TEXAS 4-17-23

TEXAS EDITION

7

REASONS WHY YOUR PROSPECTS AREN'T TURNING INTO CLIENTS HOW TO CUT DOWN ON DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS AND UP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

FEATURED AGENTS

ABEL UGARTE MICHAEL WEIGAND OKSANA BOGOTT

MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING YOUR CALLING CARD

COVER STORY

IS STARTING A TEAM THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

JULIE WELLS & SHANE LEONARD

TEXAS EDITION

MICHAEL WEIGAND OKSANA BOGOTT

ABEL UGARTE “Add Oksana Bogott, an accomplished Russiansitioning from the golf course to the to reach pote ® 7 16 20 23 low p speaking REALTOR in Houston, has built a remarkable reputation for serving and g d of real estate, Michael Weigand’s sets Michael clients with dedication and skill. As a con“Prof nating journey from a seasoned dedication too sistent top producer, Oksana was recogpart nized as the #1 Top Individual Agent in professional to a successful real thing theyphotod AGCI for Coldwell Banker Realty in the and g e entrepreneur is one for the books. on creating Houston area in 2021, and was named among Realogy Brokerage Group’s Top r a 15-year career in golf, Michael experienceWhen fo 500 Sales Associates nationwide. Holding back itioned into real estate at the a typical ing, yeaa a Master’s degree in Economics and severJULIE WELLS & ABEL OKSANA BOGOTT repeat and referral business he enjoys.

His secret A sweet twistUGARTE of fate transformed MICHAEL Abel Ugarte WEIGAND alto professional designations, she has been honored with $110-115 local businesses uragement of LEONARD friends, choosing mil SHANE communicafrom a pastry chef to a top-tier real estate agent, to success lies in his exceptional prestigious awards like the Coldwell Banker President’s ships fromand the build tr and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. tion and ability to set clear expectations alize on Austin’s booming market. fostering gen start. “The mostAward. important thing to can do asbe soon After working the Ritz and Carlton the Virgin EliteatAward theinFive Star Professional Flubeneficial Islands, Abel found himself seeking a fresh start as you meet a client is to set the expectation,” ent in Russian and English, she is able to assist a wide has being involved a ensuring that upon returning to the States. He began working he explains. For Abel, this means ing solo, he quickly climbed the undoubte variety of clients, including those moving from abroad. news and for Nordstroms, where a chance encounter led to buyers understand the process, from getting trends the perfect During a life-changing suggestion: to explore the world pre-approved for a loan to finding s to become the CEO and co-owner continued suc clients.”

CONTENTS of real estate. After taking classes at a local home within their budget. “You want to make As earned a certified Relocation Specialist, Oksana is pasfriends and fami sure that the pre-approval is the first thing you Abel his real estate license just s company, Culhane Premiercollege, Propsionate about helping clients make smooth transitions, or taking weeken three months later, setting him on an 4) 7 REASONS WHY YOUR 18) IS STARTING A TEAM incredible career in the industry.

Servs Group. Michael’s team hasingcarved drawing from her own experiences as a mother who When Micha DFW metroplex withTHE a PROSPECTS AREN'T the entire RIGHT SOLUTION has moved and locally.

Known for In the future, Ok focus on Collin and Dallasinternationally counties, a niche TURNING in waterfront and luxury active in his INTO CLIENTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS? herhis exceptional service, negotiation skills, and empa- new geographic Abel has built stellar reputation on the strong thy, relationships heof has forged es, particularly around the scenic lakes Austin. and organizations.

H Oksana treats each client likeevents a friend or relative, luxury and com with his clients. He’s truly found his working tirelessly to earn their trust.

“My real estate hancing her skil dream has career, and after 16 them years21) in 14)in HOW TO CUT DOWN ON MAKE SOCIAL r expertise lakefront living made the unteered at the her Texas Food business hasnoa signs large clients excep the industry, he’s showing of percentage of referral clients beDIGITAL DISTRACTIONS AND MEDIA MARKETING cause I haveproperties a high number of satisfied job is helping o agents for those looking toslowing buydown. or sell couplecustomers,” of times, my normally w UP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY YOUR CALLING CARD she explains. also have many repeat buyers that are them buy or sell Abel’s dedication to client “I satisfacentral Texas. With 40-45% of their business comgiving back to those in need tion is evident the impressive 90%my service and professionalism.” fullyin satisfied with Oksana’s communication friendliness, golf, and re- enjoying Aus rom repeat clients and another 10% from referrals,skills, playing Copyright Top Agent Magazine sponsiveness have helped her build a loyal customer hael and his team continue to make a splash in the and relaxing base over the years. “Clients like to work with agentswith family an who are active communicators, estate industry, by a | commitment to their cli- and I always actively Phone driven 310-734-1440 Fax 310-734-1440 communicate with my clients,” she says. By keeping and innovative marketing strategies.

