Texas 9-18-17 by Top Agent Magazine

TEXAS EDITION

5 SOCIAL MEDIA MISTAKES Real Estate Agents Must Avoid

FEATURED AGENTS

RENEE KOLAR XUAN “SWAN” REDDING COVER STORY

FELICIA ALLEN

HOW TO CREATE A BUSINESSWINNING PLAN In One Hour Try vs. DO How to Recognize TRUE LUXURY PROPERTIES

TEXAS EDITION

XUAN “SWAN” REDDING RENEE KOLAR

You wouldn’t know it by looking at her, but Top Agent they like. Ther With a father who worked in construction, Renee 450 different digital platforms. She also makes 7 17 21 “Swan” of Austin, Texas’ JB Goodwin theyTexas-spedon’t know Kolar grew up surrounded by Xuan the progress ofRedding the use of digital marketing that targets real estate industry. Even at Realtors a young brings age, she cific property sites and Texas-specific to the table nearly a lifetime’s expethe joy inland their took an interest in the business’s inner allowing her to reach the rience inworkings the world of real estate. The daughter sites, of forspecialized the first time and so it was only natural that she went on to local market and appeal to the immediate area’s post-war Vietnamese immigrants who became real we are dealing earn her license back in 1986.estate Since investors then, Renee buyers. To ready homes for market, she primes in the United States, she was often person’s life, so has built her career on the bedrocks of integrity, each property with alluring photography, called upon as a child to translate contracts for them. an expert and who continuing education, and lasting client relationenlists the help of a professional and photograprotect them ships—all of which continue to epitomize her pher or stager when called for—allowing each Now after fifteen years of being licensed, she has thirty-year professional practice today. listing to debut in its best light. As for keepestablished herself as one of the major players in the “Honestly,” she ing in touch with clientele, Renee sends out a Austin commercial and residential real estate indusdo is helping p Primarily serving the greater Forth Worth region, monthly newsletter with industry updates and a try. She is in the process of building a team to support stability, an Renee’s scope extends across Tarrant and Parker fun recipe. She’s also sure to mailcial personalized FELICIA ALLEN “SWAN” growing business. “IRENEE just had KOLAR my third child andholiday IXUANand dreams. Findin Counties. At her office, sheher heads a tightknit birthdayREDDING cards to commemorate love the flexibility that this business offers parents. My three girls home is somewhere you g team rounded out by a full-time assistant to streamline transacthose special occasions, and keeps clients informed on market seetome and doingopportunities things that are and through know educational my clients as people, tions, and a part-time buyers’can agent addhelping value topeople her arsenal. andfulfilling developments e-mails. exciting. In order for me to provide the kind of service I want for so we can explore the possi With 78% of Renee’s business generated by repeat and referral myresults-driven clients, and raise myinkids, I need an all-star team. callimportant us The role in Renee’s professional clientele, her ability to deliver service a lowCommunity playsI an stress setting has kept businessEntrusted boomingAgents for decades. addition approach. Accordingly, she participates a variety worthyan at JBInGoodwin.” Wheninshe’s not of working to her potent work ethic, first-hand knowledge of the area, and causes, including as the “Rodeo Queen” theto Bullfrog West givesfor back her communi incisive negotiating skills, Renee counts unvarnished honesty as Fest, where she volunteers her time and energy to fundraise With almost 80% of her business based on repeat clients and referin our local community and one of the driving factors behind her success to date.doing “Blatant on behalf ofShe special needs programs forAchildren 4) HOW TO 18) HOW TO CREATE rals, RECOGNIZE Xuan is obviously something right. believes what schools aroundand the adults. world. honesty sets me apart from others,” she says. “If a certain move As a longstanding area professional, Renee is also active keeps her clients returning and referring is her unique approach to thePLAN lives of people on the o TRUE LUXURY PROPERTIES BUSINESS-WINNING isn’t right for my client, I’ll tellsales. them“My straightforwardly, even if it in the Northwest Tarrant Chamber of Commerce, which process is very empowering,” she says. “I always tell She and her husband also e IN ONE HOUR means not closing a transaction. keep them self-promote, the world region, myIclients that informed my job is throughto help themhelps reachbusinesses decisions, not to make acclimatize visiting theto city’s fam out the process, and if a hiccup arises, I come to my clients with and develop leadership that builds community. In her covdecisions for them. It’s a three step process: Educate, Empower and TRY VS.that DO a solution.13) Clients appreciate I am honest and clear about eted free hours, Renee relishes quality time spent with her Execute. First, I educate my clients with the information they need As for the future, Xuan’s fo what they need to do.” family, playing cards andMEDIA swimming. She also enjoys going 22) 5 SOCIAL to accomplish their goal, empower them to make the best decisions vice an thatafternoon has become out to dinner with friends, or spending with her her c MISTAKES REAL ESTATE for themselves help them executemother, the plan.” serve clients. She also Considering that buying or selling a home isand among the most shopping the local boutiques andher small businesses in prise trip back to their home AGENTS significant investments in a person’s life, Renee’s wise and their hometown. MUST AVOID reasonforce for her success isaher ability to communicate clearly to take a real vacation and n client-centric counsel acts asAnother a steadying throughout and efficiently. “I can explain things very well to my clients. Real sacrificed so much thei transaction. What’s more, her commitment to ongoing educaLooking ahead, Renee hopes to continue growing herfor busiestate transactions canmarket be very There are lot of up. deserve so much tion ensures she remains on the cutting edge of the andoverwhelming. ness and fortifying herarelationship withThey the community, with industry—insight that she readily passes on to those she serves.contractual plans incommitments. place to developWhen a community events where moving parts and intimidating to try, whilewebsite, I can. My clien “What I Phone like most888-461-3930 about my work is |helping people,” says. trying townsfolk can learn about area events andmy getfamily, involved. Alltim new clients meet with meshe AFTER to do preliminary research me and every Fax 310-751-7068 “I really enjoy helping my clients understandthey howusually to buy breathe and in all, the same innate passion forI real launched by themselves, a sigh of relief. Most likely, wantestate themthat to know they mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com sell, but also understanding the best ways to go about it. There’s her career continues to fuel Renee’s business today. With they have been browsing online and driving around neighborhoods they’re putting food on an our nothing more rewarding than guiding them through that process, abiding commitment to her clients’ successes, forthright comNo portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent step-by-step.” munication, and decisive the years ahead are Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensurefollow-through, the accuracy of published sure to bring about joyful prosperity for Renee Kolar and her materials, Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. To her subscribe or change send to mag@topagentmagazine.com. To market listings, Renee address, harnesses theinquiry wide-ranging influteam. “I love what I do,” Renee reflects. “It makes it easy to Published in the U.S. her listings are distributed across ence of the internet, ensuring come to work every day.”

