Obtaining listings will undoubtedly be the most important function performed on any given day.

A career in real estate is anything but routine. Sales representatives are constantly in and out of the office making contacts, procuring listings, showing homes and negotiating agreements. Even better, no two transactions are ever the same; variety is truly the spice of life.

A typical day eludes most real estate professionals. Each morning presents new situations, challenges and rewards. Every day takes on its own momentum. Most successful salespeople have a routine that begins early and may conclude well after sunset.

Mornings allow time to organize, prepare advertisements, log on to the MLS® database, check out new listings and sales, develop promotional materials, tour new properties for sale and contact prospective buyers and sellers. Early risers sift the latest details from the previous evening. Remember, the real estate market never ends and no stock market bell announces the close of business.

Often, selling is juggling act. Active residential and commercial salespeople have numerous sellers and buyers in different stages of decision-making. Time management and personal organization are crucial. How much time is needed for this afternoon's buyer? What information is required for tonight's listing appointment? What about the out-of-town relocation prospect, can we see three properties and not disrupt my scheduled three o'clock open house? Some appointments are set two, three, four days away...even weeks.

As the day unfolds, plans turn into action. Listings are prepared and offers drafted - time consuming detailed work where legal accuracy is essential. Often, buyers and sellers wrestle with decision-making well into the evening hours. In fact, most seasoned salespeople have at least one story of an exciting midnight negotiation. You probably will have one too! But don't worry - it's not all work. There's lots of time for quiet family evenings and vacations...it's all a matter of planning.