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Would You Hire "You" to Sell Your House?

Today while reading Gary Woltal's post "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall", I remembered a post I had written some time back. So I went back and pulled it up.

onslow county home specialist selling homes After reading it through a couple of times, I thought it was a good post to resurrect for the Bloggers Choice Selection.

Can we step back, remove ourselves from the equation and really take a good, honest, unbiased look at ourselves?

It's not an easy thing to do, many of us are in denial. You know it is very easy to see and say what another agent should or should not do but looking at ourselves without bias is another issue.

onslow county home specialist Maybe we should put ourselves in our prospective client's shoes for a few minutes and look at ourselves as he see us.

What does he see?

Does he see an agent that dresses appropriately?

Does he see an agent who treats all people with respect?
Does he see an agent who is a good citizen?
Does he see an agent who is professional in his business dealings?
Does he see an agent who knows and understands the area and market he works in?
Does he see an agent who listens to his clients?
Does he see an agent who cooperates with other agents, lenders and attorneys?
Does he see an agent who takes the time to explain all forms and answer all question?
Does he see an agent who is honest?
Does he see an agent who will return his phone calls promptly?
Does he see an agent who stays abreast of the changes in the market?
Does he see an agent who has the knowledge and experience to advise him how to price his property to sell?

Does he see an agent who has the experience and knowledge to advise him on what changes should be made prior to putting his property on the market?
Does he see an agent who will keep him informed in a timely manner?
Does he see an agent who checks and rechecks his listing for accuracy?
Does he see an agent who will show and discuss the marketing plans for his property?

If your truthful answer to any of these questions is "No", maybe you would not list your home with "you".

Self examination is never easy or pleasant but if we want to improve our service and grow our business, it is essential that we evaluate our business and marketing practices often and work hard to improve our weak areas.

I have often heard it said "when you stop learning, you stop growing". I believe this is true in our real estate business--things are ever changing and we cannot be left behind if we want to succeed.

My answer to this question: "Yes, I would hire me to sell my home in Hubert NC located in Onslow County".

Can you say the same?

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone. They do not reflect or express the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by ActiveRain and its Members..

Posted by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist on 03/15/2008 06:37 PM

Comments (63)

onslow county home specialist

Originally posted at: Onslow County NC Homes Talk: Would You Hire "You" to Sell Your House?

63 Comments on Would You Hire "You" to Sell Your House?

MAR

2008

Hire me?

Heck, I'd give myself a raise !

Good topic. I was at a meeting just today (board function made up of quite a few offices). It's amazing the "caliber" of dress out there. Shorts!, Flip Flops, Sweat Pants etc. A few had to leave early to meet with clients! Yikes.

I think it's best to look at yourself every now and again and ask the exact question you did: Would I hire me?

Cynthia, GREAT POST! Thanks and if the answer to the title question is no, it is time for another focus of priorities or another career!

This is one of the best posts I have ever seen. I wish I had that when I was managiing agents. It's very important to be introspective, great job!

I would hire me and I would hire you! We do need to see ourselves as others would. I am sometimes amazed at other agents and that they even have clients. However, something I learned a while back, you attract clients who are similar to you and want to work with you....so birds of a feather flock together?

Cynthia

You ask some thought provoking questions? I am not sure I would ask all those questions, perhaps maybe I should. I find many people come to me from my recent and past successes in an area.

We all need to be aware of our every move and try to understand what our prospect is thinking. We should always look to self improve.

Cynthia, great post, and it got me to thinking. Yes, I would hire me but there is always room for improvement. I had to change the questions around the little so that it fit me as the home inspector. But at least I was willing to look in the mirror and ask myself some questions.

CLAPPING & SMILING....this point in time I believe is a cleansing of real estate bussiness from top to bottom, finance to close. The folks that truly love this business and their clients will stick with it long enough to make a serious impact.

Cythia ~ Great post. And yes, I would most definitely hire me. I do all of these things - and then some.

I sometimes have out-of-state sellers and I have done everything from going over multiple times to make sure the tenants were out - to cleaning the place up (or hiring/supervising cleaning crews) and the list goes on and on. Once, I offered to help the tenants pack!

Hi Cynthia- To answer your question I would have to say it depends.....most days I would love for "me" to be my agent.......but there are a few days, well I better have a good realationship with "me" to overlook some flaw or two :) :)

Cynthia....I want to know how to make my text a different color...do you have a Post on this?

Brian,
Funny! I could use a raise about now myself. Like you, I am constantly amazed how some agents dress. I cannot believe they have taken an honest look at themselves. Thanks.

Tony & Darcy,
You are right on target! I think I know quite a few that should make a change. :0)

Mike,
What a wonderful compliment! You do know you can click on that little red flag and recommend it for a Feature, don't you? LOL!

Hi Chelle,
Knowing you are living up to these standards is reassuring and satisfying, isn't it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Gary,
These are the questions and issues that are important to, perhaps they are to everyone. Yes, continuing to improve and grow is very vital. Thank you.