CONTENTS

ELICIA LLEN

To learn more about Renee Kolar

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visit reneekolar.com, email realestate@reneekolar.com, www.

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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How to Recognize True Luxury Properties What to Consider Other Than Location When luxury home buyers are looking for a new abode, they are often advised to pay most of their attention to location, location, location. And it’s true that good locations often have better properties, but if you’re only looking at location then you might be forgetting what it is in a luxury property that makes it luxury. You could view a property in a great location, and because you completely ignored any of the other factors that make a property high end, you might find that once you move in, you aren’t as pleased with the actual house itself as you thought you would be. Here are the other things you should look out for when purchasing a luxury home: • Architectural Uniqueness: The simple fact is that good

architecture retains its value. Do your homework on architects and find the ones that have a good track record of designing beautiful, but practical homes. Don’t simply pay attention to how the building looks today. Consider how it will look in a few decades. Keep an eye out for the “bones” of the building, and decide whether they will stand the test of time or not. Things such as a solid foundation, high-grade materials, unusual details, and artistic components are good aspects to consider. Will the structure hold up well or will it degrade and crumble without constant upkeep? That funky molding may look artistic today, but in ten years will it be considered artistic or just plain weird?

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• Practical Layout: Make sure you have enough room to live

in comfort. As a buyer of luxury property, you probably have quite a busy social schedule. You want to make sure that the layout will lend itself to helping you maintain clear separation between your social areas and private ones. You don’t want guests having to go back into your bedroom to use the bathroom. Look out for places with stairwells, awkward columns, long hallways, and other wastes of space.

