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Real Estate Agents Are Selfish (If Not, You Should Be)

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with The Bruce Hill Group | Bruce Hill Coaching 283474

Over my 15 years in Real Estate, I was trained to do real estate the wrong way, and I bet you are being trained the wrong way to.  I was taught to:

  • Always answer my phone ... no matter what!
  • I was taught to work as late (or early) in the day as it took to get all my work done.
  • I was taught to respond instantly to text/email alerts on my phone. 
  • I was taught that the client is always right and that they will always go work with my competition if I'm not available to them when they want me. 

Don't get me wrong.  Being responsive and getting your important work done timely is needed.  What happens is that you can spend your whole day chasing notifications and doing paperwork.  This will 100% trap you in the dreaded up and down cycle of your income roller coaster.  

As a Realtor who has experienced a few bouts with burnout, I can tell you, it is imperative to set the first part of your day aside for yourself. Make sure that you are fully engaged and excited for the day.  Make sure that you are in optimal mental, spiritual and emotional state before you do any real estate work.  Make sure you are improving yourself physically each day before anyone (or anything) else gets attention.  If this is your first focus every day, you are well on your way to a fulfilling and profitable day/week/year. 

So what are a few daily habits you need to start your day?  You can add your own to this list, but the ones I believe in are: 

  • At least 20 minutes of vigorous (HITT Style) exercise. 
  • A minimum of 10 minutes to meditate or THINK about your day in silence. 
  • Reading at least 1 chapter of a business or improvement book each morning. 
  • Listening to a 10-20 minute motivation speech or encouraging video/audio.  

Getting your day started this way will make you better for your clients, friends and family.  You'll be more present and serve them better and will suffer less burnout in your business. 

There are 3 primary focuses that are vital to your business, and we'll go into those later.  For now, start with yourself and you will be properly equipped to handle the rest of your business and life later. 

Posted by
Bruce Hill - The Bruce Hill Group
100 Lynn Road | Raleigh, NC 27609
Direct Line 919.414.3299 I Office 919.781-9883 
Proud member of RE/MAX One Realty - "The Most Productive RE/MAX Agents in the Carolina's"
Find Your Home: www.brucehillgroup.com  

Sell Your Home: www.29guarantee.com

Show All Comments Sort:
John McMillen
Agent Success Academy - Fresno, CA
Real Estate Training for Agents

Hi, Bruce.  You offer some sage advice.  Any favorite books you recommend?

John

Jan 06, 2019 12:07 PM
Bruce Hill

John, thanks for the comment and sorry I was slow to respond.  I think the go to for taking care of yourself would probably be "The Miracle Morning".  I read a lot of non-real estate related books too.  Most of those are just because they catch my interest and put me in a good frame of mind. 

Jan 09, 2019 02:35 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Bruce- it's the difference between working hard and working smart!!! Make sure that you're feeling like the best and you'll have so much more to offer your clients and your business. 

Jan 08, 2019 03:59 PM
Bruce Hill

Thank you for the comment Kathy, This is so true!

Jan 09, 2019 02:32 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

                   

Jan 12, 2019 07:18 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Bruce. Nothing wrong with putting yourself first. I liked this.

Jan 13, 2019 05:05 AM
Bruce Hill

Thank you for the comment. I know we can all use the reminder from time to time. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:26 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Bruce - we can all use this kind of selfishness to avoid burnout.

Jan 13, 2019 06:49 AM
Bruce Hill

That's so true Grant. It takes a constant reminder sometimes. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:27 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Bruce right on!  24/7 agents don't last long and I sure am not one nor have ever been one.

Jan 13, 2019 10:48 AM
Bruce Hill

Unfortunately, I have been one in the past.  This came out of a journey I've been on twice in my carreer and need to avoid going on again. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:28 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Bruce Hill,

Glad to see your post featured in Kathy Streib "Ah-ha" moments for the week. I was just at PT50 top producer round table on Friday and exactly what we talked about! Taking time for ourselves to feel grounded before we start the day. helps be a more productive and engaging person in all aspects of our life.

