Miami Dade Real Estate Scoop

Oh yeah...I make sure the conversation in the office is variety too!  If I had total real estate I would not be happy. BTW....love all your new pictures you're putting up! 

Awe!  You need to exercise!  *teehee*

I would like to know this also. I do not want to drop everything I'm doing just to appease a client for hopefully that next much needed sale. I hope I'm more relaxed in 10 yrs. Ideally to the point I have an assistant and a buyer agent or two.

It is so tough to go on a vacation now days.

One day I hope to have a life... a little bit...that is not 24 hours a day real estate. Until then, like you, I am paying my dues. Good luck!

Time management helped me when I was overwhelmed with too much to do.  Franklin Covey is a great source. Maybe that will help.  In the meantime, enjoy the work while it's available.

I've always loved the flexibility of real estate practice.  You can work as much or as little as you wish.  Concurrently, you can make as much or as little money as you wish based on your investment of time and resource.

 

Maggie, Maggie, Maggie...........I feel your pain. It seems when things are slow you work like hell to get business and then you are too busy to take time off. I have allocated days, weekends, evenings etc to be the wonderful doting husband. I also harbor (very quietly, in the far reaches of my mind) What about ME TIME??????

What about playing golf (I used to be good before I became a Realtor with all that free time, now I am lucky to break 80)? What about spending the afternoon at the track with my useless buddies from days gone by? What about driving 30 minutes and eating the best Pizza I can remember? Just me time!

Hell, the first thing I learned in this business is if you are waiting for a call, go into the nearest bathroom, drop your pants and phone will ring.

O.K. ..... I said it. I get it.

But, the answer will remain no as long as I want to be available. It is my choice.

Sometimes I just hate me!

Maggie, what do you mean you can't change the prices in the MLS ?

Maggie and commenters,

Wait for the right opportunity and jump on it to get some 'ME' time. You control your own schedule, like Lenn suggests. Thanks,   Fran

Maggie keep up the hardwork it will pay off and then you can relax. I am in the same boat. I am exhausted from a long week but have a jam packed weekend but I am setting my self up to take 2 days off next week.

I also sneak off during the week to watch a matinee. I have been doing this for years. It keeps me fresh.

I don't think the pains of the real estate business ever go away, at least they haven't for me.  As I have found out, through a little time management as well as some timely scheduled extra-curricular activities. it is possible to reduce the stress of the Real Estate Business.

Maggie, you need to meet some friends for a cup of coffee or tee before you start your hectic day. Good luck.

Maggie - a recent suggestion came to me which I will share with you --- read the book, E-Myth Revisited. I have read it once before and plan to re-read it again.  Its an excellent book.  

We have to run our business like a business --this includes me as well.  It get easier as we become more systematic.

 And join the AR Fit Club -- its a good place to de -stress and pick up on good tips.(Chris G -made me say that)

Yes there is life after and during real estate ... however, when you got your real estate license I doubt there was a required course on small business planning and database management.  Key to marketing for new home sites is to hit them with a campaign that drips on them after they have visited the site.  Once you have their information you can also email price changes etc.  This works for both customers and agents. 

It is unfortunate that with a real estate license lessons on business ownership are not included.

Hi Maggie, someday soon you will be able to kick your shoes off, relax, and enjoy the benefits of your hard work and your demanding job will sow its results; it's what makes Maggie, well, Maggie. Keep up the flair of your advertising department, because it works!

Maggie, when I took Masters training from my Company when I first started, it seemed like every day our trainer Jackie was telling us to put personal life in our planners daily and weekly to make sure we got it. At the time I didn't pay any attention, I think I worked 9 months with five days off total when I first started. Now I still have issues LOL. When I only take one day off a week that means I'm doing chores etc not really enjoying myself on my days off. I wish I had the solution for you; apparently I don't.  Lenn ties how much money we make into how much time we put in.  How true that is and I feel guilty because of that every single day I take off.  Help! LOL

Maggie - love the new look - how young were you there - :o)

Hang in there - I we are all on your side - if I can help let me know

Maggie...

