ONTARIO 5-1-23

ONTARIO EDITION

How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions and Up Your Productivity

Is Finding a

NICHE MARKET

ARE YOU DOING BUSINESS AS YOU ON FACEBOOK?

Right for You? How to

SPEED UP FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TRANSACTIONS

FEATURED AGENTS

DANIELA RODRIGUES JODI TIGHE NICK DUPUIS ROSELI QUARTI RYAN PATTINSON TONI REYES COVER STORY

ALEX VISSCHER

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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How to Speed Up First-Time Homebuyer Transactions Working with first-time homebuyers can be among the most rewarding real estate transactions an agent can embark upon.

Not only are you helping guide newcomers into the housing market, but you’re also witness to the excitement and triumphs along the way, including handing over those keys for the first time. While 4

helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

So, what’s the best way to streamline the homebuying process for first-timers, while maintaining the magic and keeping your sanity along the way?

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While helping first-time homebuyers navigate the transactional process can be a reminder of real estate’s benevolent power, it can also come with its own bumps and bruises.

Set expectations upfront and often.

It’s no secret that communication is a cornerstone of a successful real estate practice and client relationship. Amidst a transaction as complex as buying (or selling) a home, it’s important that no wires get crossed, no questions go unanswered, and no information gets lost in translation. To accomplish this, create communication parameters with your clients up front. Inquire about the communication medium they’re most comfortable with—a text, a call, an email, etc.

Then, tailor your outreach accordingly.

Also, consider setting a weekly time to check in, even if no official progress has been made. This helps clients and agents touch base, float questions and concerns, and get ahead of any problems or developments. Another helpful tool is to draft a transaction timeline for your client that outlines the major milestones along the way, what sort of information will need to be gathered, what steps taken, and what outcomes are possible. This might seem like exhaustive work, but in the era of digital research, clients will come to their own conclusions and biases Top Agent Magazine

whether you like it or not. To stay on the same page and timeline, be the foremost resource for your client, and don’t leave their questions up to chance.

Know your first-time homebuyer programs and perks.

There are a variety of national, state, regional, and local grants and programs that aid first-time homebuyers as they pay their down payment, shop for home or mortgage insurance, and otherwise deal with the financial implications of becoming a homeowner. Sometimes these programs are neighborhood-specific in certain cities, with incentives to buy in up and coming areas. In some cases, there are grants that support underrepresented minority communities breaking into homebuying, and these can go a long way in making the burden of a down payment and associated fees doable. In other words, do your research.

The right program or grant could make the difference in nabbing a dream starter home for your client, while setting them up for future financial success.

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage—and shop around for the best rate.

Not all mortgage rates are made equal. As an agent, you likely have good relationships with area lenders that you trust, but it’s still important to complete your due diligence when helping first-time homebuyers find the rate that suits their longterm housing goals. Also remember that first-time homebuyers are new to this process, and while real estate transactions are complex in their own right, the borrowing and lending processes can be alienating in their complexity. As an agent, it’s your job to play intermediary and teacher, ensuring your clients know their options, are prepared to make an educated decision, and

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feel confident that they’ve chosen correctly. Talk with your preferred mortgage partners to best outline options for your clients’ understanding, laying out a framework that’s informative, projected into the future, and allows them to feel empowered by knowledge.

All in all, working with first-time homebuyers can be an exciting and joyous occasion, as long as you’re adequately prepared for some hand-holding and instruction along the way. Aside from the enthusiasm of successful first-timers at the closing table, you’ll also enjoy the lasting benefit of strong referrals to their friends and family, many of whom will be shopping with you for their own first dream homes.

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ALEX VISSCHER Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Alex Visscher serves clients throughout Oxford County, Ontario, representing a diverse portfolio of properties from farms to condos.

Growing up on his family’s fruit farm in Canada, REALTOR® Alex Visscher learned the meaning of hard work from a young age. His entrepreneurial spirit lead him to start several ventures before diving into real estate, including a ceramic flooring company and a retail store on the farm. Eight years ago, Alex turned his interest in real estate into a full-time career. Today, he serves clients throughout Oxford County, Ontario, representing a diverse portfolio of properties from farms to condos. No matter what he is tasked with selling, Alex makes sure that his clients are prepared and taken care of from start to finish.