Jan 13, 2019 01:37 PM
Bruce Hill

Put your oxygen on before assisting others, right? 

Jan 15, 2019 07:28 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

 

Hi Bruce Hill Glad to see this featured by Kathy.

I like this...." start with yourself and you will be properly equipped to handle the rest of your business and life later."

Jan 13, 2019 02:02 PM
Bruce Hill

Thanks for the kind comment. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:29 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Bruce Hill   There is lots of great info here . So glad Kathy Streib  put this in her Featured post as I missed this post .Hope to see more from you in the future   

Jan 13, 2019 03:34 PM
Bruce Hill

Thanks Hannah.

Jan 15, 2019 07:29 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Bruce Hill - This is good info to share with others.  I start my day by watching the sun rise and meditating on what the day will bring.  During the warmer months I go out and garden. I then get on ActiveRain when possible. This helps with inspiring me for the rest of the day!  Have a great week. 

Jan 13, 2019 04:52 PM
Bruce Hill

It's great to envision your day.  Always brings a new energy and focus. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:30 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I suppose there are times where selfishness can work to this kind of advantage pretty easily.

Jan 13, 2019 10:48 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Sometimes it’s just hard to be tough when you need to be tough. Pretty much all of that seems common sense but isn’t always the first thing we think of. Endre Barath, Jr.

Jan 13, 2019 10:49 PM
Bruce Hill

It is very difficult.  Being tough is the kindest thing you can do sometimes though.  Kind to your self and others.  Especially when it helps you provide more value after your cup is full. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:32 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I agree that we need to focus on ourselves so we stay present and don't burn out! I start my day with some work but always get my exercise and some personal projects done first thing in the morning as well. It really does help me feel productive.

Jan 14, 2019 03:01 AM
Bruce Hill

I love this.  

Jan 15, 2019 07:33 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Such wonderful advice, Bruce! I think if we make it a habit of not opening our laptops or turning on our phones until a set hour, we can achieve these tips and, as you said, serve our clients better as well. 

Jan 14, 2019 06:27 AM
Bruce Hill

My habit is frequently the oposite.  I'm a work in progress though. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:33 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Reminds me of the advice to mothers that they won't be any good to their children if they don't take care of themselves first. 

Love the title! Excellent post.

Jan 14, 2019 07:06 AM
Bruce Hill

Thanks so much Sharon

Jan 15, 2019 07:34 AM
Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

I completely agree.  The first hour of the day is for me.  Affirmations, yoga, inspiring reading, etc.  No email or social media until after a workout and shower.  It makes all the difference in the world.

Jan 14, 2019 07:58 AM
Bruce Hill

Thanks for reading and commenting Karen. Means a lot... You're right on track with your routine. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:35 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Bruce

Thanks for sharing some valuable tips. Being selfish can be a good thing, at least in the way you have framed it!

Jeff

Jan 14, 2019 06:16 PM
Bruce Hill

I think being selfish is one of the most unselfish things you can do if done correctly. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:35 AM
Anne Corbin
Long and Foster - Lake Anna - Spotsylvania, VA
Serving Lake Anna & Central Virginia

Yes, I've been struggling with work life balance these past few months. Changing brokerages adds a lot to the work load and I have been trying to catch up to the detriment of ME!

Jan 15, 2019 05:33 AM
Bruce Hill

Pursue balance at all costs.  You'll get back there. 

Jan 15, 2019 07:36 AM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Good morning Bruce, we must always make time for ourselves or we won't be any good to others. Great advice!

Jan 15, 2019 06:22 AM
Bruce Hill

Thanks so much for the comment.  It's hard to keep this at the front of our minds isn't it? 

Jan 15, 2019 07:24 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

I think you've been talking with my wife, Bruce Hill ... as this topic has been one discussed a few times in our house as of late.  You, and my wife are 110% correct ... 

There ... I said it!

Gene

Jan 15, 2019 10:45 AM
Bruce Hill

At least you didn't follow with "This time!" lol.  Thanks for the encouraging words.  I trust I'm in good company. 

Jan 15, 2019 11:14 AM