This has been a question realtors have been asking each other and themselves since I started in real estate over 10 years ago. I have never really calculated this amount I make per hour as I love what I do and figure it is not like work to me. I also have been unclear on what to count as work. Do I count the emails I do each morning at 5:30 am? Do I count reading the local newspaper for local events and attending Chanber of Commerce events and parties, dinners, charity events, and other meetings as part of my hours? Do I count the time I connect with my clients socially and personally about their lives? Do I count the time spent driving around to check on houses, neighborhoods, open houses? Do I count the time I spend talking with other agents about their listings and frustrations? Do I count the texts, blogs, photos, flyers, signs, cards, gifts, dinners, and on and on that I do to promote my self and my brand?
I have never counted this and more. I love real estate and figure I would do alot of this anyway. It is part of who I am and what I am passionate about. Iam so grateful to do what I love and love what I do.I think that is part of why I love real estate. Like the TV commercial - Real Estate is My Life.
LORI BOWERS
http://www.desertareahousingmarket.com
The Lori Bowers Group
A boutique Real Estate Office, with a full service team to serve all your Real Estate Needs
La Quinta, Palm Desert, Indio, Rancho Mirage, Coachella , Indian Wells and the surrounding Palm Springs Area.
78065 Main St., Suite 107
Old Town La Quinta
La Quinta, CA 92253
Phone: (760)777-8788 • Fax: (760)771-5355
This is a great post. I love reading great posts like this one!
Lori - I'm afraid to calculate what my hourly rate is because it would just be too disheartening to learn that I am working for less than minimum wage. As much as I love what I do, it is my profession and one of the reasons I do it is to make a decent living.
Once upon a time, I did just that - made a decent living doing what I love. For the past two years, that has not been the case. I still love what I do but I am no longer making a decent living. My average sale as well as my annual income has dropped more than 40% from what it was a few years ago. I could probably make more doing something else but I still love what I do and I am still trying to make a decent living at it.
Thank God I still have clients to serve and I'm still closing their loans every month because I have friends and associates in this business that aren't even doing that anymore.
Thanks for the comments. You are so right- our average commissions are pretty low in most cases.
I must agree I really do love my job for the most part so no need to calculate hourly wages .