Southern Florida 2-19-24

SOUTHERN FLORIDA EDITION

Creative Meditation for the Real Estate Professional

ADDING VALUE TO LISTINGS

AGENT STRATEGIES TO

GROW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

& the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities

AGENTS WITH HEART COVER STORY

LUDY YORLETT MORENO

SOUTHERN FLORIDA EDITION

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LUDY YORLETT MORENO

CONTENTS 4) ADDING VALUE TO LISTINGS & THE ADVANTAGE OF IDENTIFYING NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES

15) SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF MICRO OUTDOOR SPACES

6) AGENT STRATEGIES TO GROW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

19) AGENTS WITH HEART 22) CREATIVE MEDITATION FOR THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

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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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AGENT STRATEGIES TO

GROW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE In real estate, where connections and maintaining relationships with clients are crucial, having a strong social media presence is essential for any REALTOR®. A wellcrafted agent profile on social platforms can not only showcase your expertise but 6

also help you connect with a wider audience, build trust, and ultimately grow your business. Here are some comprehensive agent-profile tips to elevate your social media presence and establish a strong online persona:

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CREATE AN ENGAGING AND INFORMATIVE BIO

Your bio should introduce you as a real estate expert and spotlight your specialties, service areas, and what makes you unique. Include relevant keywords so you will rank high in a Google search.

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HAVE A PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE IN PROFILE PICTURES

It’s important to have a clear, high-definition photo of yourself. You should look professional, but at the same time approachable.

Wear clothes that align with your brand, and keep the background simple.

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SHOW OFF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Share your professional success, accomplishments, accreditations, and awards. This will enhance your credibility and make you appealing to potential clients. Those who visit your social media site will know you’re an expert.

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MAINTAIN A PERSONAL CONNECTION THROUGH POSTS

Buying and selling real estate is a highly personal experience. It’s vital that you showcase your personality and relatability. Clients want to work with someone who they feel comfortable with. Incorporate your hobbies, personal anecdotes, and interests in your posts.

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HIGHLIGHT YOUR COMMUNITY WORK

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CREATE CONTENT THAT CAPTIVATES

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ENGAGE FOLLOWERS

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KEEP TO A SCHEDULE

Whether you’re sponsoring an event, volunteering, or supporting local businesses, it’s beneficial to show your followers that you care for your community. It will help portray a positive brand image, and demonstrate a dedication to the areas you serve as a REALTOR®.

Produce varied and interesting content, balancing listings with insights into the market, news, and tips for buyers or sellers.

This will keep your followers engaged and help solidify your status as a top expert in the field.

When people comment or message you, it’s important to respond. It’s also great to get conversations going on your social media pages by posing questions with your posts, running polls, or asking for opinions.

Post regularly on social media, at times when your audience is most active. This will ensure your posts are being seen by the largest audience possible. And when your followers know when to expect your posts, they will remember to check it out.

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POST BEHIND THE SCENES INSIGHTS

Offer a look into your everyday life in the real estate world, including preparing for open houses, client meetings, or your office setup. Maintaining an authentic presence will help you connect to your followers.

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DON’T FORGET ABOUT STORIES AND REELS

Take advantage of Instagram and Facebook’s Stories and Reels. This is where you can post more spontaneous and creative content.

Some of the highest engagement on social media happens on these platforms.

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STRATEGIC HASHTAG USE

Use hashtags that are relevant to what you’re posting. You can even create your own hashtag that reflects your brand. When you use a mix of the two, you’ll reach a larger audience.

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COLLABORATE WITH PEERS

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CREATE EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

Don’t be afraid to partner up with local businesses, industry influencers, and other professionals. You can cross-promote content and create content together. This will introduce you and your brand to new audiences.

Establish yourself as an expert by sharing knowledge about the real estate market, 8

process, or regulatory changes. Educating your audience not only demonstrates your expertise but also provides them with valuable information.

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POST CLIENT FEEDBACK

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QUALITY VISUALS ARE KEY

Feature positive feedback from satisfied clients. Testimonials build trust and provide social proof of your skills and commitment to client satisfaction. Consider creating visually appealing graphics or dedicated posts to showcase these testimonials.

Invest in high-quality visuals for your posts.