60-70% of Alex’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, a testament to his quick responsiveness, honesty, and ability to take the pressure off of tense situations.

“I never make my clients feel like they have to decide quickly on a property. It needs to be the right choice for them,” he says. He 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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has become known for providing a tailored service for each client, which means curating neighborhood information and resources that align with their specific interests.

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When it comes to marketing his listings, Alex frequently posts on social media, especially Facebook and Instagram. More than that, however, his focus is on strengthening

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60-70% of Alex’s business comes from repeat and referral clients, a testament to his quick responsiveness, honesty, and ability to take the pressure off of tense situations. “I never make my clients feel like they have to decide quickly on a property. It needs to be the right choice for them.” personal relationships within the industry.

Every few months, he makes sure to reach out through phone calls and texts to past clients to let them know that he is thinking of them.

and four kids at home, it’s no exaggeration to say that he is constantly busy. However, in his spare time, Alex enjoys playing hockey.

He also likes going for walks and late-night drives to clear his head.

In addition to selling real estate to others, Alex is currently in the process of developing his own land. With a growing business

Year after year, Alex continues to build his name in the industry. His goal for 2023 is to complete $50 million in sales volume. As

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his schedule is so full at the moment, he’s hoping to shift some of his backend tasks to his team so that he can focus on the big picture items going forward. He’s planning to expand into more luxury homes and

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development while still providing top level care for his clients, whether they are buyers, sellers, or builders. “I’m really invested in this industry and appreciate that I’m not stuck in one certain area of the market.”

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Contact Alex at 519-709-3701, email alex.visscher@outlook.com, and visit thevisscherteam.ca, facebook.com/thevisscherteam or instagram.com/thevisscherteam www.

www.

www.

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How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— Top Agent Magazine

it can feel impossible to untangle yourself from the worldwide web.

As a professional, you may not be able to withdraw from the digital world completely, but there are a few techniques you can use to limit your extraneous digital distractions and streamline the time you spend online. After all, it’s entirely common to faithfully begin one task and then

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get unexpectedly drawn down the digital rabbit hole. To save yourself time and virtual burnout, here are a few ways to unplug, recharge, and make the most of your time online and off.

Focus on one digital task at a time.

While multi-tasking may seem like a sound approach to productivity, this method usually results in surface-level progress across a few tasks, rather than reaching the finish line on any.

Instead of opening multiple tabs and trying to do it all at once, hone in on one digital task at a time. Have emails to return? Allocate an hour to work exclusively on this to-do list item. Need to post a new blog entry? Pencil in a dedicated half hour. If you focus on one task a time and exclusively devote your energy and productivity to it for a set period, you’ll make a far bigger dent in your list of duties for the day.

Give yourself a curfew.

In the real estate business, the hours may seem never-ending, but if you don’t want to slow your productivity with fatigue, you’ve got to set some boundaries. Try setting up a digital curfew for yourself and put your phone away after a certain hour. Devote an hour or two before bedtime to time away from your computer and your phone—read a book, prep your lunch for the next day, or try a round of mindful meditation. Carve out space and time to disconnect from your technology and stick to the habit. By morning, you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in.

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Mute social media notifications and create dedicated check-in times instead.

Instead of taking a reactionary approach to social media—waiting for the dings and pings that lure you back to your screen—try muting some of your social media alerts and instead dedicate three timed windows per day to check-in on your timelines and engagement. If you’re constantly interrupted at unexpected intervals when someone likes a post or leaves a comment, your whole workflow can be derailed. Instead, unchain yourself from the instant gratification of responding to every buzz and beep your phone emits. Systematize your professional social media life and you’ll stay organized and on task.

Keep your inbox organized.

While it may take some time and effort to create a sorting system for your email inbox, it can go a long way to limiting distractions and stress. Create folders and an organizational flow and every communication will have a place and a priority.

