TEXAS 6-5-23

TEXAS EDITION

How to Send

SMARTER EMAILS

6 HABITS OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE AGENTS

FEATURED AGENTS

ALEXA CONOMOS ANDERSON JEAN MARIE BENZ JESSICA BOYCE JESSICA CHAFFIN HARGIS JESSICA ZAMORA LAILA RASHED

MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Your Calling Card

5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A MENTOR COVER STORY

MAELIA DAVIS & MYRA GARCIA

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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Is Branding the Way to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

Despite the importance of finding a Realtor® that is the best person to serve their needs, a lot of people only end up interviewing one Realtor® when they’re thinking about buying or selling a home. A lot of times people make that decision based on a referral, but why not do everything you can to be the name they think of when they make the decision to hire a real estate professional outside of referrals? Especially if you’re starting out and haven’t built up any repeat and referral business yet.

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When you want to make your name synonymous with real estate transaction success, you might want to consider branding yourself. Personal branding, long a staple of Corporate America, is also an invaluable tool for those in the real estate industry as well. Understanding branding and being consistent about it, is one way to insure you’ll have a successful and long-lasting business. It’s up to you to make consumers think that their success in real estate is dependent on finding the perfect agent—YOU. Top Agent Magazine

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS BRANDING? Branding is a long term marketing strategy that builds your carefully crafted image over time through consistent repetition. A common misperception about branding is that it’s is the same thing as marketing. While the two go hand and hand in many ways, branding is specifically about creating and reinforcing the perception of not only who you are as a person, but what your business values are, and getting that out to the world in a consistent way Everything from your logo, to your website

to your social media presence, should all line up and reinforce your brand. It’s that repetitiveness that will hammer home the perception you are trying to create. Your brand informs your marketing, while your marketing strengthens your brand. Of course then you have to do is make sure your service lives up to what you’re selling. Getting them in the door is one thing, but you’re in it for lifetime customers and referrals.

Every brand is strengthened when it is built on a foundation of integrity and trust.

CREATING A BRAND Although it might take time and money upfront to get it right, branding is almost guaranteed to pay off in the long run. But branding is more than just having a graphic designer come in and make a logo. Consider branding more of a promise to your clients and potential clients, succinctly stating the value and expertise working with you will afford them. There are clear, tried and true methods to creating your branding. Because you have to go all in on the way you want to brand yourself, it’s important to evaluate fully before you make the leap.

This all starts with an honest assessment of your business and where you want it to go, including how much time and money you’re willing to invest to get there. After that you may want to add focusing on a niche market to your branding. Regardless of whether or Top Agent Magazine

not you have a niche, another important part of branding is coming up with a memorable tagline that sells your brand or niche. All of your graphics, picture and information, should be consistent across all social media platforms, marketing materials, advertising and websites.

If you are interested in branding yourself, there are numerous books on the subject that will give you an in-depth tutorial on the process and the steps you need to take.

But what it basically all comes down to is commitment. Find a brand that is true to you, one that you can commit to performing and then back it up by not only meeting, but exceeding what you promised.

If done right, soon you’ll become an in-demand agent whose name is synonymous with success!

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6 Habits of Highly Productive Agents In a business that can be constant chaos, you’re constantly on the go and dealing with things as they hit you. It can be difficult to take a second and regroup. But there is a better and smarter way to work. If you take the time to create some better habits, in the end, you may end up being more productive. If you want to make better use of your time, as well as have more focus, here’s some habits that you’re going to want to pick up - all common to top-producing agents.

1. Learn how to prioritize Although it might be your instinct to get some of the boring work out of the way first, things 6

that actually generate income (or are time-sensitive!) should be the first thing you focus on when you start your day.

Lists are your friend! Make a list of things you want to accomplish for the day, the week, and even the month. Always list them in the order of priority. If things get cut off when you run out of time at the end of the day, at least it’ll be the things that are not as important or time sensitive. As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list, you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as Top Agent Magazine

well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s and don’t ever waste it.

As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s, and don’t ever waste it.

to accomplish it? Write it out and then incorporate that into your prioritized ‘to do’ list.

You’ll be amazed at how driven you become to reach that goal when you actually write it out with clarity. And, the sense of accomplishment you get upon completing it will carry over to the next day. It’s important to remember to be specific. Once you get into the habit of meeting your goals, exceeding them won’t be far behind.

