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Why I have voice mail

By James Heintz

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Western Realty

May 11, 2009 04:30 AM

Wallace-Heintz Boys

I am not availalbe 24/7 and this is why! www.Your2Agents.com we are a blended family. We have 3 terrific young boys, aged 13 to 10. All are very active with either their studies, basketball, golf,football, soccer or baseball.

And we try to take a vacation every year too. Last year we went to Ventura County for 2 weeks, the year before we went to Silverwood in Idaho, Disneyland the year before that. We must be able to live our life. These 3 precious young men will be out of the house before we know it. Usually clients respect this. Not always, so then it is decision time if you want to work this client or not. And more often than not, I will pass on this 'client'. If they won't respect my family time, then I will choose not to work with them.

Our goal in life is to be better parents that what we had growing up. We teach them so that they can be better parents than us.

We are truly blessed! Not only to live in a G-R-E-A-T place on earth in Bellingham, WA, but to also have come together and have a remarkable family.

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Chad Janusa, MBA - New Orleans Real Estate

Metairie, LA

Well said James! It is important to have a balance in life. Life can't always be work. I think any good client will respect your family time and if they don't well let them find another agent. You can't be everything to everyone all of the time, so be sure to make time for those people and things that matter most and everything else just kind of finds a way of working itself out.

May 11, 2009 04:37 AM

Josh Hunter

Longmont Real Estate - Longmont, CO

That is a good quick post that really hits a target. I am on the same page with you however I just have one little guy, almost 2 years old but am amazingly active with him and my wife. Personal time is extremely important. While we are in the business of "Working when others don't" much of the time there needs to be a clear understanding set upfront with each client. I like to ask about their family and hear about how great they are at football games, how amazing their recent vacation was, their plans for the weekend. It is alot easier to tell them that "I am human too" and do many of the same activities they enjoy and don't answer the phone after X:XXpm (usually, unless you call the bat phone), Do enjoy summer vacations and also plan things on weekends with my family every few weeks. Just need to be clear that there is a backup plan if you are under contract or have deadlines.....even showings. I find it nice to partner with 1 agent at your office so you can cover each other. How many times do you call and get your clients voice mail if they are at work or a game? It is just so great when both sides are on the same page.

May 11, 2009 04:44 AM

James Heintz

Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA

Hi Chad & Josh! Thanks for your comments. I am a rookie on AR, so you two are my first commenters (?sp) Agreed all the way around. So many times in the past, I did try to be everything to everyone, and in the end, it just doesn't seem to be appreciated. Sure it is my career, but not to be missing one of my sons games, plays, etc...And certainly finding a common bond helps. Now, if I know that they are in town for X number a days, and MUST find a house, Shannon and I work out our schedule. It is the people that call up at noon and tell me they need to see this house at 3:30...

Josh congratulations on the lil' guy. It gets better, but time does FLY by. Take lots of pictures, videos, etc..

Be Well!

May 11, 2009 04:55 AM

Lori Isaacson

Credit Restoration Consultants - Plantation, FL

You are a very wise man. Both of my children are grown and out of the house. I too only did things that worked around their schedule. Family must come first!! Without them what does all the money in the world buy??? Perhaps loneliness!!!

Happy Monday!!

Lori

May 11, 2009 05:14 AM

Akos Straub

The Group | RE - Chicago, IL

Your Real Estate Broker for Life

I just blogged about reading your voicemail... This might help, check it out:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1073500/easy-solution-to-stop-phone-tag-read-your-voicemail-try-it-30-days-free

Here is the link: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1073500/easy-solution-to-stop-phone-tag-read-your-voicemail-try-it-30-days-free

May 12, 2009 11:38 AM

Hi Akos

Wow, what interesting technology for sure! I will forward this, so I can get the 30 day free trail. I did see where someone states that Google will soon have it for free.

James

May 13, 2009 08:24 AM

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