Gary Woltal's Blog

I marvel sometimes about the "perspective" some have about life despite their troubles in business, personal problems, or one setback after another. They just come through with a good attitude no matter what. I'm not saying we should all live in lah-lah land and not know that sometimes life rolls over us like a steam roller but it's more important you play the cards you are dealt than worrying about the cards dealt themselves.

Which brings me to my thought about, "Can't we all just have fun?" Yes, in real estate, markets are shifting, but they always do eventually. Yes, clients can get testy with us, but it's not the worst thing in the world that can happen to you.

One reason children bring light to our lives is because they simplify life down to its basics of it is a place you were designed to live in and have fun. Lots of smiles, laughter and taking care of each other. Behind your mask needs to be a happy person that is ready to take on the world no matter what happens to you. You be that difference that brings a light to others. You know, it just might rub off on the next person you come in contact with.

In many professional areas of the real estate world whether they be REALTOR, Inspector, Appraiser, Stager, Mortgage Officer, etc. sometimes because there are so many individuals in each category it can be hard to tell who is the cream that rises to the top. One thing to look for in professionalism is who continues to work on themselves. In up markets and down markets, newbie or ten year veteran, they continue to work to improve themselves. If something used to work and now doesn't they adjust. I call this building a better YOU.

Some clues that someone is building a better you go beyond the fact that they have "just" accumulated experience. You could have someone in a business ten years that just has ten years of one year track record. Experience counts for something but not everything. Some people coast with experience. Building a better you is a steady improvement over time.

Look for clues like continued formal education. Do you know there are public web sites in many states to look up a Realtor's Mandatory Continuing Education classes? Did they ever take anything "extra" to build a better you? Whether a Realtor, Stager, Appraiser, etc. have they over the course of their time in that field spent extra time in classes earning designations? Do they mention personal coaching on their web site or taking seminars from the leaders in their field? Do they themselves give seminars to share their expertise with you the public?

When you find a builder of a better you you've hit gold!