Coach -> REALTOR
Due to circumstances (another post at another time), many educators are leaving their profession and moving into a whole new career path as a real estate agent. Its an easy transition really as teachers lead, inform, and guide students through the subject matter much like real estate agents guide their clients. But what is it about coaches specifically that make successful agents? As I’m coming to my 1 year mark as a REALTOR after 13 years coaching, I’m joined with many other coaches turned agents. I’ve noticed that each of us got in, dug in, and rocked it very early on.
Through reading and research, I know that the real estate market has highs and lows, is over saturated with agents, and has outside influences that have bolstered the FSBO initiative. With all this to take into account, myself and each of the agents that I talked to have found their niche and have been able to demolish the goals they set. They have taken what started as a leap of faith and turned it into a successful career path; providing for families and establishing themselves as leaders in the industry.
As Jennifer Jacocks (9 years coaching, RE/MAX agent) said, “Helping people strive for and reach their goals is and will always be my passion in life. In real estate, it is so important to have a strong team on your side, and the best place to start is with a good coach.” She is 100% right! As former coaches, we are used to not only leading a team, but guiding that team to a strategic victory. Each year you get different athletes and you are expected to make a team out of individuals. Not only that, but take those individuals’ strengths and weaknesses, pit them against another team filled with variables, analyze the situation, and come out on top. In real estate, each buyer is different, each seller is different, and each home is different. It is our job to analyze the situation and get the best solution for everyone involved.
Amanda Simpkins (13 years coaching, Coldwell Banker agent) points out that “Communication and customer service are critical to each and every transaction.” And Sarah Hallum (12 years coaching, JP Assoc agent) stated, “ Being a great communicator, being flexible, having strong people skills, being organized, self-motivated, dedicated, a risk taker, and a competitor… result in success.” All of these traits are exemplified as a coach. If you aren’t on top of your game when it comes to running your team, you’ll never be successful on the court. Once its game time, your coaching is merely a support role. Your job is done during practice and behind the scenes. Much like the role of a good agent communication, organization, and negotiation skills should be done with such elegance that your client feels safe and supported through the whole process.
“A coach appeals or challenges a referee’s bad call just as an agent may challenge an inspection or appraisal. A coach’s win happens while on the court or field and an agent’s win is at the closing table.” (Dustye Howard, 10 years coaching, Coldwell Banker agent) As a coach, we’re used to standing up for our athletes. I’ve had to literally get in between fans threatening my player with the full intention of taking a hit to protect them. Every coach I know has a love for their athletes that is likened to their own children. It is this protective nature that gives us the drive and motivation to fight for what is best for our clients. Now I’m not saying that I ever expect an inspector to hit me, but I’m certainly willing to “go coach” on someone!
After more than a decade as a coach and a lifetime as an athlete, I truly believe that the competitive nature, the strategy loving mind, the dedicated spirit, and the compassionate heart that it takes to find success on the court or field translates into the best real estate agent. If you are lucky enough to have a coach -> agent, you can rest assured you are on a good team with a leader willing to fight for you. They are looking for that win and you will be the champion!
