6 HABITS OF HIGHLY

6 Habits of Highly Productive Agents

In a business that can be constant chaos, you’re constantly on the go and dealing with things as they hit you. It can be difficult to take a second and regroup. But there is a better and smarter way to work. If you take the time to create some better habits, in the end, you may end up being more productive. If you want to make better use of your time, as well as have more focus, here’s some habits that you’re going to want to pick up - all common to top-producing agents.

1. Learn how to prioritize

Although it might be your instinct to get some of the boring work out of the way first, things that actually generate income (or are time-sensitive!) should be the first thing you focus on when you start your day.

Lists are your friend! Make a list of things you want to accomplish for the day, the week, and even the month. Always list them in the order of priority. If things get cut off when you run out of time at the end of the day, at least it’ll be the things that are not as important or time sensitive. As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list, you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as

well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s and don’t ever waste it.

As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s, and don’t ever waste it.

2. Remove distractions when you need to focus

This is especially hard when you’re a Realtor®. Most are constantly connected to their phones. But, unnecessary distractions can get you off schedule and make you lose your focus instantly. If you can, turn your phone off for the half hour it takes to do a task. Interruptions make everything take twice as long, especially when you take that text and then decide to check Facebook for a second. We all do it!

Complete your task, then take ten minutes to respond to all texts and messages before you start up the next thing on your list. You can even schedule those ‘text backs’ into your schedule. A concentrated effort is always more effective than going back and forth between things.

3. Set daily goals

This is so key. What do you want to accomplish for the day and what do you need to do to accomplish it? Write it out and then incorporate that into your prioritized ‘to do’ list. You’ll be amazed at how driven you become to reach that goal when you actually write it out with clarity. And, the sense of accomplishment you get upon completing it will carry over to the next day. It’s important to remember to be specific. Once you get into the habit of meeting your goals, exceeding them won’t be far behind.

4. Don’t make excuses

There’s that old saying, “The buck stops here”. Well, take it to heart. This is your business and you are responsible for doing everything you can to make it successful.

Sure, there are reasons for why you didn’t get a listing or why your business is slow, but what are you doing to change things and make them better? Successful Realtors® work harder and come up with innova-

tive ways to stand out when times are tough. They don’t look for excuses, they look for solutions.

5. Be deliberate about everything you do

When you’re making your list, it helps to have a goal in mind for even the smallest task. If you’re calling past clients to touch base, have a specific reason why you’re calling. Are you letting them know some market news? Thanking them for a referral? When you’re meeting a referral partner for lunch, have a goal in mind for what the outcome of that meeting will be as well. Yes it’s good to socialize and build relationships, but if you have a reason, make sure it isn’t put off until the final moments, when things are wrapping up. Always having a purpose in mind will also help you prioritize your list better.

6. Always look for ways to get out of your comfort zone

Yes, you are prioritizing what is most important or urgent to your business, but it’s also important to make an effort to break out of your routine as much as you’re comfortable doing. Trying out new things or taking some time to learn about new and innovative real estate techniques and technology, can have an energizing effect on your business. Not only might they lead to things that make you more productive, but it keeps you sharp and engaged. And, ultimately keeping yourself at the top of your game is what it’s all about.

ETHAN GOODRICH

ETHAN GOODRICH

If you’ve ever made a list of things you enjoy, chances are that buying or selling a home isn’t on it: unless, perhaps, you’ve ever worked with Ethan Goodrich. “One of the things I love about this profession is the interaction with people. I’m a lighthearted person by nature, and that’s been an asset when dealing with an undertaking a lot of people approach with anxiety. I take the burden off of my clients. And we’ll laugh a lot throughout the process.”

That disposition no doubt serves him well during his own times of stress. Ethan got into real estate during the 2008 financial crisis, the lowest point for the industry in the last two decades. Undeterred, he worked for another agency before forming his own in 2010, which he sold to Compass in 2018. “Whether things are up or down, I don’t take life too seriously. I work hard and enjoy the relationships I make along the way.” These days a lot of that work has gone into teambuilding, and he’s very proud of his agents. Serving the Greater Boston area, the Goodrich Team’s sales volume for 2020 was 85 million. This year he expects they will do 200 million, with a year-to-date volume of 21 million for 36 transactions, as of February 2021. Seventy percent of that business is repeat clients and referrals. “We’ve got a group of talented, smart agents who are fun to be around. I think that

results in camaraderie between our agents and clients that carries beyond the transaction itself. People become our friends, they trust us, and so we’re the ones they call when they decide to list again.”

Ethan stays in touch with clients throughout the year, sending out letters or fun gifts like Monopoly cards printed with their new home addresses. He also emails them frequently to give them news of opportunities in the market. His listings are advertised across all the social media outlets and the MLS, but his favorite new platform has been filming video tours of his homes for YouTube. “It allows us to connect with the buyer even when we can’t meet in person,” he explains. “The agent’s personality is definitely a factor in selling a home.”

He’s also committed to serving both his local and global community. In Boston, Ethan contributes to Christmas in the City, a nonprofit that organizes holiday events for families stricken by poverty and homelessness. He also supports Roots of Development to provide resources and training to hurricane refugees on La Gonave, an island off the coast of Haiti.

When not working, Ethan spends time with his family, playing softball in the summer or skiing in the winter. “I also love coaching my kiddos in soccer and baseball.”

Ethan’s plan for this year is to continue to help his agents grow. “I think we’re really hitting our stride as a team. There’s usually a two to three year learning curve, and we’re past that with most of our agents. Now I want to even out our production across the team, so that everyone can become a top producer. I’m very excited about our future!”

To contact Ethan Goodrich please call 617-398-4444 or email ethan.goodrich@compass.com