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I've Come A Long Way, Baby! How My Business Has Changed

By
Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Network Realty BK 3030920

I started in real estate full time in 2005.   I didn't know it wasn't a good time, just like I didn't know the failure rate is something like 95% the first year.

 
Guess those were good things not to know and focus on.
 
Then, I would print every document I could ever need to be prepared. Worked ok, except when forms where updated.
 
Now, I am mobile based, not place based, and can accomplish anything with the iPad, PDF Expert, and Dropbox.
 
Then, I would show anyone just about anything.  I drove to Starke, FL one Sunday to show a house. Starke is about an hour from my home. I know zero about Starke. 
 
Now, I have a defined area, and anything that doesn't fit is referred out to a pro in that area.  It helps me maximize and leverage my time and resources.
 
Then, I searched the MLS for EVERY PROSPECT.  I was convinced they would buy, from me, in the near future.
 
Now, I scrub the MLS for motivated parties who are committed to me.
 
Then, I held all my suspects & prospects and their info close to my chest, and shared nothing. 
 
Now, I understand that sharing what's important can help get a contract get accepted, and bring all parties closer to together.
 
The consistencies between then and now? My continually optimistic outlook, and my participation in my local association - which now includes involvement at the state and national levels.
Posted by

Carol Zingone is a full service Broker Associate proudly affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty in Atlantic Beach, FL.  I help buyers and sellers locally, regionally, and internationally.  With hundreds of happy buyers and sellers over the course of my career, I'm thrilled to help first time buyers, military buyers, seniors, investors, 1031 exchange properties, short sales and REO's.  I have spent hours honing my expertise, including the designations of: Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Loss Mitigation Certification (LMC) , Short Sales, Foreclosures, REO's, (SFR), and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES).  I pride myself on providing excellent expertise to all buyers and sellers. Search the MLS via www.carolzingone.com  for Jacksonville and area listings!

 

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Carol, It is funny how we change over the years in our business.  Have a great day!

Sep 30, 2013 12:55 AM
Eric Crane -- Your Full Service, Discount Fee Realtor®
DPR Realty LLC - Gilbert, AZ
Greater Metro Phoenix Arizona

Hi, Carol -- interesting to read how your business has evolved over time.  useful to compare lessons learned.  thanks!  Eric

Sep 30, 2013 12:57 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Sounds like you and I started at the same time and learned some really good habits as a result.

Sep 30, 2013 02:12 AM
Jaclyn Erwin
Jackson Erwin Realty, Inc. - Charlotte, NC
ABR,SFR, REALTOR®/BROKER, Charlotte NC.

Way to go Carol!

This is Awesome and I am sure your future will be very rewarding! It is so great you have defined your practice, adopted technology and systems that work and embrace change. Such actions allow us to grow and improve. 

Sep 30, 2013 09:55 AM
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi Carol, It seem like we are always changing to keep up with something, someone or somewhere. Good job keeping above water and sailing along.

Sep 30, 2013 12:07 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

You certainly have come a long way. If we want to be successful in this business...change is a necessity!

Sep 30, 2013 10:00 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing your progress as a real estate professional. Best wishes for continued success.

Sep 30, 2013 10:30 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

You have come a long way madam President of NE FAR.  Congratulations Carol.

Oct 03, 2013 08:45 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Carol: It sounds like you've learned! Congratulations and thanks for participating in our contest. I wish you well as you continue to grow your business!

 

Oct 11, 2013 06:23 AM