That way, when you open up your inbox and have to go digging for old emails or exchanges with past clients, you won’t have to waste time sorting or feel overwhelmed by the clutter. If everything has its place, you’ll have an unobstructed, streamlined canvass to conduct business from.

Digital distractions don’t have to derail your day or sap your productivity. Email, internet, social media—all are tools to be commanded. With the right planning, understanding, and consistent execution, you’ll be able to wield the power of each without the downside of distraction.

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DANIELA RODRIGUES Combining her extensive industry knowledge with an unyielding commitment to global impact, Daniela Rodrigues from Whitby, Ontario has created a thriving real estate business. For her, it’s not just about being an agent, but also about building relationships with clients and being a part of their journey. “I love being able to be a part of other people’s journeys. It’s truly about relationship building and building trust together.” She considers it a privilege to meet amazing people in the real estate world and to form close bonds with them through life-changing transactions. Through these relationships, she gets to experience different communities and opportunities, which she finds incredibly fulfilling.

While Daniela has formed countless deep interpersonal connections, her career began as a result of a personal severed tie. “I actually got started working for the agent who sold my parents’ house during their divorce,” she recalls.

“He reached out to me because he thought I had incredible potential in the real estate industry and offered me a job as an admin if I was interested. It was the best way to learn about the world of real estate but also the best way to confirm if it’s something I could see myself pursuing as a licensed real estate agent. For anyone who comes to me curious about my career, that’s the entry point I recommend.” After working as an administrative assistant for several years, Daniela obtained her license and launched her career as a real estate agent within Royal LePage Canada servicing the Durham Region, GTA and surrounding areas.

Daniela attributes the bulk of her continued growth to her ethical methods of doing business, which are grounded firmly in the desires and expectations of her clients. “The level of care and communication I give – that’s at the forefront of every real estate transaction, and all of my clients know that they will get that service no matter what they need from me. I recognize that it takes a team of trusted people – trusted staging companies, videographers, disposal companies, lenders etc. including the agent on the other end of the transaction. Building that relationship is equally as important to have everything come together seamlessly.”

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Her robust professional networks in the GTA, surrounding areas, across Canada and within Royal LePage help her service clients in the best possible way regardless if their move is within the areas she services or across Canada. She leverages her social media to allow her to build relationships while being her authentic self. “Social media can be a deceiving tool in terms of determining someone’s success, who they are or how their life may be interpreted but in an industry with so many licenced agents, it’s important for me to always be my most authentic self since that’s who they will work with through their real estate journey.”

This passion for deep connectedness has Daniela traveling to increasingly remote destinations as part of her dedication to jointly supporting Royal LePage Canada, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and her extended community. In 2021, she hiked the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia, trekking alongside other Royal LePage agents to raise money for The Denise House and Y’s Wish Shelter of YWCA Durham. “I’m a better agent, and a better person, because of what I experienced – six days without the comforts of home, plumbing and cell phone service changes you. I was able to raise $28,000 for this initiative. This year I’ve been accepted to trek 5 days in Ecuador Challenge for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, and we’re trekking to one of the world’s most active volcanoes nearly 12,500 feet above sea level. To have these kinds of experiences while also being able to make a difference in the lives of other people – that’s what real estate is all about. I feel very, very lucky.”

To learn more about Daniela Rodrigues, Real Estate Agent, Royal LePage Terrequity Realty, email danielarodrigues@royallepage.ca or call 905.809.9262 15 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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

grahamharrop.com 16

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JODI TIGHE Jodi Tighe of Innerkip, Ontario, has built a successful real estate enterprise by combining her prior career in the construction industry with a heartfelt desire to impact her local community and a passion for ongoing education. “In my short career in real estate, I’ve already made so many wonderful connections that I know will last a lifetime – that’s a reward in and of itself. I love everything about this career. Being flexible, meeting people, and just feeling more connected with my community because of my work. I’m not just driving into the same city every weekday from nine-to-five any more – my life gets to mix in with so many other people and experiences.”

