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Ask An Ambassador: Add To The Toolbag or Hire A Pro?

By
Real Estate Agent with Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com SAL.2002007747

Over the years my tool bag has grown, and also changed.

Instead of being limited by an extension cord, now I can throw a drill, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw and a multi-tool into my bag with a few charged battery packs and I'm more flexible in where I can work on a project.

I've added newer hand tools, and I've got my eye on a couple of other things to add to my workbench...that table saw looks nice and shiny and I wonder how much trouble I could get into with a router?? :)

And while I have the tools to do most any fundamental project (replace the spring on the dishwasher soap dispenser...easy peasy...replace the control box on an old washing machine (the hardest part was finding the right part)...less than half an hour of disassembly, reassembly and testing and our friend's machine was back in operation)., some projects I do LOOK like an amateur did them.  My carpentry skills are not the best, so if something needs to look good, I'm hiring a pro.

As real estate agents and bloggers, we're faced with the same decision:

Add to the toolbag and do it yourself, or hire a pro?

When we first started in real estate, we tended to do everything ourselves.  We had the digital camera, Liz had some training in staging, we'd prep our listings and take the pictures.  We still advise our sellers on how to best prepare the home for sale, but when it comes to taking the pictures, we have several pros to pick from.  We needed our hours elsewhere.

While I'm still hands on with blogging, that's a combination of experience and enjoyment.  Blogging is a good change of pace and exercises some different brain cells than my engineering work, and after writing post after post for years, once the right idea and mindset are established, the words flow relatively easily.  And frankly I like knowing that if someone calls me about a blog post, I SHOULD know what they're talking about because I created the content.

But the same basic question could be asked, about blogging, add to your toolbag or hire a pro?  You can hone your skills and sources for picking blog post topics, find a site such as pixabay to make your photo selection easier, and invest the time week after week to create content.

Or maybe it makes more sense for you to hire a pro.  Here's what I need for my local market, exchange some dollars and you have more time to generate new business, spend with your family, etc. 

I would caveat that if you're hiring a pro to blog for you, having ORIGINAL content is crucial if you want to be found by internet searches.  There's a time and a place for canned content if you choose that option, but it's the original stuff that is going to help you stand out.

Determine what is the best option for you.


If blogging is a good fit, you'll just keeping getting better with practice.  Identifying what works best for YOUR local market is the key to gaining business.

Until next Tuesday, just Ask An Ambassador if you need help,

Bill & Liz aka BLiz

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Serving Warren County Ohio & Adjacent Areas

The Liz Spear Team of Transaction Alliance
Elizabeth Spear, ABR, Ohio License SAL.2002007747

William (Bill) Spear, Ohio License SAL.2004011109  Kentucky 77938
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Comments(13)

Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Bill (and Liz too) - once again, one size doesn't fit "all".  It's a saying that seems to work in numerous situations.   Your post shows the possibilities.   Thankfully, they are abundant.  Happy Turkey Day to both of you.  🍗

Nov 21, 2023 11:04 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

It definitely depends, but I stopped by Lowe's on the way home to buy a set of wood clamps :)

Nov 21, 2023 01:26 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Bill,

Another great post with sage advice. Michael Jacobs is right..one size doesn't fit "all!" It's all about learning what works best for YOUR local market! It's definitely the key to gaining business.

Nov 21, 2023 02:11 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Some people aren't meant to blog, there are better ways for them to gain business.  For me in the dual career field, and being an introvert, blogging is a perfect fit.  Create content and let them find me, not me find them.

Nov 21, 2023 04:53 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Bill you remind me of Gary and his huge collection of tools which he uses quite often in his 'man cave'!  And to think I know what all the tools you mentioned are for! Gary was an engineer but his family were developers so he's also an expert at whatever needs to happen the building arena. 

As for bloggers - we must have the tools on hand to make what we do simple, easy and attractive to our audience. Always interesting to play with with the new 'tools' and see if they're a good fit.

 

And ....of course you stopped by Lowes to pick up a set of wood clamps!  If you guys were neighbors you'd both have at your hands whatever you needed!  Much like our neighbor next door!

