Embracing Discomfort: Thriving in the Unpredictable World of Real Estate

Photo of author Olga Bridges

Olga Bridges of Success Properties shares six tips for embracing discomfort she's learned by helping 250 families buy and sell real estate in South Carolina. This article originally appeared in the March issue of Upstate Real Producers.

In the fast-paced world of real estate, success often hinges on one's ability to adapt and thrive in uncomfortable situations. Navigating the unpredictable nature of this industry requires a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone and embrace new challenges head-on. In this article, we'll explore the importance of getting comfortable with discomfort in the realm of real estate and how it can lead to long-term success. Well, at least 5 successful years in real estate. I want to share the experience that I got since I started my real estate career in 2019 helping over 250 families to buy and sell real estate in South Carolina.

1. Embracing Market Fluctuations:

Real estate markets are known for their volatility, with prices and demand levels constantly shifting. Rather than shying away from these fluctuations, successful real estate professionals learn to anticipate and adapt to them. This may involve exploring emerging markets, diversifying investments, or honing negotiation skills to capitalize on opportunities.

2. Networking and Relationship Building:

Building a robust network is crucial in the real estate industry. This involves meeting a diverse range of individuals, from potential clients to fellow professionals and industry experts. Engaging in networking events, conferences, and online forums can be uncomfortable at first, but it's an essential step toward expanding one's reach and gaining valuable insights. Reliable professionals will become the main source for you if you build the network right. Looking back at my first six months in the business, I know that the wrong people on my team led to zero sales. That drastically changed once I built my team of lenders, and attorneys and found a broker who was very helpful sharing years of experience that he had.

3. Negotiating with Confidence:

Negotiation is a fundamental skill in real estate. It requires assertiveness, clear communication, and the ability to navigate challenging conversations. Getting comfortable with the discomfort of negotiations means understanding that not every deal will be straightforward, and sometimes compromises are necessary for mutual benefit. Negotiating used to be my least favorite part of a deal for me. Now I get excited once the negotiations start. The two main goals I have in mind while diving into the negotiations is getting the best conditions for my client (money & time) and the second is establishing a quick report with the listing/selling agent. Another agent involved in the transaction must become a team member for a successful closing.

4. Embracing Rejection and Failure:

Rejection and failure are inevitable in any competitive industry, and real estate is no exception. Whether it's a rejected offer, a lost listing, or a deal that falls through, these experiences can be tough to handle. However, viewing them as learning opportunities and using them to refine strategies is a hallmark of a successful real estate professional. Real estate is an emotional rollercoaster: your client may sign the contract and you will be happy to have him under contract after you showed forty homes but everything may change the following day when your client calls and says: ‘ I am so sorry, I just had a bad dream and I no longer want to purchase the home…” Take a second to think over what can be done differently next time, and move on to the next task that you have that day. This business is not easy but it gets easier once you learn from your mistakes.

5. Adapting to Technological Advancements:

The real estate industry is rapidly evolving with the advent of new technologies. Embracing digital platforms, virtual tours, and data analytics may initially feel uncomfortable for those accustomed to traditional methods. However, staying up-to-date with technological advancements is crucial for remaining competitive in today's market.

6. Continuous Learning and Professional Development:

Stagnation is the enemy of progress in the real estate industry. Getting comfortable with the discomfort of stepping out of one's comfort zone is essential for pursuing continuous learning and professional development. This may involve attending workshops, enrolling in courses, or seeking mentorship from seasoned professionals. Public speaking was one of the major areas of discomfort for me as well as meeting new people at the networking events. Overcoming the fear of public speaking had a huge impact on the number of clients I have. The YouTube channel where I am educating my clients on buying and selling real estate is bringing the majority of my clients. There is still a lot to learn but learning is unavoidable if you choose to be successful in business.

In the dynamic world of real estate, success often lies just beyond the boundaries of comfort. Embracing discomfort means being open to change, learning from challenges, and seizing opportunities even in the face of uncertainty. By adopting this mindset, real estate professionals can not only weather the storms of the industry but also thrive and achieve long-lasting success. So, step out of your comfort zone, and watch your real estate ventures soar to new heights. And always remember, success is never owned, it is rented and rent is due every single day!

Learn more about Upstate Real Producers and the preferred partners like Olga Bridges by visiting the publication's webpage.