We had the good fortune of connecting with Lori Hankins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lori, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
It’s funny that you asked this question. When I made my vision board for 2020, my main focus was on developing a work/ life balance. I tend to focus on something, like my career with laser focus and can forget that I should also have a personal life. Now that my kids are grown and out of the house, it’s easy for me to focus entirely on work and neglect other things that need ny attention such as, projects at home, friendships, social life and rest. Back in November, my husband and I sold our home in town and purchased 4 acres in the country. I had forgotten how nice it was to live out on some land and have animals. Thanks to Covid-19, I’m having to learn how to spend more time at home than running non-stop. But it’s been great having extra time with my husband, the dogs, chickens, goats and my horse. I think it’s important to remember that you need to be accessible to your clients without sacrificing your own personal life. I encourage my clients to call, text or email 24 hours a day if they have a question. But I also make sure they understand that it might be the next day before they hear from me because I can’t work 24/7. That way they are able to send me their question, but don’t expect an immediate response if it’s after hours. After spending so much time neglecting my work/ life balance, I realized how exhausted I was and how much I needed to make time for a personal life and rest.
What should our readers know about your business?
I love my job! That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell! I started in real estate because it was something I was always interested in, but waited to do until my kids were out of the house. I have the utmost respect for moms who also work in real estate. There are a lot of nights and weekends showing houses and meeting clients, I wanted to wait until my kids were grown before I got licensed. I love working with first time homebuyers because they are so excited about the idea of owning their first home. It’s also a litte scary and stressful, so I like to help make it as easy on them as possible. There’s nothing like the feeling of handing someone the keys to their first home. I also love working with seniors who are downsizing and looking to simplify their lives. Real estate is not an easy business and not a get rich quick business like some people think. It’s a sales job, and just like any other sales job, you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone if you want to succeed. There were times when I thought I had chosen the wrong career, but I’m so glad I stuck it out because I love what I do. My main goal for any client, whether buying or selling a home, is to make it as smooth and stress-free an experience as possible. I love meeting new clients who become new friends!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Azle and love it there, so of course there would be some stops in Azle. I love our Central Park, so we would go there for a picnic and to use the walking trails. Cafe 10:31, Palio’s Pizza, Flames BBQ and On The Patio are just some of my favorite places we’d stop in for a bite! And of course, we would have to make a trip into Fort Worth for Cowtown, shopping, museums, etc. But overall, my favorite place to hang out would be at home around the firepit.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped me along the way, my parents, co-workers, mentors, etc. But my biggest supporter is my husband. I hear other agents talk about how their spouse doesn’t like them working evenings and weekends showing houses and meeting clients. But my husband has been nothing but supportive throughought my career. When I first started in real estate and had zero clients, he was the one who cheered me on and told me that any client would be lucky to have me as their agent. Even when I didn’t believe in myself, he believed in me.
Website: https://lorihankins.remax.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorihankinsrealtor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-noakes-hankins-336a0a103
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriAnnHankins
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorinoakeshankinsrealtor
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSaAURKFnex5hEZMhvfi0dg?view_as=subscriber