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How to Really Measure Success in Real Estate

By Audrey June-Forshey

Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Realty Services

September 22, 2008 12:40 PM

I have always been blessed as an agent in my area in terms of being "successful" . Many REALTORS® have different ways of calculating success. Some will count how many homes they sold at the end of the year, others will use their income as the gage for their success. I gage my success in a different way. For me, it is the relationships that I establish that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Many of my clients are first time homebuyers. I am honored to be involved in a person or couple's first home purchase. It is a milestone in their life that they will someday look back on with pride that they accomplished and I played a role in the transaction.

I have also been lucky enough to be invited to some of their weddings. As it turns out, I have been invited to 4 weddings this year. It is typical for me to be invited to 3 or 4 weddings a year that are clients that I have become friends with. This year I have had my clients, Ben and Amanda, get married. Unfortunately I was out of town for their wedding. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Wes and Rachel's wedding last weekend.

It was a beautiful cermony, perfect weather and they were surrounded by so much love and happiness. It was a really great day. I am honored to have been included in yet another milestone in their lives. I know both couples will have many years of happiness and love.

The best part about real estate is that we get to participate in the real life stories of our clients. That is what I call success.

How toReally Measure Success in Real Estate

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Audrey June-Forshey

RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD

GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Marchel, I am glad to see you back. I hope you had fun in NYC! You have been on my mind, I am hoping you are well.

Anthony,Thanks, back at cha.

Patricia, I agree with you, it is more than just a business.

Lou, Thank you, me too.

Stephanie, I am probably like your mom. Wes is actually the son of my past clients, that is when you know you have been around for awhile.

Edward, You are so right, it is about the relationships. I have become friends with many of my clients, it really means a lot to me.

Anne Marie, You are so nice. Thank you. What you said is what I really strive for!

Sep 22, 2008 01:11 PM

Audrey June-Forshey

RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD

GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Hi Vickie, I feel the same way it really means a lot to me. I am hoping you are doing well. I need to call you and check up on you!!!

Sep 22, 2008 01:12 PM

Jesse Clifton

Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK

Audrey - I'm with you... the closings may keep the lights on, but the personal relationships are the true measure of our success... in my not so humble opinion. :)

Sep 22, 2008 01:18 PM

John Walters

Frank Rubi Real Estate - Slidell, LA

Licensed in Louisiana

I agree because they will also bring more business your way. They have friends and family.

Sep 22, 2008 01:19 PM

Audrey June-Forshey

RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD

GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Hi Jesse, That is a great way to put it. I have a post I am getting ready write that I think you will get a charge out of . . .

John, That is so true, and the blessing of the relationship is the best part.

Sep 22, 2008 01:22 PM

Victor Amadi

PRODUCER Realty, LLC - Greenville, SC

Greenville SC Realtor

Congratulations on being invited to your clients' weddings, I think it says a lot about your relationship with your clients when they invite you to their wedding. I was honored to be invited to one of my client's weddings this past weekend also, what a wonderful feeling to be the one that helped them purchase the house that they will make a home.

Sep 22, 2008 01:45 PM

Sharon Richards

Kirsten Realty Tampa Florida - Tampa, FL

Audrey,

I agree with you. It is fun to make new friends and be part of their life. I have helped a lot of first time buyers and it is great to help them obtain their dream of home ownership!

Sep 22, 2008 01:47 PM

Ellie McIntire

Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD

Luxury service in Central Maryland

How funny. Not only have I attended 4 weddings, I Christening and a 40th Birthday party of my clients this year, but my son was in 2 of the weddings. I LOVE my SOI

Sep 22, 2008 02:14 PM

Rosalinda Morgan

Brookville, NY

"The Rose Lady"

Audrey,

Great Post. Thanks for sharing.

The thing I like most about this business is the relationship I get with my clients. I acquire new friends and their families as well. Money will follow if you build a lasting relationship.

Sep 22, 2008 02:31 PM

Audrey June-Forshey

RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD

GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Victor, It is a nice feeling, isn't it. I am glad to hear you went to a clients wedding too.

