I don't do anything you don't do either. So I would have to agree with all you have said. Good points though I know some would disagree.

Thanks for commenting, Ashley.  I'm sure I'll get objections, but my list was put together in good humor, not to belittle anyone else's practices.

Very funny..I flagged it for feature. But so true.

Good pointers.....hate quite a few of the ideas you mentioned that some realtors think are part of doing business...I find them tacky and see you do as well!     ps--- Do you have any family in PA???

I like what you don't do  - I don't do those things either but not for the same reasons--I just don't do those things.  I think being a good realtor is a lot like being a good anything---if you are good at what you do, it shows --- kinda like the old saying my good friend used to say --- "Money is like sex---if you have it, you don't have to talk about it - it just shows".

I believe if you are a good realtor, it just shows.

I had to laugh at 'this is a kitchen' -- if any adult doesn't know 'this is a kitchen' somebody is in trouble.  Heehee - even my 4 yr. old grandaughter recognized a kitchen by the time she could walk and talk.

 By the way, I have been a successful licensed realtor in the Western NY area south of Buffalo since 1975 and I like the wisdom you imparted.  I think you will successfully be in this profession for a long long time.

Hmmm, I like this post and had to really think about it. OK, so here is my take, I'll give this a try:

I DO wear a name tag. I think there are more benefits than negatives. I think it helps people remember your name and can be a great conversation starter. Nothing like being your own walking billboard.

I DO have magnets for my car. Just another way to advertise, but I must admit, I have not had them on my car for several months...what does that say? I am not sure. ;)

I DO use balloons on Open House signs. It draws attention to the signs where someone might miss seeing them without the balloons.

Everything else, I am somewhat with you on with a few exceptions to the rules. Very thought provoking, will be fun to read what everyone else does and thinks.

I DO have magnets on my car, but I, too, do not introduce the kitchen to my buyers. I DO wear red - always, and a name tag when taking out buyers.

Very cute post.

Thanks for your comments, Teri.  Different strokes for different folks.  And you certainly wear red better than I do, so by all means, keep it up!

Thanks for your thoughts, Wendy.  As for the balloons drawing attention to open house signs, though, why not streamers attached to the balloons.  In case someone misses the balloons attached to the sign, they'll see the streamers attached to the balloon.

  :)  Just having some fun with you.

Neal:  Thanks!

Michelle:  I do have some distant family in PA, though none that I am aware of with my last name.

Beverly:  I love hearing from agents that have been around long enough to see it all in this nutty profession.  Thanks for your comments! 

Great post! 

1.  I do have my name and number on my SUV windows, no magnets. 
2. I  do wear a nametag, starts the conversation, do you know so-n-so from your office?!! or does so-n-so still work there?!
3. I do attend broker's opens, especially if it's an agent's from my office, then if I get a floor call on that home I can really tell the person what it is like!
4. I do give a free home staging consult.  This is rarely used in my area at this time so it sets me apart.
5. I do farm my little neighborhood, have gotten 1 client and just sold his house in 3 days so hopefully this will get me more!

I do agree with everything else...its about respecting yourself and others!

Thanks, Maria.  You're the smart one for farming your neighborhood, and I'm the dumb one for not doing so.  I'm just not comfortable with it.  Most of my neighbors know what I do, I just don't like to shove it in their faces.

I think car magnets are tacky... but if someone else wants to do it... all the power to them. 

12 out of 13 isn't bad. I do wear a name tag, a lot. I did try magnets, I work in a retirement area of slowpokes, I don't really want them to know who passed them while they were speeding along at 17mph in a 30. I never did the other things.

Paul:

You'tr killing me.  When I sold my primary residence in 2000 I happened to be home once when a realtor showed my house.  I nearly fell out of my chair when she declared the prospect, "And this is the kitchen".   I thought it was just me but evidently this strikes a nerve with you too.

Good post!

Hey if you use balloons and juggled, you might get more business.  Afterall, they say real estate is a three ring circus.

Paul, GOOD IDEA, why didn't I think of that. lol

Amen to all that you say!!! I am dead set against magnets, I maybe tad agressive on the road dont need someone to know me for that reason. Plus I have been know to call people who drive like idiots and advertise their number on their car.

 However I have been known to go a brokers or builders events for a free lunch.

