OREGON 5-9-22

OREGON EDITION

ADDING VALUE TO LISTINGS

RECONSIDER REFERRAL-ONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

& the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities

Small Yard?

Big Statement:

How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces

FEATURED AGENT

JENNA SARR COVER STORY

THE CORBIN & VOLLSTEDT GROUP

OREGON EDITION

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THE CORBIN & VOLLSTEDT GROUP

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JENNA SARR

CONTENTS 4) ADDING VALUE TO LISTINGS & THE ADVANTAGE OF IDENTIFYING NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES 6) RECONSIDER REFERRALONLY WHEN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

15) 5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A MENTOR 19) SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES 22) 8 THINGS SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE NEVER DO

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Adding Value to Listings & the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities Everyone knows the famous real estate phrase: location, location, location. In fact, it is hard to underestimate the pivotal role that a region can play when it comes to determining a home’s value. In today’s competitive market, the littlest things can truly add up—especially when it comes to neighborhood amenities. While most savvy agents know the figures regarding school 4

district ranking and local property taxes, have you ever considered the under-the-radar amenities that drive buyers and bidding wars? To derive the highest value from a listed home, you need to paint a complete picture of the area in which you’re selling. With that guiding principle in mind, let’s consider a few modern amenities and how they add drastically to your bottom line.

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Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites.

A little can go a long way: restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment

Know thy history: creating a narrative of the neighborhood

Everyone has a favorite take-out spot, coffee shop, or neighborhood watering hole. Identifying the key players in an area—such as restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment hotspots—will create a livable picture that prospective buyers can latch onto. Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites. While a cute coffee shop down the street may seem like a bonus instead of a foundational amenity, you never know what kind of homebuyer you might net if you include the cozy characteristics that make a house a home.

As humans, we’re drawn to narratives. Sales pitches and marketing campaigns hinge on an alluring storyline. That’s why understanding a neighborhood’s history can frame and contextualize a property to great effect. After all, buyers aren’t just drawn to sturdy foundations and bedroom counts; they like to imagine their lives unfolding inside those four walls.

Get a sense of the area’s historical timeline, architectural style, noteworthy community members, and the like. Conveying this intriguing information to buyers helps them connect more personally with a property, while understanding the holistic picture of their potential new home.

From here to there: public transportation and commuter access While this rule may not apply to all properties, considering access to public transportation is a major draw for today’s buyers. Especially amidst the more eco-conscious Millennial segment eager to buy within city limits—knowing public transportation access points and schedules can add serious value to listed properties. Also, think outside the box: do nearby thoroughfares boast dedicated bike lanes? Are there plans to expand rail lines to the area in the future? Deliver a confidant picture of the area’s public transportation access and prospective buyers will trust your expertise.

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While it is always good to cover the basics of school districts and property values, it is even more useful to expand your knowledge base and bring a warm, human element to locational knowledge. Not only will you appeal to a younger demographic of homebuyers who values this strategic information, but you will also broaden your understanding of your service area at large. Think of it this way: a neighborhood is far more than a collection of homes on a block. A neighborhood is about atmosphere, access, and a sense of community. If you authentically appeal to this guiding truth, and buyers will surely rise to the occasion.

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Reconsider Referral-Only When Planning for the Future

A 100% referral rate is a testament of client happiness. But even a 30% referral rate is proof of client satisfaction. It’s all relative, say some agents. One number pays tribute to past success, which is certainly a story worth telling. But the other might better predict the future. Many agents plan for the idea that 6

working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector.

Unless you are clairvoyant enough to flawlessly predict every market change or every

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Many agents plan for the idea that working only on referral may not be sufficient during slower times of the year, in a down market, or when an agent needs to expanding into a new sector. life change that your clients and referral partners may experience, it’s wise to maintain an active marketing presence. The reasons vary, however, depending on the goals and trajectory of each individual’s business.

If long-term success, a growing team, a legacy or expansion into new areas are not priorities, then working a sphere of influence may be enough for some agents, especially those who may be in the industry mostly for the love of the business. But for a majority of agents, no matter how much they love their work, their real estate and mortgage businesses are careers, first and foremost.

Let’s start with the team-builders and mentors. Agents and brokers who are building teams are wise to invest in business marketing, advertising and community outreach. Ty Hutchins, who owns and operates Ty & Company Real Estate in Colorado’s Front Range, says that, while she could personally live off referrals alone, her goal is to build up her agents. “I do the marketing piece for my team, so I can help them succeed,” she says. That marketing includes running commercials on TV and in movies theatres, as well as lead generation that identifies potential buyers, sellers and Top Agent Magazine

investors between the Colorado Springs and Denver markets. Her team’s goal, she adds, is to promote their reputation of being honest, hardworking professionals with the reach of a major brand but the personalized approach of a boutique.

