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Selling real estate is like waiting tables....

By Lisa VonBargen

Real Estate Agent with Photography7522

November 18, 2008 03:19 AM

Greetings from Estes Park!

I was reading and commenting on some fantastic blogs from ActiveRain members, and went back to my own blogs to look at the comments. It seems to me that the best blogs are about helping the community and sharing information that can benefit someone along the way...definitely not a "it's all about me" sales pitch.

After 20 years as waitstaff and bartender in a few really great restaurants that prided themselves on product knowledge and customer service, it occurrs to me that selling real estate is a lot like waiting tables. It's all about how we can help our customers, to give them information to make an informed choice, to make their experience as pleasant as possible and to show them that we value their business and look forward to seeing them again. If we can make that happen, the tips (ummm...commissions) will follow.

I will try to follow my own advice with my blogs. I will be happy to help you any way I can, whether its advice on where to stay, eat or shop in Estes, photography advice, Juvenile Diabetes resources, or real estate info...just ask!

Here's a photograph of a gorgeous column at the Stanley Hotel here in Estes Park where I was a wedding bartender. I wish all my ActiveRain friends a career full of happy customers...Lisa

estes park, colorado, historic stanley hotel, restaurant, bartender, waitress, customer service

Comments(13)

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Richard Barbee

Realty Executives Assoc - Knoxville, TN

Yes, very interesting. Customer service and the service mentality is a great skill in real estate.

We serve others, with expertise, response, paperwork, etc. We become leaders by serving others well.

Take care and best wishes.

Nov 18, 2008 03:27 AM

Kenneth Bargers

Prudential Woodmont Realty - Nashville, TN

Lisa - Great analogy and wonderful photo. Estes Park is a beautiful community. I had an Uncle that owned an entertainment venue many many years ago called the Chuckwagon. I always enjoyed visiting your area when I was very young.

Nov 18, 2008 03:29 AM

Mike Klijanowicz

Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD

Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors

Exactly because I can go anywhere and get a hamburger and a beer, just like I can go to any broker to buy or sell a house. IT IS ALL ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE and SATISFACTION and RETENTION!

Nov 18, 2008 03:30 AM

Ruth Vogt

Fairway Independent Mortgage, LLS. Equal Housing Opportunity. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate. - Colorado Springs, CO

719-592-0855 www.ReverseLoansInColorado.com

Great points! Also great photo! You must also do photo! We are brainstorming right now and your comments were perfectly timed! We decided the correlation is: while WAITING for business, you must SERVE your clients!

Nov 18, 2008 03:31 AM

Malisia Wilkins Upstate SC

Williamston, SC

It is so true! I'm just glad I no longer come home smelling of stale beer and fried fish.

Nov 18, 2008 03:52 AM

Li Read

Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC

Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

What a great photo, and a very thoughtful post. Appreciated reading it.

Nov 18, 2008 04:59 AM

Richard Shuman

The Only B.S. I Have is from the University of Massachusetts - Lake Mary, FL

Real Estate Broker - Orlando Area - Love Referrals

I always thought it was like cleaning Horse Stalls - Shovel enough of it against the wall and something will stick? Just Joking!

Nov 18, 2008 05:01 AM

Yvette Smith

LONG & FOSTER - Williamsburg, VA

Realtor In Williamsburg VA, Homes for Sale

HI LISA!

Although I've never been a waitress, I'd have to agree with you on this awesome ananlogy. This is a VERY customer-service oriented biz, whereby you are successful by the kind (quality) of service you provide. I think, the better you are at giving (selflessly), the more successful you will be.

BTW, that is a great picture!

Nov 18, 2008 05:21 AM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Hello Lisa and welcome to the group, your going to like it here! I think your post is very original and I really like your photograph.

Nov 18, 2008 09:06 AM

Lisa VonBargen

Photography7522 - Estes Park, CO

Estes Park Real Estate Photographer

Thanks, Robert! You have a very interesting resume! I'm a musician, too...I'm headed out the door to jazz and concert band rehearsal tonight. (trumpet) I also worked in the fashion industry in Los Angeles, as an assistant activewear designer and print designer for Gilda Marx, Inc., and Earthlings. Of course, while I was doing that, my husband and I were fixing and flipping duplexes in Hermosa Beach with the help of some really awesome realtors! I loved the shots on your profile page...Lisa

Nov 18, 2008 10:53 AM

c m

Colorado Springs, CO

Ditto to all of the comments above! I have lived all over Colorado, but it's been over 25 years since I have been to Estes Park. Since we lived in the mountains most of those years, our trips were to the "big city" to shop, go to museums, theatre, etc... but now that we are in the city again, maybe a trip to Estes Park is in order, maybe I'll take you up on that offer to suggest a place to stay, we LOVE B and B's!

Nov 19, 2008 02:38 PM

Stefan Geyer

SOA Realty - Aurora, CO

Here is another angle on your comparison > no matter how busy you are in the kitchen (usually servers are running around like their pants are on fire), you need to seem relaxed and in control while on the floor in front of customers.

Nov 22, 2008 01:13 AM

Absolutely! The ability to keep your calm demeanor in spite of what's happening around you is just as important in a real estate office as a restaurant. Thanks for the comment! Lisa

Nov 22, 2008 02:28 AM

Selling real estate is like waiting tables....

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