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Common Sense is Not Overrated

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

Common Sense is Not Overrated 

Yesterday was a busy day.  It was my first day back at work from vacation, and unfortunately, I had an eye doctor's appointment scheduled that took up a couple of hours, that meant less time to devote to marketing my newest listing.  The contact lenses that I had been given as a trial were beginning to irritate my eyes and I couldn't see so well out of them.  But, since they were temporary, I didn't panic.  A new pair were waiting for me at the eye doctor.

My newest Braemar listing.When the doc looked at my lenses she told me there were a lot of deposits on them.  Apparently, as well as I have been washing my hands, I'm not doing a good enough job.  Some people may recoil and go into defensive mode when hearing this, but not me.  The doc pulled out a study about the parts of our fingers than get overlooked in our hand washing activity.  If you wash your hands like everyone else, your fingertips aren't getting clean.  Think about it.  So when I went to a sink to wash up and put in the new ones, I was careful to wash the tips.  Very important as a contact lens wearer.  Thankfully, I am open to common sense.

Not all people are open to common sense.  That's probably because some love to wallow in anger, blame others for everything, and create conspiracy theories.  Social media makes this all too easy.  An entire community can be swept up into a fury over what amounts to very little to be upset about.  And as someone who has been a visible member of HOAs, I am often a target of finger pointing.  It comes with the territory.    You can't make everyone happy and you certainly can't logic with people determined to be angry.  

Some folks wonder why in the world I would volunteer my time to be the target of angry home owners when my job as a real estate agent is to gain trust and the all important LIKE.  I don't worry with the people that don't like me.  And the only difference with serving on an HOA is that you actually hear and see the dislike.  But trust me, dislike is always there lingering even if you don't hear about it.  It's human nature.  People like people like them.  And sometimes, you can find common ground with folks that are diametrically opposed to what you believe.

My newest listing in Braemar came from an unlikely source.  When I met the owner of the home, it was at an exhibit put on by the developer of a proposed neighboring community.  There was a connection to another community that I was in favor of.  She was not.  We both possess common sense and the ability to respect opposing view points by not making it our way or the highway.  We didn't stand and yell at each other.  We listened to each other and ended up connecting every once in a while over other community issues.   Whether or not I got business from this person, I would enjoy the fact that we became friends.  In a world where so many are ready to smite anyone who they see as opposing their own view points, it is a treat to meet and become friends with folks who think differently, but possess the ability to listen, respect and agree to disagree, or talk over what may be a mutually beneficial solution.  

Comments (95)

Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Common sense is something we should all cherish but do not.  I think it formerly was called, street smart.

Aug 06, 2015 02:33 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Sharon Parisi -- You are absolutely right.

Jay Markanich -- I'll have to smite you at our next home inspection.  

Bob Haywood -- Understanding and listening are just part of common sense ot me.

 

Aug 06, 2015 03:18 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Chris and Dick Dovorany -- I still call it street smart sometimes.

Aug 06, 2015 03:19 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Well said, Chris Ann. The trend toward isolating people away from each other because of beliefs seems to be out of control in this country. One of my dearest friends is 180 degrees from me on political things and yet, we still love each other deeply and enjoy sharing time together. HOAs, politics, religion, raising kids, and a host of other things are so easily divisive unless we choose otherwise. 

Aug 06, 2015 04:56 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Mike Cooper -- The world does seem more divided these days, which is nuts.

Aug 06, 2015 06:08 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Vacation was good for you, except for the eye doctor appointment.  First day back at work, you get a new listing and a featured post!

I can relate on the HOA topic. I've served and managed going on eight years. I may have to write a book one day! I'm glad you and your new friend/client could use common sense and find common ground.

Aug 06, 2015 01:54 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I will humbly add this thought to your decent post. Don't rub your eyes as tempting as it gets. Imagine rubbing in something that shouldnt get rubbed in

Aug 06, 2015 11:46 PM
Thomas F. Scanlon
Borgida & Company P. C., CPA's - Manchester, CT
CPA, CFP

Chris Ann Cleland - Well Done. I don't worry with the people that don't like me. Well said!

Cheers,

Tom

Aug 07, 2015 12:12 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Pat Starnes -- Cooler heads prevail.

Richie Alan Naggar -- Good advice.

Thomas F. Scanlon -- They are like bugs on the windshield.  

Aug 07, 2015 12:52 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Chris Ann Cleland - we should respect others opinion and understand their viewpoint even when we have differences.

Loved your quote -- " it is a treat to meet and become friends with folks who think differently, "

And this is one reason I love ActiveRain.

Aug 07, 2015 02:08 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Chris Ann -- the world is full of differences of opinion when cooler heads can understand this simple concept it becomes a better place.  

Welcome home!

Aug 07, 2015 11:22 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Praful Thakkar -- We meet so many great people here.

Michael Jacobs -- Changing the world a couple people at a time.

Zippy -- That's interesting.  Politics isn't what it used to be though.  Politicians nowadays are very reactionary and not long term planners which really bums me out.  They are too worried with what people will think of them to do virtually anything that doesn't give them a gold star, and win them votes.  It's disappointing.  It's like all the grown ups have left leadership.

Aug 08, 2015 01:39 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

(Zippy's comment, in case it get deleted as spam:  On my bulletin board is this: FRENEMIES

President Reagan (R) and Speaker Tip O'Neill (D) were true gentlemen, Chris Matthews writes in his book: "Tip and the Gipper."
After the 1981 assassination attempt on Reagan, Tip visited him in the hospital. He knelt at the president's bedside and together they recited the 23rd Psalm. Then O'Neill kissed Reagan on the forehead. And...
After one of O'Neill's annual St. Patrick's Day lunches, where Reagan was always guest of honor, the President noted: 
"Tip is a true pol. He can really like you personally while politically trying to beat your head in." And...
At a retirement party for O'Neill in 1986, Reagan said, "Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that you have permitted me in the past, and I hope in the future, that singular honor---the honor of calling you my friend.")

Aug 08, 2015 01:39 PM
Mona Gersky
MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC - Sylva, NC
GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.

Your post was deserving of the feature but I'm struck by the clean hands portion!  Who knew?  We all think we wash sufficiently and fingertips seem like a no brainer but I'm glad to know this information and even gladder that you didn't end up with an eye infection or something.

Aug 09, 2015 12:56 AM
Chris Mamone
Keller Mortgage - Tacoma, WA
Senior Loan Officer

Common sense is a blessing and a curse. I've fired clients who are just nit picky and angry. I value my time too much and honestly there are 10 good clients for 1 one that is difficult. I recently fired a realtor partner and ended up replacing that one with an agent who is focused on relationships and working together as a team to make things happen! Best decision I've made since getting into the industry!

Aug 09, 2015 03:52 AM
Amy Gutschow
RE/MAX - Sheboygan, WI
Professional Real Estate

Common sense is not over-rated but too often lacking in today's world.  sad but true

Aug 10, 2015 12:03 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Mona Gersky -- I'm now wondering if I ever really did have an allergic reaction to contacts years before.

Chris Mamone -- When it comes to clients, you can fire unreasonable.  When it comes to local politics, it isn't so easy.  

 

Aug 10, 2015 10:02 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Amy Gutschow -- It is very sad.

Aug 10, 2015 10:02 AM
MaryBeth Mills Muldowney
TradeWinds Realty Group LLC - Braintree, MA
Massachusetts Broker Owner

Go with your gut!  Always - it pays off in the long run and common sense is the first indicator of direction!

 

Aug 13, 2015 11:14 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

MaryBeth Mills Muldowney -- Trusting your gut is so important.

Aug 13, 2015 11:25 AM