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We Don't Do 'December Thinking'

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308

December ThinkingYou hear it often in real estate and other industries as well, I'm sure. Many agents slack off the fourth quarter as the holidays approach. They rationalize that business is slowing down with less houses on the market and less buyers to buy them. So, yawn, they will take a break, enjoy the holidays and get back in gear the first of the year. We call this 'December Thinking.' It is a mindset that says you can put your career on hold for a few months and expect it to be waiting there when you come back.

These agents live off their summer earnings and by the time January rolls around, they come running back in the door trying to rev up their business. They are the ones whining at the water cooler at how slow things are and how hard this business is. They are the 80% that are out the door in the first five years of real estate.

We don't do 'December Thinking.' We work hard 12 months of the year, and historically, December is one of our busiest months. This December is proving no different, with five contracts being written or negotiated over the last week and buyers scrambling to close by the end of the year. 

There is a saying that if you want something done, ask a busy person. This time of year, ask a busy real estate agent like us, instead of one with December Thinking who has put a 'closed' sign on their virtual real estate door.

 

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About the Author: Sharon Alters works with her husband, Frank. They are in the top 5% real estate agents for production in the Jacksonville Florida area, specializing in Military and Corporate Relocation in the Fleming Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, St. Augustine and Beaches areas. Their local knowledge can help Relocating Buyers find the perfect lifestyle, whether it is a Castle on the Ocean, or a Cottage in the Country. 

Call/text 904-673-2308 or sharon@teamalters.com

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Show All Comments Sort:
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Sharon I love this post, hope the powers to be will too:) I am so with you, I do more business in the last three months of the year than any other three months from the rest of the year....it is a mind set and part of it is being available:), Endre

Dec 03, 2013 10:22 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I don't buy into December being a slow month either.  It's busy if you want it to be.  

Dec 03, 2013 10:23 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Endre, yes, being available mentally and physically plays a great part in it.

Chris Ann, we never have and it's always been a very busy month for us.

Dec 03, 2013 10:39 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

You are so right!  I have been encountering agents saying that they aren't really doing anything until January.  I don't understand that thinking.

Dec 03, 2013 11:24 AM
Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

I could not agree with you more!  December is the best time to pick up the phone and re-connect with past clients and create introductions with new listings for the spring.  Staying busy year round is important if you want this to be a career!  Thank you for sharing.

Dec 03, 2013 11:47 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     Keep marketing, keep prospecting, keep meeting and greeting people (potential Buyers and Sellers).  It does not matter what month or what season it is!

Dec 03, 2013 11:50 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Kathy, I don't understand it either.

 

Dec 03, 2013 11:51 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Karen, bingo. If it is a true career, you are working it daily.

 

Dec 03, 2013 11:52 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Keep on working, Fred, and you will keep on having income. 

Dec 03, 2013 11:53 AM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Count me in to that way of thinking. Our phones are still ringing like crazy. With all the preapprovals we are doing, the first quarter of 2014 looks really good.

Dec 03, 2013 05:13 PM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

It has been a BUSY December here. No time to think about 'not thinking about Real Estate!' 

Dec 03, 2013 10:23 PM
Michelle Gibson
Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. - Wellington, FL
REALTOR

Sharon - Amen! The forth quarter is probably my busiest time of year and while I enjoy spending the holidays with my family and friends I still work hard.

Dec 04, 2013 11:29 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Michelle, we are right there with you!

Dec 04, 2013 11:34 AM
Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

Sharon, somehow this dosen't surprise me, you seem to in high gear all the time (that's a good thing). With deals in the pipline and laying out lots of marketing for the new year there just doesn't seem like there's enough hours in the day. 

Happy Thursday!

Dec 05, 2013 03:59 AM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Red Hook, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Sharon congrats on a busy and successful December.  Wishing you a successful 2014

Dec 22, 2013 09:56 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Adrian, my sister calls me The Energizer Bunny! After working hard in December, we have at least three closings in January - a great way to start the year!

Dec 22, 2013 10:00 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Jennifer, thank you and same to you!

Dec 22, 2013 10:00 AM