by Neil Mathweg | Jul 10, 2023 | Agent Rise Podcast, Podcast
Setting Boundaries in Real Estate: Your Key to Success
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.
Real Estate is not a 24/7 Job
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.
Setting Boundaries is Essential
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.
It’s About Expectations and Confidence
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.
The Benefits of a Team
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.
Picture the Future
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.
Resources and Links mentioned in this episode:
And connect with me on ANY of the following social channels. I LOVE social!
by Neil Mathweg | Jan 26, 2022 | Agent Rise Podcast, Podcast
How can you be an agent without being salesy?
For Rory Pitts, he was just scraping by as an agent and barely making it all work. He didn’t want to be salesy or flashy, but in order to support everyone in his life, he felt he had to if he wants to be successful. Could he be true to himself and be there for his family, all while making the living he dreamed of? Ever felt like that? ????
Now, while being authentically himself, he has built a business that he LOVES. He established boundaries and actively schedules vacations and family time. As a result, he has earned trust with clients and now the majority of his business comes from repeat business and people referring him.
I’m so excited to share how he did it during our Agent Rise Breakthrough Week!
Mentioned in this episode:
Register for Breakthrough Week – www.agentrisecoaching.com/breakthrough
Schedule a call with Neil before the next Bootcamp LIVE starts – www.agentrisecoaching.com
Get more information on Bootcamp LIVE – www.agentrisecoaching.com/bootcamp
Connect with Rory Pitts – https://www.instagram.com/lukeandrory/
by Neil Mathweg | Nov 8, 2021 | Agent Rise Podcast, Podcast
How To Set and Keep Boundaries as a Real Estate Agent
Resources and Links mentioned in this episode:
And connect with me on ANY of the following social channels. I LOVE social!
by Neil Mathweg | Mar 6, 2017 | Podcast
Is your crazy, busy, unpredictable Real Estate schedule eating you alive? Want to have a life, get days off, spend more time with your family, and have your business grow at the same time? In this episode, we’ll talk about what you can do to put some boundaries around your life and grow a successful Real Estate business. Join the conversation and find out practical ways to make your schedule and your income more predictable and take the stress out of your life.
The “Closed on Sunday” mentality – Setting boundaries around your business
Did you know that that open houses do not actually have to be done on Sunday? In this episode, I’ll explain how setting a boundary around your business, such as “I take Sundays off for church and family,” actually raises the level of your authority and clients’ respect for you, and can increase your referrals. Listen in to find out how to adjust your Real Estate schedule to carve out time for yourself and your family, and have it be great for business!
Setting expectations increases client confidence
Communicate expectations up front with your clients. Whether being clear in your first meeting about the days you don’t work, or sending e-mails to be sure they know what’s coming next, you can de-stress your relationship with the client by giving them all the information they need. In this episode, I’ll explain how to use e-mail templates to make this process simple and save you a lot of time and effort and prevent having clients call you in a panic when they receive an unexpected piece of paperwork.
Protect your time and convert your leads with an e-mail scheduler
You can easily set and maintain boundaries in your Real Estate schedule. In this episode, I’ll explain how to use an e-mail scheduler to block off time for your family so that no one can take that from you. I’ll also talk about how to use the scheduler to convert leads, raise the respect that potential clients have for you, and to manage your contingency deadlines. Listen in and learn the principles that will let you relax and enjoy your day off!
Your Real Estate income doesn’t have to be a rollercoaster ride
Tired of riding the up and down waves in your income? Did you know that your commission check is not your income? It’s your revenue. In this episode, I’ll tell you how to manage your revenue so that you have a consistent income, get a paycheck even in the “slump” months, and have money to build your business. Quit being jerked around by unpredictability in your income. There is a better way.
Outline of this great episode
- [25:00] Welcome to the Onion Juice podcast!
- [1:49] Intro to this episode on making your business predictable.
- [4:00] The “Closed on Sunday” mentality – Setting boundaries around your business.
- [8:04] Using e-mail templates to set and clarify expectations.
