WASHINGTON 7-25-22

WASHINGTON EDITION

CONCIERGE CARE:

How to Incorporate Current Events to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant

Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation

Business Growth Hack:

ABSORB YOUR CLIENTS’ STRESS!

FEATURED AGENTS

CHANEL COLINARES JENNIFER HARDER LAURA RANDALL JESSICA STERNBERG COVER STORY

HILLARY HUTTER

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

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How to Incorporate Current Events to Your Email Blasts and Stay Relevant Email marketing is a cost effective and straightforward method of getting your name and services in front of clients with just a few keystrokes. This tried-and-true approach to digital marketing is a favorite of many, and there are countless ways to customize (and maximize) your email blasts to reap superior results. Despite this, many real estate profes4

sionals are content to standardize their email advertising and take a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to capturing interest and leads. While an up-front sales pitch certainly has its uses and benefits, it doesn’t hurt to shake up your routine and refresh your email marketing approach by adding specifics that draw renewed interest from your audience.

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One way to accomplish this is by tying in current events and local happenings to your email blasts. After all, your sphere of influence likely receives countless marketing emails per day. To cut through the noise, sharpen your message with a few specifics that separate your communications from the pack. Not every email should be focused on closing a sale, or else your audience will learn to stop listening.

How do you build your brand, stay top of mind, and keep the lines of communication open with your clientele? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

against an old rival? Do they host themed fan days honoring veterans or catering to families? Tailoring your communications to a local sports franchise’s big news or next event can draw intrigue and provide added value for your clients. Remember, not every communication you send should be focused on pitching and closing a sale, otherwise your audience will tune out your emails altogether. Instead, incorporate fun, community-oriented content that lets readers know you’re a resource for much more than real estate.

Sports news makes a splash

Become a one-stop-shop for holiday fun and seasonal ideas.

People love to rally behind the home team.

Is a regional, local university, or professional sports team in your area headed to the playoffs or the championship? Are they facing off

From Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving, anyone can send an email wishing clients a happy holiday. While the sentiment is a good one, you’ll be one of dozens flooding inboxes with

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your well-wishes. Instead, go beyond the traditional greetings and good tidings and become a hyper-specific resource for clients. Create a gift guide for Mother’s Day, outline family-friendly local events occurring in your area around the holidays, or engage in a promotional partnership with a local business who’s offering a holiday special of their own. In other words, don’t settle for just saying hello during certain times of the year. Instead, up the value of your email blast by offering clients curated information that relates to their interests and area.

Doing so makes your emails a must-read, while demonstrating your ability to go the extra mile.

Pop culture serves as a fun and timely tie-in.

Is a new gaming app sweeping the nation? Have your social media feeds been flooded with the same viral video? Is everyone gossiping about the same TV show premiere? Pop culture tie-ins in your email marketing campaigns can be extremely effective, but in order to for

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them to work, you’ll need to move quickly and keep your focus on the phenomenon, rather than your service pitch. The goal behind pop culture marketing tie-ins is communicating the progressiveness and hip factor of your brand, while capturing timely, topical interest that’s at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be in on a running joke or trend, and if you leverage trending pop culture moments in your email marketing, you’ll be able to draw views and clicks from a wide audience.

Plenty of services offer standardized email marketing templates and content for today’s real estate professionals, and while the motivation behind marketing is transactional, your communications don’t have to be. The surest way to make an impact in your clients’ inboxes is to add original value and break apart from the pack. Consider updating some of your routines with these current events oriented techniques and your email audience is sure to take a second look.

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HILLARY HUTTER

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Designed and Staged by Holly Lott

HILLARY HUTTER “When it comes to real estate, you need someone you can really trust. The client needs to know that you will go to bat for them.”

REALTOR® Hillary Hutter thought about going into real estate for about ten years before she took the plunge. With a bachelor’s degree in interior design and experience working in the fitness industry for 8

many years, she realized she had both the eye for homes and the customer service skills to succeed. After earning her license in 2018, she joined a team in 2020. Since then, she’s moved brokerages and started Top Agent Magazine

Designed and Staged by Holly Lott

working as an independent agent representing buyers and sellers in Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish counties in Washington.