Then there are the growers. Khrista Jarvis and Nicole Jung of The Khrista Jarvis Team in the San Francisco Bay Area, are on a considerable growth track. “We’re the #1 team in our area and the top team in Compass Real Estate nationally,” explains Khrista. While high marks for service on behalf of their clients have led them to these heights, they know that they must continue to evolve and market their brand. “We do a good deal of social media marketing for our listings and for our business,” she says. Their names, therefore, are frequently linked to sentiments of trust, dependability and market knowledge, both in their marketing and in their reviews.

Next, there are those who weathered the worst of times. Susan Roche entered real estate sales in 2003, following several years of property management in North Carolina.

The key to her sustained triumphs through major market swings lies in her long-range planning. “If the market starts to dip or fall,

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I have safety nets in place,” says Susan Roche, team leader of Simply Real Estate, based in Charlotte. “When it’s a seller’s market, I still plan for a buyer’s market and when it’s a buyer’s market I plan for a seller’s market..” In other words, no matter how comfortable her existing work may feel, she networks consistently. She also employs a full-time marketing director who leads several projects including ongoing research, events and social media exposure in addition to listings marketing. By staying ahead of market changes, Susan knows she can unfailingly represent her clients’ best interests while still maintaining a safety net for her business.

Even professionals with more than three decades’ experience and deep referral networks know the importance of business

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marketing. Cathy Richards, co-owner with Nancy Dalaska of Epic-Wasatch Homes in Park City, UT, entered real estate in 1987 and still draws at least a fifth of her business from lead generation, social media marketing and community outreach. Her business partner, Nancy, adds that real estate is about much more than their own business. “We love collaborating and brainstorming with other agents to help them prosper,” says Nancy. “We believe the healthier the market, the better we all are.”

Regardless of market conditions, even the best reputation can’t guarantee long-term success. To sustain and grow, it’s wise to feed your business by increasing exposure, remaining flexible and maintaining systems for customer service, networking, research, marketing and lead-generation.

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THE CORBIN & VOLLSTEDT GROUP

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After 7 years of working together and sharing resources, Top Agents Freeman Corbin and Dustin Vollstedt decided it was time to officially join forces and form The Corbin & Vollstedt Group Multigenerational real estate agents Freeman Corbin and Dustin Vollstedt are making an impact on the Lane County real estate market. The two decided to team up after working side by side for the past 7 years. “When we were both rookies, we immediately connected,” Freeman explains. “We really saw eye-to-eye in terms of how we wanted to treat our clients and best business practices.”

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Their client-oriented approach and community focus solidified their reputation amongst top agents in Oregon. As their business grew, they formed The Corbin & Vollstedt Group, consisting of two other agents, J.R. Ewing and Jason Kappenman, as well as two administrative assistants. “After 7 years of working together and sharing resources, we decided it was time to officially join forces.” Last Top Agent Magazine

year they were one of the top teams in Lane County and are ranked in Zillow’s top 8% of reputable agents nationwide. With over 100 five star reviews their clients speak for them when it comes to the performance and value they provide.

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Their superior service is what has brought them to the top, in addition to their positive team atmosphere. “We noticed early on that many team structures weren’t advantageous to their agents, so we wanted to do it differently. We wanted to provide many benefits to 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

By ensuring their team members’ success, The Corbin & Vollstedt Group is able to provide top notch service to every client they encounter. This perpetuates growth, and results in their customers spreading the word about their work. our agents and focus on helping them grow their careers.” They recently launched a marketing platform for agents, which is exclusive to their brokerage Hybrid Real Estate. Their Green Light Success Platform provides digital marketing along with coaching and accountability programs. “It’s alignment with what Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

we have done to provide our own clients with the best experience possible.”

By ensuring their team members’ success, The Corbin & Vollstedt Group is able to provide top notch service to every client they encounter. This perpetuates growth, and results in Top Agent Magazine

their customers spreading the word about their work. Reviews refer to the outstanding experiences their clients have, with one saying, “I truly believe Freeman is the reason our first offer was accepted on the first home we looked at.” Another wrote, “We Top Agent Magazine

are grateful every day for what we have, and we definitely would not have it without the amazing efforts of Dustin Vollstedt.” Two separate buyers said “Jason was a star in this insane housing market,” and “JR is truly outstanding at his craft.”