Prior to entering the real estate industry, Jodi enjoyed a twenty year career working in construction operations as well as the agricultural sales and service industry. “I bought and sold a house with my husband,” she recalls, “and the local agents we used for the transactions said to me, ‘If you ever want to get into real estate, give us a call. We’d love to have you.’ I took a chance, and here I am!” At the time of writing in 2023, Jodi is preparing to celebrate her fourth year as a full time REALTOR® alongside Hewitt Jancsar Realty Ltd. servicing Oxford County and surrounding areas. “They’ve been operating as a family business for over thirty years, and that kind of atmosphere is perfect for me. We live in a small community where everybody sort of knows everybody else, and I’m lucky to have fallen in with this wonderful team.”

As Jodi continues to grow along with the burgeoning markets in Southwestern Ontario, she is excited to build the business by bringing her own family members into the fold. “My husband is a general contractor,” she exudes. “Any time clients come to me for advice on renovations or construction, if I don’t know the answer, my husband probably does. And my sister, who is twenty years younger than I am, just got her license, so I’ve kind of taken her under my wing.” With her team 18

of professional contacts and a family of real estate veterans alongside her, Jodi is excited to educate her sister with some tried-and-true business practices that have helped her average over twenty-five annual transactions since she began. “I don’t care if I have to show a client for five years or five days – this is the biggest purchase of their lives, especially if it’s a farm, because that’s a livelihood – I pride myself on educating my clients about the market and purposeful strategies. I just want to make lasting relationships and help other people succeed – everything else will grow from that.”

With her business and family becoming more deeply connected with her extended neighborhood, Jodi is excited to live the fullest life available for a flexible entrepreneur, travel to the far flung reaches of the world with her husband, and continue to support the local businesses and organizations that have helped her thrive. She and Hewitt Jancsar Realty Ltd. support many local events and charities, and Jodi regularly donates to support a local hospice organization. “We’re a small, farming oriented community, and we just like to support and celebrate one another. I love my town more than ever these days, and it feels like that will only grow stronger.”

To learn more about Jodi Tighe, please call 519-684-7748 or email jodi@thefamilyadvantage.ca TopAgent Agent Magazine Magazine Copyright Top

Is Finding A Niche Market Right for You?

A lot of Realtors® take the ‘jack of all trades’ approach to their businesses, and some are extremely successful with doing it all and doing it well. But taking that approach can also make it hard to stand out if there are a lot of agents in your area taking the same approach.

If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the rest, finding a niche market might be the way to go. Although it might sound limiting at first, with the right branding and marketing, your specialty and expertise may help you lock up a market after you become well known for being the ‘go to’ Realtor® in a certain demographic. Having a niche helps you target your marketing, making it more effective, until eventually people are seeking you out as you build your reputation as the foremost expert in your particular niche.

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Despite the benefits of taking on a specialty, it’s still something that only a small percentage of Realtors® do, which means you have a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor in your area by being ahead of what is sure to be a looming real estate trend.

You want to claim your stake on the niche that best fits not only your passions, but something that fills a void in your market.

If this all sounds good to you, the next step is finding your niche! Here are a few things you need to consider:

There are two approaches to having a specialty, one that is truly your all-consuming passion or a sort of revolving niche, one that changes with the market 19

In addition to creating a thriving business, finding a niche may even unlock a hidden passion. Does your area have a large historic home inventory? Are you passionate about helping first time home buyers realize their dreams?

Having a personal connection to what you specialize in is always a great way to start out. If you’re passionate about something, you’re almost guaranteed to have the work ethic it takes to have success in a niche market. Once you hone in on a niche, make sure the market data backs up your focus.

Another approach is changing with the market. If you’re truly an expert in a few areas of the business, it might be good to have sort of a revolving niche. In a down market you might specialize in short sales and foreclosures.

When things pick up, you may take your innovative approaches and start applying them to luxury homes.

Whether you take the consistent niche approach or the flexible one, it’s really all about figuring out what best suits you and your market.

