C21 Communications, Author at CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty - SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

The Key to Pandemic Homebuying? “An Agent that gives 121%” Say Military Families

July 22, 2020 By C21 Communications

Before COVID-19, most homebuyers wouldn’t consider purchasing a home without being able to see it in person first. The global pandemic is changing the way homebuyers are finding the perfect home, leaving them to face this new and uncertain reality.

As we enter uncharted territory for thousands of homebuyers, one group is all too familiar with purchasing sight unseen. American veteran and active military families have dealt with challenging moves, virtual tours, and making offers from halfway across the globe for decades.

On average, military families are required to move every 2-3 years, which can be an overwhelming experience. When military personnel receive their Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, their families are required to find a home, purchase it, and sometimes move across the country (or the world) within a few months.

To understand the process, we interviewed four military members on their experiences with homebuying in a virtual environment and the challenges they face.

Working with an agent who can deliver the extraordinary

Many of the experienced veterans we spoke with stressed the value in working with an agent who’s willing to go above and beyond during this process.

“I think you have to trust your real estate agent, and in this situation, where you’re going to have to do so many things remotely, I think the most important piece is having a good agent.” Dayna, a military spouse, said.

Dayna emphasized why having a transparent agent was key throughout her homebuying journey, “He’s pretty honest. We’d go into a house, and he’d be like, no, this is not okay, you can’t live here. Or he’ll tell us, you know, that may cost you a couple thousand, or this is really good, or you don’t want that elevation back there.”

Choosing an agent who understands the VA loan program, especially its benefits for military families is essential. An agent that can deliver extraordinary results will go above and beyond to keep buyers informed of issues that may not seem pressing but could prevent spending thousands of dollars down the road.

When virtual tours don’t cut it, rely on your agent to #AlwaysElevate

Without being able to view a home in person due to social distancing orders, homebuyers are turning to virtual home tours. While this is a great solution given the times, it can come with its own set of challenges. Military families are all too familiar with virtual tours concealing otherwise apparent issues and not always providing an adequate layout concept.

“Here’s the thing: you can’t smell mold virtually,” Anthony, a military spouse, says, “You have to go take a look. You can’t tell if the floor creaks. There’s a lot of things that can’t be seen virtually.”

Additionally, homes are often shown in the best light possible. Many military families say they can find some of the descriptions of properties to be misleading. Dayna says, “People always write these descriptions that are so flowery and stuff. I think honesty is better because sometimes you go when you look at these houses, and the pictures aren’t honest.”

However, with a little bit of patience and persistence, you and your real estate agent can resolve these concerns. Communicating your needs, wants, and establishing your preferences can help your agent become your eyes, ears, and nose throughout this process.

#WhatIf you get creative with questions for your agent?

When military members are left with no choice, getting creative and specific with questions can help fill in the gaps.

Jessica, a military spouse who has PCS’d nine times in five years, said, “I would ask my real estate agent specific questions like, it looks like this property is close to the highway. Can you go into the backyard and make a recording of the noise with a decibel meter so I can see how loud the road noise is at that property?”

Some other questions to ask your real estate agent could be:

How does the neighbor’s yard look? Would you take a photo?
Can you verify any off-putting smells?
Would you walk through the property and videotape it with the sound?
Is there a blueprint of the house I could see?

Purchasing a home during a global pandemic may not seem ideal, but your CENTURY 21® agent is there to go above and beyond in delivering an extraordinary experience, despite these challenging times.

Content proudly provided in partnership with Veterans United Home Loans. NMLS 1907

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The Nation’s #1 Agent, Kyle Seyboth, Joins the Relentless

July 17, 2020 By C21 Communications

It’s safe to say that only the best agents in the game affiliate with the CENTURY 21 brand. It should be no surprise that we just welcomed the *nation’s number one real estate agent, according to The 2020 RealTrends, to join the ranks of the relentless. With a track record of over 500 units and $140 million in sales last year alone, Kyle Seyboth has been crushing his goals since entering real estate nine years ago. His affinity for coaching sports and a solid background in finance, is a force to be reckoned with when combined with his relentless nature, passion for real estate, and entrepreneurial mindset.

