Welcome back! This week, we're diving into a topic that might make some of you slightly uncomfortable, but is essential for thriving in real estate: setting boundaries. Continuing our conversation from last week, when we discussed the power of setting three goals over 12 weeks, day blocking, and the ever-elusive concept of vacations, this time we're focusing on how to effectively draw lines in the sand with clients and with yourself.
In the latest episode of the Agent Rise podcast, hosts Neil Mathweg and Mindi Kessenich discuss the love-hate relationship agents often have with boundaries and share their insights on how to successfully manage expectations and prevent burnout in a fast-paced real estate world.
Let's dive into the key takeaways.
Many agents start their careers under the impression that they have to be available 24/7 to succeed. It's an understandable misconception, considering that many clients can only view properties or discuss transactions outside of their work hours. But in reality, constantly being on call can lead to resentment, exhaustion, and ultimately, a less satisfying professional and personal life.
One of the podcast's highlights was Mindi's win story. After scheduling a weekend viewing for a client who was only casually browsing, she decided to set a boundary, suggesting postponing the showing until after the holiday weekend. And the outcome? The client was completely understanding, giving Mindi her Saturday back and reinforcing the importance of setting clear expectations with clients.
Neil pointed out that one common mistake agents make is not setting boundaries until they've reached the point of burnout. Many agents are so desperate to secure deals that they won't risk upsetting a potential client by expressing their availability limits. However, this approach can lead to a buildup of resentment and dissatisfaction that could potentially harm the agent-client relationship in the long run.
According to Mindi, part of the problem is fear - fear that if you set boundaries, clients won't want to work with you. However, if you communicate your availability clearly and in a professional manner, most clients will understand and respect your schedule. The key is to have this conversation early in the relationship to avoid any misunderstandings or resentment later on.
When it comes to boundaries, it all boils down to setting clear expectations and having the confidence to enforce them. As Neil stressed, you have to come from a place of confidence to effectively set and maintain boundaries. If you are assured in the value you bring to the table, clients will respect your boundaries and may even admire your professional integrity.
A team can be a significant asset when it comes to maintaining boundaries. If you can't manage a showing due to your personal commitments, having a team member step in ensures your clients' needs are met without infringing on your personal time. It's all about managing client expectations and letting them know upfront that while you may not always be available, there is a team behind you ready to assist.
One exercise Neil recommended for listeners was to imagine managing 50 transactions in a year. This visualization helps agents realize the necessity of setting boundaries and having a clear structure in place. Working non-stop might seem feasible for 5 or 10 transactions a year, but as your business grows, so does the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
As we wrap up, remember that setting boundaries is not just about protecting your personal time, it's about delivering the best possible service to your clients. By being transparent about your availability and maintaining those boundaries, you show your clients that you value both your time and theirs, which can significantly boost their respect for you and improve your working relationship.
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