Fill a void in your market Maybe you don’t have an instant passion for one particular niche. In that case, there are several areas you can consider. A lot of it will start with really researching and analyzing your market and having a good eye for what future trends will be. Is there a certain demographic that is surging in your area? Cater your business to serve them. Maybe you are fluent in Spanish and your area is seeing a rise in a Latino population, who are emigrating from other countries. Or perhaps, you live in an area that has a larger retirement population. There 20

are numerous demographics that truly need expert real estate advice. Be the one to fill it.

You can also focus on a particular neighborhood or gated community. Helping people navigate the ins and outs of a particular HOA can be a lifesaver.

Are you already serving a niche?

Of course, sometimes you may already have a niche and are unaware of it. Maybe you are already dealing with a lot of first-time homebuyers. Look over your sales records and see what might already be there, then make it official.

Figure out why you’re drawn to that area and then nail down the reasons you’ve excelled with that niche and use it to create a marketing plan and branding.

Find ways to really sell your expertise Once you figure out your niche, get the training, designations, and certifications that will enhance your expertise. Another way to let it be known that you are the ‘go to’ Realtor® in your particular niche is to become a resource online. Create a website with informative blogs and marketing information. Make a mark on social media where you can link back to your site, so potential clients can actually interact with you.

There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking of going the niche market way with your business, but if you consider everything carefully and focus in on something you can be passionate about, the rewards could be a major win for you and for your clients.

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NICK DUPUIS Born and raised in Penetanguishene, Ontario, Nick Dupuis is the go-to REALTOR® for people looking to buy and sell homes throughout the Southern Georgian Bay region. With a genuine, client-first approach and thirteen years of experience in the industry, his real estate services are highly sought after throughout the area and beyond. Having grown up in a small town, he cares deeply about his community and helping others find their perfect place in it.

At this point in his career, Nick has a very strong network of friends, family, and peers who bring him business. Around 75% of clients come from referrals, which is a clear sign of his professionalism and ability to do a great job for them. “I am extremely fortunate to have the people in my life come to me,” he says. When he is working with a client, Nick provides a personalized plan that covers all their housing needs and wants. He would never put someone in a property that wasn’t right for them. “I don’t sugarcoat anything. It’s not worth compromising a relationship to make a sale and that shines through in all of my interactions,” he explains.

and food to bring the community and their friends together. Nick also enjoys playing music, hockey, mountain biking, skiing and volunteering for the breakfast club at his son’s school. They even have a ski hill located right behind their farm!

Nick’s joy as a REALTOR® comes from meeting new people and making connections and that is not something he wants to give up. “It’s a small town and we care about each other. When I become friends with my clients, it shows that I’ve done right by them.”

Throughout his life, Nick has spent time traveling the world through work and volunteer projects, visiting places like New Zealand, Australia, South East Asia, the Bahamas and Costa Rica. These experiences have given him the tremendous skill of being able to communicate effectively and the resilience to handle any situation that arises as a REALTOR®. Before real estate, Nick worked in just about every profession, from sales to construction to bartending. These jobs have taught him irreplaceable skills that have helped him become the award-winning REALTOR® he is today.

When he’s not working, you will likely find Nick spending time with his family — his wife, two sons and dog, Sunny. Together they are currently working on the plans for their 50 acre farm property. On their farm, they host two big parties per year with live bands Top Agent Magazine

To learn more about Nick Dupuis call 705-790-3573, visit nickdupuis.ca or email remax@nickdupuis.ca www.

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ROSELI QUARTI With a focus on customer service that puts her clients’ wellbeing above all else, Roseli Quarti stands out. Since starting out at age 21 as a receptionist in a real estate office in Brazil, Roseli has had a passion for all things real estate. After moving to Canada and getting her license there, Roseli saw a need for someone with the expertise to help her fellow Brazilian immigrants understand how to get on the path of homeownership. Roseli fills that need by guiding her clients through every step of the buying and selling process.