2. Remove distractions

when you need to focus This is especially hard when you’re a Realtor®. Most are constantly connected to their phones. But, unnecessary distractions can get you off schedule and make you lose your focus instantly. If you can, turn your phone off for the half hour it takes to do a task. Interruptions make everything take twice as long, especially when you take that text and then decide to check Facebook for a second.

We all do it!

Complete your task, then take ten minutes to respond to all texts and messages before you start up the next thing on your list. You can even schedule those ‘text backs’ into your schedule. A concentrated effort is always more effective than going back and forth between things.

3. Set daily goals This is so key. What do you want to accomplish for the day and what do you need to do Top Agent Magazine

4. Don’t make excuses There’s that old saying, “The buck stops here”. Well, take it to heart. This is your business and you are responsible for doing everything you can to make it successful.

Sure, there are reasons for why you didn’t get a listing or why your business is slow, but what are you doing to change things and make them better? Successful Realtors® work harder and come up with innova7

tive ways to stand out when times are tough. They don’t look for excuses, they look for solutions.

5. Be deliberate

about everything you do When you’re making your list, it helps to have a goal in mind for even the smallest task. If you’re calling past clients to touch base, have a specific reason why you’re calling. Are you letting them know some market news?

Thanking them for a referral? When you’re meeting a referral partner for lunch, have a goal in mind for what the outcome of that meeting will be as well. Yes it’s good to socialize and build relationships, but if you have a reason, make sure it isn’t put off until the final moments, when things are wrapping up. Always having a purpose in mind will also help you prioritize your list better.

6. Always look for ways to

get out of your comfort zone Yes, you are prioritizing what is most important or urgent to your business, but it’s also important to make an effort to break out 8

of your routine as much as you’re comfortable doing. Trying out new things or taking some time to learn about new and innovative real estate techniques and technology, can have an energizing effect on your business.

Not only might they lead to things that make you more productive, but it keeps you sharp and engaged. And, ultimately keeping yourself at the top of your game is what it’s all about.

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MAELIA DAVIS & MYRA GARCIA

Together, Top Agents Maelia Davis and Myra Garcia run a team called M2 Property Group (Myra & Maelia) with Myra leading the Rio Grande Valley team and Maelia leading the Houston team.

From flipping houses in California to becoming a powerhouse real estate broker in Texas, Maelia Davis’ journey into the world of real estate is a testament to her passion for the industry. After purchasing her first house in 1997, she began renovating it, which sparked her desire to explore this field. “I flipped that house and continued flipping until 2012,” she explains. “So every two years I would Copyright Top Agent Magazine

buy a house, fix it up, and sell it.” After retiring from her job at Univision Television Network and relocating to Houston in 2012, she took her passion to the next level, working full-time as an agent. Maelia encouraged her best friend, Myra Garcia, to enter the real estate industry. “We have been friends since we were eight years old, and come from similar backgrounds,” Maelia explains. “We’re

both Cuban and bilingual, and have a thirst to make a difference.” Myra worked in Economic Development in the Rio Grande Valley for over 30 years, among other projects, so Maelia knew she would be an amazing agent. The first week Myra began working as an agent, she closed a deal, and has been unstoppable ever since. They immediately found that their skillsets balanced

each other perfectly, and knew that they could reach great heights together.

Together, Maelia and Myra run a team called M2 Property Group (Myra & Maelia) with Myra leading the Rio Grande Valley team and Maelia leading the Houston team. “We run both offices like one big family,” they explain. “Sharing

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Maelia and Myra’s dedication to providing top-tier service sets them apart in the competitive world of real estate — with an impressive 70% of their business coming from referrals. resources, ideas, cross-marketing properties, and cross-training–but most importantly, we share a vision to create a space for our agents to develop a thriving business that provides exemplary service to our clients.” Their first location was Houston, where they experienced tremendous growth in production numbers and agent count. The Houston office is largely residential-focused, while the Rio Grande Valley location is 90% commercial. “With proximity to Mexico, the ongoing need for investment Copyright Top Agent Magazine

properties from international clients as well as investors within the US, investing in the Valley makes sense,” Maelia explains. “Texas is very business friendly not having a state income tax, and with the majority of the Valley along the border consisting of Opportunity Zones, there are many tax benefits as well.” The team covers a vast area, catering to clients in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Denton, as well as the entire Rio Grande Valley including South Padre Island.

