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Did you know that adopting a growth mindset and embracing lifelong learning has the potential to improve your mental health, add variety to your daily work, expand your social network, make you essential in an ever-changing economy and increase trust with clients?

Bailey Keveryga and I went to Bend, Oregon in May – where we attended our very FIRST Real Estate Conference as a TEAM!

We have returned INSPIRED and EXCITED about the market and the future ahead.

The tools and knowledge we gained – will support our goal – to provide an EXCELLENT service experience for our clients!

We are always looking to grow professionally and personally. We are confident that by investing time and money in our business – we can only get better!

I even had the chance to present to this audience regarding the Calgary/Canadian marketplace.   

Plus, we took a quick detour to see the ocean….always “fills” my cup with joy!

The Genuine Hustle conference series, was established in 2015, as a way for agents to come together and learn from the best active Real Estate professionals in North America. Mastermind groups, referral networks, support tribes and most importantly friendships have been formed by the Genuine Hustle culture.

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to attend!!!

Someone challenged me last week – said that I only do my job for the money.

I pushed back – and I got the feeling that this person still didn’t quite believe me. 

I can honestly say that money is NOT my motivator!  

Of course, I need to make a living. I have bills to pay (and a husband with LOTS of hobbies!) …. but this job – being a Realtor – is not what I DO – it’s “who I AM”.

I truly feel like I was born to do this work. I love my job. I love my clients.  

HELPING them is my TRUE motivator.  

Imagine your days, filled with GOOD humans and the chance to see amazing (and sometimes if I am HONEST) – awful homes?!!!???  

This is not just a job – it’s a privilege. I get to be part of people’s LIVES … during happy times, sad times, exciting times and stressful times. I have been noticing agents just posting sold sign after sold sign after sold sign on social media … but did you know – that behind every sold sign – is a story?

It is not always a time to celebrate. Sometimes it is not easy, or happy or financially a “win”…..so I think we as realtors have to watch how much we celebrate just that one part of the transaction.

PLUS, if we do this job well…it is NOT about the agent at all!!!!  

I always tell my clients – that for success to happen – it takes teamwork. TRUST. I take this role very seriously. Have I made mistakes – sure. Have I lost clients….yes. It breaks my heart … that somewhere I disappointed them … or didn’t take the call … or didn’t make them feel like a priority. But I learn from those experiences – and I just try and do better.

I was with clients on the weekend. He looked at me sadly and said, “I was thinking when we finally find our home – we won’t see you anymore.” I laughed. This is very true. I get SO close to clients while we are working together. We see each other daily/weekly – chat/text all the time! Then the transaction occurs, and the contacts get farther apart. I GRIEVE this part with each and every client.  

Likely because I have the BEST clients!!!!

People make this job so special. I never take that for granted. TRULY the best part of my job….is the chance to HELP people…learn about them….be a part of their life chapters.

Last month, I had coffee with a client in her NEW home. She was telling me that during games night with her teen sons – a card came out of the deck that asked – “what is the best day of your life” – and her youngest replied : 

“the first night we slept in our new house”…. cue the tears right?! 

I have carried that comment with me. 

I will recall it EVERY time the job is hard … and I have been working endless hours for 7 days in a row … 

This photo from my office shows my gratitude wall…..it inspires me EVERY day.  

What I do for a living – truly makes a difference. 

Thank you for allowing me to help you. 

I show a LOT of houses…..and talk about the functionality of the space every day.  I am asked all the time “if we change “xxxx” – will it impact my resale value?”

WELL the answer is YES and NO….let me explain….

I live in a home that I have “changed” to suit my living preferences.  

Built in 1989 – it really wasn’t the floorplan I was looking for.  However, the LOCATION was PERFECT…corner lot – across the street from 2 schools – lake community…..triple garage for my hubby with lots of toys!!!!  So, we just made it work.  But to suit my family – and our lifestyle – we made many changes that were challenged by people in our life and realtors (I was NOT an agent at the time!)

OK – if you have ANY Realtor friends, contacts or family – you know that it is “award season”!

So YES…this is another one of those POSTS…but the story is a little bit different.

As you know – I made a huge decision to leave a very successful team in March of 2022 – to be a solo agent.  

