I haven’t been a Real Estate Sales Agent, (officially, that is), for long, but I have been in the business long enough to know how badly this market has gotten and how hard this industry can be. Having said that, maybe it’s not as bad as one might think?
But “It’s not your Mother’s Real Estate”, that’s for sure!

Is it hard work? YES!! Is it fun work? YES!! Well, I hope it is, or you’re in the wrong business. I’m not saying that there aren’t times when it’s NOT so much fun, but you HAVE to enjoy this business to stay in it–don’t you?! Either that or you’re a sadist and enjoy self induced torture…. Ok, ok…. Really, it’s not THAT bad! Ask other seasoned Realtors®. I have; just recently. Most tell me that they are right straight out! Check out your “friends” on Facebook.com. I’ve noticed that most of my real estate “friends” have a status of “working on another offer”, “putting together another listing”, “writing up an offer and then off to a closing”, etc. Does that sound like a down market?

And now spring is here! Flowers are blooming and yards are getting greener. This is when the “curb side appeal” really comes in. Take full advantage! Get out there and take new photos, (or hire someone to take them for you), and refresh your online listing(s) and any printed materials used for marketing and/or advertising. Nothing says “I don’t really like what I’m doing”, like an outdated winter photo! This is the time to get out there and “work it”!!! The slow season is over. Now it’s time to get out and show what you’ve got! Some of you have been in this business long enough to remember when the deals would come to you and the bidding wars would ensue! And then there are those who are just beginning and feel like you’re waiting for a raindrop in the drought! And indeed, in this business, you can’t wait for the drought to be over; you have to make your own rain.

It used to be that home owners were selling for no other reason than the fact that they could sell quickly and make a nice profit on their investment. Those days are over…. Now the majority of home owners are selling because they have to. And to top that off, they’re losing money on their investment, (i.e. Short Sale). My heart goes out to these home owners who are being forced to part with what happens to be one of their most prized possessions! This makes what should be a gratifying occasion, (perhaps the happiest occasion in their life), a very emotional and deplorable occasion.

In order to have a fun, well rounded, successful career in real estate, I would suggest that you have good systems in place. First you’ll need to make sure that you have the basics: good reliable computer, internet service, email system, and fax service. Second, you will need to educate yourself. This can be done a number of ways, but the bottom line is to know what you’re doing. Enroll in classes, do research, and above all, listen, (to other professionals, customers, clients, friends, family) and soak it in! Knowledge is power!  Networking is a great way to make solid connections learn more about the business, (financing, opinions, what’s hot and what’s not, etc…). Third, you should equip yourself with really great marketing and advertising tools & ideas. Becoming part of a team can give you the upper hand and the opportunity to hone in on your strengths and benefit from the strengths of others. A virtual assistant can be a great resource. This is another great way for you to hone in on your strengths and work with a professional who will assist in meeting goals and thus growing your business. Last but not least you will need the heart and soul to persevere in this grueling industry. This is a great business if you have the right approach and are prepared. I wish you all the luck in the world! Just remember, that luck will not get you through, because it’s not your Mother’s Real Estate!

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