TEXAS EDITION
Agent Strategies To
GROW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
HOW TO NOT LOSE A CLIENT IN 10 DAYS
SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT:
How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces
COVER STORY
GREGG KLAR
TEXAS EDITION
9
GREGG KLAR
CONTENTS 4) Agents With Heart 6) Agent Strategies To Grow Your Social Media Presence
15) Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make The Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces 20) How to Not Lose A Client In 10 Days
Phone 310-734-1440 | Fax 310-734-1440 mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the U.S. 2
Top Agent Magazine
mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com
Top Agent Magazine
3
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. 4
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,
Top Agent Magazine ®
Top Agent Magazine
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 Top Agent Magazine
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.
Top Agent Magazine ®
5
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:
Top Agent Magazine ®
Top Agent Magazine
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
Top Agent Magazine
5
HIGHLIGHT YOUR COMMUNITY WORK
6
CREATE CONTENT THAT CAPTIVATES
7
ENGAGE FOLLOWERS
8
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.
Top Agent Magazine ®
7
9
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.
10
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.
11
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.
12
COLLABORATE WITH PEERS
13
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.
14
POST CLIENT FEEDBACK
15
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.
Top Agent Magazine ®
Top Agent Magazine
GREGG KLAR
Top Agent Magazine
9
Top Agent Gregg Klar has cultivated a prosperous business, with over 50% of his transactions originating from repeat and referral clients. In 1998, Gregg Klar ventured into a real estate career, prompted by the inspiration of his great aunt, a seasoned veteran in the field for over four decades. Guided by his passion straight out of high school, Gregg encountered initial rejection due to his young age. Undeterred, he enrolled with the help of his great aunt, who, after a persuasive phone call, secured him a desk and paved the way for his full-time entry into real estate. Fast forward to 2005, Gregg established a team of seven dedicated agents, and as of 2024, the team is ready for further growth. Relocating to Austin in 2000, Gregg’s move overlapped with the opening of a new Keller Williams brokerage in the Lake Travis area. After taking the lead on a significant commercial transaction, it laid the groundwork for his ongoing affiliation with Keller Williams. Over the years, Gregg has cultivated a prosperous business, with over 50% of his transactions originating from repeat and referral clients. Leveraging his nationwide network, Gregg connects clients with top-notch agents nationwide. Each transaction is personalized, 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine
Top Agent Magazine
with Gregg going the extra mile to establish familiarity, treating clients more like family than business associates. A heartfelt example involves fulfilling an elderly client’s attachment to a potted plant, replicating it for her new home, and showcasing the commitment to building enduring relationships.
Top Agent Magazine
Actively engaged in the community, Gregg and his team focus on the listing side, participating in local realtor groups, collaborating on off-market listings, and maintaining a robust social media presence. Their detailed marketing campaigns target specific demographics, including luxury properties and new
11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine
Actively engaged in the community, Gregg and his team focus on the listing side, participating in local realtor groups, collaborating on off-market listings, and maintaining a robust social media presence. construction. Additionally, Gregg and his team emphasize land sales and offer one-stop-shop building packages, expanding their audience reach. As a result of Gregg’s efforts, he averages an astonishing fifty to sixty million dollars annually. Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12
Beyond professional achievements, Gregg cherishes putting a smile on his clients’ faces and finding fulfillment in making their moving experiences seamless. When he isn’t working, he indulges his passion for travel, having explored over twenty countries, with South Top Agent Magazine
Africa on the horizon for the summer of 2024. A devoted community member, Gregg serves on the local police foundation board, raising over $500,000 in seven years to help police officers pay for necessities not covered by their employment benefits or insurance. He is also involved in KWCares, a foundation raising emergency funds for agents and their families.
Top Agent Magazine
Gregg envisions a bright future, anticipating growth opportunities in Austin’s housing market. With plans to increase his business by 15-20%, expand his team, and provide training locally and nationally, Gregg remains committed to his journey in real estate. Rarely do we meet a more charismatic, genuine, and charitable agent than Gregg Klar.
Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13
To learn more about Gregg, email greggklar@gmail.com, call 512-653-0488, or visit GreggsTeam.com www.
Copyright Top Agent Magazine 14
Top Agent Magazine
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.
Top Agent Magazine ®
15
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.
Top Agent Magazine ®
Top Agent Magazine
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.
Top Agent Magazine
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.
Top Agent Magazine ®
17
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 18
Top Agent Magazine
mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com
Top Agent Magazine
19
HOW TO NOT LOSE A CLIENT IN 10 DAYS While we won’t be serenading a Carly Simon song or tugging on the heartstrings of a Hollywood heartthrob, we will be sharing ten essential tips for agents, the key pitfalls to avoid and the most common mistakes agents make that can cost them 20
a client. Whether you are a new agent or seasoned veteran in today’s market, get ready for ten insights from Top Agent Magazine. Sit down, grab your popcorn, and tune in to “How To Not Lose a Client in 10 Days!”
