New Year's Resolution #1

You know, I think I've made this resolution before. 

And I usually do a pretty darn good job of prioritizing my time, letting clients and prospects know when I am and when I am not available.

But then you get a referral.  And you're already busy-but it's a referral and we love those folks.  (at least, I do!)  And the buyers who are so anxious to purchase a home here in Charlotte NC are just chomping at the bit to go out and look.

In fact, they want to go out on:

Dec 22, Dec 23, Dec 24, Dec 26, Dec 27, Dec 28, Dec 29, Dec 30, Dec 31 and Jan 1.

I know, you're all laughing right along with me!  Seriously these people thought that I was only entitled to ONE day with my family at Christmas!

Sundays are my days for worship and family.  I try very hard to keep that day of the week sacred.  Otherwise, I will get burned out and I'll be of no use to anyone or anything.  And let's be frank-I have two small kids.  And I will NOT sacrifice my relationship with them to the altar of the almighty dollar.

So....long story short, I agreed to spend a couple of hours with these folks on Sunday afternoon since they were SO desperate to go buy something.  I should have known better!!  Whenever I've bent my own personal rules in the past, it's never worked out.  Never. 

I thought we got along well, accomplished a fair bit and got to know one another.  But then I got a call from the referring agent today that they would rather work with someone else.  Someone who better understands their sense of urgency. 

Fine by me.  When this young couple gets married and has kids, perhaps they'll understand why I do not work on Christmas Eve.  I work very very hard to ensure that my clients get the best possible representation from an agent who studies the market, the builders, the trends and can advise them accordingly.  But respect goes both ways.  So does commitment.

Therefore, in 2008 and beyond, my schedule is my schedule and I shall refer out the folks who think that they are more important than my pumpkins.