As Michael looks to the fut mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com them updated at every step, and answering every quesNo portion of this issue may be reproduced in tion, any manner whatsoever prior ofleft the publisher.

Top Agenton Magazine her buyers andwithout sellers areconsent never in thefirmly dark. remains fostering 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.

Oksana employs a multi-faceted approach to marketing To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. her listings, ensuring they reach a wide audience and Published in the U.S.

t sets Michael apart as a real estate agent is his oritizing quality over quant avering commitment to building relationships he will stay focused on prov generate interest from potential buyers. She takes adFor clie mor maintaining clear communicationvantage withof his clients. ble, to make the various online platforms suchaiming as HAR.com, plea Realtor.com, Zillow.com, real estate web- us to do in th ognizing that poor communication is often theand other “What I want 2 Top Agent Magazine email ok sites, while also utilizing the Multiple Listing Service or visit on people change agents, Michael(MLS) and tohis teamherpriwith people inhe t showcase propertiesconnecting to a broader market.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

3

7 Reasons Why Your Prospects Aren’t Turning Into Clients Real estate experts suggest prospecting daily so that your sales pipeline never runs dry.

But sometimes all that effort doesn’t translate into results. If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

4

1. You’re Too Slow The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials estimates that there are about 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States alone. Of course, not all these individuals are working in the same markets. Nonetheless, that

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

If your prospects aren’t becoming clients, there’s a reason, which is better than it sounds because that means you can fix the problem.

means that realtors face a lot of competition. If you are slow to respond to messages from prospective clients, someone else is sure to beat you to it. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to return calls and emails within 24 hours.

If you’re too busy working with active clients to return the phone calls and emails of prospective clients, consider hiring a real estate assistant who can help take administrative or marketing tasks off your plate.

2. They Don’t Trust You There are different reasons why a client might not trust you, some of which overlap with others on this list. When a client asks you a question, do you answer it directly or do you sidestep it?

Do you have testimonials and reviews from happy clients publicly available? Do you have an online presence? Social proof of your skills and knowledge is key.

3. You Don’t Seem Knowledgeable Enough Is your client constantly coming to you with new listings or marketing ideas rather than the Top Agent Magazine

other way around? Do they mention real estate and finance terms you’ve never heard of or ask you questions you’ve never thought to ask yourself? Every agent starts somewhere, but if this seems to be a pattern, it’s one clients will pick up on too.

Your clients want to know that you will add value to their home buying or selling experience, and part of that value is your expertise and passion.

4. You Have No Web Presence It’s not enough to be on Zillow or have a Facebook page. There are clients who don’t use these platforms, and at the end of the day, you don’t own the content or your access to it. Both platforms could suddenly go out of business and any following you’ve gained could be lost.

It doesn’t cost much to create and maintain a website today. If customization matters little to you, sometimes you can even get up and running for free. At the very least, it’s a good idea to invest in a domain name because yourwebsite. wordpress.com looks a lot less professional than yourwebsite.com.

Top Agent Magazine ®

5

5. You Don’t Seem to Care When clients don’t think you care, it usually means they don’t feel like you are listening.

You may have systems, processes, and a proven marketing strategy. You may like to get right down to business, but to your client, this isn’t just business—it’s their life and their family’s livelihood.

When your client tells you what’s important to them, they want to make sure that you really hear them. Make sure your body language conveys that. Slow down. Shut your office door.

Make eye contact, nod your head, and pause before you speak so that they understand that you’ve put thought into your words—that they aren’t simply lines from a script.

6. You Use Too Much Jargon Remember that your clients don’t speak real estate. At most, they might buy or sell a home once every few years. They hired you to be their advocate and may even expect you to be a bit of a teacher too. Use layman’s terms so that your

6

client fully understands how the two of you will work together.

