I always wonder what people think is "behind the curtain" when it comes to real estate. Most people conjure up the idea that we're out showing million-dollar properties everyday, or shaking hands with people at closing tables and cashing checks everyday... well that may be true for the elite, but it takes a LONG time to get there!
Every year for the past 3 years I have had a complete debacle of a first quarter: no closings, running around for deals I'm going to do 3 months from now ($), investing in potential future business ($), renewing my Realtor status ($), renewing my E&O insurance ($), paying my taxes ($), and renewing my car registration ($).
EVERY F**KIN' YEAR!!!
Now granted, I know these things are coming, so WHY don't I set money aside for these things? Well, lots of unexpected things can happen in life, and no matter how much you prepare things can go a different way than anticipated. So now I'm just about at my wit's end, and distracting myself to stay sane.
This is a well-known story for a lot of new agents, even the elite in their first 3 years, it's definitely not a glamorous start for most. For those that make it big quick, they are either highly, HIGHLY motivated as salesman (meaning under 1% of all the best salesmen) or they have a large database with deep pockets enabling them to sell million-dollar properties easily.
I AM NEITHER. I'm motivated to sell, but I'm more motivated to go skiing or play piano or build my improv troupe. I hate being sold to, so why would I make anyone feel that way? No, my way is to build a relationship --- because that's what I'm interested in: YOU as a person. The trouble with that is that now I am completely tied to the timeline of you or someone you referred to me.
SO RIGHT NOW I AM GOING CRAAAZZZYYY!!!
I can only do so much relationship-building before it becomes pointless. We have a great relationship, right? That's why you're even reading this because we're friends and you're interested in my life. Thank you --- no seriously, thank you! Without interested parties I could never get to where I am today. Why do I need to push any further? You obviously know I'm in real estate, we're good friends and see each other fairly consistently, and you'll give me a call when you finally pull the proverbial trigger on selling or buying a home. So the only thing I can do is MEET MORE PEOPLE! That is expensive and time-consuming... ugh. Even just ONE SALE could sustain me until June, but until them I am in this perpetual state of worry!
All that aside, I am a successful real estate agent with over $19 million in production over 3 years. The chips will fall for me, but in the meantime just know that I may be missing out on some quality time with you at bars and restaurants and concerts while I wait for things to pick back up.
And remember... I'm available if you do want to take the plunge ;)
Derek Chisholm
720.446.8559
dchisholm@livsothebysrealty.com
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