Eleven years ago I began my career as a real estate agent. When I first started I had a wonderful broker, Tony McHugh, who was always available to answer questions and give you a pep talk when needed. One thing I remember clearly about my time with Tony was his comical way of putting things into perspective.
Before my coveted license came in the mail to Tonys office he talked to me about coming in to the office to get a feel for things, and to listen and learn from others. I remember that first Friday so clearly. (Funny, I have troubling remembering what I ate 2 days ago, but can remember other events from long ago!)
One of the first quotes from Tony still rings true in my ears today:
"Fridays are the start of our work week."
That first Friday I went in to the office and became Tonys shadow. I remember the phones ringing continually, with hardly a break in them for the receptionist to catch her breath. I can still see the other agents bustling about with their briefcases and their cell phones attached to their hips. Call after call
was coming in from newspaper ads placed, agents wanting to set up showings for their clients, and inspections or appraisals being co-ordinated.
It was a whirlwind of activity to me, the lady who had previously been a 9 to 5 gal in a career that typically had wound down on Fridays.
What brought all of this to mind for me today (other than the fact that it is Friday)?
Yesterday I overheard an agent state that he does not work weekends, and that if a buyer client wanted to view homes it would have to be during "the work week" and nothing later than 7 p.m. I had to stop and stare, I couldn't believe what I was hearing from this seasoned agent. Tony McHugh and that first Friday popped in to my mind, as well as my schedule for this weekend:
14 homes to show on Saturday.
6 homes to show on Sunday as well as a home inspection scheduled.
This is what is scheduled as of right now. There could very well be time to fit in to write an offer or two and present them added to the list.
I wanted to sit down with the agent and ask him how he does it. Do his clients take time off from their jobs to view homes? Do they schedule home inspections during their work hours? And the ever nagging question: What kind of jobs do his clients have that offer so much flexibility that they are able to do this without repercussions from their employers?
Instead I just shook my head and walked away, knowing it doesn't matter how he does it. I'll keep conducting my business my way.
The Metro Detroit area is still a 3 shift town. I'll schedule appointments around my clients work schedules for their convenience. Thankfully the home inspectors and mortgage representatives feel the same way. My clients will normally only have to take time off of work for the closing.
When others say T.G.I.F. I smile and remember my previous career. For the last eleven years though Fridays mean the start of a busy work week, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
© Kris Wales 2008 A Macomb County real estate agent
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