Welcome to IMPACT!

This newsletter has ONE purpose: To bring you resources that make a positive IMPACT on you and your business. Every Wednesday, we deliver to your inbox and we promise VALUE, every single week.

Let’s get into it.

First, in the spirit of this newsletter: 

“There’s nothing wrong with staying small. You can do big things with a small team.”

— Jason Fried, CEO of Basecamp

TODAY’S FEATURE:

What Nobody Ever Told You About Being a Realtor

Ah, the glamorous life of a realtor! Fancy suits, high commissions, flexible hours, and the thrill of making dreams come true.

Cue laugh track right now 😂

Well, at least that's what everyone thinks thanks to TV’s image. But let's peel back the perfectly staged facade and dive into the reality of being a realtor – the gritty, often hilarious, and sometimes downright maddening truth nobody ever told you about.

Your Car Becomes Your Office:

Imagine this: you bought your dream car, a sleek, shiny, head-turner. Fast forward six months into your real estate career, and it’s transformed into a mobile office. You’ve got half your wardrobe in the trunk, a collection of fast-food receipts that could wallpaper a small room, and a passenger seat that’s more comfortable for documents than actual humans. Clients might think you’re showing them a house, but really, you’re just trying to find a spot where your hotspot works and the coffee stain on your shirt isn’t too obvious.

You’re Always On Call:

Forget about work-life balance; being a realtor means your phone is an extension of your hand, and it’s always buzzing. Weekend plans? HA! You’ll be showing houses instead. Date night? Only if your client doesn’t want a late showing. The phrase “just one more thing” becomes your daily mantra, and you start measuring time in increments of "quick calls" and "urgent emails." Your significant other might start thinking your phone is your real partner.

You’re a Therapist in Disguise:

Sure, your job title is realtor, but your actual job description includes being a therapist, mediator, and sometimes, a miracle worker. You’ll spend countless hours listening to clients' hopes, dreams, fears, and occasional meltdowns. You’ll mediate disputes that would make seasoned diplomats sweat and find yourself negotiating not just deals, but peace treaties over paint colors and backyard fences. Who knew that a degree in psychology would be so handy?

Action Items to Survive and Thrive:

Embrace the Chaos: Accept that your car is now your office and invest in some serious organization tools. Car organizers, mobile chargers, and stain remover pens are your new best friends. Keep a spare outfit in the trunk – you never know when you’ll need it.

Set Boundaries: Yes, being on call is part of the job, but so is maintaining your sanity. Set specific times for client calls and emails, and stick to them as much as possible. Your family (and your sanity) will thank you.

Develop Your Soft Skills: Honing your skills in communication, empathy, and negotiation will make you not just a good realtor, but a great one. Take courses, read books, and practice active listening. Your clients will appreciate it, and your career will thrive because of it.

So, there you have it – the untold truth about being a realtor. It's not all open houses and commission checks, but for those who embrace the chaos, set boundaries, and sharpen their skills, it’s a rewarding and exhilarating journey. Now, go out there and show the world what being a realtor is really all about – coffee stains and all!

Niche Real Estate Markets:

For Sale By Owner - Yikes!

Ready to dive into the thrilling world of For Sale By Owner (FSBO) real estate? Navigating FSBO properties can feel like a wild adventure, but with the right approach, you can turn those uncharted waters into a goldmine of opportunities. Here are three playful yet practical ideas to grow your FSBO real estate business:

FSBO Rescue Kit: Offer a "FSBO Rescue Kit" to homeowners trying to sell on their own. This handy kit could include essential tools like market analysis reports, staging tips, and a professional photography session coupon. You can distribute these kits at local home improvement stores or through targeted online ads. It’s like a superhero starter pack, giving sellers a taste of your expertise while subtly showing them the value you bring to the table. Plus, it’s a great way to get your foot in the door and start building those all-important relationships.

Host a 'DIY Seller Workshop': Organize a free workshop for FSBO sellers, offering valuable advice on pricing, marketing, and negotiating. Make it fun and engaging with interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and Q&A segments. Position yourself as the friendly expert who’s genuinely there to help them succeed. While you’re empowering them with knowledge, you’re also creating an opportunity to highlight the complexities of selling a home and the benefits of having a professional realtor on their side. Who knows? After attending your workshop, they might just realize they need a trusty guide (that’s you!) to navigate the real estate jungle.
 

Pro Tip: Bring in a garage door guy to talk to your attendees. Garage doors typically account for up to 33% of the front of the house. Upgrading them is a very cost effective trick that has an 88% return on investment - the highest of any home projects. Make sure they know this!

Create a FSBO Success Story Series: Showcase success stories of FSBO sellers who eventually partnered with you and had fantastic outcomes. Share these stories on your blog, social media, and in email newsletters. Use captivating before-and-after photos, quotes from happy clients, and detailed accounts of how you made a difference. By illustrating the transformation from stressed-out seller to satisfied client, you’re not just telling them about your services—you’re showing them the real-life benefits. It’s storytelling with a purpose, and it builds trust and credibility.
With these creative strategies, you’ll be well on your way to turning FSBO challenges into winning opportunities. So, roll up your sleeves, channel your inner real estate superhero, and let’s conquer the FSBO market together!