Southern California 4-30-18

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

5 Tips to Make New Hires a LONG-LASTING SUCCESS Creative Ways to SAY THANK YOU CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE to Attract Future Clients 3 Beyond-the-Office Activities to INSPIRE A CREATIVE BUSINESS BOOM

COVER STORY

Mick & Julie Perez KAYLEY KATHRYN SHAFER SPALDING FEATURED AGENT

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MICK & JULIE PEREZ

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KATHRYN SHAFER

Mick & CONTENTS Julie Perez KAYLEY18) 3 BEYOND-THE-OFFICE 4) 5 TIPS TO MAKE NEW HIRES SPALDINGACTIVITIES TO INSPIRE A A LONG-LASTING SUCCESS CREATIVE BUSINESS BOOM 13) CONNECT BEYOND REAL ESTATE TO ATTRACT 22) CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY FUTURE CLIENTS THANK YOU

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5 Tips to Make New Hires

a Long-lasting Success Bringing a new employee into the mix is process commonly known as onboarding. The idea behind onboarding is to make the transition from new hire to team member as efficient and pain-free as possible. However, polling shows that some 31% of entry-level and intermediate level hires leave their new posts within just six months of starting. The question is: why?

The hiring and training process is time-intensive and doesn’t come cheap. This means that making 4

a good match for the long haul requires more than just assessments of skill and personality. To ensure a talented new hire sticks around and is truly positioned for success, the onboarding process must be executed with the same care applied during hiring. For a few ideas on how to make the most of the onboarding process, consider the tenets below as you guide your new hire toward long-lasting success within your company.

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1. Be honest about the scope of the role

2. Build in some perks

Let’s say you’re looking to add a new buyers agent or loan processor to your team. You write up the position’s responsibilities, but neglect to mention that you want the new hire to handle a host of administrative tasks, as well. Maybe it doesn’t seem important enough to outline in detail, as it’s the sort of thing the rest of your does. Miscommunications like these are a leading reason why new hires leave their roles.

If there isn’t clarity and transparency about a position’s true responsibilities, then new hires may become quickly disillusioned and seek out greener pastures.

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While stocking the breakroom with bagels every Friday may seem like a small gesture, it’s often those little morale-boosting moves that build loyalty and comradery among the team. Bike-to-work incentives, subsidized gym memberships, and benefits that match the needs of your employees—all are ways to demonstrate appreciation and investment in your team.

Likewise, the right candidate will return the favor and invest his or her energies into their new role.

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3. Get a sense of big-picture career plans

4. Keep the lines of communication open

Another reason new hires move on may have nothing to do with you or your office. In fact, many hires in entry-level or even intermediate roles have doubts about their long-term vision.

That’s why it’s important to be upfront from the beginning regarding a candidate’s five-year plan and ultimate dream job. Maintain realistic expectations when asking these questions, but use it as an opportunity to gage a candidate’s seriousness about the real estate or mortgage industry. Why this line of work over another?

Emphasizing industry longevity and career growth during the interview process can save you drama down the road.

Take a proactive approach in communicating with your new hire. Take time to check in regularly during the first six months of his or her addition. If you can, make time to train new hires yourself—if only for a part of the onboarding process. You’ll forge a deeper professional bond and create an avenue for further questions. All in all, make it clear that you’re personally invested in their presence and talents, and that you care what they have to say. That way, if any issues or doubts arise, you can stay on top of it and work out a solution, rather than lose a new employee.

5. Give new hires meaningful work to do It’s natural to keep the kid-gloves on with new hires, but don’t let that stop you from giving them a chance to shine. New team members will feel empowered and motivated if given meaningful projects to focus on. Don’t relegate their daily duties to busy work as they build experience.

Instead, task new teammates with something challenging, or that draws on a specific skill you hired them for. You’ll instill confidence, demonstrate your commitment to their growth, and with any luck—keep them around for the long haul.

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Mick & Julie Perez Top Agent Magazine

KAYLEY SPALDING 7

Mick & Julie Perez For top real estate agents in California For Mick and Perez Julie in Perez, of Century Mick and Julie Lancaster, success is Yarrow about thinking outside theinbox, always 21 & Associates Lancaster, trying toisimprove, and treating others the success about thinking outside the way they would want to be treated.