Clear and appealing images are crucial in the real estate industry, whether you’re showcasing a property, sharing a personal story, or promoting your services. Professional visuals make a significant impact on social media platforms.

Remember, building a strong social media presence is an ongoing process that requires a blend of creativity, consistency, and genuine engagement. Regularly assess your analytics to understand what resonates with your audience, and adjust your strategy accordingly. By incorporating these agent-profile tips, you can effectively grow your social media presence, establish a meaningful connection with your current and potential clients, and differentiate yourself in the competitive real estate landscape.

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LUDY YORLETT MORENO

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Ludy shares exciting plans for BELHOUSE INTERNATIONAL. Partnering with INVEMA LTD., an American-owned financial entity based in the UK with a subscribed and paidupcapital of more than 6 Billion Dollars, she envisions her company becoming a developer in Florida in the coming years.

Few real estate pros have created such a thriving referral-based business as Ludy Yorlett Moreno, founder and CEO of BelHouse Real Estate LLC in Florida, and its parent company BelHouse International.

In fact, as Ludy puts it, “I’ve signed referral agreements with 27 countries.” After spending many years as a real estate investor, Ludy became dissatisfied with her own home-buying experience in 2001. That’s 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

when she decided to take matters into her own hands. “I lost a lot of money because my agent made a lot of mistakes,” she candidly admits. This pivotal moment led her to immerse herself in the world of real estate, particularly in international markets.

Today, Ludy doesn’t work alone; she leads a team of 60 REALTORS® throughout the state of Florida, concentrating in Top Agent Magazine

Miami-Dade, Dade, Broward counties, as well as West Palm Beach, Osceola and Orange. The team’s success is evident, with an impressive $100 plus million in sales in Florida per year, not including international sales. Ludy’s overseas expertise is unparalleled, having traveled to 84 countries. Her concentration in the Middle East, especially in Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, among others, has created a robust network of referrals that benefits everyone involved.

“It works very well,” she emphasizes. “This way everyone wins.”

What sets Ludy and her team apart is their commitment to offering a complete range

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of services to clients. Specializing in industrial, commercial and residential properties, her team excels in assisting foreign buyers and investors. Most of her agents are bilingual, ensuring a smooth experience for clients from Latin America and the Middle East, guiding them through every step, from property purchase to tax optimization and legal work. “We also work with attorneys who specialize in immigration, corporate taxes and international law,” she explains, “so we offer the entire package for clients.”

Ludy’s marketing prowess extends globally, with strategic international partnerships and a strong online presence. Beyond business,

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Specializing in industrial, commercial and residential properties, Ludy’s team excels in assisting foreign buyers and investors. Most of her agents are bilingual, ensuring a smooth experience for clients from Latin America and the Middle East.

Ludy is deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly in the nation of Colombia where the organization she founded, To Dream Again, (Volver a Soñar) supports children with cancer. “We help educate the children after they finish their treatments,” she explains. “Often their families are extremely poor, so we take care of the kids until they graduate. Some Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

have graduated as doctors and lawyers and they are getting involved in the same foundation, helping kids.” A professional swimmer, Ludy indulges her passion for being active when not working. Travel also takes center stage in her life, having explored dozens of countries, and she cherishes family time and diverse hobbies that enrich her life.

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Looking ahead, Ludy shares exciting plans for her business. Partnering with INVEMA LTD., an American-owned financial entity based in UK with a subscribed and paid-up capital of more than 6 Billion Dollars, she envisions her company becoming a developer in Florida in the coming years. None of these endeavors would be possible for Ludy

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if she wasn’t so enthralled with real estate as her calling. “I love everything about real estate,” she enthuses. “Honestly, I enjoy it all, serving the clients and helping them with all their needs. Real estate is my life.”

For Ludy Moreno, real estate is not just a career; it’s a noble calling, a journey and a way to leave her mark on the world.

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Contact Ludy Yorlett Moreno at 305-921-9789 or 954--448-4879, email ludy@belhousere.com, or visit belhousere.com 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 16

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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Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

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

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AGENTS WITH HEART A pivotal question we pose to featured agents in Top Agent Magazine is, ‘Tell us about your community involvement.’

This query holds immense significance, not only as a benchmark for nominees but also as a crucial factor contributing to the success and prestige of top agents.