That was funny! I agree with most, others I change my mind on every few years. Used to wear a name badge, then I thought it was cheesy, now, I kinda like the idea again, because I've noticed that people in the general public feel comfortable approaching you and asking real estate related questions when you are and that doesn't mean I recommend trying to sell someone a home in AJ's, but it does mean I agree with you in the sense that we (title, lenders, inspectors, etc) are a team, and if someone has a question "real estate" related for me, I want to be able to be a resource. This has led me to be able to not only get referrals for myself, but allowed me to refer others in my networking team of lenders, title companies, etc and I know they have appreciated that. Just my thought! But, I totally get where your coming from and why you would feel that way!

I LOVE this blog - possibly my favorite ever!!! I think it's because it describes my business model. Great post!

Okay this was good for a laugh - I don't do most those things other but don't know if I could have explained why with such flair. :-)

Sounds like we would get along very well. Too bad you are in AZ

This really made me laugh

Paul,

I'm with you, too.  I don't disagree with those who do the things you mentioned (except maybe "this is the kitchen")...it's just that to me, it seems many of these things just don't fit with my personality...If a person wears their name tag everywhere - good for them.  it's not me, though and I feel uncomfortable wearing it every waking moment. 

great post...

Heather - My driving habits might secretly be to blame for my loathing of car magnets as well.

Joe - Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

Cyndee - Glad it gave you a chuckle!

Tom - Where in TX are you.  I'm a TCU Horned Frog.

Brian - You nailed it.  To each their own.  I still get to make fun, though ;)

Paul,

 How dare you demean the very tools of our profession?  I always put balloons on my open house signs!  It creats a festive atmosphere and draws attention.  I also like to dress up like a clown and jump on a trampoline next to the sign.  That really makes me stand out!  And I always wear my name tag.  What is really neat is that on the other side it says "Welcome to Dennys, How can I help you?" (for my other job).  And what is wrong with my magnetic sign on the side of my Pinto?  I say, show it and be proud.

Your mentor

Bill:  That's hilarious!  The agent actually pointed out the kitchen, I love it!  Tempts me to offer the following gems on my next showing, "This is a door, it can be opened and closed," or "See the roof on top of the house?" 

Adam, Jim and Rochelle,

Didn't mean to leave you out.  Thanks for stopping by and commenting!  I think the thing that gets me about the magnets and nametags is that it just seems like a tacky ploy for attention.  If I were a prospective buyer/seller, I just couldn't see myself utilizing the services of an agent that has name & number on clothing, car, pets, neighborhood children, etc.  Too Salesmanship 101-ish.  Kind of like not going to the back page of the Yellow Pages or the side of a bus to find a lawyer.  I, personally, would have more confidence in the agent that does not have to resort to sparklers and megaphones to secure business.  That's just me, though.  I understand the thinking of those who emlpoy such methods, I just can't bring myself to join them.

good post paul.

My favorite:

I dont wrap my car to look like at city bus.

Paul,

You should start a franchise called "Do-Not Realty."  I believe that you would have the same kind of agent growth as RE/MAX, as many of us RE/MAX agents would probably join you.  It's refreshing to see that others out there don't do everything that they told you in new agent training.

I tried the nametag for a while, but felt ridiculous wearing it.  I am by no means a sexist, but I really feel that women have a much easier time pulling off the nametag look than men do.  For the men out there wearing it, you're a better man than me.

I never wore a suit, but sometimes wear a tie, although a lot less than I used to.

I don't farm my neighborhood, or anyone else's for that matter.  I prefer to go where the business is rather than focusing on a specific area where I can be the number 1 agent along with the 10 other number 1 agents that farm that same neighborhood.

The one thing that I don't get about you is not telling people that "this is the kitchen."  How else are they ever going to figure out where the kitchen is?  Do you think that the average buyer is trained to look for the kitchen-finding clues that they taught us in real estate school? The refrigerator, dishwasher and stove may be obvious clues to our trained eyes, but buyers have no clue.  I think that you need to stop mocking this practice and add it back into your showings.  Trust me, it will lead to a lot more closings!

I also do not introduce myself at parties as "Paul Slaybaugh, Realtor."  It's not even my name, so it would make less sense than if you did it.

I stopped putting balloons on my signs a long time ago, mostly because I have thick fingers and cannot tie a balloon knot to save my life.  They also seem to only work on perfectly still days.  When there is wind, they end up just blowing behind one side of the sign anyway.

One of the reasons that I left one of the more "corporate" companies to join RE/MAX was that I was tired of being around people that checked the menu to determine which houses they were going to go and see.  Many of these people never closed a transaction, but they "worked" really hard at eating as much free food as possible.  It never occurred to them to close a deal so that they can afford their own bagels and pastries.