Roseli serves Ottawa and the surrounding region. A significant portion of her business comes from repeat and referral clients, a testament to the confidence she inspires. “I am well known in the Brazilian community, since I have lived in Canada over 17 years!” Roseli says. “When people from the Brazilian community here in Ottawa are looking for real estate agents, people refer me. We are always there to help people, even if they are looking for rentals. We have a lot of clients we helped with rentals, and now they are buying properties.”

destiny!” Roseli says. “They buy their first home and they are happy, then they will buy the second home or an investment property, and they will also refer us to other clients. We always want to do the right thing. It’s win-win, or no deal.

Everybody must be happy. Our focus is not the money we will make, but to help our clients to get what they wish with the budget presented to us and help them sell their home and get TOP dollar for it!”

Looking toward the future, Roseli says, “I want to continue helping people, both clients and other agents through coaching. I also would love to give information to young people through programs that teach how important it is to own real estate!” Roseli thanks her family, especially her husband Silenio and 3 daughters Nathalie, Melissa and Camila for the support they always give! “I just love to make people’s dreams come true,” she says. “I like to show them they have a chance to grow, and everyone can do it. When I get to see them get out of renting and into their own house, their happiness is priceless. Now they own something. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Particularly with the Brazilian community, Roseli helps by giving people the information they need to make sense of the real estate process. “We help a lot of Brazilians and other immigrants by giving them clarification and explaining to them how things work here in Canada,” Roseli says. “Many of them don’t realize that you are richer than you think and don’t know about how the bank can help you buy your own home. The culture here is so different from the Brazilian culture. We have many more opportunities here to own a home.”

Roseli’s emphasis on customer service means that clients become friends and relationships are created that last long past the closing. “Bea Teixeira and I (we work as a team OttawaBrazil Real Estate Group), we want to go on a journey with our clients, not only a 22

Contact Roseli at 613-806-5813 email roseliquarti@kw.com, or visit her online here. https://www.realtor.ca/agent/2071394/roseli-quarti-2148-carling-ave-units-5-6-ottawa-ontario-k2a1h1

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Things the Best Leaders Never Say

As Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Being the boss is a great thing, but there’s a reason the ‘bad boss’ is common stereotype. Some people tend to use their power in destructive ways and that isn’t good for anyone. You might not even know you’re being a bad boss, it can be subtle sometimes.

There are common traits among great leaders, if you want to be a boss that operates with integrity and is respected by everyone

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you work with, make sure you don’t say any of the following things.

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I’M THE BOSS

Stating a fact that should be obvious is always a sign of weakness, and when you are the boss, strength of leadership is THE key component.

It also may indicates a stubbornness that is the death knell of a healthy work environment.

Your job as a leader is to bring everyone to your level of success, not to create a larger rift.

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I’LL DO IT MYSELF

Being a good leader is all about delegation. If you are hiring people who are professional and trustworthy, then this should be a no brainer. It is your job as a leader to get the right people for the job and then lead them in away that means success for everyone.

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THAT WASN’T MY FAULT

There’s an old saying “The Buck Stops Here.” and that is still true today. Good leaders take responsibility for what happens. They don’t blame others or make excuses. They take the hit for the team and then find the solution to make it better. Not only does it show they have integrity, but it also fosters a warm team environment that makes all players feel like their boss has their back.

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I’M SORRY TO ASK YOU TO DO THIS

Treating your employees with respect is mandatory, at the same time there is no reason to be sorry when you ask people to do their job. Leadership is strength and confidence. Expecting your employees to put in the same work ethic as you is your job.

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I ALREADY KNOW THAT

Having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude isn’t pleasant coming from anyone, but the last thing you need to do as a boss is shut down the people working for you. If you give them the impression that you’ve thought of everything, why should they bother giving potentially valuable contributions?

Make people feel good about all input, even if you don’t think it will work or have already thought of it. Open flow of communication and ideas is key to a successful team.

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THAT’S NOT THE WAY WE DO IT HERE

Well, why not? Being a successful leader means always being open to change and improvement.