Nov 21, 2023 02:16 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

I was trying to build something for the bees, and REALLY needed more hands than my pair.  Wood clamps will solve the problem and I can fix what I tried to make pretty easily once I clamp down the pieces.

I keep adding to my collection, thinking ahead to our move and be able to set up a shop in the garage (which I can't do now because the cats "own" the garage :)

Nov 21, 2023 05:04 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Bill- Well, I'd suppose that if you and Anna "Banana" Kruchten's Gary and my Larry got together you could tackle just about any project. When Larry built decking around a wooden hot tub (so many years ago) he did everything but the electrical. He knew when it would be better to call in the pros. 

It's true that blogging is not a one-size-fits-all all thing. You have to determine what you hope to get out of it. 

 

Nov 21, 2023 04:38 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

I limit my electrical work to exchanging existing outlets or swapping out light fixtures :)
My deck work is more in the repair than construction skill set.  But I do know how to make a catio or two :)

Nov 21, 2023 05:05 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Well no fear Gary's got you both covered on electrical work!!  Kathy Streib put these 3 guys together and WOW.......magic!

Nov 21, 2023 08:07 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

That is a very interesting question bill and it all comes down to my time restraints. I am not afraid to hire something done for someone I trust however I would not choose someone that I hadn't worked with before 🙂

Nov 21, 2023 06:45 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

We mostly have people we know, but for building our new house we're well away from an area where we know people.  Fortunately for our kitchen counters, I have a current co-worker that used to live near where we're moving and she had a recommendation for a company.  Her recommendation has been spot on, they've been very responsive, good information, and willing to do some things for us that other companies there weren't interested in doing.

Nov 21, 2023 08:23 PM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Liz and Bill Spear - I love your collection of tools! Correct me if I am wrong, but I am pretty sure tools are something AI can never replace. Curious minds want to know, do you plan to install an electric vehicle charger inside your garage if you don't have one for resale value? The house I am closing on Monday had one installed for the future. The owner wants to be prepared.  As usual your analogy to the real estate business is spot on. When in doubt - always get a pro. I believe in that always!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 21, 2023 11:25 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Patricia, Wish I could claim the photo, but help from Pixabay.  My tool collection is much more boring!  I suspect the picture might be leatherworking tools?

Unless WV makes it mandatory as part of new builds, not planning to add an electrical charging station in the garage.  I don't anticipate having an electric car anytime soon.

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

 

Nov 22, 2023 11:45 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have never been very handy myself, so my toolbag has remained rather small, haha.  When it comes to real estate though, I have accumulated more tools than I would care to keep, but it has helped me stay in business, haha.

Nov 22, 2023 04:24 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Even in real estate, it's a challenge to know what's a needed tool and what's a bright and shiny that won't perform as advertised.

Nov 22, 2023 11:46 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes indeed. Having the right tools for any job is a must! That includes home repairs and real estate jobs!

Nov 22, 2023 05:49 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

And I can usually justify another tool (and another...)

Nov 22, 2023 11:47 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you have a great day and don't eat too much :)

Nov 22, 2023 09:57 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Nov 22, 2023 11:47 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Liz and Bill Spear  Tools for a toolbox that is a good one. I have so many people trying to sell me blogging platforms right now. People from my company and people from the MLS. Their systems are pretty sophisticated, doing long tail short + so much more, but I enjoy writing my blogs -  They do however do a great job. 

Happy Thanksgiving 

Nov 22, 2023 05:26 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

Happy Thanksgiving to you also!
And I also enjoy doing my own writing :)

Nov 23, 2023 10:55 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I know this mainly because of my experience staging homes and I think the next six months should be interesting!

Nov 22, 2023 09:49 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

There is always something interesting going on!

Nov 23, 2023 10:55 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Hi, Bill. Next time I need something fixed at my house, I will give you a call.

Nov 23, 2023 09:57 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Only half a country away, it may take some time for me to get there :)

Nov 23, 2023 10:56 AM
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

This reminded me why I have my Listings Professionally photographed. I’m actually a pretty good photographer, but I don’t have the latest & greatest equipment ( that the Pro’s have ).  

Nov 26, 2023 07:53 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

Those high end photo rigs or more than I want to tackle!

Nov 28, 2023 11:39 AM