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

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

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. 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.

2. Remove distractions when you need to focus

This is especially hard when you’re a Real

tor ® . 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

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

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

22 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

Top Agent Magazine 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.

CRAIG HULBERT

Craig Hulbert grew up in a real estate family in San Clemente—his father had a thriving career in commercial real estate. After graduating from college Craig started working in Sales for IKON, but he soon found his own passion for real estate, becoming licensed as an agent and going to work for Dennis DeSouza, a broker friend. Eighteen years later, he still works with Dennis at Coldwell Banker, where he leads a team that includes an assistant, a marketing expert, and two seasoned agents. In 2019, Craig and his team closed $63,000,000 in transactions. With an office in La Jolla, Craig serves the entire San Diego area, from Carlsbad to downtown. “I’ve done real estate in this area for so long that I pretty much know every square inch of San Diego,” he says.

Craig has multiple relocation account’s servicing the healthcare and tech industries. As a result of the top notch service he provides, an impressive 60% of his business comes from referrals and repeat clients. After working with Craig, his former clients rave that his warm, easygoing personality, attention to detail, and expertise make him a joy to work with. He’s rigorously honest, talking clients through the pros and cons of every house, and he always puts their interests first. “I never push anyone in any direction,” he says. His levity and professionalism put them at ease throughout the process. “A lot of my clients become my friends and I try to help them network for their businesses as well,” he says. “You have to put your clients first, otherwise you won’t last in this industry. There are a lot of turn and burn agents. Picking the right agent can mean the difference between getting your dream home and losing it.”

When it comes time to market listings, Craig takes a thorough approach. He starts by hiring an interior designer who is also an expert stager to help clients prepare their home so that it looks its best. He hires professional photographers and videographers to ensure the listing stands out online, then posts the listing on all the high-traffic online sites, as well as on the Coldwell Banker website. He hosts well attended open houses, spreads the word throughout his sphere of influence, and sometimes creates television ads for listings. The result is often a quick sale at a competitive price.

What’s Craig’s favorite part of the job? “When I outsmart and outthink another realtor to negotiate my client the best deal,” he says. “But the most rewarding part of my job is when I help my clients achieve a major goal, whether it be selling a property or buying a new home. And every single day is different. That’s for sure!” To give back to the community, he’s involved with charity events through his daughter’s school, The Rock Academy. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his wife and daughter, surf, play golf, and go to the movies. For the future, Craig plans to work more closely as a mentor to new agents in his office, expanding his team and growing his partnership with his long-time friend and broker Dennis DeSouza.

To find out more about Craig Hulbert,

call 858-752-3447, visit

www.Craighulbert.com,

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com