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Are you happy? Why are you?

By
Real Estate Agent with Home Experts Realty

I get all the time "I'm happy where I am, I love my company" with people's brokerages when I talk to folks with whom I co-op. And they don't go any further. I don't often ask for lots of details, figuring if they reeeeally want me to know, they'll tell me. Often though, it stops there.

Now, I know they don't have to spill the beans to me, that's true. But why not elaborate? If their brokerage is making them happy, why then don't they try to get me to join them, or at least open up about why they like where they are?

I'm all for good companies keeping people happy. But if it's broad-based yeah, I'm happy happy carefree, then I want to know why. Am I nosy? Well, possibly.

Maybe because I am unabashedly proud and thrilled with my brokerage - with the technology with which we are provided, with the optimistic, forward-thinking mindset, with tools that are unmatched that help us get, service and sell listings, with tremendous in-house mortgage and title entities. I'll blather on (well, maybe not "blather" per se) but I'll bend folks' ears just because I like where I am so much.

What makes you happy - where you are? Do you have input into how things are done, are you involved in your office or prefer to be left alone, do you have profit-sharing, is there an overriding positive attitude that makes the environment wonderful, etc.? Is it the free coffee (you know you need it)?

C'mon. I wanna know.

Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Gina~ I think most people are really not all that happy with where they are, but it is just easier to stay the same!  What make Real Living so special? 

Jun 26, 2008 07:45 AM
Patrick Lambert
ALLY Real Estate - Waikoloa, HI
Hawaii Real Estate Expert

I am in Hawai'i so you know I am a happy guy. As far as my work goes for three years I worked for THE VERY WORSE company on the entire island. And it was only me and the broker. While I did VERY well I lost so much business because of people hating the lady I worked for. I didn't know this until I was a few months and several thousand dollars into building my business. I took on the attitude that I will make my own reputation... and I did. But, there were SO many people that wanted to do business with me that really just would not because of this lady. I am so glad she decided to throw in the towel and I was forced to change companies. When this happened I decided that who one works for and with is so much more important than I ever really cared to think it was. I am so much happier where I am now, not dealing with the drama of everday that came along with working at my former place of business.

Jun 26, 2008 07:50 AM
Patrick Lambert
ALLY Real Estate - Waikoloa, HI
Hawaii Real Estate Expert

I am in Hawai'i so you know I am a happy guy. As far as my work goes for three years I worked for THE VERY WORSE company on the entire island. And it was only me and the broker. While I did VERY well I lost so much business because of people hating the lady I worked for. I didn't know this until I was a few months and several thousand dollars into building my business. I took on the attitude that I will make my own reputation... and I did. But, there were SO many people that wanted to do business with me that really just would not because of this lady. I am so glad she decided to throw in the towel and I was forced to change companies. When this happened I decided that who one works for and with is so much more important than I ever really cared to think it was. I am so much happier where I am now, not dealing with the drama of everday that came along with working at my former place of business.

Jun 26, 2008 07:50 AM
Gina Kay Landis
Home Experts Realty - Dayton, OH

Thanks for the comment, Vickie. I can understand the not wanting to change, but there must be a reason why. If someone simply doesn't want to change companies because they are comfy where they are, without researching options particularly when a company makes it pretty easy (take a look at www.realliving.com) to let people know where their heart and minds are, then could it be people have gotten stagnant?

I guess it's as I noted and then some -  optimistic, positive attitude for company growth, technology and tools that are cutting edge and that help us get, service and sell listings as well as help buyers with their home search, opportunities that abound for those willing to teach others and to get involved in helping the company grow, and more. Hey, let's talk more if you'd like. I'd love to share more with you!

Gina Kay

Jun 26, 2008 07:52 AM
Chris Svec
Chris Svec - Columbus, OH

Nice post Gina. 

Jun 26, 2008 08:11 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

I believe it's in the genes.  Glad I have it.  Probably an abundance of serotonin.

 

Jun 26, 2008 08:32 AM
Gina Kay Landis
Home Experts Realty - Dayton, OH

Thanks for your comment, Patrick. Glad life has changed for the better for you. It's tough working with people sometimes. You just never know what's in their heads or hearts that causes behavior, but hey. let's hope she's happier as well.

Jun 26, 2008 09:27 AM
Gina Kay Landis
Home Experts Realty - Dayton, OH

Thanks Chris!

Jun 26, 2008 09:27 AM
Gina Kay Landis
Home Experts Realty - Dayton, OH

Lenn, you make me laugh! hmm..... extra serotonin, maybe? LOL

Jun 26, 2008 09:28 AM
Stacey M. McVey
Keller Williams Greater Cleveland West - Westlake, OH

Great post!

I think being happy with your broker is a decision.  I know that  sounds strange but no matter where you are there are things that aren't perfect, however if you love the team of people you work with and find that you are well supported by the brokerage (which of course we are so blessed to be at Real Living), you can overlook alot of little issues.

I'm happy simply because just about anything I would need to have a successful work/life balance has been anticipated and is within my reach no matter where I am.  A broker that supports me and understands my personal situation and goals is tops with me.

Jun 30, 2008 01:09 AM
Jim Hirschhorn
Real Living Real Estate Solutions - Orlando, FL
GRI, Real Living - Orlando

It is funny because as you read through the thousands of blogs, there is a consistent theme that Real Living agents are happy and that the company does a great job of providing tools that make us all successful. I often laugh when there are others that feel they have to punch holes in this magic. Maybe they are the ones that are truly not happy (even when they say they are!)

Jun 30, 2008 04:25 AM
Gina Kay Landis
Home Experts Realty - Dayton, OH

Stacey - Thanks for your comment. True - it IS a decision, as in most of life, to find happiness. That support and understanding is wonderful.

Jim - Thanks to you as well. There's something to be said about saying one is happy in their brokerage - happy with some things, not looking for better tools, whatever the situation is, or as someone else noted, is it simply "not going anywhere" because change is often thought of as negative? While positive change can also cause stress, the payoff is huge and the stress, though temporary, can be managed and without the change, one could be lacking in business acumen and in dollars earned or received over the life of their real estate career.

I like to see people being successful and that thinking is prevalent in Real Living's corporate and franchise stores. Willingness to share information and an eye to bring everyone up together to a high level of performance are traits that are definitely appreciated here.

Jun 30, 2008 09:56 AM