7. Your Target Audience Is Everyone Your clients are home buyers and sellers, yes, but who is your ideal client? Some specialties you might consider are college students and recent graduates, working professionals, military families, seniors, CEOs, or other high-profile clients.

As a newer agent, your target audience might be anyone who will hire you, but over time, you might find that you click more with certain clients, that their lifestyle is similar to yours, or that their goals align with your mission. Whatever the reason, marketing your business to this “ideal client” rather than every potential client will make selling your services easier.

Remember: It’s within your power to alleviate your client’s concerns, but understanding why your prospects aren’t turning into clients is a good start.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

JULIE WELLS & SHANE LEONARD

Top Agent Magazine

7

— JU LIE WELLS & SHANE LEONARD —

Julie and Shane’s strong familiarity with their local market proves a valuable asset to their clients. “I think that as a Realtor®, you need to be the knowledge broker in the areas that you serve,” Julie says. “We try to know everything about the communities and clientele we serve.

With a deep knowledge of their local area and a personal touch that creates lasting relationships, the husband-andwife team of Julie Wells and Shane Leonard truly stand out. Since Julie 8

and Shane got their start in real estate, they’ve found their calling and Julie says, “We wish we had done this years ago! I have bought and sold properties since I was in my 20s, and I’ve always Top Agent Magazine

enjoyed looking at and buying land. We love that working in real estate gives us a chance to give back by sharing our knowledge while also allowing us to help people and make new friends.”

Julie and Shane serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. They live on the northwest side of Fort Worth and focus on a mostly rural area throughout Wise, Parker, Hood, Montague, and Erath counties. Their strong familiarity with their local market proves a valuable asset to their clients. “I think that as a REALTOR®, you need to be the

Top Agent Magazine

knowledge broker in the areas that you serve,” Julie says. “We try to know everything about the communities and clientele we serve. Just because we can sell anywhere in Texas, doesn’t always mean we should. If I don’t feel like we can add to a conversation about a particular location or that we are the knowledge brokers for the area, we are always going to try and match those clients with a qualified local agent who can tell them everything about the area – good and bad.”

Julie and Shane sell predominantly farm and ranch properties. “Our people are

9

horse people, and they want acreage, ranches, and that whole lifestyle,” Julie explains. “They want our experience. We both grew up in the horse industry, and we know what to look for in a property.

Especially when we’re working with people who are moving to our area from other parts of the country. People who aren’t familiar with how diverse the terrain is in Texas don’t know what they don’t know, and they often need us to point out things like what sort of ground a property has, and how important water is. We help our clients see a property as more than just a pretty place.”

10

Top Agent Magazine

A full 100% of Julie and Shane’s business comes from referral, repeat, and sphere of influence. “We are really lucky in that,” Julie says. “We have gotten to work with a very diverse range of people.” They provide clients with recommendations of local feed stores, horse shoers, and veterinarians, and they remain a valuable resource for clients long after the transaction is over. “We like to stay top of mind with our clients and let them know we’re still thinking about them,” Julie says. “We have people who will call us months or years after a sale when they need vendors or contacts. I love that they think enough of us to reach out.”

Top Agent Magazine

Julie and Shane sell predominantly farm and ranch properties. “Our people are horse people, and they want acreage, ranches, and that whole lifestyle,” Julie explains.

“They want our experience.

We both grew up in the horse industry, and we know what to look for in a property.

11

Julie and Shane’s connection to their community runs deep, and they like to give back. They help fundraise for the Wise County 4-H Buyers Group, and they are active in the local Chamber of Commerce, as well as participating in other local organizations and benefits.

When they are not working or giving back, Julie and Shane enjoy showing horses and working on their property.

“There are so many things I like about real estate,” Julie says. “I especially love that I get to help people. Last year we helped so many people from other parts of the country come here to Texas. I always like welcoming people to this state, because Texas is a great place to live. We get to share the knowledge that we’ve gathered over the years, and it makes me realize how lucky we are to live here.”

To find out more about Julie Wells and Shane Leonard, call them at 817-629-2964 (Julie) or 817-729-5473 (Shane), or email juliewells922@gmail.com.

You can find them online at LeonardWellsRealty.com www.

12

Top Agent Magazine

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com http://www.topagentmagazine.com

Top Agent Magazine

13

How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— 14

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

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

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

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

Focus on one digital task at a time.

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

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

Give yourself a curfew.

