In the real estate industry, many agents fall into the trap of being "on-demand"—always available, constantly working, and sacrificing their personal lives to meet client needs. While this may seem like the path to success, it often leads to burnout and feeling stuck in a reactive cycle. The truth is, only when you become "in-demand" can you take control of your schedule, charge premium fees, and gain the freedom to choose when, where, and with whom you work. And as we all know: choice equals freedom.
Let’s explore why shifting from on-demand to in-demand is the key to unlocking a career—and life—of purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment.
The Problem with Being On-Demand
Being on-demand means you’re always available at a moment’s notice. While this might seem like good customer service, it comes at a high cost:
No Control Over Your Schedule: You’re constantly reacting to client requests, leaving little time for yourself or your loved ones.
Lower Perceived Value: When you’re always available, clients may see you as replaceable rather than indispensable.
Burnout: The lack of boundaries leads to exhaustion, frustration, and diminished passion for your work.
For example, an on-demand agent might drop everything to show a property at 8 PM or answer emails during family dinner. While this level of availability might win short-term praise, it’s not sustainable—and it doesn’t command premium value.
The Benefits of Being In-Demand
When you shift to being in-demand, everything changes. You’re no longer chasing clients or working around the clock—you’re running your business on your terms. Here’s what happens when you make this shift:
Control Over Your Schedule: As an in-demand agent, you set boundaries around your time. You decide when you work and when you rest. This allows you to prioritize what matters most—whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply recharging.
Premium Fees: Clients are willing to pay more for professionals who deliver exceptional value and expertise. By positioning yourself as an in-demand agent, you can charge premium fees that reflect the quality of your service.
Freedom of Choice:
When You Work: You choose your working hours based on what aligns with your ideal lifestyle.
Where You Work: Whether it’s from home, an office, or while traveling, being in-demand gives you location flexibility.
With Whom You Work: You’re no longer forced to take on every client who comes your way. Instead, you can focus on working with clients who align with your values and goals.
Increased Respect from Clients: When clients see that your time is valuable (and not endlessly available), they respect your expertise more. This creates stronger relationships built on trust and mutual appreciation.
True Freedom: Freedom isn’t just about financial success—it’s about having the power to design a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with your vision.
Real-World Examples: On-Demand vs. In-Demand
Let’s look at examples outside of real estate that illustrate the difference between being on-demand and in-demand:
Photography Services:
On-Demand: A budget photographer who offers same-day bookings at low rates but delivers average results.
In-Demand: A wedding photographer with a stellar reputation who books months in advance and charges premium fees because they create unforgettable memories for their clients.
Fitness Trainers:
On-Demand: A trainer available at any time for basic workouts but lacks specialization or personal attention.
In-Demand: A trainer who specializes in transformative results (e.g., post-pregnancy fitness) and only works with select clients willing to commit to their program.
Restaurants:
On-Demand: A fast-food chain where meals are cheap and instantly available but lack quality or uniqueness.
In-Demand: A Michelin-starred restaurant where customers wait months for a reservation because they value the exclusive experience.
How to Become an In-Demand Agent
Define Your Value Proposition: What sets you apart from other agents? Is it your market expertise? Your negotiation skills? Your ability to create seamless experiences for clients? Highlight these strengths in your branding and communication.
Set Boundaries Around Your Time: Communicate clear working hours with clients and stick to them. Use tools like scheduling apps or automated responses to manage expectations without sacrificing service quality.
Focus on Delivering Premium Value: Go beyond transactional relationships by educating clients about the market, offering personalized advice, and creating memorable experiences throughout the buying or selling process.
Build a Strong Reputation: Word-of-mouth referrals are gold for in-demand agents. Deliver exceptional results consistently so clients rave about your services—and recommend you to others.
Be Selective About Your Clients: Not every client is a good fit for your business model or values—and that’s okay! Focus on working with clients who respect your expertise and align with your vision.
Why Choice Equals Freedom
When you’re in demand, you gain something priceless: choice.
You choose how to structure your day so that work supports—not consumes—your life.
You choose which opportunities align with your goals instead of saying yes out of necessity.
You choose which clients energize you rather than drain you.
This freedom allows you to design a career that feels meaningful and sustainable while enjoying the flexibility that drew many of us into real estate in the first place.
Conclusion
The shift from being "on-demand" to "in-demand" isn’t just about earning more—it’s about living more intentionally. It’s about reclaiming control over your time, charging what you’re worth, and building a business that aligns with the life you want to live.
So ask yourself: Are you ready to stop running on someone else’s schedule and start creating one of your own? The journey starts by defining your value, setting boundaries, and focusing on delivering exceptional results that make clients seek YOU out—not the other way around.
Call-to-Action
Ready to take control of your career? Start by downloading our free Vision Blueprint Worksheet to craft a vision for the life you aspire to live!
And don’t forget to listen to Episode 1 of the MORE with Mike Podcast for more tips on becoming an in-demand agent who works smarter—not harder!
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