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THE MORE TIME I TAKE OFF THE BETTER I DO IN REAL ESTATE?????

By Niki Fiala

Real Estate Agent with Great Homes Realty

July 28, 2009 06:01 AM

I have been a Realtor for four years and have gotten used to working long hours 7 days a week. Recently as I was evaluating the condition of my business I realized that my personal life would continue intruding on my business hours simply because I needed to plug in time for grocery shopping, doing laundry, things people do on their days off or on their free time, which I just did not really have.

I decided a few months ago to try to take Sundays off, spend it with family, relax, go to the movies, go on little trips, take care of the house, etc. and to implement regular exercise in the afternoons as time allowed.

So the first month I took off almost every Sunday, went to the beach, bike rides, the ZOO, etc. I had my best month ever personally and in my business.

Then the following two months I got consumed by my work again and ended up working 7 days a week or only take a partial Sunday off, and neglecting my work-out.

I am looking back now evaluating my statistics, my production. Conclusion:

MY BEST MONTH EVER IN REAL ESTATE was the one month when I took Sundays off on a regular basis, and I took a break for exercise almost every day. THE MORE TIME I TAKE OFF THE BETTER I DO.

I am implementing that successful pattern once again :-)

Comments(15)

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June Tassillo

Owner/Broker RE/MAX Elite Realty - Franklin, NC

Let me help you with the next phase of your life!

I had an agent tell me a few months ago that when he quit doing floor time at the office and got out into the public is when he started having top sales. He is one of the top sales agents in our area and has only had his license a few years. I am sure being born here and his grand parents and parents have successful business in town help. Good Luck to you! You have to have ME time....

Jul 28, 2009 06:13 AM

Julie Chapman

Julie Chapman Broker - Ormond Beach, FL

Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

Niki,

I agree - took 3 days off to run to beachfront condo and have had 2 closings and expecting 3 offers - glad we have competent agents in our office that handle work for us and a great office manager.

Jul 28, 2009 06:15 AM

Crystal Kilpatrick

Team Leader -Crystal Kilpatrick Group - Austin, TX

CHLMS,CNE, CRS - Austin & Central Texas Home Sales

Everytime I plan a vacation, I get very busy. Sometimes I have to cancel my plans. I think that time off is important. It's just hard to do in the business that we're in.

Jul 28, 2009 06:24 AM

Susan Emo

Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Treat yourself with respect and others will follow suit! When we show people we have to work 24/7 we come across as kinda desperate, don't you think? You've been in the business only 4 years and if you concentrate on starting the way you want to finish, you'll find that people wll respect that you work sociable hours only.

I made a promise to my husband that Friday nights would always be our date night - I don't work Friday afternoon or evening.

I will work the occasional Saturday and practically never on a Sunday. I believe that is why email and voicemail were created! I promptly return calls and emails but people respect my schedule and have said it is refreshing to see! Occasonally another Realtor will have a problem but they would be the ones working 24/7.

Treat yourself to deserved time away to recharge your batteries - you're worth it!

Jul 28, 2009 06:29 AM

Conrad Unnerstall

Chapman Realty - Brunswick, GA

Associate Broker, Homes Brunswick Georgia 912-280-0088

Niki,

Julie Chapman is my wife and her comment says it all for this week thus far....

Jul 28, 2009 06:43 AM

Loreena and Michael Yeo

3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX

Real Estate Agents

It only took me 6 years to realize that I decide the rules of my game. Since January, I no longer take Sunday appointments. At first, I have "gulity" in telling my clients that Sunday is not a day for them to choose to meet with me. They are actually respectful of that and I hear, "Good for you" alot. Does my business go down the tubes because I dont work Sundays? I highly doubt it. I learn that I run my schedule.

Jul 28, 2009 06:51 AM

Niki Fiala

Great Homes Realty - Clearwater, FL

Your Real Estate Consultant for Life

Thank you all for your comments!

Crystal, I have not been on vacation ever since I got into real estate :-(

Julie, Good job! Congrats on those great results!