Kyle decided it was time to elevate his business model to the next level and came alongside the CENTURY 21 brand to do just that. His unique approach to his real estate business and the plans to structure and scale it for optimum growth in the near future left more to be desired, from a support and technology standpoint, from his previous broker.

“The CENTURY 21 brand delivers the best technology, learning, and marketing programs to my affiliated agents so they in turn can go above and beyond in helping their clients achieve the best outcomes possible.”

Kyle brings with him, his 12-member team and they plan to set up shop in the New England marketplace as CENTURY 21 The Seyboth Team brokerage. Kyle has been strategic in building his team and believes the CENTURY 21 brand will allow him to implement his business model and work to support him, and his organization, to make it successful. Much like on the field, or on the court, Kyle’s team consists of players that excel at what they do. He believes in empowering them to be their best, and delegating tasks to them they love to do, which allows him to position himself as the CEO. Kyle is not like most other CEO’s; however, he believes in keeping his ‘boots on the ground’ to remain relevant. His value proposition is to provide leads, coaching, and service to his agents to create more business. This leverage will help Kyle continue to elevate his business model by increasing productivity on the sales side and providing leads and the support they need on the broker side.

Kyle is a huge believer in giving back to the community. He’s sponsored more than 100 teams in the last 10 years, he gives out two scholarships each year, and he’s a big believer in providing for the youth.

“Givers gain and what goes around comes around. You get what you give. When you give, you get back gratitude and a different sense of importance.”

With his strong knack for understanding people, what they are good at, and bringing the best out of them, Kyle is focused on replicating his ability to defy mediocrity and his proven sales strategy within the organization.

We are excited to have Kyle and his team as a part of the relentless network.

*According to The 2020 RealTrends and Tom Ferry The Thousand ranking July 6, 2020.

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5 Minutes at Home with Amber Castles

May 20, 2020 By C21 Communications

Balance during a pandemic is not an easy state to maintain. For Relentless Award Winner Amber Castles – it’s all about working on her business, supporting her community in the big (and small!) ways and taking advantage of these current circumstances to spend quality time with her family. We connected with Amber recently to learn about the ways she’s inspired to push through this pandemic in meaningful ways.

Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?

I love being able to reach out to see how I can assist families in my sphere of influence. I’ve found fun pop by’s that I’ll leave on their doorstep – the most recent was a “mom-mosa” for Mother’s Day! And for the seniors that did not get a chance to celebrate with their families, I have placed yard signs that say “Congratulations, a Senior lives here, 2020!”.

I recently went to visit a client and we chatted through their front screen door. I kept my distance and just played a little catch up, when they told me they had built a raised garden bed but couldn’t get to the store to get any seeds. A couple days later I showed up with a bag of the plants they wanted to grow. They were overjoyed! Also, a sweet family that recently brought home and a newborn needed some maternal supplies, and I was able to drop off same day! The lower amount of exposure for them the better. Even without seeing their faces, I know they were so appreciative. I’m grateful to help any way I can, whether it’s in big or small ways.

Is there anything that you’re doing now to work on your business that maybe you haven’t done before?

This has been a great opportunity for us to work on our team foundation, putting together marketing, and submitting necessary paperwork for it to be official. It has also given us an opportunity to write personal notes to all of our distant clients/friends.

What is something that you’ve learned during this unique time that you’ll incorporate into your life moving forward?

Relationships are the foundation of our community. Our everyday life often disrupts the daily conversations we get to have with our closest neighbors. This season has given everyone a chance to slow down and enjoy the precious part of life, time. Going forward we will still have family time, but with more presence and no phones. Our family has started a morning yoga routine and I plan to keep that going!

What new concerns are you hearing from your clients right now? How are you helping address them?

“We are waiting to put our house on the market until after the restrictions lift.” My advice to them is we are in a fast-changing market, COVID-19 has made our inventory even more scarce and with that comes a strong selling market. I cannot predict how the market will look in 2-6 months, but I can tell you now it is moving, and the need to buy and sell is still there!

What is your top tip for being relentless during this time?

Go the extra mile. What does that mean for me? It means making the trip to see the clients you don’t get to see every day, check in on their families and see how you can help. I never show up without a small gift, hand soap, donuts, lemonade… something! People won’t always remember what you say, but they will ALWAYS remember how you made them feel.

BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?

We will go have dinner at a local mom and pop restaurant followed by ice cream at our famous local ice cream eatery!

The Relentless Agent Awards celebrate all of the ways that C21 Agents deliver extraordinary experiences to their clients and make the home buying or selling process a memorable one. Are you a client who recently has an amazing experience with a CENTURY 21 Agent? We want to know! Click here to submit a nomination for a deserving Agent today.

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5 Minutes at Home with Cindy Garret

May 20, 2020 By C21 Communications

When we asked Relentless Award winning agent Cindy Garret what has changed for her due to the impact of COVID-19, her answer is simple…“Everything.” We checked in with Cindy to understand how her she strives every day to be prepared for anything in her business and personal life.

Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?

I very much view our current situation as temporary, there is nothing about this situation that is normal! I regularly reached out to my clients either by text, phone, notes or/and email to check in on their well-being. In addition, a new skill I’ve been working on during this time is live video for more of a personal connection with my clients.

What new concerns are you hearing from your clients right now? How are you helping address them?

There are fears that this current environment will hurt their home values. In addition there is an uncertainty around when everything will open back up. To give the right support, I work hard to give my clients factual information to ease their minds.

Are there ways that you or your team members are helping your community get through this crisis?

Just being supportive and encouraging…and keep our local restaurants in business!

What’s your top tip for being relentless during this time?

Get up every day like you are planning for a full day of work, even if you don’t have anything planned. Do something for yourself, do something for someone else, and do at least one productive thing for your career.

BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?

Go have lunch/drinks with my teammates!

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5 Minutes at Home with Katie Riedeman

May 20, 2020 By C21 Communications

Brand new first-time mother, a division 1 athlete and an award-winning real estate Agent? Seems like there’s not much Relentless Agent Award winner Katie Riedeman cannot do. We checked in with Katie recently to learn how she’s evolving her business, supporting her community and the unexpected benefits of shelter in place.

Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?

Learning is key! I’ve had time to be more engaged in developing and perfecting my systems behind the scenes which will definitely be beneficial to future clients. With current clients I am still showing homes but once they go under contract with their new home, I am checking in weekly with them and their lender and updating everyone with where we are in the process.

My new normal hasn’t changed a lot in terms of client outreach and showings. I do a more virtual showings than before to slow foot traffic through homes but that isn’t necessarily a new thing for me. I have sold a lot of homes to clients over Facetime in the past so now I’m perfecting that craft and navigating how I can get better. I also supply sanitizer and gloves when my clients want them for showings and do what I can to ensure safety in taking healthy measures during home showings. This isn’t only important for my buyers but also important for us to do everything we can to keep the homes that we are touring clean.

Is there anything that you’re doing now to work on your business that maybe you haven’t done before?

Because this is my 6th year in the business I feel like I now have a true grasp on what it takes to be successful in real estate, I have been working on my systems and client outreach to ensure when the market begins to normalize once more that nothing falls through the cracks. I want clients to receive the service they deserve, and solid systems is the key to clients having successful transactions. If I have good systems in place, I can spend my time with my clients and supporting them rather than spending so much time with behind the scenes work.

In addition, I’m making sure I am up to date with all of the current market information so I can give my honest and educated opinion based on data, research and what I am seeing first hand as I am out in the market helping other clients.

Are there ways that you or your team members are helping your community get through this crisis?

We have been trying to keep our community updated on the housing market with real time stats, so they feel educated in making one of the biggest purchases of their life. Our company has created a community outreach program called Impact where we can donate a portion of our commission toward a cause. Every quarter that money is given to someone in need in the community. We all get the opportunity to nominate a deserving person or cause and a committee decides who gets the funds.

On the personal front, staying up to date on the latest news in supporting local businesses is important to me. I recently connected with a local bakery for pastries that I dropped off on the front step of some friends, clients and community members.

What is one thing that you DON’T miss about pre-coronavirus life?

