If there are any Modern Family fans out there, this post is for you! If you’ve never watched this show, the basic premise is a blend of stories about three different families who are all related in some way, and who find themselves in true to life situations that are accentuated with humor by each unique character. My favorite character is Phil who plays the role of father, husband, real estate agent and all around “cool-guy.”
Phil’s character recently hit a slump in his real estate career, which seemed to ring all too true with, not only with agents, but with many experiencing the difficulties of the current economy. A recent episode followed Phil through a day of cancelled showing appointments. He took on the role of “stay at home mom” as his wife, Claire, woke up feeling sick, yet he seemed out of sorts the entire day not being able to do what he loved- real estate. He made a few calls to clients leaving detailed messages about recent price reductions and gave somewhat desperate pleas for them to call him back to hear all about the great opportunities in today’s housing market.
At one point, his son Luke comes home from school and is curious as to why his dad is home in the middle of the day. He proceeds to ask his dad when he’s going to get a “real job.” Although the show portrays what many agents are facing today, there seems to be an overwhelming sense of optimism from Phil. He loves “the biz”, as he would call it and is constantly pushing forward no matter what the odds.
Here are a few quote-worthy quotes from Phil which give great insight into how he views his career as a real estate agent:
- “If you show enough houses, you learn all the tricks. Every realtor is just a ninja with a blazer. The average burglar breaks in and leaves clues all over the place, but not me. I’m completely clueless.”
- "I could sell a fur coat to an Eskimo." (Wow- what a salesman!)
- “I'm not saying J.J. is small, but in the real estate section he was described as 'charming’.”
- “Some people call me a salesman, I call myself a salesfriend, so obviously I need strangers to trust me. I don't take it kindly when someone Tom Sellecks my bus bench.”
“Claire likes to say ‘You can be part of the problem, or part of the solution.’ But I happen to believe you can be both.”
I especially like this last quote. And, while you don’t necessarily want to be part of the problem, Phil’s outlook on being able to do it all is endearing. He is consistently optimistic.
Although it seems the housing market is beginning to regain its foothold and is slowly picking itself up and brushing off the debris from past crumbled market; it may be challenging to remain hopeful on a daily basis. And even though it may be hard or there are days where you feel like you’re “faking” optimism; having that mindset is important. It’s an idea that the end result is going to be positive; that your business will improve (even though slow right now), and that the market will recover. If there’s not that sense of hope; the daily appointments and tasks will seem pointless and every part of your business will soon suffer.
So, I wanted to get feedback from the field and see how all of you are doing! As Real Estate Virtual Assistants, it’s important for us to get a realistic idea of where agents are coming from and what they’re dealing with. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how business is going and how you maintain a positive attitude!
I hope you can all find your inner “Phil!”
Allie Coyle
Marketing & Copywriting Coordinator
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