Vicki Treadwell is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage at the 400 North/Lake Lanier office.
Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we talked with Vicki Treadwell, a top-producing Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, about her proven methods for reaching top-producer status.
Real estate has many and varied aspects, so focus on what aspect you are good at, whether it be working with sellers or working with buyers. If you love both, then do both. You will find that you excel at what you love to do. The old adage is true: “Find something to do that you love, and you will not work a day in your life!”
9. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and capitalize on your strengths. Don’t try to be everything to everyone – for instance, let your loan officer work on that aspect of the transaction with your customer, and know industry associates who you trust to refer to your clients and customers. Let those associates know the importance of their association with your client or customer, and that you also trust them as to the field they have an expertise in; and of course, follow up to make sure their job was well done.
8. Work on one task at a time. Don’t spread yourself too thin in a workday. You will be more likely to make costly mistakes if you have too much on your plate at one time. Multitasking is a myth, and it only distracts from the quality of your work.
7. Be in the present with the client. They will notice if you are distracted. Put your phone on silent when in appointments, and never take another call when in an appointment. You need to make who you are with your focus, and they will appreciate it.
6. Do what you say you are going to do. Don’t make promises you cannot or are not willing to keep. You will be remembered for that and keep your customers for life.
5. Be honest at all cost! Treat everyone like you would like to be treated. Stress can creep into everyday lives, and should you be stressed or working with multiple clients/customers on an upcoming deadline for something, take small breaks to get back into focus.
4. Smile when talking on the phone; it comes through on the other end.
3. Keep abreast of ever-changing technology, but be mindful that not everyone might be as up to date with technology as you are. Find out how they want to receive their communication and make sure you follow that rule.
2. Make your bed every morning before you start your day. This small task will set the tone for completing jobs all day long. Try it! It works! Be on time for appointments. A client or customers time is valuable and they have set time out of their schedule as well to see you- respect their time. If you are going to be running late for an appointment, call and let them know. They will respect YOU for that!
1. Lastly, but of utmost importance, treat your business like a business. Answer your phone when not in an appointment. Set times to do tasks like follow up calls, and stick to it! You are the owner of your “company” and you have the power to grow that business. ASK for the business- you do have Real Estate license to do so! You will find that not only will you have a successful career, you will make lifelong friends.
A licensed Realtor since Nov. 1989, Vicki Treadwell is active in the Forsyth, Dawson, Hall, Gwinnett and North Fulton markets, and has achieved numerous accolades over the years, including: Lifetime Member Million Dollar Club from 1989 to the present; Top Dozen Sales Award from 1989 to 2001; the Phoenix Award in 2002; the Crystal Award in 2012; and an International Diamond Society induction in 2012.