Drivers Training and Real Estate Licensees - The Gift of a Fresh Perspective
This weekend I took my daughter out "driving" quite a few times. We went for the driver's permit on Friday and I wanted her to get plenty of time in. In all, I think she logged about 75 miles.
I was watching her drive and navigate and adjust to traffic and conditions and I couldn't help but juxtapose it to myself when I was starting out in real estate not so many years ago...
Let's see if I can make my point clear to you:
- 1. She knows she's out of her depth. The written test has little to do with actual driving ability. You just know the rules and laws.
- 1. I knew that just because I had passed the test, I didn't know a THING about actually selling or helping a client buy a property.
- 2. She is willing to listen to any and all advice on how to drive correctly, avoid accidents, and learn from the mistakes of others.
- 2. I was willing to go to classes, seminars, meetings, ANYTHING to learn through others how to carry out my new duties as a REALTOR.
- 3. She is very over cautious. Lacks confidence, brakes too soon, turns too soon or too late, etc. In short, she doesn't yet know where her car is on the road.
- 3. My broker told us as new agents - "Sell what you know." "Get yourself an experienced partner, or a mentor." I think back to my first open house. I was terrified someone would ask me something I didn't know, so I'd memorize the MLS sheet. Then they'd ask something like, "What is the difference between forced air gas and a heat pump?" And so I obeyed the SECOND thing our broker told us - "If you don't know, don't pretend you do, or lie about it. Instead, let the prospect know you're happy to get that information for them..."
So, now to step forward in time. Let's illustrate a 19 year old "worldly" driver, and a career real estate agent - in extreme generalities. Again, I caution - this is all in FUN.
- 1. "Worldly" will habitually speed, and tailgate. Ride someone's bumper to "push" them over to the slow lane.
- 1. "Career" agents have seen it all, know all the answers, and barely need listen to their clients because they already know what's best.
- 2. "Worldly" is immortal and can take any number of chances when driving because accidents, etc. only happen to "other" people.
- 2. "Career" doesn't need to take specialty classes or earn designations and certificates. Experience is the "school of hard knocks" and "Career" has been there, done that.
- 3. "Worldly" says, "Caution? Nahhhh, yellow means speed up!"
- 3. "Career" says, "Let me tell you what I think..."
Ok, so I'm exaggerating - maybe a LOT - but the more I thought about it, the more I felt compelled to write a little post about the "gift" of a fresh perspective, and looking at things through new eyes -- like a beginning driver.
- How many of us take extra classes, not just for your continuing education credit, but because you want to learn something new?
- Do you consider yourself a "short-sale and foreclosure expert"? Or do you tell clients you'd be happy to look into their situation and see if there's a way you can help?
- Would your clients say you are a good listener?
What would you add to the list? What situations have you found yourself in as agents? What have you gotten comfortable with after years of the same activity? Where would a "two hands on the wheel, eyes darting everywhere" outlook most help you?
Where would the The Gift of a Fresh Perspective help you?
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