With an unwavering commitment to meeting

their clients’ needs, Maelia and Myra’s success story continues to inspire.

Maelia and Myra’s dedication to providing toptier service sets them apart in the competitive world of real estate. With an impressive 70% of their business coming from referrals, their unique offerings, such as the ‘Home Readiness Team,’ demonstrate their commitment to client satisfaction. From deep cleaning services that tackle even the most overlooked areas of a home to professional staging and photography, Maelia and Myra ensure that every listing they represent looks like a model home. “During COVID, there were a lot of agents that were just taking a cell phone picture of the outside because they figured it was going to sell fast and why spend the money,” Maelia explains. “But we never did

that, we always want to make sure all of our clients’ houses look fantastic—they tend to sell faster and for more money.” This attention to detail, even during challenging times, has solidified their reputation as reliable and thorough agents. Maelia and Myra’s refusal to cut corners, combined with their tireless work ethic, drive their success, making them an invaluable resource for clients navigating the ever-evolving real estate market.

Active in their community, Maelia participates in and supports local events and organizations.

Hosting a community event every quarter, the team works to uplift the area they serve. Maelia says, “We support Bridgeland, Salyards Middle School, and Swenke Elementary, contributing to Teacher Appreciation initiatives and other

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school events.” Additionally, Maelia and Myra’s office organizes a variety of activities, such as a free paper shredding event, an Easter celebration, and a 5k fundraiser for A Shelter for Cancer Families supporting patients’ families.

Every October, the brokerage hosts an off-site Business Plan Summit at exciting locations across Texas, such as South Padre Island, Port Aransas, Lake Conroe, and more. “All the agents come away with a Business Plan as well as a full calendar of events for the upcoming year,” they explain.

“We believe it’s one of the keys to our success– because we believe (especially in a year like 2023) that hope is not a plan.”

In the future, Maelia and Myra plan to continue running a thriving business full of like-minded agents who value their clients’ success. “We get to work with all types of people, and we make the buying or selling process so much easier for them. Being part of their journey is so emotionally rewarding, and it’s the reason we love what we do.”

For more information about Maelia Davis and Myra Garcia, call 310-977-7269 or email maelia@remaxpropgroup.com

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How To Send

SMARTER EMAILS

Email is a great tool for agents to use when trying to stay in touch with their past clients, as well as for reaching out to prospective clients. However, used incorrectly it can make your attempts to reach out seem like spam. The secret to using email effectively is making sure that everything you send out does one thing: ensure that you remain relevant to your contacts. To do this you have to get personal. Personalization will go far to ensure that your contacts are actually clicking on your emails. This means that if you do reply on an automated drip email campaign to build business, you need to customize your content so that it delivers something meaningful to each individual recipient. Here are some steps that will help you do exactly that:

1. SEND A WELCOME EMAIL TO

NEW CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS Rather than simply add new contacts to your automated email drip campaign, make sure to send each new contact receives a warm welcome as well. Sending a welcome email along with adding new contacts to your drip campaign is proven to be 86 percent more effective at catching your contact’s attention. Let them know they are welcome and that you appreciate their interest.

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2. NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP

THROUGH YOUR EMAIL To let your potential client know that you are thinking about them by sending them useful content that relates to the process of buying or selling a house. Some great topics include credit score information, ways to save money, regular market updates, what buying in your market is like, information about the neighborhood, tips on how they can prepare their home for sale, and other relevant information. A great way to

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add to these emails’ punch is to time them so that they coincide with what that individual is going through and dealing with at that time on their path through the buying or selling process.

3. CELEBRATE IMPORTANT DATES

Everyone loves to be noticed and appreciated.

Schedule emails to go to each client that celebrate their purchase anniversary or birthday.

Make sure you include a personal note and your own wishes that the year ahead goes well for them. If you’ve been a bit out of touch with your contacts, you might want to send them a friendly hello.