Hillary and her husband reside in Mount Vernon, an area known for its beautiful parks, hospitals and farms.

“There are a lot of people moving here from California and particularly during the pandemic, a lot of new residents looking to get out of the big Top Agent Magazine

cities,” Hillary says. She loves getting to show the area she lives in to clients and takes a personalized approach to their needs. “I’m not concerned about the price point they’re looking for, I just want to make the process of buying or selling their home a great experience for them,” she explains. “When it comes to real estate, you need someone you can really trust. The client needs to know that you will go to bat for them.” It’s 9

this client-first attitude, coupled with strong negotiation skills that come from years of being in sales and the fitness industry that have resulted in an impressive amount of business from repeat and referral clients — around 80%.

to reach new clients and grow her reputation. Of course, one of the biggest factors that sets her apart is her design background, which she uses to prepare homes to look magazine ready. “I use my eye and experience to help consult the seller on all the things to do to get us ready to list, Since moving to Compass in from design changes to paint and December, Hillary has been taking finishes,” Hillary explains. She then advantage of their high-end advertis- has professional photos and viding and digital marketing technology eos taken for the listings, which are

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Designed and Staged by Holly Lott

shared on social media and online.

One of her greatest motivations for continuing to grow her business is her desire to help animals in need.

Not only does she have her own horse and Pit Bull, but Hillary donates a minimum of 15% of everything she does to animal rescues.

“The organizations I focus on are primarily working to save horses Top Agent Magazine

from slaughter and help Pit Bulls, like our rescue dog Popeye, as rescuing him changed our lives.” Each week, Hillary also walks dogs at The Noah Center in Stanwood for a few hours. When she’s not working, she spends as much time as possible with her horse as well as her family.

This year, Hillary is on track to do 11

Designed and Staged by Holly Lott

between $12-15 million in sales volume. With her competitive nature, she’s set a goal to reach the $25 million bar within the next few years.

Hillary’s not planning on joining a team — instead she wants to keep

building her business on her own terms. “I love that no day is ever the same. No client is the same, no house is the same. You’re always learning as much as possible to be able to help people better.”

To learn more about Hillary Hutter, please call 425-772-4118 or email hillary@hillaryhutterhomes.com

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Stefani Young is proud to congratulate

Hillary Hutter

on being featured in Top Agent Magazine for the state of Washington!

Stefani Young | Branch Manager NMLS 518824 Office (360) 558-3122 Mobile (360) 739-3084 Fax (804) 381-4374 movement.com/Stefani.Young www.

12 Bellwether Way Suite 110 Bellingham, WA 98225

WA-MLO-518824 | Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499.

Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by WA # CL-39179. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Rd, Indian Land, SC 29707.

WA-MLO-518824, GA-Temporary Authority | Movement Mortgage LLC. All rights reserved. NMLS ID #39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in.

Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. For more licensing information please visit movement.com/legal on page 1 Please be aware that e-mail is not a secured communication vehicle, and that others may in certain circumstances be able to view its contents.

As a result, while we are happy to provide this information by e-mail, we do not conduct actual business transactions by e-mail. Please contact the sender directly if you have any concerns about this message. All loans subject to credit approval and property appraisal. This communication is confidential and propriety business communication. It is intended solely for the use of the designated recipients(s). If this communication is received in error, please contact the sender and delete this communication.

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Business Growth Hack: Absorb Your Clients’ Stress!

Your business coach or a CRM software sales rep has probably described a number of products or services to help you grow your business. But sometimes the easiest way to increase the deals you’re closing is to simply be present for your clients. In doing so, you’ll find have the power to decrease the stress they feel. And when you decrease their stress, you increase your value to them, leading to new referrals and organic growth.

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You may be thinking, “I have enough stress; how can I find the emotional bandwidth for other people’s stress?” But consider this: As their day-to-day point of contact in this life decision, you are already a strong presence in your client’s lives. Why not allow yourself to be the only seemingly calm part of this process? By asking them what’s on their mind, by truly listening, by showing that you truly understand and even by rolling up

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your sleeves to relieve some of their grunt work, you’ll prove yourself invaluable.