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Freeman and Dustin admit they could not be where they are today without the support of their community. They focus heavily on working with local businesses and staying involved. “One of our favorite programs is a Community Spotlight video series where we feature small business owners in town.” The idea came about after the pandemic hit small businesses, and the team wanted to showcase how they were overcoming those hurdles.

“Everyone felt really detached from the community during this time, so highlighting these

local businesses was a great way to show what people were actually going through.”

In the coming months, the team is looking forward to expanding, including bringing several larger developments to the area. “We just want to continue providing value and giving our clients the best experience,” they explain. Along the way, they hope to establish even more lasting relationships with those they serve. “We are honored to be our clients’ lifelong real estate partners.”

For more about The Corbin & Vollstedt Group, call 541-650-3556 or email contact@cvghome.com

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5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor As great as it might feel to start your own business, and be solely responsible for its success, at some point, every entrepreneur reaches the limit of their potential, and needs a boost that only experience can provide.

But how do you get a lifetime of experience when you’re just starting out? Sure you can read countless books, but no book can replace the real life experience and advice of a mentor.

Mentors not only provides valuable insights, but they also have access to valuable connections as well. In fact a majority of the Top Agent Magazine

most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country have said that having a mentor early on was instrumental in their success.

Here are some of the reasons why.

1. They’re able to see where you need improvement, when you can’t When you’re working non-stop to get your business off the ground, you might feel sensitive to any criticism from people who aren’t going through what you are. A good

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mentor knows exactly what you’re going though, and has probably made every mistake. When you’re in the thick of it, you might not be able to see where the problems are. A knowledgeable outsider, who knows exactly where you’re at and has only your best interests at heart is just what you need.

When you have a trusting relationship with someone like that, you will be more willing to listen to that brutal honesty, even if that constructive criticism stings.

energy into it. They can see things in a completely logical way and guide you based on the facts rather than emotion. A good mentor helps you work smarter, not harder. They help you focus on your goals and how to get there, as well as setting boundaries for you so you don’t overextend yourself. They teach you how to say no and help you let go when you need to move on from a setback.

2. They will encourage you to think outside of the box

In addition to expertise, building a strong network is something that can only come with time. A mentor will most likely have that already, giving you access to people and resources that would take others years to gain. These connections will lead to opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. It’s also a great confidence boost knowing that your mentor trusts and believes in you enough to invite you into their inner circle.

Years of experience can give someone a great idea of what works and what doesn’t.

They’ve seen things first hand, not just in theory. At the same time, mentors recognize the importance of taking chances, calculating risks, as well as cutting losses and moving on. A good mentor isn’t trying to encourage you to be a carbon copy of them, they are trying to create the best ‘you’ possible. That includes encouraging you to take chances, and then being there pushing you to keep going forward if it doesn’t work out.

A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and 16

4. Networking

5. Encouragement At the heart or it all, a mentor offers you encouragement and motivation along the way, in good times and in bad. After a failure, it can be hard to get back on track and keep forging ahead. It helps to have someone who has spent year getting back up after being known down and coming out stronger than ever. It’s during those moments, when you feel alone and isolated, that having someone around offering you advice and positive feedback will be a much needed salve. They’re your cheerleader, they want you to succeed, and hopefully, you’ll pay it forward one day when you become as successful as them.

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JENNA SARR Throughout their life, Jenna Sarr has been passionate about helping others.

They began their career in the automotive industry, but when they went to purchase their first home, they would soon take an interest in real estate. In particular, they were inspired by the way in which their REALTOR® guided them through the entire transaction, making the process as seamless and accessible as possible. Drawing from this experience, they decided to pursue their license and launch their own career as an agent—and the rest is history.

Today, Jenna is a Broker with Portland Works Real Estate, where they assist clients throughout Portland, Oregon City, and the surrounding areas. There, they have cultivated a distinct workflow around their outstanding business acumen and penchant for client service, allowing them to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Jenna leverages the elite marketing team at Portland Works Real Estate to give each client an added advantage. Starting out, they help clients fully prepare their home for the market, providing a suite of professional staging and photography services, as well as video walkthroughs and standout curbside signage. From there, they broadcast their listings via a highly targeted blend of digital and social media campaigns.

But Jenna is just as attentive when assisting their buyers, carefully guiding them to the right investment for their best interests. For Jenna, the transaction is never over, as they prefer to keep in touch through regular check-ins and even quarterly gifts—all to ensure their clients are satisfied in their new homes. More than anything, they enjoy welcoming clients into their Portland community,

from its many opportunities to the diverse and warmhearted culture of the Pacific Northwest.