4. MOBILE-FRIENDLY EMAILS

With our phones being akin to mini computers, most people read their emails on their phone these days. So, it is particularly important to make sure that your emails are rendering well on the smaller screens. If you want to make any kind of impact, you have to run a mobile-friendly email campaign in today’s world. You are going to lose a lot of your audience if they can’t read your email on their phones.

5. TRACK THE PERFORMANCE

OF YOUR EMAILS AND ALTER ACCORDINGLY The best way to make sure your emails are being read and making the kind of impact you desire is to consistently monitor the analytics,

and see what your readers are actually clicking on and what elements are most popular with your contacts. Going forward you can alter different elements of your email campaign such as content, images, graphics, and even smaller elements like your subject line to draw in more clicks from your readers, and cater to what grabs their attention.

You also want to follow a targeted email strategy. The best way to do this is segment your email list based on the data from your CRM and the demographics of your contacts. Different clients are going to be interested in different content. Long-time clients looking to buy a second home or possibly downsize are going to be interested in completely different content than your first-time buyers. A good way to filter your contacts is by looking at which ones are looking to buy or sell, how far along in the process they are, as well as other important information about them.

6. DON’T SPAM UNDER

ANY CIRCUMSTANCES You probably already know that flooding your clients’ emails is big no-no. However, different people have different ideas about what is too much contact. One great way to approach this problem is to ask your clients whether they would prefer weekly, monthly, or occasional emails from you. This way you can cater to each client’s preference.

The emails you send your clients can often be a double-edged sword when it comes to how well they work to bring in business. Following these simple rules will help your emails be as successful as they can possibly be, and will make your contacts much happier with you. So, don’t just send out emails without doing your homework about how to do it right. Your email campaigns can be a powerful tool if you know how to create and utilize them in the right manner.

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JESSICA CHAFFIN HARGIS

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JESSICA CHAFFIN HARGIS

In her real estate career, Jessica Hargis has seen it all. Having previously worked as a Broker with 85 agents who collectively sold 870 homes in 2017, Jessica has since transitioned to her current status as a solo Broker Associate serving Rockwall, Texas and the surrounding area. Last year she was #1 in her Coldwell Banker office, and this year she hopes to double her sales volume. Jessica has seen all the good, bad and ugly of real estate and the ups and downs of life, a collection of experiences that prove to be a valuable resource for her clients. “I am honored and humbled to do what I love every single day,” Jessica says. “My clientele has continued to trust me and refer me, and I am thankful to be considered a top-producing agent.”

With a plan for expansion ahead of her, Jessica looks forward to what the future brings.

11,000 followers. “I use social media in every aspect of advertising, from coming soon to open house to listed to pending and SOLD. I believe that people want to do business with the movers and shakers and the ones who are busy working real estate full time.” Though many call her for listings, she works diligently with buyers also.

Jessica’s accessibility wins her accolades. She is available to her clients 24/7 and can always

Known as a Listing Specialist, Jessica achieves results for her clients. “I feel it’s my fiduciary duty to do everything imaginable to bring my clients top dollar,” she explains. She accomplishes this aim through print marketing and showcasing on social media with her huge reach, over 18

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squeeze in a showing to suit a buyer’s schedule.

Buyers tend to love her understanding of the various loan products and all her referrals for any aspect of home ownership.

When it comes to marketing her listings, Jessica does whatever it takes to bring maximum exposure, varying her approach depending on the listing. She invests in professional photography for every listing, in addition drone photography and videography if the property calls for it. Add 3D photography, virtual staging and customized boost posts to the mix, and Jessica says, “Many agents look to me because I am a heavy listing agent. Many agents have buyers and they know I list homes often, so they are always looking to see what I have coming on the market.” Always using Facetime Live to showcase new or coming soon listings provides agents and potential buyers a quick walk through and details.

More than anything, Jessica’s business is about building relationships. “My clients really trust me, and honestly they should. I’m as down to earth and trustworthy as possible,” she says. “People come to me asking for referrals all the time, and I refer people that I trust as well. My referrals are also a reflection of me.”

When she’s not working, Jessica loves spending time with her 6 kids. She also loves listening to music by local country music artists, every work out class possible, snow skiing, traveling, sports events, fishing and much more. Having grown up in Crandall, Jessica was born and raised in the area and has lived in Rockwall for 19 years.