If you suck it up long enough you'll get to retire young :)

On another note...Take 30 minutes out of everyday and lock yourself in your bedroom and do nothing except clear your mind and breath :)

It worked very well for me when I was raising our Sons and working full time.

TLW...ROAR!

Maggie just take a break it doesn't need to be a long one. Maybe an hour or two. When I am overwhelmed a mini-vacation is just the ticket. I will go for a hike or sit at a cafe eating a decant slice of chocolate cake and not think about real estate. I did end up writing a blog about the hike and the cafe. But while I was there I was on my mini-vacation.

Maggie, sounds to me like you are on the cusp of some very good things happening financially. You can rest when your 50. In the meantime go get 'em:)

Maggie we all have to pay our dues before we can reap the fruits of our labor.  But we can always hope for an early crop :)

It looks like you got some great activity going from what you wrote.  I hope it all comes together for you. 

Maggie, It's sometimes so difficult to find a balance!  I'm hoping these lower prices will help those homes sell and you can sit back for a while!  Good luck!

Hi Maggie - it always seems it's feast or famine in this business, unless we make a diligent effort to find balance.  I think most of our clients would certainly understand that we each have a life outside the real estate world, and I can remember only once someone giving me a hard time because I was going to be out of town when they wanted to do something.  Those people were not even really clients yet, and needless to say they did not become clients of mine, but that's okay.  Someone who doesn't respect me and my time isn't someone I care to work with anyway.

Just remember to set expectations with your clients and soon-to-be-clients.  As long as people know what to expect up front, most are quite fine with things happening as you explained they would.

Got get 'em!!
Ann

So, Maggie - how's the weather there in Miami? And the girls........man I loved reading about the driving lesson and you are a much braver Mom than I. I was so nervous when my children were learning to drive.

Isn't it crazy how fast they grow up, but hey alot more flexibility - no more watching every step; no babysitter to go out at night. Which has me thinking, we should really go out sometime, kick back, dance and forget about real estate for awhile. What says you?

Have a great weekend Maggie and sell those homes, make the big bucks, then take a vacation.

 

Wow!  Thanks for the comments folks.  I just returned after 4 hours of shopping at B.J.'s for this weekend's gala, waiting a thunderstorm out and then I drove over to the project to drop things off over there.  It made no sense to bring it home and then have to pack it back up in the morning and go deliver it.

I have to admit something, my AR time is really more like "me time" than work time, so I kinda lied before.  =)  Sorry!

I apologize for the short comment.  I'm off to bed so I can get up early and prepare the food platters before the public arrives.  I'll be back!

 

I have to agree with TLW... take AT LEAST 30 minutes a day.  Shut the phone off get out of the office walk to a park or sit in your car.  Just don't do anything or something just for you. 

Recharge and get back at it.  or you will burn out...

(Missy I think she meant she couldn't just change the MLS and let it go...she had to do more)

Maggie,

Real Estate seems to be all consuming at times - throw in raising kids and time goes by fast.  I just need another 24 hours a day and I would have no problem getting it all done :) 

Maggie,  I wrote a post a while back about balance in your life.  It came down to an assistant!  They pay for themselves by handling all the admin work while you do the dollar productive activities.  It is worth it.  I have been reading lots of posts tonight about how busy everyone is.  Hopefully they are writing and accepting offers and maybe our market will tick up a bit! 

Good luck with your new pricing blitz!

Maggie - Congrats on having such a nice problem in the current market!  As for having an adult conversation tht doesn't involve real estate...I'll let you know the next time I notice having one of those.  Seems like most of my time does revolve around real estate.  But, sometimes, you must do something to get yourself out of the rut.  I joined a wine tasting group---they ask me about real estate---go figure.

 

Awe shucks, you've got business interfering with your life...  Enjoy it, Maggie!  There will be plenty of times when you have none, and even your linen closet will be clean because you have no business and too much time on your hands!  Seriously, real estate controls your life to the extent you permit it.  Some agents would turn over the things you're doing to an assistant or a partner or even a vendor.  If you choose to do it yourself, it WILL take time away from your life.  Besides, what are the odds anyone will notice that you didn't have time to shave your legs this week?

you have a job ahead of you.  foreclosures are on the rise.  get um sold.  that is what i like about real estate--we are selling in a up or down market.