• Unobstructed Views and Light: You want to live in

a home that gives you lots of natural light, such as one that is open to the outdoors. That natural light will improve your mood, as well as the resale value. The openness of a space filled with natural light will make you feel more comfortable and happy in your new home. What about the view? Do you see a Do you park, a bridge, a river, or a skyline? Is the see a park, fantastic view out your window protected? a bridge, You’ll need to understand the surrounding air a river, or a rights and zoning allowances of neighboring buildings to understand the possible risks. skyline?

• Windows: Windows are the primary source of losing heat and

cooling. Make sure they are double-paned with good insulation that will protect your home against weather and noise. Unless the windows are already like this, it is unlikely that the condo or co-op board will allow you to install your own.

• Ceiling Height: Consider the cubic footage of the property.

You want to look for high ceilings that increase the openness of a room. Of course, you don’t want to go too high. Above 14 feet will get you diminished marginal returns.

• Storage: If you’re a woman, you will understand this one. We need

lots of closets and additional storage room to fit all of our clothes, shoes, jackets, hats, purses, etc. However, lucky for you, your potential home’s existing closet square footage will not limit you from putting in more storage space. Custom closet companies can create any kind of storage

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space you desire. You will have to, however, make sure that your new home does have an area that you can turn into this storage space. • In-Unit Laundry: In-unit laundry has become necessary for

any luxury home or apartment. Do you really want to have to trek down flights of stairs to use the basement laundry? If you still consider it wasted space, you can convert it into more closet space.

• The Gym: Having a fitness area nearby is an amenity that is especially

important, particularly in winter when you don’t feel like walking to the gym a few blocks down. One thing to consider is the Do you really want of the gym in relation to have to trek down size to the size of the building in flights of stairs? light of common area fees. • Move-In Ready: I’d advise against buying time-consuming and

frustrating fixer-uppers no matter how much you want to add custom kitchens, finishes, fixtures, and other characteristics. Choose a property that already has all of these amenities taken care of. These properties have already had the same designers you would hire fashion the house at a fraction of the cost you would pay to have them do it after you move in. In this light, it is worthwhile to pay a little extra for the move-in ready home.

• Reputation: Pay attention to the reputation of the building. A

property that has a good reputation tends to retain its value. You can easily find this out online on posts, and established locals are likely to have an opinion.

If you want to buy luxury property that is really worth it’s price, then I would suggest adding these points to your list of things your new home must have. If you want to get a high quality home that is a true luxury, you’ll want to watch out for these aspects as well as the location. Some properties might claim to be luxury based on their location, but when compared against this list, they don’t make the cut. So, don’t be fooled by imposters, and make sure you find a true high-end property. 6

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FELICIA ALLEN Top Agent Magazine

FELICIA ALLEN “What I do is not a career, but a calling, and I love it!” Working with purpose! That’s the driving force that facilitated Felicia Allen’s career today as a REALTOR®. Previously a computer network engineer, she desired a career that offered her the ability to share her Faith in God, have meaningful relationships with others, and write her own 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

future. “I realized that I could combine my passion for real estate with educating others, ultimately helping them to step out in faith and become homeowners. Becoming a REALTOR® was the best decision of my life! What I do is not a career, but a calling, and I love it!” Top Agent Magazine

Working with her vibrant team, a creative Marketing Administrator and an attentive Showing Agent, Felicia currently serves the home buyers and sellers of Dallas/ Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Cedar Hill, Mansfield, Desoto, Red Oak, Lewisville, Forney and surrounding cities. It is Felicia’s ability to be both analytical and empathetic that sets her apart. “I’m very good at identifying what buyers are Top Agent Magazine

looking for, and have a proven marketing plan for sellers. I stay up to date on the market, and have an in-depth knowledge of my area that benefits my clients. I stay dedicated and committed to finding the “Best Fit” home solution for buyers. With all my clients I remain transparent, but most importantly, I’m a friend and don’t shy away from the spiritual guidance required for a successful sale or purchase. Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

Felicia is not only exceptional at building strong relationships with her clients but, she is equally great at maintaining them long after the active transaction. “In my years of experience, I‘ve learned that it’s all about being grateful and taking time to stay connected. I take time to check in on past client’s home needs, as well as their everyday lives. I really enjoy continuing these relationships, and feel honored that they still want to be in my life too.” Felicia is actively involved in her community and hosts free workshops and seminars Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

for women who are rehabilitating their lives. These workshops cover topics that include: toxic relationships, maintaining your core self, financial freedom, homeownership success and credit education. Every August for the past 5 years, she’s hosted a back to school BBQ for students in the inner city. She also donates regularly to Helping Hands Ministries and Women Empowerment Connected. In her free time, Felicia tries to achieve a healthy work/life balance. She achieves that by strengthening her faith, meditating, readTop Agent Magazine