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Top Agent Magazine defines community involvement based on three key factors: Events, Associations, and Charities.

Beyond serving clients, top agents demonstrate an outstanding commitment to their communities and the place they call home.

Their measures involve volunteering time,

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Community involvement is not just an extracurricular activity for top agents; it’s an essential element that molds their individuality and professional ethos. financial contributions to organizations helping those in need, and active participation in community events. This distinctive trait is a testament to how their generosity extends beyond clients, enhancing the lives of those in their surrounding communities.

Take Cindy Ambuehl, a former actress and model who has evolved into one of LA’s most sought-after luxury real estate agents, gracing the cover of Top Agent CINDY AMBUEHL Magazine. Cindy passionately supports PS Arts, a foundation reinstating arts education in schools. Through events and fundraising initiatives, she’s contributed to maintaining art education for an entire year to 30,000 students.

Consider Josh Flagg, whose enormous rise in real estate landed him a spot on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing and a cover feature in Top Agent Magazine.

Despite his stardom, JOSH FLAGG Josh travels throughout America, mentoring brokers, agents, and students, sharing insights on achieving success. He finds fulfillment in transforming lives through his career and shares, “The 20

most fulfilling part of my career is knowing that I will change somebody’s life.”

These examples are just a peek at how agents engage with their communities. Whether gathering Christmas gifts for underprivileged children, supporting children’s hospitals financially, advocating to end homelessness, or volunteering at local animal shelters, these agents extend their reputation beyond transactions. They’re known not only for their professional success but also for their unwavering support of community causes.

Community involvement is not just an extracurricular activity for top agents; it’s an essential element that molds their individuality and professional ethos. In the real estate landscape, where relationships and integrity are central, active participation in the community builds credibility and fosters meaningful connections. Beyond boosting their reputations, community involvement mirrors a profound commitment to the areas they serve. Agents invested in their communities acquire a deep understanding of local needs and through active engagement, these agents become vital parts of the social tapestry, earning the regard and trust of the community.

“Agents with Heart” displays how top agents have left a mark on the real estate landscape by imbuing their work with heart and soul, influencing lives outside of transactions.

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Creative Meditation

for the Real Estate Professional The real estate world can be an industry of intense emotional and psychological pressure. Deadlines, meetings, employee needs, client needs and a hundred other items on which one needs to focus on a daily basis can create an environment that is not only not conducive to mental well-being, but can be outright detrimental.

easily into the daily hustle & bustle world of the busy real estate agent.

Learning to quiet the mind has been the focus of meditation for millennia. While those not familiar with the concept of meditation may instinctively think of yoga mats, incense, and chanting when the word “meditation” arises, there are in fact, many forms of meditation that can integrate quite

• When driving to a showing or to meet a client

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First, think about when you are alone each day. Here are some possible times to practice mediation during the work day: • When driving to the office in the morning

• Before your open house begins • After the open house • Driving home in the evening Top Agent Magazine

Repeating a mantra can be very calming, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts.

These are just five examples of times when you can take advantage of meditation techniques to quiet your mind and, by extension, increase productivity. A calm mind is a more thoughtful, better tuned instrument.

Here are some examples of meditations you can try:

1 For when you’re driving, download and listen to any number of audio Guided Meditations available on the internet. YouTube has a generous selection of these, many of which are geared towards success in business.

2 Repeating a mantra can be very calm-

ing, particularly when you are trying to rid yourself of negative, self-defeating thoughts. It doesn’t matter what words you choose, as long as you feel good about your choice. “I am a success” or “I will approach all of my clients with love today” are two examples. Whatever works for you and gets you into the desired mindset.

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3 Something as simple as listening to pleasant music in your car can be considered meditation, provided it brings you to a place of comfort as opposed to one of spiritual discordance.

4 The most important thing, however, is to take time to find gratitude in everything you do. Count your blessings, be grateful the exciting career in real estate you have built for yourself.

Once you’ve mastered some of these techniques at quieting your mind, you can attempt to find some that work even better for you. Walking, plain silence, or even exercise can have meditative qualities and benefits if practiced on a regular basis.

When you’re truly feeling calm, your clients can sense this. And with this comes the feeling that you can be relied upon to stay focused and calm in any unforeseen circumstances. And in the world of real estate, that’s a highly prized commodity.

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