In the near future, Jessica looks forward to building a team. She is passionate about providing continued excellence to her clients. “What I love about real estate is the relationships I build along the way,” Jessica says. “I just love dealing with people, and there is nothing like the excitement when we find the perfect home, or when we sell for exactly what they were hoping for, or more!”

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To find out more about Jessica Hargis, you can call her at 214-870-7285 or email jessica@jessicahargis.com.

Find her online at jessicahargis.com. www.

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Uncommon Contact:

Connecting with Clientele Through Social Media Social media is one of the newest and most powerful tools in an agent or mortgage professional’s arsenal. With just a few keystrokes, you can stay top-of-mind with buyers, sellers, and borrowers near and far, past and present. The key is knowing how to use these mediums to your advantage, working smarter instead of harder to keep the thread of professional relationships intact. With that in mind, here are a few ways you can maximize the pull and power of social media by shifting just a few of your ideas and practices for the better.

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Not everything has to be about business.

While your relationship with a client or fellow vendor began over the course of business, your relationship going forward doesn’t have to be limited. One of the great things about social media is that’s it’s social. Not every comment, post, or communication has to revolve around your business, its metrics, or turning a sale. In fact, you should do your best to branch out and curate a brand and online identity that’s about who you are and

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the lifestyle you’re authentically interested in living. In that vein, consider interacting with clients in an organically-driven way, encouraging them during life’s milestones, reaching out with a local event, restaurant, or news item that’s relevant to their interests or neighborhood. The goal is to be a persistent presence in their lives without feeling like a talking head. Engage as you would like to be engaged with, as a human being with interests and needs and boundaries. Keep that personal thread in mind and your dynamic will shift from past business contact to present resource.

Expand your medium.

Many Realtors are comfortable on Facebook as an interactive meeting to connect with clients, but there are several other mediums where you can connect with clients both past and present, as well as future. Particularly when courting Millennial clientele, the fastest-growing segment of the buying market, a presence on Instagram and Snapchat are key to finding new faces, demonstrating hot properties, and creating an interactive brand as an agent. Not only does this help when you’re listing a property and seeking potential buyers, but it also serves as a perusable portfolio of your work and real estate prowess. You can also use these mediums to interact with clients on an outlet they might feel most comfortable in. Liking pictures, commenting, streaming Instagram Live home tours and Stories are all ways you can build engagement by simply spreading your social media presence around. Likewise, 22

these photo and video driven mediums are popular for home design ideas, and before and after renovation pictures. When you expand from Facebook into these new platforms, you’ll already have plenty of visual content ready to be transferred and consumed by an expanded audience.

Don’t just react.

Create your own content.

It’s easy enough to post a link to a new listing, or retweet a helpful article on real estate news. Creating your own organic content is a different story, but worth its weight in gold when it comes to luring engagement, ranking higher in search fields, and overall crafting an interactive presence for yourself and your business online—which is where more than 90% of homebuyers and sellers begin their process. Creating your own content can seem risky, or else like no one is listening in a digital world already crowded with information. However, original content is sure to boost personal engagement with your social media pages, guaranteed.

Instead of recycling content, consider posting a video with a Q+A theme for first-time homebuyers, or perhaps posting a live tour of a new listing will perk up your clientele surfing at home.

No matter how you decide to expand your social media presence when it comes to interacting with clients, consistency is key.

Find the ways that work best for you and stick to them, and you’ll watch your audience and business grow in tandem.

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ALEXA CONOMOS ANDERSON From the bustling world of broadcast journalism to the dynamic realm of residential real estate, Alexa Conomos Anderson’s journey is one to remember.

After 17 years with WFAA, the ABC affiliate in Dallas, Alexa made the bold decision to embrace her longtime passion for real estate and embark on a new career. Now, with over five years of experience under her belt, she has carved out a place for herself in the highly competitive industry. Leading the Anderson Conomos Team, she collaborates with her husband and brother-in-law often. Alexa’s innovative business model sets her apart, as she focuses on building strong relationships with clients rather than targeting specific areas or price points.

This approach has led her to serve clients throughout the metroplex, making Alexa a truly versatile and dedicated real estate agent.