Think of yourself as the equivalent of an anti-anxiety pill to your clients. All you have to do is form a few easy habits.

Laura and Raj, their agent and their loan officer soon came to learn that Laura’s 80-year-old mother may eventually move in with the family. This news not only helped the agent best meet Laura’s and Raj’s needs for a new home; it gave both the agent and the loan officer opportunities to go above and beyond for their clients. Their REALTOR® connected Laura with a senior services nonprofit near Laura’s mom’s current home that may be able to assist the family.

And their loan officer outlined various, detailed options to Laura and Raj make smart, long-term financial decisions.

Meanwhile, the agent and loan officer earned the trust of Laura and Raj, who felt less worried about the future.

Listen – really listen – with patience Behind every home purchase or sale is a person or a family with a uniquely complex set of needs, motivations, objectives and priorities. Asking the right questions and truly listening to the answers are the easiest ways to learn how to make clients’ lives easier. In doing so, you not only show that you’re interested in them as people, but you help yourself discover ways to surprise your clients with service.

Take “Laura and Raj,” for instance – a couple in their 30s who wanted a larger home because their family of five outgrew their first home. By patiently getting to know Top Agent Magazine

Empathize Don’t be afraid to describe your own personal experiences as a homebuyer or seller, explaining how you felt at the time; let your client know you “get” it. The agent who is willing to open up and let buyers and

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sellers know that they personally understand their needs and concerns will connect with clients quickly, break down barriers and help the process move smoothly.

Chayan Alavi, Broker/Owner of Alavi Agency in Long Beach, California, challenges himself and his team to ensure that every action of every day serves others. “If we can put ourselves in other people’s shoes with empathy, then we become stellar professionals and great human beings, too,” he says. “I like knowing that we remove the sales pitch from real estate and make it all about the customer.” Chayan and his team focus on customer advocacy and building trust. But they don’t take trust for granted.

Instead, they know trust must be earned and nurtured over time.

Roll up your sleeves “You can’t be afraid to do anything!” says Matthew Todd of d’aprile properties in the Chicago area. “People know there’s nothing I won’t do to get the job done.” He has 16

mowed clients’ lawns, walked dogs and personally cleaned someone’s 8,000-squarefoot, $2 million home for a showing one day after his seller left the house. Two days before another closing, Matthew’s client was unable to move large amounts of unneeded furniture out of the house he sold. No problem! Matthew joined or created five online garage sales; sold or gave away most of the client’s belongings and had the remainder hauled away before cleaning in time for the closing. “The first time I sit with a seller on listing presentation or the first day I take someone on a buyer’s tour, they know I’m ‘all-in.’”

Meanwhile, in the Cincinnati area, Aaron Denton of Summit Funding considers himself and his team members to be concierges for their borrowers. “We’re like personal assistants,” says Aaron. “People are happier when you remove the stress.” Included in their standard services are researching moving quotes; arranging and organizing movein day; scheduling utility transfers; assisting with children’s school registration paperwork; and even connecting buyers with local resources like daycares.

If “rolling up your sleeves” isn’t your strongest skill, then an easy alternative is to get to know professionals in your area who can do these tasks for you. In the end, remember that by listening with patience, empathizing, and being willing to go the extra mile, you have the power to remove the stress your clients would experience without your help.

When clients feel cared for, they remember the agents and partners who helped them.

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CHANEL COLINARES For Chanel Colinares, real estate was always a family affair. Growing up with a builder and a REALTOR®, moving into homes they’d fix and flip, she has a deep love and enthusiasm for architecture, interior design and the whole real estate business that really shines through. Chanel spent several years working for a private investor, expanding her knowledge of real estate managing a portfolio of commercial and residential properties. After getting her real estate license in 2018, she started out by selling homes with her dad and helping family and friends before going into real estate full time two years ago. Initially, Chanel worked with the Northern Key Team at Compass serving the Greater Seattle area. After she and her husband purchased a home and relocated to the Ruston-Tacoma area, Chanel joined the Mike Rankin Collective with Compass.

