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Bump in the Road....What would you do?

By Janet Walter

Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Edwards & Associates

March 21, 2008 03:44 PM

I recently had a BIG bump in my real estate road.

I fell down a flight of stairs (about 12-13) cement stairs in an old school building. I feel like I have been run over by a semi! Thankfully I came away without any broken bones, but I am still stuggling with pain over most of my body. Some medical teste need to be done yet to determine if I have any damiage done to my spine.

My question to all of you:

How would handle working with customers during times of illness or accidents?
Who do you rely on?
Do you ever ask help from your good customers?
Any type of advertising that you would rely more on during these times?

I would love to hear some ideas of do's and don'ts....

It would be great to hear from you.

Janet Walter

Minnesota

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Karen Monsour

Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL

REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

Janet,

I'm so sorry to hear that you fell that ~~far~~ at all! You probably feel like I did after I rolled my car 3 times down an embankment about 20 years ago. Heating pads help.

If you have a good friend in your office, perhaps they could help you. I never rely on anyone but myself, however my broker and his wife do help us in emergency situation. My friend Terri will help me with "showings" if she is available.

What do you mean by "asking help from your good customers?"

I have to admit, I'm not a big advertiser. I get referrals from my RE signs through out the county. :-0 me bad!

Perhaps you could find a real estate assistant who could do some of the "leg" work for you. We have licensed assistants here in Florida.

Mar 21, 2008 03:54 PM

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME

Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Be creative, be honest and let your good customers know. They'll stand with you thru the recovery. Good luck and know you are going to be fine!

Mar 21, 2008 03:54 PM

Carol Smith

Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Janet - I'm so glad that you are OK - for the most part. At least you didn't break anything.

Always ask your colleagues for help when you are recovering. It's always good to have a back-up plan for these types of things - just in case.

I hope your recovery will be smooth - and hope your back is not going to give you trouble all the time.

Mar 21, 2008 03:55 PM

Anonymous

My wife was in real estate several years before I was and she has had a series of health issues which could easily impact on real estate performance an dpresent that BIG bump in the road. She had three stents placed in her heart in 2005, a total knee replacement in Nov 2007, an implanted defribulator placed in Jan 08 and is currently looking at a possible ankle replacement. By being a licensed REALTOR(R) myself, I was able to assist in many ways such as property showings, going to meetings etc. But she pursued the business through referals, and the normal advertising means independent of her condition. She managed to earn sales awards in everyone of the the years from 2005 to 2007. Of course we are now trying new ways to advertise and stir the business generation cycle such as Active Rain, community involvement, fundraising, and personal websites geared to local neighborhoods to keep the fire burning.

Mar 21, 2008 03:59 PM

Lisa Hill

Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach Real Estate

Well, I feel like I've been run over by a truck every day. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 7 years ago. I have limitations. After this many years, I know my limitations, and I'm not ashamed of needing to take my medications, so I can continue to enjoy my career, and every other aspect of my life. In your case, you're going to eventually heal. If I were you, I would spend time reading, listening to worship music, resting, enjoying the extra time with my family, and of course blogging =)

Mar 21, 2008 04:08 PM

Anonymous

Joyce Bradley

I saw your post about the bump in the road and it rang true for me - it can be tough but you can be togher. How are you doing? I hope you are finding ways to cope with the situation and working your way through it - it makes your stronger when you do. I see tha my husband and fellow REALTOR(R) has responded to your blog; and, typically he did not even ask about you! He sees things as just charge ahead and take no prisoners. I understand the trepidation and concern when not feeling up to normal - but there is something to be said for plugging on - it worked for me. Good luck and have a speedy recovery.

Mar 21, 2008 04:12 PM

Chuck Carstensen

RE/MAX Results - Elk River, MN

Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert

I would check around for a trustworthy agent hungry for business and put together an agreement with that person that is a fair (win-win) deal.

Mar 21, 2008 04:13 PM

Stacey McCarthy

McCarthy Real Estate - Philadelphia, PA

@SmartGirlsOwn

Yes, DON'T stop prospecting. I had a fall last year that dislocated my elbow and broke my arm. I was sick all the time from pain medication and I couldn't move my arm. I was laid-up for more than 2 months. I didn't do any prospecting or make any calls because I couldn't work immediatly. My business suffered more than my arm. Over the following 6 months, I closed 0 deals. You will get better, so look for clients that are going to be doing something in the summer so you business doesn't take a hit.

Mar 21, 2008 04:13 PM

Karen Monsour

Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL

REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

Janet,

Sound's like you got some great advice on here! I really hope your back is OK, I had to have Pain Management for my back for 6 month's, however, I'm sure you'll be fine. I like Chuck's idea!

Mar 21, 2008 04:24 PM

Christy Powers

Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners - Pooler, GA

Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent

Wow, I am so sorry to hear that. I am glad nothing is broken and hopefully there's no damage to your spine. Stairs and I have a long history together of a love-hate relationship! I hope you get back to normal! I am sorry, I can't answer the questions though. I don't know what I would do. Knowing me, I'd try to carry on like nothing happened and make things worse!

Mar 21, 2008 04:41 PM

Janet Walter

Century 21 Edwards & Associates - Virginia, MN

Thanks to all who gave me good advice on my "Bump in the Road." In my blog I asked what others would do...I had taken a fall down a flight of stairs, bumped, bruised but no broken bones.

I did ask a co-realtor to assist me in maybe doing a couple of my shoiwngs, asking a couple of my good customers to distribute property flyers on thier property, (something I had planned to do in their immediate nieghbood). I also plan on contacting my customers to let them know of my accident and ask for their patience and also letting them know they can certainly call me if they have any ideas on marketing when I am laid up. I guess I thought "ya never know they might really feel like helping or have some great ideas"

So, thank you to all of you who offered me some advice and everyday I feel just a bit better and move around just a bit more.

Thanks Again Active Rain Friends!

Janet

Mar 24, 2008 04:04 PM