"You Always Have My Back"
The life of a real estate agent is an interesting one. Just this afternoon, I was speaking with a trusted contractor who made mention of the "easy big bucks" I make. Yep, the perception that real estate agents do very little for a lot of money is quite common. This was of course, after I had gone to my upcoming rental listing, which I had recently staged, to clean the hardwood floors as the owner had become sick and unable to do anymore. Of course, picture day is tomorrow. (Yes, there is a professional photographer coming to photograph the rental because all of my listings are treated equally.)
Though the owner had instructed me to hire a cleaning lady and he would reimburse me, I knew it was too little notice to get the job done. So I picked up my Orange Glo mop and cleaning solution and was out the door after putting together some marketing reports. Ah, living the dream of big bucks. Think Annette Bening in American Beauty. Sometimes cleaning may not be required, but we know it needs to be done to get the home to sell, or in this case, rent. You do what you have to do.
While I will tolerate a good natured razzing anytime, sometimes it does get old. It was especially annoying when the contractor whined after that he hadn't charged enough for the job I just referred to him. Not sure if he was looking for me to ante up or not, but I did get to the root of the additional cost and advised him how to handle that issue with future clients I would refer. Certainly not the first time I have told a contrator they are not charging enough. He took the advice, knowing full well that if I do well in real estate, he as a trusted contractor will do well. A rising tide lifts all boats.
After getting off that call, my landlord-client had texted me. Mind you, this is a repeat client that bought the home is going to be renting out with me about ten years ago and just bought another home with me last year. I had informed him the floors were clean and we were all set to hit the market with no delays. What did he do? He offered me more money for the additional effort. Of course, I declined because 1) it was the right thing to do and I had the time today and 2) the effort was to make sure this home gets hits the market with no delays and gets a great tenant. I'll get paid when it rents. His appreciation was enough for my cleaning diversion today.
"Thank you so much for all the help. I really appreciate that you always have my back."
This is a very satisfying career. Helping people through the most stressful transactions they will ever have in their lives is not a small thing. You can make a very good living, but be prepared to work your tail off and spend a lot of money. Professional marketing and representing someone in an agency relationship is not easy peasy, nor to be taken lightly.
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