Susan, thank god my clients don't ever think that I am desparate, and I really am not. I do have big goals so I am very ambitious and motivated, but my clients mostly think that I am a very hard worker, and they one for one appreciate it.

The funny thing is that when I do take Sundays off, like last Sunday :-) and leave my cell phone at home, and don't turn on my computer, it really turns out to be all okay. I return the calls on Monday and the world does not stop.

My new schedule is: 9-9 M-F, 9-6 on Saturday. It is a good start!

What do you think?

Niki

Jul 28, 2009 06:56 AM

Marcie Purcell Associate Broker

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Cassidon Realty - Quakertown, PA

Realtor, Bucks & Montgomery Co PA

Niki,

It is a great feeling to take care of yourself since we take care of other peoples needs all the time. We all have to remember to keep in touch with family and friends. I also know when I am really business and don't get to my house work It stress me out to look at piles of laundry and stacks of paperwork that it effects my way of doing buisness.

I really feel Americans need to take more time off.

Jul 28, 2009 06:56 AM

Niki Fiala

Great Homes Realty - Clearwater, FL

Your Real Estate Consultant for Life

Hi Marcie,

Talking about Americans needing to take more time off! I am from Hungary and had I lived in Hungary right now and had I had a regular job there, I would be entilted to about 23 paid vacation days just based on my age, and another 10 or so national holidays that are also paid.

But I choose to live in the US and I love it here, and I choose not to have a "job", it was the best decision of my life, and I work like a dog, like most Americans do, and I love it here. Of course I do have it as a goal to build my life up to a point where I can take more time off, etc. I know I will get there.

Best to you!

Niki

Jul 28, 2009 06:59 AM

John VanderSyde

Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Co. - Richmond, VA

Associate Broker - Richmond VA

Interesting phenomenon in real estate; the more time you plan to take for yourself, the more work seems to come your way. I figure if I plan a vacation every week I'll never run out of business!

Seriously, if you are out there doing what you love, you will be interacting with others who share your passions. What better way is there to make contacts and to generate business with the people you care about? Your time away from work can serve this dual purpose.

Jul 28, 2009 07:06 AM

Susan Emo

Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Niki - that's what is so great about this business . . . the high majority of us are ambitious and motivated by our personal 'whys' and we can all work the hours that work best for us :0)

If those new hours of yours are you cutting back, all I can say is WoW, but good for you!!!

Jul 28, 2009 07:06 AM

Niki Fiala

Great Homes Realty - Clearwater, FL

Your Real Estate Consultant for Life

John,

Funny comment :-)

Susan,

I am definitely doing it. I did notice (with surprise I have to admit) that when I tell my clients, sorry this Sunday I will be with my family, etc. they totally respect it. Nobody ever told me they would contact another realtor if I don't help them on Sunday. They would normally say something like "Oh, that is okay, you need some time off too, we can talk next week".

Loreena,

I had the same guilt feelings when I first attempted to take a day off. I felt like I was deserting my clients, or that somehow I was going to do myself in. On the contrary, I think when I take a day off, I charge my batteries, and I do better the following week.

Jul 28, 2009 07:46 AM

TIM MONCRIEF

Tim Monciref - Austin, TX

Over 2,000 homes sold…..

What is happening is that you are learning to delegate your business. The ultimate goal would be to delegate everything out to others....in time. Thus, we should budget our personal time no different than if it were an appointment. Would you take a phone call? Would you text someone? Would you check emails? Would you post a blog? Call me to see a mulit million dollar home on Sunday. You will get to see it, but not by me. Nice post......

Jul 28, 2009 09:10 AM

Niki Fiala

Great Homes Realty - Clearwater, FL

Your Real Estate Consultant for Life

Tim, thanks for the comment. Thanks for reading my blog entries regularly! :-)

Jul 28, 2009 11:26 AM

Konnie Mac McCarthy

MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD

Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"

I am going to take a vacation for the first time in 5 years..and i think you are right... I think when I get back..I'll do better. :)

Jul 28, 2009 03:47 PM