Some of the fast pace… I have been a competitor all my life and was a Division 1 athlete, so I thrive in the pace of competition. It has been good for me to be forced to slow down a bit. In real estate we can get really caught up in the go go go and forget to slow down and enjoy the things around us. I have had a TON of change in my life since the beginning of this pandemic so having the time to reflect and not just jump back into the fast lane after having my first child has been nice. I am learning new norms and systems to protect the health of my family and clients as well as embracing the change.

What’s your top tip for being relentless during this time?

Communication, honesty and support. I think having open and honest communication with clients during this tough time is essential. Supporting their needs and making sure they know that I am here to serve them whenever they decide the time is right to buy or sell as well as support their needs in between is really important.

BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?

Get together with family and friends! One of my favorite things to do this time of year through the summer is invite people over and grill, play yard games and hang out on the patio.

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5 Minutes at Home with Lisa Mills

May 20, 2020 By C21 Communications

From virtual catch-ups to porch drops, Relentless Award Winning Agent Lisa Mills shows that even the most extreme situations can open a space for creativity to allow entrepreneurs to not just survive – but thrive in any market condition. We recently sat down with Lisa to check in on how she continues to deliver the extraordinary, all while serving a very specific market in her area, the senior community.

Hey Lisa! We’d love to know, what are some things that have helped you clear your mind and stay positive these days?

Yoga, walking and connecting everyday with several friends, family members or clients. In some ways there are more opportunities to reconnect because my contacts are also more available and primarily working from home or simply hanging out at home. This is a great opportunity to make something good from a bad situation!

Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?

We have to be creative! No showings or open houses are allowed currently in the community I serve. Videos, photos and good pricing are key to moving homes into escrow. For those clients who are stymied with the timing of these new restrictions, I do my best to give positive reinforcement to their situation. I think it’s important to make them feel that I’m more than an agent. I can be a friend, a coach or a delivery person in addition to keeping them apprised of the real estate market and situation.

Are there ways that you or your team members are helping your community get through this crisis?

I have reached out to all my clients with this email: “These are crazy times and we are all adapting. I’m here to help you any way that I can… whether it’s a face mask, gloves, toilet paper, sanitizers, cookies, groceries, handyman services, chocolate or just someone to bring a chair and sit six feet away for a social distance visit, let me know!”

Thankfully, most of my clients are doing well. One needed a face mask and sanitizer wipes which I delivered the next day. One client asked for a visit. Cookies and/or chocolate have gone to many of these same clients. I just feel that it’s important for them to know I can help in more ways than just the business transaction of their real estate needs.

What new concerns are you hearing from your clients right now? How are you helping address them?

Each situation is different in a senior community. Overall, my clients are concerned about people taking advantage of the crisis and submitting significantly low offers. If the home is priced right and they can wait, the homeowner shouldn’t worry since the inventory is low.

What’s your top tip for being relentless during this time?

Stay positive and communicate often, it helps ease anxiety.

Never get too comfortable with the present situation and always have a backup plan for the “what ifs” that life might throw at you.

BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?

Try to reassess what the new normal will be and ensure that I’m fully equipped and sensitive to lingering concerns about contamination and exposure. My car will be fully stocked with personal protection materials to use and give out. Whether I am representing the seller or buyer, I will reinforce the notion to respect all concerns about hygiene and exposure. I will also do whatever I can to eliminate paperwork and rely more on the digital opportunities.

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5 Minutes at Home with Misty Dowling

May 20, 2020 By C21 Communications

Over the past couple of months of shelter-in-place in Quincy, IL, Award-winning CENTURY 21 Agent Misty Dowling has celebrated three family birthdays, a graduation and the adjustment to what “normal” is for the majority of us. Despite these challenges, she has not stopped finding new ways to deliver the extraordinary to her clients and in her community. We caught up with this recent Relentless Agent Award winner to learn the ways she’s working through this current pandemic.

So, tell us Misty, how are you staying connected with your community right now?

Our nurses are working extra-long hours and don’t always have time to eat full meals. I donated snacks to every nurse’s station in our local hospital. The nurses all took pictures with the snacks and sent them to me, they were so grateful for the smallest gesture! I also deliver groceries to the elderly who shouldn’t or can’t get out due to risk of COVID-19.

Do you have any stories that are particularly memorable to you from the last few weeks that you could share?