“With all my clients I remain transparent, but most importantly, I’m a friend and don’t shy away from the spiritual guidance required for a successful sale or purchase.” ing books, and spending time with family. So appreciative for the good things in her life and career, Felicia plans on gaining her Broker’s license, and is passionate about teaching other agents the tools to being successful. “My goal would be to organize workshops that unlock the secrets of the market and show agents how they can Top Agent Magazine

be used to benefit their businesses and their families. This is a wonderful industry: real estate is not a career, but a calling. As an agent, I’ve watched handshakes become hugs, doubts become victories and family bonds become stronger. To know that each day I get to wake up and impact lives with such magnitude is a blessing and an honor.” Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

To learn more about Felicia Allen call 469-939-0136, email realestate@feliciaallen.com or visit feliciaallen.com www.

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Try vs Do By Barry Eisen

“Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda (1977) The day is done. It seems you’ve done a million things. Everything went well. You had loads of energy and you’re stoked. Clients listened to you and acknowledged the clarity and wisdom of your suggestions. Your kids paid attention. Even the dog obeyed. Great feelings! Dawns a new day... You wake up groggy, you become a magnet for clients’ frustrations, you feel invisible, the dog spits up on the thick white rug, an associate points out a huge stain on your shirt, a selling appointment cancels and it’s not even 10:00 AM. Know what you are? Normal. Look around and you will find a lot of normal. Stuff happens to us all. To some, who seem to attract more stuff than the rest (something to be said about selffulfilling prophecies) the distractions feel overwhelming and continuous. Some try their best to turn the tide. Trying doesn’t work. Doing does. Effort is appreciated, but accomplishment creates the lifestyle and is a lot more satisfying. Top Agent Magazine

We use the word often and teach our kids to try hard. Think of what the concept of “trying” implies. We are telling ourselves to make the effort. But how often do we confuse effort and activity with accomplishment? Is it not our egos protecting ourselves from the perceived agony of failure by saying...you don’t have to do what it takes, just appreciate the effort. It’s kinda like the controversy raging on today about all kids getting trophies for participating in a competition, even if they came in last place. Maybe rewards for the little ones keep them engaged, but the reality of life for most adults is about accomplishing, not efforting.

Some try their best to turn the tide. One of the surest ways to become a victim is to try. Trying doesn’t When we commit to trying something and fall short work. Doing oftoadosuccess, we can always claim “ I tried.” Even in failure does. we can claim victory as we achieved what we committed to... I tried! Be careful of the words you use as they become converted into action. As in sports, good effort is appreciated, but the ones who want it more generally prevail. They call it Scoreboard.

The “doer” is the person who takes the bigger risk of making the extra effort. Without the risk to continue and create a victory, you create “normal.” It’s safe but unsatisfying. And worse yet, this settling for the lazy way out develops into whining, excuse making, low energy, irritability and much more. Do what’s right, not what’s easy. The best of your intentions won’t create a better relationship, clean up the planet or make you more money. 14

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7 DO’s to make a difference:

1 2

Leave every part of your day with a positive accomplishment (even a small one).

In every endeavor, act AS IF you were already successful and capable. Show yourself what you CAN DO.

Do what’s right, not what’s easy.

Read or listen to positive books or recordings at least 30 minutes each day-spend as much time with personal development as you do growing your business. Look for and apply the lessons that feel right.

Write out your to-do list every night before you go to sleep, whether you feel like it or not and prioritize it. Let it guide you to better decisions during your day.

Create a Value Added mindset that allows you to under promise and over deliver. That unexpected extra personal touch, that personalized attention, that piece of humanity, the extra door you knock, the thank you, please, your welcome can put you over the top. It is usually the little things that make a difference.

Develop strong enough “whys” and the “hows” answer themselves. Dig deeper than just an amount of money. Money doesn’t motivate. Figure out what moves you and your focus will become laser-like.

