Used car salesman.  Slicksters.  Smooth talkers.  Greedy.  Overpaid.  We've all heard the adjectives used to describe our profession.  I truly believe that most agents are honest and trustworthy.  Most of us look at ourselves as business owners and counselors instead of a sales person.  Unfortunately, not all agents are like this and those that are well deserve the reputation that the public has bestowed upon us.  Their actions are applied to all of us in general - fair or not.

I grew up in a real estate family.  I know how the public perceives us, and I've known it since childhood.  However, it didn't deter me from pursuing my own career as a Realtor.  When I started I had the usual goals that we all do.  I wanted to help people with their real estate decisions, be successful, be happy and give back to the community I grew up in.  One of my main goals in my business, however, was to never act like your "typical" Realtor.

I was waiting early at the office yesterday morning for a client to return from a home inspection.  While I was twiddling my thumbs the phone rang.  I figured it was probably an agent that just needed to set an appointment, so I answered the phone.  I had a nice conversation with an extremely sharp and intelligent woman.  The conversation went something like this:

"Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors, how can I help you?"

"Hi.  I'm looking for an agent that I worked with about a few months ago, and I can't remember if she was with your company or with XYZ Realty.  Her last name was Smith, but I can't remember her first name."

"I'm sorry but we don't have an agent here by that name at this time."

"Oh.  Okay.  Well, I wasn't in the position to buy a house with her then, but I am now.  I just wanted to see if I could find her.  I'll call XYZ Realty and try them."

"I can check that last name in the MLS if you would like me to.  That way you won't have to call around to the different companies"

"Could you please?"

"Sure. It looks like Ann Smith is currently with ABC Realty.  Would you like her cell phone number?"

There was a long pause.

"Are you an agent?"

"Yes, I am."

Another pause.

"Why would you do that?  Buyers are scarce right now.  I'm surprised that you aren't going to try and get my information for yourself.  Especially since she works for your competition."

"I understand, but I wouldn't want another agent to do that to me.  It's not right for me to try and get you as my client when you've been working with someone else.  She deserves a chance to help you."

One last pause.

"That's really kind of you.  It's not everyday someone does the right thing, in business or just life in general.  If you don't mind, I will take her phone number."

"Thank you, that is really nice to hear.  Her number is 555-1212."

"What was your name?"

"Kristina Pratt."

"Thanks, Kristina.  Can I have your number?"

So I gave her my number and we parted ways.

Imagine my surprise when I got a phone call at 8:15 this morning.  The woman I talked to yesterday was unable to reach her former agent.  She called me to see if I would be interested in helping them find a new home.  I asked her if she was sure she wanted to change agents.  She told me that if she couldn't remember the agents name from just a few months ago then she must not have been that impressive.

I may not be able to change the opinion of everyone in the country when it comes to Realtors, but I can change the opinion of the ones I work for and come in contact with.  My honesty and belief in doing the right thing may have just gained me a client.  Even if her old agent does call and she decides to stick with her, it's okay.  Hopefully - long after she buys a home - she will always remember my name.