Thank you for the great post, and the great laughs.

Matt:  Darn, I wish I had phrased it that way.  Great comment.

Adam:  You and I would get along quite well, I surmise.  Hilarious comments.  You should cut and paste for your own blog.  Thanks for starting my day with a few laughs!

This post has made my day and has given me a few things to think about!  I'm with you on every point except I do wear a name tag.  I was recently considering balloons on the open house signs -- but now balloons with streamers seem like an even better idea!  I can't juggle at all so that is not an option and it's too darn hot in Arizona for a clown suit!  Paul, thanks for the humor and especially the WISDOM behind the humor.  We all need alot more that!

You've got that right, Joyce.  A clown suit would have to come outfitted with breathable mesh in this heat!  Now maybe a dunking tank ...

Paul, we are actually quite similar.  I frown at other Realtors who do many of these things.  They just seem silly and unprofessional...

I am not a REALTOR, yet! But, I am not excited about the idea "farming" my neighborhood. Here's why. I don't like the idea of encouraging people to move out of my neighborhood. When I get ready to sell my home I need as many occupied houses as possible in the neighborhood. Otherwise, I think the market value might suffer.

I say this with the thought of being a buyer agent in mind. So, I guess if I found move-up buyers in my neighborhood I could work just as hard to find buyers for the homes they are leaving behind. Even with this in mind it just seems weird..."Hi, neighbor! Nice to meet you. I think you should move." :-)

As for the name tag, I thought wearing it might be a good conversation starter. While I am not generally one to initiate a conversation I can keep it going for a while if someone starts talking to me.

Good stuff.  I love it.  I don't do any of those things either.  Don't hold anything against anyone who does but I feel the same way you all do.  Great post and great responses!!

Thanks commenting, Kaushik.  Reading many of your posts, I believe we operate in similar fashion as well.  I look forward to the opportunity of a cross sale one of these days.

Toni, best of luck in launching your career! 

Billy, it's always great to talk to agents who share similar ideals.  Just read your blog on personal responsibility, and was blown away by the character within your words.  I added you as an associate on the spot.  Thanks for your comments.

Paul, you are really missing out on a lot of business by refusing to have a pie-eating contest. You would not believe how much of my business comes from pie eating contests.

In fact, here are my biggest lead generation strategies in order of importance:

• Pie-eating contests - 67%
• Kickboxing - 28%
• Helium balloons - 14%
• Speedos - 8%
• Referrals from past clients - 3%

Yes, you did the math right. I always give 120% to my loan business.

Great post, my friend.

How about kickboxing helium balloons being held by clients while eating pie in a speedo?  Not sure how many houses this will sell, but it's got YouTube written all over it!

I'm liking this idea of the Speedo! I could do this! Add the right pair of heels and I would be so busy I'd need to hire an assistant!!

Paul... your priorities are in the right place. My idea of professionalism negates the above practices as well (except the Speedo, of course). 

I am so in agreement with ya. I don't do any of those things either. I did wear my name tag years ago. Many people out and about would ask me questions and say the typical "we are thinking of moving". But I never made a sale from a name tag. I agree about the balloons. I have had balloons and no balloons. Same amount of people stopped.

Speedo and heels, Jennifer?  Heading to the Safari?

I knew you wouldn't stoop to the items on my list to attract business.  You think too deeply to go for the shallow marketing.

Thanks for the support, Michelle.  Funny thing is that I never even experimented with any of the items on my list.  Frankly, it wouldn't matter to me if I did attract additional attention with a nametag or car magnet.  That's not the kind of attention I want.  I liken it to an attorney.  Do I want to be the guy on the side of the bus (you know, the "experienced, aggressive attorney"), or the professional who you find through recommendation?  Easy choice for me.

Paul-Super great list you have here.  

I also make it a point to never carry a clipboard.  "I'm helping houses sell themselves" not checking the gas meter or power meter.

I do not wear a suit and tie. I don't want to be mistaken for a man trying to sell something :)

There were a lot of others I don't do. One of the things I have to commend you on, and that is considering your lender and title apart of your team, rather than somebody who is working for you.  I completely believe and live by that mentality.  We are a team together.   

I like that, Julie - Not checking the gas meter! 

Paul.....good list.  I don't do most of the same things, and I get quite a bit of calls.  Bucking conventional training indeed will set you apart, but many are afraid to try to just be themselves......

