Sometimes we think of representation only as it involves the contract we have as a buyer's or seller's agent...what we are required to do...what marketing plan we promised...what things we negotiate for the buyer...that is such a tip of the iceberg sort of view in many ways....at least to my way of thinking.
Beyond that...we represent lots of other "classifications" organizations....parts of society...ethnic groups...races, ...religions...sexes...whether we like it, admit it, want it or acknowledge it....our representation is very complex.
Most obvious is sex....after my first listing appointment, the elderly woman told me that really "only men should sell real estate." Well...golly gee whiz...that's a different perspective...one I had not considered. Whether you are a man, woman, heterosexual or homosexual...you can't change that...wellll...I guess there is surgery...but for the most part...let's say, you can't change it easily...you got the parts you came with...
Like it or not, that defines you in some ways to some people....Whether or not it is fair, equal, just...doesn't matter...it just is what someone people do...it isn't a neuter world after all.
You are...someone's child, sibling, spouse, roommate...neice, nephew, cousin, adoptee...foster..step...and there is some association...it may be "guilt" by association...were you the younger sibling who the teacher's "already knew" because your brother this and your sister that...you know the drill...
In real estate...you may be the agent that was recommended....the lender the family used...or the one that Suzy didn't like...that "made her buy the house" or the lender that "over charged" (forget the credit rating and down payment details) Never quite understood how agents or lenders forcced anyone to act against their will...
You may belong to organizations, churches, political parties, participate in charitable activities...be involved in sports...the parents group...with or without partners....based upon common interests and beliefs. Who you choose to tell what and how much...on a social network about what you believe...philosophies you endorse, how you voted...are up to you...to choose to reveal and know that like or not..
.people will assign personality traits, likes and dislikes without having met you because you "showed them" this part of your own profile.
As a agent for this company, a title representative for that one...an attorney who practices with....A loan officer ...whether you are independent, a franchise, a local...a full service...a broker...what you say and do reflects on that entity....Have you made a decision without all the facts that will forever the way that person views the profession...views your company ?Know that the image is not true only from the outside with clients and customers...but from the inside as well. Years ago...an agent literally did "steal" a buyer from a pager message which she was "watching" my business...it forever colored how I felt about her and the manager of that office who wanted to reward her generously for stealing.
In the end....people will judge...right or wrong...with all the facts or without them...in a blink or ponder for a while.....and the impressions it leaves...may well rule how you are viewed....or how you view that person, organization....etc., etc.....This blog may not change your life...probably not...if it gets you to think about what influenced a choice....an opinion...a relationship....then it has done it's job...and I mine.
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