- [12:53] Protect your time and convert your leads with an e-mail scheduler.
- [17:04] Watch your contingency deadlines, and have a clear, consistent plan.
- [22:17] Your Real Estate income does not have to be a rollercoaster ride.
- [24:54] Final thoughts on making your business more predictable
Resources & Links mentioned in this episode
Our sponsors: www.KnightBarry.com and www.EasyAgentPro.com/OJ
Realtyexecutivescs.com
Calandy
Youcanbook.me
Onion Juice Podcast Episode #29 “Healthy Boundaries Can Build a Real Estate Business Without Boundaries”
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by Neil Mathweg | Apr 4, 2016 | Podcast
You have probably heard the term “boundaries” many, many times by now. There’s even a series of best-selling books about the concept. When the topic is brought up you know exactly what you’re about to hear. You need to do less. You need to stop running around like a chicken with your head cut off. You need to put hard-and-fast rules in your life that protect your private and family time. And you know what? Those are exactly the things you need to do. On this episode of onion juice I’m going to tell you why boundaries are so important for your personal, professional, and family health.
You have to put boundaries around your life or you are going to be destroyed.
I know what I’m talking about on this one. I spent years in my professional career burning the candle at both ends and the only thing that wound up getting burned was me and my family. I had absolutely no boundaries. I took calls every day, at any time of day, and my clients took advantage of it. I’m not blaming them, I’m blaming me. I should have had my priorities in better order. I should have had my family at the top of that list. I should have had my personal health at the top of that list. On this episode you’ll hear my story and hopefully learn some lessons from my terrible experience to help you make yours even better.
Your real estate business will BOOM when you create proper boundaries.
The real estate industry is known for its long hours and lack of boundaries. Agents take calls at any time of the day or night, evenings are often spent writing offers and neglecting family, and our health and children are the ones who pay for those long hours. I want to see the entire industry change. I want to see boundaries become commonplace because it is better for us as real estate agents and better for our clients in the long run. I want to tell you the ways that setting healthy boundaries will help your real estate business and actually benefit your clients, on this episode of Onion Juice.
How do you set boundaries with clients?
One of the most difficult steps when setting healthy boundaries is communicating them to your clients in a way that is helpful and understood. Your clients need to hear it from you in a way that engenders respect for you rather than disdain. How do you do that? It’s taken me awhile to figure out that piece, but I want to share with you how I do it and the effect it has had on both my family and my clients. If you put this into practice I guarantee you will have a happy, healthy, more successful life, and your business revenues will actually go up.
The danger of being a “Pop Tart” Real Estate agent.
For too many years I was what I call a “Pop Tart” real estate agent. What I mean by that is this: I would “pop” up and do anything my clients asked, anytime they asked me. It didn’t matter if I was tucking in my kids. It didn’t matter if I was in the middle of dinner. It didn’t matter if I was on vacation. My clients came first. And that was wrong. If that’s what you are doing, it’s wrong for you as well. I’m not afraid to say the hard truth. You’re going to burn out and you are going to wind up doing a disservice to your clients and your family in the end. Would you join me in changing the real estate industry for the better? Hear my challenge about healthy boundaries on this episode of Onion Juice.
Outline of this great episode
- [1:20] Why setting boundaries can give you MORE business.
- [4:45] The common use of the word “hustle.”
- [7:20] How I’ve applied boundaries with clients over the years.
- [10:00] The danger of being “Pop Tart” real estate agents.
- [11:20] The circle of life that begins with boundaries.
- [13:00] How I apply this concept in “urgent” situations.
- [17:00] Why I respect Chik-Fil-A so much.
- [20:11] How I learned the need for boundaries the hard way.
- [22:45] Why I recommend your chosen “day off” is NOT during the week.
- [24:25] How boundaries make your work time matter more.
- [26:08] Could you engage with me on Facebook?
Resources & Links mentioned in this episode
Our sponsor: www.KnightBarry.com
Text “OJ Notes” to “44222” to get the show notes sent to you.
Text “listing” to “44222” to get my money making listing process.
Episode 27: On Confidence
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