10.  STAY POSITIVE!  When the going gets rough, don’t isolate.  Stay positive and interact with others because many times we are all experiencing the same things.  Talking about current issues, what’s working and what’s not helps you move forward so that you are not paralyzed by negatives thoughts & negative vibes.  Along these lines, don’t be afraid to fire a client who is negative, doesn’t listen to your professional advice and who is extremely draining on you.  Move on to someone who appreciates your time & efforts and you will be much closer to that elusive sale.     

9.  VOLUNTEERISM HELPS EVERYONE!  Set out to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others.  There is something special about giving of your self without expecting anything in return.  It is good for the soul!  Besides, you know the saying, “What goes around, comes around.”  If you do good things for others, good things are bound to happen to you.  Depak Chopra actually says that people who are givers tend to live longer lives, too!  It is great networking, too!    

8.  TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES!  Many times we get so caught up in the day to day “hub bub” that we sometimes forget about what’s important- Our health, family & loved ones.  Balance if very important so take time off to live your life!  It doesn’t have to cost anything either.  It could be walking your dog, hiking in the preserve or getting lost in reading a book or seeing a movie.    Spoken from a true workaholic, “Work to live, don’t live to work.”  

7.  ORGANIZE & PLAN FOR SUCCESS!  Set lofty, but realistic goals for yourself (in writing) and refer to them on a regular basis!    These goals should be both short & long term so that you can track your progress each day, week, month and at year end.  Don’t limit your goal setting to just your business, either.  You should be setting personal goals as well (ie  # of vacations you’d like to take each year, buying a new car or new home, paying for your kid’s college tuition, etc)   

6.  TAKE ACTION!  Don’t be afraid to call your clients to say hello, to ask them for business and to keep you in mind for referrals!  If you don’t, someone else will!  Additionally, follow up with your seller clients as often as possible with regards to showing feedback and market analyses.  The #1 Seller complaint I have heard over the years is that their Realtor “never communicated with or called them with feedback.”  Set up both buyers & sellers on the MLS auto-notification system if you have not already done so that they are always informed.      

5.  SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE BETTER THAN YOU!  At the age of 12 my grandfather instilled this in me.  He said, “Dino, always surround yourself with friends who are better than you.”  Boy was he right! The times that I did not listen to him it bit me you know where.  It is great to want to help others who are inferior, but if it comes with a price where they negatively influence you more than you positively influence them, it is not worth it.  Get out of that relationship before it’s too late.  

4.  SET YOURSELF APART FROM OTHERS!  My Momma always told me to “Market yourself differently from the others.”  What’s special about you that will attract people to work with you.  Accentuate your positives through creative marketing.  Be original!

3.  PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF!  Work hard, but work smart, too!   Do the things that will be the most productive to make you money first!   Exaust a lead until they are absolutely unreasonable in what they want or they “just say no.”  If neither is true, you have just as good of a chance as anyone else to get the listing or to sell them a house.

2.  LISTEN TO YOUR CLIENTS, BUT DON’T ALWAYS BELIEVE THEM!  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Buyers are liers and Sellers are storytellers.”  Well, it’s true!  Just because a buyer gives you parameters for a house that they “must have” or a seller tells you “they won’t seller for anything less than $X,” don’t believe them.  I just had a client tell me she wanted a single level home with a south backyard and gas cooking.  Well, I just sold her a two story home (Master down) with a north backyard with an electric range.  She loves it because it is the right house for her in the neighborhood she loves.    

1. DON’T ASSUME ANYTHING! Nobody owns a client and/or a friend. Remember that you have to earn and continue to earn someone’s friendship and business. Once you assume otherwise, they will betray you. Continually nurture your relationships and you will always be on top of your game!

Good Luck out there and Happy Holidays!!

Filed under: Real Estate Top Ten by admin