Chanel’s love for her new home shines through. She describes Northern Tacoma as an area that’s growing in positive ways with a new development along the Point Ruston waterfront including movie theaters, shops, restaurants and a farmers market. It’s a great place for outdoor recreation with the Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier and state parks like Point Defiance Park on the waterfront and Chambers Bay Golf Course nearby. The downtown area is actively recovering from the challenges of the pandemic. One of Chanel’s favorite restaurants in this district is Wooden City, a charming spot that specializes in local food where she loves to take visitors and clients.

Other popular spots include the Proctor District and Brown Family Winery.

After two years as a full-time agent, Chanel has a growing group of happy clients reflected in 5-star reviews.

She loves working with people to help them find their perfect home and is particularly excited to share the “hidden gem” of the Ruston-Tacoma and Gig Harbor area with her clients. Chanel likes to be very hands-on with her listings and handles the design and staging herself. She emphasizes the importance of first impressions and makes sure the home is shown in its best possible Top Agent Magazine

light and is a home the owners will be proud to sell. She also works closely with professional photographers and videographers to make sure they capture the most eye-catching perspectives and highlight the features of the property.

Chanel finds personal ways to keep in touch with clients whom she sees as friends. She sends holiday gifts, cards and cookies, and celebrates home anniversaries. She also checks in regularly just to see how they’re doing and let people know that she’s thinking of them. Building relationships and helping people is the heart of Chanel’s business.

When she’s not working, Chanel and her husband enjoy exploring Point Defiance Park with their Bernese Mountain Dog, walking the trails and the newly-renovated Owens Beach and Ruston waterfront. The couple also spends time at their family’s beach home in Gig Harbor and visiting local spots like The Hub at the Tacoma Narrows Airport where you can enjoy a fresh meal while watching private planes fly by. As part of the Mike Rankin Collective, Chanel participates in team charity events supporting the Tacoma Rescue Mission and local animal shelters. She looks forward to growing her business in this new market and helping more people to find a home where they can enjoy the natural beauty and amenities of this special place.

For more about Chanel, call (206) 799-2325, email chanel.colinares@compass.com or visit her website: ccrealestate.co

www.elliman.com/florida/associate/510-a-548-fl-3046165/edward-fernandez

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JENNIFER HARDER When Jennifer Harder saw the power real estate had to change lives, she knew it was the career for her. “I started investing in real estate when I turned 18,” she explains.

“I was able to earn equity and saw that it could have a huge impact on people’s futures. So I decided I wanted to help people learn how to do what I did.” Jennifer was working in sales at the time, and knew her communication skills would translate well into this field. Seven years later, Jennifer is thriving as an agent in Pierce and Kitsap counties.

Based in Gig Harbor, a growing portion of her business derives from repeats and referrals. Jennifer goes above and beyond to guide them in the right direction, educating them along the way and staying supportive at every step. She sets herself apart from others in the field by providing staging for her listings and getting to know her buyers and sellers on a deep level.

“I pay for the staging of all my listings,” she explains.

“I have a certain vibe that I like to showcase, which includes adding local products and decor.” Jennifer also adds fresh flowers. Her interior designs are instantly recognizable and have become part of her brand, always helping the property’s best features stand out.

Each home is professionally cleaned and pre-inspected, ensuring they are show ready. Once everything is prepped, Jennifer has every listing professionally photographed and videographed. She utilizes social media to capture buyer interest, and is known for her Instagram Reels that offer in-depth tours. “We like to feature the lifestyle that you can create by living in the neighborhood and house,” she explains.

This same thorough approach carries into her work with buyers as well. Jennifer is patient and attentive, doing everything possible to get them into the home of their dreams. One buyer recently said, “Jen had been helping our family look for a new home for the past year. We were being picky and took our time.

In this fast paced market, when you see a home you like, you have to jump today. And Jen did! She was 18

always quick to respond and made herself available to show us the house that same day. When we finally found ‘the one,’ Jen wrote a fair and competitive offer and it was accepted within hours. We would refer her to anyone looking to buy or sell. Jen is knowledgeable, thoughtful and a joy to work with!”