No great leader is ever accepting of the status quo. It’s not only lazy, it’s uninspiring and usually leads to a work environment that is stagnate. Yes, keep things that work going, but nothing should ever be untouchable. Creative thinking should never be faced with constant roadblocks. A good option is to always ask for more information. Let your employee show you why they think their way might be better. This gets them energized and excited to approach you with more in the future.

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I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS

This is a workplace, not a reality show competition.

Good leaders know that building strong workplace relationships, with employees, vendors and peers, is the foundation of a successful business

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DON’T BRING ME BAD NEWS

No true leader avoids bad news. They confront everything head on because as we said above, they know that ultimately everything is their responsibility, and ignoring a potential problem will most likely end up being worse down the road. Good leaders want to know bad news right away, and the last thing you want is to foster a work environment where employees feel like they have to lie to you.

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YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.

You’re the boss. If someone who works under you is having trouble understanding something, it’s on you to make it clear to them. Getting frustrated makes them less likely to ask for help in the future.

Sharing your expertise and experience is not only generous, but a necessary tool in the success of your business.

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RYAN PATTINSON Ryan Pattinson of Pembroke, Ontario, combines a lifetime of insider’s real estate expertise with the diligence and business savvy of a professional accountant to grow his business servicing Renfrew County. For the past three years, he has been recognized as the #1 agent (based on units sold) in Renfrew County, and in 2022, he was the #8 individual agent in all of Ontario for Royal Lepage, closing the year with 124 transactions (after a staggering 160 in 2021). “I got into this business because I wanted to sell houses and to help as many people as I could. Once I felt I had mastered the ins-and-outs of the industry, and I had a pretty ironclad reputation, that’s when the sky really opened up for me – I fell in love with all of the processes that this industry teaches you. I like being able to challenge myself every day, year after year. You have to have this absolute passion for the job, and for constantly learning and building your own life. Just this year I signed up for a professional real estate coach – maybe that’s not something a CEO would normally brag about, but it’s the only way to stay sharp and continue to grow.”

This insatiable passion for education is both a vocation and an inherited disposition for Ryan, who comes from a family within the industry. “I’ve been spoiled with my mom being the person she is, and the position she is in,” he admits. “She was the office admin growing up with the same brokerage I’m with right now. So even at a young age, I was already familiar with the industry and the people, so real estate already felt like home. No pun intended!” After pursuing a degree in accounting and pursuing a five year career in the field, Ryan returned to Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates twelve years ago to launch his now illustrious career.

similar to his hometown. “All of Ontario experienced a boom,” he recalls, “but the smaller markets were really shaken up.

Our average sale price nearly doubled in a year, and those of us who could leverage newer marketing tools like TikTok and Instagram really came out ahead.” He pairs his cutting edge marketing strategies with tried-and-true professional photography, video tours, and a heavy emphasis on staging, to ensure each and every listing garners maximum exposure. “As much as I like to challenge myself, I never want to be too busy that a client doesn’t get the best service. That’s priority number one.”

With his position cemented in the industry, Ryan is ready to grow his enterprise alongside his blossoming community. He is proud to support the young athletes that compete in his nation’s favorite pastime: “It sounds so stereotypically Canadian, but I’d do anything for hockey. Team jerseys, tournament sponsorships, competitions, it’s like, ‘You got it.’ I want to see as many kids involved in sports as possible!”

Contact Ryan Pattinson at 613.401.4267, email ryanpattinson@royallepage.ca, or visit ryanpattinson.com, TikTok: @ryanpattinsonrealestate Instagram: @pattinsonryan Facebook: @Ryan Pattinson Royal Lepage-Pembroke/Petawawa Real Estate Agent www.

Today in 2023, Ryan boasts a book of business that is over fifty percent repeat and referral clients, and his marketing flexibility has allowed him to capitalize on the population exodus from cities into rural communities Top Agent Magazine

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Are You Doing Business As YOU On Facebook?

Are you ‘Doing Business As YOU’ on your personal Facebook page? In other words, are you posting your business content from your personal page?

Yesterday a REALTOR® asked us, “Why should I bother with a company Facebook page? Can’t I just post everything from my profile page?”

