Agent of the Month – Yen Chesley
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We are so excited to introduce our very first Agent of the Month of 2021, Yen Chesley! She combines her passion for real estate with her love of her clients and of Sonoma County, to create a one of a kind experience that you can only find when you have the opportunity to work one on one with her. Keep reading to learn more about Yen!
To what do you attribute your success?
Over the years I have created lasting relationships with clients who have been incredibly helpful in regards to sharing my name and referring their family and friends. Every transaction, whether it’s a grand estate or a fixer upper, my clients get treated the same. I am a firm believer in treating others how I wanted to be treated.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
I think the best thing that I am able to do for my business is to get involved in my community and doing whatever I can to give back.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
I am the first to admit, I will always have room to improve in organizing my business. But that makes me even more thankful for an amazing staff, from effective marketing to the best transactional support. My goal is that my clients feel like they are my first priority. Whether I have one escrow going or ten, I always want the people who have graciously chosen me to work for them, to feel they are my number one client.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
Wow, COVID has been a real challenge. It has been a lot of juggling, making adjustments, having patience, being considerate, and obviously using consistent precautions to keep myself and my clients safe. Being able to adapt is a key to being successful, especially right now.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
One of the things I love most about the Sonoma County real estate market is the diversity of the clients we work with.. Growing up in Healdsburg, I have been grateful to help long time friends and families stay in a town that has changed so much over the years. We also have the other group which are people that are new to town. Those who come to visit and fall in love. I love showing them what Sonoma County has to offer. We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
If you could only do one thing differently when you first started your business what would it be?:
My goal this year in real estate is to work smarter and improve my systems. I feel that I do well with the personal side of things, but the organizational side is something I’m going to focus on. I’ve realized that to grow and be more efficient, I can leverage the help of an assistant with the day to day and become more productive.
If a work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re getting it right?:
Work life balance is very important to me. It has always been a constant work in progress. As a Mom with an elementary school age daughter, I am thankful to have a family that is always willing to help out when needed. With COVID and my new job as a home school teacher, it is important to balance the work load. We are tasked with finding new ways to help our clients adjust to this changing market. My daughter’s education has to come first, but I also need to find a way to keep my clients feeling like I am always there for them too. A lot of zoom meetings, working early mornings and late nights to make sure it is all taken care of.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
My favorite vacation.. hmmm there have been a few…. But most recently, my daughter Savannah and I went to England to visit my oldest son, Martin and his wife, Olivia. He is in the USAF and has been stationed over there for almost 2 years now. We had the best time! No agenda, just visiting new places, eating great food, and spending quality time with family. I can’t wait to be able to go back with the rest of the family.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Create relationships. These are not just transactions. Quality is better than quantity in my opinion. My clients usually become my friends and some are like family. We help them with one of the most important decisions of their lives. Remember that it can be an emotional transaction. It’s our job to be there to support them how ever they need. I honestly feel that we as Realtors should have to buy or sell a home every so often, so we remember the stresses of making these decisions.
What are you looking forward to most in the New Year?:
Hoping to get COVID behind us, so that families and businesses can get back to life as usual. It has been a tough year for so many. It will be really nice to be able to see peoples smiles again without the masks, give hugs, and shake hands. Until then we will continue doing what we have to do to get where we need to go!
Agent of the Month – Sean McCarthy
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We are so excited to introduce December’s Agent of the Month, Sean McCarthy! Sean knows the value of going the extra mile for his clients. Read on to learn more about Sean, and some of his best practices that he uses to stay ahead in the San Francisco real estate market and to maximize his time with his clients.
To what do you attribute your success?
Supportive management, Work Habits, Real estate/market knowledge.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
Worst mistake: thinking RE is a long sales cycle.
Best thing: Constantly feeding the top of my sales funnel.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
All of my automation/ technology uses is directed at freeing me up to interact with my clients. So to me automation increases client time.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
More showings due to no open houses.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
SF is like a collection of small towns (neighborhoods). Each one has their own unique Real Estate aspects.
If a work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re getting it right?:
My wife tells me!
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
I have had a lot of great vacations. I think they are all great in their own way.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Keep moving forward. Ignore any forms of rejection.
What are you looking forward to most in the New Year?:
A vaccine
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.
