OHIO 5-2-22

OHIO EDITION

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TIPS TO GET NEW CLIENTS

CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU

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THINGS ALL SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATORS DO

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Ways To Make Your Workspace Work For You

7 REASONS WHY YOUR PROSPECTS AREN'T TURNING INTO CLIENTS FEATURED AGENTS

DANIELLE CAIN GINA GUELI JAMIE STEINBACHER JESSICA WALTERS KENDRA GAMBILL KIM MALIN & CHELSEA RUIZ XIAOJIE (SHAU) ZAVON COVER STORY

LYNDI GESIORSKI

OHIO EDITION

JAMIE STEIN

The connection with Lyndi’sDANIELLE network and the high level of service she strives to provide has grown her business from a steady $4-6 million annual sales volume to near $11million sold homes in 2021.

CAIN

esident of Ohio, Jamie Steinbacher 7 17 21 25 n to real estate after graduating Ohio State University with his AreaZAVON Spec Area Specialist XIAOJIE (SHAU) Marketing from the Max M. Fisher LYNDI GESIORSKI DANIELLE CAIN GINA JAMIERUIZ STEINBACHER For nearly 20 years, Xiaojie (Shau) Zavon finding KIM MALIN & GUELI CHELSEA KENDRA GAMBILL JESSICA Business.

HeWALTERS jumped at the opporhas set a leading standard of service for comme passionate and always totolend for Joy, an annual event that to raise funds for as a partners When it’sthere timebuyers Kim Malin and function and sellers alike 29 within the Greater and flip 26move, 30 Kendra they 33 d, Kendra Gambill helps her clients kids’ Christmases. also particitablish strong roots the Chelsea Ruiz Cincinnati-Dayton provide you in withcorridor. a realindustry than a traditional real estate te She first took own re ve their dreams of homeownership. pates, along with her team, in First Thursestate experience that exceeds your expecclients are passed along toagemen other t an interest in real estate in 2003 when her e working as atations. waitress, Kendra realdays put on by the Jackson County ChamKim Malin over twenty yearsher to go down the pipeline. Kim and Che shisfather Larry, ahasmulti-million dollongtime mentor advised into help cli dream for herself, an experience ber of Commerce. When she is not working of sales, marketing and contract negotiathe same page through the closin the business, noting that it perfectly comthrough nspired her to embark on her own or giving back, Kendra is usually working tion experience.

She began her real estate sale or purchase and beyond. her outgoing personality and she lov er andcareer co-owner of Century 21 estate career.

“I got started plemented in real on the family farm, fishing with her son, while accounts spirit.

Since earning her Cincinn when I was buyinginmy2011 ownentrepreneurial home in between riding four-wheelers, and surrounding herJESSICA WALTERS KENDRA GAMBILL KIM MALIN & XIAOJIE (SHAU) for a major corporation and has a full community advocates,an Kim an license, hasbeen gone onLarry to self author an afte my current broker,” Kendra recalls. Shau with her friends and As family. ent Realty.

Upon joining in CHELSEA RUIZ ZAVON ever Ruiz contribute a lot to charitable wor accomplished career as an agent, estabpursue l in love withtime all ofRealtor® real estate, and I since. Chelsea began her career in Southern donations t ed thathe was what I wanted to lishing do.uncovered Not Looking toward the future, Kendra and says, volunteering a networkCalifornia of satisfied clients across thriving s, quickly his niche after that, everything off!”

“I plan to keep selling, and build up peo- close to their in 2014took and hasNow worked as a licensed of those charities the region.

CONTENTS third year in Ohio business, Kendra has rapidly grown ple under me who are younger to bring fresh air into which isOver Realtor® since 2016. Previously in banking, Children’s Miracle Network on at on Director and earned the coveted top producerChelsea in her local market. the community and reinvent real estate in Jackson.

I’ve started looking reala estate after takincrease fundsWAYS and awareness for children’s Today, leads team of agent-parttic repu 4) 5 TIPS TO GETShauinto 24) CREATIVE learned a lot since I started, and I want to give that to ing notice of the and income potential it powered all across They alsocoming support from publi nersflexibility through Nexxus Property Group,

by America.

KellerYOU volume NEW CLIENTS TO SAY THANK the Kelly Wiley Group at Keller Williams Excel other people.”

She says her favorite part of real estate Relocation Professional® designacould provideWilliams her. As aAdvisors team they serve NorthEast the Teachers completed Next Door$28 andmillion Home Realty, where she assiststhrough clients throughy of Jackson, Kendra serves Jackson, Vinton, is that “Every day is different. I get to help different Ohio and the out areas Cuyahoga Valley programs back a percentage the surrounding Greater Cincinnati-Dayton corridor, as well by as giving the focused on the coreofvat a,there, and Ross Counties and more.gone KendraWHY describes families, and I 27) love an the success stories.

I love being 14) 7 REASONS 3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR he has on to author National Park.communities The region named Ohio’sThere, missions each transaction.

Closing, o ofisNorthern Kentucky. she hasfrom comthe first place.

“Real es on County, with its population of about 32,000, able toafter tell somebody that homeownership is possible YOUR PROSPECTS WORKSPACE WORK FOR YOU Crooked and River and isher well known for them, bike and hike 55 transactions per year ensures a significant bined strong business acumen with her penchant for she says. agents, w A mixture of farmland downtown.

We have for and working with them to help them get to “As AREN'T TURNING kn hed career asconnect an agent, building network sattrailsbusinesses, that eacha community.

Itneeds truly aa contribution best experience forknowl those client service to meet thepoint, ofisany buyer or Iseller, as of possess of locally owned including brewthat because that’s where was aand few years ago. a sound INTO CLIENTS 31)Property 6What THINGS ALL SUCCESSFUL hidden gem for outdoor recreation.

Kimfor loves most about estate are well as any investor.

2021, Nexxus Group won available whenever we estaurants, pubs, donut shops, coffee shops, and IIn didn’t think I could own a house me and my son, real NEGOTIATORS DO andand them feel people comfortable and secur the 1st place Team Award Closed Units 2nd bu ts that spans much of Northeast Ohio. ques.

Downtown Treatery, right across fromin our and thenby I made it happen!

I making want to place give other , makes awesome donuts and therepeat encouragement, tell them: We can homeFor Kim, approximately 90%or-of business and out theacross process.