Alexa stands out as a REALTOR® not only because of her high percentage of repeat and referral business but also due to her unique and innovative approach to marketing. She brilliantly merges her broadcast journalism skills with her real estate business, creating captivating 60-second video vignettes that provide guided tours of her listings. As Alexa explains, these videos give “buyers just a taste of the lifestyle” within a particular community, enticing them to explore the property further. Alexa’s strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, along with her 35,000 followers from her time on Channel 8, gives her a significant advantage in reaching potential clients. Additionally, Alexa and her husband are restaurateurs with several businesses in East Dallas, which has allowed them to cross-promote their ventures and to tap into a synergistic clientele base. “A lot of people who eat at our restaurants are also looking to buy homes, where they enjoy eating out, fine dining, and shopping,” she explains.

Another aspect that sets Alexa apart as a real estate agent is her versatility in handling a wide range of properties and clients.

In just one year, she sold 44 homes, including 34 listings and 10 purchases, with an impressive transaction volume of over $20 million. Alexa embraces the opportunity to work with both luxury and first-time homebuyers, as well as international clients, demonstrating her adaptability and dedication to her craft. Her passion for building relationships and trust with her clients is deeply rooted in her former career as a broadcast journalist, where she engaged with viewers and earned their loyalty. Alexa highlights the similarity between the two industries, stating, “it’s all about trust, reputation, and credibility.”

Alexa and her family are deeply committed to their community, actively supporting various charities. With her children involved in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, their family frequently participates in community events and projects. They are also highly involved in their Greek Orthodox Church, Holy Trinity in Dallas. In her free time, Alexa cherishes moments spent with her family, whether it’s traveling to their ancestral island of Kythira in Greece or exploring small towns in North Texas. She enjoys sharing her family’s history with her children and is passionate about writing her grandmother’s story, which encompasses her life in Greece, immigration to the United States, and journey to becoming a homeowner.

In the future, Alexa plans to continue growing her business thoughtfully, focusing on maintaining a healthy work-life balance while providing exceptional service to her clients. By valuing quality over quantity, she ensures each client receives her full attention and dedication, ultimately leading to referrals and lasting professional relationships. “I love helping people; it’s incredibly fulfilling to be there for them and to help them achieve their dreams in real estate.”

For more information about Alexa Conomos Anderson, please call 214-766-1892 or email alexaconomos@kw.com Top Agent Magazine

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JEAN MARIE BENZ After working as a Design Director in the Fashion and Home industry overseeing product and retail store design, Jean Marie Benz relocated to San Antonio. “My interests became centered more around home and interior design, so it was an ideal move into real estate,” Jean Marie recalls. “With my expertise, I could have done commercial real estate, but home is where the heart is. I strive to locate my clients the perfect home, working toward their goal, and the environment they desire.” By focusing on bringing her clients’ aspirations to life, Jean Marie has risen to become one of the top agents at her brokerage.

Primarily serving San Antonio and surrounds, Jean Marie also works in Austin and the Hill Country. “Due to the unique aspects of my experience, I cover a wider area which is rewarding for me,” she says. Jean Marie loves working in areas like Fredericksburg, that consistently ranks among the top locations to live in Texas, with a world-class wine region.

Jean Marie’s background pays off for her clients in several ways. “With construction, people often don’t know how to communicate or envision their dreams. My clients are comfortable with me because of my experience. I often work with out-of-town clients, and having lived in several cities, I can relate to and interpret their vision.” Overall, she says, “My specialized background works fabulously in real estate.” Her work ranges from New Construction, Luxury, Horse and Hunting Ranches and Land to Ag Exempt properties. “I am also a Staging Specialist, and as a result we receive multiple offers on my listings and averaged 103.7% list to close price over the past year.”

“Jean Marie is not just in the business of selling properties. She has an innate talent for utilizing her design expertise to transform properties by staging spaces to evoke emotion, to captivate buyers, and to unlock the true potential of every home. For Jean Marie, it isn’t just about selling real estate. It is about providing exceptional 24

service and guiding clients through one of life’s most significant financial situations of their lives”. says Erin Cestero / President of JB Goodwin, San Antonio.

When it comes to marketing, Jean Marie utilizes HDR photography, promotes properties across over 110 websites and each listing has a page on her brokerage’s website. She utilizes Facebook, community groups and incentives for open houses to draw substantial traffic. “I create strategic marketing campaigns with high visibility for my listings,” according to Jean Marie.