*Fun Fact – I have NEVER worked on my own before

I was scared – but excited. I hired Bailey Keveryga to help me, and we embarked on a journey together – developed a plan, built a new brand (website/cards/signs/lockboxes/photos!), created an awesome new workspace, learned new things…and spent a TON of money!!!!!  

Haha – but I always knew I was INVESTING in my future business.

At the same time – I was working really hard to serve my amazing clients – with the same level of professionalism and commitment I had offered before!

If there was sacrifice over the past year – it was ALL on me.  

I was lucky to have the support of friends, family, clients (past, current and future) – as well as my previous team and my brokerage.

Well, the year was NOT easy – but Bailey and I accomplished our new team goals!

I knew my experience with Award season would be different this year. The Hripko Real Estate Team had always received TOP awards – and it was always thrilling to be a part of that energy.

However, in December when the National awards came out….and I watched them ALONE – it was tougher than I expected. But I knew in my heart that I had done a good job helping my clients over the past year – and public recognition was NOT the most important thing to me. I also knew that I did not accomplish the same volume I did in 2021 – so I congratulated everyone – and just kept working!

The Prairie awards came and went – then my Brokerage Award day….

*not one person reading this – wouldn’t be telling the truth – that they too WANT to hear their own name called at one of these events….

I knew my results. I knew approx. what level I was at. So, I watched and waited…..but my name did not get posted or called. I clapped and celebrated with everyone else. The table I sat at – was FULL of winners (and they are also incredible/kind/supportive people!) I was embarrassed. Disappointed.

My generation was taught not to push. Just accept things. Not to make a fuss. Not draw attention to yourself. Just sweep it “under the rug” and move on. And certainly not boast – if you did something well.

But I am a mom of two adult daughters. I want to be an example to other women in the industry, and I want to be someone that people to look up to (male or female) when hard work and focus has been demonstrated.

So, I did something I am not typically very good at (and certainly did NOT enjoy doing at the time) – I ADVOCATED for myself.

I overcame my anxiety and I spoke to my broker Corinne Lyall after the event.  I emailed her and associate broker Chris Pitman the day after. I really pushed the envelope of my comfort zone!!!  And I was so nervous doing it……

But – after a ton of effort, research and discovery at the brokerage level – a mistake was discovered at the corporate level.

Mistakes I get!  I understand that technology changes happen and cause glitches. I am not perfect – so I don’t expect perfection from anyone or anything else!

However, I always felt I had a right to be recognized for the efforts I put in…especially over the past year.

So, for me – this is not me BOASTING about an award……..  

This is proof that I CAN do this job on my own.

This is proof that I can truly put my clients FIRST!  

This is proof that I can practice gratitude – and also be proud of my efforts.

This is proof that I can make myself a priority – and fight for myself (in a professional manner of course).

This was a process.  A journey.  A discovery…

I could not be more proud – and thankful – to everyone that came along on the journey with me!

Did you know …. that I found my personal home (we are still here today!) – by sending LETTERS to houses in the neighborhood I wanted to live in!!!!  

I was NOT an agent at the time – this is 20 years ago when I was still selling yellow pages!  Cliff and I had built an awesome house in an area with NO schools. I thought at the time that this is what I wanted – that my kids get on a bus and safely get to school each day …. but turns out I was more traditional – and wanted them to walk to school (like Cliff and I both did)!

So the hunt was ON. In 2004 when we were looking – inventory was not AS TIGHT as it is now…but it was still frustrating to sit and watch MLS every day…waiting for my dream home to come on the market.

So, I got CREATIVE. I drove through the neighbourhood I wanted every day – looking for For Sale by Owner signs. 2004 was not so technology friendly!!!!!  No Insta/Snap Chat/Tik Tok … Facebook literally was invented that year!

We were fixated on buying in Lake Bonavista. However, that area has high demand regardless of the market – and agreeing to buy a home in minutes – with other agents waiting to show it outside – was not in my comfort zone! It was Cliff who put Sundance on my radar.  Had all the things we wanted – SCHOOLS (K – 12), lake, access to Fish Creek Park. It was farther out – but neither of us worked downtown – so we decided to start looking. Again – saw every house available on Realtor.ca…none were “just right” – but we almost bought one just to get into the neighborhood….but the agent never called our agent back!!!!!!  