“It’sOutside nice tohersee how Sh ap in takes Teamcustom Award by her Gross Commission Income themake career, or special events.

There’s also The Spot on Main ownership work for you.”

Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 Ohio Valley Region at Keller Williams. is referral based and for Chelsea that percentage is everyone is.” Chelseamunity. agrees She 100%co-found and wh the e shop, Elizabeth’s Flowers, A.L. Terry’s jewelry Chamberchoice of Commerc about 50/50. Putting their expertise| to work, Kim and business, it’s also a lifestyle to brin mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com and Pete’s Corner Pub, all on the same road as When listingclients a property, Shau offers aof compreunteer president on for Chelsea guide and advise to help them makeher clients happiness to people.

Relocation Director and Co-Owner Century ffice.” hensive approach.

Starting out, chairwoman of United the best decision they possibly can.

Whether youshe arewalks through their property with her team contractor, identifying any Chelsea neces- look on numerous boa looking for a new homeassists or thinking about selling your Kim and forward tolocal continu ndent he clients throughout much ra and Chris, Realty, her business partner, as well as her sary improvements giving herfrom clients aand suite of options Board, the Cincinnati current themile team care and of everything being able to reach as many people as r/team lead Kelly, go home, the extra fortakes their clibased on their distinct needs.

From there,through she helps them Small Business Adviso to finish a wealth local knowledge their various affiliated programs They Ohio. are topstart in social mediaand andbrings production in ofnamed Ou st Having been 2020 and 2021’s fully for the services market, about equipping with profes- toing various and thethey table. doprepare not make the them recent opportunity film Houseevents Hunters area, and last to year won“We the Ruby Award, theour sional andtruly photography services.

Once a home found travelin commission.

We [tailor] it to [the has hoisted theisteamcan intobemainstream popu st honor frompaycheck their localorMLS. “Westaging take everymi Director of thethe Year for the worldwide Century

an energetic and agent for Ritchie n Columbus, Ohio, and raised. Jessica 009 after the infacrash, where she g and selling homes nt role as a full-time hildren. Since 2013, ll-time as an agent. umbus and its sur-

GINA GUELI

of your clients. By listening to her clients, she is able to tailor the right solution and people trust that Lyndi has their best interest top of mind. Establishing this trust is the foundation of her relationships and how Lyndi helps open the door to the next chapter in her clients’ lives.

“A sale is not something you pursue; it’s what happens Staying connected to her friends, fam- to you while you are immersed in serving curator websites, and social media your customer.” – Unknown ily, colleagues and clients is what keeps

made appearances on Sports Radio, and graced the cover of local golf magazine.

com, Here, games are days and nights of Danielle to Cain is a reliable real estate agent, of the culture in Willoughby.

However, the long arduous platforms market Long the business going. her What listings. was once capevent planning were more than she bargained for To some real estate is a competition however, for a community event.

The two local high schools with a knack for balancing the heavy things on a notecardyou and can rolodex, has Jessica been after thetured transaction, find withother, small children at home. Gina decided, with Key Realty agent Ginaroutinely Gueli, it’s play a genuine love each replaced

by Social media.

Changing thecoordiagainst which brings in life.

Her background as an escrow continuing her efforts to stay in touch withfor helping her clients move to the next encouragement from her Realtor® friends, that andLyndi passion way business led is done natorwhere ultimately herandtohelping connect with the people together from all over town. Downtown chapter clients coordinates apprecito stay she in contact and catchteam a glimpse ofin their lives. Gina takes on the responsibil- real estate would provide an opportunity for more Willoughby boasts charming architecture andand still be of service Carducci Team, where works today. with great care and her main objective is to be of flexibility to raise her family whatSales isone happening the livesshe ofisity her valation events; of herinfavorites Pie Day, greatShe value those to several enlist her services.

Since getting her real estate license, she ued worked network ofwith old and friends. popular bars and toiceothers. cream shops.

Danielle Jeffnew Carducci on atocouwhere they give away holiday pieslives, to all hasn’t looked back. watching herhere clients’ changing ple of loves deals.

It was that Jeff noticed her in life is being of service to Gina’s past andtouching currentbase clients!

As abirthday result her to say happy orof askintention Danielle shares isestate a people work ethic, how quickly she had everyothers. graduating at Bowling Green how State she Real has alsoperson, provided the opportunity for how the and kids are doing. firstAfter loyalty, spirit, and grind inHer thebusiness workforce, Gina beganwhich workingiswith children Gina to promote her in lovereal of the Toledo area. With increased thanks to Facebook andUniversity, friendsencoura big partand of her involvement thing handled.

Soon, the entire team Jessica has over 100reaching million adults withindevelopmental disabilities. Then, hav- so many local businesses and a top rated museum, fromsold School outdollars to refer estate.

She says, “I love being able to say, aged her toGrade pursue her real estate license. ingsocial spent several years in the social service arena, zoo, and park systems along with a low cost of friendshundreds and family. of Beyond volume, their closing transactions ‘I’m a Realtor®to, work let me living, help Gina you brings with an that.’” sheemail, was presented with an opportunity unwavering and infectious media, she communicates via text, during her career. at the Hilton in planning weddings social enthusiasm for Toledospace to clients new to the area. her Realtor has network, and at McSince among then, Danielle beendatabase working The nature ofandthe industry also allows events. From there, she was recruited by a coun- She says she has definitely noticed an uptick in Dowell Homes, under the Carducciclub Team.

She formany Danielle’s responsibilities. where she spent years as themany Event other transplants from out of the area moving to Toleabout her role as Copyright Top Agent Magazine Aside from Jessica’s success in thetry industry, has been involved in the real estate industry She shares,events, “I have job, have Coordinator.

