I have been having some very interesting conversations lately about what Realtor's are.
Are we salespeople? I mean don't our clients want us to SELL THEIR HOUSE? Isn't that why they hired us? Yet so many shy away from aggressive salespeople, and rightly so. If your sole motivation is your next commission, perhaps you are walking over people to get it. Not the kind of description I want anywhere near my name. And yet people want someone assertive ...far different than aggressive. I mean doesn't the squeaky wheel get the grease? You can't be a masmsy pamsy Eor (the donkey on Pooh Bear) if you want to move properties.
More importantly, we must be both truly service/servant oriented and be assertive. I want the best for my sellers and buyers. Sometimes that means telling someone this may NOT the right time for you to buy or sell. I advised people this way this past year, when I truthfully could have talked them into selling.
People thinking of selling and buying real estate are often under other kinds of stress. I certainly do not " tell" people what to do, ever. But taking on a trusted adviser role, and reminding them of the BIG PICTURE is far more important to me than making a commission off someone who is under stress and vulnerable.
I want to sleep well at night, and build relationships with my friends, family and customers that are above reproach. Along the way I want people to know that I truly had their best interest in mind (service) AND I was also a proactive, cutting edge Realtor (sales).
It is a balance I choose to maintain. Excellent, ethical service delivered with caution and empathy, and being a hard nosed negotiator when need be.
No pushy tactics here. I want people to smile when they see me coming, not going!
BethAnn Long ~ Spokane Realtor
Coldwell Banker Tomlinson South Inc.
...there's no place like your home!
