A guest post from a close friend of mine and real estate agent in Limassol.
Some people think being a real estate agent in Cyprus is easy. You simply take some photos from your phone, answer a few phone calls, go to some viewings, and then get the deposit and the client to sign on the dotted line.
Job done.
Oh and let’s not forget the benefits….the commissions.
All sounds so easy and appealing, right?
The truth is, everyone in real estate knows that this job can be tough – especially in this current climate. (In fact one has to be tough especially in Cyprus and its climate!) It can also be a huge burden, especially when people expect you to be constantly available. There’s no ‘clocking in’ or ‘clocking out’, and even though I do my best for each of my clients, there’s no guarantee that a potential deal will end in success.
A typical day involves making and receiving A LOT of phone calls, SMS messages, WhatsApp messages, Viber messages, Messenger messages and emails! But clients can get excited and I’ll often wake up to countless missed calls from throughout the night that continue throughout the day – and well into the night. Thank heavens for silent mode.
Some clients’ expectations are through the roof, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard and read people complaining that agents don’t answer their phones or reply to requests. There have been so many occasions where I’ve received numerous missed calls and messages from the same person; I try calling back and we keep missing each other countless times.
Day to day, even hour to hour (sometimes minute to minute!) my schedule is forever changing. Aside from the constant stream of phone calls, messages, voice notes, voicemails and emails, we also need to handle listings, attend viewings, take professional photos (from a professional camera!), process paperwork and visit various legal and administrative offices. Imagine having to call these offices too!! I could easily spend one hour or two trying to get through.
Sometimes I feel like my to-do list is never-ending and different things can crop up at the last minute, meaning I’ll often have to drop what I’m doing to deal with something more urgent. In fact, I’ve realised that if I answered every call and message the moment it comes through I will never get anything done at all!
There are also lots of sacrifices that come with this job, so striking a balance is crucial. And while I don’t always get it spot on, I do try my best and I always strive to go above and beyond, because I love this job and genuinely want what’s best for my clients, even when someone is being a pain in the ***.
Being a real estate agent can be stressful, but part of the fun – and the craziness – of the job is that it’s constantly changing, and there’s definitely never a dull moment.
I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world, even though I have had some experiences that I’d rather bury deep into the recesses of my mind…
So for those of you who still think our job is easy or would rather cut out the middle man, please remember that we put a lot of time, effort and energy into what we do. We are also experts at handling multiple requests, multiple schedules, multiple clients, and multiple responsibilities.
Through the ups and downs, I do what I do with knowledge, professionalism and a smile on my face, knowing that no matter how demanding it gets, there’s a solution to everything, which sometimes involves a glass of wine – and putting my phone on Silent!
HQ Content writer 