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 of the Month – Jonathan Bruington
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Jonathan, a Sonoma County native, is our newest Agent of the Month! Jonathan found his love for real estate early, eventually going on to gross millions in sales all while he was still finishing his degree. After Jonathan graduated from Pacific Union College with his degree in Finance, he continued his career journey by becoming more involved in the renovation and construction side of real estate as well. Jonathan believes having this well-rounded experience helps him be the best agent possible for his clients and to produce excellent outcomes. Read on to learn more about our Agent of the Month Jonathan!
To what do you attribute your success?
I have been blessed to have many great mentors to look up to and learn from, in addition to my amazing clients and the relationships I have been fortunate enough to build over the years. I truly believe is a people business.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
I am not a big reader, but I believe educating yourself in as many areas as possible is invaluable.
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
My phone is my number 1 tool. The capacity and versatility that a phone has, which we all carry with us at all times of the day, is crucial. I am also a big believer is keeping back-end parts of my business organized with tools like QuickBooks allows me to focus my energy and effort in the areas that best serve my clients.
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
Yes, I believe boundaries have to be set and that priorities have to be recognized in order to achieve a balance and allow time for different aspects of life. I believe that finding what makes you feel fulfilled in your personal life will allow you to feel more recharged in your professional career and vice versa.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino County/SF County Residential Real Estate market?
The diversity of property types and areas is really unique. Across the North Bay, we have almost every type of property imaginable. Whether it be your suburban homes in family-centric neighborhoods, to vineyard estates, modern showpieces, or homes with incredible ocean views, the North Bay really has it all to offer.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business? (i.e. thank you cards, social media, etc)
Relationships and circles of influence. I rely heavily on my sphere and referrals and having many groups that I am involved in are key to that.
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
That it fits a client’s unique needs and goals for a property. Whether that be optimizing cashflows, buying in the path of progress, or buying a property that may fit a client’s personal needs for use. People can get so caught up in the numbers, which are critical, but it has it to be right for the individual. A property may have a great CAP rate, but be in an area or be a type of property that does not fit the client’s goals or objectives.
What is a quote that inspires you?
Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done.
If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Find a mentor and do not be afraid to ask questions. It is how we all learn.
Agent of the Month – Adrian Roach
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To know him is to love him, Adrian Roach is back again but this time as our Agent of the Month!
Native to Denver, Colorado, Adrian has unique knowledge of the many benefits of living in Sonoma County. Adrian currently resides in Windsor with his supportive wife and two boys. You can catch Adrian all over town—from showing houses and coaching his sons’ sports teams to finding him enjoying local restaurants or at the salon he owns with his wife in Windsor. Continue reading to learn more about our latest Agent of the Month, Adrian!
To what do you attribute your success?
A supportive wife and family.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller. But, this was also about 10 years ago, so don’t judge. I should definitely do more reading. haha!
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
Nowadays it would have to be my iPhone since I can do just about everything on it. But back when I started it probably had to be the Thomas Guide. LOL
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
This is one that is a constant challenge, but yes, I do believe you can have both. You have to put just as much of a conscious effort into your personal and family life as you do your work life, and vice versa.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino County Residential Real Estate market?
I would say that a unique aspect of Sonoma County real estate is the vast differences that it has to offer. From coastal properties in Bodega Bay to Vineyard and estate properties in Sonoma. The hotter climates of Cloverdale to the cooler micro-climates in Petaluma and Sebastopol. I feel that there is truly something for everyone. We are so fortunate to live in this amazing county.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business? (i.e. thank you cards, social media, etc)
I would say the most underrated aspect of my business that I am always working to do more of is personal notes. They go a long way in this day and age of texts and emails.
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
If you are purchasing an investment property it’s all about the numbers. If you are purchasing for yourself, make sure your wife likes it. LOL
What is a quote that inspires you?
“Do, or do not. There is no try.” -Yoda
If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Prospecting is the name of the game. There is no easy route and your success will be tied to your work ethic. Try to find a mentor that will help guide you through the challenges of this business.
Agent of the Month – Mandy Corriea
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Congratulations to our newest Agent of the Month, Mandy Corriea!
There truly aren’t enough good things we can say about Windsor-based agent Mancy Corriea. She was one of the first agents to join W Real Estate back in 2007 and has since made a massive impact on our company. From not only being a top producing agent but also a mentor and trainer to our group of over 200 agents. Having been raised in Sonoma County she has a great deal of appreciation for the area, just as we have an appreciation for her.