JB Goodwin is a strong presence in the community, and Jean Marie gives back via events and Charitable contributions. When not working, she enjoys painting, cooking, gardening and the Hill Country. “There’s so much to do in South Texas, and my husband and I like to explore new places,” she says.

In the future, Jean Marie plans on expanding her staging business, targeted campaigns and the Luxury Builder market. She looks forward to serving her clients with customized services to achieve exceptional results. “My personal satisfaction and reward comes from making people’s wishes come true,” Jean Marie says. “Whether it’s selling a home so they can buy a new one, or with builders for their dream home, and in the process creates lasting relationships.”

Contact Jean Marie Benz at 210-901-9360 or jeanmarie-benz@jbgoodwin.com. You can find her online at jeanmariebenz.agent.jbgoodwin.biz http://

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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.

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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 26

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.

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JESSICA BOYCE For Jessica Boyce, a career in real estate has always been about helping people.

After working in business administration, Jessica wanted a change, and real estate was a natural fit. “Getting into real estate was a thought-out process for me, and I finally decided to take the leap,” Jessica recalls. “What really pushed me to pursue it was the fact that I have always loved helping people, talking to them and getting to know them.” It’s that passion for service that truly sets Jessica apart as she makes a name for herself in real estate.

With Chris Beckett Real Estate Group at Pine and Beckett REALTORS®, Jessica serves the Permian Basin area. In September of 2022, she was featured as the “Rising Star” in the Permian Basin Real Producers Magazine. “I really enjoy working with our team,” Jessica says. “They are very outgoing and team-oriented, and they care about everyone on the team succeeding. It’s been a real game changer!”

Jessica is building relationships and seeing her referral business grow. She has gotten referrals from her social media following, as well as from past clients. Clients value Jessica’s down-to-earth attitude and confidence.

“I don’t try to be anybody different than who I am,” Jessica says. “Every single person I work with, I treat as if I’m going shopping for myself. If I’m not going to like a property, then most likely the clients who are choosing to work with me are not going to either. I really try to give 100% when working with my clients.”

Jessica forms strong relationships with her clients that last long beyond the closing. “I always stay in touch with my past clients, including my renters,” Jessica says. “A lot of agents don’t stay in touch with most of their renters, but I like to. Even though it’s such a short amount of time that I’m working with someone, I build a relationship with them.”

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When she’s not working, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two young children. “They keep me on my toes!” she says. Jessica loves getting outside, gardening, and just hanging out in the yard with her kids enjoying the outdoors.

Looking toward the future, Jessica is taking commercial classes so that she can expand into serving business clients as well as residential buyers and sellers. With her ABR designation and her PSA certificate, Jessica is currently working on getting her TACS designation for commercial. “I hope to continue to build my clientele and be able to help more families find homes,” Jessica says. “I love being able to bond with my clients, and it’s such a joy to see them happy. When I get to see them go from ‘I can’t do this’ to getting to the closing table and handing them the keys to their new home, it’s such a satisfying feeling.

Once I’ve built that relationship with that client, most of them afterwards stay in touch and become good friends. I just love helping families take the leap into homeownership.”

Contact Jessica at 806-332-5892, jessica@pineandbeckett.com or chrisbeckettrealestategroup.com www.

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JESSICA ZAMORA Jessica Zamora of Cypress, Texas, has launched her real estate business by matching the needs of her clients and community with a broad array of resources and business professionals. Her penchant for service, combined with the mindset and drive of an Ironman Triathlete, has springboarded her career to quick success.

Prior to entering real estate, Jessica enjoyed a fifteen year career working in labor and employment law. “My husband and I bought our first house when we were only twenty-five,” she recalls.

“So my interest in real estate has always been there.

During our most recent transaction, I kind of felt like there wasn’t a ready resource for minority communities to understand the real estate process. Doing things ourselves made us comfortable with the process, but the people in my circles didn’t fully understand the steps involved. That experience was an epiphany for me.”

Since the moment she became licensed in February of 2021, Jessica has diligently built her business as a part-time solo agent servicing the Houston Metro area with Lucky Money Real Estate, and she has already managed to sell a staggering thirty-one homes.

