HUGE learning week for me, and here’s the main lesson: If I have to over-the-top fight for business, it’s likely not worth the effort. I need to focus on attracting the right kind of client for me, personally. I don’t need ALL the business, and that makes sense because not every client has chemistry that will match mine, and you can’t force the fit. Trying to force the fit causes way too much stress- and I’m invested in my clients, so it’s more than stress; it’s heartache, too.
However, from heartache came true realization and discovery this week. If someone has to put you under a microscope to find all the flaws, trying to make you feel that you didn’t do your best and give your all (which I am VERY confident I ALWAYS do for my clients), then these are not my people. And going forward, I choose me. I won’t allow clients to abuse me or belittle my value.
And, to that point, while away on my family trip to the hot springs over the weekend, there was some client drama, so then and there, I told her I would step aside, and she said okay, and I immediately started to enjoy myself. You never fully realize the weight as it’s piling on, but the second it’s lifted, you almost feel like you could fly.
The takeaway has been substantial. This has really made me pay attention to all the good, supportive people in my life. Not just family and friends, but clients too. Who has time for the nonsense of those who don’t appreciate you? I have so many great clients who are kind, fun, and trusting, and who feel like true teammates in this process, and who have turned into friends in the end. And for them, I couldn’t possibly be more grateful!
Anyway, besides the commotion of the weekend, it was great to be with the family and away and just (trying to) relax. We swam and played games, went for walks, and ate lots of food (my favorite). Oh! And Sterling learned to swim (for the most part). Nice one!
Bridger is going full force with the sports right now, and he’s so good at them, too. The kids have been great lately, which is always helpful. We went on a tour at the middle school for Bridger this week, and it’s hard to believe he’ll be in middle school. But it was great, and he’s excited.
He’ll be with one of his oldest friends, too. They met in kindergarten and had a couple years together at the same school before we moved to the mountains, and although we all remained close, the kids haven’t been in school together for a long time.
Jude, my outstanding VA, is incredibly helpful, and his support has me getting a lot of things done that I’ve been hoping to do but didn’t have the time to do. I’m excited to get more time back so I can focus on my favorite part of this job, being available to help my clients in ways they didn’t realize their agent could help them.
On the horizon, I’m taking a class next week about working with builders. I still have that possible position available with the developer. There’s not a lot of movement on that yet, but I’m hopeful. Anyway, the class teaches you how to work for a developer because it’s different from working with an individual, so I’m looking forward to learning all I can about that!
Colorado Realtor Activity
Well, as you may have surmised from above, I stepped away from a client this week. We were already under contract, so that was new for me. Frankly, I should have known better than to push it because she did not want to use me initially (I just happened to have a buyer ready to go), and that was the best part of our working relationship- it was a downhill ski jump from there.
And, I guess I started a trend because I also walked away from another listing, a land listing. And, you know what? The relief is palpable. Like, I feel like I can breathe again. Live and learn.
I have a handful of glorious clients who are fully on board with the process and trust the fact that I have their best interest at heart, and it feels great. The juxtaposition of it all is unsettling until you realize you can’t please all the people all the time. And that’s just the facts.
My new listing in Solterra is live and a beaut. I just posted the pics, $1.55M, 5/5. It’s got tons of upgrades that you’ll want to check out even if you’re not in the market. And, speaking of million-dollar listings, I got a call this week to list a $1.4M home! I can’t wait to get started on it and let you guys see it. It really feels like once you start taking care of yourself, everything else falls into place.
Well, I hope you all learned a thing or two this week, too. For me, I now understand that sometimes stepping away is the smartest, safest, healthiest thing for you; no matter how much time, money, or energy you stand to lose, it will all be worth it in the end. Enjoy your upcoming weekend, all!