In addition to planning wed-another do either for Ijobs or tothree work remotely. However, usader for Columbus. She cares she enjoys acting as a matchmaker for homebuyers and managing children, the restaurant at the coun-Balance with thatissaid, many her clients are long-time for four years and held her real dings, estateandlicense I do yoga. huge to ofme.” ity’s future development—growwatching her community grow. Jessica is also try involved club, she also hosted a local wedding show, residents of the area and have either known her since 2020. Danielle serves the greater Lake Danielle’s referral rate is currently at 10 perhouses and experiencing life as in various charities in the community, including a local and Geauga areas and lives in Lake County her- cent, putting her on track to achieve her goal he driving factor of her mission charity called Dress For Success, which aims to empower self. She stays active in her community through of bringing in six figures in sales volume n the community. Currently, her women and help them reintegrate into the workforce, and community givebacks, such as beach clean- annually. Her previous transactions exceed ing more homeownership to the Fashion Week Columbus, which financial aid part $900,000 since starting her real estate career. ups. Danielle sharesprovides how football is a big back the development of luxury to local designers. Lastly, regarding her pursuit to protect dents may establish homeowners’ Columbus’s valuable and scarce land, Jessica is interis committed to her city, she is vening with developers’ plan to overinvest in apartment d to her clients, setting the tone buildings, proclaiming, “I want them to see they should ips with a sense of calmness and be investing in the city for the growth of Columbus, not they navigate the homebuying for short-term apartments.”

When Jessica isn’t working, she enjoys socializing with et in Columbus is highly compether lifelong friends, supporting local businesses, and her experience, knowledge of the attending social events. She also enjoys spending time make strategic decisions as the key with her two children where they reside in bustling s coming back to her. She also folMerion Village, attending their sporting events, and success in marketing and strategic hanging with the family dog, cat, and newest addition, a best level of service for clients. As lizard. As for her future plans, Jessica will stay passionat and referral business is robust. ate and forward-thinking to promote homeownership in e for clients, Jessica shares, of “We Columbus strive toincontinue providing a winning No portion this issue may beand reproduced any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine w we value our relationship. formula for success for Although her clients and team.areLastly, is publishedCare

by Feature Publications GA, Inc. precautions taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top umber one priority.”

InMagazine addition, cannot Jessica “I can’t imagine doing anything This supplied by its authors.

Agent be shares, held responsible for opinions expressedelse. or facts platforms such asTo Zillow, Realtor. is my passion.” subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. To learn more about Jessica Walters, call (614) 493-6563 or email 2 jessica@ritchierealtygroup.com

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5 Tips to Get New Clients

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If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably built up a healthy percentage of repeat and referral business.

Although it can be tempting to just maintain those relationships rather than generating new business, there’s something to be said for staying on top of

your game by never resting on your laurels. Actively pursuing new clients is not only a way to generate more business, but depending on how you do it, it could even lead to a profitable new niche. Here are just a few ways to build up your new client base.

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Become a referral partner with industry peers

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Cold Call Expired and FSBO Listings

Everyone from mortgage lenders, to financial planners, to insurance agents, can be potentially lucrative referral partners for a Realtor®. You may already have great relationships with some that just need to be more formalized. But, you don’t just want to partner with anyone, make sure these are people you also feel completely comfortable referring your clients to - people who share your values and work ethic.

Another avenue to consider is divorce attorneys – yes, you heard that correctly. Helping people go through this difficult period actually requires a very specific skill set.

You need to be able to handle the legal aspects, as well as the emotional ones. There are numerous training courses you can take if you decide to take this route, which could end up being a lucrative and much-needed specialty.

This is a route a lot of agents take when they are just starting out, that usually leads to great success. You probably haven’t cold called since you started out, and this is a great skill to build up again.

It will not only sharpen your sales skills, but could generate a lot more business.

People with For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) and expired listings, are usually very motivated to sell. This is a great chance for you to really hone in on why they need to hire you. Do you offer innovative marketing plans? Access to a large sphere of influence? Expired listing clients are looking for ways to sell a property that seems impossible to move. With FSBOs, you need to show them how you can get them more money in their pocket, even

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with paying you a commission. Pursuing both will really engage your mind to think outside of the box, which will not only get you more business, but make you better at what you do.

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3

Partner up with a Relocation Company

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Become a Builder’s Realtor® of choice

This is another niche market that you can really capitalize on if you want to pursue a new specialty. But, it is a specialty, so getting educated on the process will help you generate the business you want. It’s a complicated area of real estate, you’ll often

times be helping to facilitate dual transactions, as you try and secure a property at the same time you are helping your relocation client sell their previous home. This specialty is becoming an in-demand skill in areas that have major corporate headquarters.

This can be a real score for any Realtor®.

The competition might be fierce to land a client like this, but there are numerous ways to make yourself stand out from the rest.

Gain certifications and become knowledgeable about the construction process. Be wellversed on what trendy materials, features, and finishes will add value to a property.

Get the builder on board with you by offering to take just a segment of the subdivision then wow them with your marketing skills.

Take on properties they haven’t been able to sell. You can even offer to throw an open

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Create a Website that Offers Real Value to Potential Clients

Perhaps the most useful way of getting contact information for people looking to sell is by adding a home valuation feature to your website. When people are first considering selling their home, finding out how much 6

house for them. This is another way to show them the level of service they can expect from you. These clients might be harder to land, but the payoff will be enormous.

it is worth is one of the first questions they want answered. By becoming a resource to potential clients (and current clients!), you just might be the first person that comes to mind when they’re actually looking to sell.

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LYNDI GESIORSKI

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Top Agent Lyndi Gesiorski’s business is driven by personal referral from family, friends, former clients and colleagues. This takes her to all parts of Southwest / Western Cuyahoga County, Medina County, portions of Lorain, Summit County and the Eastern Cuyahoga neighborhoods.

LYNDI GESIORSKI 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

Through the years, several signs pointed Lyndi toward the World of Real Estate.

A favorite class at Ohio University, Real Estate Law, her first professional manager a former Realtor, she spent her early 20s researching Real Estate investing and then a loan officer handling her personal refinance, suggested she would make an excellent buyer agent. It took about 10 years, but after getting her Ohio Real Estate license in 2010, Lyndi never looked back. The bulk of Lyndi’s business is driven by personal referral from family, friends, former clients and colleagues. This takes her to all parts of Southwest / Western Cuyahoga County, Medina County, portions of Lorain, Summit County and the Eastern Cuyahoga neighborhoods. Wherever the location, Lyndi travels to meet the needs of her clients. She prides herself on doing whatever it takes to provide creative solutions to help her clients Top Agent Magazine

achieve their goals. She recognizes as a solo agent, this cannot happen alone.

