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The Daily Interview - This is the life of a Realtor

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Jeri Creson, Realtor 0995689629 Louisiana

Traditionally employed people must interview whenever they seek to change jobs - and sometimes when they seek to change positions within their company, however as a Realtor, whether or not you know it, you are interviewing for new positions every time you have a conversation, or send an email.   Interviewing is what we do. 

 

This is a fact of life for us, and some of us have learned, better than others, how to interview well, and always keep an awareness of the fact that we are, in fact, potentially being interviewed at any given moment.   The Postman, who drops off your mail sees your company name and "Realtor" attached to it.  He knows you sell real estate.  He might need a good Realtor.   He has formed an opinion of you already, from the way you keep your roses, to the kindness, or curtness that he has received from you as he delivers your mail.   Consider yourself interviewed.  How did you do?  Are you likely to get the job?

 

Your Minister, your Banker, your Seamstress, your child's Teacher - all have similar notes on you, and the likelihood that, one day, unsolicited, one of them might stop and ask you about a real estate matter depends entirely on you and what you have contributed to the conversation up until that moment.   Are you seen as trustworthy?  Do you make good personal decisions?   Are you discreet and appropriate with the business of others?   Do you take care of business and do so with a good attitude?  Do you dress the part?  (not that we have to wear a suit at all times, but are we appropriately attired for whichever activity we are viewed while doing?)  Do you take care of the little details?   All of these questions and more are asked silently of us daily.   

 

It might also surprise you to learn that everytime you respond to the agent on the other end of the transaction, you are also interviewing for a partnership.   About 8 months ago, I met a Realtor who represented a buyer on one of my listings.  She was outstanding in a way that I have rarely seen in this business, and we just "clicked".  From that moment on, even though her buyer didn't end up getting my listing in multiple offers - we became not only fast friends, but partners in a number of deals.  Her behavior and professionalism during that short interaction was the best interview I could have conducted if I were looking for a partner - and I didn't even realize at the time that I "was" looking for a partner!   Since that moment we've closed a volume of business together in ways that neither of us could have, without enlisting each other's help, and we currently cooperate on real estate business in two different states.

 

These are things to keep in mind - food for thought, if you will, as we carry ourselves through the day.  My father used to say, never do or say anything that you wouldn't want published in the newspaper.  I think that's some pretty good advice, and something we should all - myself included - remind ourselves of each day, as we prepare for our "Interviews".

 

 

Comments (23)

Jeri Creson
Jeri Creson, Realtor - Covington, LA
Dually Licensed Broker in Louisiana & California

Thanks Kathy!

 

Mar 22, 2016 01:00 PM
DEANNA C. SMITH CERTIFIED MOBILE NOTARY
Certified Mobile Notary Signing Agent - Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Highest Ranked Certified Mobile Notary in Virginia

YOU and ME both, girl !   As a lender, I am interviewed DAILY  by prospective buyers Jeri Creson .   Not only do they have to like me but I have to initiate a "TRUST" relationship that will allow them to comfortably discuss their finances and the biggest investment of their lives.

Apparently, I'm doing OK because I'm still here 30 plus years later !

Mar 23, 2016 04:25 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

 

                      Thank you Jeri Creson for my Ah-ha moment. 

Mar 26, 2016 12:00 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I love the post. I enjoyed reading it and agree with you that we are being interviewed daily.

Mar 26, 2016 09:47 PM
Jeri Creson

Thank you Gita - 

Mar 27, 2016 01:40 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Jeri Creson ,

I found your post in Kathy Streib this morning as one of 's "Ah-Ha" moments for the week! Excellent post and welcome to Active Rain! I have subscribed to your blog.

Mar 26, 2016 10:14 PM
Jeri Creson

Thank you Dorie!  I appreciate the compliment - 

Mar 27, 2016 01:40 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Jeri and welcome to the Rain. This is an excellent reflection of real estate and sales in general really. Good luck with your new partner.

Mar 26, 2016 11:42 PM
Jeri Creson

Thanks Sheila!

Mar 27, 2016 01:41 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great post!  I can see why Kathy chose it today!  Happy Easter to you too!

