Do you use the word "deal" in your real estate business?
I try fervently to NEVER use the word "deal" (unless I'm playing cards).
"Deal" just sounds so used car-ish to me and, as we strive to improve our professional image, it seems the word "deal" should be totally dropped from our vocabulary.
There are other words to use that don't conjur up the negative image I relate to the word "deal". "Opportunity", "transaction", "buy", "agreement" are the four I can think of off hand that should work in nearly every situation that you might use the word "deal". There is almost never a time when one of those four words can't replace the word "deal".
Do you have an opinion about the use of the word "deal" in your business?
First Realty Company - Crossville, TN
I agree. Deal does sound so "old school" or "used car salesman". Thanks for tip.
Feb 09, 2008 03:50 AM
CENTURY 21 Mulvey Real Estate - Yorktown Heights, NY
You brought up an interesting point. It is something to think about. Some of the other words do sound a little more professional and less like a used car salesman.
Feb 09, 2008 03:52 AM
Platinum Partners Realtors - Darien, IL
I agree with you thoughts on the word "Deal." I always try to use "transaction" in its place.
Feb 09, 2008 03:52 AM
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA
Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen
I don't use deal, but my customers certainly do...trained by the media to chase an elusive dream of 50% equity upon signing.
Feb 09, 2008 03:55 AM
Metwest - Fort Lauderdale, FL
I totally agree with you. The word is not professional and should not be used when talking to a potential client. If we can dress the part, look the part, it is imperative that we speak it as well. Good point. Thanks for the tip.
Feb 09, 2008 04:09 AM
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Marte Cliff
Priest River, ID
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
Christina: Yep, I just think we talk about improving our image then we use cheesy language.
Wendy: There may be some other words, but those four should do in almost every situation. I also use say "authorize" in place of "sign" and "agreement" in place of "contract". Those seem much less threatening to me.
Hank: Glad you agree. It only takes a few times to get that nasty word out of the conversation.
Vickie: Yes... don't get me started on the media!
Wendy: There may be some other words, but those four should do in almost every situation. I also use say "authorize" in place of "sign" and "agreement" in place of "contract". Those seem much less threatening to me.
Hank: Glad you agree. It only takes a few times to get that nasty word out of the conversation.
Vickie: Yes... don't get me started on the media!
Feb 09, 2008 04:13 AM
Bethesda, MD
Carol,
To sound top-notch professional, the word deal would promptly deflate that idea. I agree that is feels used-carish, substandard. Transaction is a solid word and that's what I generally use in my conversations.
Feb 09, 2008 04:13 AM
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
Larry: We do talk alot about improving our professional image. Deal just does not fit, does it?
Esko: Exactly.
Esko: Exactly.
Feb 09, 2008 04:14 AM
Realty Executives South Louisiana - Baton Rouge, LA
Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate
I agree that transaction is a better word to describe the entire process. I do however think that language must be adapted to fit the client you're serving. For example, the expression below market might not be as impactful as great deal for some clients while the converse could be true for others. The key is to know your clients and match your style to them rather than expect them to respond to your own style.
Feb 09, 2008 04:21 AM
Surterre Properties - Laguna Niguel, CA
Carol,
You are absolutely right. Choosing the proper word makes all the difference.
Thanks,
Michael A. Caruso
Feb 09, 2008 04:23 AM
Windermere Real Estate / NCW - Leavenworth, WA
Serving Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee, and Plain
I think it depends on the context. I think there is too much made of it's use among the "transparent" real estate crowd. My clients use it all the time. They all want a good "deal" and they don't really care if we have mutual agreement, they want to know that we have a "deal." My clients also want to know the status of their "deal" and wouldn't call it a pending transaction under any circumstances. If I am working for my clients, why not use the vocabulary they use?
Feb 10, 2008 08:54 AM
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
Geordie, You make a convincing argument BUT "deal" still sounds cheesy to me. My clients may be looking for a "deal", but MY goal is to find them a good investment. As for using the language of the client, if they use a lot of curse words would you incorporate vulgarity into your language as well? I don't think so. I understand the mirror-your-customer concept, but it isn't always appropriate (or professional). Much of it is a judgement call... as you say, depending on context. Thanks for your input, as always.
Feb 10, 2008 09:07 AM
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Marte Cliff
Priest River, ID
Realty Executives South Louisiana - Baton Rouge, LA
Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate
Carol, would you insist on speaking French to a client who only spoke English simply because you believed it was inappropriate to speak French? I think the point the Geordie and I were trying to make is that you have to be able to relate to your client base. If you choose to deal (pun intended) with French speaking clients then you'd better learn to speak French.
Personally, I can't pull off the "good old boy, barely made it through high school" thing that I run into. I leave them to others who can relate. I recognize that as my limitation, however, and try not to assign value.
Feb 11, 2008 02:30 PM
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer
As you already know, I agree with you. However, I do see the point that Don and Geordie were making.
Apr 10, 2016 02:44 PM
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Wenatchee, WA
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