"It's just a form?!"

Trying to lead a group of people who look at you for answers can sometimes be a difficult proposition, especially when you know the law of averages means you will be wrong at least some of the time. 

And just between you and me, I’m not always right (“Now he says the truth,” my wife says from the other room.).

But, have you ever noticed, that maybe one of the failures of our industry, is that leaders of real estate offices are not expected to be astute business builders, or growers of talent, but rather - that we are expected to pretend and play lawyers.

I don’t know about you, but every time I get a “broker” question I get little beads of sweat that form on my brow.  And that’s when I know the answer!  You should see me when I have to think about it!

When I was hired 2 years ago, I was asked to turn around a challenged office.  I have worked hard running a business and helping agents grow into the sophisticated marketers and advocates they are.  However, no one ever mentioned that pretending to be an attorney was part of the gig.

Now, in my case I am very lucky.  I have an amazing affiliated business partner who is one of the best attorneys in town.  He writes the GCAAR forms in many cases and has over 30 years experience and I trust him whole heartedly...but I know this kind of relationship is unique.

Most brokers do not have such an avenue to broker bliss.  And that, my friends, is really scary. 

The other day I called a broker from a very big firm to tell him the offer his agent sent to my office needed to be redone because it was not on the most current form.  He actually yelled at me, saying a few things I can’t repeat.  His point though was this, it’s just a form.

So what happened?

Well, I happen to care, he didn’t and his agent’s offer was not accepted.  After all, being an advocate for our clients means more than just showing them a home they like, or driving them around...it’s about fighting to protect them when you know the other side is just wrong.

So the lesson of the day?  Be the good guy, do what’s right, and be the advocate you get paid to be.  Because if you don’t, you’re just pretending to be someone you shouldn’t.