I will demand a commitment to excellence...Vince Lombardi
Times are tough for Realtors in the Atlanta market. We are providing pro bono therapy for sellers who have been dealt a bad hand in the housing poker game. And then we turn around and respond to buyers who want to buy the White House for $150,000 and some glass beads. Guess who gets caught in the middle? Didn't think it would take you long to figure that out.
Like many of you, I am working in an office environment that has been nurturing and supportive. My broker runs a tight ship and the camaraderie in the office has been a real plus for me over the years. As a result, I spend most of my day at the office where I manage 30 or so active listings and wait for the phone to ring, my email to flow in or the fax machine to light up. I've been doing this a long time and for the great majority of those days the time flew by so fast the day ended long before I got tired or bored.
It's different these days. The office is quiet, lots of agents don't come in at all, or just stop by to pick up their mail. Much of our staff has been furloughed and there is practically no activity. So where can we find motivation in this environment?
I have found comfort in talking candidly with a couple of Realtors I trust. We share our thoughts about the market, about finances and and about the obstacles we face. Sharing has helped me reduce the stress related to this tough market.
Secondly, I have re-dedicated myself to providing excellence for my clients. I am re-working marketing materials, tweaking my website and looking for new ways to promote the properties I have listed for sale.
I started my real estate career in the Homebuilding side of business in 1982, I have weathered every cycle in the market since that time and the biggest lesson I have learned is to accept change. When we emerge from this present tough market, the landscape will be very different on the brokerage side of the business. Open yourself up to change and be prepared for opportunity.
Sally English and The English Team. Atlanta real estate agents
Realty Associates of Atlanta; 3350 Northlake Parkway Atlanta, Georgia 30345 |770-939-3174
View more of SALLY'S BLOG: Sallys Atlanta Real Estate Updates
EMAIL SALLY: sallyenglish@englishteam.com
Visit our WEBSITE: http://englishteam.com/ | http://sallyenglishblog.com/
All content copyright © 2009-2011 by Sarah Bryant English DBA Sally English and The English Team, Atlanta Georgia. This sale offering is made subject to errors, ommissions, change of price, prior sale and withdrawal without notice. Potential purchasers should make a physical inspection to verify all features independently. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. Sally English is not an attorney or CPA and ALL legal or tax advice should be rendered by a professional. Sally English is an Atlanta real estate agent specializing in homes and neighborhoods convenient to Emory University and The CDC. Thanks for visiting my BLOG!
Well I hope things pick up for you!
Sally,
You are doing what you need to do. The market will turn around and the ones who stick with it will be the ones who stand out in the end.
Sally, I'm a bit surprised it's so slow for you in Atlanta. We've been going crazy down here in Martin County for the past month or so. It might be the cold weather is sending down the snowbirds. I think you may pick up as the seasons start to change, or I hope so any way.
Putting energy back in your business not only freshens a stale look but gives you a boost as well. Good luck with your market and keep up the improvement for excellence.
Sally,
Challenging times like these provide the impetus for the real pros to reevaluate their game plan. And it sounds to me like you're going about in exactly the correct way. Begin by nurturing the relationships with those you trust. Be sure to stay close to those that keep you inspired...and avoid the office naysayers. Then keep looking for ways to improve the service you provide to others. If you manage these 2 areas, you'll not only survive...you'll THRIVE in this market (or any other for that matter). And if you still have spare time on your hands in a slow market? Go do some volunteer work at a children's hospital or your local VA. it sure puts this housing mess into the proper perspective!
GOOD LUCK!!
Sally, it doesn't surprise me how you have survived the changing markets over the years. Your approach to change is excellent. A lesson we can all learn. Thanks.
Hello, welcome to Active Rain! This seems like a wonderful environment to network as well as learn from others. I hope you enjoy yourself and participate often in the Active Rain environment!
Hi Sally, Welcome to AR, Be a Blogholic and start writing your own blog soon on AR. All the best for your RE business. This is the right place for customers, friends, realtionships etc.
Best - Sash