by: ESTELLE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
A typical day in my life as a real estate agent, can change in seconds from an extremely busy day, to cancelled appointments the next moment. I believe that the ability to adapt to clients’ needs and schedule, gives me the cutting edge!
I am generally awake at 6:00 in the morning, but don’t get up straight away as I enjoy the silence and reap the rewards of the early bird. I use this time to recap on my appointments for the day. I will go through all the web request to make sure that I responded and answered any queries or questions that arose from the previous day’s listings, web requests or viewings. My bond originator is also up very early, and I use this opportunity to send her the details of clients that would like to view and she will give feedback on pre qualifications and bond applications she might be busy with. I usually get a call from my daughter Semone around 7:00. We are working together and there will always be a new idea, a problem with a transaction or just supporting each other on a matter. I also use this gap to do a Facebook post and update my WhatsApp status with news on properties in the market. I am familiar with the broader market in our area and will also go through the newly listed properties and send the links to the area specialist in my office when I recognise the property and quite frequently know the sellers.
Our management team will have a brief meeting every morning to discuss a to-do-list. Doing small things consistently every day leads to conclusive sales. I don’t really follow a strict schedule but focus on market research, listings, intensive marketing, lead generation and relationship building as the foundation of my business. If I don’t have a busy day I will just drive around and talk to everybody I know. I am self-driven and consequent. Most of my leads and stock will flow from good service, good relationships, and referrals. I will frequently accompany new agents, listing and viewing properties. A large portion of the week will be absorbed by training and office oriented tasks.
I usually try to take a day off, during the week as our market is extremely busy over weekends. My weakness is show days and prefer to work with prequalified clients.
I try not to get emotionally involved in client’s offers and keep it friendly yet professional. If there are matters to resolve I will address it without delay even if it could affect the outcome of the sale. The best reward is the handover of keys and happy client moving into their dream home, and of course the extremely good financial gain.
I will tackle everyday on its own merit and when I feel I had enough I will go home, sit on my recliner, drink a glass of wine and guess what……..do admin. In my household, everybody is all involved in the property market, and it can be a blessing and a curse. I love cooking, painting and listening to music.
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Is this something you can excel at? – Contact us today for a career in Real Estate – https://www.century21.co.za/careers/