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

Top Agent Magazine

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

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

Keep your inbox organized.

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

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

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

Top Agent Magazine ®

15

ABEL UGARTE

A sweet twist of fate transformed Abel Ugarte from a pastry chef to a top-tier real estate agent, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring.

After working at the Ritz Carlton in the Virgin Islands, Abel found himself seeking a fresh start upon returning to the States. He began working for Nordstroms, where a chance encounter led to a life-changing suggestion: to explore the world of real estate. After taking classes at a local college, Abel earned his real estate license just three months later, setting him on an incredible career in the industry. Serving the entire DFW metroplex with a focus on Collin and Dallas counties, Abel has built his stellar reputation on the strong relationships he has forged with his clients. He’s truly found his dream career, and after 16 years in the industry, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

repeat and referral business he enjoys. His secret to success lies in his exceptional communication and ability to set clear expectations from the start. “The most important thing to do as soon as you meet a client is to set the expectation,” he explains. For Abel, this means ensuring that buyers understand the process, from getting pre-approved for a loan to finding the perfect home within their budget. “You want to make sure that the pre-approval is the first thing you

Abel’s dedication to client satisfaction is evident in the impressive 90% 16

Copyright Top Agent Magazine

address so clients know moving forward where they stand,” Abel emphasizes. Sellers, on the other hand, want to stay informed about the status of their property, which Abel achieves through regular updates tailored to each client’s preferred communication method. By focusing on transparency and respecting his clients’ time, Abel has built a strong foundation of trust, setting him apart as a standout real estate agent in the industry.

When it comes to marketing his listings, Abel takes advantage of a wide variety of platforms to ensure maximum exposure. “The goal is to get it out to as many people as possible,” he says. By leveraging his broker’s resources, Facebook, the MLS system, and a plethora of websites, Abel ensures that his properties are showcased where potential buyers are most likely to look. With a focus on popular sites like Zillow, Trulia, realtor.com, and Redfin, as well as smaller platforms, Abel covers all bases. “Studies show that right now, over 95% of purchases in real estate start online,” Abel explains. By tapping into the extensive reach of Keller Williams, including their international network, Abel is able to connect with a diverse pool of potential buyers and showcase his listings in the digital landscape.

When Abel isn’t working, he’s giving back to the community as a volunteer Spanish-English interpreter at the GDAS cancer clinic, where he’s volunteered since the Spring of 2013.

During his free time, he loves going to the movies, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.

In the coming years, Abel plans to keep growing his business to new levels. One day, he will build a team, but for now, he’s perfectly content with his current path. “I just love meeting new people. It’s such a diverse field to work in, and it’s truly rewarding.”

Top Agent Magazine

For more about Abel Ugarte, please call 972-249-8165 or email abelugartehomes@gmail.com

Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

Is Starting a Team the Right Solution for your Business?

You’ve started your own real estate business and after a slow start, you’ve found your footing and business has really taken off. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Until maybe you’re getting more business than you can handle. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice service for more listings. The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in 18

business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that. But, at the same down, you don’t want to turn down business either. It’s at this point, a lot of Realtors® consider starting a team. But, how do you know if that’s the right call for you? Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself to help make your decision.

Top Agent Magazine

The top-notch level of service you offer is probably what created your boom in business in the first place, so you don’t want to compromise that.

CAN YOU AFFORD IT? First things first, are you really making enough money to warrant hiring help? One of the key things to think about is your ability to generate leads. Are you so busy with your existing contracts, that you have no spare time to generate more business? Then, it might be time to consider your options. Figure out the time you’ll be afforded to generate more business, how many more transactions that will lead

to, and then see if that pays for the assistant’s wages. That should help you easily see if it’s worth the investment. If it’s on the border, you may still want to go for it if you have a lot of confidence in the market and your ability to bring in business. If you’re not quite there yet though, it might be a good idea to look into a virtual assistant until your business is ready to expand.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A TEAM LEADER? Or in other words, how comfortable are you delegating tasks and responsibilities? For some agents, they need to be actively involved in every step of the process. Being a team leader is not only about being able to delegate, it’s about mentoring and guiding your team as well. Not only do you have to help them serve the team

better, you need to look at yourself honestly too, constantly evaluating what you can do better. It’s also your job to set up systems and operations, that are constantly refined with the feedback of your team members. Clear and constant communication is key with your clients as well as your team.

