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Agent to Watch – Tony Natoli
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When he’s not out finding his clients their dream home, he can usually be found enjoying a day outside exploring his favorite trails at Annadel State Park! Read on to learn more about Tony Natoli and some of his tips for becoming a successful real estate agent.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I remember being behind the counter in my 9-5 sales job and wanting to do more; the customer would come in, we would build a relationship and then they would leave. In real estate, a home sale is so much more dynamic than a 30 minute transaction and allows me to dive deep into the customer, their needs and build a life long relationship together. It is 100% the best part of being a Realtor.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
I’ve always found the pre-meeting orientation to be something both sides appreciate so I have taken that approach further by including more preparedness for showings during COVID and offering real-time virtual tours.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
I’m excited to say I moved into my new home a walking distance to Annadel State Park, right next to my favorite trail.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
Nothing beats a morning sunrise and a cup of coffee to start the day.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
Travel is the first thing that comes to mind. We have such a beautiful and intricate world that I would love to explore more of.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
I wish I could be great at the drums!
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I have the fluffiest, snow white cat who thinks she is a dog and her fur joins me on every appointment.
Must have purse/car item?:
Gum! I am a sucker for mint chewing gum and keep a fresh pack nearby for when the current runs out…which doesn’t take long.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
A hike at Annadel State Park, my favorite place, followed by lunch and iced coffee.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Definitely Lococo’s Cucina Rustica
What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?:
This coming year I look forward to all of us coming together once again and seeing the life of Sonoma County return.
Out with The Old, In with The New: Setting Realistic Goals for Your Business in 2021
Close-up of real estate agent giving new house keys to a couple.
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Setting New Year’s business resolutions and seeing them through is a hallmark of successful businesses everywhere. If you are looking to continue growing your real estate business in 2021, the new year is a perfect time to set your goals.
According to market trends and analyst expectations, the real estate industry will continue to grow this coming year. Thus, real estate agents and industry players thinking about their 2021 business resolutions need to set realistic goals that will position their businesses for success and bring positive changes that hand them an advantage over their competition.
Here’s why realtors need to make New Year’s business resolutions to serve as a roadmap for accomplishing 2021 business goals:
- By setting micro-goals such as the number of daily client meetings or call-number goals, you will accomplish more in the new year.
- Once you make new year’s resolutions for your real estate business, it becomes easier to review the partnerships and tools you will or will not need in 2021.
- Annual sales and operations planning ensures the needed effort is focused on realizing sales and revenue goals.
How to Set Realistic New Year’s Business Resolutions
If you are looking to get started by setting realistic sales goals for 2021, here’s a list of sample business resolutions for your real estate business:
- Learn to manage cash flow more effectively.
- Step up online and social media marketing campaigns.
- Invest more time in professional development.
- Provide 5-star customer service.
- Growing your team by delegating more tasks.
- Find a business buddy and network more.
5 Tips for Successfully Developing Realistic New Year’s Resolutions
1. Communicate Your Resolutions.
Keep your team in the loop when developing your business resolutions and take your customers’ input into account. This will not only compliment your goal-setting efforts; it will also give you the feedback and insights needed to make solid business resolutions for 2021.
2. Make SMART Goals That Align with Your Resolutions.
As you sit down to set your 2021 resolutions, you need to ensure the resolutions align with your real estate business’s goals. It is essential to have specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based (SMART) goals. However, your goals should regularly be fine-tuned to support the business resolutions.
3. Create A Plan On How You Will Reach Your 2021 Goals.
As you set your business goals for 2021, be sure to back them up with a comprehensive plan to reach the goals. Creating a plan for achieving the goals will ensure that you remain motivated all year round to reach your goals.
4. Keep Your Goals Small to Make Them More Real.
If you often find yourself committed to your goals early in the year, but you always end up losing track of your annual resolutions later on in the year, try breaking them down to daily commitment statements. Writing and displaying them is an excellent way of making your daily resolutions real and actionable.
5. Create Deadlines, Incentives and Accountability Checks.
If you are looking to inspire a quicker realization of your business goals, it is always good to incentivize them. Keeping your goals on a timeframe and establishing deadlines within which specific resolutions are supposed to be realized makes them more achievable. Additionally, instituting regular performance reviews and accountability checks for your annual resolutions will ensure they remain top of your mind.
Why Unrealistic Expectations Can Lead to Disappointment.
