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It's sunday night and do you know where your family is?

By
Real Estate Agent with Security National Properties

i have read many posts throughout our Rain Community and have yet to find too many posts about spending time with family. Well, here goes one for the record books!

As I was headed out today to show property, my 10 year old son looked up in my eyes and asked me to play ball with him and to show him how to pitch so he can get ready for the first day of practice tomorrow. At first, I couldn't picture myself kneeling down as catcher in my suit. How can I resist those big brown eyes!

You know, sometimes we go about our days focusing on the next sale or inspection periods or even just trying to please our clients and making sure everything falls into place, but we forget why we do this. Why did we pick this profession?

It is so easy to wake up in the morning, get the kids to school, check in at the office,drive around clients, make presentations and stage listings.

By the time you get home, the homework gets done, dinner gets cooked, the kids get sent to the showers and then off to bed. Then the whole cycle starts all over again the next day.

We shouldn't forget to stop and take a breather and remember our families and thank them for being there for us.

I was late for my appointment today.

But, I played ball with my son.

Gary McNinch
Better Properties Real Estate - Renton, WA
Broker, Renton WA Real Estate

John,

Yep, you hit it right on.  Today is my birthday, no work, spent all day with family.  Check the blogs and call it a day.   

List and Sell (and as we say in KW  God, Family, then Business)   Gary @ RentonHomeFinder

Apr 06, 2008 05:31 PM
Guy E. Gimenez
The PowerHouse Group - Austin, TX
ABR, CRS, GRI - Broker & Investor (512-731-5613)
You probably won't see many more either John.  I've been reading posts tonight and can't believe the number of agents who feel it is their obligation to be on call 24/7 or they're not providing the service required of them.  Wow.  It's sad, but it's what our industry from the national to state to local associations have ingrained in the heads of business hungry agents.  Even saw one post where they bragged that they worked 12-14 hour days and "loved it."  More power to them.  I love my family more than my clients (work)....I think that's the way it should be.  I sure won't be on my deathbed wishing I'd worked less and spent more time with family. 
Apr 06, 2008 05:36 PM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY
John, we really never know what is in store for us.  Our families should come first.  Sometimes we need some pleasant reminders. Without our families ,friends and our health (and God,first, of course) we really would have nothing.  Nothing else is really all that important.  My kids are grown now, but I do have a grand child.  Take time out to enjoy your child EVERY day. They deserve that.   
Apr 06, 2008 05:39 PM
John Ford
Security National Properties - Eureka, CA

Pam-Thank you very much! I just had one of those ah-ha moments this morning before I left for work.

Gary-Happy Birthday Dude!! may you have many many more!!! Read what Guy said just below your comment.

Guy- You hit it right on the head! When I sign a new client, I let them know what my boundaries are regarding my family and they have always respected me more for that.

Vickie- I couldn't agree with you more!

Apr 06, 2008 05:45 PM
Laura Gray
RE/MAX Realty Group - Gaithersburg, MD
John - GOOD FOR YOU !!!!! I don't have any sons to play ball with , but iIhave 3 girls at home , baking cookies or a cake is a HUGE treat for them. Yesterday after a Listing appt and showing houses , I had scheduled to meet my daughter at her tumbling lesson. She already had practice and then a private lesson at a different gym thanks to skilled carpool arrangements. It was great to see the other moms , who I have missed due to my recent schedule. My daughter has been having Pre-Teen blues , so I surprised her and brought 2 of her teamates home with us for an impromptu pajama party. We slept in , made Chocolate Chip Pancakes and had a lazy day. No doubt my customers and clients will benefit from this activity as well this week !!! Laura
Apr 06, 2008 05:49 PM
John Ford
Security National Properties - Eureka, CA
Laura, That is way too cool! My daughter is 8 as of this month and she totally loves to make the pancakes in the mornings. She's gotten really good at it! I CAN wait till she becomes a teen. I will never get tired of her cuddling wth me while watching her cartoons in the morning!
Apr 06, 2008 05:52 PM
Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop
NextHome Experience - Chelan, WA
A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
Good for you! Sometimes those tough decisions have to be made, but there's really no question about what's more important... is there?
Apr 06, 2008 06:04 PM
John Ford
Security National Properties - Eureka, CA

Colleen-nope there isn't!

Apr 06, 2008 06:10 PM
Lisa Bosques
Burien, WA
That's awesome.  This is why we do what we do...at least for most of us, it's so that someday we can write our own ticket in regards to how we spend our time.  It is possible to set boundaries.  I have to remember that!
Apr 06, 2008 06:25 PM
John Ford
Security National Properties - Eureka, CA

Lisa, I always run across some Realtors who are working all kinds of hours and they wonder why their wives leave them!

Apr 06, 2008 06:37 PM
Nancy Brenner
Referral Associates of Georgia, Inc. - Roswell, GA
Roswell Georgia Real Estate Agent
No kids here.  I have 2 set evenings home alone with hubby every week.  On the weekends he sometimes goes with me to show houses or stays with me when I hold Open Houses.  He's getting to know my business and is the best assistant in town!
Apr 06, 2008 06:46 PM
John Ford
Security National Properties - Eureka, CA
nancy- Now that's the best way to do business!
Apr 06, 2008 06:52 PM
Libby Cousins
Extraordinary Processing - Spokane, WA
Contract Mortgage Processor, licensed in WA

John, that is great!  I know that business is important, but this is your child that you are talking about. I think you made a wonderful decision today by showing him that he is important to you. I know that we can't always put our family before work but it should be a priority most of the time. I have many nights that I need to work late. I really try to stop around 5 or 6, eat with the kids and get them ready for bed and then get back to work once they are asleep. (Although that cuts into "mommy and daddy time" with my husband.) Fortunately, my line of work (mortgage processing) allows for some of the flexibility as I do not have to meet with clients. If I have to talk to borrowers, I really try to do that during "regular" business hours.

Your post reminds me of the email that has gone around a few times that if you were to die tomorrow, your employer would be able to replace you within a few weeks but your family can never replace you! It is good to remember!

Apr 06, 2008 07:11 PM
John Ford
Security National Properties - Eureka, CA
Libby-wow! now that's deep!
Apr 07, 2008 01:55 AM
Anonymous
Kim Quintal- sorry not signed in
John, I love this post.  This is one of the Hardest parts of our profession.  Our flexibility is a double edged sword. What about floor time on Sundays?
Apr 22, 2008 04:20 PM
#17
John Ford
Security National Properties - Eureka, CA
Kim, i haven't done floor time in many many months. I personally don't beleive I have had any new clients any time I've done it.
Apr 22, 2008 05:40 PM