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What's a valet? my customer asked.

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach

What's a valet? my customer asked. I got one of those, "I guess this might be a stupid question to ask, but..."What's a valet?" 

This question was precipitated by an email that I sent to a couple looking for a condo on the beach here in south east Florida. It was one of the great amenities included in a condo building where I found them a great deal in their price range. NOTE TO SELF:  NEVER ASSUME. This could be because of a language barrier or just because they were young and never experience a situation where there was a valet to greet you at the front door.

While "VALET" is traditionally described by Webster's Dictionary as: 1. a personal manservant who takes care of a man's clothes, helps him dress, etc., 2. an employee, as of a hotel, who cleans or presses clothes, etc.

That definition [in my opinion] needs updated.  In some of the finer condominiums that we sell in SE Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area's. we have valet service.  The valet service encompasses many job titles for these fine people.  From parking your car, to delivering groceries, to helping you with luggage - just to name a few.

Typically, these people work for a minimal salary and depend a lot on "tips" (gratuity).

Do you always assume your customer knows what you are talking about?  I used to...don't anymore? And you?

Karen Monsour, 954-464-4194

Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL.

(Copyright© 2010 Karen L. Monsour, All Rights Reserved.)

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Best regards,

Karen Monsour, REALTOR®

Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach
4757 N. Ocean Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
954-464-4194 cell
954-969-9974 fax
www.KarenSellsFloridaWaterfront.com
A recent recipient of Realtor.com®'s "Award of Excellence" for online marketing.

Multi-million dollar producer.


Comments (8)

James Harner
Considering Selling Your Home? Call 610-310-7646 first - Royersford, PA
James Harner Group - Philadelphia PA Real Estate

That's indeed a very nice way to define what a "valet" is...thanks for this tip!

Happy 2011!

Dec 31, 2010 02:00 PM
Karen Monsour
Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

James,

Thank you.  Sometimes we assume. I think that it is important to realize that not everyone understands the work they do for us. Have a great New Year!

Dec 31, 2010 02:03 PM
P.J. Virgilio Jr., Realtor 408-568-6578 Selling homes in the Greater San Jose area and South through San Martin, Gilroy
Keller Williams Realty Silicon Valley - Gilroy, CA
San Juan Bautista and Hollister as well!

Karen,

Great post and I'm in agreement with you on not making any assumtions of people.... it can be embarassing at times.

A very Happy New Year to you and yours!

Dec 31, 2010 02:09 PM
Karen Monsour
Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

Patrick,

Thank you so much for the compliment.  You are so right, it can be embarrassing.

Happy New Year to you as well.

Dec 31, 2010 02:40 PM
Karen Monsour
Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

Fred,

If you read the post, I was talking about (as I said) at a condo. But, thank's for your comment.

 

Dec 31, 2010 03:19 PM
Karen Monsour
Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

I guess Fred removed his comment..just FYI.

Jan 01, 2011 08:04 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Karen --- you know what happens when we a-s-s-u-m-e.  This is great advice because so many in our field use agent-speak, escrow-speak or lender-speak.  We use it on a daily basis.  Our clients do not.   I try not to assume and use open ended questions to ensure clients feel comfortable with each step of the process.   I tell them it can be complicated and new so asking questions is a good thing and is strongly encouraged.  Plus, don't we grow as professionals by answering those questions and learning new and effective ways of communicating?  I think so.

Jan 01, 2011 04:53 PM
Karen Monsour
Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

We speak what we know as agents.  Sometimes the buyers don't understand our language...or have other definitions of what we speak!

Jan 01, 2011 05:16 PM