Follow through and do it not because you “have to,” but because you “get to.” Play, have fun, lighten up and shine. Barry Eisen teaches personal development seminars and coaches Southern California top producing REALTORS®. “Your business will never grow more than you do” is the theme; self hypnosis and behavior modification are the tools for playing a bigger game. barryeisen.com, barryeisen@LA.twcbc.com Copyright©, 2016 Barry Eisen. All rights reserved. 818-769-4300

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RENEE KOLAR With a father who worked in construction, Renee Kolar grew up surrounded by the progress of the real estate industry. Even at a young age, she took an interest in the business’s inner workings and so it was only natural that she went on to earn her license back in 1986. Since then, Renee has built her career on the bedrocks of integrity, continuing education, and lasting client relationships—all of which continue to epitomize her thirty-year professional practice today. Primarily serving the greater Forth Worth region, Renee’s scope extends across Tarrant and Parker Counties. At her office, she heads a tightknit team rounded out by a full-time assistant to streamline transactions, and a part-time buyers’ agent to add value to her arsenal. With 78% of Renee’s business generated by repeat and referral clientele, her ability to deliver results-driven service in a lowstress setting has kept business booming for decades. In addition to her potent work ethic, first-hand knowledge of the area, and incisive negotiating skills, Renee counts unvarnished honesty as one of the driving factors behind her success to date. “Blatant honesty sets me apart from others,” she says. “If a certain move isn’t right for my client, I’ll tell them straightforwardly, even if it means not closing a transaction. I keep them informed throughout the process, and if a hiccup arises, I come to my clients with a solution. Clients appreciate that I am honest and clear about what they need to do.” Considering that buying or selling a home is among the most significant investments in a person’s life, Renee’s wise and client-centric counsel acts as a steadying force throughout a transaction. What’s more, her commitment to ongoing education ensures she remains on the cutting edge of the market and industry—insight that she readily passes on to those she serves. “What I like most about my work is helping people,” she says. “I really enjoy helping my clients understand how to buy and sell, but also understanding the best ways to go about it. There’s nothing more rewarding than guiding them through that process, step-by-step.” To market her listings, Renee harnesses the wide-ranging influence of the internet, ensuring her listings are distributed across

450 different digital platforms. She also makes use of digital marketing that targets Texas-specific property sites and Texas-specific land sites, allowing her to reach the specialized local market and appeal to the immediate area’s buyers. To ready homes for market, she primes each property with alluring photography, and enlists the help of a professional photographer or stager when called for—allowing each listing to debut in its best light. As for keeping in touch with clientele, Renee sends out a monthly newsletter with industry updates and a fun recipe. She’s also sure to mail personalized holiday and birthday cards to commemorate those special occasions, and keeps clients informed on market opportunities and developments through educational e-mails. Community plays an important role in Renee’s professional approach. Accordingly, she participates in a variety of worthy causes, including as the “Rodeo Queen” for the Bullfrog West Fest, where she volunteers her time and energy to fundraise on behalf of special needs programs for children and adults. As a longstanding area professional, Renee is also active in the Northwest Tarrant Chamber of Commerce, which helps businesses self-promote, acclimatize to the region, and develop leadership that builds community. In her coveted free hours, Renee relishes quality time spent with her family, playing cards and swimming. She also enjoys going out to dinner with friends, or spending an afternoon with her mother, shopping the local boutiques and small businesses in their hometown. Looking ahead, Renee hopes to continue growing her business and fortifying her relationship with the community, with plans in place to develop a community events website, where townsfolk can learn about area events and get involved. All in all, the same innate passion for real estate that launched her career continues to fuel Renee’s business today. With an abiding commitment to her clients’ successes, forthright communication, and decisive follow-through, the years ahead are sure to bring about joyful prosperity for Renee Kolar and her team. “I love what I do,” Renee reflects. “It makes it easy to come to work every day.”

To learn more about Renee Kolar visit reneekolar.com, email realestate@reneekolar.com, or call (817) 237-9755 www.