Although not part of a typical Real Estate team, Lyndi has worked to develop relationships and partnerships with the best service Top Agent Magazine

providers and Realtors in the business. The partner concept works, as evidenced by a 100% repeat and referral rate. In her experience, both in and out of real estate, she understands you must provide a great level of service to best help and satisfy the needs Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

The connection with Lyndi’s network and the high level of service she strives to provide has grown her business from a steady $4-6 million annual sales volume to near $11million sold homes in 2021. of your clients. By listening to her clients, she is able to tailor the right solution and people trust that Lyndi has their best interest top of mind. Establishing this trust is the foundation of her relationships and how Lyndi helps open the door to the next chapter in her clients’ lives.

Staying connected to her friends, family, colleagues and clients is what keeps the business going. What was once captured on a notecard and rolodex, has been replaced by Social media. Changing the way business is done and helping Lyndi to stay in contact and catch a glimpse of what is happening in the lives of her valued network of old and new friends. She loves watching her clients’ changing lives, touching base to say happy birthday or ask how the kids are doing. Her business first increased thanks to Facebook and friends from Grade School reaching out to refer their friends and family. Beyond social media, she communicates via text, email, among her Realtor network, database and Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

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above all else, loves face to face meetings and events.

The connection with her network and the high level of service she strives to provide Top Agent Magazine

has grown her business from a steady $4-6 million annual sales volume to near $11million sold homes in 2021. She sets goals for herself and the business naturally grows to reach those goals. She would love to spend Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

more time with a select client base, growing her volume while simultaneously increasing her service level to that clientele. She lives for the gratification that comes from changing a life for the better and helping others achieve their personal goals.

Outside of the real estate arena, Lyndi likes to make an impact in people’s lives quietly and behind the scenes. This may range from

helping someone remodel a space to local family and charitable contributions. She loves sponsoring her nieces and nephews’ events, golf outings and namely the Parrot Head 5k which benefits the children’s charity Fostering Hope, and brings awareness to mental health. All this, while Lyndi works as an eXp Realtor, encouraging others to realize the benefits of agent ownership and creating a legacy for their business.

For more about Lyndi Gesiorski, email LyndiGesiorski@gmail.com or call 440-679-1771 Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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7 Reasons Why Your Prospects Aren’t Turning Into Clients Real estate experts suggest prospecting daily so that your sales pipeline never runs dry.

But sometimes all that effort doesn’t translate into results. If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

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1. You’re Too Slow The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials estimates that there are about 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States alone. Of course, not all these individuals are working in the same markets. Nonetheless, that

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If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

means that realtors face a lot of competition. If you are slow to respond to messages from prospective clients, someone else is sure to beat you to it. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to return calls and emails within 24 hours.

If you’re too busy working with active clients to return the phone calls and emails of prospective clients, consider hiring a real estate assistant who can help take administrative or marketing tasks off your plate.

2. They Don’t Trust You There are different reasons why a client might not trust you, some of which overlap with others on this list. When a client asks you a question, do you answer it directly or do you sidestep it?

Do you have testimonials and reviews from happy clients publicly available? Do you have an online presence? Social proof of your skills and knowledge is key.

3. You Don’t Seem Knowledgeable Enough Is your client constantly coming to you with new listings or marketing ideas rather than the Top Agent Magazine

other way around? Do they mention real estate and finance terms you’ve never heard of or ask you questions you’ve never thought to ask yourself? Every agent starts somewhere, but if this seems to be a pattern, it’s one clients will pick up on too.

Your clients want to know that you will add value to their home buying or selling experience, and part of that value is your expertise and passion.

4. You Have No Web Presence It’s not enough to be on Zillow or have a Facebook page. There are clients who don’t use these platforms, and at the end of the day, you don’t own the content or your access to it. Both platforms could suddenly go out of business and any following you’ve gained could be lost.

It doesn’t cost much to create and maintain a website today. If customization matters little to you, sometimes you can even get up and running for free. At the very least, it’s a good idea to invest in a domain name because yourwebsite. wordpress.com looks a lot less professional than yourwebsite.com.

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5. You Don’t Seem to Care When clients don’t think you care, it usually means they don’t feel like you are listening.

You may have systems, processes, and a proven marketing strategy. You may like to get right down to business, but to your client, this isn’t just business—it’s their life and their family’s livelihood.

When your client tells you what’s important to them, they want to make sure that you really hear them. Make sure your body language conveys that. Slow down. Shut your office door.

Make eye contact, nod your head, and pause before you speak so that they understand that you’ve put thought into your words—that they aren’t simply lines from a script.

6. You Use Too Much Jargon Remember that your clients don’t speak real estate. At most, they might buy or sell a home once every few years. They hired you to be their advocate and may even expect you to be a bit of a teacher too. Use layman’s terms so that your

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client fully understands how the two of you will work together.

7. Your Target Audience Is Everyone Your clients are home buyers and sellers, yes, but who is your ideal client? Some specialties you might consider are college students and recent graduates, working professionals, military families, seniors, CEOs, or other high-profile clients.

As a newer agent, your target audience might be anyone who will hire you, but over time, you might find that you click more with certain clients, that their lifestyle is similar to yours, or that their goals align with your mission. Whatever the reason, marketing your business to this “ideal client” rather than every potential client will make selling your services easier.

Remember: It’s within your power to alleviate your client’s concerns, but understanding why your prospects aren’t turning into clients is a good start.

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DANIELLE CAIN

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DANIELLE CAIN

Danielle Cain is a reliable real estate agent, with a knack for balancing the heavy things in life. Her background as an escrow coordinator ultimately led her to connect with the Carducci Sales Team, where she works today.

Danielle worked with Jeff Carducci on a couple of deals. It was here that Jeff noticed her work ethic, and how quickly she had everything handled. Soon, the entire team encouraged her to pursue her real estate license.

Since then, Danielle has been working at McDowell Homes, under the Carducci Team. She has been involved in the real estate industry for four years and held her real estate license since 2020. Danielle serves the greater Lake and Geauga areas and lives in Lake County herself. She stays active in her community through community givebacks, such as beach cleanups. Danielle shares how football is a big part 18

of the culture in Willoughby. Here, games are a community event. The two local high schools routinely play against each other, which brings people together from all over town. Downtown Willoughby boasts charming architecture and several popular bars and ice cream shops.

Danielle shares how she is a people person, which is a big part of her involvement in real estate. She says, “I love being able to say, ‘I’m a Realtor®, let me help you with that.’”

The nature of the industry also allows space for Danielle’s many other responsibilities.

She shares, “I have another job, I have three children, I do yoga. Balance is huge to me.”

