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Some Real Estate Agents End Their 2008 Business..Today..Are You One of Them?

I have many conversations with REALTORS every single day..as a matter of fact..I tend to speak to more agents nationwide in a day...than those in my own office. Strange right? No not really.

A funny thing happens in Daytona Beach and I know it happens nationwide..where some agents end their 2008 business today...because of the words that I dread..."it's the holidays!"

Really...in my mind..the holidays..last..1 day for each holiday!

Now I could care less what others do...but when they cry to me they have nothing going on.. We evaluate...I wonder why.... until we start talking.......and its pretty easy to figure out......when they are out shopping.... or taking extra days off to put their decorations up...shop and plan for the holidays. What about your business?

My business coincides with my spending..so if I am not working...I wonder...will my money tree fully blossom in time for that overrated...commercialized holiday...that causes many to pay for...for the entire 2009? (believe me that is a whole different post)

Today one of my friends called..yes and wondered why I was working..."C'mon its the holidays..ditch working and come shopping with me"....and my reply?????

"I have to work today and cannot afford to take the day off......because when the rest of the world takes off for the holidays and many will...some people will be shopping for houses or a great opportunity will present itself...I have to make sure everything is in order.....I'll be ready..but know..

I will be taking December 25th off...and New Years day...but every other day...

I'm available for work!

How about you? How much time do you take off for the holidays? Are you one of the agents that ends their year early or are you gearing up for a great selling holiday season?

Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager. If you are interested in a career in real estate please contact me! All calls and inquiries are confidential. CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 3 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Ormond by the Sea. midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236

Posted by Florida Real Estate Trainer | Daytona Beach After School Training | Midori on 11/28/2008 10:26 AM

Comments (29)

Holidays in the Training Channel

will work for money, money tree, is 2008 over for you, daytona beach real estate trainer, real estate training, midori miller

Originally posted at: Daytona Real Estate Training: Some Real Estate Agents End Their 2008 Business..Today..Are You One of Them?

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29 Comments on Some Real Estate Agents End Their 2008 Business..Today..Are You One of Them?

NOV

2008

Clearly that friend is not a real estate agent or broker.

Hi Midori. Oh I only take that day off. This is a business after all and the whole shopping thing....not so much with that either. Every other year we make our presents for one another and this is that year....we have been doing this forever. :)

Midori: I agree we should be open for business, but that we also need to make time for our families. My children are all away at college so I can work more than most agents. But, for sure there needs to be a balance between work and family. PS. I will work today and also spend time with my one visiting daughter and stop by my Moms to say Happy Birthday...

You hit it on the head! The same folks who take all that time off are the same ones complaining how slow it is.

We have an answer to this. Since we are a consumer-centric organization, agents are compensated on a rolling six-month average based on volume. No sales during a month? no problem, but you risk moving down on the commission scale unless you are a steady producer. Don't like it, find someone else that offers the systems, tools and support that we do.

When are people going to realize that real estate is a career, just like anything else. You can't take 6 weeks off without realizing that there are repurcussions.

I had planned on taking a couple of days off before thanksgiving, instead I worked, you gotta make hay while the sunshines.

Good thoughts...one cannot be served unless one is sitting at the table, and that means being prepared, being focused, and being "in the biz". Part timers can take time off, perhaps, but not someone who treats real estate as their career and not their pastime.

Yes - cannot miss the boat when people are actually out driving around whether it be for shopping or going to grandma's house... Consistancy is key in marketing and it is just as important in putting in the time!

Midori - I am with you completely. I am available also for work, prospecting, and planning my 2009 business plan.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

I agree with you 100%, I am working! I would have taken a loan app yesterday... just not during dinner!

This is a business and to keep it running, we have to be available when our clients are in need....

Hi Everyone....here it goes..I raised three boys alone and started a real estate career with very little outside help as a matter of fact...I never missed my sons baseball games...volunteered at the field and participated heavily in their schools. Carried a large listing inventory...sold lots of properties..if you have babysitters...cleaning people.....why not hire an assistant...I had more than one and am looking for one for next year.

Yes I agree its balance..its always been about balance..and not shutting down completely. It seems when people hear holidays...things stop functioning...and running...and the focus...on that one particular day...days and days of preparation...but what do you use to fund these events..especially when I see agents say to me to my face...my business sucks and then in the next breath...I'm done for the year...where is the logic?

The holiday to me is one day...and with very strong meanings..for me I don't buy into the commercialized aspect of it but the true meaning to me and my family.

Keep working if you are...in the past...and with preparation..the holidays have always proved to be a great selling season! I love the holidays as much as the next person...but I know...while the holidays comes once a year...my business does not...my expenses do not...and I am proud for what I have built and I know you have to stay focused to continue and flourish!

Hi Midori,

Business is business and vacation is business too. We will be away visiting family the last two weeks of December, however we have Team Members that will cover as needed. We in turn cover for them when it's their turn.

Midori, Of course I'll be working. I worked today and I will work tomorrow. I did take yesterday off and will take Christmas but that's it. I have many more transaction to complete before 2009.

Hi Midori - I'm AVAILABLE, too!! Yesterday and today - requests for showings on 4 of my listings, 2 seller calls to set up times to meet with them about selling their homes, computer work, internet leads, made some cookies and squeezed in a 3 mile walk. Yes, I am definitely available for work!

