Being a real estate agent is not as easy as it looks. Even when your buyer finds the house of their dreams the first time you take them out...it's not an easy job. When your sellers get a great offer the first week their house is on the market...it's not an easy job. Some of the most challenging moments during a real estate transaction come from the people involved. And as a real estate agent, you have to learn how to handle all types of people.
Dirty People
Dirty is a relative term, so I'm talking about the general definition of dirty. When you walk into a house and wonder, "when did they stop cleaning". You know the house...the walls are black with fingerprints, every square inch of the house is covered in junk and you wonder how anyone uses that disgusting bathroom. When you walk in you ask yourself why the listing agent didn't make the seller clean up the house. There is no doubt in my mind that the listing agent tried to get the seller to clean up the mess and this may be better than it was...so I guess we should be thankful.
Ungrateful People
No matter what you do it's never good enough for them. The words "please" and "thank you" are foreign to these people.
Entitled People
Entitled people are very similar to ungrateful people. It's all about them and they are used to getting their own way. It doesn't matter that their request/demand will inconvenience thirty other people. They often run late for appointments and expect you to wait and wait...and wait. They want what they want when they want it. You were put on this earth to serve them...that is all.
Know-it-All People
Although you may be the real estate agent, the know-it-all people have done their research on the Internet and with their friends, so they know the home buying and selling process much better than you. They hear what you are saying but don't believe it because they know otherwise. They never admit to being wrong about anything, because no matter what, they will find a way to be right. Talking to them is akin to talking to a brick wall.
Cheap People
You would think that everyone knows that it costs money to buy or sell a house. Sellers should expect to put some money into their house in order to get it ready to put on the market. It doesn't matter that they have lived with "xyz" issue for 10 years, potential buyers don't want to live with it. On the other hand, buyers shouldn't expect the seller to repair every single item in the home inspection report. Owning and maintaining a home costs money...budget for it.
Creepy People
Creepy people aren't necessarily bad people, but there's just something about them that gives you an uneasy feeling. Most times you can't even put your finger on what it is about them, so the only word you can come up with is "creepy". They can be wonderful clients, but not people you'll be adding to your "friend" list.
Ideal People
Our favorite kind of people. They listen to our expert advice, weigh their options and make informed decisions. They don't always do what they think they should, but they have their reasons. They try to do the right thing and treat you like a human being. They don't make unreasonable demands on you or the other parties involved in the transaction. They "ask" instead of "demand". They use the words "please" and "thank you" without hesitation. They value your time and knowledge.
It Doesn't Matter
Being a real estate agent is one of the best professions in the world. We have the opportunity to work with all sorts of interesting people. I would love to say that I have never worked any of these types of people that are listed above, but that would not be true. Although most of them can be a bit challenging, I find that I always learn a great deal from working with them. They teach me to be kind and thoughtful with my words. They help me pay attention to detail and they make me aware of how I treat people. I think they make me a better person and a better agent.
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