When planning for the future, getting overly ambitious will cause burnout and disappointment when you fail to accomplish unrealistic goals. On the other hand, resolutions that are not challenging enough tend to dupe realtors into a false sense of success.
Your 2021 business resolutions can bring positive changes and some motivation for the year, or they could be a de-motivator. Here’s why unrealistic expectations become hurdles:
- At times, agents make unreasonable resolutions forgetting how quickly things can change on the economic scene.
- Sometimes agents set annual resolutions beyond reach then become demotivated when their plans prove unattainable.
- During strategizing sessions, real estate agents will attempt to shoot at a pipe dream that is insurmountable within a year-long deadline.
- Failing to prioritize resolutions or pushing them aside in favor of other things sets up agents for disappointment.
Endnote
By designing realistic business goals now, real estate industry players can be more successful in 2021. The best thing about setting strong, realistic resolutions as a real estate agent is that you can be sure your business will have a solid plan and clear roadmap for the new year.
Give Back, Stay Safe
Give Back, Stay Safe
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We’re sharing how to give back to your community while still staying safe during the era of Coronavirus.
Prepare Homemade Meals
The holidays are the season for giving, and even with the pandemic there are still ways that we all can safely help prepare and deliver food for those who are in need of a homemade meal. Check in with your local food banks and kitchens to see if there is anything they are looking for, and follow these CDC tips for how to safely prepare food for someone else while following COVID guidelines.
Make Donations
A great way to support your favorite organizations this holiday season is to donate! This doesn’t just have to be monetary donations, though those are always welcome. Now is a great time to go through your closet and donate extra clothing or some of those toys that your kids haven’t played with in awhile! Just make sure to wash/disinfect all donations before dropping them off.
Volunteer at Food Banks
Now more than ever it is imperative to make sure our communities are taken care of. Food banks all over the Bay Area are now accepting donations and volunteers to help pack food and to help distribute boxes to families in need. Due to COVID-19, volunteers are asked to sign up before coming down to the Food Banks to help adhere to capacity and social distancing guidelines.
Homemade Gifts
It’s no secret that this Holiday season is going to look very different, and as a result there are a lot of at risk groups in our community who will not be able to see their families this year. One way to help make this new normal a little bit brighter is to make homemade Holiday cards and letters and to send them to local nursing homes and shelters for occupants to enjoy. This is a great opportunity to give back as a family from the comfort of our own homes.
Send a Tree to the Troops
Decorating our homes for the upcoming holidays is a simple and safe way to spend time with family and to bring a sense of normalcy back into our lives. However, for the men and women deployed with the Armed Forces, they might not have the opportunity to spend that time with their family. To help bring a little bit of holiday cheer to those serving our country, considering donating a Tree to the Troops! Through the Christmas Spirit Foundation, you and your family can be part of giving a piece the holidays back to those deployed around the world. Learn more and find out how you can donate here.
Millennial Home Buyers: What’s Attracting Them To The Market?
Portrait Of Excited Couple Standing Outside New Home With Sold Sign
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Millennial Home Buyers: What’s Attracting Them to the Market?
Today, millennials are a major home buyer demographic. As more millennials look to buy homes and settle down, real estate agents need to fully grasp this generation’s needs to capitalize on the market potential of this demographic. The vast market potential that millennial home buyers herald is very exciting and should inspire agents to make attracting this demographic top on their list of priorities.
So, Who Are Millennial Home Buyers?
Millennial home buyers are the most extensive home buying force in the US real estate market currently. This demographic of home buyers is made up of the persons born between 1981 and 1997. They form a significant home buying demographic and represent the largest home buyer demographic in our country’s history. Some brokers and agents will tend to overlook millennial clients, but the forecasts point to a booming millennial real estate market. Millennials are quite particular about what they want. Thus, agents need to capitalize on the main things a typical millennial shops around for when searching for a home to buy, then embrace a good selling approach to entice these younger home buyers.
How Can Real Estate Agents Attract Millennial Home Buyers?
1. Millennials Are Looking for Convenience. Offer It.
Beginning with how you engage them as a real estate agent, the amenities offered by each listing they come across, to the home buyer add-ons available in the property market, millennials love convenience. Your real estate market acquaintance is indeed valuable when dealing with millennial clients with a whopping 89% of them saying they would transact via a real estate agent when buying a home.
No doubt about it, millennials love simplified and convenient services. As a real estate agent, you need to brush up on the efficiency of your service offerings to position yourself as a reliable service provider millennials can reach out to. Attracting more millennial clients requires agents to understand how they think, to always keep an eye on trends, and to adjust their selling techniques to resonate with these buyers.