Mar 27, 2016 12:47 AM
Jeri Creson

Thank you - and Yes!  Happy Easter!

Mar 27, 2016 01:41 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

This is so true - we are constantly interviewing and being interviewed. Great points!

Mar 27, 2016 12:57 AM
Jeri Creson

Thanks Kat!

Mar 27, 2016 01:42 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Stay professional. Never bad mouth other agents thinking you win another friend.

Mar 27, 2016 02:52 AM
Jeri Creson

Yes!  Precisely Sam - thank you!!

Mar 27, 2016 06:03 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Jeri

I really like this post! It's right on target and yet I bet many of us forget that we are probably always being evaluated. That first impression can really make a difference. Thank you for these words of wisdom and a terrific reminder!

Jeff

Mar 27, 2016 04:22 AM
Jeri Creson

Thank you Jeff!

Mar 27, 2016 06:02 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

You never know who is watching and who is listening!

So glad Kathy shared your post this week!

Mar 27, 2016 07:13 AM
Jeri Creson

Thank you~ and I'm grateful for Kathy also - she's always quick with a compliment, and a williness to be helpful to others - the very things we find most valuable in an associate!


 

Mar 27, 2016 08:43 AM
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi Jeri Creson , Our business does depend on our interviews, so they need to be impressive, but no matter who we talk to, we are interviewing for future business.  Great blog.

Mar 27, 2016 09:29 AM
Jeri Creson

Thank you Larry Johnston!! Happy Easter - 

Mar 27, 2016 11:22 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

ABC . . . always be connecting!  That's the name of this game.

Mar 27, 2016 09:34 AM
Jeri Creson

Thanks Carla!


 

Mar 27, 2016 11:23 AM
Jeri Creson
Jeri Creson, Realtor - Covington, LA
Dually Licensed Broker in Louisiana & California

ABC - I like that - !

Mar 27, 2016 11:23 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I feel that every experience I have had prepares me for my next interview Jeri Creson 

Mar 27, 2016 11:59 AM
Jeri Creson

Absolutely!

Mar 27, 2016 12:54 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

We are always having a new interview, even when it comes with a glowing recommendation it's still an interview. Never really thought about it in those terms before.  Certainly food for thought.  The advice your dad gave you... I had something similar as a child, "don't say anything you wouldn't want your mama to hear" and well it has served me well.

Mar 27, 2016 12:02 PM
Jeri Creson

Absolutely - I wish our teenagers would heed that advice these days!

Mar 27, 2016 12:55 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

You got it Jeri Creson - we have to wear so many hats! That's our life, that's our story!

Mar 27, 2016 03:21 PM
Jeri Creson

Thanks Praful!


 

Mar 28, 2016 05:56 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Great points, Jeri, and a great post! We are always "on stage" so to speak and never who who is watching/listening.

Mar 27, 2016 11:06 PM
Jeri Creson

Yes - and it's true for everyone, but especially for Realtors, where everyone we meet is a potential employer! Thanks for reading my post!

Mar 28, 2016 05:57 AM
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

Such a true article. We are being interviewed all the time whether we're aware of it or not. Even neighbors who wander in to one of our open houses with no intention of purchasing the home we have listed are interviewing us to see how well we're representing the seller. 

Mar 28, 2016 12:53 AM
Jeri Creson

Especially those neighbors!  I've listed many neighbors over the years after meeting them at an open house.  Sometimes they're looking, sometimes not, but one thing is for certain - they DO take note of how well you did, or did not, represent their neighbor's best interests.    I remember a few years ago, a busy open house - a couple approached me after the crowd cleared and hired me on the spot to be their buyer's representative.  They said - "sorry for eavesdropping, but we heard how you have been talking to the other buyers - and you're exactly the kind of Realtor we've been hoping to find".   It was the highest compliment I might have received....never forgot that one!   Thanks for reading my blog post Nicole!  Nice to meet you - 

Mar 28, 2016 06:00 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Jeri, this is a great way to think of so many of our interactions with other people - and very smart, too!

Mar 28, 2016 05:54 AM
Jeri Creson

Thanks Patricia!

Mar 28, 2016 05:55 AM