My Philosophy of Real Estate

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 and I didn’t know what else to do! Shortly after I got my real estate license, I had a moment of panic. In a cold sweat I thought to myself, “What am I doing? I don’t know anything about real estate. I don’t know anyone who would want me as their agent. And I am NOT a salesperson. Am I crazy?”

I decided to give it all I had. I joined a brokerage, spent a TON of money, and immersed myself into the real estate business – I was going to be a mogul. I went to office meetings, home showings, studied MLS statistics, bought gallons of coffee with new prospects, and learned all I could about real estate. Those months proved critical.

Sure enough, after working many long hours and giving it 110%… I quit. “This is ridiculous”, I thought. “It is SO expensive, I've got no business, and I feel like a square peg.” My problem, however, was that 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 didn’t want to be like the other agents and, frankly, I didn’t think I was really helping anyone. Actually, it went deeper than that. I was uncomfortable with the idea of being a “sales guy”. In my mind that meant being pushy, manipulative, and not taking “no” for an answer.

Fortunately, my perspective changed as I started talking to people. I asked some people I knew 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 were persuaded into making really bad decisions. I also met people who really loved their home – and their agent. And the lights went on! There are masses of people who are buying and selling homes every day. Many of them do not need or want any help. Others, however, are looking for someone they can trust to help them through a very confusing process.

Now, THAT I can do.

In my mind, I do very little selling. Instead, I do more educating. I teach people how to buy homes the right way, so they don’t lose their shirt when they try to sell it later. I show them safe solutions for financing, so they don't get stuck with a nightmare mortgage. I clarify legalese and industry jargon. I simplify 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 Can I 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. Therein lies the need – most people I have met either don’t have the time or the motivation to go at it alone. They want help from a professional in the industry.

It is important to me that my work has meaning and from it that I derive some sense of satisfaction. There is nobody more miserable than an employee who hates their job and despises going to work every day. 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 and predatory lenders.

4. Home owners who may have the skill to sell their house on their own but not the motivation. 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.

8. I am dependent on my satisfied clients referring me to their friends, family, and co-workers. I am shy about asking, though.

Kindest Regards,
Jeff Wimpy - Colorado Home Realty and Colorado Home Mortgage