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How to Create a Business-Winning Plan in One Hour by Bubba Mills

Baloney! That’s what I say to those who think building a business plan should take days, weeks, even months. And I say baloney again to those who think a plan has to have a bunch of pages with graphs and charts. I know for a fact REALTORS® don’t have that kind of time. But I also know every serious REALTOR® needs a good plan. That means if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place. Stick with me and you’ll end up with a plan that can make your year much better. A comprehensive business plan (two pages max) can help you: • Account for what you accomplish • Clarify your life • Keep track of each of your goals • Manage your time 18

• Determine if you’re heading in the right direction So let’s get right to it. Here are the steps to take to get your plan in place and your year (and rear) in gear: Create a mission statement. This gets right to the heart of your life and addresses why you’re in real estate. It answers why you’re here, what your purpose is and what your business is truly about. Use positive, present tense statements such as “I am,” “I provide,” “I strive” as you define who you are and what you provide your clients. Take 10 minutes now to brainstorm some possible mission statements. Perform a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). For strengths, maybe you’re tech savvy. For weaknesses perhaps you’re unorganized. With opportunities, it could be that a large firm is relocating to your city. And for threats, maybe Top Agent Magazine

Every serious REALTOR® needs a good plan. the mid-term, one year; and the long-term, five years. Also, in this same section, write your personal objectives. We can’t be balanced in life if all we focus on is business. So consider what your ideal sitWrite your business objectives. In uation would look like with your this section I’d like you to consider family, your spiritual life and your what you want your business to look social life. Spend 10 minutes now like in the short-term, six months; in on these topics. interest rates are rising. Take 10 minutes now and fill in a few items for each category. If you get stuck, ask a co-worker or friend, who knows you well enough, for suggestions.

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Create a mission statement. This gets right to the heart of your life and addresses why you’re in real estate. It answers why you’re here, what your purpose is and what your business is truly about. Create your sales goals. Here’s where I don’t want you to be afraid to think bigger. Take 15 minutes for this section. As part of this segment here at Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc., we include what’s called a goal achievement system that helps you stay on track with your goals. So for each goal, we include a why, excuses for failure, resolve and action items. I believe this is a vital step because it allows you to examine why you might hesitate in completing parts of your business plan. Email me at Article@CorcoranCoaching.com, and I’ll send you a free worksheet on this system. Develop action items. To wrap up your plan, you need to get specific about how you’ll achieve your goals. So for each goal you should have action items, due dates, who will 20

complete the items and a step-by-step daily and hourly plan with what has to be done. Take 15 minutes and do it. Tell me what you’re thinking. Do you have a plan? If not, why not? What’s preventing you from creating one? What successes or failures have you had with plans in the past? Bubba Mills is co-owner and executive vice president of Corcoran Consulting and Coaching Inc. (www.corcorancoaching. com/programs, 800-957-8353), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into Real Estate Companies, Mortgage Companies and Small Businesses. Bubba Mills is a nationally recognized inspirational and education speaker, coach and mentor to the top real estate agents and mortgage companies. To find out more about Corcoran Consulting & Coaching, call 1800-957-8353 or visit us at www.Corcoran Coaching.com. Top Agent Magazine

XUAN “SWAN” REDDING You wouldn’t know it by looking at her, but Top Agent Xuan “Swan” Redding of Austin, Texas’ JB Goodwin Realtors brings to the table nearly a lifetime’s experience in the world of real estate. The daughter of post-war Vietnamese immigrants who became real estate investors in the United States, she was often called upon as a child to translate contracts for them. Now after fifteen years of being licensed, she has established herself as one of the major players in the Austin commercial and residential real estate industry. She is in the process of building a team to support her growing business. “I just had my third child and I love the flexibility that this business offers parents. My three girls can see me helping people and doing things that are fulfilling and exciting. In order for me to provide the kind of service I want for my clients, and raise my kids, I need an all-star team. I call us The Entrusted Agents at JB Goodwin.” With almost 80% of her business based on repeat clients and referrals, Xuan is obviously doing something right. She believes what keeps her clients returning and referring is her unique approach to sales. “My process is very empowering,” she says. “I always tell my clients that my job is to help them reach decisions, not to make decisions for them. It’s a three step process: Educate, Empower and Execute. First, I educate my clients with the information they need to accomplish their goal, empower them to make the best decisions for themselves and help them execute the plan.” Another reason for her success is her ability to communicate clearly and efficiently. “I can explain things very well to my clients. Real estate transactions can be very overwhelming. There are a lot of moving parts and intimidating contractual commitments. When new clients meet with me AFTER trying to do preliminary research by themselves, they usually breathe a sigh of relief. Most likely, they have been browsing online and driving around neighborhoods

