She's Just Lucky...That's Why She Has So Many Closings... 

Do you believe that's actually what someone said about me?!?!? I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that, I started laughing uncontrollably!

I see 3 different types of agents in the field right now... 

First: those that sit around and hope something happens 

Second: those that go out and make something happen, and 

Third: those that wonder what just happened!

Let me explain my self, and I'm actually going to lump 1 and 3 together. This morning I was at a closing at a "Traditional" real estate office, and since I was running a little early, I sat in the lobby and "observed" the activity. You know those little vacuum robots that go in a straight line until they hit a wall or furniture and then they change direction until they hit something else? Well, one guy reminded me of that, except with WAY less energy! He was just walking around the office, probably waiting on the magical phone call that was going to change his life (or at least his Tuesday morning!). A few others were milling around, some with cell phones to their heads, and a few looked like they were actually doing something important. It actually reminded me of the person that made the comment that I am "Lucky" who just sits around the office waiting for the phone to ring. He once asked me how I got so much business and I quickly answered: "do you ever see me sitting in the office waiting on the phone to ring?"

Which brings me to number 2: Let me explain the "luck" involved in these 3 closings:

#1: was a short sale where every time I turned around the buyer was talking about walking away... this would be the same buyer that I actually found but then all of a sudden had a "buyers agent" who wanted 3%. But that's OK, the deal was what was best for the seller, so I made it happen.

#2 was a short sale with Countrywide/B of A that I've been working on since about January, need I say more? (there is NO luck in drawing a Cwide/BofA shortsale deal, unless you believe in BAD luck!)

#3 was a transaction where I represented the buyers, a friend from college and his new, pregnant wife. I guess it was lucky that I negotiated for the seller to install a new roof based on the home inspection, and lucky that I could call in a favor from my roofer to get it done, and lucky that it took the seller a week to sign the NOC so we could get the permit, and lucky I could drive across town and get the release signed, and lucky that I was able to track down the buyer at the Altamonte Mall because the title company forgot to have them sign something and we couldn't get the funding number

#4 (hey, someone as lucky as me has more than just 3 things going on!) I got a new listing in Casselberry (nice waterfront condo) from an out of town seller that I've been conversing with for about 4 months (lucky I was able to stay in touch until he was ready to list his mom's condo!)

#5 Got another short sale listing under contract today... lucky my sellers were smart enough to know what documents I would need for the submission, and finally

#6 & 7: Lucky enough to be open on Thursday to set 2 more appointments to meet with sellers about listing their short sales

By the way, out of these 7, 6 were referrals from my sphere of influence, and one was someone I overheard talking about short selling their house at Sonny's BBQ and handed a business card to. I sure am lucky that so many people trust me enough to refer their friends to!

So which one are you? Are you sitting around the office waiting for the phone to ring and when someone in your office has some closings you say they're just "lucky"? Or are you out at networking groups, Chambers, real estate investment associations, and even Sonny's BBQ, beating the bush for your next deal?

I can't wait until the 4th of July when Tim & I will be volunteering for the Sanford Rotary at the fireworks in downtown Sanford. I'll be working my tail off all day in the Beer Booth (stop by and say Hi!) to help raise money for Rotary, and maybe if I'm lucky, someone will notice my REALTOR pin on my shirt and will ask me about real estate!

Andy

(to subscribe to my weekly e-zine with tips for real estate pros, visit www.AndyTolbert.com )