“We box, always trying to improve, and hold the key that opens the door to people’s treating others the way they would dreams,” Julie says, and the couple counts want be treated. “We hold the that asto a blessing.

key that opens the door to people’s dreams,” Julie says, Their philosophy works.and Juliethe andcouple Mick were the #1 as TopaProducers counts that blessing.of the year in

their office in 2013 and 2014. They also won awards for top production in 2004, Their philosophy works. Julie and 2005, 2006 and 2013. Prior to real estate, Mick were the #1 Top Producers Mick had been self-employed all his life, ofincluding the year in their office in 2013 a career as a guitarist with the and 2014.

They also won Centurion band Warrior in the 90s. But he wanted more. A friend at MTV got and him a2013, job as an Awards in 2004, 2005 as assistant editor, but sitting in a room editwell as the Team Centurion Award videos 12 hours a day didn’t suit him. ining2006.

Then a cousin in real estate in Las Vegas suggested he try it, that real estate was Prior real estate, had been lots ofto fun.

Mick did justMick that, entering the self-employed all his life, including industry in 2003. He told himself it was aallcareer as a guitarist the band or nothing, and withinwith four months he was #4 inin thethe company 130wanted agents.

Warrior 90s. out Butof he

more. A friend at MTV got him a Julie in the regional job aswas anworking assistant editor, butaccountsitting ing department of Fidelity National Title in a room editing videos 12 hours a at the time, but every time she went day didn’t him. Then a cousin through the suit newspaper, she thought real inestate real sounded estate insoLas Vegas Six suggested exciting. months he try it, that real estate was lots of 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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fun. Mick did just that, entering the after Mick,inshe got He her told license.

Threeit industry 2003. himself months after that, Mick told her, “Time to was all or nothing, and within four quit your job!” He had 12 open escrows at months heand was #4 in any one time needed herthe help.company It turned out of 130 agents.

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Julie was working in the regional out to be the department best decision. “We’ve made accounting of Fidelity so many friends who were clients,” Julie National Title at the time, but every says. “We don’t see it as work. What could time she than wenthanging through be better outthe withnewspaper, your friends she thought real estate sounded so Top Agent Magazine

exciting. Six months after Mick, she all seeing the joy on their faces gotday? herOrlicense.

Three months after when we hand over the key, or helping out that, Mick told her, “Time to quit your if they have a short sale or unforeseen cirjob!” He had 12 open escrows at any cumstances?” one time and needed her help.

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couple uses means to ItThe turned out to every be theavailable best decision. promote made their business: “We’ve so manytargeted friendsinternet who marketing, ads on menus at golf courses were clients,” Julie says. “We don’t and on Realtor.com, Zillow and Trulia, see it asletters, work.their Whatpersonal could be better cards, Facebook than out Perks—but with yourthe friends pages,hanging ThankYou most all day?tactic Or seeing the created joy onherself. their unique is one Julie She and Mickwe select local businesses faces when hand over the key,they or feel deserve recognized, promote helping outtoifbethey have athen short sale on a page on their website and feature orthem unforeseen circumstances?” them on the back of their business cards. If a customer shows the Perezes’ card to the The couple everya discount. available business owner, uses they receive

means to promote their business — restaurant menu and tabletop After admiring big custom homes thatads, had spectacular photos and how local golf course ads,discovering social media expensive it wasinternet to have similar photos and targeted marketing. made, they Mick and Juliemost invested in a is DSLR What enjoy of all the camera and are perfecting the art of photogpersonal touch through phone calls, raphy. The plan is to put outstanding photos cards gatherings.

Another on alland theirsocial listings.

“We’ve done four so uni que tactic is one Julie created far,” Mick says, “and the traffic is unbelievherself. She and Mick select local 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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able.”

Clearly,they innovation is this couple’s businesses feel deserve to be m.o.

“Whereverthen we see the market going, recognized, promote them on we try to learn, stay current and change,” a page on their website and feature Mick says.

them on the back of their business cards.

If a customer shows Mickinto and That change now includes expanding Julie’s card to athe Lake Arrowhead, 13/4 business hour driveowner, away, where luxury cabins start at $1.5 million. they receive a discount.