As an AirBnB host, Jennifer is also able to offer advice on investing in short-term and medium-term rental units. “I love to teach people about how to diversify their portfolios,” she explains. But no matter who she is serving or what their goals are, Jennifer’s motto remains the same: she will treat each home as if it were her own. “I take great pride in the cleanliness, staging, photos, and everything in between.”

Looking to the future, Jennifer plans to continue growing and providing value to her buyers and sellers. As the market changes, her talents help her clients stand out. “I just love what I do and I’m determined to help clients achieve their goals!”

To learn about Jennifer Harder, please call 206-963-4622 or email jenniferharder@windermere.com Top Agent Magazine

Concierge Care: Services that Lure Clients and Transform Your Reputation It’s a no-brainer: customer service is central to success in the real estate industry. While properties may be the product, this industry really revolves around people and the relationships you cultivate along the way. With that in mind, how would you describe the service you provide? If solid service is the baseline, then to set yourself apart you must deliver service that’s exceptional. But, how? Returning calls and displaying a friendly face won’t necessarily separate you from the pack. If you really want to take your customer service to the next level and build a reputation for white-glove, concierge-level courtesy, then keep a few of the following tips in mind as you create a professional style that’s completely bespoke.

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Make your communications matter For many agents, communication during and after a transaction are perfunctory affairs, with one-sizefits-all newsletters or promotional postcards that feel mass-produced. To really grab the attention of your clientele, you’ll want to build a recognizable brand. To accomplish this, begin by adding value to your regular communications. Clients are likely to bypass your communications if they think your only intent is to sell them something. Focus instead on creating content that’s compelling and dishes out value to your clientele. Just like a favorite blog you revisit again and again for its quality content, con-

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sider your communications as an extension of your brand and identity. A few popular ideas from which clients can derive value include: local restaurant guides, tax tips for homeowners, reports on home values and the marketplace, or highlighting home décor and landscaping trends. Make your communications readable and useful, and your clients past and present will think twice before skipping past your name.

Showcase the lifestyle Clients remember when you go the extra mile, and that additional effort distinguishes run-of-the-mill agents from high-powered professionals. Whether listing or buying, consider a property’s lifestyle.

First, think about a client’s everyday experience.

Where’s the best breakfast spot nearby? How’s access to public transportation or bike paths? Which outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the area?

Where might your client swing by for coffee?

Neighborhood guides that outline the livability of a home and its area not only boost value and highlight potential, but they also demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and connect on a personal level. After all, a home isn’t just a house; a home is all about the daily experience that unfolds within and beyond those four walls. With that in mind, do your homework and make yourself a local expert.

Your clients will feel they’re in good hands and will better envision their future unfolding, all thanks to your thorough legwork.

Customize your approach to clients As an agent, it’s only natural that you build your own daily routines and practices that keep your business running. While it’s necessary to create positive habitats that streamline your workflow, it’s also important to remain adaptable. For instance, Millennial clients may prefer to chat by text, instant 20

message, or email, whereas older clientele may prefer face-to-face time or connecting by phone call.

Adapting your communication style is as simple as a brief discussion: ask your client how they prefer to communicate and adapt accordingly. While it may seem like a small matter, it provides clients with a sense of comfort and control. Again, the key here is communication. Talk with your clients about their preferred methodology. Maybe they prefer a marathon house-hunting trek on a weekend day, or perhaps they rather sift through listings online before making in-person visits to a narrowed list. It’s okay to encourage clients or fill them in on industry norms, but it’s important to create an experience that’s tailored to their style and personality.

Authentically seek feedback While it may feel uncomfortable, asking for feedback during and at the end of a transaction can dramatically improve your working style and professional blind-spots. It can also help you adapt your working style to better suit your respective clients.

Of course, it’s important to be open-minded and to quash the need to be defensive. Not all feedback will be useful, but you can incorporate the parts that are. This not only grows your skillset, but it also demonstrates to clients that you are open to constructive criticism and sincerely prioritize a job well done over personal praise. As a bonus, positive feedback can be parlayed into client testimonials, which are incredibly useful tools to boost your business on the whole.