CAN YOU FIND PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR VISION? Of course, the above two points are moot, if you’re unable to find people that you trust and that share your business’ philosophy. Having a supportive and professional team culture is instrumental in a team’s success. These are people you will be working with closely for long hours so you not only need to trust in their expertise and professionalism, you want to find people with a positive attitude. You will all be relying on each other to create seamless transTop Agent Magazine

actions in sometimes stressful circumstances.

Having the right team spirit, so to speak, is what will help your business and team grow.

The ultimate goal of a team is to have thriving careers for everyone on board.

So, if you want to see your business grow maybe a team is right for you. It may even give you a little free time for a personal life. We can all dream, can’t we?

19

MICHAEL WEIGAND Transitioning from the golf course to the world of real estate, Michael Weigand’s fascinating journey from a seasoned PGA professional to a successful real estate entrepreneur is one for the books.

After a 15-year career in golf, Michael transitioned into real estate at the encouragement of friends, choosing to capitalize on Austin’s booming market.

Starting solo, he quickly climbed the ranks to become the CEO and co-owner of his company, Culhane Premier Properties Group. Michael’s team has carved out a niche in waterfront and luxury homes, particularly around the scenic lakes of Austin.

Their expertise in lakefront living has made them the go-to agents for those looking to buy or sell properties in Central Texas. With 40-45% of their business coming from repeat clients and another 10% from referrals, Michael and his team continue to make a splash in the real estate industry, driven by a commitment to their clients and innovative marketing strategies.

What sets Michael apart as a real estate agent is his unwavering commitment to building relationships and maintaining clear communication with his clients.

Recognizing that poor communication is often the reason people change agents, Michael and his team prioritize understanding their clients’ goals and keeping them informed throughout the process. “We just spend a lot of time trying to understand our client’s goals,” Michael explains. “We work towards what they’re trying to get done, and communicate really well through the process.” Michael’s dedication to his clients doesn’t end with the transaction. He ensures they stay connected through monthly newsletters, both in print and online, as well as hosting past client appreciation events. Michael hosts a popular Thanksgiving pie giveaway, which attracts around 150 attendees each year.

When it comes to marketing his listings, Michael utilizes both traditional and innovative strategies. He advertises on various channels such as social media and YouTube 20

to reach potential buyers. However, what sets Michael and his team apart is their dedication to putting a warm face to everything they do. Michael’s team focuses on creating a friendly and personalized experience for everyone they serve. With a typical yearly sales volume of around $110-115 million, Michael’s emphasis on fostering genuine connections with clients has undoubtedly contributed to his team’s continued success in the real estate market.

When Michael isn’t working, he’s staying active in his community through various events and organizations. He and his team recently volunteered at the Texas Food Bank. “We’ve done this a couple of times, normally we sort food. We’re all about giving back to those in need.” During his off hours, he’s playing golf, enjoying Austin’s food and music scene, and relaxing with family and friends.

As Michael looks to the future of his business, his focus remains firmly on fostering deeper connections and prioritizing quality over quantity. Wherever his path leads, he will stay focused on providing the best service possible, aiming to make the client journey an enjoyable one.

“What I want us to do in the future is to continue truly connecting with people in the times they need us most.”

Contact Michael at 512-573-2209 or mweigand@culhaneproperties.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

Make Social Media Marketing Your Calling Card These days, it’s no secret that buyers begin their home search online. As the industry continues to take a digital turn, Realtors in the know must learn to utilize a whole new range of tools available to them—and for good reason. Social media is a dynamic hybrid of personal contact and targeted marketing. To make the most of this new medium, agents can’t settle for the occasional post and expect results.

Instead, let’s consider a few techniques that will make your social media presence Top Agent Magazine

interactive, unmissable, and effective in generating business.

Your Profile is a Portal Ideally, you’ll have profiles across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and otherwise—but no matter what portal you’re utilizing, make sure your profile page is up-todate, well-curated, and easily navigated.

Consider your profile a landing page.

Top Agent Magazine ®

21

Your photo, location, contact information, homepage, and a brief bio should all be readily visible so that potential clients can get an immediate sense for who you are and what your voice is. If a client wants to connect with you, it should be obvious how to do so. You might also incorporate a few savvier tools that make your profile more engaging—like hashtags. These searchable tags can help you lure potential clientele and give your audience a chance to explore deeper. #DreamHome #JustListed and #HomeInspiration are popular, existing tags to choose from, but you can cultivate your own hashtag by consistently tagging posts, which gives clients an extensive thread to comb through.

