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Being Sensitive To Your Clients Needs: A REALTORS® Perspective

By
Real Estate Agent with Florida Property Experts
Daytona Beach Real Estate Blog. Houses, Condos and Reports by Lisa Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!"

cat in drawerMany years ago, when I first started selling houses, I was working with a lady who told me she was deathly afraid of cats.  Since one of the houses we were going to see was my own listing, I knew the owner had cats. So I told my buyer that I would go inside first and check to see if they were inside or not. (They had a kitty door.)

So I went in and looked around and didn't see either of the cats, anywhere. I even looked under the beds, in the closets and on top of the refrigerator. I covered the entire house... No cats

I then opened the front door and told the buyer that the cats must be outside because I didn't see either one of them anywhere in the house, and the buyer apprehensively came inside. She started going from room to room and was slowly relaxing. cat on couch

She then entered the master bedroom ahead of me and 2 seconds later came running past me and ran straight out the front door and refused to come back in. I was standing there looking perplexed until I spotted, calm as can be, one of the cats, sitting on the master bathroom counter, contentedly licking his paw. *sigh*

Now if any of you have ever owned cats, you know how well they can hide! And they're not like dogs. They do not answer when you call them! Mine disappear on me all the time and they never even leave the house. But to be honest, at that time, I was new to the business and I really didn't take my catbuyers' fears as seriously as I should have. And in the many years since then, I've never made that mistake again. 

But looking back, I know it wasn't just a lack of experience. I had not then, nor have I since then, ever seen that type of phobia. 

I'm sure that some people, no matter how old or young, and no matter how experienced or inexperienced, will continually look down upon anyone who they deem to be beneath them, for whatever reasons they can conjure. But life is a growth process. And truly wise people of all ages will know andcat in real estate understand that. And those who are willing to admit they've been wrong, and continually try to learn from their mistakes, and seek the advice of others who show maturity and wisdom in their lives, will succeed much more quickly.  Because what really holds us back is usually not our age or lack of experience, but our pride and egos.

I'm not sure how to wrap up this post. How it has ended is not what I had planned. Maybe someone needed to read this. Hopefully it will help or encourage you. (And sometimes pets and real estateI'm preaching to myself. We all need reminders.)

To be the best real estate agent you can be, listen to what your clients are saying. Listen to what your peers are saying. Show compassion. Be willing to help. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

How would you want to be treated?

The idea for the beginning of this post came from Pam Graham's post titled "Which Family Member Do You Need To Kick Out If You're Trying To Sell Your Home". 

If you're planning to sell real estate or buy real estate in the Daytona Beach area, make a Smart Choice and contact Lisa Hill for all your real estate needs. 

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Comments (14)

Darleen McCullen
Raleigh, NC
Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate
We should always practice the Golden Rule of treating others how we would want to be treated. I haven't had any clients with any type of phobias yet; However, if/when it does, I will take it very seriously.
Jan 22, 2008 01:51 PM
Thesa Chambers
West + Main - Bend, OR
Principal Broker - Licensed in Oregon
I too have a client that is deathly afraid of cats - and showing her property is a real challenge - glad to know she is not the only one  - I am going to send her a copy of your post minus the cat photos - just so she knows she is not alone.  thanks for sharing
Jan 22, 2008 01:55 PM
Jim Albano
Prudential Damiano Realty - Little Falls, NJ
Team - Jean-Marie Vantuno / Realtors North Jersey Real Estate
Lisa, very good points here. It's a hard thing to rationalize a persons fears sometimes when we don't share the same fear. But to them, the fear is real, and we've got to respect that even if we can't understand it. Excellent advise!
Jan 22, 2008 01:56 PM
Robert Huntsinger
Empire Realty - Upland, CA
Empire Realty Upland, CA - Full Service at a Discount

Lisa,

Your right you bring up some valid items but you missed one.  If they do not see things eye to eye with you, scratch them.

Take care!

RJH

Jan 22, 2008 01:59 PM
Ryan Hukill - Edmond
405home @ ERA Courtyard - Edmond, OK
Realtor, Team Lead
I think you nailed it right at the end.  Treat others how you would want to be treated and everything else will take care of itself.  Great post.
Jan 22, 2008 02:12 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate
Robert- You mean about the way you do business? I'm trying to think of some examples. Do you have something in mind?
Jan 22, 2008 02:23 PM
Lynda Eisenmann
Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA
Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi Lisa,

Not sure if I've ever heard of anyone being that afraid of cats before. The worst thing I had happen was a "somewhat" vicious dog got inside (during an OH, I was also young/new at the time) and under the bed.

BTW, I loved what you said about "But life is a growth process" so true!

Jan 22, 2008 04:26 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
While I would put an actual fear of cats on par with a fear of milk, I completely agree with you on this point.  It is best to treat our clients like gold.  You are clearly a wonderful agent.  Keep up the good work!
Jan 22, 2008 05:27 PM
Nancy Brenner
Referral Associates of Georgia, Inc. - Roswell, GA
Roswell Georgia Real Estate Agent

I've never met anyone with a phobia.  I do try to remember to ask if anyone has allergies, though, if I see that there is a cat or dog mentioned in the MLS post.  I guess if they were afraid, they'd tell me at that time.

Jan 22, 2008 05:40 PM
Dan Forbes
Bradenton, FL
Lisa, Yikes, cats!  You mean not everyone is terrified of cats? (LOL)  It's all about walking in the other person's shoes isn't it?
Jan 22, 2008 09:00 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County
I have never heard of anyone afraid of cats. If I ever run into it, I will take the issue seriously.
Jan 22, 2008 09:54 PM
Linda Futral
Newnan, GA
I love it Lisa.  I love the pics too.  You are so on point here.
Jan 23, 2008 04:40 AM
Joseph McCullen
Silentstill Photography & Design - Cape May, NJ
Cute photos, and yes, you have to keep clients fears and anxieties in mind.  It's all part of being a great salesperson.
Jan 23, 2008 04:44 AM
Pam Graham
All Real Estate Options - Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville, Clay & St Johns Counties
Thanks for the mention above. I love the pic of the kitty sitting with the bunny!
Jan 24, 2008 05:06 AM