One I will add is- I don't do scripts!  To me this is fake....let the conversation flow, and the interactions take shape as they will.  Active Listening will overcome what a script is "supposed" to do.

I do turn my cell off........

Kathy, you are a brave soul to turn off that cell phone!  I'll put it in silent mode when necessary, but I just can't bring myself to kill the power.  I like to be able to cast a surreptitious glance at it every now and again to make sure no one is urgently trying to reach me.

I like the bit about not working from a script as well.  Anyone who knows me well would laugh at the notion of me using one as well.  I like things to be conversational.  Hard to built trust or confidence when working from a cue card.  It doesn't help demonstrate your ability either.

Thanks for commenting and adding to my list!

Paul:

Adam told me to come check your post out. (Thank both of you for making me laugh until I almost cried.)

Your post...

It was sad Paul...so very sad. You are confused about many things and I hope to help correct your way of thinking....


I do wear a nametag.  In case I ever get lost while knocking on expired listings doors' that are 6 counties over...they will know where to return me.

I do carry a clipboard.  Its where I hold ALL the brochures that I "borrow" out of other agents boxes in front of the house.  That metal clip can hold 250 of them.  I've counted them!

I do have pictures of my pets on my business cards.  People love my pet bull Wellington.  I think it symbolizes exactly what I am full of...

I do farm my own neighborhood.  We grow all our own food down here in the South.  Nothing to be ashamed of if I move my neighbors survey stakes over a bit or fifty.  I'll move them back after the harvest.

I do inform buyers, "This is the kitchen!" when showing a house.  People love and appreciate that I am really Captain Obvious.  I'm a real super hero with super powers.  Don't hate on me just because you don't have super hero powers too.  You can still be a sidekick if you straighten up your ways.

I do sell insurance and loans.  I also landscape and clean gutters.  I want people to know that I am a Jessica of all trades and master of....well, Paul, I do it for a really good price.  It's called packaging, Paul.  Packaging. 

I do refer clients to my buddies.  Esp. if they are single and on the prowl.  If I play my cards right...I can have them married and knocked up in no time.  9 months later they will need to upsize, Paul.  Can you say, "New Listing"?  I thought you could.  Then I can introduce one of them to another client....Divorce time!  Time to put that sucker back on the market!  CHAH-CHING!!!!!

I do turn my cell phone off.  Well, maybe the cell phone company turns it off for me, for not paying my bill.  People know they can find me at the office if they need me.  Everybody knows that the really good agents are always at the office any way!

I do introduce myself at parties as "Paul Slaybaugh, Realtor."  I have found that this tactic along with a few good drinks, confuses clients just enough to get them in the car as I drive them around to look at 40 houses without setting the first appointment.  Don't worry.  I also say that I am other agents too when buyers and sellers call in to the office. 

I do sell houses.  Occasional...every so often.  Once in a blue moon.  Haleys comment makes a cycle. If I keep telling myself that....I will believe it.  I do sell houses.  I do sell houses.  I do sell houses.  I think I Just saw Tinkerbell.

I do treat lenders, title officers, stagers or contractors as if they work for me.  They do.  If they haven't figured that the world revolves around me...it's time they got taught.  Also, I find it a real shame that I have to go in and tell them how to do their jobs...maybe I should branch out in to some of these things too.  Afterall, one stop shopping is where it is at.  Name Tags & One Stop Shopping.  Just like Wal-mart.  Just think, you could be Paul-Mart if you tried very, very hard.  Just one favor, please don't have Seniors try and tackle me for not having instant feedback ready for you upon exiting the home.

I do put balloons on my open house signs. Or, at least I would if I actually had any listings of my own.  Until that day, I will just sit around the office and answer the phone off other peoples hard work and tell the caller that I am actually the person that they are asking for, and I can help them.

I do drop a famous client's name around the office.  But only after Elvis has left the building.  He hates when people ask him to pose for a photo.

I do attend tour groups for the scones and coffee.  Do you have any idea how many scones will fit in my pocket book to save for later?  I haven't quite figured out the coffee pot yet.  I'm working on it.  Give me time.

I do advertise sales, incentives or gimmicks for the use of my services.  I also write "To get your home sold quickly call..." on every public restroom that I frequent.  All those scones and free coffee really make me have to go....why not be proactive?