Hello David,
Reassessing ourselves and business plans and practices is necessary. Good for you for taking on the challenge. Thanks.

Keith,
I believe you are correct. The fit survive and the unfit falter along the way......the law of the jungle. LOL!

Hi Darleen,
You are one of the super stars at taking care of clients. They are so very fortunate to have you.

Kathy,
Come on, I know you are one must be one of the most thorough and conscientious agents there is. I'd trust you with my clients for sure.

As for the color (and large) font yes, I did a post on that last week. Using Large Font Made Simple . Good luck with it, it just takes a little time and getting used to.

Cynthia, a very good post. It is always good to look reflectivly at ourself. I always want to treat people the way I myself would want to be treated.

Cynthia, what a great set of questions! And, YES... not only would I hire me to sell my house, I just did. I sold my home in 5 days with multiple offers and closed escrow this Tuesday! Party time!!!

Cynthia - Very good post. A time to reflect... For the most part, I would say definately. There are those days though. :) Seriously, I treat my clients with the respect and honesty they deserve.

Cynthia- I found the other Post...and have already utilized the info...thanks my friend :)

MAR

2008

Cynthia,

I loved this article. I am going to use this in my Home Inspection Business. How are things in Onslow County? I was born there but haven't lived there since I was 5. I also worked on my grandparents tobocco farm near Richlands.

Preston Sandlin

www.homeinspectioncarolina.com

Great list Cynthia! Thankfully, I can answer yes:)

Cynthia - A terrific list to use for self examination and hopefully the answers to the questions will be YES!

What a great mirror to reflect upon! I have thought that way so often, but tend to be really tough on myself!

Cynthia, we can easily deceive ourselves into saying we are something we are not. I love your checklist. If we answer yes to everything we can be graded an A+, otherwise we have room to improve. Thanks for directing me to this wonderful post of yours.

Cynthia,
Great post, all agents need to take a look in the mirror and ask these questions.

Cynthia, great post! My answer is a resounding YES to each and every question. ;-)

Marchel,
That is the way we should treat everyone we deal with, right? Thanks.

Cynthia-this is excellent sometimes its a good thing to look at that reflection in the mirror! Do you see what your customer see's.

Cynthia, congratulations on a featured post. You are so worthy and deserving of it with your caring self.

I like your list Cynthia. And Yes. I meet all the job requirements.

This is a great post Cynthia. I have asked myself that question and the answer is YES! You see, i always treat people the way i want to be treated. I spend my own money to market a home and i do that well. So yes, i would hire me. My clients receive the same care, knowledge, information and trust I would want to receive.

As far as dressing appropriately..i think that goes by the situation.

Hi Irina,
Congratulations! Enjoy your success! My bet is when you look in the mirror and ask these questions, you can answer in the affirmative.

Hello Candy,
I know you do, I have your number! Thanks.

Hi Preston,
Thanks! So you were born here, you should come back for a visit. Does your uncle still live in Richlands?

Diane,
I already knew you could answer "yes". :0)

It all boils down to integrity and true professionalism! If you're lacking in either of these, your paycheck will soon reflect it!

Likewise, if you're abundant with integrity and true professionalism, and if you persevere, your paycheck will inevitably reveal your well deserved success!

You can take a personal inventory and look in the mirror today, or you can wait and have your paycheck reveal to you the realities of who you are as a Realtor later on!

Hello Jennifer,
Thank you, taking a look in the mirror is something we all need to do regularly.

Hi Lindsey,
I think we need to be tough on ourselves, the bar should be set high. Thank you.

Gary,
That's the grade I want, it takes a lot of time and hard work but it is worth it. Thanks.

Jeanette,
Thank you and I do agree.

Nice blog! I would hire me too!

I wouldn't hire me....lol. I would hire me. My husband would hire me, but I don't think I would hire him!

As a professional, I would hire me to sell my home. But, there is another way to look at the title... Should an agent consider hiring someone else to sell their home? Think about it for a minute...

I see a LOT of agent homes that are over-priced, under-staged and tough to get communications from. Exactly the things we complain about. And in some cases these are good agents. I think that we might be too close to the process for our own good.

Hello Teri,
I believe you and congratulations on adhering to a higher standard. Thanks.

Midori,
Exactly, we need to make sure we see ourselves as our clients see us....not as easy as it sounds. Thank you.

Gary,
Thanks for coming back and recognizing my feature.

Hi Wayne,
Glad you approve of my list and that you measure up! Where are those who do not? Are we going to hear from them here? Probably not. :0)

Boy, this post grabbed attention! Perhaps because we've all asked ourselves that question. I can honestly say that, yes, heck yes! I'd hire us (Jerry and me). We take our job very seriously. If all agents looked at this career AS a career, we wouldn't have to worry about being stereotyped, and would be held in much higher regard.

Hi Dave,
It is true that if we follow the golden rule, that pretty much takes care of it all. Yes, I treat my clients (and others) the way I would like to be treated too. As for dressing, I agree "what is appropriate for the time, place and circumstances. Thank you.

