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Do Real Estate Agents Have a Life

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Real Estate Agent with Solid Source Realty 243460

It's amazing sometimes to think that if we take a day off we feel guilty about it! I find myself needing to explain if I just want a day off. I think it came about because of the fact that when a holiday comes around, as an example, Mother's Day, that there always seems to be that one person that wants to see a house right then, can't do it tomorrow, but has to do it today.

I sit around complaining that my listings aren't getting showings but then after no showings for days that call comes right after you eat dinner, sit down to relax and they want to go now. Or, that family get together, like Memorial Day, and someone wants to see your listing in the next hour! Even worse to me is Sunday AM, which I am in church, others probably are sleeping, but I get a call, usually from another agent that they want to show one of my listings! Some people do go to church on Sunday! I feel my phone vibrating in my purse and I can't answer it, then I can't concentrate on the sermon because I think who needs me? Could it be that buyer I've been waiting on? Does somebody need to get into that house that has been sitting there with no showings and they want to know if its still available and if they don't hear from me in the next 30 minutes I lose them. I wish there was a pill to help us not feel guilty when we don't answer our calls in 10 minutes or we lost a sale!

Wish we could also explain that we are human too! A few hours notice would be great but then again we must be thankful our phone is ringing at all.

Comments(17)

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Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Hi Gayle, I completely understand how you feel. But, guilty for what ??? Time with family ? God ?

Naaaaaaaaaaaaa Read my post on Denny's or Outback, which are you ? It might help.

Jun 22, 2007 01:25 PM
Maurice McLaughlin
Nations Princeton-Nassau Inc. d/b/a NATIONS - Naples, FL
Maurice McLaughlin
Don't stress out on missed opportunity....there we be many as a real estate career unfolds....key point...keep focus on quality of life.......buyers and sellers are always there.
Jun 22, 2007 01:30 PM
Gayle Rogers
Solid Source Realty - Canton, GA
ABR

Thanks so much for your thoughts but I think it's easier said than done. I answer up until about 9:00pm and in our competitive market here its a must.

I know business will keep coming and I guess I will have to change my attitude.

Jun 22, 2007 01:30 PM
Gayle Rogers
Solid Source Realty - Canton, GA
ABR
I waited until my children were in high school before I started this career. I don't think I could have juggled both. I love my job, just not some of the perks.
Jun 22, 2007 01:33 PM
Lori Lincoln And Associates
Top Agent Serving Dighton Taunton, Rehoboth and more! - Taunton, MA
Top Agent Taunton,Dighton Rehoboth &more

I know how you feel, I work 7 days a week too. I will however go to church and leave my cell phone in the car. My clients know that Sunday between 9am and 12pm is my time of worship and fellowship. Most understand.

Seems that if we tell them we are "off" on a particular day, we think they are thinking we don't work! The general public at large thinks we are unworthy and overpaid.

Jun 22, 2007 01:39 PM
Kevin Hottmann
Keller Williams Whittier Market Center - Arcadia, CA
I tell all my clients that I am taking my"A" Clients out on the days that I choose to take off. My #1 "A" Clients will always be my own family. They will never be replaced. Ironically, a few of my past clients have found out my secret and have respected my #1 A clients. Its become a inside joke and the response to the joke when they find out, I have gotten a higher degree of respect.  
Jun 22, 2007 01:41 PM
Maurice McLaughlin
Nations Princeton-Nassau Inc. d/b/a NATIONS - Naples, FL
Maurice McLaughlin
Gayle....I was the top 10 highest producing agent with RE/MAX in NEW JERSEY in both units and dollar volume.....and my former offices first PLATINUM AWARD WINNER....prior to opening my own office in Princeton.Got so many awards I needed someone to help me carry them off the stage....even qualified for "HALL OF FAME" the year I started NATIONS......as time goes on you will probably re-prioritize importance's in your life.....REAL ESTATE IS GREAT....especially when you have balance in your life.
Jun 22, 2007 01:43 PM
Steven Shewell
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. - Ephrata, PA
The Mortgage Maverick

Too many agents have taken the "call me anytime and I'll run" posture that it has almost become ingrained into the business.  Yet, agents want to call themselves a "professional".

