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Sensitivity training in real estate...should we move every two years?

I feel like I have to go through it every couple of years to really put myself back into that crazy emotional state of being a buyer or seller!

I have been both a buyer and a seller and own multiple pieces of property. I consider myself to be a reasonable person most of the time (although a bit of a control freak), but I turn into an absolute crazy woman when I am in escrow or have my own house on the market! I hate the uncertainty of not having control over EVERYTHING!!! The last time I moved and ended up homeless for about nine hours on Christmas Eve and the back to back closing I had scheduled for us went fairly smooth. This experience helped me to realize again how emotional this time can be for my clients and helped me to be more sensitive when it came to helping them.

Recently, I had a wonderful client who I really adored as a person test my sensitivity meter again. He was also a self admitted control freak like myself, but had limited information regarding real estate transactions on top of it. I was able to really understand what he was going through and helped give him information so he knew what was happening at every corner. I spoke with him or emailed him at least six times a day and he would also IM me with Google Talk on a regular basis. It was trying, but we both got through it and fortunately for me the transaction went smoothly.

I think as Realtors, we should really go through the process of moving once in a while to try to remember just how emotional this time is! Putting myself in my client's place really helps me be mindful when it gets tougher!

Courtney Cooper ....For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Associate Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County - Experienced and with a background in accounting - I love my clients and work hard for them!

Posted by Courtney Cooper, Owner/Broker, Realtor- Seattle WA & Seattle Suburbs Real Estate on 10/05/2007 08:28 PM

Comments (7)

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7 Comments on Sensitivity training in real estate...should we move every two years?

Courtney~ move every two years! you must be a glutton for punishment! I'm thinking every 10 years would be good. You are so right, we need to remind ourselves how stressful a move is.. I can easily recall how stressed out I was having our home on the market with 3 small kids. I try to be sensitive to the needs of people with kids or health issues. Thanks for a thoughtful post.

10/05/2007 09:45 PM

by Lisa Ryan~Selling Princeton,West Windsor and Montgomery Township New Jersey (Prudential NJ Properties)

Hi Courtney,

I just wanted to take a minute and welcome you to active rain, it's a great online community, Enjoy!

Leo Namiot

Benchmark Mortgage, Thomaston CT

10/05/2007 10:04 PM

by Connecticut FHA LOANS,CT VA Loans CT First Time Home Buyer:CT Home Loans (www.BenchmarkCT.com: CT Commercial Loans)

Courtney, congrats on joining the community. That is an interesting idea. Have fun in the RAIN!

10/06/2007 01:18 AM

by Omaha Real Estate -- David Matney, CRS,GRI (Alliance Real Estate)

Courtney, I don't know about the moving every two years thing, but you've touched on a very important concept. It's good to be reminded that buyers and sellers are under a considerable amount of stress during the process. Moving can be stressful, so is getting a loan, dealing with offers, selling one's own home and all the rest. It's truly an emotional roller coaster.

I don't know if agents receive enough "sensitivity training" in the education process. It's good to stop a minute now and then to take a look at the other side of things.

10/06/2007 06:33 AM

by Wayzata Lakes Realty: Eric Kodner Sells Luxury Homes

Hi you guys!

Thanks for all the kind words!

I should probably have noted that I was being sarcastic and taking it to an extreme. I was a lunatic when I moved three years ago and with three kids and two dogs I am staying put!

Eric has a nice idea, though, and really it is exactly what I am trying to say - putting ourselves back into that emotional roller coaster once in a while even if it is just a state of mind could be very helpful!

Thanks again for all the words of encouragement - this is a wonderful community!

Courtney

10/06/2007 08:52 AM

by Courtney Cooper, Owner/Broker, Realtor- Seattle WA & Seattle Suburbs Real Estate (Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services )

Wow, that is a very true thought. Those who are in the business but also consumers, have a much better perspective and it must hone your skills too. It makes a lot of sense what you are saying here. Lance

02/10/2008 04:59 AM

by Lance Winslow (The Car Wash Guy)

Hi Lance:) I can't tell if you are being sarcastic or not, but you gotta cut me some slack on a few of these - I was brand new to blogging - I don't think I KNEW how to do a picture yet:) If you are serious, then thank you - I never realized how crazy I woul dget when I sold and bought a house as an agent.

02/10/2008 11:00 AM

by Courtney Cooper, Owner/Broker, Realtor- Seattle WA & Seattle Suburbs Real Estate (Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services )