they like. There is plenty of information out there but they don’t know how it relates to them. You can see the joy in their eyes when they can see the path clearly for the first time. I do real estate every single day. And we are dealing with one of the largest transactions in a person’s life, so it’s important that they are guided by an expert who can show them the best opportunities and protect them from disastrous mistakes.” “Honestly,” she says, “what I love most about what I do is helping people achieve that next level of financial stability, and just getting closer to their goals and dreams. Finding a home is a very personal thing. A home is somewhere you go to relax and exhale. I like getting to know my clients as people, and finding out what their dreams are so we can explore the possibilities together.” When she’s not working and spending time with her family, Xuan gives back to her community via her church, “because they invest in our local community and do mission trips to build hospitals and schools around the world. It’s incredible to think you can impact the lives of people on the other side of the world if you want to.” She and her husband also enjoy Austin’s eclectic foodie scene, and visiting the city’s world famous Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas. As for the future, Xuan’s focus is on maintaining the top-notch service that has become her calling card and training a team to help serve her clients. She also has plans to send her parents on a surprise trip back to their homeland, Vietnam. “I want them to be able to take a real vacation and not worry about money,” she says. “They sacrificed so much for their five children when we were growing up. They deserve so much more than I could ever give, but I want to try, while I can. My clients don’t know this, but they’re helping me and my family, every time they work with us or send a referral. I want them to know they are supporting a small local business, they’re putting food on our table and funding our dreams.”

For more information about Xuan “Swan” Redding, please call 512-773-6934 or email Xuan@JBGoodwin.com Top Agent Magazine

SOCIAL MEDIA MISTAKES

Real Estate Agents Must Avoid There is perhaps no greater marketing tool for agents these days than having a large presence on social media, but there is more to social media marketing than just opening an account and gaining followers. A lot of agents forget the social part of social media. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about engagement, but it needs to be the right kind of engagement. This can often be the first impression potential clients or industry peers have of you, so make it count. There is no second chance to make a first impression, and that is especially true for real estate agents. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a few things you want to avoid.

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1 Using it to Vent

Social Media is a great place to complain and commiserate about things, but save that for your personal page. A real estate transaction is already a stressful ordeal, the last thing anyone wants is someone who seems like they’ll bring a negative energy to the process. Even worse? Bad mouthing other Realtors® or listings. You’re selling yourself and your skills, so don’t sell anything that shows you in a bad light. Much like marketing a property, everything you put out should be professional and inviting.

Lack of Consistent Branding

Yes, social media is about social engagement, but it’s also about creating brand recognition. While you don’t want it to be purely promotional, you are running a business, so create a consistent branding across all social media platforms. If you can afford a professional graphic designer to help you out with this, that’s great. But at the very least, have the same profile pic, cover image and highly visible contact information, across the board. And don’t forget to share links to your other accounts, some people prefer different social media applications.

3Not Posting Enough

It’s good to create a schedule of how many times you’ll be posting per day and to pick times when you might have the most engagement. Don’t over do it, but three posts a day at the right time, tends to be a good goal. There are numerous tools on Facebook, for example, that

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can let you see when interactions are the highest. Stick to your schedule and adjust accordingly. It’s also important to not just post your listings. Be a resource for people who follow your page. Post community events, or other informative articles that are relevant to home ownership. Be a page they want to follow even when they aren’t buying or selling a property. They’ll remember you when the time comes.

Not interacting With Your Followers

It’s called social media for a reason. The more you engage with your followers, the more they see you as a real person, and not just a marketing tool. Not only do you get to know your past clients and potential clients, on Facebook, engagement actually will make your posts seen by more people. So it’s a win/win.

Not Sharing or Linking to Others

It might not seem like a good idea to not promote the blogs, pages or listings of other people, but it’s not only an excellent way to build goodwill, it will also increase your own presence when they reciprocate. So make a point to share posts and links for local businesses and even the blogs of your peers, if it’s a post that offers valuable insight into an expertise you don’t have. That will encourage them to share your posts and even your listings, which will increase your potential buyer pool. This is another incentive to create your own blog. Unique informative content is always of value, and more likely to be shared than promotional links.

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