Miss Maggie -  I hope your Grand Opening today and tomorrow goes so well that you sell at least half those listings right off!!  Now that would keep your head swimming, wouldn't it? 

Seriously, I hope it goes really well for you, that your party platters are just yummy, and that above all, you have fun and enjoy what you're doing.  And when you come home, hug your girls and have a nice evening with them.

Love your new pic!
Ann

Hi Maggie - Wow..what an opportunity you're having now! Just think about how you're going to spend all that money when the 17 houses sell!

Love your new pic, Maggie!!  Lots of luck today!!  I'll be thinking about you.  :o)

One of the reasons we formed a team is for the time off.  We reroute phones -- you get time when your phone doesn't ring!!  You can take a vacation and your clients will be well cared for.  Rick took vacation a few weeks ago and only checked in on us three times.  He said it was the most relaxed week he's had since he started in real estate.  Just an idea -- pool your marketing resources, use the best talents of all your team members and have someone to help carry the load when it gets too heavy.  ;o)

Kudos to the HARDEST WORKING MOMS out there!!  NO LIFE for now...means GREAT LIFE for your kiddies!!  Keep it up Maggie! We're all cheering for you.  With all your hard work you'll be buried in offers soon!!  GOOD LUCK!!

Maggi - I hope with the price reduction you will move most of those properties quickly.  Very soon plan some time for yourself it will be well worth it,

Great photo, btw!  I guess some would call me seasoned after 7 years and it took me most of that time to discover that when I made myself and my family my #1 clients, my production increased and I attracted fewer (ahem) jackass clients.  It's a discipline and no matter what the market's doing-you taking a day off weekly and taking a vacation once or twice a year is NOT going to make or break you business-but it can make or break your sanity.

Aziz recommends a great book-if you haven't read it, go get it-quick and easy and WOW.

Schedule time for yourself in your day planner or where ever you keep one, AND DO NOT let anything short of emergencies involving blood interfere.

If you don't value and treasure your time no one else will.

My 'me' time every morning is a visit to my local health club or a run around the neighborhood. That's MY hour and nothing interferes with it.

Maggie,

I know exactly what you are talking about.  Our problem is duplicated because my wife and I are partners.  We seem to not have much personal time these days.

Maggie,

I read many of the comments you have already received, time management is the key!  You must schedule time for you and your family, if you take a Franklin Covey day timer class you will find methods for identifying your priorities and then setting a schedule to accomplish them.  I am not a Franklin Covey sales person, I only suggest what worked well for me and mine.

Take care!

RJH

Maggie,

I know your tired, but thats good tired! You are working hard and that will payoff, I'm excited that things are going so well for you...keep smiling, I could here your smile in your post! :)

Hi Maggie,

Is that you?  I didn't recognize you from your new pic.  It's been awhile but now I see why and that's great news!  Good for you and to answer your question - No!  Havn't you heard?  We're Realtors and Real Estate is our lives?!  We noticed a long time ago that you can go out publicly anywhere and you will always overhear a conversation about, you guessed it, "real estate"!  It's the hottest topic in the nation and probably always will be.  Good luck to you with your successful career! :)

You have to make hay while the sun shines, Maggie. That's always been true and always will be. But you also need to recognize when a break will allow you to gather even more hay. TLW's advice is good advice. It doesn't have to be long, but it needs to be there. 

Hey Maggie!  I had the same problem!  Schedule 1/2 to 1 hour a day in there JUST FOR YOU.  Do something that invigorates your mind, soul and body and you will be amazed!

The word you are looking for is Assistant.  Is a party planner, caterer, flyer distributor.. etc, worth your hourly pay rate?  Probably not.  Use a phone, get it done, spend time playing with your kids.

Hang in there. Anyone with 17 listings should be happy in today's market!

.

sounds like you need a movie night with the girls!

you should get Ines, Janie and Beth and go out for dinner!

 

Maggie - I'm certain the hard work you put in now will pay off later, in many ways, including having 'Maggie-Time.'  You are such a wonderful addition to this profession, I can't explain how lucky we are to have people like you .  Stay the course and know you've got a HUGE fan and friend up here in Pennsylvania.

