’t stop at simply achieving their personal goals. They succeed in many avenues of their life, including their job, relationships, health, and family just to name a few. It turns out that ultra-successful people tend to have quite a number of things in common. One main skill many seem to possess is high emotional intelligence, or the ability to manage your emotions so that you can stay calm and focused even in high

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stress situations. Luckily, it seems not all of them are simply born with this ability, but have many strategies they use to help them achieve higher emotional intelligence. Here are seven strategies and habits that will help you achieve success in every area of your life.

BE COMPOSED The first thing successful people always seem to have under control is their composure. Successful people stay calm and composed when the going gets tough and fingers start pointing. They don’t panic. The secret? They understand that in life things are always changing. It doesn’t matter if something is bad at the moment because that will change soon enough. In this topsy turvy life all you can really do is adapt in order to stay happy and remain in control of how you react.

BE KNOWLEDGEABLE Have you ever noticed how successful people always seem to have such a wide range of knowledge and interests? Successful people do know more because they are always working to grow and learn. They strive to constantly increase their self-awareness. If a spare moment exists, then they will fill it with some kind of self-education. They do this because they are passionate about learning new things and ways to improve their life. Ignore the fear of being judged and ask questions, because that is the only way you can learn. Successful people don’t

fear asking questions. They fear not asking those questions and growing stagnant.

BE DELIBERATE It is important to think and reason before you come to a decision. Successful people don’t rush. They seek out advice from other, they think of all the aspects, and sleep on their thoughts before finally making their decision. Your gut instinct can be misleading, and lead you to make a rash decision that you will come to regret later.

BE CERTAIN, AND SPEAK WITH CONVICTION Successful people speak with certainty. Unless you communicate your ideas with conviction and certainty, then you will have a hard time getting people to listen to them.

BE POSITIVE Successful people use positive body language when they are talking to other people. Their tone is enthusiastic, they maintain eye contact, leaning in towards the person speaking to show interest. Successful people use it to draw those other people in. How you say something can be just as if not more important that what you say to people. Positive body language can completely alter how your speech is perceived by others, and helps to keep attention on you and what you are saying.

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BE MEMORABLE BY LEAVING A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION You only have once to make a first impression, and they are incredibly important, as they are closely ties to positive body language. You have around 7 seconds to convince a person to like you after you initially meet them. That is how long it takes them to decide when they meet you. After that a person is simply spending the rest of the conversation justifying that initial reaction they had. You can make sure you make a good first impression by having strong posture, a firm handshake, a warm smile, and open shoulders.

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BE FEARLESS Successful people know that to give in to fear is a choice. They don’t let the fear take over, instead focusing on the rush of euphoria that comes with conquering fears. All of this adds up to having a high emotional intelligence. What helps you to succeed is the ability to control those whirlwind emotions so you can stay calm and focused on actually succeeding. These habits can help you gain a higher emotional intelligence, but as you probably already know, anything involving dealing with your emotions in a healthy manner takes serious work. So, don’t give up if you fail the first time. You must always try and try again.

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MOE YOUSOFI In a twist of fate that reads more like a film script, Moe Yousofi traded in his job at Verizon Wireless, where he pioneered their launch of www.verizonwireless.com, for the property world of Dublin, California, and its scenic surrounds. Though his beginnings were in software engineering, longing for the outdoors led him to a pivotal career change. Since 2004, Moe has solidified himself as a powerhouse agent, boasting an impressive tenure of over two decades. His primary region includes the picturesque Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Danville stretch, with notable dealings extending to Walnut Creek, Fremont, and Union City. And if you’re down south in Palo Alto, chances are Moe’s made his mark there too. When delving into what makes Moe a standout figure in the real estate domain, his intrinsic motivations quickly come to light. His primary drive is pinpointing what’s right for his clients in the grand scheme. Moe’s prowess isn’t limited to his altruistic approach alone, as he brings to the table extensive expertise in negotiations and contracts, which he humbly labels as “just a small part” of his offering. Yet, perhaps his most defining trait is his steadfast integrity. “I’ve walked away from many sales,” he reveals, “when I knew they shouldn’t have bought that home.” Such an ethos underscores the importance Moe places on genuine counsel over quick commissions and stands as a true testament to his character as an agent. Having clocked in an astonishing 360+ homes sold and $370,000,000+ in transactions over his illustrious career, he’s no stranger to the intricacies of the market. He ensures “each and every client is a priority.” What truly distinguishes him in a sea of agents is not just his impeccable professionalism, but his enduring dedication. “My job does not end after your transaction is closed,” he pledges. Real estate isn’t a fleeting 20

