I have sold real estate for about 28 years now and sometimes I am still taken back by some of the behavior, comments, and actions by real estate agents, and sellers and buyers. At one time I had a Re/Max office, oh about the early 90's, that I owned with some partners. I also was the manager. We had a lot agents working with us. I remember one young guy at that time would always come in just about every day so hung over it was crazy. Nice guy. After a long time of hearing him say everyday "I really need to get some things going" I suggested "Why don't you start earlier like a lot of us. Get your prospects together and be ready to roll. Have a productive day perhaps?" His answer "I have a lot of fun with my friends at night and I think though you might be on to something Tommy" Months went by and the same old thing. One day he started coming in looking different and really was ready to commit. So I asked him "Hey, what happened? Did your girlfriend turn you loose, you run up too much debt? What's with the new you?" He replied "That's easy, I just got another OWI and maybe I don't need to have so much fun at night" To which I replied "I'm glad you learned that early. To this day that man is one great agent and sells a lot of real estate.
I had a buyer a few years ago that called me about 2-3 years after they closed on a home with me. "My refrigerator died and I need a new one, are you going to pay for it?" To which I politely replied "Heck no, just go buy one" I would but I was thinking we have been in here for only 3 years and that shouldn't happen." To which I replied " True, but you were the second owner and the refrigerator was in the house when it was built, oh, sometime about 15 years ago." I recently list and sold that house and it's funny because at that moment it was a standing joke how I should buy the beer for their refrigerator for when I come over and visit. To which I replied "That's why I come over in the morning or afternoon. Otherwise, you would never let me leave.
I had a seller awhile ago that asked me how long I knew his grandparents. I said "I'm thinking your mom was about 16 or 17 when I sold your grandparents house." to which she replied "Has it changed a lot since you got into this business in the middle 80's?" To which I replied "Like night and day. No Internet, no cell phones, just MLS books we would tare apart for our clients." She said "It must have been awful, how did you survive?" To which I laughed "Those were some of my best years. My best friend was my desk phone."
Point being, our job never stops or ends. When we build those relationships it's like farming. If we sow those seeds right, and nurture them, the crop yield will always be better. My kid laughs at me when I remind him this business is a numbers game. He just looks at me and reminds me "Is that why you talk to all your past clients like a myna bird that just got a cracker? You just ramble on like an old wash lady." He might be right. Just goes to show you if you don't like people you are not going to last long in this Industry.
Have a productive day and I will see you at closing!
"That' Email me at yourhomesold@tombraatz.com or call directly at 262-377-1459 What's a home worth?Market Analysis That perfect Oconomowoc home? Dream Home Finder The MLS,on-line info,& more:www.buyingvip.com or find virtual tours and more at www.Iwillseeyouatclosing.com
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