The answer lies in what we call division of content. As you may be aware, social media began as just that… social. It was never truly intended for business use.

Over time, as businesses began to see the potential in reaching the masses in a new way, they began to intrude on this communication. Today, it is widely accepted that business will be conducted on all social platforms, but the manner in which we do so (and in which we are received) is still a touchy subject at times.

We believe it’s important to be transparent on social media. Draw the line between communicating as the Person and the Professional. Not only does this help you keep your content separate and appropriate, it also gives the control to your network of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and customers.

They get to decide whether to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ your company page. They get to decide whether they want to see your business related posts. User control is the #1 reason you need a business page if you’re conducting business on Facebook. Wouldn’t you rather have a willing and engaged audience over a forced, potentially reluctant one? We have personally eliminated many of the ‘DBA’ offenders from our news feeds and you have likely done the same.

As in all controversial social media topics, there is some gray area. And that gray area is often subjective, so consider this post food for thought and decide for yourself. We try our best to keep professional content on our business pages, with a couple of exceptions: 1. Philanthropic Promotion: We’re in favor of posting anything that will help an organization in need on both your personal and business pages. Nonprofits often have little to no marketing budget and rely on all of us to promote their good works, so we believe that’s a good line to cross (as long as it’s about the organization, and not you).

2. Recognition Tagging: Facebook does not allow you to tag an individual on your business page. Yes, there are some tricky work-arounds, but they are inconsistent at best. So when it’s truly important for us to recognize and tag an individual, especially someone who has done something nice for us (inviting us as guests on their radio show or podcast, for instance), we will generally post that on the business page first, then share it from our personal pages, along with a comment recognizing and tagging the individual(s) or business who helped us.

Either way (personal or business), remember to be true to the social aspect. Our participation on social media should be about giving, helping, recognizing and connecting…especially when it comes to your business.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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TONI REYES Born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, REALTOR® Toni Reyes immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1972 with an entrepreneurial spirit and strong determination to achieve a better life. She started working in perfume manufacturing and eventually founded her own line of cosmetics.

While it was a big change, making the switch into real estate in 1986 turned out to be the best way Toni could put her top-notch sales and interpersonal skills to use. While she initially started by running her own real estate business, Toni moved to RE/MAX as a means of growing her network. Today, she serves the Hispanic community as one of the most successful real estate agents throughout all of Canada.

Hardworking and professional, Toni works with homebuyers and sellers across Ontario, from first-time buyers to investors. She has almost four decades of knowledge and experience, which means that she closes every deal with efficiency. “I take a lot of time at the beginning of every transaction to choose locations and properties for my clients,” she explains. “By starting with a great foundation, it makes the whole process go smoothly.” Toni also knows who to call for any home-related service, from contractors to inspectors.

To get the word out about her listings, Toni uses a combination of online, print, TV, and radio advertising. She regularly posts on Facebook and Instagram, but the place that she receives the most exposure is on her own Live Talk show on 91.9 FM, Toni Reyes Contigo in Toronto. “It’s on every week and you can call in to ask questions,” she says.

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A leader in the Hispanic community in Toronto, Toni has been the host of ongoing Spanish seminars since 1987.

In these seminars, she provides information and advice about the real estate market and why it’s a smart move to own a home. She has her own charity called the Toni Reyes Charity Foundation and is dedicated to providing aid to children in Honduras.

She also has been the organizer of an annual event for 14 years called the Festival de Verano, which has grown to be the biggest Spanish festival in Canada. Last year, they had 91,000 people attend.

Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about real estate, Toni has earned countless RE/MAX awards over the course of her real estate career. They include the Hall of Fame (1996), Chairman›s Club (2008), and Platinum Club (2009). As she looks to the future of her business, she’s not concerned with the financial gain or the accolades. Instead, she wants to keep serving as a much-needed guide for her clients in the Hispanic community. “I love helping people find stability and the right home for their family.”

Contact Toni Reyes at 416-748-9000, email reyesremax@gmail.com, or visit her website: ToniReyes.com www.

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