It seems the every day tasks required to complete a real estate transaction...seems to take much longer.... but back in the day with beepers and MLS books, Polaroids and only 1 photo per mls listing (yes I am saying it!)
The delivery of a smooth transaction seemed to be of the utmost importance...back then....its where people said thank you and I'm sorry I don't have answer and yes we are closing on time and you could really count on it!
While it never has gone out of style for some strange reason...I find in just about every aspect of life..
Regardless of where I am standing there are situations where someone has dropped the ball and sometimes over and over again!
Human error right or bad manners?
Some mistakes that people make sometimes cost big and in truth these types of mistakes are called manners!
Such as returning phone calls or even honoring the Code of Ethics.
Imagine that we as professionals had to take a oath to follow the golden rule!
This is the reality..game on!
- Return phone calls, pretty basic right? Think about how much time is wasted because someone doesn't have the decency to return a phone call!
- Poor planning-think about it...you promised someone a CMA 2 days ago..guess what maybe you should have told them 3 days or four.
- If there is a delay...relay it to those who need to know...some people travel far and wide to move into their new home..and sometimes its costly...people taking time off of work, ordering u hauls and trying to plan it right...movers...renovations...1 day delay can cost many big bucks!
- How about no figures an hour before a closing... or where is the proof of insurance to obtain a clear to close? We need to follow up regardless of whose job it is because in the long run it will fall back on you and injure your buyer and a whole snow ball effect could occur!
- Blame game-Isn't that for the children? How many times have you heard a REALTOR or loan officer blame others because a transaction did not occur? I tend to look at the person running their mouth about someone else rather than listen to what they are actually saying.
When sales are fewer..the worst in people seem to come out and the way to change this is to take a hard look at you!!! It starts within you by having higher expectations of yourself and in most cases we expect more from others..imagine if we didn't cut ourselves so much slack.. Are we that generous to others?
Things you should think about!
- Don't throw all your eggs in one basket when it comes to prospecting..that means...balance..... work your sphere...Expired and FSBO's..cold call, warm call and social networking. There are many ways to prospect! You are making a huge mistake by depending on one source of prospecting..remember those that teach..probably teach and practice what they do very well...and if you hate the computer there is a good chance you won't be generating 100% of your business on line. Its time to face reality.
- Regardless of what is said...and all the different ways...we are in sales no matter how you look at it..that means watch for the buying signals...pay attention to the objections..but most of all ask for the sale! We don't have to be the old stereotyped salesman but we also don't have to be wimpy little. We as professionals are sales people...selling houses changing lives!
- It's a tough business even for those that are successful! This business requires..marketing skills..computer skills and understanding and explaining legal documents. Basic People skills and customer service..time management.and financing. Go to outside sources if you aren't getting training needed to be successful.
- Improve and reinvent yourself.. by getting your brokers license or obtain a worthwhile designation...these types of classes can take you to the next level...I've seen mediocre agents rise to the occasion!
- Hard Work never killed anyone and on many occasions we are taught...to get rich quick..to take shortcuts..there is always an easier way..never learning the basics..but the reality is real estate is hard work in a buyers market or a sellers market or even during good or bad economic times.
There are certain tasks in real estate that are timeless and forever...a courtesy call..or to give bad news..order lawn service or sweep your vacant listing floor. People aren't doing it...how come?
Right now you have to do what it takes...for your customer...for your wallet..
Hard work never killed anyone! Are you working in reality? I am in survival mode...game ON!
Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager . If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me! All calls and inquiries are confidential. CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 3 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Ormond by the Sea. midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236
... as usual an extremely well put together post.
I hate to use the blame game, but boy it's tough sometimes when individually you have dotted every 'i' and crossed every 't' and because one person in the transaction feels that everyone is at their beck and call, the deal gets delayed or even lost !
... and hard work ? that's a pre-req for being me :o)
Cheers Midori !
Sheldon
Midori - Well done! Another positive post from Midori! I love it. These are all extremely valid points you made here and should be followed if you intend to stay alive in this market. Gee I just noticed you have anothe NJ fan. :-)
Midori: I bet you could have written a novel on this topic. Thank you for the post.
This is such an important blog being so many people fail to do some of these simple things. We have the time to be doing this, why aren't we?
Great post! I think that this is the first post of yours that I have read. You area a great writer, and must be a great agent!
Hi Midori, really enjoyed this post, Cutie Pie. Challenging times for sure, but I still love what I'm doing (especially on the internet!). I'm teaching a class next week at KW to those who have no profiles anywhere (Facebook, AR and LinkedIn). Any hot tips??
Fantastic post Midori! Suggesting it for a feature because of the great message and how well it was written - no surprise there! I couldn't agree with you more with so much of what you said when it comes to follow-up, being accountable, removing blame, balance, improving and reinventing youself and seeking assistance in areas that may not be your expertise. It really comes down to doing everything it takes for your customer - it will show in so many ways. Awesome! ~Anne Marie
Midori- Sales....ummm Ok if you say so :) I don't particularly like labels, and so don't give myself one. I do however try to be courteous, honest, and hardworking. I do attempt to have a few eggs in different baskets....and I have swept the floor, trimmed hedges, pullled weeds, helped buyers that weren't my client move in, gone shopping for a client, and gone and fixed water timers......
Game on.....to me it's about "good service" and if I can be of help, then I will. I like how you think :)
I did a post last week I called the Hall of Fame or Wall of Shame where I touched on some of the lack of manners that you called out as well. To be a professional is an easy task why not just do the right thing on the onset. To dig oneself out of a man made hole because you were unprofessional is just plain stupid. Love your post and great insights.
Hi Midori! I TOTALLY agree with you--it is simply amazing that some people put SO many things on the back-burner--even ANSWERING their cell phone! "Come on! I KNOW you're NOT that busy--I see the agent productivity and KNOW that you're hanging on by a thread! CALL ME BACK!" One of these days, I'm just going to spew that to one of these listing agents who is so poorly serving their clients--AND me!