Danielle’s referral rate is currently at 10 percent, putting her on track to achieve her goal of bringing in six figures in sales volume annually. Her previous transactions exceed $900,000 since starting her real estate career.

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Danielle stays in touch with past clients through social media, “Everyone wants to post about their milestones, and social media is a great way to tie it back to real estate.” She enjoys bringing pumpkin pies to past clients around the holidays and reaches out at the beginning of the year to share the housing market forecast. Danielle markets current listings around town and on social media. She shares how all of her listings have gone under contract within hours or days, exemplifying her team’s “nine-day money-back guarantee.”

Community involvement is a significant part of Danielle’s life and career. She shares, “I stay informed on what’s going on in my area, and the surrounding areas so that I can educate my clients.” She is on four committees at LGAAR, an association of Realtors® designed to inform and advocate for the community.

Danielle and her children also regularly bake and deliver treats to their local first responders.

She laughs, “They all know us by name now.”

In her limited free time, Danielle enjoys hiking and walking outside. She loves music, from classic rock to smooth jazz, and incorporates it into her regular yoga practice.

“Yoga can be universal,” Danielle says. She shares how she wakes up at 4:30 AM daily to practice yoga, noting how this helps the rest of the day “roll smooth.” Her six-year yoga background even helps her ground her clients in stressful situations.

Soon, Danielle intends to be pulling in at least six figures in annual sales volume. She plans to break into the commercial property market as well as own rental properties. Danielle notes, “The sky’s the limit in real estate, it really is.”

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To get in touch with Danielle, please call 440-494-3525, email daniellecain@mcdhomes.com, or visit mcdhomes.com www.

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Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com

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Area Specialist

GINA GUELI Top Agent Magazine

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GINA GUELI

“A sale is not something you pursue; it’s what happens to you while you are immersed in serving your customer.” – Unknown To some real estate is a competition however, for Key Realty agent Gina Gueli, it’s a genuine love and passion for helping her clients move to the next chapter in their lives. Gina takes on the responsibility with great care and her main objective is to be of great value to those to enlist her services.

Gina’s intention in life is being of service to others. After graduating at Bowling Green State University, Gina began working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Then, having spent several years in the social service arena, she was presented with an opportunity to work at the Hilton in planning weddings and social events. From there, she was recruited by a country club where she spent many years as the Event Coordinator. In addition to planning events, weddings, and managing the restaurant at the country club, she also hosted a local wedding show, 22

made appearances on Sports Radio, and graced the cover of local golf magazine.

However, the long arduous days and nights of event planning were more than she bargained for with small children at home. Gina decided, with encouragement from her Realtor® friends, that real estate would provide an opportunity for more flexibility to raise her family and still be of service to others. Since getting her real estate license, she hasn’t looked back.

Real estate has also provided the opportunity for Gina to promote her love of the Toledo area. With so many local businesses and a top rated museum, zoo, and park systems along with a low cost of living, Gina brings an unwavering and infectious enthusiasm for Toledo to clients new to the area.

She says she has definitely noticed an uptick in transplants from out of the area moving to Toledo either for jobs or to work remotely. However, with that said, many of her clients are long-time residents of the area and have either known her Top Agent Magazine

a lifetime or are clients from her event planning days. Gina feels like the most rewarding feeling is when a previous client hires her to help them with buying or selling a home. Their trust in her from either planning their wedding or event has extended to real estate and she relishes in being a part of each big moment in their lives.

When working with clients, Gina prefers to meet as early as possible whether they are considering buying or selling. When preparing for a home sale, her goal is to help her clients sell the property for as much as they can in a timeframe that works best for them. If a home has been occupied for many years, she usually recommends a pre-inspection to keep negotiations after an accepted offer to a minimum.

She has found that this tactic facilitates a smoother transaction. Gina usually gives her sellers a list of items to repair and/or update prior to listing on market to ensure they can net the most from the sale in a timeframe that works best for them. She has a large staging inventory that she has available at her clients disposal along with a professional photographer, Olivia Farmer from Twelfth Night Photography, by her side for all of her listings.

Gina keeps in touch with her clients either on social media, through mailings, and quarterly magazines. She says the best part about her job is Top Agent Magazine

that many clients have become friends, and real estate has enriched her life more than she could have ever imagined. Attending her clients’ weddings, baby showers, and birthday parties is truly the most fulfilling part of her career, being able to have built these sustaining relationships with people she’s worked for. In the future, Gina plans to open Airbnbs and own rental properties while continuing her real estate career.

For more information about Gina, call 419-356-9588 or email ginagueli@gmail.com

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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-

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!

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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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JAMIE STEINBACHER A lifelong resident of Ohio, Jamie Steinbacher was drawn to real estate after graduating from THE Ohio State University with his degree in Marketing from the Max M. Fisher College of Business. He jumped at the opportunity to establish strong roots in the industry through his father Larry, a multi-million dollar producer and co-owner of Century 21 Transcendent Realty. Upon joining Larry in the business, he quickly uncovered his niche as Relocation Director and earned the coveted Certified Relocation Professional® designation. From there, he has gone on to author an accomplished career as an agent, building a network of satisfied clients that spans much of Northeast Ohio.

Today, as Relocation Director and Co-Owner of Century 21 Transcendent Realty, he assists clients throughout much of Northeast Ohio. Having been named 2020 and 2021’s Relocation Director of the Year for the worldwide Century 21 brand, he has combined his business acumen with his work ethic to meet the demands of any transaction.

When listing a property, Jamie and Team Steinbacher equip their clients with a cutting edge strategy. After helping them prepare their home for the market, he shares it via a highly targeted blend of digital campaigns. Elsewhere, he is just as attentive when assisting his buyers, leveraging his acute knowledge of his region to uncover the perfect home for their wants and needs.

Also a licensed Military Relocation Professional®, Jamie enjoys keeping in touch with his clients well after the deals are done to cultivate an ongoing relationship and provide them with ongoing support. More than anything, he loves to see his clients thrive in his Ohio community—whether they are visiting his favorite restaurant, Lanning’s Steakhouse in Akron, or improving their golf swing alongside professional instructors recommended by Team Steinbacher.

Over the years, Jamie has earned a fantastic reputation among clients and colleagues alike, as evidenced by his

strong rate of repeat clients and referrals.

