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James L. Hargrove II

Goin' International

Recently, I've had the opportunity to start working with international listings. It appears to be a great niche and one that I am very interested in pursuing. With our proximity (I'm in Houston) and the pace at which retirees and second home buyers are flocking to exotic destinations in Latin American countries; international listings just seem to make sense.

So the question to my fellow Activerainers is: Are you currently doing or considering to add international listings to your portfilio? Are other agents in your brokerage? What advantages/disadvantages do you foresee? If any?

Goin' International

Recently, I've had the opportunity to start working with international listings. It appears to be a great niche and one that I am very interested in pursueing. With our proximity (I'm in Houston) and the pace at which retirees and second home buyers are flocking to exotic destinations in Latin American countires; international listings just seem to make sense.

So the question to my fellow Activerainers is: Are you currently doing or considering to add international listings to your portfilio? Are other agents in your brokerage? What advantages/disadvantages do you foresee? If any?

Everybodies Workin' For The Weekend!!

Aaahhh, Weekends! That coveted time when we either do nothing at all or we try to cram in everything that we couldn't or should've gotten done during the week. What do your weekends usually hold? A colleague of mine always says "Make it a great Sales weekend!" I'm pretty sure that means she will be working. Are you? Am I?

As self-employed real estate professionals, running our own business practices, are we not working every day? Even when we're not? If we're scheduling our own time, we know what we need to do and we know when we need to do it; are we ever really taking a day off? I find (and I prefer it as such) that I'm nearly always available to my current and potential clients. I find that even as I try or attempt to take a day off... I am still in the real estate mindset. Call me crazy if you wish....just don't call me lazy;) "Make It A Great Sales Weekend!"

So....Who You Workin' For??

Careers in real estate. Wow. They come in so many different sizes and shapes. Some work for corporations, government, big brokerage firms, small brokerage firms, the list is endless. However, those that matter most, at least in my biased opinion are the little guys. The independents. The guys and gals who are getting out there and hustling everyday. Meeting people, going places and putting together deals that others just don't see, do not want to see or do not want to deal with.
So....how does one make a go at it as an independent? Should you be licensed and work for a smaller firm that gives you independence, but little support? Should you align yourself with like minded individuals for a support network and encouragement? Where do you find the deals and the clients when you're Realtor Solo? Are you networking? Prospecting? Buying people lunch? Taking time to enjoy life? What about meditation and prayer?
Real estate is very much a people business. The more people, the more business. However, that "people" base has to continually be nurtured and developed. Water it a little bit by having your own well rounded life.

All Right You Experienced Agents......

Q: Can any of us really make it this year with a media induced frenzy of mortgage meltdowns and corporate collapse's? Are we all truly doomed? Should I camped out in the bread lines as some do for the latest Christmas widget? I mean...I know the current economy is bad, but gheez!! Everyone I speak to (in real estate or not) seem to be optimistic about the upcoming year. So, I would like to hear from others. Smooth sailing, white water or bailing water?