I've recently been reading, and yes, commenting on posts that in some form or fashion relate to "serving" our clients.
Most interesting are the large number of agents who are adamant that they don't deserve time off, that they must work 7 days a week because it's their job...it's what they're required to do in order to service their clients properly. I even saw one agent state the Code of Ethics requires this of them. Huh? Some have even arrogantly stated, "for those who don't want to work weekends, find another line of work" or "for those who think this is a regular job, they should keep their day job." Certainly and interesting take on things.
While I do believe that we should each run our business as we see fit, it is somewhat disturbing to read the statements made about those of us who choose to work full-time in real estate but also have a life...meaning a life like anyone else deserves, free of a 7 day work week. I'm not sure how many of these agents have been in business in excess of a few years, but it seems to me that working 7 days a week will
eventually lead to a serious case of burn-out. It also seems that working 7 days a week is not conducive to a strong family unit. Of course I could be wrong but when I look at many agents I meet who are never wiling to let a possible customer/client pass them by, I see some very stressed out folks who may be making money but they sure don't seem all that happy. In fact, a couple of agents that I'm very close to (formerly 7 day a week agents) realized that there will always be another "buyer or seller" but there won't always be another young child or loving spouse. I'm sure I'll get my head served up on platter for this blasphemy, but isn't it possible to prepare a client to understand that your family is just as important to you as their's is to them? Wouldn't it be fair to explain that you work one, or maybe even two weekends a month, but that the client may have to take off work half a da
y to see properties. Are there so many unreasonable buyers and sellers out there that they're not happy unless they know you're neglecting your family? I think sometimes we set the wrong expectations and instead of asking questions, we just assume how our client would react. I think it's a matter of communicating in advance how we work and then ask if the client has a problem with it. If they do, is there anything wrong with letting them know that the two of you are just not good fit and that they should continue the interviewing process? I'm curious as to where the idea came from that the only way an agent can properly service a client is to be available at the drop of a hat, including on weekends, holidays, etc. I'll never forget NAR's commercials that ended by stating something to the effect of, "We're REALTORS...real estate is our life." Apparently it is for many, but for me real estate is not my life....it is a means to have a life. And honestly, I've been pleased with it even without committing all my weekends. Maybe my clients are just more family oriented and therefore more understanding. Clearly there are many agents who have incomes that greatly exceed mine, but I seldom run into one that is more relaxed (although obviously opinionated) than I am. See, there really will always be another buyer or seller, but my son is growing up fast and I don't get a re-do on that, so I'll just stick to living my life and keeping my definition of service rather than allowing other agents or my industry to define what "service" means. My motto is...Don't Be Defined By What You Are, But Instead By Who You Are.
OK, I've put on my thick skin.....so let your comments roll. .
Comments(62)