Maggie.  I too feel your pain.  But I think sometimes we need to rethink the game.  Like John MacArthur said in his comment... he hasn't been golfing as much as he used to.  Hmmm... how can he work that social activity into his life?  Maybe golfing with builders, lenders, and other real estate agents?  Maybe golfing with past clients who are also golf enthusiasts?  That way work doesn't seem like work at all!  And if your social life still suffers, you may need to schedule non-business activities into your day planner!!!  Consider them an actual/mandatory appointment (sounds tough, huh?).  If you cannot refresh yourself with fun activities, your business will surely suffer.  :) 

Be Very Thankful for you situation. There are thousands of real estate agents that would love to trade places with you

Maggie, I totally empathize...but first, in today's market, consider yourself truly lucky to have one client who could give you 17 listings!  And flexible on price to boot!

Second, take Aziz' advice and read "The E-Myth Revisited"  by Michael Gerber.  It's all about setting up systems to do things automatically for you, so you don't have to spend so much time on routine chores in the future.

Third, if you can't take a real vacation, block a "mini-vacation" right into your appointment book each day - even if it can only be for a half hour of "me" time.  Go away from all phones and turn off your cell phone.  Then do something relaxing for yourself, and don't allow any interruptions!  Your clients will be able to live without you for half an hour, just as though you were on a normal appointment.  And you'll be re-energized.

Having said that, I read "The E-Myth Revisited" ten years ago and still haven't implemented it fully.  But if you do, in the long term it will work.  Good luck!

Delegate and time block.  Take a 15 minute block of time in the middle of the day for you and just regroup, no phone, no computer, just ou and a little nature, even if its a walk around the block.  It will energize you and make you feel together again.  Just try it once (the trick is to stop you mind from spinning).  

If you want something done, ask a busy person.   

Delegate and time block.  Take a 15 minute block of time in the middle of the day for you and just regroup, no phone, no computer, just ou and a little nature, even if its a walk around the block.  It will energize you and make you feel together again.  Just try it once (the trick is to stop you mind from spinning).  

If you want something done, ask a busy person.   

Maggie: You know where to find "Some adult conversation that doesn't revolve around the real estate market..."

Well, sort of adult...in a manner of speaking...oh shut up Jack! 

Boomer 

Great post - thank you for sharing it with the Active Rain community.

Keep'em coming!

Maggie, I like many am in a similar position as you. I'm only 24 and work on the westcoast of FL in Bonita Springs / Naples Area. With 68 listings there's NEVER time to do anything but work. To avoid the burnout It's important to reward ourselves for the hard work we do set goals for vacations or buying that TV or car you always wanted. And hey atleast we're young we can afford to burn a couple years doing nothing but work! In the future of course you want to have a good team around you that will take a large work load off your back but for now to your comment "Is this just because I am still paying my dues as I'm fairly new and still building my business?" Yes, but the rewards in real estate can be well worth the work. It's a great business to be in! 

Wow Justin, you're 24, new to the business with 68 listings?  Count your blessings...

Hey Wayne, I'm on a team of 3! I have very good partners to help! Also I wish I didn't have any listings because that would mean my were sold!

Hi Maggie,

It sounds like you have a lot on your plate so you must be doing a lot of things right!  But why do it all yourself?  That marketing blitz could be managed with much less effort and stress if you use a good contact management program and implement an action plan.  A knowledgeable virtual assistant who specializes in real estate would be a great asset to your business.

The business planning and database management suggestion from Allen Wright is good advice for us all.  In addition, I recommend reading Gary Keller's The Millionaire Real Estate Agent.

When you find a few minutes for "me time", you might want to get some other good ideas you could use in your business by watching the video "What Does It Look Like to Be an Optimized Agent?".

Best of luck with all of your endeavors!

Maggie -- I feel your pain!  I am working on marketing a condo conversion and we are having a big hoopla next weekend.  I spent my morning shopping for the model and staging the living room.  I am now designing marketing materials (of course with a small break to play in the rain!) and then I must get printing done, newpaper proofs submitted, signs put up. . . .the list goes on!  Activity is great. . .but days do get hectic.