Since launching their career in real estate, Jenna has earned a fantastic reputation throughout Oregon, as evidenced by their strong rate of repeat clients and referrals.

But having already completed 13 sales in 2022, they remain focused on the proven standards that brought them to real estate in the first place. “For me, it’s never about the transaction; it’s about the client,” they say. “I would never simply try to sell a client on a house. Instead, I want to get to know them, build a genuine sense of trust, and help them find the perfect fit.”

Outside their career, Jenna is dedicated to their community. On top of having previously volunteered with the Humane Society, they have joined their colleagues at Portland Works Real Estate to start a nonprofit organization that will provide affordable housing to underprivileged individuals in the area. In the meantime, they are also deeply engaged with Portland’s queer community, as well as its thriving fine arts scene.

When they’re not with clients or giving back, they can be found working on their latest project at their home pottery studio.

Going forward, Jenna has exciting plans for the future of their business. As they look to expand their work with local outreach organizations, they intend on further scaling their vision of thoughtful service throughout the region. “Growing up, I always felt like homeownership was out of reach,” they say. “Today, though, I cherish the opportunity to help clients achieve their dream— from educating them on what it takes, to serving as their advocate all throughout the transaction.”

To learn more about Jenna Sarr email jenna@pdxworksrealestate.com, visit portlandworksrealestate.co/team/jenna-sarror call (530) 514-0985 www.

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Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with Top Agent Magazine

urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature.

Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.

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Think vertically.

When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground.

Soothing sounds set the mood.

Upgrade the look of structural components.

Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods 20

retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.

While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.

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Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.

If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company.

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Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.

Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.

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Things Successful People Never Do

There always seems to be people around you who find success with ease, but trust me, that is NOT the case. Although luck can often times play a role in someone’s success, most of the time it’s due to hard work and avoiding bad habits.

The best way to find your own success is to implement some of qualities you see in people you admire into your own life. The hard work part is still up to you, but by shifting your perspective a bit, and NOT doing some of the following

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things, that success might happen a little quicker.

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DON’T JUST WING IT

Successful people plan everything. Not only do they have yearly goals, but weekly and sometimes daily ones as well. By giving your time a purpose, and a clearly defined goal, you’ll eliminate the time you spend haphazardly doing things that might not be a priority. It will also make you feel less scattered, which is always a good thing.

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THEY DON’T TAKE ON MORE THAN THEY CAN ACHIEVE

Successful people take on what they can do well, and no more. That all starts with a daily ‘do to’ list. They always make sure their list is manageable and then they don’t sleep until that list is completed. If you find yourself not finishing your list, assess whether it was too much or if you slacked off. You’ll be surprised at the feeling of accomplishment you feel when you finish your list. Not finishing will bring you down, so make sure you aren’t biting off more than you can chew.

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THEY DON’T WORK HARDER, THEY WORK SMARTER

Yes, having a strong work ethic is key, but that doesn’t mean you should waste time on things that will have less of an impact on your success. Focus on the things that will give you the most bang for your buck. Better to spend the majority of your time there, than spread yourself thin on numerous tasks.

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THEY DON’T TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE

This might seem like a bad call in business, but successful people know when to cut your loses and move forward. Anything or anyone, that frustration into your life, is never a good thing.

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REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKES

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and moving on from mistakes. Yes, you learn from them, but don’t repeat them. Part of being innovative is trying new things, that will keep you fresh and energized, but learning how to let go is an equally important part of the equation.

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GO FOR THE SHORT RUN SOLUTION

Successful people are in it for the long haul and therefore thinking long term. When you have a plan for success and the patience to see it through, while you might have a slow start, you’re establishing a foundation for long term success. Going for the easy fix, usually doesn’t pay off.

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PAY ATTENTION TO THE NAYSAYERS

Lets face it, we all have people in our lives who might be a little more pessimistic than is healthy to be around. You can’t change them, all you can do is not let them drag you down into their ‘glass half full’ mentality. Have your plans and goals, be confident about them. When you’re insecure, that’s when you’re most vulnerable to those types of people.

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THEY NEVER QUIT

That doesn’t mean letting go of things that aren’t working. It means having an end goal.

Whatever obstacles or challenges come up, you take them on, always with that end goal in sight. Successful people know that adversity and overcoming those challenges, is how you grow, and will ultimately make you a better business person.

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