I have held a real estate license since 1982 and worked as both a resale and new homes sales agent, was a multi-million dollar producer, then transitioning into managerial and various adminstrative roles. Among my numerous experiences I have worked in a relocation department handling REO properties and Advance Marketing, as a Closing Manager for a Fortune 100 builder responsible for 1200 closings per year, and as a Listing and Closing Coordinator for a branch real estate office. I have worked for single agents and for agent teams. Along the way, when I was selling, I even hired my own assistants. The one thing that I have learned through all of these experiences is that no matter what aspect of real estate is your niche, is that I LOVE real estate - all of it! With such a variety of experiences I appreciate what I have learned and can now pass on to my clients. When I was first licensed, my first sale came after only 2 weeks in the business and my first listing was after 3 weeks where I competed against seasoned agents. Interest rates at the time were at 17% and my friends and family thought it crazy entering the real estate arena at that time. 25 years ago a tough real estate market made me a better real estate agent. A tough real estate market today has made me a better virtual assistant because I value what it took to get me where I am. My belief that too many agents wait for things to happen instead of making IT happen and that education is key to a successful real estate career, encompasses my desire to help agents become successful and why I started my virtual assistant company. Through my career there are a few things I would do differently if I had to go back and do all over again, but many things I am proud of and am glad I tried. One piece of advice I would give agents today is to get back to the basics, to "think outside the box". Creativity does count. Revise, rework and rethink. Have a point of contact with other firms so you can network with them when you do get a new listing or in need of a special property. As a virtual assistant with a strong real estate background, I know how tough it is out there and appreciate how scary it can at times. Just remember, if you don't have an assistant, YOU are the assistant!
Kathy Fey
Fey & Associates
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