interaction when working with Moe, it’s about forming lasting bonds while assisting clients through crucial decisions. After working together, buyers and sellers leave glowing reviews about their experience. One recently said, “We changed 4 agents before we chose Redfin. When we met Moe from Redfin, we decided to hire him as an agent. He is very truthful and knowledgeable. Without him, we would not been able to purchase this house.” Another wrote, “We enjoyed working with Moe and would love to highly recommend him. He showed professionalism, extreme expertise, and a wonderful overall experience that my wife and I will never forget.” Reflecting on his extensive tenure in real estate, Moe envisions branching out, adding more services to enrich his already robust portfolio. At the heart of his passion lies the thrill of negotiations and piecing together successful deals. Beyond the intricacies of his job, there’s a simpler joy too: the sheer pleasure of exploring properties. It’s clear that for Moe, real estate is more than just business—it’s an enduring passion.

For more about Moe Yousofi, please call 925-997-7338 or email myousofi@gmail.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Turn Open Houses into Destinations People are busy. Even those who are actively looking to buy a house or want to learn about the market for a future purpose have busy schedules. But with bit of added time, creativity and investment in making open house into destinations, you’ll see greater turnout. And we all know that greater turnout increases the likelihood of offers. There are several creative ways to hold an open house with a mindset of hospitality and with the goal of providing something of value to each person who attends. Top Agent Magazine

The neighbors-only open house Some agents embrace the “nosy neighbor” concept as a benefit, not an eye-rolling challenge. With his client’s permission, Wesley Peters, a Keller Williams broker in the Baltimore Metro Area, often gets the neighbors together before a home hits the market. “We invite other brokers, too, but we include as many neighbors as we can,” he says, explaining that he schedules these events for a Thursday or Friday evening, happy hour-style, rather than midday on a Sunday. They get a better turnout at 5:00 pm than

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midday on a weekend when the neighbors are busy with their lives. In a relaxed setting, conversations flow, neighbors can mingle and catch up, and the buzz begins before the home is listed. In advance, prepare invitations and hand-deliver them to homes on the streets you and your client agree are best to include. The destination is the event; the value each attendee receives is the social interaction and the removal of any awkwardness over visiting their neighbor’s house. Your client’s benefit is the buzz. A turnkey block party any time of year Once a property is listed, some agents take on the role of party planners. Certain streets or neighborhoods, they find, are perfect for lowkey social occasions. In some place, such as neighborhoods with many young families, a bounce-house or games may even ramp up the fun factor. But the idea of a seemingly spontaneous block party during an open house can be easy to pull off, whether you’re serving lemonade and cookies or coffee and pastries. The chance to meet prospective neighbors turns the event into a destination for both buyers and the neighbors; the value comes in buyers’ ability to see how the neighbors interact. Your seller’s benefit is that the grapevine will be filled with happy stories about their home. Tips: By keeping basic supplies in storage, you’ll be ready for a pop-up block party any time. Promote this type of event with targeted social media marketing and fliers or postcards to communities within a short distance of your listing. Invite other professionals It’s common mortgage lenders to attend open houses. But why not provide even more value to people who attend? Chances are, you have more than a handful of professional partners who welcome an opportunity to join you at your open house. Consider inviting an interior designer, a contractor, a gardener, even a gardener or a painter. Invite them to your broker’s open in advance or give them time to view the property 22

before the open house begins. Then encourage them to stroll the property during the open house or to sit with you. When visitors ask about needs or concerns they may have about the house – such as loan questions, the cost of improvements or upgrades or even remodeling – you’ll be able to introduce them to an expert on the spot. For that matter, your invited pros don’t even necessarily have to be in home-related businesses! Prospective buyers always want to know about the community when visiting open houses. Consider inviting representatives of community

organizations, like youth sports group or owners of mom-and-pop retailers to help your visitors get a feel for the neighborhood or town. For this type of open-house, prepare a flyer or card with your community contacts on it so visitors can leave with resources as well as information. Open house should be about the buzz. They’re about creating a conversation about your listing and making the home memorable to visitors. By giving people a unique experience they won’t forget, you’ll show your sellers how creative you are in meeting their needs.

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