Top Agent Magazine ®
Top Agent Magazine
Agents who make it in real estate care about their clients’ welfare while guiding them through the homebuying journey. Rule number 1:
Prioritize Client Well-being Over Transactions. Something we hear time and time again from agents featured in Top Agent Magazine is that their business and relationship with a client is not just about the transaction but more about devotion to serving their clients. Suppose a client suspects you are only eager for a quick commission versus their welfare; they may move on to a new agent who puts their welfare ahead of a transaction. Agents who make it in real estate care about their clients’ welfare while guiding them through the homebuying journey. If an agent is more transaction-focused than client-centric, this is a sure way to lose a client. Rule number 2:
Be Transparent in Property Disclosures. Never gloss over issues with a property. Be transparent with your client as you disclose everything you know about a property to protect the interest of a client and their family. When an agent openly communicates with their clients, whether a structural issue or faulty plumbing in the home, it prepares them Top Agent Magazine
to understand the magnitude of what home repairs need addressing before purchasing. If an agent conceals property issues for their client to discover later, they may lose future business. Rule number 3:
Practice Prompt and Consistent Communication. Failing to respond to your client may cause severe frustration. Your clients will have questions—point blank. The client relies on their agent as their voice of reason to distribute facts, relay progress, handle disruptions in the home buying process, and close the deal as seamlessly as possible. In a way, as an agent, you pledge to take on the stress. When you leave your clients without answers, they may not feel like a priority to you. Promptly return those phone calls and emails! Rule number 4:
Thorough Property Knowledge is Non-Negotiable. Agents must do their homework on a property to avoid losing potential customers and leads. Picture this - It’s an open house flooded with
Top Agent Magazine ®
21
potential clients, but you struggle to answer questions regarding the property accurately. Your potential client will be running for the hills! Conduct thorough research on the home and property, plunging into every detail from the construction date of the home to the specifics of the flooring. When your clients ask about the home, land, and local community, they expect you to inform them properly. Keep your leads impressed while you share your knowledgeable expertise about your listings so they feel secure in their home purchase. Rule number 5:
Implement Effective Marketing Strategies. Marketing properties sufficiently is critical for generating new leads and sales. Top agents effectively market their listings through email marketing, social media, print advertising, drone photography, and professional staging. For example, TV Personality from Selling Sunset and one of Southern California’s most well-known luxury real estate brokers featured on Top Agent Magazine’s cover, Jason Oppenheim from the Oppenheim Group, shares, “We focus on the presentaJASON OPPENHEIM tion of a property beforehand, and we even have a concierge service that can help get the home ready for sale. We really like to have a property looking as new as possible before we photograph and get them to market, so that often means staging, painting, landscaping, and sometimes a light remodel.” Implement Jason’s advice by employing 22
effective marketing strategies to have plenty of leads and prevent losing potential clients. Rule number 6:
Master the Art of Negotiation. Lacking confidence in negotiation can give the impression that an agent needs a grip on the sale. Successful agents who know how to negotiate home prices find reward by keeping clients long-term while serving their clients’ best interests. A client will expect their agent to handle the negotiation aspects of the home buying process to give them the most favorable outcome. Poor negotiation skills can look like rushing, passivity, and lack of decision-making ability. On the other hand, a confident negotiator will have patience, assertion, and the ability to make decisions by articulating a client’s boundaries when discussing the closing price. You could miss out on future business or a five-star review if you don’t bring your A-game for your client. Rule number 7:
Take Your Client Feedback Seriously. Ignoring client feedback will result in client frustration and pose a significant risk of losing repeat and referral business. Constructive criticism from clients can be a guiding light to where an agent needs improvement in how they do business and, in the long term, may help refine an agent’s skills. Which agent doesn’t want to be the best version of themselves? Take advantage of your client’s advice to leverage it as an opportunity for career growth.
Top Agent Magazine ®
Top Agent Magazine
It is paramount that an agent is educated about present market trends and informed about the local real estate market. Rule number 8:
Rule number 10:
Deliver What You Promise.
Get Versed in Market Knowledge.
Overpromising and under delivering is an easy way to taint your image and name in the business of real estate. To uphold your reputation among clients and industry peers, it’s crucial to fulfill the expectations you’ve committed to meeting. An agent should strive to be realistic when working with their client to avoid false hope or unrealistic results in the buying and selling process. Furthermore, it helps everyone prepare emotionally for potential obstacles in the homebuying process. Rule number 9:
Cultivate Patience and Professionalism. Putting pressure on your clients to make a decision when purchasing or selling their home is a big no-no. Not only is a home one of the most significant purchases most individuals make over their lifetime, but it is also where most spend the rest of their lives. For a client, these decisions can be challenging as they determine what their future home will look like. While guiding your client is valuable, it’s important to allow them to go at their own pace. Patience is a virtue, and professionalism is essential for a happy client. Top Agent Magazine
It is paramount that an agent is educated about present market trends and informed about the local real estate market. Should an agent not prove they are up-to-date with the latest market knowledge, they risk looking unprofessional and unfit to represent a client. By knowing the state of the market, you become a proficient representative for your client. Additionally, you stay properly educated and may earn respect in the industry for your knowledge. Learning things like year-to-year home values, current interest rates, and home inventory stock, as well as the best time to list or purchase a home, will demonstrate to your clients that they are in good hands with an agent who holds vast knowledge of the real estate world. In the competitive world of real estate, the success of your business relies on your clients’ loyalty and the prestige of your reputation. By implementing these rules into practice, you can avoid future challenges as you flourish in your business and cultivate enduring relationships with your clients for years to come.
Top Agent Magazine ®
23
mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com
24
Top Agent Magazine