7 Things I Learned in 7 Years of Real Estate
7X7 = The Place Where You Belong
7 Things I Learned in 7 Years of Real Estate in San Francisco, The Place Where You Belong
"It's only work if you would rather be doing something else. Find a way to carve a career out of what you already want to do."
-James Clear
After graduating in '96, I returned to the Bay Area to help manage my family’s investment property. This opportunity gave me hands-on experience as a project manager for a Victorian row-house and I saw it through condominium conversion, seismic retrofitting, interior and exterior renovations, all of which provided me with invaluable insights into San Francisco’s complex building requirements. My grandfather helped my uncle buy this property in the early 80's and looking back on it, there were always numerous parties involved, each with an interest in the preservation of the building. And by necessity. In order to live in San Francisco, you have to want to be here. It's also a place that makes me feel like I belong here...there is something for everyone, and in my opinion, it is the people that give it such vibrancy.
- Chris Jurach
I was recently asked to share the 7 things I learned in 7 years of selling Real Estate.
1. Becoming a Realtor has made me a better person. I am constantly learning and working on myself, trying to refine my 'client experience', developing better systems to manage my business - this is all a constant juggle as is life. I come from a place of curiosity. I try to maintain a routine of self care so that I can show up for my clients. Self development is Growth and in order for me to give more I have to become more. I was inspired by the code of ethics and aim to uphold fiduciary duty, though this is just the beginning
2. Relationships are key! Good relationships are the foundation of my business. Relationships are the flywheel that has propelled me to the success that I enjoy today.
3. Market knowledge: Yes, I have deep market knowledge and substantial transaction experience and I know about houses. Yet the real estate market is constantly changing, and so I must constantly study the market. I look to the right people and the right sources for specific information. Knowing what I know, what I don't know and who to ask is also market knowledge.
4. Change & Adaptation: I am not referring to the concept of value, but rather the concept of Change in this industry. Change is a constant (rules/ style of practice/ forms/ guidelines, prices, etc.) and a great agent adapts quickly! Learning to adapt is a skill, in and of itself, especially in real estate. As the needs of my clients change, so must I act with decorum. As the market shifts, Buyers and Sellers must adapt, and it is my job to guide them to make the right decisions.
5. Don't Settle: Of course you want a hard working agent, one that is going to get you every penny possible for your home. I also want you to Buy the right home, the best home for you, and I believe you should NOT settle.
6. Maintain Perspective: Throughout every transaction, there are a given set of milestones which require navigation and by understanding the needs of my client I work to help them maintain perspective on the deal, or the market or the impact of any decision. In a sense, this is agency in a nutshell: maintain perspective and you will get the deal done.
7. Negotiations: Buying and Selling real estate is a process, and while it can sometimes be technical, it involves a negotiation every time. This means there are aspects of consideration on both sides of the deal; both sides wish to come away with a sense of value. Thinking from this perspective means being empathetic, not tactical, though usually strategic.
Thank you for reading my newsletters. I hope you find them rewarding! If there is anything that you need that I can help you with, please reach out to me directly!