I took yesterday off, and will be down in your sunshine state for Christmas but I'll be working all the same courtesy of the computer and my cell phone, and associates covering while I'm away.

Ann

I hear you Midori. I worked a few hours Thanksgiving morning, because I needed to and I worked today and it will continue like this through December.

I am ready for business today, but I am also planning my 2009. Why would I stop for a 1 day holiday. I still spend time with my kids, but I put our future and present lifestyle up in the air if I don't remain focused.

Not sure I get the other attitude....actually I don't get it. Not at all.

NOV

2008

Midori

I am with you! I do more business on holidays than anyone else I know. The reason is... I am willing to! It is very frustrating when on Tuesday a REALTOR® tells you they won't show because of the holiday....excuse me that is two days away!

Too often "professionals" think a ready willing and able buyer will wait around- they won't. It is up to us to make ourselves available ontheir time schedule. Even if it includes a "holiday"- the difference between feeding a need and starving.

Midori,

This is a great post... I feel better now knowing that I am not the only one. Was starting to feel bad or guilty even that was super busy yesterday knocking out some new deals... but that was due also to a lot of work up to that point as well. Stephanie and I did not go shopping on Black Friday : ) . We had a great Thanksgiving day, but friday was back to work and had a very successful day ! You may have inspired myself for a blog post ! ~ Chris

Many buyers are out driving around on the holidays. I received 3 calls Thanksgiving Day... all inquiries from my signs. If I wouldn't have answered my phone, I most likely would have lost out on those clients.

Any full time agent has this same philosophy and you said it very well! I am geared up for the big burst we will be having on January 2, 2009!

I agree with Caren. Most full-time agents have the mentality that this career means work...weekends, evenings, and, yes, even holidays sometimes. Just because it is your holiday doesn't mean it's everyone's. Being prepared and focused means dollars in our pockets.

NOV

2008

Midori,

This is the time to start back to work if we want to start the new year with any type of business at all, isn't it?

Thank you ma'am for the kick in da pants.

Midori, I'm with you. Never stop. A rolling stone gathers no moss...I don't feel as if this is a time to slow down. Quit? Not a chance. Work a holiday? You bet. As long as they are a serious as me...not a problem. Later in the rain~Deb

DEC

2008

Missed your post last week - I was working! I am with you!

DEC

2008

I agree with some of the other posts, if they are serious clients I will work them any day they need even on holidays but I also have no qualms taking time off on the holidays and personally have to take a vacation every couple of months so I don't burn out. This business can be so all consuming that you to take time off or you might end up in the looney bin :)

Midori:

Interesting post. The only thing I'd add is this: If you need to work "every other day" and through the holidays and no "other days off" (which is probably an extreme intepretation of your post, I admit) then your business plan might need some help. There is no reason for a real estate agent to work every day, not take vacations, etc. I don't care how much money you need to make - you don't have to work every day.

Why?

Because on most days we either GIVE MONEY AWAY or we FAIL TO EARN IT. For example:

Money GIVE AWAYS:

postcard mailings
running back to the office to check email because we don't have a Blackberry
running classified ads in the local newspaper
sitting at an open house where we failed to invite people to attend (note: not advertise, but invite)

And FAIL TO EARN IT:

Cut our commissions
Failure to price properly
Forget to call back our past clients every month
Take un-contracted buyers around all day
Run around last minute with our hair on fire for something (ad deadline, closing paperwork, etc)

In twenty years of working this business, here's what I can say: There's a REASON why 60% of agents quit within 18 months and 90% quit within 5 years. And the MOST common reason ISN'T a lack of WORKING EVERY DAY.

If you look at the TOP agents in the business, they DO NOT work every day. They simply WORK WELL on the days they do.

Just a thought.

Ciao,

Matthew

www.matthewferrara.com

"Now I could care less what others do...but when they cry to me they have nothing going on.. We evaluate...I wonder why.... until we start talking.......and its pretty easy to figure out......when they are out shopping.... or taking extra days off to put their decorations up...shop and plan for the holidays. What about your business? "

I would say it was an extreme intepretation..and definitely not implying that no one can take time off...I do firmly believe you get what you put out...and if you take a lot of time off...and your sales are off...yes you might want to check your business plan.

I admit...I am working harder than ever...doesn't make me less of an agent...doesn't make me lack a business plan...it just makes me face the reality...I have to work hard...to earn a good living today!

p.s. this post wasn't written for the top agent who works well...most often...top agents...do not need this type of reminder...because you are right its in their business plan...its for many of the agents in today's market place...who are struggling.

Just a thought....

DEC

Way to go! I was showing houses on Black Friday and will be showing houses during the week of Christmas. Why? That's when they are in town and they want to buy.

I'm already seeing it around here. Most agents have gone into hibernation, I'm adding to my listings ... they'll be online in January. Why? Because so many other agents take the year off. :p

Midori, I spend the end of the year getting my taxes ready to file. It's a quiet time to do some office work.

Regarding agents "ending their business", YES many agents will be permanently ending their business on Dec. 31st because of the Jan. 1st Realtor fees due (and their lack of income to continue supporting a non-profitable business after 2008 ends).

Join my NEW group for professionals who work from their home office at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice

Regina P. Brown
Allison James Estates & Homes

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