And I do have a magnet on my car.  Its attached to a little box thingy underneath my bumper.  Its where I hide all the keys from the lockboxes that I swipe so that my competitors can't show the home...the home that my customers may be possibly interested in.  If I am ever found out...I can deny it rather easily and say it was planted there by another agent at my office.

Paul, you have your standards...I have mine.  Yours obviously just don't measure up. 

Agents like you need to really consider other career options.  Some of us are trying to leach here...

OH MY GOD.  Instant classic.  We need to shut Active Rain down for 10 minutes while everyone savors this truly magnificent rebuttal.  On behalf of all things good and righteous in this world, Jessica, I thank you.  Just remember to have the right side of that reversible nametag displayed while showing property.  It would be embarassing to display the "Burger King team leader" side from the day job! 

Jessica Horton:  Redefining the art of the comment since 2007.

You need to put this slogan on your business card. 

Now that Jessica has totally hijacked this we may as well shut down!  This was the most entertaining series ever!!

I agree, Josette.  We need to figure out a way to get Jessica more points for that effort.  Maybe cut and paste the whole freaking thing, and make it a new post.  It is one of the greatest singular achievements to come about during my time here.

Holy smokes, she beat me to the punch!

Wow....what a fun pissing match!!! Woooo Hoooooo!

Hey, but when you piss in the wind.....along comes Jessica as the splatter! eeeeewwwww.......

Paul:  THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO MY HIJACKING.  I will comment once the crisis is over. 

Bill:  ALYMRYB. 

Paul,
Great post.  Agreed, mostly!  I do like to go for the free lunches and snacks.  It helps to get to know other agents in the area.  As far as Jessica's comment...I have seen folks copy and paste into a new blog post...word for word!  Her comment may be worthy of that!

Paul, I can't believe that I never commented on your original post even though I have fond memories of reading it a long, long time ago!  Not much to add at this point, but love the interplay between your post and Jessica's.  And yes, it is a defining moment on Active Rain.

Paul,

I hadn't seen this one until I read Jessica's parody of it. Good stuff. I have to start introducing myself as Paul Slaybaugh though. I doubt anyone will care, right?

I'll take the splatter, Bill.  This old post was long dead and buried until Jessica decided to breathe new life into it.  My head is still spinning from this hilarious turn of events.

Jessica:  We have your comment/post surrounded.  Let the women and children go.  They have nothing to do with this.  Come out now and we'll give you a slice of pizza.  If we have to come in to get you, we're bringing tear gas, billy clubs and Bob Sagat. 

David and Kristin:  I go for the tours as well.  I just try to get something more out of them than the aforementioned scones and coffee.  Thanks for following this fun little diversion.  As for Jessica, I'm sure you've found her spin-off by now.  It's good and all, but "I'm Happy Days" to her "Joanie Loves Chachi." ;)

No worries, Brian.  Thanks for commenting now.  What a pleasant surprise to see this post front and center again.  Methinks Jessica's lampooning was even better than the original, despite my reference in the comment above.

Andrew, don't sell me short.  Of course people will care when you start introducing yourself as Paul Slaybaugh!  You do that and people start packing, my friend!  Thank you for joining the madness.

Paul:

NOT THE BOB SAGAT!  I GIVE! I GIVE! PLEASE HAVE MERCY!  LIFE IN PRISON....A LIFE TIME OF RESPONDING TO COMMENTS ASKING HOW TO GET A FEATURED POST!!!!  JUST NOT THE BOB!!!!!

PLEASE GOD NO!  MAKE IT STOP!!!!!!! 

Paul, I found this post because of Jessica's parody.
I wonder if you would have written it if you only knew what it would lead to.

I haven't "sold" houses in about 25 years (OK, maybe a few) but I will probably get back into it this coming year. I think you are wrong about "one-stop shopping" as it will probably be the real estate model of the future and if you don't participate you will be left behind. I wrote a post on this called "Will you serve Happy Meals" and I would appreciate getting your take on it. It's an older post so I'm not trying to promote my blog, just interested in your reaction.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed reading how real estate is done in Scottsdale.

Just know that Mr. Sagat is at my disposal, Jessica.  I've got him on speed dial.

I'll give it a read, Bill.  I don't think my mind will change on the subject, but I'm willing to read other perspectives.  I would agree with the premise that we will see more agents start to package a variety of services in the coming years, but I'm a "do one job well" kind of guy.  I could sell loans and insurance, even morph into the title industry, but each one is a full-time job in my opinion.  The time I would be spending on the other activities would be better served on growing my business as a Realtor.  How far can you spread yourself before things start to fall between the cracks?  Rather than being a decent hybrid agent, I'd prefer to be the best Real Estate agent.  I appreciate everyone else's perspective, however, and will be sure to run down that post.  Thanks, Bill.