2. Millennials Mostly Look for Listings Online. Tune Up Your Online Presence.
Let’s face it: most millennials grew up when the Internet and technology were becoming a hit. As a real estate agent looking to appeal to this tech-savvy demographic, you need to take your online marketing efforts a notch higher. For most millennial home buyers, the decision of buying a particular listed property comes after a thorough online search. To attract millennial clients, your online presence and your consistency in showcasing properties that are hot for this market demographic are key. Additionally, nine out of every 10 millennial buyers rely on online resources for home buying education. To attract these buyers to the market, you need a strong online presence.
3. Millennials Crave for Captivating Visuals. Use Them on Your Online Platforms.
Most millennial search is done using online visual content. Consequently, every agent needs to up their game in the digital space. Using fascinating visuals of listings on all your online marketing platforms will increase traffic, and thus lead to more conversions. While running such online marketing campaigns, you could also leverage high-quality videos and virtual house tours to attract younger home buyers. Giving them a feel of the magnificence and aesthetics they are looking for on all your online platforms and social media channels. The appeal that comes from lifestyle photos and videos taken on listed properties is enticing to this demographic, and thus attracts these types of buyers to your market.
4. Millennials Have a Soft Spot for Luxury and Style. Capitalize on It.
A top trend in the growing millennial home buyer market is the prioritization of luxury and style. Any real estate agent looking to capture the attention of this demographic and win them over will need to showcase a lavish lifestyle in the properties they are selling. Fascinate millennial clients and increase your chances of getting more conversions by displaying exceptional properties and showcasing the luxury and style of listings. By highlighting sophisticated outdoor living spaces, eye-catching courtyards, or even a swimming pool, you are attracting more millennials to the market.
5. Millennials Can’t Resist Reasonable Deals. Offer Them One.
One crucial fact agents need to remember is that millennial home buyers will look for alternate listings once they discover a home is out of their price range. If you are looking to attract more millennials, you have to get your pricing right by ensuring your prices rank within your local real estate market’s price range, and present buyers with multiple financing options to avoid losing their interest.
The Bottom Line
The home buying habits for millennials are unique. By leveraging these tips, everything will point towards an excellent future for real estate agents and brokers, and position them to attract more millennial buyers to their market.
Agent to Watch – Cory Cadle
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We’d like to introduce you to one of Novembers Agents to Watch, Cory Cadle! Cory’s main goal is finding his clients a safe place that they can make their own, and he does it all with a great sense of humor and a smile on his face. Read on to learn more about Cory!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
What other industry can you help people secure a safe place to call home, as well as help them increase their long term wealth.
How do you think your clients would describe you?
Straight to the point, very punctual and loves to laugh
What is your motto?
Put others first and good things will happen
What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
When in Wine Country, go Wine tasting!
What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
80 degrees and by the water
What’s your favorite way to relax?
Go for a nice hike by Lake Sonoma or visit the local beaches
What’s your favorite local happy hour?
KIN
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Starks Steakhouse
Agent to Watch – Elissa Morrash
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We’d like to introduce you to one of November’s Agents to Watch, Elissa Morrash! She is passionate about guiding her clients through their real estate journey and understands the importance of having a house to call your own. Read on to learn more about Elissa!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
A house is not just a house, it’s a home. This has never been truer! As a real estate agent, i get to play a role in some of the most important moments in life. It is beyond gratifying for me to help someone buy a house, or sell their family home. Often, there’s been a significant event – a wedding, birth of a child, or something sad like divorce or death. I love being a part of that and knowing that I helped out at an important time. Real estate is about life – and I like that!
How do you think your clients would describe you?
Wow, well, let’s see. Probably as professional and smart. .Compassionate and understanding and is a good listener.. As a person who pushes to get results. I’ve been told I am a ‘no drama’ agent – which I think is great because there can be a lot of stress in real estate! Oh, and I’ve also been told and that I am fun to work with.
What is your motto?
I am an advocate for you. I am here to get you what you want.
What is something people might not guess about you?
I wrote and illustrated a book when I was 11. Of course, it never got published lol.
What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
They should come in the off-season. It is beautiful here in the winter rain when the mist is over the vineyards and the wineries are warm and inviting.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
A long luxurious picnic lunch at a winery, maybe doing a vertical or special tasting, with good friends and a knowledgeable vintner to tell us about the wines we are tasting.
