Little voices drive an agent crazy
Letters From the Home Front
By Kris Berg, Wednesday, May 7, 2008.Editor's note: Inman News would like to introduce the first column in what will be a regular series from well-known real estate blogger and broker associate Kris Berg.
It has been one of those weeks. If there was ever a career that took multitasking to extremes, it is real estate. The little voices just never give it a rest.
When was the last time you updated that Web site? Haven't twittered much lately, have we? Why does the face in your Facebook look suspiciously like a default question mark, doofus? Two whole friends! My, aren't we the popular one?
OK, fine. Today I will focus on the technology side of the business, if only to get my feedreader off my back.
Run the comps, open the escrow, write the offer, nag the lender, show the homes, call for feedback. Blog, dang it!
Wait, you're right. Today I will focus on the foundation of our business -- the people. The back-office stuff can wait.
You do remember you have an ad deadline looming, don't you? Are you waiting for that new listing to paint its own self-portrait? Oh, and by the way, your property brochure holder is empty.
I feel like a skittish rabbit poised on the centerline of the busy highway. I see the oncoming traffic, and it is approaching from all directions -- fast. Do I go left or right? Or do I just freeze and wait to get killed dead by that semi heading my way?
Hey! This is your toner cartridge here! Feed me!
I have always thought this is why women are particularly suited to real estate careers. We have the multitasking gene, yet we are uniquely prone to worry about the little things, and the little things are what threaten to make us emotional road kill. My husband has the uncanny ability to do one thing at a time. I hate him for this. He is like a horse with blinkers on. "So? The cat is on fire. Can't you see I am trying to compose an e-mail?"
Fortunately, the Internet has made our lives so much easier. Our documents and our news, our information and our clients are all online. For the multitasking maniac, the sky is the limit! For the agents embracing technology, our connectivity is a welcome stalker. When we dare to venture away from our stationary office, our Web-based trappings follow us. They come to our showings and inspections, and they join us at the grocery store and out to dinner. Too much wireless has left us too wired and, while the power-off switch is always within reach, we tend to suffer from disconnect anxiety.
So we e-mail the contracts while we IM our clients while we scan the blogs, fearful that we might miss the big announcement on the next great tool to better serve you. Our eyes are forever darting and our attention is continually diverted to the pop-up window. What's that ringing in my ears? Is it the phone or a new Tweet? Maybe it's just the smoke alarm. That reminds me. I need to "put the cat out."
Yo! Web 2.0 here. Isn't it cool how I have simplified your life and streamlined your business?
Oh, shut up.
Kris Berg is a real estate broker associate for Prudential California Realty in San Diego. She also writes a consumer-focused real estate blog, The San Diego Home Blog.
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Submitted by Rob Aubrey on May 7, 2008 - 5:08am.
You are so right Kris all those little voices wind up being one loud scream at times.
Being a male I like to focus on one thing but it is a challenge with all those voices. I solved a lot of it by hiring the most talented administrator on the planet. She yes she is amazing. She keeps a lot of the plates in the air and spinning which allows me to focus on the clients needs like buying and selling real estate.
Here all along I thought we showed just three houses and made $10,000
Submitted by Christi Borden, CIPS, ABR, GRI on May 7, 2008 - 5:12am.
Hello there fellow Pru agent,
You made me laugh this morning as I was: feeding the dog, running a load of laundry, drinking my coffee, making my daily to-do while reviewing the items left undone from yesterday, scanning my email, thinking about a new blog subject, planning a new listing... well, you certainly get the picture. I have the same little voices in my head and that is what keeps me going. Not only do I think women are naturally suited for real estate, but it helps to be a little ADD, as well:).
Thank you for putting a little humor and perspective in my life today.
Your Katy, TX Realtor,
Christi Borden, CIPS, GRI, ABR
Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors
Email: Christi@ChristiBorden.com
Web: www.ChristiBorden.com
Cell: 832-372-7470
Submitted by Dru Bloomfield on May 7, 2008 - 5:18am.
Amen!
Not too long ago, someone on Twitter mentioned that their ADD had ADD. Sometimes it feels like that, with all the interruptions that technology and social media provide. At the same time, the speed that we can get to and share information is amazing!
Dru Bloomfield
http://AtHomeInScottsdale.com
Submitted by Tom McCarey on May 7, 2008 - 5:49am.
Kris,
I can relate. I do relate. I have related. When you think about it it's like we are sitting in front of one of those old phone systems where each phone call requires you to plug the cord into the console. We have Blackberry cell phones and text messages and wireless laptops and personal and brokerage websites and blogs and property websites and social networks...
But more important we have families, and ourselves, and our clients, and our communities. The technology, you remind me with your fine piece today, is to use it as a tool toward the goal of living a rich and balanced life. Thanks for reminding me to laugh at myself with the Bluetooth affixed to my ear and an eye on today's appointments on Outlook. Reminders like you provide to day are an important way to keep myself on track. Thanks!
Tom McCarey
The Real Estate Lounge Chicago
www.TheRealEstateLoungeChicago.com
Submitted by Lenn Harley on May 7, 2008 - 6:38am.
I believe that the most difficult lesson that agents need to learn today is to focus. Make a list and check it twice. If you don't finish everything on the list fine, just add to it.
