Over the many years as a professional real estate agent my growing list of friends is the biggest prize. A quick phone call, the chance meeting in the grocery store or seeing one another in the mall (trying to get that much needed exercise) brings me a lot of joy. New technology has changed our industry and I intend to “keep up”. Facebook, twitter, all the new avenues of communications will be a special focus in the next few months.

Notice that my business name is now “Linda Miller Real Estate”. My name, my business, my responsibility to serve you. Jim and I are looking for all the ways we can help you and provide the extra service you deserve. Mike is continuing to be our tech support and he watches over all the advertising. Of course, there are “sign guys”, inspectors, lenders, title people–all of them are part of our “team” to guide you, our clients, as you make very important real estate decisions. Give me a call! In fact, you just might receive a call from me first. Happy Fall!

The question is frequently asked, “Should I become a REALTOR®?” The common perception of our profession is one of viewing beautiful homes, driving a comfortable car and receiving big commission checks. While there are perks to being a real estate agent, the responsibilities are great. The real estate profession is one of the last “independent contractor” classifications for tax purposes. Every agent is self-employed and responsible for all expenses. No company-provided health insurance, paid vacation, retirement plan, company car, or expense account. When you wake up in the morning you are unemployed. How’s that for motivation?

Scheduling for work and home can be a challenge. Our clients’ needs are the priority. It is not unusual during a busy time of year to work fifteen hours a day. Cancellations and re-scheduling are a way of life for busy REALTORS®. Squeezing in a family activity, such as little Johnny’s soccer game, becomes a skill unto itself.

Income can be described as “feast or famine.” There could be several months without any income, but in one month, commissions could equal half a year’s pay. Plainly stated –budgeting is important.

The personal skills of a successful REALTOR® become greater with each year of service. Working with clients to determine their needs and intentions requires the insight of the most skilled psychologist. Families sometimes have to change plans, but some are seeking professional services with the intent of receiving free help and advice. Monthly expenses continue for the REALTOR®, regardless of sold properties on the calendar. Sometimes the reality about expense is shocking to the new REALTOR®. This factor alone could account for those newer professionals choosing to leave the industry to seek employment that offers a regular income.

A REALTOR’S® life is also rewarding. There are tax benefits because each agent is a small business. Some of the joys that keep us smiling are the friends we make and the satisfaction of being helpful and serving a purpose in our clients’ lives. We are independent souls. REALTORS® make decisions that affect today and the future. The income possibilities are high. Each and every agent is accountable to themselves. No one can fire you. The relationships created with other professionals and client families are priceless. With self-discipline our schedule is our own.

Conversations with most REALTORS® reflect high satisfaction in their career choice. In Spokane, it is not uncommon to find REALTORS® who have practiced twenty or more years. Why retire? It is way too much fun! We invite you to contact a Spokane REALTOR® today.

Published in the Spokesman Review August 15th, 2010.

Christmas is about to pop up as reality once again. All of us at Linda Miller Real Estate want to wish you the very best holiday season. Jim and I are very blessed with energies for business, family and volunteer projects. Further, we are grateful for all of our friends and clients that have made our business year a success once again. Thanks also to Mike our photographer and IT guy, the office staff at the north Prudential office… and the list goes on. Merry Christmas everyone!

Where does technology take us? I have been thinking a lot lately about all the tools I have to communicate with my clients. Of course, family is included too. The web camera that lets me see my grandchildren is very precious!

While I’m sitting in a class and absorbing all the new legal requirements of my profession, I can still communicate with closers, title people and clients via text messages. When I am teaching a class I watch some of the class members’ thumbs – busy, busy thumbs! At that point I hope they’re having business conversations. Today in an education committee I listened to the discussion about our need to understand all the social networking opportunities. Facebook, Myspace, Youtube, and what is Plaxo, Autorain, etc.?

In my office we have a very successful agent that is still grumbling about the fact that he doesn’t think “that the Internet thing will really catch on”. Of course it’s tongue in cheek – he’s sitting at the computer as he continues to mutter his disdain. I won’t go that far, but I think there is a limit to all the conveniences of communication. It can consume much of my time. So there it is again, taking control of my business and my life. Setting priorities – how can I truly serve you, my client. What do you need from me? One of my philosophies of business that I teach is this “to be successful in business, find a need, AND FILL IT.”

I’m working on staying current and filling the need of all my clients. No time to stop. Yes, Jim and I are glued to three PCs, two laptops, palms, phones, digital this and digital that, but we’re having to ask ourselves; how much time are we really saving?

I had the opportunity to speak to and share a few of my ideas with a business women’s lunch group yesterday. It’s always encouraging to see people excited about business enterprises. I have focused on ethical issues and personal character development for many years, and I fear that some days I think and talk a little outside of what others have stopped to consider about our lives. Speaking seriously about how we make decisions, why we respond with certain behaviors, and how it impacts our future is rather heavy stuff!

I’m looking inside myself this morning – of all my priorities – my desire is to be respected for my willingness to be held accountable in all areas of my life – business and personal. By no means am I perfect. Jim and I sat this morning commenting on the aging and growth process – why do we still do things that in hindsight, we wish we hadn’t?  Some might refer to it as the human experience. But as we serve in the business community we grow. Every opportunity I have to serve others is a blessing. We are blessed.