Realtors and Chameleons Have a Lot in Common

Now before anyone thinks that this is a slam on Realtors® or that it is a reference to some bad habit of lizards don't go there.   It isn't.  Today while I was trying to ignore the issues with the task at hand (moving my mom into a dementia unit at her nursing home) it occurred to me that as a Realtor® adapting to multiple changes in the course of the day is common.  Much like chameleons that have to change their color to blend into their surroundings or be eaten by something much larger, we too have to adjust constantly to our clients needs.

Late last night I received an email from someone who had found my profile on Active Rain and had some specific questions about how I worked with clients.  It came at the end of the day which included a closing on a listing where everyone was cordial, a hectic meeting with a developer, taking out young first time homebuyers relocating to the area and finished with an agent and their buyer writing an offer on a new construction condo where I represent the builder.

So why a chameleon as a metaphor?

Each and every one of those meetings required me to change a bit of my "color" to be able to communicate effectively.  Every time we meet with a client we have to change our communication style.  How we answer an inquiry on the internet is going to be different than how we communicate with a first time homebuyer.   We can't communicate with each client the same way.    It won't work.  A first time homebuyer needs more time to absorb information and think it through.  An internet lead wants an answer immediately so they can make a decision and move on. 

This little change of "color" that we undertake everyday is another part of being a successful Realtors® and where many agents find themselves frustrated.  If the only way you know to interact is to be stiff and formal then you will never work with Robin Williams and if all you know how to be light and humorous then you are never going to work with Ben Bernanke.  And so the list goes.

Being a chameleon is just part of our job.  It doesn't mean we are trying to be something we aren't.  It just means that we are working to find the best way to communicate with our clients and meet their needs.  If we don't then someone else will come along who can.  So embrace your inner chameleon and enjoy each and every time you get to change to meet your client's needs.

                No Hassle-No Pressure-Just Straight Talk About The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market

If you are interested in learning more about the Northern Virginia Real Estate market including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group, Inc a call at 703-346-2213. 

Military Relocation Specialist serving military families relocating to and from the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Quantico MCB and all of the Military District of Washington installations. 

Check out www.varealestatetalk.com and www.cjrealtygroup.com for more information.  

Licensed in Virginia