If “Time is money,” as quoted by Benjamin Franklin, then what are we doing? Why do we continue to perform those tasks that are better suited for others to tackle for us?
I was thinking about this very thing the other day while waiting to have my car washed. Of course, I can wash my own car, but why don’t I? It doesn’t take any special knowledge. No one goes to school to specialize in car washing. There is nothing inherently difficult about it. Then why not do it myself and save the $20? The answer is simple, at least for me. It’s time. It would be time spent doing something I do not particularly enjoy while at the same time, it frees me up to do the things I do enjoy, like operating my business.
Unfortunately, this same willingness to delegate out other undesirable tasks in our lives doesn’t always work the same way as having our cars washed by others, and for a good reason. I typically find that for me, I like things done a particular way, and it can be challenging to find someone that “can do it as well as I can.” I also typically see that as long as I do my homework and locate the right professional, whether it’s a roofer, mechanic, or financial professional, that they, in fact, do it faster, better, and sometimes cheaper than I can do it myself.
I hear the same type of thing from real estate investors all the time when asked why they don’t hire a property manager: “I can’t find one I like,” “The one I did hire did a horrible job,” “My manager never answers my calls,” on-and-on. Now I will admit there are some horrific property managers. But I will also tell you there are some great ones (hint, hint, it’s me lol).
By the way, I have not had one investor tell me they love dealing with rentals. After all, they can be a significant time suck. From listings, screenings, applications, showings, move-ins/outs, maintenance, rehabs, domestic issues, government ordinances, evictions, and the list goes on. It’s no wonder many folks choose not to tackle it themselves. So I ask you, what are you doing? Better yet, what aren’t you doing? Get your life back. Do the things you love. Pick up a hobby. Take the dog for a walk. Build a fort. Go to the football game. Take a family vacation. Work on your business and let others work in your business.
If you are feeling like most business owners, that you never have enough time, give us a call and let’s talk about how we can give you back that most precious of commodities. After all, as Shirley Conran wrote, “life is too short to stuff a mushroom.”
Real Property Management Three Bridges is a local, veteran-owned, and operated business serving the counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, Lincoln, Jefferson, and the City of St. Louis. www.rpmthreebridges.com PH: 636-542-8852
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
