We Realtors® hear it all the time….Realtors don’t really do anything…what am I paying them for…I can do it myself. A Realtor pushes a few papers and wham-o earns thousands of dollars….just like that!
I cannot not express enough just how large of a misconception this is and we all know it! The picture of the file you see in this post…that...is one of mine. Now I’m certainly not saying that all of my files are this large because if they were…I would not only be losing my mind but most certainly would have a huge problem of a totally different kind!!
I have also found that when I am questioned as to what I do for a living I do not really care to simply say “I AM A REALTOR” for I often feel there is an automatic negativity attached to it and this is not truly all that I am. I most often feel more like a counselor, advisor, support system and Realtor® all wrapped up into one. Because let’s face it, in these extremely difficult times the vast majority of our clients are going through life changing, complicated periods and we often need to be a great source of strength and guidance for them.
Just last week….I spent over 2 hours on the phone trying to push forward on a short sale with a lender. It is astounding the number of channels and hoops I had to jump through to ultimately get to the correct person. Believe it or not….I began by going in thru their website (for the multiple urgent phone calls and faxes had proven ineffective). Was this easy?? No. Was this fun?? No. Was this frustrating?? Very, however I had success and was gratified to know I saved my client from experiencing this added stress and aggravation. This is just one small scenario of the type of work we do for them that they do not see or understand. I will tell you that during our next conversation my client was made aware of what had transpired, simply to keep them included and to help them comprehend this very difficult progression.
It is imperative to keep our clients updated during the entire process to enable them to truly see and appreciate just how hard how we work for them. So where did this mistaken belief come from??? Is it our own fault for letting this huge misconception become what many of our potential clients now see as a truth? The time to change this is now…so zip off that quick informative e-mail, leave the helpful voice mail, let them know that you are working for them, their best interest and that you really do care.
Do NOT list them and forget them!!
For I believe if they feel it and understand it the payoff on the other end will be life lasting… for you have just built a very powerful and enduring relationship.
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