I ran into a client I sold a home to at the store. She had her four children kids (all under the age of nine!) with her. I could see she was frantic and overwhelmed trying to find Lysol. I told her I would go to a few stores so she didn’t have to drag her kids in and out potentially exposing them. I found 2 cans of Lysol and dropped them off on her porch. She was so appreciative. It goes to show, it’s really the little things we do for each other right now that matter more than ever.

Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?

We can all use a good laugh right now. I have added videos and market updates into my weekly routine on all of my social media platforms. Instead of just dull market numbers I have added humor! Last week was a Tiger King skit where I dressed my dog up as a lion.

I have also had clients ask me about the spread of corona virus and how that effects showings at their home. We are taking every precaution possible using COVID-19 forms and following guidelines from the association. I explain to sellers and buyers the new way we have to show homes. We use gloves, masks, and sanitizer and remove our shoes at the front door.

Productivity continues for us, despite the current circumstances. I am thankful our office had electronic filing and signatures through Dotloop even before COVID-19 life. This has been a lifesaver in our current stay at home situation.

What is something that you’ve learned during this unique time that you’ll incorporate into your life moving forward?

I touch everything and touch my face!! I had no idea how much I did this until I actually had to think about it. I will keep sanitizer with me and use it more. I also realize I need to slow down and enjoy walking our beautiful parks with my family. I will absolutely make my family continue to take a break from technology and spend more time outdoors. Discovering this has been a huge benefit to come out of the stay at home orders.

What is your top tip for being relentless during this time?

I think the coronavirus has made me as an agent look around and ask how I can help more. I have always approached business by putting people first and the money follows. Living through the coronavirus pandemic will prove even more so that we have to be human and love our neighbors and put people first to then be successful when this pandemic is over.

BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?

I love stopping into TJMaxx for a little retail therapy between showings. I can’t wait for normal life! Besides shopping I just can’t wait to hug my parents at some point. We have practiced social distancing to protect them.

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Could Flying Cars Actually Happen?

April 8, 2020 By C21 Communications

A new plan could make our favorite sci-fi films a reality. Netherlands-based architecture and urban design practice MVRDV — in collaboration with Airbus, Bauhaus Luftfahrt, ETH Zurich and Systra — have formulated a plan for the future of “urban air mobility.”

The project envisions how humans might integrate flying vehicles into our urban environments as a holistic mobility concept. It’s all centered around what MVRDV calls “vertiports” — fancy landing hubs that connect the new aerial network with existing ground-based transportations systems, such as trains, subways and buses.

“As cities become denser and technologies improve, it becomes increasingly clear that the truly three-dimensional city—one that includes flying vehicles—is surely one of the city models of the future,” said Winy Maas, founding partner of MVRDV.

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4 Tips for Hiring a Dependable Moving Company

March 27, 2020 By C21 Communications

If you’re buying or selling a home, chances are you may need to hire a moving company. Since many people conduct major moves only once or twice in their lifetimes, you may have no idea where to start.

Be aware some moving companies dodge the Better Business Bureau by working under aliases.

Below are some tips for finding a great moving company to not only ease the process but also avoid any potential conflicts.

Ask for references from friends, family and/or social media contacts. You can also find lists from industry groups including the American Moving and Storage Association.
Seek professional references. Contact two or three customers who have worked with the companies in the past three months, asking probing questions about quality of services, reliability, prices, etc.
Check for past issues. Be aware some moving companies dodge the Better Business Bureau by working under aliases, so check for DBAs (other names under which they’ve conducted business). The firm you choose should have a local address, insurance and state and federal licensing. Conduct an online search for complaints and/or call the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration hotline at 888.368.7238.
Pay afterward. Use a credit card, and don’t pay until the contracted work is fulfilled.

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Did You Know that Amazon Has a Secret Luxury Site?

March 25, 2020 By C21 Communications

Amazon’s best-kept secret is out. VRSNL, (short for “versional”), has been quietly selling luxury fashion items since September 2019. A total of 30 designers are currently on the VRSNL roster, including Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Prada and Jimmy Choo. What distinguishes VRSNL is a section called “The Remix,” which features original editorial content that tells stories behind the brands and designers. The retailer also has an app, which allows today’s trendsetters to shop wherever, whenever.

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