Jessica immediately attributes a significant portion of her success to the family members and agents who have supported her, both professionally and personally. As a result, her book of business is almost entirely based on repeat and referral clients. “I’m fortunate with my family and everybody who has helped me with my career.

My brokerage has made me comfortable with asking questions – no matter what time of day, there’s someone to answer – and surrounding yourself with good people with real estate knowledge is critical as a new agent.

Even now, having just given birth to my son to join my three year old daughter, I have agents reaching out every day asking if I need help with open houses or need a hand showing listings – I’m so grateful for the family my brokerage has created for us. And my own family is constantly bragging about me and bringing me up in conversation – this has been a family effort!”

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With the weight of her family and community behind her, Jessica prides herself on generating educational opportunities and constant client education. “I love putting together first-time home buyer seminars,” she exudes. “Getting together with title companies and mortgage lenders to help make sure people are aware that homeownership is extremely possible. It’s worth all the effort to be able to sit around a closing table with a family that’s buying their first home – to see that genuine joy of accomplishment on someone else’s face is just priceless.” In addition to her ongoing grassroots efforts, Jessica also broadcasts her listings across several social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

As she exits the initial stages of her career, Jessica is weighing the possibility of transitioning into full-time real estate. “I’m definitely at a crossroads – having so many clients come back to me for repeat business tells me I’m doing something right, but everyone in real estate knows it’s a challenge. As long as I continue to prioritize candor and honesty, and lay that groundwork to make my transition, things will work out!”

To learn more about Jessica Zamora, please call 713.530.9813, email jzp.agent@gmail.com, or visit: jzprealty.com, Instagram or Facebook www.

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

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

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

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

Here are some of the reasons why.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and 30

4. Networking

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

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LAILA RASHED Laila Rashed’s passion for real estate took root early on. “I had a love for interior design ever since I was a little girl,” Laila recalls. “Some of my family members are in real estate, and I also had a love for business and sales. I was looking for a career that would incorporate the two, and when I looked into real estate, I immediately fell in love with it!” The rest is history, and for going on 8 years Laila has been helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.

platforms. Laila also leverages her network of connections, blasting to other REALTORS® in the area, plus out-ofstate email blasts. It all adds up to great results for her clients, and last year Laila sold $8 million in volume.

Laila primarily serves the Inner Loop of Houston, as well as the surrounding areas. Almost 70% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients, and that number continues to grow as word gets out about the excellent service she provides. “Clients are happy with the negotiation skills that I’ve implemented in our previous deals,” Laila explains. “I also make myself very available to my clients. I always answer the phone and I’m very easy to get a hold of.”

Staying in touch long after the closing, Laila nurtures lasting relationships with her clients. “I like to maintain a good relationship with my clients after the fact,” she says. “It’s really about building a friendship with them.” She will frequently get together with clients for lunch or pop by with coffee or a small gift, as well as keeping in touch via social media.

When it comes to marketing her listings, Laila uses a comprehensive approach to ensure maximum exposure. She invests in Facebook ads, as well as promoting listings via Instagram reels and in magazines. That’s in addition to marketing across all the major real estate

Giving back to her community is another of Laila’s passions. She is active with Big Love Charity, an organization she has been involved with ever since she was in high school. When she’s not working or giving back, Laila enjoys taking walks in Memorial Park, going out to art shows, trying new restaurants, traveling, and relaxing at the beach.

As for what the future holds, now that Laila is a top producer in her company, she plans to start a team this year. She sees the new team as a way to take agents under her wing and help them learn the business.

“When I started, I was with a top producing team as an assistant,” Laila remembers. “I used that to support myself and learn the business firsthand without diving in too fast, and I want to start my team the same way. I would like to hire a licensed agent who wants to learn and grow.” Laila also looks forward to continuing to increase her footprint in the luxury end of the business.

More than anything, Laila looks forward to continuing to give her all for her clients. “I love business, and I love the interior design aspect of real estate, so being able to do both on a daily basis is a dream come true.

I also love negotiating for my clients and winning the highest offer on a home. I love seeing my clients happy, and I make it an easy process from start to finish.”

For more about Laila Rashed, contact 832-221-6356 or lailarashedrealtor@gmail.com.

You can find her online at realtor.com/realestateagents/5adb348d0a44eb0010322559 www.

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