Ever wondered what truly fills a realtor’s work week? Many people assume we spend all our time unlocking doors for showings, but the reality is much more complex; and often involves more proactive hard work.
More Than Just Showing Houses
Someone recently asked me how many hours I put in each week. I usually hit around 40 hours, but I rarely go below 20, even during slow periods. But here’s the thing, it’s not just about the hours; it’s about what I do with them.
You might think all realtors do is show houses. Nope.
Actually, about 60-70% of my time is spent on something called “prospecting.”
The Prospecting Grind
Prospecting is the essential, behind-the-scenes work that generates future business. It’s what separates part-time agents from successful, full-time professionals.
This means I’m actively engaged in activities like:
- Knocking on doors in target neighborhoods.
- Making calls to potential clients and past customers for follow-up.
- Mingling at community events to build relationships.
- Following up consistently with leads and contacts.
It’s a lot like what other salespeople and entrepreneurs do; it’s consistent, proactive effort to fill the pipeline.
Why Full-Time Commitment Pays Off
Why choose this kind of demanding schedule over a regular 9-to-5 job?
While real estate offers flexibility, it’s the commitment to this hard work (the prospecting) that pays off. Think about it: How many successful professionals do you see who treat their primary business as a side job? There are very few. Most successful agents work on their business full-time.
There’s a saying that resonates deeply: “The man who tries to catch two rabbits ends up catching none.” This holds true in real estate. If you aim for significant, life-changing success, you need to commit fully.
Would you rather spend less than 40 hours a week doing the difficult work of prospecting and follow-up as a realtor, or sticking to a strict 9-to-5 schedule doing something you don’t love? Food for thought, right?