Does your doctor or lawyer wait around for your call and then come running?  Doubtful.  Conduct yourself as other true professionals (with set hours of operation) and you will find yourself with plenty of personal time.

Jun 22, 2007 01:49 PM
Teri Eckholm
Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro
Gayle--There is a saying: Make Hay while the Sun Shines...I don't really know what it means but people in MN like to say it. Must be a farmer thing around here. But it makes a point about doing what must be done when the clients are ready to go. And people think we have an easy job.... :)
Jun 22, 2007 02:33 PM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
RealtorĀ®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Sounds bad, but the people that don't let you have a day off are the ones that never write offers.  We have to learn to schedule our time off just like appointments.  Great post.

Jun 22, 2007 03:31 PM
Sybil Holcomb
Ayres Realty - Douglasville, GA
I get frustrated by this as well.  But I have learned that if I have something planned I just tell callers that I have an appointment at that time.  They don't know that my 11 am appt. might be to have my nails done.  But I know what you mean, you always get that "feeling" of what am I missing out on. 
Jun 22, 2007 10:37 PM
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com
At some point you must turn off the phone. I generally, don't take calls after 6PM. Have you introduce your clients to your website and email. Try to do this, email all your clients explain the best way to contact you is via email or text. Your so busy you are having problems answering all your calls. They will start texting you. I now get about 5 messages a day from clients. Usually, they just information on property etc... Your time is freed up. I fine telling your base that your closing for the day via text very easy and they usually understand. Great Post.
Jun 23, 2007 01:44 AM
Chris Tesch
RE/MAX Bryan-College Station - College Station, TX
College Station, Texas Real Estate
You sure hit the nail on the head!  I'm having a fit because a contact that I emailed some properties to emailed me back at 7 last night and said that she will be here at 10 am on Monday to see three of the properties and "email me back right away for confirmation".  I'm split between being grateful for the business and being mad that someone would think that they can dictate my schedule to me.
Jun 23, 2007 02:27 AM
Leo Namiot - LeoLends.com
Canopy Mortgage - Leo Namiot - Saint Augustine, FL
More than just great rates
You need to make time for your personal life. Customers should understand. There are times where someone will call and I just have to say "I am with my family, can I call you later today or what time is good for you tomorrow?"
Jun 23, 2007 03:49 AM
Tina Maraj
RE/MAX One - Fullerton, CA
Celebrating 30 Years of Real Estate Sales
I felt the same way as you did years ago. I used to really appreciate the holidays so I could feel justified in taking time off. Also I couldn't feel comfortable hanging out unless it was dark outside during the summer. I always felt like I had to be working. Now I do my best to take Wednesdays off and set aside time for myself.
Jun 23, 2007 04:23 AM
Gayle Rogers
Solid Source Realty - Canton, GA
ABR
Thanks for all the comments. It's ironic that today is my birthday and my phone is ringing off the hook for stupid things. Not even to see a listing but dumb things like, "I can't find my house on Realtor.com, I've tried it 3 times and it's not there. I said "I'll call you as soon as I get home so I can look it up". Well, I'm home and its right there on realtor.com where it should be!  Happy Birthday to me!
Jun 23, 2007 04:33 AM
Ed Kirkland
Bachman&Associates - La Veta, CO
I think we have all been there at some point Gayle. The first thing you need to do is realize that you do have a life. Be firm with your clients if you need to. You are the only one that's going to look out for Gayle. The way I handle it is letting my clients know they are very high priority for me, but I have other obligations as well. When I'm at work I'm there 100%. If need to take time off I just let them know, and guess what. The world doesn't stop. I find the most productive time I have is just before I take some time off. And everything is always waiting for me when I return. 
Jun 23, 2007 04:55 AM