I can't remember the details of the episode, but I'm often reminded of the title and point of an old Twilight Zone episode titled, "How to Serve Humans". In the story, the main character believes that aliens refer to the manual, "How to Serve Humans" to learn how to be of better service to humans. Later, he understands that the manual is actually a recipe book and he is about to be cooked - literally.

In real estate, we often find ourselves with a similar misconception. While we all believe that our purpose is to be of service to our clients, our industry and our families ... too often, agents and other real estate service providers are just trying to figure out how to cook a deal and sell a house.

Today, I'm sitting another open house for a rental property. We held it open last weekend. I arrived early to place advertisements on cars at the local shopping center to drive traffic to the open house. We advertise it daily and created a website to promote the listing. By the way - if you know anyone in the market for a terrific, upgraded home in Corona, please send them to www.7576WalnutGrove.info  ... as of this post we have not found the right tenant for our client.

Here's the point. While our commission will be less than $300, we are giving it as much as much attention as our $1.9 million listing. Why? Because this is a good client who was originally referred to us by another good client. We helped them find this investment property and offered to help them find a tenant. It's really that simple. Our job of serving our client is not over.

At the same time, our team still must reach our goals, focus our attention and support our families. And this means we must sell houses. The key is to balance service with sales. While the idealists among us will argue they are the same, the honest understand the difference.

Nancy Moeller, CPA, Real Estate Broker

Seven Gables Real Estate

Direct (714) 276-7006

Nancy@TheOCExperts.com

www.TheOCExperts.com for Orange County Real Estate

www.OCBankDeals.com for Orange County Foreclosures

www.ZeroShort.com for options available to avoid foreclosure