If your market is anything like mine, you'll appreciate what December does to people and the subsequent New Year.  Agents go in to hiding, some disappear entirely, others call you from God knows where and some just don't bother.  There are some that are still their perky happy selves answering calls, returning calls promptly and showing property, but for the most part I notice a distinct absence of regularity during the holidays.

This year I worked full steam through the holidays (with a day of rest here and there) and found it to be pretty invigorating, in particular, today when I was in the office.  Many of my co-agents were still running at the slo-mo rate, talking as if someone had placed their finger on their cassette recorded voice, s l o w i n g d o w n  their dialogue, energy and everything else comprised of personality.  One was looking at the phone as if compelling it to do something for them, or ignoring the phone altogether and massaging their keyboard as if that could draw a ring from the phone.

I read an article about the latest greatest agent on the planet.  His name is Royce Cablayan and he was featured as the 10th most Prolific Real Estate Agent by the Wall Street Journal.   The article is interesting and his philosophy is a good read too.  I really like the fact that he was from Hawaii originally of course.  I sent Royce a short email on Saturday December 30th 2006, congratulating him on his remarkable award.  True to a prolific agent's form, he humbly responded on December 31st, New Years Eve. and offered a few words of encouragement. 

 ROYCE CABLAYAN (source Re-royce.com)

You see Royce doesn't take time off in December.  He takes it on October.  I think I now know why.  The next time you consider taking time off in December, remember, most agents are off anyway.  If you are in a resort/vacation hot spot like I am, vacationing 2nd home buyers are everywhere and they love to go to open houses.