Okay, I have to confess I sat down to rant a little(okay, a whole bunch) about the “issues” I had this week. It was tough with many obstacles, all seemingly caused by the agent on the other side of the transaction.
While that might have made me feel better for a moment it would not have been very memorable or helpful. So I pulled myself back a little and asked, “what could I contribute to the discussion that might actually advance things a little?”
That lead me to consider the source of my problems. After some reflection I decided that it was indeed those dreaded “Other people” who are the culprits. Actually, life would be a little better if everyone would just do what I told him or her to do. And if they did it exactly when I wanted them to do it that would be even better. That warm pleasant sensation last a few glorious moments but then I needed to get back to reality.
Realizing that the other people who are causing me all this grief are swimming in the same pond as I am got me started. After all, the water is full of those recalcitrant buyers and sellers. Mean banks with way too many rules. Of course we can’t forget the dirty, rotten appraisers (who just don’t recognize a good deal when they see it!) and short sales that are taking forever to approve. So I began to work on my compassion. Perhaps those agents were having just as bad of a day (or week) as I was.
As I contemplated developing some empathy for “other people” (like the agent who I have asked 7 times now to return the signed disclosures) my eyes settled on a notepad on my desk. On the note pad was an agents name and number I had promised to call back about the offer status on one of my listings. I had not done it! I looked at the clock and luckily it was before 5pm. I grabbed the phone and made the call. Whew! that was a close one. Technically, I did it. I called in the same 8-hour day I had made the promise in.
This got me to thinking. I try hard to be a good agent. People tell me they like to work with me. The brokers’ office tells me I turn in some of their cleanest files. I seem to have the respect of many in my area. However, I can improve. And there is room for improvement. Following up quicker, turning the paperwork around faster, paying more attention to the details. Making the time to do it right …not talking about how busy I am all the time. These are areas where I could improve.
If I can take this step then by my example and contribution other agents will return those documents, lock my listings up properly, be truthful about their buyers intention to walk on a 5 month short sale process, tell the truth about their buyers financing and return my calls when I tell them I have a buyer who wants to offer on their listing. (okay, so that was a little ranting.... I just had to sneak in)
If we all reach high to be our best selves not only can we offer professionalism and support to one another we can be the agent we all want to work with.
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