I hide by going to the gym and then Starbucks!  Everything in moderation!

Sorry -- the above comment is mine.  Too busy to log in!

I have found that I'm unable to reclaim my life unless I first give myself a schedule.

Maggie - I hope you had a great weekend!!

Hang in their girl - Good things are coming!

Congrats on the sale this week - the first of many!  

P.S. I love the new photo too!!

Success is around the corner!!!

 

 

sounds like you need to hire a assistant.  if you are that busy it will be money well spent.

Maggie, I can sympathize completely.  Part of my problem is that I tend to like structure while the real estate business can be very unstructured.  What works for me best is trying to schedule my work, kids and husband as much as possible, leaving as much flex or open time  as possible, this way I not too stressed when I've squeeze someone or something else in.

Good luck on all those listings!

There's life before, during and after real estate.  Don't drown in this business!  Time management skills and knowing how to prioritize your personal life is essential.

Find a way to take some time and get a breather. Keeping up this pace will make one sick sooner or later. Get some help.

Maggie, this year has been so nice for me.  I have an assistant and I've relaxed far more than ever in the last five years!  She's capable, organized (something I don't excell at) and not afraid to tackle anything.  I have twice in the past six months handed my phone to her for the weekend so I don't have to take calls, and I took a short vacation this year.  Before that, for the last five years, it's been email and phone each and every day.

Wow. Thanks for the shiny gold star Moderator. 

Sally - this is the last picture I plan on putting up.  Except I'm a woman and you know how that "changing your mind" thing goes.  I may change my mind about that!

Chris - I won't even argue that fact with you.  Love to you =)

Craig - 10 years is too long.  Try to reach that goal much sooner.  Mine was two years and I'm working on reaching it.

Gary - I agree with many of the comments about time management.  Let's pencil our lives in. But even more important, keep those appointments!

Lori - time management is decidedly the backbone of any career staying on track.  My problem stems from looking at my schedule and deciding to change it anyway because the "me-time" is flexible.  Bad move on my part!

Lenn - amen to that! 

John - LOL to you.  And you're right, it does boil down to choice.  I plan on making some good ones in the coming weeks.

Missy - I meant exactly what Bob mentioned further down.  I had to do more.  The MLS alone won't cut it.

Fran - great point.  What's the use of having a schedule with everything accounted for if we're going to change it randomly at other's whims?  At that point, we're not controlling our schedule.  Some last-minute changes are appropriate.  Others can wait until there's some free time available.

Rebecca - I love that idea!  I'll research the movie scene and may implement such a plan myself.  Thanks.

Daniel - it sounds as if you've found the balance necessary to keep the stress levels down.  Good work!

Mana - a cup of coffee with a good friend who is not in real estate sounds lovely. =)  I have just the friend in mind too.

Aziz - are you letting Chris influence you?  LOL  I have to agree with you both.  Thanks for the chuckle.  And thanks for the tip on the book.  I have one other which I am definitely picking up so now it is two.  I promise to read it.

Allen - actually, the business ownership lessons are part of the post licensing class.  A very good and thorough class.  But whether one takes it to heart or not makes all the difference.  It's not a lack of skills in my case, but rather the attitude that the "me-time" can suffer being put off.

Diana - that's what keeps me going.  Knowing that I am working towards a definite goal.

Carole - I know what you mean about using your day off to take care of chores.  tsk, tsk to both of us.  I'm going to start KEEPING those appointments I have scheduled for myself.  I hope you will too.  =)

Thesa - the pic was taken last week, exactly 4 days after my 45th birthday so I was 45 years and 4 days YOUNG there, thank you very much LOL  I already have some "me time" scheduled for December 14th.  Promise me we won't discuss the market!  ha ha ha

Billie - I already spend "alone time" in the mornings.  I wake up much earlier than the rest of the family.  But I will take your advice to heart and try not to do any work for 30 minutes during that time.  And the 'retiring young' thing sounds like a challenge.  Bring it on!

Ashley - I love the fact that you don't miss a blogging opportunity.  Love it, love it!  I think in blog mode lately.

