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Real Estate Magic!

Leaving Room For Dessert

By: Candice A Donofrio
Thursday, October 11, 2007 9:04 AM

I enjoy reading an e-zine called Early To Rise, and in this week's issue there's a story called 'Too Much Of A Good Thing' which caught my attention. It's about what you might want to consider if you start a business -- and that business REALLY TAKES OFF. How to think and act a few steps ahead, anticipate growth and accommodate it.

I'm all about working the magic to make things happen. And all too aware that making great choices that pan out, just like making not so good ones that go sideways, have consequences. Kind of like the saying, "The only thing worse than wanting what you want is getting it."

Took me back to when we were all nuts, insane, crazy BUSY. Real estate was the hottest topic and everyone wanted in. All the agents got that hollow look in their eyes from too much work and not enough time. And everywhere I went, I heard the mantra "I WISH IT WOULD SLOW DOWN!"

Hell, I knew better but I said it a time or two myself. Didn't mean it. Just wanted some breathing room.

What happened IMO was, we all got busy and we didn't have systems in place to manage.

So let's think a year or two ahead . . . maybe even less. Envisioning. Real estate is once again red hot, the fear is gone, money is plentiful (hey, it's my vision, I want it BIG) and business is, once again, booming.

What actions might you take to give your real estate business 'breathing room' and still service your present and future clients well? Safeguards you might implement that enable you to loosen your belt just enough . . . that if the waiter brings that gorgeous, almost artificial looking dessert cart, you will have room for the white chocolate truffle? (my favorite!)

Let's forget for a moment about buyers being chicken and lenders being tight. WHAT WILL YOU DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME when it's back with a vengeance?

You KNOW that it's going to come back around. Perhaps sooner than later.

Maybe now is the time to plant that seed. I would like to think in terms of the next boom being, rather than a nuclear blast . . . a long, long beautiful fireworks display!

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Comments

Mary Welch
Member Since '04

Mary Welch said:

The only time I can eat dessert is if I plan on it. Good thoughts Candice. Yes, what would I do different so I can have desert? I think I have been putting off getting help. I am past ready, just not sure I want to take it on. My plan is to get more business and have help with it. My fear is having to babysit the help and get them to eat too. Tricky, but can be done.

October 11, 2007 1:05 PM
Belinda Walker
Member Since '06

Belinda Walker said:

The key to having your dessert is to eat it first, then have your dinner.  That way you have room and calories available for both.

Same with business.  As you said, get the systems in place when you start out even if it seems silly.  Then you'll always be able to enjoy your dessert.

October 11, 2007 1:51 PM
Craig Barrett
Member Since '07

Craig Barrett said:

I think the key to dessert is portion control and educate, educate, educate. Did I mention educate? LOL. Don't eat too much or too fast and don't let your eyes get bigger than your stomach.

October 11, 2007 2:00 PM
Shelly  Constantz
Member Since '07

Shelly Constantz said:

I am a dessert girl.  I will stop eating my dinner to make sure I have room for dessert.  I will over indulge in dessert.  I will eat banana splits every night (if I could).  However, I am getting better at planning my dessert so it is truly appreciated, and I can digest it properly.  In my planning for future dessert, I am considering taking up running, like Craig.

Naw, Just Kidding!!!  Shelly

October 11, 2007 2:06 PM
Karen Weger
Member Since '05

Karen Weger said:

Candice! Hello! Good post. I am there. You hit on the head. Our market is good here. We are thriving. I mentioned earlier, that I opened an office and have several team members now. I have been overwhelmed.

I am trying my best to stay on top of everything. The hardest part, and Mary you will enjoy hearing this, is learning to administrate and let go. Now that I have a couple of other agents, I want to send more there way.

However, in the last weeks, seems when I do, I ask about the prospect, they ask what prospect, or, I hear they did not write or call me back. I know as an experienced agent, I can do it, so it is tough to turn them over, knowing their odds are one in 100, where mine might be one in 10 with the experience.

I am the advertising guru. The office cleaner (not so clean now) and the everything.....

I am training and think I can pull it out soon. They are learning, I am learning....But Candice you are so right. Be prepared.

I am not neglecting business, just working 7 days a week, probably 12+ hours a day.

And I know what some of you will think....Hmm. Just cherry pick. Take the good leads and leave the others. Does not work that way in Real Estate. If you get a referral or lead and you turn it down, word spreads. That $100k buyer or seller will tell their $400k seller or buyer and that is it.

October 11, 2007 7:50 PM
Candice A Donofrio
Member Since '07

Candice A Donofrio said:

Karen, I wanna be you when I grow up  . . . LOL . . . but I'm thinking possibly hiring on referral agents with a 'little' time available to train, gradually, like 'part time flexi' people who have 'real jobs' but hang their license, do not talk real estate until they are sufficiently trained. But with a 'down the road' willingness to maybe partner part time with a full timer for an extra pair of eyes, hands . . . hope I'm making some sense. ;)

We just need elastic systems so they can expand with business but when it slows, no one is downsized.

Dare to dream, I know . . . but ideas start everything off so why not bounce some . . .

October 11, 2007 8:15 PM
Karen Weger
Member Since '05

Karen Weger said:

Candice. Excellent. Yes.

Thanks!

October 11, 2007 8:31 PM

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My Blog

Candice A Donofrio
Next Wave Real Estate Investments LLC

Candice A Donofrio
Member Since '07

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