I remember when it was just go to the office and work, then go home and unless you were negotiating a contract, the evening was yours. No more. That box on the home office desk is secuctive. What's in the e-mail box? Who commented on my blog? Shouldn't I write about the new stats released by my MLS??
Real estate practice is a lot more complicated today. Further, the technology and Web 2.0 moves so fast, you really do need to pay attention.
Wait. I need a cup of coffee.
Lenn Harley
Broker, Homefinders.com
Real Estate in Maryland and Virginia
http://www.homefinders.com
Submitted by Elizabeth Weintraub on May 7, 2008 - 6:54am.
Congratulations on your new gig, Kris. I've missed you and have always loved your style. Glad you found a new place to hang out.
Elizabeth Weintraub
Broker-Associate
Sacramento
http://elizabethweintraub.com
Submitted by Karen Rice on May 7, 2008 - 7:49am.
Kris,
I enjoyed this article - and chuckled right along with it. I sometimes wake up in the night wondering if I've gotten the Seller's Disclosures signed or if resale documents have been picked up, etc...LOL
Northeast PA / Lake Wallenpaupack Real Estate Agent
Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate
Submitted by Vicki Goorchenko ABR, CRS, GRI on May 7, 2008 - 8:33am.
Kris- you nailed it!! I've always said it takes ADD to be a Realtor, and being a mom will jump start your path to success. Who else can multitask their multitasking!! You made my morning :D I am going to print out your article and keep it close, so when I get all crazy, I'll remember I'm not the only one! Have a GREAT day and go talk to someone!!
Submitted by Kris Berg on May 7, 2008 - 9:06am.
So, it's official. We are all a little bit crazy. I suppose it's a comfort to know that I am not alone!
Elizabeth - Your comment made me crack up. "Glad you found a new place to hang out." You sort of make it sound like I finally got picked up at the Stray Agent Adoption Center. :)
Submitted by G Dewald | Union Street Media on May 7, 2008 - 9:28am.
Can't wait to hear Merlin at Connect. He's got ways of dealing with this.
And here's a relevant Joy of Tech to file away in the humor file as well.
G. Dewald | Union Street Media | USM Blog
Submitted by Cindy Lin on May 7, 2008 - 9:46am.
Hello
Great article! :) I agree, web 2.0 has made our lives significantly speedier, greener and easier to be reached. But at the same time, it becomes more inefficient because there are just too many noises going on everywhere.
Oh, there are my new tweets!
Cheers,
Cindy
Submitted by Jay Thompson on May 7, 2008 - 1:05pm.
Sometimes I think I can write fairly well.
Then I read something that Kris writes and I quickly realize something.
I suck.
Jay Thompson
Broker / Owner
Thompson's Realty
Blog: www.PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com
.
Submitted by Drew Meyers on May 7, 2008 - 1:16pm.
Jay-
I couldn't have said that better myself.
Kris-
I'm looking forward to twice the amount of wonderful writing from you now that you have another outlet :)
Inman News team-
Congrats on landing a great contributor!
Submitted by Elizabeth Weintraub on May 7, 2008 - 1:26pm.
>>You sort of make it sound like I finally got picked up at the Stray Agent Adoption Center. :)<<
I didn't mean it that way, Kris. Inman is fortunate to have you. I meant you suddenly vanished from one of my favorite reading spots and here you are in another! :)
Elizabeth Weintraub
Broker-Associate
Sacramento
http://elizabethweintraub.com
Submitted by Armani Arbizi on May 7, 2008 - 6:58pm.
Ye-heyy! Kris, your articles are/ will be a delightful and realistic feed to consumers about the daily grinds or multi-tasks everyone goes through in the business to do the job.
Armand
Submitted by Heather Rankin on May 7, 2008 - 11:02pm.
Kris - Awesome post and after a rough day with a difficult but cheap lesson learned, wow, I am laughing. Thanks! Major difference is my morning coffee is usually several hours later than yours. Juggling the fam, the business, the 2.0 and the music gig, you think I would be cracking.... not yet, not just yet..... (there's got to be a song in there somewhere - ah yes, one more thing to think about in the middle of the night)
Jay - I so totally agree with you.
http://www.lakepowellrealty.net
Submitted by Teresa Boardman on May 8, 2008 - 7:18am.
You are lucky, my cat walks across my keyboard and tweets for me. Nice article
Submitted by Diane Cohn on May 9, 2008 - 7:16pm.
Kris, just read this a week late cause I was busy doing all that same stuff you've been doing... fabulous piece, right on the money, and congratulations on the new gig... wait, is that my cat burning?
Submitted by Roberta Murphy on May 9, 2008 - 9:32pm.
Kris:
I am late to the party--as usual. Still, want to congratulate you on the new venue and for an article well done (as usual)!
I am cozy with every distraction you describe and Inman is fortunate to have your talent.
So are we.
Roberta Murphy
Villa Sotheby's International Realty
http://www/SanDiegoPreviews.com
http://www.LuxuryHomeDigest.com
877-818-8197/760-402-9101
Submitted by Kristal Kraft on May 10, 2008 - 7:15am.
Kris,
You are so right! Our work has infiltrated our entire life. Instead of making things easier it's consumed every corner nook and cranny. The only escape is to say "!"
Congrats on your new venue, Inman is lucky to have you!
Kristal Kraft
Selling Denver Real Estate