How do you take a vacation as a Real Estate Professional? Seems everyday brings new challenges, inquiries, or something comes up. I'm on vacation right now, but have had a number of calls, emails, etc. that it seems 'just can't wait'. What's an agent to do? How do you get some time AWAY?
Mind you, I'm not complaining - I'm so glad to have clients and really enjoy serving them, even on vacation. Just looking for ideas on how others, 'take a break'.
Rarely ever do. There is not an easy to get away, and if something does come up that requires it, there is a lot of stress... not a vacation.
You may have to "train" your clients to understand that you're a human being and need time with family (and time off from work) just like they do. If you're trying to be on call 24/7 and fifty-two weeks a year, you'll burn out fast in this business.
My vacations are planned events, so I start telling clients weeks in advance of my trip.. and I have a great assistant who is very on the ball while I'm away
I have someone that I trust in my office handle my business while I am gone and I do the same for that agent when they go on vacation. It works out great!
We take 4 weeks and deal with the juggles of riding back and forth from Hilton Head to Columbia. Internet cards and coolers on the beach...
I found the best way to increase your business is to go on vacation or at least it seems that way. I find having a co-worker handle your business while you are gone works. The main thing though is don't forget to have fun.
Good Post!
Hi Brian,
Vacations? I have heard the term... but what is that mean again? I have the good fortune (or not) of having come from owning small computer businesses for 20 years, so I am already well versed in not taking vacations. Pretty much 65+ hour work weeks the last eight years or so straight, vacations very few and far between. So I'm not sure what all the comments about not being able to take vacations are all about? Seems pretty normal to me.
I think working in a team is the best way to solve this problem. then instead of having to find someone to cover, you have team members who are prepared to cover for you. That said, these days it'so easy to be in touch if need be. If I'm on a beach and have to take a call or check email, it doesn't bother me too much. I do agree that clients need to know that we are not available 24/7. We are not brain surgeons! And if a client doesn't understand that I need and deserve time off, I probably don't want them as clients. I'm just not afraid of losing a buyer or seller.
Not really sure what advice I can give on how to take a vacation as a realtor (as I'm a home inspector in St George), but what I see more in my area is TEAMS of realtor working together sharing the load, one finds/works with buyers, one finds/works with sellers and one handling all the piles of paper, phones, etc., so when one goes on vacation the other two have to work a little harder . . . oh, and never, never (I'm told) can two go on vacation at the same time.
Brian, that's a very good question. Some of us never take a vacation; we just meditate and burn incense and recite a secret mantra that we got from a mail order catalog.
Hi Brian - This is an easy one ... cell phone off, PC off, and then do whatever I'd like for a day or two. I also have the benefit of being part of a large team, so there are always other agents who can cover if we need (or want) to be away for longer periods.
Brian,
I'm fortunate to have two partners who take care of my business while I'm on vacation. It's so important to take a break from this business and to spend a few days off the electronic leash of emails and cell phones. I'm heading to Europe in June and I can't wait.
Sandy
Comments(13)