At the time I was devastated since the home sold. But now – I say “Thank Goodness” … since everything clearly happens for a reason….and there is ALWAYS another house. Time for me to find my own home!!! I drove around – identified homes on streets where my kids could WALK to school. I called the schools to make sure – that when I found a house – that they could get in (very important to understand school boundaries in Calgary BEFORE you buy!)

Then I crafted a letter and MAILED it to each home on those streets. I literally addressed them: “Dear Lucky Sundance Home Owner”! 

The NEXT day – I got a call (the first of 3 total – fun fact 1) from a woman. We had call display back then – and the area code indicated she was calling from Sundance! I answered the phone excitedly – and she just said: “You’ve got guts”……to which I replied – “You must be one of the lucky Sundance home owners I sent letters to yesterday!!!!!!” We had a short chat – she was moving in the summer…house was not SHOW ready – but we could come see it that night.  

Now I had to tell Cliff. He didn’t even know I sent the letters!!!!!!! We dropped Bailey at Brownies – took cute little Jenna with us and drove to Sundance. We walked in the front door – and she said – “you look just like your picture!!!!!!”  

See attached!!!!

Cliff turned to me and sighed … said: “you sent a picture!!!!???” Haha of course I did – I didn’t want people to think we were FLIPPERS. I wanted them to know we were just a NICE young family, wanting a good home! Fun fact 2 – for months people waved at us on the street when we drove or walked by!!!!! 

Long story I know – but here we are – LIVING in the home we found from mailing a letter!!!!!

If you know ANYONE that is struggling to find their dream home in this crazy market – and wants to work with an agent – that will do anything to help THEM find the perfect home – have them give me a call!  

I am happy to help……

Last week I spoke to a client interested in possibly building a home.  They had popped into an “unmanned” Showhome.  Access provided via a code.  Cameras in place to safeguard the property.  They walked through the home alone.  

Which is really great – if you have absolutely NO questions!

Of course he called me.  Since they had MANY questions!!!!!  They had not been thinking of even moving – till he did some work in this specific area.  So they wanted to just check things out – before engaging me for real estate advice.

As great as it is to provide this “easy access” for potential buyers using the latest technology – it cannot REPLACE the human element of the client/agent relationship.

Think of your air fryer…the 2022 obsession…everyone HAS to have one (me included)!  It can do SO many things – BUT you still need your OVEN!

Real estate is one of many industries that has benefited greatly from technology in recent years. 

Not all too long ago, if you wanted to see a new listing, you had to physically go to a real estate agency’s office – and look at the hardcopies on the window (still seen in some towns!)

These days with technology, listings are more accessible than ever before. Incredible photos, Video, 3D Tours, Floor Plans, Maps and Virtual Staging are all common.  Available on your phone/tablet/computer – easy to access and use!

Real estate is a relationships industry, it’s all about the connection between clients and agents and in this case – potentially a builder as well. 

While spring and summer are generally real estate’s hottest months, some sellers simply cannot wait until then. If you’re a home-owner who’s preparing for a winter sale, the good news is – that buyers are shopping year-round. But when the snow flies and temperatures drop, you may need to work a bit harder to entice them!

The other day I showed TWO homes – that when we drove up – the driveway was not shoveled….plus the pathways and stairs were icy and slippery…..NOT a good first impression!  Winter home staging truly starts at the curb…..

Buyers are already making a judgment call – as they pull up outside your house. In the winter though, exterior considerations for home staging are different. 

With snow and ice and earlier sunsets, your buyers’ safety needs to be considered:

• Shovel the snow from your driveway, walkway and sidewalk
• Salt and de-ice these walkways to prevent slips
• Clear snow and ice from your porch and deck (backyard areas included)
• Replace burnt out light bulbs and ensure walkways are brightly lit 
• If HOME OWNER OCCUPIED – please leave outdoor lights on!

I love supporting other businesses.  

As a Realtor – my clients trust me for recommendations for almost everything!  Of course, I get asked for “common” real estate service providers like home inspectors, mortgage brokers, condo document reviewers and lawyers – but also things like cleaners, painters, deck builders, insurance companies, bakeries, schools and even restaurants!!!!!  

