Returning home again last night at around 8pm after another 13 hour day, while heating up an amazing dinner that my wife had cooked for the family, I asked myself again . . . "How can I balance my family (whom I love dearly), and my work, (that I also love)?

The demands placed on an agent today can be overwhelming at times. 

I currently have around 50 listings with 15 of those under contract, I have an additional 14 buyer sides under contract thanks to 2 amazing buyer specialists that work with me.

At home, I have 4 incredible children (ages 10-15), a beautiful and supportive wife, and my in-laws staying with us until their new home is built.

Is there a simple solution to solving the time issue?  I find myself working through the weekends even when I try to take some time off.  My clients deserve top notch service so I do my best to answer the phone when it rings, but I find that they are having to call me more often than I call them.  My agents deserve top notch training so that they can continue to grow in their real estate career, but as the team meetings draw near I find myself 'quickly' putting something together that sometimes isn't my best effort.  My family deserves a top notch husband and father, but I miss way too many soccer / lacrosse / baseball games and I heat up dinner more often than I should.

I would love to hear how some successful agents have found balance with their careers and their families.

 

 

     

 
Posted by Rod Moser on 04/20/2010 08:28 AM   Comments (5)   Time Planning in the ActiveRain Channel   time planning, scheduling tips  
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5 Comments on Maintaining Balance

APR
20
2010
Attended Rain Camp

It seems as if its been feast or famine. Time blocking and setting your family time first is the most important thing you can do. You will aways be able to sell a home. You can never share that meal or go to that game again. We only get one chance. It sounds like you need to hire some additional staff, so you can do whats most important for you and your family.  Sometimes easier said than done.
8:35am • #1
1 Featured Post

Thank you Sanna for the advice, I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
8:48am • #2
109,882 Points 8 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Rod,

It's a tough maze to negotiate.  If you cannot hire more staff at this time, then you should consider limiting the amount of business you are willing to take on at any given time.  If you have 50 listings, perhaps you should set a cap of 30 at any one time. 

I know, it is hard to pass up the $$$, but there is a cost for everything in life and family time is no exception. 

I know agents who bring in $200,000 a year in commissions.  But, I love my husband and my children and my granddaughter and my dogs and my hobbies and the truth is I am not willing to give up a WHOLE YEAR of my LIFE for $200,000.

When the money is gone (and it always goes) the only things you will have left will be the people & the memories.  Would you trade that for a few more $$$ in the bank?
9:24am • #3
APR
23
2010

 

Hi Rod,  I so get what you are saying!  Six months ago when I got my license and started out I was trying to make things happen so my days were pretty much on my time table.  Now that the 'pipeline' is starting to empty out on the other end and I'm finding my groove my days have gotten much longer....(so far I have 23 listings).  I too take great pride and joy in what I'm doing and will spend as much time needed to ensure absolute client satisfaction.  But every morning I wake up and wrestle with the time dilemma thing.  Thank goodness for a very understanding husband who knows how much I love what I'm doing.  I really really don't want to be one of those agents who can't put the phone down at a reasonable hour, or spend 30 uninterrupted minutes having a cup of coffee with a friend.  I guess....  I know....I'm going to have to set some time limits that I can live with as hard as it may be and no matter how much I love what I'm doing. 

 Sorry Rob I can't offer you a successful solution here....truthfully there might be more of us out here that struggle with this whole time management thing than there are success stories.  But good luck and keep us posted....and if you find the answer please be sure to share!
9:46pm • #4
1,417,263 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Rod - A couple of things that come to mind ... 1) Looking at why your clients call you, are there a few issues that come up repeatedly? If so, try to address those up front, and also set up a weekly phone appointment (or email) when you will update them on their transaction.  2) Leverage yourself with one or more assistants, maybe a marketing manager or transaction coordinator. Make them the first point of contact for your clients to handle all of the routine parts of buying and selling.  3) Time block for your family just like you do for your business. Also include them in your quarterly goal setting, i.e. "if my volume is $xxx, then we're going on a great ski vacation this winter."

Good luck!

 
10:07pm • #5


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Rod Moser

Salt Lake City, UT

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