Having completed approximately $30 million in volume in 2021 alone, he remains committed to the proven standards that have led Team Steinbacher to be ranked among the Top 1% of real estate teams nationwide for multiple years running. “At the end of the day, our business comes down to honesty and integrity,” he says. “I’m never simply trying to sell a client a home. Instead, when I’m taking them through a property, I look at it from a listing agent standpoint so when they are ready to sell, they will contact me and already know the challenges that may be at hand. Obviously when buying a home, many people are not thinking that far down the road, but this allows them to make informed decisions on their future.”

Outside his career, Jamie and his family are deeply committed to their community, frequently donating food to the local Sheriff who provides the food to struggling families in the area. Moreover, his wife Lauren has helped individuals with disabilities become meaningful partners in their communities for the last 15 years. She began her career working with individuals with developmental disabilities in residential settings, then in employment services where she has helped hundreds of individuals with disabilities gain employment. When he’s not with clients or giving back, Jamie can be found enjoying quality time with his wife and 2 children or hitting the links with friends and family. Going forward, he also has exciting plans for the future of his business. Having established affiliations with many of the major relocation management companies in the country, he intends on expanding the department’s reach throughout the region.

“In real estate, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping people make the most important financial decisions of their lives,” Jamie says. “It’s such a terrific feeling to hand someone the keys at the end of their transaction—whether it’s for their first home, or their forever home and know it’s the perfect fit for them.”

To learn more about Jamie Steinbacher email jamie.steinbacher@gmail.com or call (440) 263-8268

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JESSICA WALTERS Meet Jessica Walters, an energetic and dedicated real estate agent for Ritchie Realty Group based in Columbus, Ohio, where she was born and raised. Jessica became licensed in 2009 after the infamous housing market crash, where she began her career buying and selling homes alongside her significant role as a full-time single mother of two children. Since 2013, Jessica has worked full-time as an agent.

Today she serves Columbus and its surrounding locations.

Jessica is passionate about her role as an estate agent and crusader for Columbus. She cares immensely about her city’s future development—growing up attending open houses and experiencing life as an Ohio native, both the driving factor of her mission to leave an imprint on the community. Currently, her primary focus is to bring more homeownership to the community and draw back the development of luxury apartments so the residents may establish homeowners’ wealth. While Jessica is committed to her city, she is also incredibly devoted to her clients, setting the tone amongst her relationships with a sense of calmness and professionalism while they navigate the homebuying process together.

While the current market in Columbus is highly competitive, Jessica attributes her experience, knowledge of the industry, and ability to make strategic decisions as the key factors that keep clients coming back to her. She also follows proven theories of success in marketing and strategic pricing to provide the best level of service for clients. As a result, Jessica’s repeat and referral business is robust.

Regarding her message for clients, Jessica shares, “We want our clients to know we value our relationship. Care and honesty are our number one priority.” In addition, Jessica utilizes central platforms such as Zillow, Realtor.

com, curator websites, and social media platforms to market her listings. Long after the transaction, you can find Jessica continuing her efforts to stay in touch with clients where she coordinates team appreciation events; one of her favorites is Pie Day, where they give away holiday pies to all past and current clients! As a result of her loyalty, spirit, and grind in the workforce, Jessica has sold over 100 million dollars in volume, closing hundreds of transactions during her career.

Aside from Jessica’s success in the industry, she enjoys acting as a matchmaker for homebuyers and watching her community grow. Jessica is also involved in various charities in the community, including a local charity called Dress For Success, which aims to empower women and help them reintegrate into the workforce, and Fashion Week Columbus, which provides financial aid to local designers. Lastly, regarding her pursuit to protect Columbus’s valuable and scarce land, Jessica is intervening with developers’ plan to overinvest in apartment buildings, proclaiming, “I want them to see they should be investing in the city for the growth of Columbus, not for short-term apartments.”

When Jessica isn’t working, she enjoys socializing with her lifelong friends, supporting local businesses, and attending social events. She also enjoys spending time with her two children where they reside in bustling Merion Village, attending their sporting events, and hanging with the family dog, cat, and newest addition, a lizard. As for her future plans, Jessica will stay passionate and forward-thinking to promote homeownership in Columbus and strive to continue providing a winning formula for success for her clients and team. Lastly, Jessica shares, “I can’t imagine doing anything else. This is my passion.”

To learn more about Jessica Walters, call (614) 493-6563 or email jessica@ritchierealtygroup.com

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3 Ways to Make Your Workspace Work for You Productivity experts agree that a curated workspace positively impacts productivity and mood, but oftentimes we settle for bland desks and cubicles that lack personalized details or considerations for workflow. Why miss out on the opportunity to optimize your surroundings when it could brighten your day—and boost your performance? Keep in mind some of these tactics to make your workspace your own and reap the benefits along the way.

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DETERMINE YOUR WORKING STYLE AND DECORATE ACCORDINGLY For the creative set, a colorful and art-filled workspace can inspire fresh ideas and reduce stress. Likewise, casual yet aesthetically pleasing furniture, accessories, and décor set an inviting yet functional mood. A pop of color from an office tool—even something as basic as a stapler—can inject a sense of fun and modernism into your daily tasks. For the more analytical, right-brained worker, clean

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lines and zero clutter go a long way. A few well-chosen personal photos in tasteful, unassuming frames can provide a motivating connection to the world beyond the office, while accessories and supplies that are sleek, monochrome, and contemporary inspire a sense of calm efficiency.

BUILD A WORKSPACE WITH YOUR DAILY ROUTINE IN MIND If you find yourself spending hours on the phone per day, or assembling stacks of documents and brochures, or even coming and going from the office with frequency—there are simple adjustments you can make to your workspace that will save you time and energy. If you sit for long hours—responding to e-mails or making calls—try incorporating an ergonomic chair or keyboard wrist-pad to maximize comfort. If you spend a long time assembling presentation materials, then file organizers, trays, and easy-to-pull labels can shave valuable time off your efforts. Lastly, those who step out for frequent meetings can reduce the hassle of being on-the-go by making your space mindfully organized—a coatrack and a dish for your keys by the door, an auto-brew coffeemaker, or an easily edited whiteboard calendar can make jet-setting simpler.

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ADD EASY DETAILS THAT ENRICH YOUR WORKING EXPERIENCE While organization and décor can rally productivity and mood, there are also a few extra details you can introduce to your workspace to improve the quality of your working life.