Interacting with Your Audience Posting regularly is great way to appear in feeds, but engaging with your audience is just as important—and it helps you reach a new audience in the process. It’s a positive start to like your audience’s posts, pictures, and statuses, but commenting takes your engagement a step further and separates you from typical respondents. It’s also important that you diversify your engagements. In other words, don’t center every communication around your business, propositioning your services, or trying to sell. If applicable, present your value-add, but otherwise steer your engagement towards the personal. Let your clients know that you’re there, you’re human, and 22

ready to work at their pace. Which leads us to our next point...

Blending the Professional with the Personal Engaging with your audience is one thing, but what about generating original content?

How do you strike the right balance between a Call to Action, industry updates, and a personal touch? Think of it this way: any post you create should provide a point of connection for your audience.

Sometimes, you might be sharing a family photo, or commenting on some unifying current event—like the Super Bowl! Other times, you may be sharing a Coming Soon listing, or providing tips to spruce up a home for spring. Regardless, you should focus on quality. Is your copywriting engaging? Does it express your unique voice and personality, while maintaining clarity? Are you giving your audience something to connect with, even if you are sharing property photos or advertising an open house? Instill some fun and some personalization to every piece of content you make, so that clients can picture the voice and person behind the post.

Things are always changing on the social media frontier, but some rules never shift.

Adding clarity, consistency, and personality to your online presence are three surefire ways to grow your business and make social media second nature.

Top Agent Magazine ®

Top Agent Magazine

OKSANA BOGOTT Oksana Bogott, an accomplished Russianspeaking REALTOR® in Houston, has built a remarkable reputation for serving clients with dedication and skill. As a consistent top producer, Oksana was recognized as the #1 Top Individual Agent in AGCI for Coldwell Banker Realty in the Houston area in 2021, and was named among Realogy Brokerage Group’s Top 500 Sales Associates nationwide. Holding a Master’s degree in Economics and several professional designations, she has been honored with prestigious awards like the Coldwell Banker President’s Elite Award and the Five Star Professional Award. Fluent in Russian and English, she is able to assist a wide variety of clients, including those moving from abroad.

As a certified Relocation Specialist, Oksana is passionate about helping clients make smooth transitions, drawing from her own experiences as a mother who has moved internationally and locally. Known for her exceptional service, negotiation skills, and empathy, Oksana treats each client like a friend or relative, working tirelessly to earn their trust. “My real estate business has a large percentage of referral clients because I have a high number of satisfied customers,” she explains. “I also have many repeat buyers that are fully satisfied with my service and professionalism.”

Oksana’s communication skills, friendliness, and responsiveness have helped her build a loyal customer base over the years. “Clients like to work with agents who are active communicators, and I always actively communicate with my clients,” she says. By keeping them updated at every step, and answering every question, her buyers and sellers are never left in the dark.

Oksana employs a multi-faceted approach to marketing her listings, ensuring they reach a wide audience and generate interest from potential buyers. She takes advantage of various online platforms such as HAR.com, Realtor.com, Zillow.com, and other real estate websites, while also utilizing the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to showcase her properties to a broader market.

Top Agent Magazine

“Additionally, I hold an open house to allow potential buyers to tour the property and get a feel for the space,” she explains.

“Professional photography is an essential part of marketing a property. High quality photos can help make a property stand out and generate more interest.”

When Oksana isn’t working, she’s giving back to the community through volunteering, attending local events, and supporting local businesses. “This helps me establish relationships and build trust with community members, which can be beneficial for my business,” she explains. “And being involved also helps me stay up-to-date on local news and trends, which can help me better serve my clients.” During her free time, she loves relaxing with friends and family, going to dinner, catching a movie, or taking weekend trips.

In the future, Oksana plans to expand her business into new geographic areas, and start working with more luxury and commercial properties. She’s always enhancing her skillset and finding more ways to give her clients exceptional service. “My favorite part of my job is helping clients. I find satisfaction in helping them buy or sell a home.”

For more about Oksana Bogott, please call 832-557-7824, email oksana.bogott@gmail.com, or visit her Instagram or Facebook 23

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

24

Top Agent Magazine