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Real Estate Lessons from a Neighborhood Dog

A black lab ran up to me while I was working in my yard this morning. This is odd for multitude of reasons. Due to leash laws, neighborhood covenants, and general caring for the well-being of pets, this is the first dog I've seen running free. Additionally, I would normally be at work. I was only there because I wanted to mow / weed eat before it rained for the next few days.

As I think back on the 15 minutes it took to get her home, my mind turned towards real estate (can't help it). Surprisingly there were several parallels and good lessons to consider.

During our initial meeting, we were each a little cautious. I took control, let her sniff my hand and checked her tags to determine where she belonged. Grasping her collar, I called her by name and we started towards her house.

Lesson 1: Buyers and Sellers are often unsure how to proceed. You are the expert. You know how to solve their problems. Don't be timid.

Since she seemed to be following be willingly, I let go of her collar. She walked along side for a moment and then bolted into someone else's backyard. It took a few minutes, but I finally tracked her down.

Lesson 2: It takes time to build loyalty and trust especially when distractions abound. Keep clients close.

We were four houses away when the skies opened up. I learned a lot about her in the next few moments. Clearly she was an inside dog as she did not like being wet. In fact, she seemed afraid of the rain. Two houses from safety, she froze under a tree and refused to go forward. I told her about her home, that we were almost to the door and that things were going to be ok. Nothing. After coaxing, calling, encouraging, etc, I finally simply pulled hard enough to get her moving again.

Lesson 3: Fear often prevents clients from acting in their own best interests. Educate then to help overcome their fears. Be firm when necessary.

We finally made it to the door where a very relieved owner greeted us and confirmed the dog's fears. I declined a ride back as I couldn't possibly get any wetter. Just as I returned the rain stopped. Taking advantage of the opportunity I finished running the weedeater. As the garage door was closing, I heard thunder and the skies reopened.

Lesson 4: Take what you will from this part, but as far as I'm concerned, good deeds do get noticed.

**Photo licensed from emery_way via Creative Commons.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes

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Posted by Erik Hitzelberger, --Louisville-Bullitt County Real Estate on 08/20/2009 12:22 PM

Comments (17)

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Originally posted at: Louisville & Bullitt County Real Estate : Real Estate Lessons from a Neighborhood Dog

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17 Comments on Real Estate Lessons from a Neighborhood Dog

AUG

Erik- I really enjoyed reading this. You made great points in a very creative way.

Thanks Pam. That was the goal, so your comment was very refreshing.

I think that's an excellent way to put it my friend. The poor dog obviously just wanted to make a friend and then needed a little help. As long as we are patient with our clients and help them along the way, we can usually get them home as well.

JL - Patience is both virtue and a necessity. Buying or selling a home is a BIG deal to almost everyone. It's easy to want to jump right in and get the process started. But, clients often need a little encouragement, education and reassurance.

AUG

Excellent comparison. I noticed from twitter that you wrote this post, but had not been able to read it until now. I was interested in it, so I book marked it for later. Very nice my friend.

AUG

Hi Erik, This is a great analogy. You are right, sometimes our buyers just need some guidance and coaching.

Erik - Search through ActiveRain and you can find tons of analogies about pets/animals and real estate. Perhaps it's something we should all think about more often. It's obvious that there's something to it.

That is a really fantastic comparison to our buyers. Going to print this out so that I can share it with my fellow agents.

Thanks!

John - Congratulations! You have just become the first person to bookmark me on Twitter. While it may seem to be a dubious honor, you should certainly reward yourself with a nice cold beverage.

Jen - I have been working with several first time home buyers lately. Getting past the Fear Stage is always the biggest challenge. Coaching is definitely key.

Matt - I believe this is my first animal-related analogy, but pets are certainly a common thread in the fabric of human experience. My guess is the shared background probably relates on a consumer-level as well.

Jim - Thanks. Hope your fellow agents enjoy it as well.

Erik,

What a well-written post! Exceptional.

Mike in Tucson

Mike - Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.

As a dog lover, this really resonates with me. I can feel my dog Sundance looking at me saying 'That's what I've been trying to tell you all these years!'

Erik - I am always trying to be the first / cutting edge guy... so... Im honored to be the first person to bookmark your tweet. With a cold one in my hand, I raise my glass and say 'cheers' to you.