December, 2008. Today there are at least a million REALTORS® around the USA. How many will make it 
to 2010? Here in Asheville, N.C., we are holding strong finding the support of NAR's Four-Point Plan to calm a jittery real estate market (see graphic) gratifying and of special interest.
Although our sustainable-GREEN real estate market is attractive here in the mountains, we are part of the bigger picture, and so there is concern. Possibly NAR's Plan can lead to stabilization across the market.
" Time is of the essence,"NAR tells us."This week and next, NAR is mobilizing hundreds of REALTORS® from all over the country to hold face-to-face meeting with elected officials to urge them to support NAR's Four-Point Plan to calm jittery real estate markets and boost the economy."
Yes, on a national level, real estate buyers, sellers, investors and professionals have a popular voice about the real estate market and a stake in mutually beneficial remedies. Still, I am convinced that individual voices of buyers, sellers, investors and professionals can influence positive outcomes in neighborhoods and towns across the nation. To me, encouraging positive outcomes is tied to mutual respect.
Mutual respect starts at home. And at the local level, when buyers, sellers , investors and real estate professionals agree clearly to communicate objectives and expectations, all benefit as we steady our way in the jittery real estate market. But what of the real estate agent who fails to take the lead in this discussion? This person invests time and energy "being of service" but neglects to educate those involved as to the valueof the service, thus implying "running dog" status and potentially forfeiting mutual respect.
*running dog(RU N-ing dog) noun A servile follower; a lackey.
From Chinese zougou, from zou (running) + gou (dog), apparently as
an allusion to a dog running to follow his or her master's commands.
(definition from Wordsmith.org)
(photo is of happy dog on the road at Hickory Nut Forest Eco-community)
About Expectations and Running Dogs : People may not realize just how complex a real estate transaction is. There are legalities and hundreds of "working parts"-details, coordination with other parties to the transaction- that require attention and expertise.
Should an organization such as the NAR fail to make clear its agenda, it would weaken its position. In a similar way, should an agent fail to make plain the dynamic of a transaction he or she would weaken the chance for a positive outcome, and this can have a rippling effect.
Setting Expectations: Right from the start, and especially during challenging times, everyone involved in a real estate transaction can be part of a positive and happy working relationship. Yes, it takes planning and initiative. Yes, it means organizing the ground rules, right from the start. But setting expectations in terms of 1) optimizing the time and resources of everyone concerned, and 2) keeping everyone in the loop can assure mutual respect. And mutual respect is essential to any conversation whether that be at the national or local level.
How does "setting expectations" work for you?
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Jittery Real Estate Market? Expectations, Running Dogs and Mutual Respect.The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved
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