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There is definitely business to be had - Don't isolate yourself!!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Metro Life Homes RS-78439 / BRE #01708344

I've been reading a few posts about people getting other jobs and some other posts with words of advice.

My partner and I have consistently finished in the Top 10 for our office for the last 5 years.  Last year we finished in the #5 spot.

I just wanted to offer the following advice:

Don't become a "niche expert" only.  Some agents think it's a good thing to be known as the specialist for a certain tract or pocket.  My advice is don't do it.  People will think that's all you know, and that's all you do and that you're a fish out of water for anything else.  This cuts your business potential leads down quite a bit.

My partner and have a history with relocation and as a result have a track record of working with buyers and sellers from a region spanning 50-75 square miles.  We were not afraid to drive distances to get business, and as a result we are doing fine today and get referral business from those clients.

Don't walk away from leases!!  So many times I hear agents say "I don't do leases".  LEASES TURN INTO SALES!  That lease client eventually will buy and who do you think they will call first when they're ready to buy?  And 9 out of 10 times those lease clients know somebody who is looking to buy or sell.  Just one more contact added to your database.

There's money to be had!  Don't be lazy or snooty and you'll find yourself doing just fine and not one of those agents who sit around complaining about the market.

Comments(7)

Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Ralph,

Excellent advice, and congratulations on your accomplishments!

Apr 09, 2010 03:08 AM
Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

Ralph, Great post. Positive smart advice. I'm going to take it.

Apr 09, 2010 03:10 AM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

Ralph all good points here. Just don't limit yourself. In that you're limiting your business as well.

Apr 09, 2010 03:10 AM
Linda Powers
Resort Realty - Duck - Duck, NC
On the Outer Banks

Ralph,

There is business to be had in working for it. My partner and I are having a great year. I find the secret is working, not talking about working.

Apr 09, 2010 03:11 AM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

It is important to keep opening new doors for your business, without shutting the doors behind you. Times change and buyer profiles change. Being flexible and adaptable is key to being successful.

Apr 09, 2010 03:11 AM
Andrea Cameron
Ultima Real Estate - Cedar Park, TX
(512)636-2675

Very good advice.  It is important to stay open to all of the possibilities in the real estate market because too often agents get disappointed because they have backed themselves into a narrow corner with few possibilities.

Apr 09, 2010 03:23 AM
Carra Riley & Declan Kenyon
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek Ltd - Westminster, CO
Helping people Transition at all ages!

Ralph....You're right that business can come from anywhere and we just need to be tuned in and alert to the opportunities.. As mentioned by Linda, work is the most important ingredient.  Good post and good advice.

cosmic cow

Apr 10, 2010 04:30 AM