The Most Frustrating Thing...

I was asked to do an interview for a website and one of the questions was, "what is the biggest upset you encounter while performing your job?"  I instantly knew the answer because it happens quite often in this industry.  As with any 100% commission job, you are required to work for FREE until you complete the transaction and get paid.  That means, you get up, show up for work, do your job, drive around all day with clients and never see a dime until your client gets to the closing table.  We put a lot of time and money working with our clients to assist them in achieving their goals.  We realize that buying a house is one of the biggest transactions a person will make in their lifetime, so we want to make sure we are giving you 110%.

On to the frustrating part...  So the part that gets under my skin is when our clients do not respect our time.  There have been several instances I am sitting at a house waiting for my clients to show up and then they call at the appointment time to say they cannot make it.  It's usually when I've driven across town during rush hour that I get these calls!  Urgh!  I understand if there is an unavoidable emergency but in many cases the client may have just forgotten.  I am so excited that gas prices are nearly half the price they were, but it used to cost me $65 to fill up my tank so you already know!  Aside from the money we lose we are also losing our time.  This time could have been better spend with family, friends, helping other clients, etc... 

So the next time you schedule an appointment and you're not able to make it, be courteous enough to call in advance to reschedule and not leave your Realtor sitting in front of a property looking around for you...  The end :-)

On a side note:  I could not find any frustrated AFRICAN-AMERICAN Realtor pictures.  Hmmm maybe we just don't get angry!

Staying Professional Can Be Hard!!!

I have a new client, who will remain nameless, that is really challenging my non-professional side.  I really love being a Realtor, but there are those clients that make it difficult sometimes.  I really wish I could say what I really want to say but unfortunately I will not let my client get the best of me.   I should have known from the beginning this transaction was going to be difficult and walked away. 

This morning, I ranted and raved to my husband and I told him I'm just going to go in on my client and tell her what I really feel... Of course, my husband being the level headed man that he is, said absolutely NOT!  So I will deal with this situation professionally as I always do and bite my tongue!

So here are some anger management techniques to use when you feel you've hit your limit:

1. Think before you speak

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.

2. Once you're calm, express your anger

As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but non confrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.

3. Get some exercise

Physical activity can help reduce stress that can cause you to become angry. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other enjoyable physical activities.

4. Take a timeout

Timeouts aren't just for kids. Give yourself short breaks during times of the day that tend to be stressful. A few moments of quiet time might help you feel better prepared to handle what's ahead without getting irritated or angry.

5. Identify possible solutions

Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child's messy room drive you crazy? Close the door. Is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening — or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind yourself that anger won't fix anything and might only make it worse.

6. Stick with 'I' statements

To avoid criticizing or placing blame — which might only increase tension — use "I" statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific. For example, say, "I'm upset that you left the table without offering to help with the dishes," instead of, "You never do any housework."

7. Don't hold a grudge

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.

8. Use humor to release tension

Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Use humor to help you face what's making you angry and, possibly, any unrealistic expectations you have for how things should go. Avoid sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.

9. Practice relaxation skills

When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as, "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.

10. Know when to seek help

Learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you.

Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434?pg=2

Looking for My MOJO... Where did it go??

It is only 7 days into 2015 and already I can't find my MOJO!!!  Where did it go???  In my mind, I feel pumped and ready to take on the world.  But then something must get lost in translation because then I just want to get back in the bed... 

Why can't the new year begin in the summer when I am most excited???  It's so cold and dreary outside, I just want to stay home and watch movies and the Soaps all day... I know I can't do that but that's just how I feel some days.  When you work for someone else (Employee), you need to make sure you adhere to the rules that are in place, otherwise your neck may be on the chopping block.  When you work for yourself (Employer), sometimes it is harder to stay disciplined.  As a Realtor, you are an independent contractor so you make your own schedule.  You have the flexibility to plan your days, weeks, and months however you want.  What you put in, is what you get out.  Have you heard of the term ABC - Always Be Closing!  We are on the constant prowl for new lead (clients) to work with so we can ABC!

When you are paid 100% commission, your income is based on the amount of deals you close.  No Work = No Pay!  That should be motivation enough, but there is always tomorrow.  Procrastination is the biggest dream killer!

The goal today is to stayed focused and work at a high productive rate for 4 hours.  Starting in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...  Time to get to work!

You've Set Your Goals, Now What?

Today is the first Monday of the New Year and I am feeling excited about what 2015 has to offer.  So many people set goals and resolutions with good intentions.  After a few weeks, the excitement of the New Year dies down and then so many people get back to "the way things used to be."    How can you avoid falling into the same ole same ole trap? 

First, you need to figure out how to hold yourself accountable to the goals you've set for yourself.  If you can find someone to team up with and become accountability partners, it will help you maintain your goals throughout the year.   However, you must find someone that is not afraid to tell you when you are slipping up, otherwise having an accountability partner is useless.

Second, create a plan of action on how you will tackle your goal.  Write down why you have set the goal, how you will accomplish the goal throughout the year and milestones to measure your progress.  You can also break down your goal into smaller goals which build up to the larger goal.

Last, build in reward systems throughout the year for achieving your smaller goals.  This will allow you to feel like you are making strides towards your larger goals.  Once you've meet your goal, make sure you also reward yourself and begin setting your next goal. 

When you set your goals, be realistic.  You want to make sure your goal challenges you but it is also attainable.  If you set goals that are too unrealistic, it may get discouraging and you'll end up giving up!  Good luck with your goal setting and have an amazing 2015!

Book Club By Myself!!!

Today is the first day at the office in the New Year.  During this time of year, I like to load up my kindle with books I would like to read throughout the year.  Last year I started reading a few books and completed some but I wasn't reading like I should have and normally do.  I guess my excuse is I was planning a wedding  :-)

So here is my book list for 2015 and I vow to completely read the books on this list.  I added a few books that I started and haven't finished as well:

1.  The One Thing by Gary Keller
2.  How Successful People Think by John Maxwell
3.  The E-Myth Revisited:  Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
4. How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie
5. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller
6.  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
7.  The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer
8.  The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield
9.  Sell With Soul by Jennifer Allan
10. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
11. Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller
12.  21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me by Frank Cook