Healthy, easy to grab-and-go snacks—think nuts, homemade trail mix, and fresh fruit— can keep your energy up without the sugar crush or guilt. If there’s a window nearby, a hard-to-kill plant like a philodendron or a fern not only cleanse the air around you, but also provide a welcome connection to the natural world. Being prepared in a pinch is another great way to make your workspace work for you: a spare tie, a tube of lip balm, hand sanitizer, or a box of Band-Aids can save you a trip to the store when an unexpected need arises.

While we take great pains to make our homes our sanctuaries—complete with the decorations, furniture, and food we favor—we often overlook our work areas, even though we spend a sizable portion of our week sitting at the same desk. Challenge yourself to add a few of these personalizing, productivity-boosting details to your work area and bring the comfort of home to your working life.

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Area Specialist KENDRA GAMBILL Compassionate and always there to lend a hand, Kendra Gambill helps her clients achieve their dreams of homeownership.

While working as a waitress, Kendra realized this dream for herself, an experience that inspired her to embark on her own real estate career. “I got started in real estate when I was buying my own home with my current broker,” Kendra recalls.

“I fell in love with all of real estate, and I decided that was what I wanted to do. Not long after that, everything took off!” Now in her third year in business, Kendra has rapidly grown into a top producer in her local market.

With the Kelly Wiley Group at Keller Williams Excel Realty of Jackson, Kendra serves Jackson, Vinton, Gallia, and Ross Counties and more. Kendra describes Jackson County, with its population of about 32,000, as “A mixture of farmland and downtown. We have a lot of locally owned businesses, including a brewery, restaurants, pubs, donut shops, coffee shops, and boutiques. Downtown Treatery, right across from our office, makes awesome donuts and takes custom orders for special events. There’s also The Spot on Main coffee shop, Elizabeth’s Flowers, A.L. Terry’s jewelry store, and Pete’s Corner Pub, all on the same road as our office.”

Kendra and Chris, her business partner, as well as her broker/team lead Kelly, go the extra mile for their clients. They are top in social media and production in their area, and last year they won the Ruby Award, the highest honor from their local MLS. “We take everything very seriously,” Kendra explains. “We hire professional photographers, and we have a drone that we use to fly over our properties. We hold our listings to a high standard so they look their best, and our social media following is big and growing.”

Kendra loves giving back to her hometown in Vinton County by sponsoring the local 4-H program and VCHS Football program. She participates in Jeepin’ Top Agent Magazine

for Joy, an annual event to raise funds for kids’ Christmases. Kendra also participates, along with her team, in First Thursdays put on by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. When she is not working or giving back, Kendra is usually working on the family farm, fishing with her son, riding four-wheelers, and surrounding herself with her friends and family.

Looking toward the future, Kendra says, “I plan to keep selling, and build up people under me who are younger to bring fresh air into the community and reinvent real estate in Jackson. I’ve learned a lot since I started, and I want to give that to other people.” She says her favorite part of real estate is that “Every day is different. I get to help different families, and I love the success stories. I love being able to tell somebody that homeownership is possible for them, and working with them to help them get to that point, because that’s where I was a few years ago.

I didn’t think I could own a house for me and my son, and then I made it happen! I want to give other people the encouragement, and tell them: We can make homeownership work for you.”

To find out more about Kendra Gambill, please call 740-818-9696, email kendragambill@kw.com or visit facebook.com/KendraGambillRealtor www.

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Area Specialist KIM MALIN & CHELSEA RUIZ When it’s time to move, Kim Malin and Chelsea Ruiz provide you with a real estate experience that exceeds your expectations. Kim Malin has over twenty years of sales, marketing and contract negotiation experience. She began her real estate career in 2011 while in between accounts for a major corporation and has been a full time Realtor® ever since. Chelsea Ruiz began her career in Southern California in 2014 and has worked as a licensed Ohio Realtor® since 2016. Previously in banking, Chelsea started looking into real estate after taking notice of the flexibility and income potential it could provide her. As a team they serve NorthEast Ohio and the areas surrounding Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The region is named after Ohio’s Crooked River and is well known for bike and hike trails that connect each community. It truly is a hidden gem for outdoor recreation.

For Kim, approximately 90% of her repeat business is referral based and for Chelsea that percentage is about 50/50. Putting their expertise to work, Kim and Chelsea guide and advise clients to help them make the best decision they possibly can. Whether you are looking for a new home or thinking about selling your current home, the team takes care of everything from start to finish and brings a wealth of local knowledge to the table. “We do not make our services about the paycheck or the commission. We truly [tailor] it to [the customer’s] best interest....we go above and beyond.”

Using a multitude of contacts from years in the industry; Kim and Chelsea provide exceptional service every step of the way. The structure of the team is unique in

that they function as a partnership rather than a traditional real estate team where clients are passed along to other teammates down the pipeline. Kim and Chelsea are on the same page through the closing of your sale or purchase and beyond.

As community advocates, Kim and Chelsea contribute a lot to charitable works through donations and volunteering time. One of those charities close to their hearts is Children’s Miracle Network which is on a mission to increase funds and awareness for children’s hospitals all across America. They also support public servants through the Teachers Next Door and Home For Heros programs by giving back a percentage of their commissions from each transaction. Closing, on average, 55 transactions per year ensures a significant charitable contribution and best experience for those involved.

What Kim loves most about real estate are the people and making them feel comfortable and secure throughout the process. “It’s nice to see how appreciative everyone is.” Chelsea agrees 100% and while it is a business, it’s also a lifestyle choice to bring joy and happiness to people.

Kim and Chelsea look forward to continued growth and being able to reach as many people as they can through their various affiliated programs. Also, a recent opportunity to film House Hunters on HGTV has hoisted the team into mainstream popularity and they are excited to share their local expertise with viewers nationwide. To view the breakout episode of House Hunters - Old Soul in Akron please visit https:// youtu.be/CfBHqO_FXWU

To learn more about Kim Malin email kimsells@cuyahogavalleyhomes.net, call (330) 958-2355 or visit cuyahogavalleyhomes.com/about www.

To learn more about Chelsea Ruiz email Chelsea@cuyahogavalleyhomes.net, call (330) 285- 2383 or visit chelsea.cuyahogavalleyhomes.com/ about www.