My job is a privilege – because I get to know people SO well.  I have also lived in Calgary my whole life – so I am connected to almost every industry.  And if I can’t find someone in my circle – I know where and who to ask! 

I have decided to use Karen’s Korner – to showcase some of the Trusted Resources – I have listed on my webpage:

https://clientfirst.ca/team-resources/

Choice Mortgage Group
hello@choicemortgagegroup.ca
(403) 390-9150

Have you considered refinancing as an Option?

In today’s tough economic times, often, many people find that they are carrying more debt than they want. 

If you are carrying more than $20,000 of credit card debt and struggling to pay off, you should consider refinance as an option.

$20,000 at 19.99% interest is $3998 paid in interest annually.

Vs.

$20,000 at 7% interest is $1400 paid in interest annually

If you were to refinance this – and add it to your mortgage – at even 7%, that same $20K would cost you $1400 in interest annually. 

That puts $2598 back into your pocket!!!

You can put that money back onto the principle of your mortgage or towards other things that would benefit your family – rather than pay it to interest.

You are able to refinance up to 80% loan to value and extend your mortgage out to a 30-year amortization. Extending the term can also reduce your monthly costs.

Some other reasons to consider refinancing your home are:

1) To pay or consolidate debt

2) To shorten your term to pay off early or extend to lower monthly costs

3) Cash flow to buy a 2nd home, rental, or vacation property

4) To get a lower (if available)

There will be costs to consider when refinancing:

1) Appraisal cost

2) Legal costs

3) Penalties for breaking mortgage contract if applicable

Often, these costs can be rolled into the new mortgage, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. 

Please reach out if you think that refinancing may be an option for you, and we can investigate. 

There are always options, and I am here to help.

For years I have wanted to do this … and now that I have my OWN business … I can!!!!

Most of you know – I started my career in this industry – by staging homes for Realtor friends of mine.  I LOVED that job….except I truly did not consider it “work” – it was more like a HOBBY I got paid for!  

With minimal prep or information – I would arrive at a home and have approx. 3 hrs to TRANSFORM it from:

• good to GREAT
• cluttered to streamlined
• minimalistic to lived in
• cold to homey

Well, you get the point!  

I helped homes go from their current state – to their BEST possible version – without taking everything out and bringing in all NEW stuff from Restoration Hardware 😉

I always loved hearing the feedback:

“I never thought of putting that there”

“I wish we had done this for ourselves – BEFORE we were going to move”

“It looks like it always should have been like this”

“I love it”

After working as a realtor, and using these skills to successfully photograph and SELL homes, it became evident that there is value for clients – when they move INTO their new homes as well.  

One of my best friends was unpacking – when I stopped in to see her primary bedroom.  I gently asked why she had arranged the bedroom furniture that way…she replied with “that’s where it goes“.  I must have looked confused.  She then said – “that’s where the last owners had it.”  AHHHHH…she could only SEE it that way based on that old information.  I asked her many questions – who needs a window open close to the bed, who needs a table with a plug, and a clock, who gets up in the bathroom during the night more often etc etc…..then we started over.  Placed the furniture in a way that made sense for their lifestyle!  

I have the ability to see the room(s) differently from the start.  I also have the patience to try it MANY different ways – before deciding on a final location.

So now is where the CONTEST comes in…NOT interested in selling – but want to LOVE your home – and make it as functional as possible?

Every month – I will come to one home – and help you transform your space!  You can ask my advice on ANYTHING – from area rug size design and placement, where to hang art, styling queries, positioning furniture, paint colors, organizing, lighting options and more.  Indoors or outdoors!!!   We can move things around; I can give advice on future renovation projects (I will help you decide whether spending the money is worth it!).  We can even shop together for small items – that will update your space – or pull a room together!

Each month the Contest will be posted on Facebook under the ClientFirst page during the first week.  *See details there  

All I ask, is that I am allowed to take before and after photos to post on social.  Don’t worry – I will never disclose whose house I am in – or your address.  If you want to – that’s ok!!!!!

My friends have been benefitting from this “service” for years…..now it’s your turn!!!!!!  Please feel free to share contest details with friends…….I want everyone to LOVE where they live.  😘