I think my name tag is in a box in the garage, and we do not have car stickers either.

I think being your self and projecting a professional caring approach to a client is the most important thing that you can do.

Anne

Bingo, Anne.  Usually, the look-at-me attitude is only necessary for someone you would rather not look at.  Thanks for your comment.

Okay, so I missed this the first time around and found it through Jessica...but this (and her rebuttal) made my entire week! Thanks!

I think I wrote this like 3 months ago, so I'm glad it was dusted off to give you a laugh, Kelly.  Jessica's counter argument was timeless.

Bob Sagat is a vicious threat.  I will drive down to GA to protect you Jessica, if only to see if he really is real, and not something someone made up as a cruel joke to the entertainment industry.

Paul- Well, Adam told me you were funny and that was no lie! I am just sorry it took me so long to subscribe to your blog! This is so funny, I am cracking up! 

But on the serious side: the things you listed make it look like the agent is the sales person who is going to do whatever it takes just to sell a house, much of it appears as desperation and those agents are the ones who accept lower commissions and get talked down in all their fees.

We dress the part. There are circles in our neck of the woods where it is expected that Nestor wear the french cuffs and the fancy ties, etc. This is more in our commercial ventures with billionaire land developers that expect that when you have lunch at the Breakers with them you dress as they are dressed! But that has more to do with human relations than with Real estate.

The name tag thing is cheezy and does not show self confidence.

The magnet thing might be OK for the agents selling 40k to 80k houses, in our market you would look like you are begging for business and that is just not kosher here.

The acting like your stager etc work for you is stupid business, it opens you up for implied responsibility, I hear Law suit written all over that one!

We do turn our cell phones off during church, after 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m on weekends. That is a method of showing ourselves and the world that we have a life that is to be respected. We only choose to work with people who can work within our schedule and when I set down my boundaries I have never lost a client over that but more important gained great respect.

The one other thing though that we do around our office, ( our office is in our home and it is me and Nestor and our assistants and that is it), is we drop names! :) We do use our famous clients names in our internet marketing! it works great on google!

We do drop the famous names around other famous names... gets us the listing in this who knows who Equestrian  circles here in Wellington. My best friend is married to a VERY famous star's dad, she hates real estate, she always tells me she is not going to list another house, then someone begs her to just because of her name! Some people!

This should be a feature, too bad the stars are gone!

Jessica- Very funny comeback! Katerina 

Oh, he's real, Joslyn.  I assure you of that.  There are the beasts that live only in our minds: the minotaur, loch ness monster, bigfoot.  Then there are the real, documented terrors of this world: fire, earthquakes, hurricanes, pestilence and Bob Sagat. 

Thank you for that well thought out comment, Katerina.  I appreciate the kind words.  I can certainly find no fault in dressing for the crowd.  In fact, this is the one part of my list which might label me as less professional.  The climate here is obviously very warm, so the suit and tie attire tends to look forced.  I like to be comfortable, and I want my clients to feel comfortable.  This is just a day-to-day general rule.  If I am making a listing presentation to a head of industry who is accustomed to the dress code of the corporate world, you can bet that I will take that into consideration when selecting my attire.  I can also respect agents needing to separate their personal lives from their professional lives.  There are times when I simply cannot or will not answer my phone, but I never turn it off.  It's either on vibrate or silent.  I like to be able to check it just to make sure that someone hasn't called 20 times, desperate to reach me.  I still can't bring myself to name drop around the office.  I find most famous names to expect the utmost privacy.  Scottsdale has become LA East to a certain extent, with many celebrities owning homes here.  Many like the additional privacy and lack of attention that the area affords them.  I always try to bear that in mind.

Thank you so much for your comments and for joining the ranks of my subscribers, Katerina!

Paul, I am so glad that Adam pointed to this post within Hot Topics.  It is SO how I practice.  I knew your writing hit something familiar in me. (Should I be scared?!)  Now, I am off to read Jessica's counterpoint and I am fastening my seatbelt.

I do not sell insurance or loans.  One stop shopping and Real Estate do not mix.

I do not treat lenders, title officers, stagers or contractors as if they work for me.  We're all a team, with the client as captain.

Paul,

It's great to hear an agent that understands this. Just wish you worked in the Charlotte, NC