Broker Bryant - I have the very same feeling and that is why I keep going.  I'm gonna go get 'em but I will make sure they don't come get me in the process.  LOL

George - I love your farming/gardening analogy.  It also reminds me that the little garden I planned is sitting there untended.  One of the things I will make time for!

Carole - I'm working on making that a reality. =)

Ann - I know that you are 100% right.  I can think back to the ones I've bent over backwards for and how nothing ever came of my efforts.  I've been using the word NO a little.  I am going to use it a little more. =) 

Paula - the weather was a bit overcast yesterday =)  I think going out and dancing sounds divine.  Let me know when you're up for it!

Bob - you're so practical.  Thank you.  I will be doing some recharging much more often. 

Rita - now that would be sweet, no?  A 48-hour day.  lol

Joanne - getting an assistant is DEFINITELY one of my goals.  I know 110% that my time should be better spent.  However, the truth is that until some closings take place, I cannot afford one.  It's that hump that's the hardest!  Once I'm on the other side I'm looking forward to a little more flexibility in my schedule.

Marlene - at least you're trying girl!  It's funny how EVERYONE loves to talk real estate nowadays. 

Margaret - thanks for the laughs.  I doubt my linen closet will ever be orderly.   The girls make sure of that =)  You're right, of course, about it being a choice of ours.  I am choosing to keep those me-appointments from now on.  And the leg shaving?  I do that for me.  They feel oh-so-smooth and I enjoy that =)  You're one funny Realtor LOL

Gary - from what I read about other markets in the country, the Miami market seems to be worse than most.  The area my builder is in has 40 month's worth of inventory.  I am jumping through hoops to get them sold!  I hope I don't trip.  LOL

Ann - hi again!  The first day had very little traffic (see comment just above this one about our market - yikes)  But when I got home I certainly did enjoy my time with the gang.  Little One turned 13 yesterday and has 7 of her friends sleeping in her room right now.  I just checked on them when I woke up and all's still quiet on the western front.  They were all giggles last night as I was trying to doze off. 

Linda - yes, it is a great opportunity and I'm working it to get 'em sold! 

Sarah - I am going to give that comment a lot of thought.  While I cannot afford an assistant right now, a team is something to look into.  I've had some very good and respectable long-time agents  tell me not to team up.  But I need to consider it fully.  With the right partners it can work like a charm!

Susie - Spending time with the kiddies was one of the reasons I got into real estate.  And I am available to them.  We spend time together each day.  But I need to get out a little more!  LOL

Jennifer - I am doing it starting immediately!  Thank you.  =)

Leigh - thank you for both parts of your comment.  Both being taken to heart =) 

Jim - I will use that as the defining criteria.  No blood?  Sorry, it'll have to wait!  Truthfully, I am going to keep my Me-Appointments!

Steve - I always thought having a spouse to work with would help things.  I see Rick and Ines working their partnership so well.  I hope you'll take these wonderful comments about keeping your personal appointments.  Take your wife to the movies or something fun!

Robert - time management is key.  We have a certain number of hours and we need to determine how best to use them.  I've not taken FC but am very familiar with them.  I've done the Daytimers thing for years.  It's helped tremendously.  I had somehow started to let my personal appointments suffer, though and all work and no play makes Maggie a grumpy girl!

Suzanne - you're so sweet.  I will attempt to heed Aziz's advice and visit your group.  I joined but never made it a regular thing.  Thanks for not giving up on me. =)

Lisa - yes, I hated the new picture when I saw how chunky I looked but hey, I'm chunky, I either live with it or do something about it (I think I'll go after the latter LOL)  As for the topic of choice these days, yes, you're right.  I mention I'm an agent and everyone takes off running with the topic.  I don't recall discussing tubal ligations with the last OB/Gyn I was introduced to socially. =) Oh well....

Jeff - I love that saying!  I always forget to use it but whenever I hear it, it makes me smile.  I will heed the advice of many and stick to keeping my break times.  It will keep me smiling as I make hay. =D

Renee - thanks for your support.  I have seen the error of my ways and will keep my me-time!

Lane - that is one of my favorite words.  I found it long ago.  What I haven't yet found is the money to pay for one.  My present situation cannot accommodate an assistant.  As soon as I get enough closings behind me, looking for a good assistant will be a priority, even if  I've developed a team.  A team needs assistants too!