It’s no secret that real estate is a busy, self-determined business. While your client care may feel all accounted for, there is always room to grow. Professionals at the top of their field know this and never stop building out their repertoire. If you want to take your business to the next level and create an imprint that’s synonymous with concierge care, then keep these ideas in mind as you build your relationships and your brand.

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LAURA RANDALL Laura Randall, of Camano Island, Washington, combines the brain of a professional accountant with the heart of a lifelong friend to tackle the blossoming real estate industry in her hometown. “I live for those personal connections – I like to build personal relationships with small business owners, other agents, and vendors; and then put those connections to work when it comes time to help my clients buy or sell or just connect people with trustworthy vendors they need.”

Prior to entering real estate in 2015, Laura enjoyed a career in public accounting but perpetually felt the tug to get into real estate: “I’ve always been interested in houses. I love everything about them from the design aspect to buying, selling, and marketing homes. It was a big leap to go from accounting into real estate; but as I was getting into my forties, I thought, ‘If not now, then when?’” Today, in 2022, she leverages her former career as a number cruncher to best serve her clients; particularly those who are buying and selling at the same time. She also has her Resort and Second Home certification and loves helping clients find that perfect home away from home. “I’m kind of obsessed with data. When it comes to building a customized approach for my clients, I have a routine: ‘Analyze, Strategize, Advise.’”

Paired with her business experience, an innate personal touch helps Laura build lifelong relationships.

“I see myself as a personal advisor. I provide a clear roadmap and point out pitfalls before they happen and work relentlessly to help my clients achieve their home goals.” Laura loves to leverage every tool at her disposal to market her business. From things like monthly newsletters, professional photography and printed fliers to a robust digital presence. She also takes the time to send personal notes: “I’m a real believer in handwritten notes. I try to do a couple a day – it really helps me stay in touch.”

This unique blend of charm and spreadsheet know-how keeps Laurabusy helping clients, working with RE/MAX Elevate and focusing primarily on Camano Island and the surrounding Snohomish County. Her business relationships have expanded into several prominent positions within her community, including a seat on the committee for her local Boy Scout Troop, and a position on the board of the Snohomish County Camano Association of REALTORS®. With roots as deep and wide spread as Laura’s, it’s no surprise to learn that her business thrives on a foundation of clients that is a majority repeat or referral business.

When she’s not busy broadcasting or analyzing the benefits of living on Camano Island, Laura takes every opportunity to enjoy the experience with her own family: when she has time you can find her enjoying one of the trails or beaches with family, friends, or her goldendoodle, Maui. She also loves to read, travel, and is a big fan of Diet Coke and cinnamon bears. Laura will tell you everything you need to know about Snohomish County and Camano Island, from the best spots to grab lunch to where to enjoy the sunset.

For more about Laura Randall, please call 425-622-8074 visit ohlaurarandall.com or email hello@ohlaurarandall.com www.

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Are You Doing Business As YOU On Facebook?

Are you ‘Doing Business As YOU’ on your personal Facebook page? In other words, are you posting your business content from your personal page?

Yesterday a REALTOR® asked us, “Why should I bother with a company Facebook page? Can’t I just post everything from my profile page?”

The answer lies in what we call division of content. As you may be aware, social media began as just that… social. It was never truly intended for business use.

Over time, as businesses began to see the potential in reaching the masses in a new way, they began to intrude on this communication. Today, it is widely accepted that business will be conducted on all social platforms, but the manner in which we do so (and in which we are received) is still a touchy subject at times.

We believe it’s important to be transparent on social media. Draw the line between communicating as the Person and the Professional. Not only does this help you keep your content separate and appropriate, it also gives the control to your network of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and customers.

They get to decide whether to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ your company page. They get to decide whether they want to see your business related posts. User control is the #1 reason you need a business page if you’re conducting business on Facebook. Wouldn’t you rather have a willing and engaged audience over a forced, potentially reluctant one? We have personally eliminated many of the ‘DBA’ offenders from our news feeds and you have likely done the same.

