When was the last time you were at a Town or City Hall meeting.

As Real Estate Professionals, we deal with local and State government authorities all the time.  Rural agents even more so.   Every town, county, and township have their own rules based off a broader State wide set of rules.

To work with These entities efficiently, we need to get their trust.  We need to let them know we understand that they have a tough job also.  Yelling and screaming at them because we don't get our way, does NOT help.

So, how do you go about earning the trust and respect of these officials?  Get to know them on a business level.  If you have a question, go and see them.  Introduce yourself and make that face to face connection.  Don't be one of those voices that are just in the distance.

At least once a month,  and many times even more often, I will go to these meetings.  Not just because there is an issue brewing, but just because there usually not all that many people there.  The officials are easy to approach as they are in a setting that they need to be for a while.  I try to get there early and stay late.

I go right after NEWLY elected officials are seated and introduce myself.  I get to know them and let them know I am interested in what is happening in my area.  This approach works for the average citizen also.  Get to know the people who you vote for.  Find out during the year if they are doing what they promised.

I have gained the trust of many officials in many different governing bodies that they are comfortable asking me what I think as a non-elected official about a wide range of things.  Getting to know these neighbors does have many advantages...

A quicker response to a general question.
A bit more leeway on some grey issues.
A heads up call on a new issue that will effect my clients.
A heads up on a potential land use issue. (I new client perhaps)
A tip of some one looking to buy or sell.
Being able to call them at home and get an answer instead of waiting for the next meeting.

These are just a few of the benefits of knowing your elected officials.  You will also appear very competent to new clients when they ask you a question and you can answer it quickly.

Make a new friend...Introduce yourself to a local official !!!