Reality of Realty

The reality into the life of a realtor, with many life tips scattered throughout.

Reality of realty.

Not every day is easy, and not every day is sunshine and rainbows. Doing small things for yourself that remind you why you love real estate or whatever your profession may be, will help keep you sane. For me it's something as simple as drinking my fresh juice in the mornings.

Sometimes being brutally honest is the best way to be, people don't want someone who beats around the bush and doesn't be fully honest with them. They want someone who is going to have those hard conversations and be fully transparent with them.

Not every day is busy, but making the best use of your time is so important.

Sadly, sometimes home life, friends and other entrepreneurial adventures take a back seat but finding that balance and still making sure that you're giving 100% to every client is doable. Surrounding yourself with people who understand that work never really turns off and stands by you in your goals is so important. Also, finding your main priorities and putting your energy into those will help a lot. Mine is always my clients and then my business and other entrepreneur adventures, because that is what's important to me. There will be times where you have something come up with family or friends that takes priority, and in those times make sure you are communicating and putting them in the hands of someone you trust. For example, showings, etc. I love keeping busy however, so I am always trying to find ways to make everything work. Most of all, remember to boundaries and take breaks from work with your significant other and family otherwise you will go insane.

Work from an environment that works for you, each person is very different and personally I like to work from home and from my car or a park. I do love going into the office every once in a while, but I get so easily distracted by things that I get more done from home. I also love working in my car and parks which seems weird to say, but I love driving around or parking at the park listening to music and getting some work done.

Focus, being focused on what's at hand not spreading your brain out. I want to make sure each of my clients is getting the best version of myself as their realtor and that means turning off other deals and to-do lists that you have and focusing on the issue or negotiation that you are currently in. Getting things done is a great way to get them off your mind so you can focus on others. Some people put things off and then they build up and you just get overwhelmed. Sitting down and getting your to-do list done starting with the higher priority items is such a good feeling and it unclouds your mind. I have found it very helpful to keep a structured schedule and stay focused on the things that are important, it will give you less anxiety in the long run.

TIP: Write down everything! This will help keep you in check in remembering everything and taking responsibility for it.

24-hour rule, there will always be deals that fall apart or things that don't go as you'd wished. One thing I learned quickly was you cannot let things get to you, you kind of have to build up a tough armor. For example, in my second year, I had multiple deals fall through in the same month, one of which being a large residential deal for 1.6 million. However, having established the 24-hour in my first year of real estate with myself I knew I still had to stick with it and not let it get me down because it's what I love. I'll be honest after the 1.6 fell through, following 2 other deals falling through I cried and became pretty discouraged, but that night I gave myself a pep-talk and knew this just had to become motivation and a learning curve for me. And that is exactly what I turned it into.

Finding clients is a grind and one that I try to not stress over, because once you do then you're not in it for your clients you're in it for yourself. If you get out and mingle with people genuinely wanting to be more involved in our community and wanting to know the people that make it up.

You will have that friend or family member that doesn't use you, even when you showed them houses for a month. It doesn't matter if you're a year or 10 years in, it will happen, and you can't stress it. Never burn bridges and always just be happy for people.

Every realtor has a different busy season, never compare yourself.

What you listen to dictates what your vibe of the day is, it is all about mindset. Coming into things with the right energy. For me pump up Hip-Hop/Rap or Worship music puts me into a good headspace for meetings or showings.

Manifest the life of your dreams. You truly have to be your best cheerleader. This means keeping promises to yourself, your clients, your family, etc. Remember what and who are most important to you. They deserve your energy.

Be knowledgeable, and over prepare. In the end it's what you can bring to the table, and what sets you apart. You don't want to be in the middle of a conversation stating things and not be able to back up what you are saying. That can be embarrassing, you don't want to be in that spot.

Communication is key, not only with other realtors, but also with lenders, inspectors, etc.

Do the things outside of your comfort zone. If something makes you nervous, it's probably a good thing to push yourself for. It's an opportunity for you to learn.

Knowing what you bring to the table and focusing on it will give you confidence. Everyone has setbacks, but each person is different and brings something different to the table. Even top producers have stressors and insecurities. Focusing on yours and growing in those ways sets you apart.

Writing down 5 things that you bring to the table, things that make you confident.

For me its

1. I am very outgoing, and I have a lot of energy which get things done.

2. I am on point, and I have a sense of urgency and perfectionism when doing things.

3. I'm very good at multitasking.

4. I'm kind and friendly, I love connecting with new people and am not afraid to reach out to strangers.

5. I am ethical, I genuinely want to help my clients in the best way possible for them.

Research, discuss, research. It's your job. You can give someone all the tools on a platter that they need to be successful, but some still will not put the effort in. Get out and learn, become knowledgeable, and do your research for your clients.

Put in the work every day and go the extra mile. Being a self-starter is what will carry you through this profession especially. Making sure you are keeping consistency is everything, you can't do something once and expect a result.

We are the peacekeepers. Everybody is a little crazy and taking that with a grain of salt is so important. Real estate deals are extremely stressful transactions and situations for people from the time the offer is accepted to the time it closes. Being the person who tries to be understanding of situations is who I strive to be, because you don't want to be the reason why a deal is more stressful. Stay focused on the deal and the facts of the deal and whether it works in the best interest of your client or it does not. There will be stressful people and situations where keeping your cool and not letting emotions get the best of you is what is best for you and for your clients. Being the most monotone person in the room is the best approach, because that means you are in control.

Sometimes you just have to say, "I'm not here to play games, I'm here to do what's in the best interest for my client, so let's do that."

Always work in the best interest of your clients.

"It means nothing unless the ink is dried on your paper." One of the best lines to describe real estate. You will have deals that fall apart, sometimes more than once at a time. There will be clients you will work with for a year looking for their first home. You have to work for the lifestyle you want to live. Your job is to stick with your clients, not close houses as quick as possible. Just remember to always do what is in the best interest of your client. You should be exhausting your options to get your client the best deal. Your clients should have high standards, it's your job to meet them.

It's how you handle situations that will dictate the aftermath, it's not always easy and you do kind of have to grow a thick skin.

In the end people will always respect and want to work with someone who respects them, shows up, goes the extra mile doing the things that aren't necessarily in our job description, and being kind and understanding.