Change is Good, If You Are With the Right People

Helping people with the buying and selling Real Estate is so much more than I ever thought it would be, they said in school that we were going to be a part of people's major life decisions and that it is very stressful. I find it completely fascinating! Typically you are working with clients that are embarking on a new chapter in their life. Empty nest, job change, new babies---typically stressful times in their life, couple that with one of the biggest investments they will ever make and things can get a little crazy.

Job transfers moved my family several times when I was a child and when I was old enough to call the shots, I could never seem to land too long. I like to think of myself as a professional of change. Some people hate it, some never do it, I thrive on it. Not in a bad way, but I find myself constantly growing, changing, moving forward. I think this is one of the reasons that I love Real Estate so much. Instead of uprooting myself every couple years, I can finally just live vicariously through my clients. With all the moving I have done, I am one with it! I know to expect the unexpected and how to stay a step ahead of the trauma . Surrounding yourself with people who have done it several times over and know how to stay ahead of the game will allow you to focus on the details that are important to you.

My ultimate goal while working in this profession is to know that each step of the way, I was there for my client. This entails watching over their every need, showing them professionalism, confidence, respect and a true heart to back it all up. Most of us have made at least one move, so we can relate to the madness it can bring to the surface, couple that with one of the biggest financial investments a person can make and you have a recipe for volatility. When choosing an agent for your big move, make a conscious effort to get to know them, listen to your gut, question them. Interview them as if you are hiring a mastermind for your company. The agent is working for YOU, don't forget that.

Will the "Real" Real Estate Agent Please Stand Up?

I just finished reading an article about an agent that went into an open house to preview a home for a client and said that she felt judged by the person heading up the open house. That he looked her up and down in judgment that she was not dressed appropriately enough... All I can say about that is... how sad that some agents feel that insecure! I believe that there is a wind of change blowing through this Real Estate Agent world, which is a long time coming. I believe that people will choose agents who are professional, knowledgeable, and very importantly make them feel safe and respected.

When the market boomed and agents thrived, it brought out some negative qualities. The agents tried to one-up each other via the car they drove, what they wore, how they gallivanted about. A fancy watch or car does not symbolize that you are an agent that cares, an agent that is in the industry for the people. In fact, I believe that it has perpetuated the thought that "agents are ripping off the consumer", the "I'd better do a FSBO, or negotiate my commissions-- so Joe Agent doesn't laugh all the way to the bank with my hard earned money." The consumer does not see how hard we work for them or the money we invest personally. When they see a big fat ride or shiny jewelry, it is only fair of them to see that the commission they pay you is leading you to the high life---an untouchable life for some of them.

It is our duty to bring the typical citizens' vision of the Real Estate agent back to earth. It is not about you and your sweet face on the calendar that they are supposed to hang on their fridge---YUCK! It is all about the client, negotiating a good deal for them, being readily available, educating them, keeping them abreast on each step of this stressful process.

Match your clothes to your clients, if you are working with someone with a lot of money to spend, break out the suits and fancy watches or Dockers and a button up shirt for the average homeowner. That is a small step you can make to change the way people view us agents. Let's put the "real" back in Real Estate agent.