For April we went Back the the Future!

We asked ActiveRainers to write a blog post answering this question...

 

"What do you know now that you wish you knew before you got into real estate?"

 

The challenge: Write a post to yourself -- as a newbie -- giving yourself advice about your new career. Marty McFly in Back to the Future wasn’t allowed to change the future (or wasn’t supposed to do anything that could impact his future self). You’re not under those restrictions! What do you wish you knew back then? How could that have helped you succeed faster, or change the way you chose your career path?

140 Rainers rose to the challenge and threw their hat in the ring for this one. It took us a few days to read all the entries, and boy was it hard but we narrowed it down to four outstanding entries that were well written, thought provoking, and imaginative. Yes, I said four. In the end, we had a difficult time picking just three so we ended up with a tie for third place.

And now a drumroll please.... the winners!

 

First place -- 1500 points -- Sharon Alters' "Dear Newbie Sharon"

We loved Sharon's entire list of advice. My personal favorite line is this one: Don't let one person ruin your career. Just say, 'Next!' Excellent advice that every agent (new or old!) needs to remember, especially when you're having a really tough day. The rest of the list is awesome as well -- from goal setting to time blocking and making time for yourself. Great job Sharon!

 

 

 

Second place -- 1000 points -- Sarah & Les Oswald "Wish I knew then what I know NOW"

Another great list of 10 tips every newbie should pay attention to. Their #1 -- Pick the broker not the brokerage -- should be told to every person who enters a real estate licensing class. Wow. The logo on that door doesn't matter as much as the broker sitting in that chair.

 

Third place -- 500 points -- Carol Zingone "What I Know Now... But Wish I Knew Then"

Many of the entrants' lists had very similar themes and ideas. Carol's list of lessons learned really stood out as being different from the rest. Not only is it business-related (prospecting, scheduling, learning) but she added "be involved in your association" and "give back" which made her stand out.

 

Third place -- 500 points -- Tammy Lankford "If I could write myself a letter to be read in 1992"

Tammy's entry was creative and fun! Her opening was touching and personal, and moved on to her 11 things she'd want her newbie self to know. Great writing Tammy!

Thank you to everyone who participated in this challenge. Thinking and writing the posts takes effort and time. But it is exhausting being a judge. This month I barely blogged, and rarely commented on other people's posts. Judging a contest -- reading the entries, debating the top 10, then top 3 or 4, is fun but tiring. I'm beat. I'd like to thank my AR friends Wendy Rulnick and Scott Nowling for rising to the challenge and helping me this month. Working with you two was fun, as usual! I loved reading all the entries and debating the winners with you. Now, back to that blogging and commenting routine. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Exceptional … Professional … Results!

Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Ramus Realty Group in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a professional firm to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call us at 570-622-6006.

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We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website.

We also run Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs in the area.

Schuylkill Business lists Schuylkill County commercial real estate for sale/rent.

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