We're in a tough market, and I do understand that many agents, seasoned as well as new, can't survive with reduced income and have to take a job with a steady income. Many agents want to continue with their real estate business in a "part time" basis.
What's your obligation to your clients? To your colleagues?
Leave a message on your answering machine saying when you'll be returning calls. Check your messages for showings or offers. If you can't chek various times during the day, make arrangements with a full-time agent in your office to handle your messages and/or showings.
It may be easy to continue working with buyers, particulary if they're on the same work schedule you are, but if you're under contract, be sure that someone is available during normal business hours.
Sharon, I'm one of those who had to get a "real" job because I needed the benefits because my husband got ill. One of the things I've noticed is that I'm more focused and actually work better and more streamlined since then. I used to "seem" busy, but never really concentrated on the things that mattered in my business. Never would I slight a client and my broker would make sure things went smooth in a contract situation.
I hope you had a fabulous 4th!
Linda, thanks for commenting. It's great that you have a broker who will fill in when needed.
It is quite frustrating to deal with agents that real estate is not the priority in their lives. I have giving the same advice to several. If you are not able to properly service your clients team up.
Hi Sharon, Wow, 3 good ones in a row. Of course all your posts are good ones in a row. I regret that there are so many listing with agents that obviously have not given the seller the edge or handed back the contract. Surely more than are selling, want to sell but the agents seem to be on vacation. I got a call last week from a buyer that was working with an agent in my office. The agent suggested to the Buyer that my listing although beautifully staged may be overpriced but he was sure it would come down. The Buyer wanted to wait till we lowered the price. So he called me and asked if the the Seller was motivated,yet. Of course I said yes. He said the agent in my office had not returned from vacation but could I write an offer for him. I said that wouldn't be necessary. I received 4 offers and it will close middle of the range in a few weeks. It appraised just fine as I can substantiate what I guide to my client is the correct pricing. The Buyer said that the agent in my office assured him that he could get a better deal. Snooze, you lose. My listing are always priced right and they sell within a very short time. My rhetoric on this network is to help others. Otherwise I could just talk to my self in the mirror. ( which I do on occasion,lol)
Randy - I think in the long run they'd make more money by sharing it and giving better service.
William - I so enjoy your comments as well as your posts! I wish Active Rain would let us embargo posts like the Tomato does, so that when we're on a roll, we can keep on rolling (yes, I know I can write them somewhere else and hold them, but it's not the same). Your story reminds me of the Buyer who lost out because he made a less than full price offer (after we told him the seller would not accept anything less than full price because it was priced so well) and while he was countering someone else came in and bought it. He admitted we had told him about the pricing, but said his agent told him we were just posturing!
I've had a client leave real estate because she needed to get a "real" job. If being a real estate agent isn't a real job to you then what is it? A hobby? Seriously. Taking what you do more seriously will only make you want to perform at a higher level. That means, if you need to take on a part-time job in addition to your real estate job - or even a full-time job while move part-time in real estate - there are ways to do it that keep your integrity and good name intact. Partnering is a perfect example!
~Renae
Renae - I think many people equate "real job" to "steady salary". It's not about the profession, it's about the regular income.
Ok, that makes sense. I always bristle when I hear that term "real job" because it makes me think that people don't take what they do seriously. I've often been asked why I didn't have a "real job" or have been told how lucky I am that I don't have to get a "real job." It just irks me because what I do IS a "real job!" Anyway, putting it in that light makes sense! hahahahaha Still, your main point is valid - plan how to keep your clients up-to-date and happy when you are going to be unavailable.
~Renae
Renae - you and I both know that we have REAL jobs! Steady income? That's another topic entirely. Glad you're back to work. Just don't ever neglect your little ones - life only comes once.