The two bought their own cabin to be in the center of the real big estatecustom market—and to After admiring homes enjoy life, as well. Mick is writing music that had spectacular photos and disfor their virtual tours, Julie is learning to covering howandexpensive it was play the guitar, they both plan to taketo havereal similar more estate photos courses. made, Mick and

Julie invested in a DSLR camera But things stay the their love andsome are perfecting thesame: art of photofor their two 1 and 3, graphy.

Thegrandchildren, plan is to putages outstanding their intention to stay above whatever photos on all theira cut listings.

“We’ve happens in the market, and the way they done four so far,” Mick says, “and treat people as people, not as clients. “It’s the atraffi c isfor unbelievable.” not 9-5 job us,” Julie explains. “It’s everything.”

Clearly, innovation is this couple’s Top Agent Magazine

“We don’t see it as work.

“We don’t see it as work.

What could be better than hanging What could be better than hanging out with your friends all day?” out with your friends all day?”

TESTIMONIALS learning to play the guitar, and they m.o. “Wherever we see the market 3 words dynamic caring. learning Mick and Julie are professionals extraorplay the guitar,real and they m.o.

“Wherever seestay the&current market both planto to take more estate going, weInnovative, try to we learn, Mick & helped us sellstay our current Mothers both dinaire!

They knowledgeable, plan towere takevery more real estate going, weJulie tryMick to learn, courses. and change,” says. home when she passed.

We listed on Sat- courses. very easy to work with, always kept us and change,” Mick says. urday. Within 4 days we had 3 cash offers abreast of what was going on, the best time But some things their That change now includes expanand closed the sale within 30 days. They to list our home, etc. stay And itthe soldsame: in a matter things stay their That includesavenues love fordays! their grandchildren, ding Lakenow aexpan1 3/4 use into achange number ofArrowhead, advertising to But of asome few Theytwo thenthe weresame: masterful their two grandchildren, d ing Arrowhead, aluxury 1 3/4 love get into the jobLake done.

They have great energy at dealing nervous Buyers ages 1for andwith 3, some their intention toand stay hour drive away, where and despite 3, whatever their intention tothey stay hour drive whereabout luxury and are very knowledgeable this ages and, a few obstacles, aSellers cut1 above happens in cabins start ataway, $1.5 million.

The two industry.

I would say anyone looking to a overcame themand without problem.

Wein cut above whatever happens cabins start atown $1.5 million.

The the market, the any way they treat bought their cabin to be in two the sell ortheir be smarttotobe callinMick would HIGHLYand them to anymarket, the not way treat bought ownestate cabin the the center ofbuy the would real market — and people as peorecommend ple, asthey clients. & Julie. one for their real estate needs! center oflife, the real estateMick market — and people clients. to enjoy as well. is writing “It’s notasa peo 9-5ple, jobnot for as us,” Julie —Cheryl Uhlenhopp —Ginny & Dick Erving to enjoy as virtual well. Mick is writing not “It’s a 9-5everything.” job for us,” Julie music forlife, their tours, Julie is “It’s explains. music for their virtual tours, Julie is explains. “It’s everything.”

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“Wherever we see the market going, we try to learn, stay current and change.�

For moreFor information about Mickabout and Julie Perez more information of Century 21 Yarrow & Associates Mick and Julie Perez in Lancaster, California, Lancaster, California, please in visit PerezTeamProperties.com, visit: http://www.antelopevalleyhomesearch.com, call Julie at 661.492.6091 or Mick at 858.703.7815, call: Julie at 661.492.6091 or Mick at 858.703.7815 or email mick.julieperez@gmail.com email: mick.julieperez@gmail.com www.

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CONNECT BEYOND

REAL ESTATE

to Attract Future Clients What kind of content are you sharing on your blog, website, and social media? Does most of it have something to do with buying or selling a home? While sharing the latest market information or tips on how to qualify for a mortgage, or when someone should buy or sell is important and demonstrates your value as a REALTOR®, it shouldn’t be the only subject you cover. If you only focus on real estate, you’ll be missing the chance to connect with future clients that might not be ready to move just yet. By sharing a lot

of industry-heavy content, you are only going to appeal to those who are currently in the market rather than a broad base of potential clients.

