Fortune Cookie Wisdom

I got to enjoy a sit down lunch with my Mother yesterday at my favorite Chinese Restaurant.  I enjoyed the conversation and time with Mom and, of course, the food.  At the end of our meal, we cracked open our Fortune Cookies to see what words of wisdom would be imparted to us.  Mine was simple and true:

A true friend is someone who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out.

A statement that conveys the actions of a true friend, but can also be applied to a great Realtor.  You could just as easily say, "A great Realtor is someone who offers their assistance, when other Realtors run for the hills."

Sadly, this has become more and more true as the market has made selling homes more and more difficult.  Those that got into this business for the QUICK buck are now looking for the EASY buck.  They are walking away from situations that may involve more work, like Short Sales.  They outright refuse to list a home, simply so a family can negotiate a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure from the bank. 

There is a certain amount of faith that must be held in situations where a pay day may not be earned by a Realtor.  It is the exchange of favors.  I'll help you now, because I know you'll help me later.  It's that same principle of reciprocity that keeps great friendship going.  So a great Realtor realizes, "I will likely not make much, or any, money for the work I put into this transaction, but the work I do will generate referrals of this person's family and friends."

As a client of one of these great Realtors, please realize that they are giving to you in a time when paying the bills has become very tough.  The best payment for the professional courtesy and assistance they gave you, will be the glowing referrals you give to them of your friends and family.  Realtors don't make an hourly wage to assist in those difficult transactions.  We only get paid when we sell something.  So if you have found that great Realtor who gives without getting, please remember them and shout their names from the roof tops when your friend, family or co-worker needs a Realtor.