While a day in the life of a REALTOR® can be hectic and challenging, fulfillment is found in the heart of the business – guiding clients with compassion and expertise.
We visited with three Realtors who are each on their own path.
The Day Starts Early So Rise and Shine
Jeremy Rynders is co-owner of Lifetime Realty Group at Keller Williams Milwaukee Southwest and co-founder of two Keller Williams offices representing more than 160 agents. Rynders is also a family man.
“I am up by 6:30 a.m. to help get the kids ready for school and then I’m in the office by 8 a.m.,” says Rynders.
That’s when Rynders digs into his own homework for the day.
“I review emails, statistics, new listings and properties under contract. I prepare contracts for listings or closings coming up. I also schedule meetings with the agents in our office. Things come at you quickly in this business so it’s important to start the day strong.”
Sarah Cole owns Landmark Realty LLC on Milwaukee’s southwest side. She is a solopreneur, running every aspect of her business. She also has seven children, ages 11 to 23.
“I am up by 6:30 a.m. to get the kids started and by 7:20 I am into my emails or pulling up an MLS hotsheet for homes.” Each day is different according to client needs and her children’s schedules. Cole has created a system so she can give both work and family her focused attention. “It really starts first thing in the morning with a plan for the day.”
Linda Schulteis co-owns Allied Realty Group, LLC in Washington County with her son Joe. During her 42 years as a real estate agent, she has seen it all. Over the years, she has also raised four children and has four grandchildren. “It’s wonderful spending time with them.”
Schulteis starts her day between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. “I check emails and voicemail for any clients who contacted me after 10:30 the night before. I feel it is important to get back to them right away.” By the time Schulteis gets into the office, her day is in full swing.
A Day in the Life of Jeremy Rynders
Rynders considers himself a business owner first.
“Because I have a large realty company, I spend several hours a day in meetings with our team of agents. We keep each other accountable and collaborate on solutions for our clients.”
That’s especially helpful in recent years with a sellers’ market and bidding wars. “An agent may be looking for a home in a particular neighborhood or working on an offer. It helps to talk things through with other Realtors.”
The rest of the day Rynders turns his attention to his own clients. “I could be meeting with a home seller, contractor, appraiser or anyone else involved in the home sale process. There really is no substitute for being there.”
As a business owner, Rynders has been able to establish a unique work/life balance. “I only represent home sellers, leveraging the buying side with other agents on our team.” That way, Rynders can focus on his clients during the week and have more time on the weekends with his family.
A Day in the Life of Sarah Cole
Cole has time management down to an art. “People ask me how I make it work with a career in real estate and seven kids. I tell them that I am an expert in triage: I know what items are critical and I make them a priority.”
During her workday, Cole prospects for clients, creates listings, goes on showings, works on active bids and closes deals. Oftentimes, her hours extend into the evening and weekends.
“I have written offers on the ball field. My child needs to be there early and I have my computer with me. I do what it takes to get the job done.”
Cole also holds key roles with the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS (GMAR) and the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association. “It’s important to keep learning. That way, I can really explain every aspect of the experience to my clients.”
A Day in the Life of Linda Schulteis
Family support plays a major role in Schulteis’ career. For more than four decades, she has taken appointments during the day, evenings and on weekends. “My home life is often second on the list unless something special is happening,” Schulteis says. “But my family has always been supportive and understanding.”
Through the years, Schulteis has seen a lot of change. “It is so much easier to find listings these days,” she says. “Because of that, speed has become even more important. You’ll miss out if you don’t find the right listing and jump on it.” That said, much of her time during the past year has been spent listing and showing homes. Otherwise, she is in the office guiding her team of eight Realtors, working on leads and connecting with clients. “The one thing that will never change is getting to know my clients. Many of them become my friends.”
The Heart Of Every Realtor’s Day
Behind every successful Realtor is a devotion to people.
Rynders says, “If you are determined and disciplined, you can have an amazing career that pays off for you and your clients.”
Relationships keep Cole going. “I have a special place in my heart for the elderly. If I can reduce the stress of selling their family home, that means a lot to me.”
“Real estate is a people business,” Schulteis says. “That’s what I love about it and that’s why my son became a Realtor. Both he and I want to help people.”
The Importance of Working with a Knowledgeable REALTOR
When selling a home, a knowledgeable Realtor paves the way for a smoother, more lucrative experience. A trusted Realtor is well versed on updated laws, regulations and current trends in the real estate industry and can anticipate sellers’ and buyers’ questions before they come up.
In addition, there is a difference between an agent and a Realtor. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, is committed to a Code of Ethics and has the expertise to find the right home for everyone. Look for the “R” to determine if your agent is a Realtor.
The Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS is a 5,000-member strong professional organization dedicated to providing information, services and products to help Realtors help their clients buy and sell real estate. Visit gmar.com for more information.