Continue reading to learn more about our latest Agent of the Month, Mandy!
To what do you attribute your success?
My success would not be possible without the support of my family. Our business requires a lot of crazy hours, days, and last minute appts. So, having young active children at home can be tough, but possible with good support and understanding. My husband has been a key to our success. Also, just staying current with education updates in this market and with the ever-changing rules & regs. So important to stay educated in your career.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller.
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
Canva, Mojo app and my phone, which all of these are on it!!
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
It is definitely is possible to be successful and still be successful at home. Its not easy but it can be done. For me it requires getting up a couple hours earlier than my family. I work best in the morning. And it is not selfish to take a day off. It may consist of working a few half days, but you need it or what are you working for!!
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino County Residential Real Estate market?
Sonoma Co: It’s our location and affordability when compared to residents in San Francisco. We are a part of the Wine Country, and I believe a more desirable place to live with all our trees, community activities and parks & trails.
Mendo Co: Is a straight shot North with no commute traffic, which is great for the residents here that need a more affordable place to buy a home.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business? (i.e. thank you cards, social media, etc)
Consistency with online presence. We are building a brand and need to be in front of our peers, clients and family all the time. Hardest part is juggling the sales from the personal and keeping the attention without being overkill, but, also, trying to stay consistent with postings.
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
“Good Bones.” I am looking for those high dollar items. Do they need replacing or repairs? Paint and carpet are inexpensive fixes, but roofs, windows, furnaces can be steep for the budget.
What is a quote that inspires you?
“Do or Do Not, There is No Try”– Yoda, Jedi Knight
If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Set up a system for networking and prospecting and stay consistent on the activities you do to try and stir up business. It will take 6 months, typically, to procure that first transaction. Set your alarm, wake up and get dressed ready to meet a new client everyday!!
Agent of the Month – Tyler Pedroncelli
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Congratulations to our newest Agent of the Month, Tyler Pedroncelli!
Tyler Pedroncelli was born and raised in beautiful Sonoma County. With her husband and two young children, she currently resides in Sonoma, CA. Tyler has had a pretty incredible track record during her time in real estate – she is consistently recognized as one of W Real Estate’s top agents, even winning the “Highest Sale Price of the Year” award in both 2016 and 2017.
Continue reading to learn more about our latest Agent of the Month, Tyler!
To what do you attribute your success?
Consistency and hard work.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
My daughter’s night time books.
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
My cell phone and local marketing.
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
Yes, absolutely. I was 9 months pregnant while closing deals and getting agent of the month and dealing with my 2-year-old working from home. It’s all about balance and working hard when your kids are napping. I love to travel and spending time with my family, and having a successful career has always been very important to me.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino County Residential Real Estate market?
For the Sonoma real estate market since it’s a small town, it’s personal relationships in the community.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business? (i.e. thank you cards, social media, etc)
Thank you cards and being thoughtful and appreciative of the business you have gotten.
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
Does it make sense as an investment and if it is priced right.
What is a quote that inspires you?
Live like there is no tomorrow.
If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Stay consistent and you have to be confident in yourself going into this business.
Agent of the Month – Todd Schapmire
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Congratulations to our newest Agent of the Month, Todd Schapmire!
Todd Schapmire is the Team Leader of the Todd Schapmire Team and co-owner of W Real Estate. He’s enjoyed major success in both residential and commercial real estate in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties (and a short stint in Long Beach). He is known for his knowledge, honesty, impeccable customer service and not to mention a fun attitude. He has achieved so much but what we love about him most is his humble attitude and unwavering appreciation for the people who support him.
Continue reading to learn more about our latest Agent of the Month, Todd!
To what do you attribute your success?
An incredible group of role models and mentors. From my parents and grandparents who gave me a work ethic and an unbreakable belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, to the real estate and business people that took me under their wing with no expectation of anything in return. And finally the friends, family, and colleagues that currently surround me and are just good human beings.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
Well don’t tell anyone but I don’t really read. The book that articulated the way I see the world is called, The Happiness Advantage. The book that changed how I viewed my business and therefore changed my reality is, The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster. Those are the only two books I have read or listened to in the last decade or so. Both helped me a lot, so maybe I should read more now that I put it that way, haha.
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
Nothing makes me happier than a beautiful spreadsheet, so I love Excel. Docusign saves me about 10 hours a week. TurboScan and Dropbox have played a huge part in allowing me to be super mobile. Goodnotes is the newest tech I am implementing, and I am liking what I am seeing.
