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The importance of being punctual

By Sara Lipnitz

Real Estate Agent with Max Broock Realtors

September 11, 2006 05:17 PM

clock After years of being late for everything, a very good friend of mine sat me down and had a chat with me. She lovingly told me that every time I was late for an appointment I was sending a message to her that I didn’t value her time. That was about 7 years ago. I’m happy to say that I’ve never been more than 3 minutes late for any of my scheduled outings with her. If I am running 3 minutes late, I always call to let her know my ETA.

I’m so thankful I learned that lesson when I did.

As Realtors, we really need to be punctual. On occasion, our appointments run long, traffic is bad and such. However, that really should only happen on rare occasions.

Our customers need to know that we value their business and their time. I encourage everyone who struggles with this to really work at it. If I can do it, so can you!

JP & Maureen… my tardiness at the Ice Cream Social was one of those opps. Sorry again, I do value your time.

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Carl Minicucci

Humber Valley Realty - Vaughan, ON

Broker

My wife changed that bad habit in me forever and I'm ever grateful for it. I now pride myself on punctuality. Being tardy can sometimes become progressively worse. 5 minutes turns into ten, ten to thirty etc to the point where you don't even get bothered by it. You begin to convince yourself it's acceptable. It's not.

Sep 11, 2006 05:28 PM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Being on time is one of those things that really sets the tone for everything that follows.

Rich Jacobson, www.KitsapLife.com

Sep 11, 2006 05:30 PM

Maureen Francis

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel - Bloomfield Hills, MI

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

Oh, when I saw that title, you knew what immediately came to mind. Then you covered it in the last sentence.

I used to be more hung up about other people's punctuality than I am now. But for myself, I try to get there on time.

Sep 12, 2006 12:17 AM

Kristal Kraft

Novella Real Estate - Denver, CO

Selling Metro Denver Real Estate - 303-589-2022

People who are constantly late are not professional. I discount their credibility, NO POINTS for them! :)

Sep 12, 2006 01:03 AM

Tyler Wedel

THIRD TENNESSEE REALTY - Monterey, TN

I always like to be punctual, in fact I am so scared of being late I am usually there 15 minutes early.

Sep 12, 2006 01:23 AM

Erin Keating Dewald

SKBK Sotheby's International Realty - Royal Oak, MI

I completely agree! I got that message when my parents were always the last to pick me up at school, friends houses, soccer and basketball practice....I learned never to be late for anyone!

This is our business and being prompt is important. Clients never forget if you keep them waiting.

Sep 12, 2006 01:00 PM

Brian Brady

Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL

858-699-4590

Tardiness is the ultimate form of disrespect.

Sep 12, 2006 06:17 PM

Mitchell J Hall

Manhattan, NY

Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

I like getting to listing appointments 5 - 10 minutes early. Sometimes I get to see the agent who had the appointment before me leaving. I know who the competition is so I can adjust my presentation.

Sep 13, 2006 02:29 AM

Thinking of sweet Erin Keating being the last one picked up makes me sad.

Sep 13, 2006 01:19 PM

Sara Lipnitz

Max Broock Realtors - Birmingham, MI

For everyone else reading this thread... Erin's parents are both very successful Realtors.

Sep 13, 2006 04:23 PM

Sara Young

Rock Financial - Bloomfield Hills, MI

I may have to sit you donw and have the same talk. I now will expect you to be at my house on time all the time!

Sep 16, 2006 06:01 AM

Save my the grief... I wont be late for our social meetings.

Sep 17, 2006 03:06 PM

Maha Musson

Sunshine Eagle Realty - Fort Lauderdale, FL

when you come to Miami, punctual loses it's meaning! let's take it the hitian style 3pm is 4:30

3:pm is 5:45 Cuban style

3pm is 3pm business minded people regardless of where we are!

Sep 17, 2006 04:00 PM

Maha,

Very funny. I fear that you're all to serious with this one???

Sep 17, 2006 04:08 PM

Ben Kakimoto

Keller Williams Greater Seattle - Seattle, WA

Seattle Condo Specialist

I hate to be rushed so I try to always give myself time to get to appointments. But, then, I'm one of those people who set my watches and clocks ahead 10 minutes.

Sep 17, 2006 05:45 PM

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Sara Lipnitz

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