What’s your favorite way to relax?
I love facials and massages. There are several great places in Sonoma County to book these services. And a glass of sparkling wine helps too!
What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Willli’s Seafood Bar in Healdsburg.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
I live in Cloverdale and we have long balmy evenings. Many friends are foodies who shop locally and are great cooks. There are so many good restaurants here, but there’s nothing like a dinner on a deck at someone’s beautiful Sonoma County home!
Agent of the Month – David Hargreaves
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You may know him as the powerhouse writer behind Modern Living Sonoma, but now’s your chance to get to know him as one of W’s valued agents! It is our pleasure to introduce November’s Agent of the Month, David Hargreaves! Read on to learn more about David, his passion for Sonoma County, and a few of the key things he attributes to his success!
To what do you attribute your success?
Focus and Consistency. Right from the start I focused on a specific set of buyers (people re-locating, second home owners/buyer, vacation rental properties and people looking to build a dream home) and went out of my way to become as knowledgeable as I could be about that market.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
The last book I read will mean nothing to everyone reading this as it was the biography of famous English cricketer! I am an avid podcast subscriber and love the Freakonomics podcast.
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
A big part of my success is being seen as an expert and providing valuable information through my blog www.modernlivingsonoma.com/blog. I use Placester.com to power my website which integrate with Mailchimp for delivering the content to my readers in a monthly newsletter.
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
I have to confess I need to work on this. I love travel which has been hard this year although I have now got a small RV that I use to escape into nature. My next step is to fit it with satellite internet so I can write an offer from the mountains!
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino County/SF County Residential Real Estate market?
There are over 16,000 people who live in the Bay Area but own secondary properties in Sonoma County. With the exodus from the Bay Area due to Covid, I feel that the Sonoma County will continue to see a really strong demand from buyers migrating north for quite some time to come.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business? (i.e. thank you cards, social media, etc)
For my first year in business I put a lot of effort into my blog with very little reward. However now the hard work is starting to pay off with a number of my blog posts now ranking on the first page of Google (for example “vacation rental rules in Sonoma County”). I now have over 2000 readers per month reading articles so this is becoming a very valuable source of leads.
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
For me it is all about the floor plan and location. If you are looking for a classic wine country property if you have the location and floor plan that works, you can create the property of your dreams.
What is a quote that inspires you?
“Innovate or Die”. This is a quote from Andy Grove, the founder and CEO of Intel, the microprocessor company.
If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Focus. Doing a small number of things well and doing them consistently will pay dividends. The worst thing you can do is do lots of things half heartedly.
Q3 10 Points Award Announcement
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Agents of the Month – Doug Del Fava & Shannon Parker
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It is our pleasure to introduce October’s Agents of the Month, Doug Del Fava and Shannon Parker! The dynamic team pride themselves on their real estate knowledge, as well as their ability to work together to boost up each others skill sets, and to work hard for each of their clients. Keep reading to learn more about Doug and Shannon, and just what makes them such a powerful duo!
To what do you attribute your success?
Shannon and I pride ourselves in great communication, excellent negotiating/problem-solving and a consistent follow-up. Our clients our are family and we pride ourselves on maintaining our client base. I would estimate that around 50% or more of our business are referrals from previous clients.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
Shannon and I both make time for activities and a life outside of work. My balances come from my passion of being a musician for over 50 years and a regular round of golf with friends. Shannon usually finds herself with another new home project to keep her busy. We feel it is very important to find a harmonious balance between your work life and finding time for yourself, your family, your relationships.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino County/SF County Residential Real Estate market?
The proximity and accessibility to the greater Bay Area makes Sonoma County very unique and desirable. The various types of properties available in the North Bay offer buyers every aspect of real estate to choose from.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business? (i.e. thank you cards, social media, etc)
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
What is a quote that inspires you?
If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
My advice to new agents would be to align yourself with an experienced agent/mentor and attend as many seminars and conferences as possible. This can help you get acclimated in the industry. A lot of this business is experience and learning the ropes. Ask questions and try to absorb all the information you can.
Agent to Watch – Denise Horner
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We’d like to introduce you to one of October’s Agents to Watch, Denise Horner! She is passionate about making her clients dreams of owning their own home come true, while always making sure to take time to enjoy all of what Sonoma County has to offer. Read on to learn more about Denise!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
How do you think your clients would describe you?
What is your motto?
What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
What’s your favorite way to relax?
What’s your favorite local happy hour?
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
