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If I Knew What I Know Now, What Would I Do Differently

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with 3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. #9001154

With the honor of becoming a Member Spotlight earlier this week, it gave me some new presence. I had some new AR members as well as new rookie agents write to me congratulating me. One in particular asked, If I knew what I know now, what would I do differently?

If I knew then what I need now, there are some things I will do better, start sooner:
(1)    If you read my recent post, Total Independence is the New Business Attitude in 2012 – I shared a lot of things I would have re-done. However, back in 2003, there is no Wordpress but you have it today. I would spend time understanding how Search Engines return searches, and what consumers want to know from a Realtor’s website.

(2)    I would blog, just like how I would start. I began my journey here in December 2006. By far, the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.

(3)    I’d continue to educate myself with classes. I love to learn.

(4)    Facebook yielded me presence, reaching out to people who didn’t know I was a realtor. I don’t go blarring that I’m one. I do it so subtly.

(5)    On the personal side, I genuinely care about people. They feel it. They become my cheering squad. I’ve worn many roles in the community, giving back because the community has been good to me. I teach people how to manage their finances better, organize their lives financially, emotionally and spiritually. 2 times a year for 13 weeks each session, my husband and I facilitate Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey at our home church, Hope Fellowship in Frisco TX.

(6)    One of the things that kept me going all these years is keeping my business expenses low. It was only recently (last year) that I started spending $$$ on direct marketing specifically targeting a neighborhood, and spending money sponsoring 3 city events – my long-term strategy for local brand recognition 3:16 team REALTY as a company (not me as an agent). Prior to that, it was just spending $$$ on websites, hosting companies, domain names. I spend more time than money in my marketing and still do.

(7)    Last but not list, the only reason I went into business and continue to receive bountiful business is because I believe I’m answering my calling by serving as a Realtor in Frisco TX this season of my life. Back in 2006 when all my friends bought their first homes, I ran out of clients and was at a crossroad to either make it or break it. The Lord took me to Kenya to tell me that my mission field is in Frisco TX.

I came back, began my life marketing heavily in Frisco TX. I’m not a power-house producer. But I make enough to make a difference in my family budget. We have no debt, always had lived well below our means, pretty contented people (with stuff of this world). I’m never TOO BUSY that I cant handle ALL my clients. As soon as one goes into escrow, or closes on a property, my next client calls.

I had the privilege of closing 4 transactions this week. This week, I also started working with 2 new clients. The Lord keeps me busy and out of trouble. He once told me, “The harvest is plenty and the workers are few”.  He told me that there are so much business out there. I just have to trust Him.

I hope you enjoyed this message that I shared with my new friend.

 

Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta
Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA

Congratulations on your closings and thank you for your inspirational message. I enjoyed it. Great words to start off my day.

Nov 18, 2011 01:21 AM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

Great post!  This sort of advice really helps newbies because they can learn from what we could have done better.  Personally, I wish I had done more online marketing (blogging, etc) when I started.

Nov 18, 2011 01:34 AM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®
S T A N D I N G Ovation! What excellent advice to give to a newbie AND a seasoned agent! Thank you!
Nov 18, 2011 01:36 AM
Peggy Chirico
Prudential CT Realty - Manchester, CT
REALTOR® 860-748-8900, Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate

Excellent advice for newbies and oldies alike. Thanks for taking the time to share this.

Nov 18, 2011 02:10 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I just LOVE you! You have the right attitude and the right humility....rare combo. Great post, as usual

Nov 18, 2011 02:38 AM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Loreena, there are so many business decisions that I didn't even realize I needed to make early in my career. Things a broker should have told me. But that's a subject of another post.

In the two years I have been with AR, I have learned so much. I'm trying to keep my marketing expenses down and do much of my own marketing rather than out-sourcing it. Like you, the Lord has always provided just when we needed it.

As always, thanks for your inspiration and contribution here.

Nov 18, 2011 04:33 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Loreena,  This is so heart-felt and inspiring.  As I reflect on where I am in my life today, I know that every experience creates who I continue to become.  Your advice is great for newbies and old timers alike.  It's great for business and great for just living a happy and abundant life in gratitude! 

Nov 18, 2011 06:15 AM
Chris Lewis
Gracious Living Realty - Front Royal, VA
I want to SELL your home, not LIST it!

One of the biggest mistakes I see with marketing expenses is people trying something and giving up before it has a chance to work, and then going off to spend money on something else.  It is important to realize that all campaigns, whether direct mail, email, FaceBook, print advertising, or anything else, take time to produce results.  As Ross Perot quoted, "Most people give up just when they’re about to achieve success."

Nov 18, 2011 06:16 AM
Kim Boekholder Utah Real Estate/ PECO
Results Real Estate 801.580.5624 - Draper, UT
Broker Results Real Estate/Leasing Specialist PECO

I wish I could go back and change a few key issues, one would have been all the money I wasted on marketing by listening to others and not trusting my gut to persue the internet more.  I was an AR member back in 2006 but didn't start blogging until I hit bottom 2009.  such a shame 

Nov 18, 2011 06:18 AM
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Loreena you are always an inspiration. Your ministry is not only in Frisco but here in AR as well. Peace and blessings to you and your family.

Nov 18, 2011 06:51 AM
Lisa Dunham
Alexandria, VA
Associate Broker, Alexandria Virginia Real Estate

Excellent post Loreena!  Congrats on your many successes in both your personal and professional life.  Thanks for sharing such an inspirational message!

Nov 18, 2011 06:59 AM
Faye Y. Taylor
StepStone Realty, LLC - Floresville, TX
Country Living with City Convenience -Wilson Co TX

You always give such sage advice.  Love reading your blog.  

God is truly good and always provides.  All we have to do is pray and follow.   I sometimes have a hard time with the following part but hopefully I will get better every day.

You are an inspiration. 

Nov 18, 2011 07:00 AM
Eric Michael
Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI - Livonia, MI
Metro Detroit Real Estate Professional 734.564.1519

Great advice for newbies and seasoned agents alike. I really need to get my WP site going.

Nov 18, 2011 07:20 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Your reflections will inspire many and educate them too.  That's a service oldies and newbies can both use.

Nov 18, 2011 07:41 AM
Cherise Selley
Selley Group Real Estate, LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Realtor

Loreena,

Appreciate your willingness to listen to the voice of the Spirit and to follow this up with action... g

Nov 18, 2011 11:38 AM
Michelle Francis
Tim Francis Realty LLC - Atlanta, GA
Realtor, Buckhead Atlanta Homes for Sale & Lease

Loreena, 

TRULY fabulous post to share with everyone.  Even being in Real Estate for 10 years and at AR 2.5 years there are good ideas for all levels of experience.

All the best, Michelle

Nov 18, 2011 02:05 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

This is a great post! I love reading your posts and blogs. They are always full of useful information and have so much character.

 

I will continue to learn every day and am happy to be apart of AR.

Nov 18, 2011 04:27 PM
#36
Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

Loreena, very inspiring post. Thank you for sharing your story and insights into this wonderful business called real estate. 

Nov 18, 2011 05:01 PM
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Hey Loreena-very inspirational and a lot of valuable points:)

Nov 19, 2011 01:18 AM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Great Post, Loreena, with advice for both new and experienced real estate agents

Nov 19, 2011 02:48 AM