Austin Property Talk

Endless Education

As you probably know by now from reading my newsletters and keeping up with the goings on in my world, I put a high value on personal growth and continuing education. 

I know some Realtors who have been in the business for years and years who do the bare minimum necessary to renew their license every couple of years.  That doesn't necessarily make them bad people, nor does it make them bad Realtors.  There are a lot of things that cannot be learned in a classroom or by reading a book. 

Still, I feel both a personal and professional obligation to my clients and colleagues to be on top of my game.  For me that means days and weeks in the classroom learning new techniques, approaches and keeping my finger on the pulse of the real estate industry.  In that way, I can provide the best service and the most updated knowledge possible to those whom I work with on an ongoing basis. 

I've blogged before about spending weeks at a time holed up in a classroom at the Austin Board of Realtors earning various designations (accredited education).  I have also served on the Professional Education and Development committee at the board for the past couple of years.  I feel strongly about education and renewal.  Maybe its my school teacher mother finally rubbing off on me.

My most recent undertaking is a nine week "spaced" training called the Leader's Choice program.  The Leader's Choice program is aptly taught by renowned real estate trainer and speaker Mark Leader. 

Each Friday for the past six weeks I have learned something new about business development, networking, client communication, and good ol' fashioned face to face sales technique.  This is the type of training that I have never experienced before, mainly because it is a major challenge to one's comfort zone and has forced me to do things (usually involving the telephone) that I don't typically enjoy doing.  But what do they say, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  I exaggerate, its not that bad but it does require you to expand your horizons and challenge routines which is a good thing.   

Many of the techniques and approaches that I have learned have already been put into place in various parts of my business helping me to stay in control.  I look forward to continue to expand upon my new awareness in becoming the best Realtor and the best version of myself that I can be.  

1000 Ways to Pick the Right Realtor

As a fellow blogger, but more so as an inquiring mind, I personally subscribe to and read a number of other blogs written by other real estate professionals and entrepreneurs.  My purpose for reading other blogs is really a number of things; it starts with learning first and foremost.  It also includes coming up with good ideas to implement, share, comment on or imitate (yes, I said it, it does happen).  Every once in a while an added benefit is that I come across a blog entry written by someone else that I know I could not possibly duplicate and frankly there is no need to try because it is written too perfectly by the original writer.  I have no problem giving credit where credit is due.  

This morning I came across an entry written by Greg Nino who is a RE/MAX Realtor in Houston.   Apparently Greg is putting together a series of posts this year about 1000 Ways to Pick the Right Realtor.   Its somewhat humorous & comical but as an active participant in the business, I know that it is also very accurate.   I don't think that buyers and sellers take nearly enough time to make sure they are working with a person that understands what they are trying to accomplish. 

The truth is that as Realtors, even though we like to fool ourselves into thinking we can be all things to all people, sometimes that is not always in the best interest of the client.  Click on the link to read Greg's insight.

That is not a picture of Greg by the way or me, (just in case you were wondering).

Back to School

I spent the better part of last week in class with 40 other central Texas Realtors, taking the first step toward earning my GRI designation.  You may have seen those funny little 3 or 4 letter acronyms on Realtor's business cards or email signature blocks and wondered to yourself what the hell they were.  

Well, GRI stands for Graduate Realtor Institute.  I equate it to graduate school for Realtors.  Its a step toward gaining extra expertise and knowledge to further help me guide and consult with buyers and sellers.  It is geared mainly toward agents who have been in the business for 3 years or more.  There are many other designations that professional Realtors pursue over time (hence the acronyms) but the GRI is where most start the extra education process.  

To achieve the GRI designation, a Realtor must attend and complete 3 separate 30-hour courses.  Yep, that makes for a long 4 days. However, in my opinion, you cannot go wrong with investing in continuing education, especially if you plan on sustaining success in any given career path. 

Given the time of the year and the typical slow down of business right before the big Holiday, I figured it would be a good time to get the first class under my belt.   What I didn't know was that I was going to gain 3-4 pounds in the process.  Each day, there are 2 breaks (morning and afternoon) and a lunch break.   These breaks are all "sponsored" by local businesses who want to partner with Realtors.  And, they all bring their little goodies - I'm talking cookies and ice cream and brownies - you name it.   Those things are hard to resist, especially when you are trying to stay awake and need a little sugar fix.  

I was joking to Kristin that an unintended benefit of attending this course was that I remembered how extremely thankful I am that I have chosen a career that provides me with freedom.  This past week I felt like I was stuck in corporate America.  I had to sit at a desk and follow instructions for 8.5 hours a day.  I couldn't use my cell phone, I got a short break in the morning, an hour and lunch, a short break in the afternoon, all the sweets I could handle in the "break room," it was dark when I left and I had to fight rush hour traffic.  

All in all though, I really enjoyed the course and I look forward to attending the next one.  Id really like to get all of the course work knocked out in the coming year.