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I Need to Play a Little Harder to get...

By
Real Estate Agent with Jennifer Allan, Inc.

I'm pulling my hair out this week. Trying to get ready to move, which, as you know, is utterly chaotic. Painters coming and going, carpet cleaners not showing up, my Realtor wants this and that from me... then the CHECK ENGINE light goes on in my car and my renters decide to go MIA (with no rent busypayment in sight).

Sheesh. But I'm still smiling.

Here's the problem. I am a full time writer (for another week anyway) and I work from home. Whenever anyone tries to schedule something with me, the first words out of my mouth are "Sure, whatever works for you, just let me know!" Baaaaad answer. Is it true? Sure - I'm almost always around. But I get NO RESPECT!

Yesterday, my painter told me he'd be by around noon to finish sanding a drywall repair. So, I scheduled my rather hectic day around being home at noon. Lunchtime comes and goes ... and no painter. Waiting waiting waiting... at 5:30 he calls and says he'll be by at 9:00 am today. I still have tons of errands to run that didn't get done yesterday (while I waited).  It's almost 9:00 now...we shall see...

This happens to me all the time. I get frustrated and curse the world for being imperfect. But maybe... it's all my fault. After all, I freely give the impression that my time isn't already spoken for which implies that it's not valuable.

So, from here on out, I am BUSY! I have this time and this time available; which one works for you? I think this will be life-changing...

Comments (15)

Brande Bradford
Keller Williams - McDonough, GA
Realtor
Jennifer ~ I came to the same realization awhile back.  People will walk all over you if they feel that your time is theirs. Congrats on take control back.  You will find that by YOU playing hard to get, people will show more respect. WTG!
Jan 08, 2008 01:28 AM
Rick Grand
nowhere - Eugene, OR
oooooh, don't let them walk on you like that! whenever I'm going to meet with someone I give them a couple of choices. I'll ask them "Does Wednesday work? great, I can do 11am or 3pm which works for you?" Value your time and don't let other people control it! :) Have you already paid him for the job? I sure hope not.
Jan 08, 2008 01:28 AM
Jennifer Allan
Jennifer Allan, Inc. - Denver, CO
The painter DID show up, right on time! I'm actually not frustrated with him - he's been very reliable. That's actually what made me realize that I'm doing something wrong!
Jan 08, 2008 01:32 AM
MAUREEN STACCATO
Springfield, MA
We say buyers are liars but when it comes down to it so are contractors and painters!!!
Jan 08, 2008 01:36 AM
Karen Webster...Grand Rapids, MI Realtor
5 Star Real Estate, Grand Rapids MI - Grand Rapids, MI
Good epiphany about how others see your availability and how that doesn't work so well for you.  Seize control!
Jan 08, 2008 01:41 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
Gee, I thought I was the only one with problems of trying to be all things to all people - yes I put my foot down and I hope I wind up with more than a sore foot
Jan 08, 2008 01:42 AM
Don Draughn - Mortgage Professional
High Point, NC
That is the best way to do it.  "NO" is a magical word.
Jan 08, 2008 01:51 AM
Theron Your Renal Home/Apartment Locator
Rental Relocation - Sandy Springs, GA
I have learned this also Jennifer.  I think saying you are busy and start making appointments will work out best for those of us that work from home or just do not punch a clock everyday.
Jan 08, 2008 02:20 AM
Jennifer Allan-Hagedorn
Sell with Soul - Pensacola Beach, FL
Author of Sell with Soul
I'm pretty excited to try this out. I love being available and flexible, but I'm finding it doesn't achieve the results I'm after. However, the phrase "Oh, whatever works for you" is going to be a tough habit to break.
Jan 08, 2008 10:24 PM
Felix Krynicky
Keller Williams Realty - Greensburg, PA
Jennifer, i love how you really put your clients and others around you first.  But, the people around you have to respect you and your time so you can continue to do what you do.
Jan 08, 2008 11:30 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents
It just seems to be the norm about the contractor trade throughout the country. 99% of them are definitely NOT punctual. I'm not sure why they think it's okay to do it. How about a courtesy call to say the least.
Jan 09, 2008 11:43 AM
Calvin Neely
FLI Properties - Lagrange, GA
Let's get you moving!
I am looking forward to hearing about your success as you transition back into real estate.  You are going to really motivate a lot of people, especially me!  Best of luck!
Jan 09, 2008 11:48 AM
Debbie White
Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK
I Sell Alaska!
Jennifer - It's unfortunate that contractors and service people seem to think self-employed means unemployed.  True, our schedules are flexible, but our time is valuable too!
Jan 09, 2008 01:10 PM
Curt Fletcher
Fort Worth, TX
aka "The Likeability Guy"

I think you had a great realization about time.  I am flexible with almost anything, but my time is the most important thing for me.  It is the one thing you can never get back.  I began a couple years ago treating my time very carefully and have benefited greatly.  I find people that TRY and make you waste your time are not worth the effort of flexibility because they do not VALUE you as they should.

Being on the building side of things, my contractors understand how I feel about time.  If they don't show up when we need them without a valid reason......next.  I cannot even think of the last time someone has been late without a phone call first.

Jan 10, 2008 04:16 AM
Jennifer Allan-Hagedorn
Sell with Soul - Pensacola Beach, FL
Author of Sell with Soul

Darnit, I did it again! I'm making lunch dates with friends and what comes out of my mouth? "Oh, any day next week is fine with me! I'm totally open!"

Grghghghghghgh

Jan 22, 2008 01:25 AM