To pull in those other future clients you want to provide fresh, interesting content that will appeal to those possible future clients that aren’t quite ready to move yet. However, you also want to still tie this content back into your business goals.

So, how do you share content that will speak to a wider audience, but also still be relevant to your business?

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Talk About Your Philanthropic Activities

The philanthropic work you do to support your community says a great deal about who you are as a person. Many people will be attracted to working with you because of the charitable works you are involved with. While you may be hesitant to share these efforts because you feel it may come across as bragging, you also need to remember that sharing information about the charitable organizations you support will actually help those organizations. Many of them have small marketing budgets, so any free exposure you can give them helps to promote their cause.

In fact, they want and need you to promote them.

And you can promote them without coming across as a braggart. Focus your content entirely on the organization. Talk about why you support them, how they help the community, and how others can also get involved. This turns what could have been bragging into something that benefits everyone. n

Your Local Community

We humans are connected to each other through our community – our local sports teams, parks, churches, schools, and much more. What better way is there to connect with people in your community than to talk about your community? Demonstrate that you are an expert on your community, and bring that community to your followers. Share information about a local event; perhaps even share the actual event through live-stream video. Interview city officials to get the low-down on the latest development project. Share information with your followers about things they didn’t know about their community. Consult with local historians or the historical society to share interesting information about your community that your followers will want to read. You could even turn it into a series of podcasts or videos. n

Use Your Creativity to Connect

Find creative ways to engage your followers on the topic of real estate. Try engaging your followers in an interactive project such as posting photos of interesting front doors. Doors are the entry point into our homes as well as our private lives. The way we adorn our front door can give someone a sense of our style and personality. Ask followers to submit photos and choose one to post each Friday. Make sure to watermark each photo with your logo at the bottom and include an inspirational quote that ties back to the importance of home. You could also ask your followers to provide a little story or caption to go along with the photo that tells something about them and their home. These kinds of projects are interesting and unique, and clearly connect back to your business. n

Share Your Hobbies

Are you an adrenalin junkie who has bungee jumped from some of the tallest bridges in the world? Are you a foodie that grows your own organic vegetables and fruit? Do you have a 14

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secret passion for photography? Everyone has hobbies that they enjoy outside of work. When you look past the surface people become quite interesting. People also happen to find interesting people interesting, and tend to remember people based on their distinctive traits. We humans love discovering a person’s behind the scenes story, the mind behind the face. While you don’t want to talk too much about yourself, sharing pieces of your personal life and things that interest you can be a great way to connect with followers. By sharing interesting facts about your life, you will find that many followers will feel a strong, personal connection to you based on your hobbies and personal interests. n

Divulge Interesting Experiences

This is somewhat similar to the idea of sharing your hobbies. Sharing some of your more interesting personal experiences such as a fateful conversation with a stranger or an exciting adventure you had while in another country can be a great way to connect with followers as long as it also relates to some kind of life or business lesson. Talk about experiences you’ve had with clients or purchasing your own home. Experiences that relate to your business are great ways to connect with future clients in a manner that goes beyond the world of business. n

What and Who Inspires You

No matter what you’ve chosen to spend your life doing, you didn’t get there alone. You may have had a mentor that made a special impact on your life or someone already in the business that you looked up to and who perhaps inspired you to get into real estate. You may have found inspiration through a love of architecture or design. People want to know why others do the things they do. Sharing who or what influences you in your personal and business life is a great way to connect with followers. Recognizing that you didn’t get to where you are now by yourself shows humility, and talking about those people that had an influence on you shows others that you stay connected to the world and people around you.

Connecting with potential clients is something that is essential to any REALTOR’S® business. If you’re doing the work to create interesting blog posts and make those connections, you want to make sure that you’re sharing the right kind of content to draw in those future clients. It takes a lot more than simply providing the latest market news. To get the most out of what you share, you need to provide a wide array of interesting content

that will draw in a broad range of followers.

Providing the right kind of content can make all the difference when it comes to connecting with future clients and building the right kind of relationship with them right from the start. Connecting through your website or social media and sharing more than just real estate advice will help you build confidence and trust with future clients before you even meet them.