Hello Kirk,
Very well said and so true. Time will tell and the paycheck will reflect. Thank you for you input.

Charlene,
It is a good feeling to know that, isn't it? Thank you.

Hi Christy,
Now let's not get into a family feud! Maybe hubby has some issues to work on, the question is does he know that? :0)

Hi Lane,
Well now that is the subject of another blog...not what I was going for here but you do have a valid point which I understand. I think some agents are able to market their own properties while there are some who are not able to distance themselves sufficiently.

Cynthia, I would and have hired myself on several occasions.

Cynthia - I think if you are going to call yourself a professional, then you need to dress and act like one. I like dressing up. I feel like I do a better job and my clients expect for me to do a better job. Congratulations on your much deserved feature!

I will reserve my right and not answer this question right now. It does bring up serious discussion though.

That is a great set of questions. I think I will share them with a few agents in our area. You can guess why.

Hi Cynthia, no matter what we do, it's always difficult to see ourselves the way others see us. Your checklist is a great self examination for all of us.

MAR

2008

Great post! My answer is absolutely YES!

In fact, having to sell my house for a move out of state more than a year ago really put things back into perspective for me. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day workings of our business, but when we are under the gun to sell our own property in a declining market all of a sudden new ideas drop out of the sky! :-)

Great checklist....and no matter what...I get feedback....so I can be self confident knowing that I'm doing an outstanding job for my clients. It's not so hard to see 'self' if we take the blinders off :) Gotta keep an open mind!

Hello Jacki & Jerry,
It is a shame that some agents do not dress or conduct themselves and their business in a professional manner...puts a bad light on the rest of us. I agree with you. Thanks.

Frank,
Well then, you have an excellent source for references. LOL!

Linda,
It is true! That's the reason we hear the term "dress for success". I believe when you are dressed professionally, you feel more professional and thus the mind set. Attitude certainly has a big impact on behavior.

Cynthia,

I wouldn't hire anyone else but me because I know I would tell myself everything that could happen and getting all my ducks in a row is important instead of waiting until the last minute.

Yes, yes yes yes yes. And I would hire you too! ;)

Yes, I would hire "me", because in my 32 years as a real estate agent I have always treated others as I would want to be treated myself. I can't abide the laxity in dress and mannerisms that are rampant in our business today and I better stop now!!!! Karen

Hi Robert,
Ok, you get a pass for now but I do think these questions should be entertained by all agents. :0)

Hello Randy,
I understand what you are saying, I'd like to do the same and hear their answers. Thank you.

Marti,
That is true but at least we can make the effort to make an assessment. Thanks.

Tina,
There's nothing like "being in the situation yourself" to bring things into a clearer prospective. I appreciate your visit and comments.

Cynthia: When I went into real estate, my son told me I would never sell anything because I was too honest. I believe that is the very reason I do sell. Yes, I would hire me. Trust is my trademark. Great post.

MAR

2008

Bravo!! Excellent post.

I'm subscribing to your blog.

Jim in NC

Preach it, Cynthia! I am a firm believer in "sweating the small stuff" when it comes to the way I represent, myself, my business and my family. Self-examination is crucial to reaching your potential and should be something that is done on a regular basis for the rest of our lives.

Hello Donna,
I think some believe that but I think just the opposite as do you. That's a marvelous trademark to have.

Hi Jim,
Thank you and welcome, I look forward to getting to know you.

Greg,
Hope I didn't sound preachy but I agree that we need to take a good look at ourselves and how we conduct ourselves personally and professionally. Thank you.

MAR

2008

Hi Cynthia, excellent post. Sometimes the best "trip" we can make is the 180 degree spin to the perspective of a consumer. Well done!

MAR

2008

Hello Bobby,
Thank you. That is the truth and we probably need to take that trip frequently.

MAR

2008

Yes.

Hello Bill,
I'd hire you too! Have a wonderful Easter.

MAR

2008

Hi Jeanette,
Thanks for your visit and comments.

MAR

2008

Cynthia-I really enjoyed this...GREAT questions!! I would definitely hire me in Northern Illinois!

Great post that can keep us in check and realize areas that we may be slacking in! Thanks for posting!

Hi Debra,
Thanks, it is always a good idea to look at ourselves through our clients' eyes, I believe.

Hello Misty,
Something we all must do from time to time, it is easy to let things slide at time.

APR

2008

Very good list Cynthia- I've found that one of the best ways to fix yourself is to ask your clients, "what did you enjoy about working with me?" and "are there any things I could have done better?" It's a simple yet useful evaluation.

Good evening Chuck,
Thank you. I agree that feedback from clients is an excellent way to improve yourself and practices. But, some people are not very forthcoming.

Cynthia, these are valuable questions to ask ourselves. When we look at ourselves from someone else's perspective, it often brings into focus things that we are likely to miss. This is one of the reasons that we use agent evaluations on all our transactions.

APR

2008

Hello Lola,
I agree, it is important to evaluate ourselves and practices from different views. Thank you for visiting and commenting.

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