Are You a People Pleaser?

Are you a people pleaser?

I am (often to my own dismay.) I have always disliked confrontation and often pretty up my words in order not to offend people. I have been described as "politically correct" and "a diplomat" for most of my life.

This is why I love being a Realtor! It has freed me from my inability to be blunt and truthful (I have discovered my financial well being may well depend upon my honesty.) No more mincing of words. In order to successfully run this business I have learned some valuable business lessons which have translated into life lessons.

Number # 1 - Be honest with your clients. If the home is overpriced, if the bid is too low speak up. The clients trust you because of your knowledge and experience. This does'nt necessarily mean they will follow your advice but I sleep better at night knowing I was truthful. The equity seller who kept telling me about the home next door which sold for $400,000 three years ago. With her I flipped the script and asked if she was a buyer would it matter what the home next door sold for three years ago?

Number # 2 - Require a pre-approval letter from buyers prior to viewing homes. Now I will allow a client a first visit without the approval but after our initial consultation the letter is a requirement. Recently I have been working with a buyer who has not yet provided the Lender with her documentation. Today she called very excited because she has found the home of her dreams. When asked about the pre-approval letter I was met with a blank silence. Then nervous chatter, "well we know what we need to do, what we qualify for," etc.

With a pleasant but firm tone I replied "When you have the pre-approval I'll be happy to show you the home." Normally I would have continued to explain the reasons (again.) But time is money. I have systems in place which will allow us to most productively utilize our time - both the clients and my own.

Number # 3 - Sometimes I don't have the answer. I am not afraid of saying I don't know but I will get the answer for you. The freedom to admit a lack of knowledge protects me from making stupid mistakes or assumptions. Clients questions force me to learn more about the home, the neighborhood, or other pertinent facts which improve my base of knowledge and my experience as a Realtor.

So are you a people pleaser?

I am - but a much more honest one!