It’s nearly September and you’re looking at your numbers for the year.  Are your numbers low?   Have you closed only one, two or maybe three deals since the beginning of the year?  We’re in a market that’s historically balanced with enough sales to keep most agents and teams happily working along, but there you sit with a number so embarrassingly low, you’re ready to cry.

Now I’m not talking to the new agents who started a few months ago or the Realtors who have suffered injuries or health issues or folks who suffered setbacks.  Life has its way of derailing the best-laid plans and if the latter of those scenarios apply to you, I sincerely hope you have a quick turn-around to your situation and that you’re happy and back on track very soon!

It’s not those agents with short-term issues that I’m talking to. It’s those agents with no ‘real’ excuses.  The agents who have 40 + hours a week to dedicate to a business, but have no business.

A Hard Look at a Bad Situation

Are you still trying to grasp how things have gone south so fast especially since when you have taken the very best classes and you drank in all the motivational ideology taught by the most successful/most revered in the business world?

There are two items at the top of your to-do list.

1. Take a good look at your business, your work-life balance, your health, and your happiness lately and measure them against where you thought you would be when you began your career.

2.   Consider Plan A and Plan B for yourself so you’re not completely blocked into staying where you are.

7 Questions That May Help You Decide 

Thinking about leaving or staying in your real estate career can be daunting, so here are some questions to help you break down the pieces you need to evaluate.

1. Are you satisfied with your workweek?
Real estate agents consistently rank flexible hours as a reason they love the job. However, even though you’re not punching a time clock, it could feel like you’re anchored to working long hours and being available whenever clients call. If your “flexible” hours actually mean you’re working many nights and weekends, consider setting some boundaries around your time so you can enjoy more family time or personal interests like a favorite hobby or charitable work.

2. Do you feel like you help people each day?
Knowing you’re participating in the biggest financial decision your clients might ever make can be incredibly rewarding, but it can be easy to lose sight of this with the day-to-day hustle and bustle.  Have you collected testimonials as trophies or are they reminders of the stories of the people you’ve helped?  The difference is small but immense.

3. Are there more ways to share your talents?
Are there more opportunities out there that you have yet to explore.  Maybe you want to teach or coach or volunteer?  The skills you’ve developed as a real estate agent can be put to work helping your community or helping new agents get into the business.

Finding ways to contribute your time and talent my help your morale, like getting certified to train new agents or sitting on the advisory board of a local charity.

4. Do you earn enough?
Let’s face it: how much agents earn can have a significant impact on their feelings about their career. If you think you’re not earning enough money, ask yourself ‘Why’?

Is it because you’re not selling the quantity of homes you need to in order to reach your goal.  Is it a price point?  How is your lead generation factoring into your bottom line?  What education does your brokerage offer to help you meet your goals?

5. Do you control your business?
You might have started in real estate to be your own boss, but you need the right brokerage to give you the support, training, technology, and lead gen you need for success. If your broker is exercising too much control without giving anything back, it might be time to reevaluate that brokerage relationship.

Look for a brokerage that sets you up to achieve big goals and knows that putting you at the center of their business model is good for both of you.

6. Are you managing your time?
Poor time management skills limit any satisfaction in your career.  Poor time management means you’re working longer hours while getting less done. Education is crucial here. Learning to implement time -blocking and productivity strategies are key.  Yes, some apps like Asana, Slack, and Trello can help you do more with your time.

7. Is there another niche where you’re better suited?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to real estate. Consider which niche might be a better fit for you. Do you like commercial real estate? Luxury? Condos? Interests change over time and the niche you started out with might not be the best fit now.  Certifications and designations around your new niche may help you find that motivation you’re seeking.  Finding a coach/mentor who can help you create a roadmap for transitioning to your new market segment is a must.

They’ll guide you on everything from changing your marketing and branding to creating a new set of communication and negotiation skills fit for your new niche. For example, the look, feel, and tone of luxury marketing is very different from the marketing you’ll create for investors. You’ll talk to first-time homebuyers in a different way than you talk to commercial clients. Review your logo, business cards, headshot, and even colors and fonts and gear your style toward your new niche.

A brand new you in the industry is just around the corner, if that’s what you truly want.

Now, you need to ask yourself,

Does my broker support me enough to allow me to grow as I need to so I can become who I need to become?  Many brokers say they do, but what they really want is your commission split.  Take the time to do the research to find the brokerage who will educate and support you as you become your best version of your professional and personal self.

Want to talk about your growth and who you want to become?  Send me your info and let’s talk.