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KATHRYN SHAFER Kathryn Shafer got her start in real estate twenty odd years ago. Back in 1990’s, she was fresh from her career as a licensed contractor working with high-profile clientele and alongside interior designers. As a result, the transition to real estate was a natural one, and Kathryn applied her creative eye, attention to detail, and people skills to remarkable effect. Over the course of her career in real estate, her roles and focus have enjoyed wide breadth, but these days she’s well-established as a top agent in the L.A. area and serves as a coach and mentor to a host of agents on the rise.

In conjunction with her business partner, Sean Galligan, Kathryn has cultivated a dynamic reputation for her extensive experience, nuanced understanding of the market, and ability to guide her clients with positivity and vision.

Today, Kathryn serves the greater Los Angeles region, with continued expansions in the works in the South Bay and West Valley. She and her business partner Sean joined forces two years ago, after his move from New York and the world of advertising. They met through Kathryn’s coaching and mentorship group, drawn from the real estate classes she teaches twice a week for twenty to thirty aspiring professionals. Those with particular promise and who make for a good fit are selected by Kathryn for continued mentorship and guidance as they broker their first two deals. It was through this professional opportunity that Kathryn and Sean united their interests and talents. Now, they are both avidly engaged in new professional horizons, partnering with developers in expanding regions of L.A. and bringing their shared understanding of the marketplace to the clients they serve.

Considering her proven track record, it’s little surprise that 75% of Kathryn’s business is generated by repeat and referral clientele. She cites positivity, knowhow, and communication as the foremost drivers of her success to date. “I’m tough, but fair,” she says. “When working with clients, I’m upfront in managing people’s expectations, and communication is also very important. I like to touch base even if it’s just to check in, and I’m always honest about the good and the bad.” What’s more, Kathryn’s deep understanding of the area, its evolution, trends, and inventory set her apart when it comes to L.A.’s competitive landscape.

“I make it a point to learn continuously and stay aware and reading

about what’s going on in the industry and the area,” she explains. “From politics to new construction, I make sure I’m in front of any news and developments so that I can be a resource for my clients.”

As for marketing listings, Kathryn takes a comprehensive approach that blends the best practices of digital and traditional marketing techniques.

This includes professional photography and immersive listing presentations, open houses, networking with her vast sphere of influence, and crafting a specialized marketing plan for each property. What’s more, she cites Keller Williams’ boutique style yet global reach, allowing her to forge her own business while leveraging her banner company’s online exposure worldwide. Her experience as a teacher, coach, and mentor also speaks to her mastery of the transactional process, as she guides rising stars in the finer points of negotiations, contract work, and beyond. Though her ability to deliver results is well-showcased in her career achievements, Kathryn never loses sight of the personal component in each transaction. “There’s nothing more thrilling to me than having a buyer find the right home,” she says. “Especially in today’s competitive market, the process can feel frustrating for clients, but there’s nothing like walking them into a house and watching them recognize right away that it’s the one for them. Seeing that look on their face is so rewarding and it’ll keep me in this business forever.”

To give back to her community, Kathryn was a trailblazer in the practice of donating a portion of each commission check to a worthy local cause. She upholds this tradition today, and supports organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as Aids Project Los Angeles. Though a recent injury has benched her for the moment, she is a regular participant in fundraising for charities through triathlons.

She also takes part in the area’s Chamber of Commerce and is a proud Rotarian. In her remaining free hours, Kathryn most enjoys time spent with loved ones, including her three rescue dogs.

Looking ahead, Kathryn has plans to continue growing her business, building out teams for respective areas of Los Angeles, with the potential for further expansion to Palm Springs. In the meantime, she plans to continue mentoring rising talent, while serving clients with the hallmark standard of care they’ve come to expect. Now, with close to three decades of experience behind her and an unceasing vision for the future ahead, the best is assuredly still to come for Kathryn Shafer of Realty Group LA in association with Keller Williams Beverly Hills.

To learn more about Kathryn Shafer, email kathryn@realtygroupla.com, visit realtygroupla.com, call 877 - 745 - RGLA, or visit her Facebook page here. www.