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
Balance is a mirage. No one even knows what that means. It’s not about balance, it’s about being in the moment in all your relationships. If you are in the moment and make the effort to do special things with your loved ones, then you are going to have a great personal life no matter how much you work. If you don’t mentally engage, then how much you work probably isn’t the reason your personal life seems out of balance. I no longer define success by how many houses I sell or how much money I have. I define success by the positive impact I make on others and by whether the people I want to love me, actually do love me.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino County Residential Real Estate market?
I just love that we can do so many types of property… houses, ranches, vineyards, retail, office, industrial, hospitality, etc. In big cities, you have to specialize in one defined thing and that would be so boring to me.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business? (i.e. thank you cards, social media, etc)
Probably how much Miriah and I actually work. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to replace actually showing up.
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
No matter how much Tony Shira makes fun of me… I am all about cash flow!
What is a quote that inspires you?
I am going to go with two John Wooden quotes…
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do” and “Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out”
If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Talk to people and let them know what you are doing. Pick the phone up. Go to events. No one is going to call you and ask if you are in real estate. It is your job to make sure people know what you do. Once you talk to people… focus on helping them and look at the situation from their perspective, not yours. If you focus on helping people, closed deals will follow.
Agent of the Month – Michael Ferl
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Congratulations to our newest Agent of the Month, Michael Ferl!
Michael Ferl is the founder of Hiraeth Homes, the number one team (by volume) at W Real Estate. He has a passion for continued growth, learning and helping others do the same. Not only does Michael seek out ways to help his fellow agents, but his team also volunteers monthly at a local non-profit.
Continue reading to learn more about the Sonoma County native.
To what do you attribute your success?
I would attribute my greatest success to my ability to say NO to everything that doesn’t contribute to my personal or professional goals. I have said no to drinking beers with friends on a Saturday night, new business ideas with the promise to get rich quick, creative marketing ideas, investment opportunities, etc. Having a clear vision of what I want in life also helps provide clarity to everything else that is a distraction from that.
What was the last book/audiobook you read/listened to?
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. I believe that most of us focus on money first as we believe that this will lead to happiness. It is my belief that we should focus on happiness first. Once I made happiness my greater focus, I experienced more financial success than I ever have.
What software/tech tools can you not live without?
My phone, yellow pad of paper, and a pen. Technology is not a magic pill that will make you successful. Focus on developing good habits, systems, and processes first. You can then leverage technology to scale by making everything more efficient.
Do you believe it is possible to have a successful career while having a fulfilling personal life? Does this balance exist?
The most important thing is to first ask, “How do you define success?” Our culture promotes money, cars, homes, vacations, titles, etc. as a measure of one’s success. I believe that instead of asking how can I get these things, we should ask, “Why do we want these things?” For me, success isn’t about how much money is in our accounts or how many cars are in our driveway, it is about how are we contributing to the world and if we are having a positive impact on the lives of those around us. From this perspective, my personal and professional lives are one as they both serve this greater purpose.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma County Residential Real Estate market?
Sonoma County has an incredibly diverse real estate market. Sandwiched in between the wine industry and Bay Area, this location offers many types of industry and opportunity. From small cabins in the beautiful woods of Forestville to large estate properties in Sonoma, Sonoma County has a home for nearly every type of buyer.
What is the most underrated/overlooked part of your business? (i.e. thank you cards, social media, etc)
Processes and systems. These are not sexy to talk about and as a result, they often aren’t a focal point for many in our industry. By creating a solid system allows us to create consistency. It also allows us to clearly identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
What are the main things that you should look at when investing/purchasing a new property?
The first thing to ask is, “What are my goals and why do I want to buy a house?” Buying a home because your parents told you all your life that it is a good financial decision is not a solid reason to purchase a home. Also, having a clear vision of what your needs/wants are not only now, but potentially over the next 10+ years is important.
What is a quote that inspires you?
“To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.” – Fred Rogers
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?
Find a successful coach/mentor. There is no need to re-invent the wheel. There have been thousands of successful people in our industry, pick one that you admire and respect. Also, keep it simple. Stop trying to be all things for all people. Your job can be summarized into three main functions: Develop new leads, follow-up with those leads, and convert those leads to escrows. Do that at a high level and hit repeat and you will be very successful.