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6 Things All Successful Negotiators Do If you think about it, you’ve been negotiating your whole life. As a kid you negotiated constantly with your family, your teachers, and your classmates. If you’re a parent, you’re negotiating probably more than you ever have in your life. But it’s one thing to negotiate staying up late on a school night, people oftentimes have trouble translating those real world negotiation skills into the business world. But the truth is there are a lot similarities.

Expert negotiators all have skills and techniques they bring to the table. It’s quite possible you also have them, and don’t even realize Top Agent Magazine

it. Here’s a look at some traits that are common among expert negotiators.

1. They keep emotion out of the process It’s very easy to feel frustrated, angry and defensive during a negotiation process. But when emotions run high, it’s often difficult to respond with logic and reason. This can be especially difficult if the person you’re negotiating with tries to escalate the situation. As the saying goes, keep calm and carry on. You

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have an end goal in mind, and getting heated won’t help you meet it. If things don’t go your way, remember it’s not personal. Best to leave the table with no hard feelings. Hopefully even though you may not have gotten what you’ve wanted this time around, you’ve established a foundation for success at your next try.

2. They’re reasonable If you don’t ask for what you want you’ll never get it, but at the same time, you need to be reasonable about what you’re asking for. Yes, ask for a little more than you want, so you have some wiggle room to compromise. But if you ask for too much too soon, you might shut down the person you’re negotiating with from the start, or even worse offend them. No one wants to feel like they’re being taken advantage of. Ask for what you deserve and you’ll never go wrong. At the very least you might start the conversation on how that might be possible down the line, if it isn’t just yet.

3. They’re well-prepared Part of being reasonable is being well-prepared. One of the biggest mistakes novice negotiators make is showing up over-confident and under prepared. Have the research and facts to back up what you’re asking for. Show your negotiation partner evidence of why what you’re asking for is not only fair, but necessary. Facts are hard to shoot down. This will also give you the confidence to really push for what you want. It’s not just something you think, it’s something that’s undeniable true. If you go in unprepared you’re more likely to flounder, which will damage your credibility going into future negotiations.

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4. They always strive for a win/win solution for everyone Yes, negotiations are about getting what you want, but as the old saying goes, you get more flies with honey than vinegar. Your negotiation partner might also have reasonable requests that you need to consider. Ultimately, successful negotiations are about compromise on both sides, and ending up with an outcome that benefits everyone.

5. They’re creative Problems and conflict are a natural part of any negotiation. One surefire way to impress, is to head off any impending roadblocks, by coming up with creative solutions. It’s easy to point out problems and be negative. Truly expert negotiators think outside the box, and dazzle with innovative concepts and ideas that leave everyone excited about the process.

6. They’re good listeners Listening in order to really understand where your negotiation partner is coming from is important for two reasons: you not only want to make them feel heard, but knowing what they want is invaluable information you can use to get what you want. At the start, you’re gathering information by asking questions and really hearing what they say, which includes picking up on body language and nonverbal cues as well. This is part of being well-prepared, using every possible thing you can to have an advantage.

Being in control of the situation, and then leading everyone to a successful conclusion all around is what great negotiation is all about.

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XIAOJIE (SHAU) ZAVON For nearly 20 years, Xiaojie (Shau) Zavon has set a leading standard of service for buyers and sellers alike within the Greater Cincinnati-Dayton corridor. She first took an interest in real estate in 2003 when her longtime mentor advised her to go into the business, noting that it perfectly complemented her outgoing personality and entrepreneurial spirit. Since earning her license, Shau has gone on to author an accomplished career as an agent, establishing a network of satisfied clients across the region.

Today, Shau leads a team of agent-partners through Nexxus Property Group, powered by Keller Williams Advisors Realty, where she assists clients throughout the Greater Cincinnati-Dayton corridor, as well as the communities of Northern Kentucky. There, she has combined her strong business acumen with her penchant for client service to meet the needs of any buyer or seller, as well as any investor. In 2021, Nexxus Property Group won the 1st place in Team Award by Closed Units and 2nd place in Team Award by Gross Commission Income across the Ohio Valley Region at Keller Williams.

When listing a property, Shau offers her clients a comprehensive approach. Starting out, she walks through their property with her team contractor, identifying any necessary improvements and giving her clients a suite of options based on their distinct needs. From there, she helps them fully prepare for the market, equipping them with professional staging and photography services. Once a home is ready to list, she then shares it to a highly targeted blend of social media campaigns, as well as her extensive sphere of influence and agent network. Along the way, she also utilizes proven outlets like flyers, postcards and email blasts to the surrounding neighborhoods to give her clients an added advantage.

Elsewhere, Shau is just as hands-on when assisting her buyers, leveraging her acute knowledge of the region to uncover the right investment for their best interests. She is also a seasoned investor herself, leading her team and investors in

finding off market deals, syndicating large commercial deals (multi family and retails), and flipping properties. Nexxus also has its own remodeling/construction, property management and investment divisions, which help clients accomplish their real estate goals through various ways. More than anything, she loves welcoming clients into her Greater Cincinnati community—whether to enjoy an afternoon at one of its scenic parks, or to pursue the myriad of opportunities within its thriving corporate sector.

Over the years, Shau has earned a fantastic reputation, with the vast majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals. Having completed $28 million in volume in 2021 alone, she remains focused on the core values that brought her to real estate in the first place. “Real estate comes down to three key points,” she says. “As agents, we must treat our clients with integrity, possess a sound knowledge of our area, and make sure we’re available whenever we’re needed.”

Outside her career, Shau is deeply committed to her community. She co-founded the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce and previously served as its volunteer president for nearly a decade. Moreover, she is chairwoman of United Chinese Business Partners and sat on numerous local boards, such as the Mason Port Authority Board, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Small Business Advisory Board etc. When she’s not attending various events and fundraisers throughout the year, she can be found traveling or spending quality time with her family. She attributes lots of her success to her supportive husband and children.

As for the future, Shau intends on scaling her mentorship role within her team and community, sharing her vision of boutique service with her partners and colleagues. More than anything, though, she looks forward to the new opportunities that await. “I’m very blessed to have gotten to know so many wonderful clients through the years,” she says. “I truly love all my buyers and sellers. Over time, we’ve become one big family—the Nexxus Family—and I couldn’t be happier.”

For more about Xiaojie (Shau) Zavon, email shausells@kw.com or call/text 513-259-3058 Top Agent Magazine

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