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3 Beyond-the-Office Activities to Inspire a Creative Business Boom Maintaining motivation year-round is a challenge, especially for those who are several years into a demanding real estate career. It’s easy to burn out, get stuck in a rut, or cycle blindly through a well-worn routine. But those that leave an impact on their industry understand that creativity holds the key to innovation and longevity. To stay ahead of 18

the curve and build your brand, you’ve got to take the time to breathe new life into your practice and see things from a new angle. But where to begin?

To invite change, you’ve got to look outside the box—or in this case, beyond the office. If you’re in need of a professional creative make-

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To stay ahead of the curve and build your brand, you’ve got to take the time to breathe new life into your practice and see things from a new angle. over, or at least want to experience a burst of inventive energy, consider some of the activities below. You may just shake up your routine, bend your brain in new ways, and inject some inspiration into your professional path.

Expand your mind through meditation.

You’ve likely heard all about the supposed powers of meditation, and perhaps you’ve long considered it an over-hyped New Age invention. But did you know that some of the foremost entrepreneurs of our era practice this cost-free, mentally restorative routine? From Oprah Winfrey to Steve Jobs, practitioners of meditation cite its stress-relieving principles, in addition to improvements in concentration, energy, self-awareness, and overall health.

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Even mainstream medicine is beginning to understand the preventative and restorative health benefits that meditation affords. As professional fields go, the mortgage and real estate industries require their fair share of emotional labor—you’re tasked with guiding clients through the investment of a lifetime.

Meditation promotes peace and perspective, while reducing stress, adding a new level of self-awareness, and helping you mentally declutter. When it comes down to it, it only makes sense that taking time to go quiet and center your mind helps professionals find wherewithal amidst a hectic industry. Next time you’re feeling drained, out of ideas, or at your wit’s end—consider just fifteen minutes of meditation to get you started. Like most things, it takes some practice. But, if you commit the time, you’ll be thanking yourself later.

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Learn something new.

If you’re facing burnout, then adding a new responsibility to your plate may seem like the least appetizing self-help solution there is.

However, learning a new skill can reinvigorate your understanding of familiar tasks and dilemmas. Plus, learning a new skill doesn’t have to mean formal classes or time-draining homework. Select something that can even kill two birds with one stone. Want to let off some steam, too? Try a kickboxing class that meets just once-a-week. You’ll have something new to look forward to, meet new people, challenge yourself, and earn some feel-good endorphins, 20

too. Want to cut loose and have some fun? Join a board game meet-up group, take a cooking class, or try rock-climbing for the first time. A stimulating new activity will light up long-dormant parts of your brain, and your clients and colleagues will surely notice the influx of energy to your outlook. Still don’t think you have enough time to add something new to the mix? Blend your morning commute with an audio language learning service. The point is to shake-up your habits and introduce a new challenge that’s unrelated to work. Doing so can make you look at things in a new light and boost your mood along the way.

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See new sights.

If you can, there’s no better way to break from routine than to physically separate yourself from your surroundings. There’s nothing more inspiring than traveling to new destinations, experiencing new cultures, and getting a sense of the world’s true vastness. If a trip abroad isn’t in the cards, don’t fret. There are bound to be plenty of places relatively close by that you’ve never seen. And these trips don’t have to break the bank, either. Devote just one or two days to visiting a place you’ve never gone before, like a state park, protected forest, or a small seaside village. Perhaps you’re only a few hours from a National Park you’ve been meaning to visit but have never made time for. Or, there’s a lively city one state over that you’ve always wanted to try. Whatever the destination, near or far, you’ll refresh

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your perspective entirely when removed from all your usual routines. New restaurants, traffic patterns, storefronts, weather—whatever the change may be, you’ll be experiencing everything brand new all around you. Taking the time for trips like these isn’t easy. In fact, making yourself devote those free days may be a difficult task itself. But it’s the most direct way to get a breath of truly fresh air, and when you return home you’ll be able to assess familiar surroundings in a totally new light.

However you decide to add creativity to your professional life, don’t wait. Once you take the plunge, you’ll be regretting you hadn’t done it sooner. After all, the key to longevity is regular maintenance, so do your part and break the mold today.

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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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Top Agent Magazine