Theresa Klunk Schultz - Its Like... Getting 25 Years of Experience as a Real Estate Agent: What Every Real Estate Agent Should Know

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ISBN 978-1-62776-001-0

Copyright 2013 by Theresa Klunk Schultz

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book, with the exception of brief excerpts for the purpose of quotation for reviews, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing from the author.

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Val-U Books 365 E Avenida De Los Arboles #304,

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2975

Edited by Lee Wade

Design by Lennon Leppert Illustrations by Lauren Bandy

The names used in these stories are fictitious

A warm thank you to these special people

My editor, Lee Wade, whose expertise has taught me so much.

Members from the Ventura County Writers Club who have critiqued my script in our small writers workshop, especially Craig Clifton who has always been there.

My friend, Jim McGowan, for his help and encouragement.

Lennon Leppert for using his outstanding talent to design this beautiful book.

I TS L IKE

My real estate career began when I was forced to become a breadwinner after being a homemaker and a stay-at-home mom for twenty years. After attempting many employment options, it was my position as a receptionist in a real estate office that opened the door to my new career. At first, my thoughts were, I could never do what those agents need to do. But as I listened and watched how they worked, I found myself thinking, If they can do it, so can I.

After months of classes and passing the dreaded Real Estate Agents Exam, I finally had my license in hand. I thought I was ready.

Through the years, I acquired designationstitles from workshops and seminarsbut, too often, the classes didnt touch on the day-to-day, often unexpected situations.

I cant guess how many times Ive said, This is the first time thats ever happened. It was one of those moments that prompted me to write this book. What great fun its been for me to share my experiences and what Ive learned!

How many times have you heard someone say, I wish I knew twenty years ago what I know now.

ITS LIKE offers you the opportunity to learn from my personal experiences from more than twenty-five years as a real estate agent.

I hope you will enjoy my stories and lessons and that my reflections are an inspiration for life.

Theresa Klunk Schultz

Get a real job! Im not going to support you the rest of your life!

Those words from my ex-husband were haunting me. I was afraid. After 20 years of being a homemaker, I didnt think I could be a bread-winner by selling homes. I nursed my anger and fear for several weeks. It didnt feel good. I knew I didnt want to have those feelings the rest of my life.

The day I acknowledged my new challenge and accepted that no one could do it for me was the beginning of my success.

My confidence blossomed and I soon loved my work.

I was on my way.

You will be successful when you decide you are ready. There will be wonderful, motivating workshops and seminars with pep talks, but until you have accepted your personal challenge and you know in your heart that you are ready to do what it takes to be successful, the exuberant feelings from that type of motivation will be fleeting. Only you can make the decision of what your future holds for you.

Your decisions control your destiny.

I had just finished showing an investor several homes. Do you know anything about 1031 Exchange?

Sure, I replied with confidence, What do you want to know?

He flooded me with questions. I gave him answers. Some of my answers were guesses. I was more concerned about looking good than being honest. I didnt want him to know that I was a new agent.

Back at my office, I did some research on 1031 Exchanges and found that some of the information I gave him was incorrect. When I called him to explain, it was too late. He had already bought a for sale by owner home. I was troubled not knowing if his decision to make the purchase was based on the advice I had given him.

Since that day, I have only given information and advice on facts I knew for certain.

Although continued education and personal experience will improve your knowledge of real estate, there will be concerns and questions that you wont be able to answer. There are resources to help you. Most people will understand and appreciate it if you say that youre not sure but youd be happy to find out and get back to them.

Be honest and willing to track down answers, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Faking answers is being untruthful and could damage your reputation and your self esteem.

Your knowledge is as extensive as your resources.

Did you notice that gorgeous sculpture in the foyer? my co-worker, Joyce, commented after we were seated for lunch. And dont you just love the beautiful paintings hanging on the walls?

Are those paintings new? I asked.

She only smiled and shook her head.

I couldnt count the times I had eaten lunch at the restaurant. Id never noticed the paintings, nor had I looked closely at the sculpture.

It seemed like such a simple pleasure for Joyce to enjoy the art.

Theres no doubt that the life of a real estate agent is often hectic. Time seems to revolve around the thirty or sixty days when escrow will close. Months are swallowed up faster each year. Being busy should not be a reason to be oblivious to the people and simple beauty around you.

Much is missed when you ignore the beauty around you.

Hi, Theresa, Im going to be e-mailing you an offer on your Country Oaks listing, was the message on my voice mail.

I recognized Mikes voice and threw up my hands.

I reviewed his purchase contract. As I expected, it lacked signatures and parts were blank.

Mike finally returned my phone calls. He asked immediately if I had talked to my sellers.

I got your offer, Mike, but it needs to be completed before I can present it.

Its a full price offer, he snapped. We can deal with that other stuff later. We need to get the sellers signature as soon as possible. Why wont you work with me?

I knew I would have to take on extra responsibility.

In spite of his sloppy paperwork, we opened escrow with a full price offer and a qualified buyer.

When escrow closed, the buyers and sellers were delighted, completely unaware of any unpleasantness between their agents.