As in all controversial social media topics, there is some gray area. And that gray area is often subjective, so consider this post food for thought and decide for yourself. We try our best to keep professional content on our business pages, with a couple of exceptions: 1. Philanthropic Promotion: We’re in favor of posting anything that will help an organization in need on both your personal and business pages. Nonprofits often have little to no marketing budget and rely on all of us to promote their good works, so we believe that’s a good line to cross (as long as it’s about the organization, and not you).

2. Recognition Tagging: Facebook does not allow you to tag an individual on your business page. Yes, there are some tricky work-arounds, but they are inconsistent at best. So when it’s truly important for us to recognize and tag an individual, especially someone who has done something nice for us (inviting us as guests on their radio show or podcast, for instance), we will generally post that on the business page first, then share it from our personal pages, along with a comment recognizing and tagging the individual(s) or business who helped us.

Either way (personal or business), remember to be true to the social aspect. Our participation on social media should be about giving, helping, recognizing and connecting…especially when it comes to your business.

Tonya Eberhart is the Branding Agent to Business Stars and founder of BrandFace®, LLC. Michael Carr is America’s Top Selling Real Estate Auctioneer & BrandFace® partner. Together, they focus on personal branding and marketing designed to help real estate professionals become the face of their business & a star in their market. BrandFace® for Real Estate Professionals is a book, professional speaking series and an exclusive workshop for agents, and is currently active in 18 U.S. states, Canada and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.BrandFaceRealEstate.com.

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JESSICA STERNBERG A lifelong resident of Washington State, Jessica Sternberg has always been passionate about helping others. She first took an interest in real estate during her time at Western Washington University. After graduating with her degree in Communications & Sociology, she decided to begin her career as a full time agent, joining forces with her mother, Dawn Rushton, to launch The Dawn Rushton Real Estate Group. They’ve been working together ever since.

Jessica assists clients throughout King and Pierce County, with a focus on Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Covington, and Auburn. She has cultivated a process around the core values of openness, integrity, and compassion to meet the needs of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Jessica personalizes her strategy to each client. Starting out, she helps her sellers fully prepare their home for the market, providing them with a suite of complementary resources like professional staging and photography services. From there, she broadcasts her listings over both the regional MLS and a highly targeted mix of digital and social media campaigns. Along the way, she is there for her clients, ensuring a seamless transaction throughout.

Jessica is just as attentive when assisting her buyers, drawing from her acute knowledge of the area to uncover the right investment for their best interests. In fact, she even keeps in touch long after the closing to cultivate a lasting relationship and make sure her clients are satisfied in their new homes. But more than anything, she loves welcoming newcomers to her Maple Valley community, from the outstanding Tahoma School District to local stores and restaurants like Tahoma Living or Crockett’s Public House, and Lake Wilderness, the beautiful center of the community.

Jessica has earned a fantastic reputation as a “5 Star” Real Estate agent, Zillow Premier Agent, Marquis “Who’s Who”, Winner of the “Best of Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Covington” award, and various other achievements over Top Agent Magazine

the years, with the vast majority of her sales coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Having exceeded $40 million in sales in 2021 alone, her and her team remain focused on what matters most: the client experience. “Our team prides itself on focusing on quality over quantity,” she says. “When we close a transaction, we tell our clients that we’re their agent forever. We will always treat them as if they were members of our own family.”

Outside of real estate, Jessica is dedicated to her community. On top of supporting youth sports and nonprofit organizations like Hunter’s Helping Hands, her team also hosts holiday events to raise funds and donations for their city’s food bank. When she’s not with clients or giving back, she can be found traveling, attending her children’s sports games, or spending time at home with her family.

As her volume maintains its steady growth, Jessica intends on expanding her team while scaling the proven standards that have consistently set her apart. “When hiring a real estate agent, don’t settle until you’ve found someone who truly clicks with your needs,” she says. “Whether buying or selling, you want to find an agent to guide you through the entire transaction from start to finish. That’s the boutique culture our team has worked to establish; after all, there’s nothing more rewarding than building a genuine connection with our clients.”

Contact Jessica Sternberg at (206) 922-4201 email jessica@dawnrushton.com or visit her website at dawnrushton.com www.

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