Al - I'm happy about the listings, don't get me wrong.  But our market is flooded.  Many, many, many are expiring unsold a year later.  Pricing is important as always but even then, it's not always working in this area.  Ouch.

David - I like the idea of getting together with that particular guest list.  But I'll vote for Chippendales instead!  The movie might mention real estate....horrors.....

Jason - if the MWA didn't belong to Sarah already I'd let you have one.  How about a heartfelt thank you instead?  oh what the...I don't think she'll mind........MWA!!

Richard - it doesn't sound tough at all.  It sounds right on!

Brett - I learned a long time ago never to wish to be in another person's shoes.  You never know what else other than the obvious is going on in their lives.  I am very thankful. Always.

Brian - yours is the 3rd vote that book has gotten so I am not going to let it go unread.  And the me-time?  It's in the bag. =)

Tracey - there's a great little park by my office which I pass but have never stopped at.  I'll be feeding the ducks there later this week.  =)  Thanks.

Boomer - of course, you're absolutely right!  I will make an effort to visit more often.  =)  Thank you.

Armando - hmmm....I feel another post coming on.  Thanks for the inspiration!  =D

Justin - at 24, with 68 listings, even in a team of 3, you are doing very, very well for yourself.  My rewards have to remain the non-monetary ones for the time being.  My TV is 14 years old and my car is 7, but they both get the job done.  I've got two good decades on you =)  but I appreciate you putting me in the same age bracket.  That alone suffices as wonderful me-time.  Can I borrow Billie's ROAR?!  =)  Overall, I have to agree.  This is a great business to be in!

Vicki - I promised another virtual assistant I'd check her out when the time was right and the dollar signs aligned with my checkbook.  But I love what you're saying.   Thanks for your advice and good wishes.  I'll look into what you provided, especially the video.  Thanks again!

Lori - AR time is a lot like play-time to me too so I think it should count for something. =)   I wish you much luck next weekend!  Please let us know how it goes.

Chuck - as I mentioned before it's keeping the schedule that's been giving me the most grief.  I'm living and learning.

Cyndee - thanks for your support.  Will hang in there.  Quitting is not an option.  =)

James - it does sound like that, doesn't it?  Now if only I could get my financial statement to agree with us!  Hiring an assistant has always been one of my goals.  I hope to achieve it soon.

Lisa - thank you!  I, too, like structure, but I enjoy throwing the Treo out the proverbial window every once in a while and doing stuff that's not scheduled.  I think I need to leave more flex-time in there!

Eric - duly noted.  I'm actually looking forward to the coming week.  Change is on the horizon. =)

Bob & Carolin - I'm taking notes and planning changes.  =)  Thanks.

Chris - you sound like you are at the place I am aiming to reach soon.  It was so nice reading your comment and knowing that I will be there one day.  Thank you!

Mags, is there room on that desk for me?

Maggie - It is one of the most fascinating real estate syndromes... it's feast or famine.  Quiet times that offer a life mean that your phone is not ringing and you have no money to enjoy that life.  You will learn to endure the busy times and savor the quiet ones with time.  Meanwhile, make at least an hour of your day sacred for you only... that keeps your head on straight.

Maggie - What's the other book?  Yeah, anyone that runs marathons gotta have some influence.

Janie - I kept wondering what desk you meant.  Then I finally figured it out...the picture.  LOL!  I'm slow sometimes, what can I say? =)

Beth - I'm going to take my advice from folks like you.  You practice what you preach!

Aziz - Zig Ziglar's The Secrets of Closing The Sale.  A very good friend in a totally different field recommended it and I've been meaning to read it.  It's about time I discovered Zig for myself!

Hi Maggie,

That was really nice of you to take the time to answer all of those comments.  Thank you for acknowledging me -- that made me smile.  I think your consideration speaks volumes about the care and attention you give to your home buyers and sellers.  If ever I talk to someone who is relocating to the Miami area, I will definitely give them your name.

Regards,

Vicki

Vicki - that is very kind of you.  Thank you.  If we can't treat everyone with respect we may as well pack our bags.  Thank you again!