My Philosophy of Real Estate
True Confessions of A Real Estate Broker
I have not always been a real estate agent. In fact, I have seriously questioned whether or not I wanted to associate myself with this profession. There is a whole Realtor sub-culture that I am very uncomfortable with. However, over time I have reached a few conclusions about the industry and real estate agents. This article represents a few of my conclusions and a summation of how I approach my real estate business and, more importantly, how I can help you.
What Am I Doing?
Like many brokers, real estate is a second career for me. Truth is, getting my license was a “Hail Mary” reaction to uncertain circumstances at the time. Frankly, I didn’t know what else to do. It was either this or sell insurance. In fact, soon after I got my real estate license, I had a moment of panic (actually, several moments). I thought to myself, “What am I doing? I don’t know anything about real estate. And I am NOT a pushy salesperson. Am I crazy?”
Nevertheless, I decided to give it all I had. I joined a brokerage, I spent a TON of money, and I immersed myself into the real estate business. “Go big or go home”, I chanted. I filled my schedule with meetings, constantly previewed homes, studied housing statistics, and drank coffee by the gallons with potential prospects. I learned everything I could.
After working many long hours, giving it 110%, pouring my blood, sweat, and tears into this… I quit. If I recall correctly, I quit 3 times!. “This is ridiculous”, I thought. “It is SO expensive, I have no clients, and I feel like a square peg around these other Realtors.” Only one problem though: I had no alternative! I HAD to move forward.
I’m really glad I did.
Gaining Perspective
I soon realized what made me so uncomfortable with this business: I wasn’t like most of the other agents I knew. Random cold calling is not my style and going door to door terrifies me. Actually, it went deeper than that. I was very uncomfortable with the idea that others perceived me as a “sales guy”. In my mind that meant being pushy, manipulative, and not taking “no” for an answer.
Fortunately, over time my perspective began to change. It happened as I started talking to people about their home buying and selling experiences. I was struck by how much misinformation people had about the real estate process. I met people who made really bad decisions about their home - on their own. And others who were talked into them by self-serving Realtors.
I also met people who really loved their home – and their agent. They were proud homeowners and their Realtor made it a great experience.
That’s when the lights went on!
Every day there are countless people who are buying and selling homes. Many of them do not need or want any help. Others, however, are looking for someone they can trust to help them through a challenging process.
I told myself, “Now, THAT I can do. That’s who I am.”
In my mind, I do very little selling. Instead, I do more educating. I teach people how to buy homes the right way and position themselves well when it’s time to sell later. I show them safe solutions for financing, so they don’t get stuck with a nightmare mortgage. I clarify legalese and industry jargon by simplifying the process and make it understandable. I protect them from predatory lenders and self-serving brokers. I am more concerned about building trusting relationships than “closing the sale”.
Who Wants Help?
Buying and selling real estate is different in today’s high-tech, info-savvy world. With the proliferation of internet-based home data, just about anyone with enough time and motivation can get the information they need to buy and sell on their own. What I have found is that most people either don’t have the time or the motivation to go at it alone. Moreover, they sincerely want help from a professional in the industry for their own protection. What they don’t want is someone with an agenda of anything other than helping.
That’s my mission: to find people who want the help and expertise I can offer. I have been involved with hundreds of real estate transactions and I have something to offer. Not everyone wants help, though. I am totally ok with that.
It is important to me that my work has meaning. From my work I derive some sense of satisfaction, knowing I’ve helped someone. Fortunately, I have resolved in my heart the legitimacy of my profession. I recognize the value my work provides. And I have identified the audience whom I can serve well.
I enjoy what I do.
Here is where I shine:
1. People who may be nervous or unfamiliar with the real estate process. I love providing sound education and assistance.
2. People relocating to a new town and want help getting oriented. I can help them get the “lay of the land” and the pulse of local real estate market.
3. Buyers who want to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous brokers, predatory lenders, and dishonest sellers.
4. Home owners who may have the skill to sell their house on their own but not the motivation or time. Many would rather outsource it to a professional. The convenience is worth the money.
The common denominator is that all of these groups have a need that I can help fill. Helping others is what my life is all about.
My Philosophy In a Nutshell
I have put together a few statements of my real estate philosophy, so you will know where I am coming from. I suspect I will add/edit these over time, but here is where I am at right now:
1. I believe many people can benefit in some way through the assistance of a professional agent. I’m in the trenches every day. I know the facts. I refuse to get my information from the media.
2. I do not believe that EVERYONE should work with a real estate agent. There are countless homeowners who can get along just fine without me. I’m OK with that. I don’t take it personal.
3. I fear being perceived as a salesman. I will never be pushy, manipulative, or dishonest.
4. I believe in putting my client’s needs ahead of my own. Everyone wins.
5. I do my best work when I am helping educate my clients in some regard.
6. I believe in earning a good living. I will never disparage financial success.
7. I believe in balancing work and home life. Consequently, my cellphone does not stay on 24 hours a day. Sorry. (actually, I’m not)
8. If I serve my clients well, it comes around full circle to bless me. Satisfied clients eagerly refer me to their friends, family, and co-workers.
Regards,
