Home : Blogs : Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate : Selling Houses and Creating Homes!

Does having a job make me a less of a REALTOR?

OK I know that many of you think that as a REALTOR, we shouldn't have a job on the side. Let me ask you this? Does having a job make me less of a REALTOR?

My answer to you would be ABSOLUTELY NOT! First let me explain.... I have a job, had this job when I got into Real Estate and plan on keeping way after business picks up. I enjoy the job I have and I enjoy Real Estate.

But having a job doesn't make me less of a REALTOR to my customers, and quite frankly, my customers know I work. I tell them up front, but I also tell them they can always reach me even if I am at work.

None of my deals and I mean none gets neglected. I keep all my files with me and make my calls when I need to make them. I keep on top of them as if I was in the office or at home.

If a customer calls me and leaves a message they know that I will call them back within the hour and if they need me sooner they send me a text message and I answer them back right away!

Point being, I know that there are many REALTOR'S out there who are contemplating whether or not to get a job to hold them over. But are afraid they people will look down upon them because they did so.

You know what? It doesn't bother me in the least. And if that's what you have to do, then do it! I would still send you a referral!

As you can see this is a very touchy subject with many here. But I believe that you have to do what you have to do. And by doing so does not make me less its the exact opposite. It makes me better, I know how to manage my time. And you know how the saying goes, you want something done then give it to a busy person!

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Posted by Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate on 06/10/2009 01:08 PM

Comments (25)

realtor, working, jeannette neerpat

This post has been included in Florida Information Broward County, FL Information Tamarac, FL Information
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
Post is included in group: Club Chaos

25 Comments on Does having a job make me a less of a REALTOR?

JUN

Nope not at all and this post needed to be written...I remember when we did the Makeover2Takeover..you really impressed me. I was at first skeptical that you would be able to keep up..and imagine that placing 3rd! Trust me if the right opportunity came along to supplement my income...I will.

I laugh there are those that state their only job is real estate...but some write books...coach and train...while it is all in the same industry its still another means of income! Excellent post.

BTW most of the agents I know...where there is sufficient income coming in...seem to be less stressed...very successful and happy!

I agree that many do more than Real Estate. And get by. Because I having income besides my real estate I am not stress, not going crazy because I didn't close today.

And we did great in the Makeover 2 Takeover!

As long as your customers don't suffer it shouldn't matter if you have additional means of income.

Pat Non of my clients suffer and they can always reach me.

The only time it is an issue is when people have jobs where they can't return phone calls. State workers out here are unvailable from 8-5. It's really hard to do business that way. If you have two flexible jobs, that doesn't matter.

I mean I have a job as a parent and an agent. I see that as no different than a person that has two jobs with no kids. Two jobs and kids...I'd be in the looney bin!

Melina I have my job, My Real Estate busines and I have 3 young kids and I can still manage.....

Jeannette,

Wow ! It sounds like you are superwoman!! Thats alot to tend to0and still have a life. My hat is off to you!!

Dorie Thank You!!!

Jeanette, I guess it depends on the kind of job you have. Realtors who have jobs that allow them to respond to clients in a timely manner are fortunate. Realtors who have jobs where they cannot respond for 8 or 12 hours out of the day are doing a disservice to their clients.

Maria I hear where you are coming from.. But like I said sometimes you do what you havae to do.

Sometimes all you have to do...is get systems in place...and utilize the technology tools. Most people are understanding as long as you set the parameters... When you work 8 to 12 hours..you are entitled to 2 breaks and a lunch...I know because of my grocery store days. Again set the parameters and have systems in place...

We seem to have issues with people taking care of their family needs first and customer needs over family?????? Sure some won't like it...but others won't mind...because there are others who don't sell real estate doing the same thing.

I don't get it at all! Is the just another way to berate your competition?????

It's not whether you have a job or not that makes you a good realtor or not. It's whether you keep up to date and know what's going on in your market and can serve your customers well, that's what's important.

Gabe Point well said!!!!! I know agents who do this full time and still can't keep up!

Great post! I agree that you can do both and have seriously considered if getting a pt job to help supplement the income wouldn't be such a bad idea. Right now with home prices so low here in AZ we agent have to close 3 time the deals we did a couple years ago to make the same income. It is all about how you manage your time. With a lunch break and mid day breaks there is no reason why a person couldn't take care of their clients and work their job too. Home touring would be limited to weekends and evenings. I have a strict schedule because I have other responsibilities (Family) that I cant blow off. Clients will respect that you don't eat breath and sleep Real Estate 24/7. they also respect that you have bills too. An honest approach like you mentioned is all that needs to be done. I explain to my client I work from this time to that and on one weekend day. If a client cant work within your set boundaries then they don't respect you as a professional. We are not public servants. This is the point you need to ask yourself,' Do I really want to work with someone that can respect boundaries? ' I also feel that those agents that limit when they can work on Real Estate end up working smarter not harder. We know where to cut the fat so we can be efficient and serve our clients needs with out giving away every minute of our lives to chasing down the deals.

Thanks for the great post.

Deborah Well said!! Knowing our boundaries is the best thing as well as time management!

As long as it's a legal job...if not then I would think of you less as a human being:))

Neal :)

Hi Jeanette - Midori is right, this post needed to be written. No one should be looked down upon EVER for the need to do what's necessary to take care of themselves and their families in whatever way they need to do that. EVER.

I applaud you for taking great measures to take care of your clients while taking care of your life in the way that you are. If only everyone, including those who don't work additional jobs, would tend to their clients and their needs the way you do. No doubt we all know agents who could take a lesson or two from someone like you....

Some day I hope we get the chance to meet during one of my trips back down to Florida!
Ann

Ann Thank you for your support. Yes I know many agents who do this full time and yet there clients complain that they don't return phone calls and more!!!

It would be great to get to meet you in person!

Jeanette - It doesn't matter what other people think. If you can do something else AND real estate, more power to yo to have it under control. Just make sure you can stay organized and keep up with both. My niece is considering joining me in the business and it would mean giving up a great income in a crappy market. I have agreed to be her mentor and suggested she serve as an assistant to me for now and not give up her day job. Once the market picks up she can go off on herown. I would hate to see her give up a salary right now when there is so much uncertainty even for the seasoned agents. The key is being able to balance a job and real estate, and the biggest concern amongst the experienced agents is that dual income agents be available to follow up and take calls. It's only a matter of time until you get this down to a science. if you haven;t already. Good lucl.

JUN

Carol Thanks I agree. I wish your niece much luck!!!!

Jeannette - good for you - it sounds like you are very capable of doing both.

JUN

Virgina Thank you!

Jeannette, great post! I found your blog through Liz Loadholt's reblog and just wanted to say thanks for sharing. Although my husband and I don't have kids yet...I definitely agree that even 1 child is a full time job. I guess I look forward to having multiple jobs myself one day!

JUN

Excellent post which I saw as Midori's re-blog. Like I commented on Midori's - we sometimes give too much weight to what others think!

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?