Dave Nimick
In this weekly column, real estate agents across the nation share stories of the lessons they’ve learned during their time in the industry.
Whether he’s dishing out tough love on his real estate blog or working with clients on their home sale or purchase, Dave Nimick of The Nimick Team, Inc. at Keller Williams Chicago Lincoln Park brings an investor’s eye and an influencer’s gift for understanding, analyzing and communicating the latest market news and insights.
How does he keep moving forward? By never saying “no” to change and seeking out new ways to make it work in his business.
How long have you been in the business?
I started in real estate in early 2001, so 19 years. I had already purchased my own multiunit building and really enjoyed the subject of real estate.
Coincidentally, around the same time, I also realized that I loved going with friends when they were looking for a new car, strictly for the sport of negotiating for them. More than one suggested I go into real estate, and I haven’t looked back.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see my business flourishing — continuing to grow from repeat business and referrals from past clients and friends as well as growing substantially via online lead generation and marketing. I plan to be in real estate for the next 20 years to come!
What’s one big lesson you’ve learned in real estate?
That technology is and always will be an important part of selling real estate — love it or hate it, it’s here to stay and will be a driving force in the success of an agent’s business.
How did you learn it?
When I started, properties were hardly even online. Obviously, a tremendous number of changes have taken place. I’ll admit that I was not an early adopter and was fortunate enough to still have a thriving business based almost entirely on repeat clients and referrals.
In recent years, everything is online, including the digital version of ourselves as Realtors. Knowing that I love the business and wanted to stay successful doing it, I decided to jump into understanding all the technology that can be useful for Realtors, talking with experts in the field and taking action to achieve my goals.
I’m currently working on content development and establishing myself as an expert resource in my market through my blog at chicagorealestateminute.com. I think that the things I do now will continue to pay dividends for years to come.
What advice would you give to new agents?
Seek out advice from experienced and respected agents. They almost always will be happy to share their knowledge that can help you save time, energy, hassles and money, avoiding some of the things they’ve learned the hard way!
Do not expect things to come easy. It’s not a difficult business, but it requires hard work and constantly being active in growing your business — meeting new people, knowing all that you can about the market and how things are changing, and getting new clients.
When I started, I had the mindset it would take six to nine months to really get the momentum going, and I was just about right. Just as it was getting rolling, Sept. 11 happened, which sidetracked everything — in real estate and otherwise. I kept working, and it paid off.
One thing to beware of: When the business does start coming your way, you need to change your mindset.
It starts out as “I just want a client.” Then you get a client, then another, then another.
Then it becomes a question of “How do I balance what I have going on?” It’s a good problem to have, and also one where you’ll want to seek out the expertise of agents whom you respect and who have been there before and can help guide you.
Do you want to be featured on an upcoming “Lesson Learned” column? Reach out to us here!
Christy Murdock Edgar is a Realtor, freelance writer, coach and consultant with Writing Real Estate. She is also a Florida Realtors faculty member. Follow Writing Real Estate on Facebook, Twitter, Instagr