Sharon, First timers are some of my favorites, don't you just love them? They get so excited.

Ellie, That is so great that your son was in two of the weddings. Me too, I love my SOI, they are the best.

Rosalinda, You said it perfectly. It is not always about the money because it will come like you said.

Sep 22, 2008 02:37 PM

Mirela Monte

Buyers' Choice Realty - North Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach Real Estate

Audrey: I'm jealous! But then again, most of my clients are investors in their 40's and beyond and living elsewhere...

You really are so very pretty! Perfect features harmoniously placed on the face; great symmetry. Amazing sky in the picture also.

Sep 22, 2008 02:44 PM

Audrey June-Forshey

RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD

GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Mirela, You are so sweet. We were so surprised at how pretty the sunset was. They are a great couple. All of her friend from UNC came up for the wedding. Really great kids.

Sep 22, 2008 02:48 PM

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Four weddings! Wow...what an honor! I'm still waiting for a couple who said they were getting married soon...whatever that means.

Sep 22, 2008 04:36 PM

Audrey June-Forshey

RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD

GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Sally, I had a really great time. It really means a lot to me to be included in their special day.

Sep 23, 2008 05:09 AM

Debbie Summers

Charles Rutenberg Realty - New Smyrna Beach, FL

Audrey - We think alike! I was just invited to a wedding (the buyers closed on their house yesterday) for a wonderful couple... they were a referral from their neice, who insisted that they call me when then decided to move to Orlando. Success isn't about money, it's about people we meet along the way and the relationships that we develop.

Congratulations... I wish you continued success!

Sep 27, 2008 01:58 PM

Greg Gorman

John R Wood Properties - Naples, FL

Naples Florida Real Estate

Hi Audrey. Love your story and the longer in the business the bigger your family will grow. One measure that has made a difference in my life are the client friends I introduce to each other. When I have a client from one area of the country move to Naples, I find another client from their area, went to the same school or shares the same interest. It's makes the newcomer feel so connected and so at home. The side benefit is that always cherish me for making the introduction and are committed to welcoming new friends when I call. It just keeps getting better. Thanks for sharing and greetings from Paradise. (I moved to Florida from Wheaton, just down the road from you.)

Sep 28, 2008 10:00 PM

Audrey June-Forshey

RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD

GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Debbie, Amen. I knew great minds thought alike!!

Greg, What a great idea! I have client parties but have not worked hard to make connections between clients. I am going to work on that. One of my brokers has a home down there in Naples. I used to go to Marco Island all the time - like 20 years ago. I am sure I would not recognize the place. Wheaton has gone through a big facelift too. Thanks for stopping by!!

Sep 29, 2008 01:47 PM

Sylvie Conde

Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage - Toronto, ON

Broker, Toronto Real Estate

Audrey, just the other day I was commenting on a post about measuring success by the number of deals you make in a year. I so totally disagree. (Of course the 'successful agents' who were measuring their success by the number of deals, don't agree with me ... or you ...)...

I am invited to my clients' homes for dinner all the time. They invite me to dinner, to baptisms, to birthday parties, etc. If only I had time to attend everything I get invited to ...

I know my clients trust me and think of me as part of their extended family. I know that whether I've made 5 deals in 1 year, or 50 deals, it will never be about the money; but about the long-lasting relationships with my friends, who started out as clients.

Sep 29, 2008 04:02 PM

Cristal Drake

Prudential California Realty - Fullerton, CA

Realtor - Fullerton Real Estate

wow! Now that is certainly what I call, "successful"! You get to be part of two of the biggest occurrences of their lives!

Sep 29, 2008 04:04 PM

Audrey June-Forshey

RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD

GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Sylvie,Some agents are so brainwashed into thinking everything is "me, me, me" they will burn out faster because of it. I also think the public sees through it and would rather do more business with the agents that have our philosophy.

Cristal, that is true, maybe they might let us be there for the birth of the children too ;0)

Sep 30, 2008 01:24 PM