Rhonda:   It can't be just about the home - it has to be about real people first.  I love what you said about looking at it as an opportunity.   Thanks Rhonda for your comment and reading.

Colleen:  I think part of the problem is that some real estate professionals tell their client what they want to hear at the start, then try to tell them the reality of things later on.  It doesn't work.  Frustration sets in, and the consumer bears the brunt of it eventually.

Amy:  You bring up a good point:  When we do our best by putting them Priority #1 we do so with honesty. Most will listen and appreciate it, others will not want to hear our advice nor need it.  At that point what do we do?  If I can't help them with my honesty, then I can't help them at all.  I would rather lose a client in the beginning, then take them through months of not being able to help them.

Missy:  You're right, the honesty is sometimes what they don't want to hear, or can't bear to hear.  But Missy, if we remember that keeping them (and their needs and wants) first, then we can't do anything else but be honest.  If the consumer walks away from us at least we know we didn't mislead them.   If they hear what we have to say, and digest in (as in your case in point) then we keep the crown on their heads which is where it should be.    I can see where the frustration comes in (and the end of a transaction sometimes) but that comes from issues that weren't fully explained to the consumer in the beginning.

Robert:   Thanks for coming by and reading.  Much appreciated.

Charles:   It boggles my mind sometimes..Merry Christmas to you also my friend.

Morgan:  I think if we all spent a bit more time getting to know our clients, and vice verse, before we leap out to show that house or come unprepared to a listing appointment we can give them what they want.  Consumers want to be educated about real estate.  If we do that most of the times they are happy campers. There will be the few who don't want to hear it and walk away, but that's ok.  At least we tried to do our best for them from the beginning.

Mark:  Thank you.  I appreciate it.

Ray:  I'm not sure what monkeys and zoos have to do with this, but your comment made me laugh.  Thanks :-)   No, this isn't easy, but it isn't rocket science either to treat people as if they were #1.

Connie:  I like what you said about confusing patience with unrealistic expecations.  That's where education comes in, and what we should be doing.  Thanks so much Connie.

Paul:   Thank you.  I was also one of those clients whose needs weren't #1.  You never forget the feeling do you?

Gary:  Loved your analogy!  Expectant parents indeed!

Carole:   Everything surrounding us is frustrating lately, thanks to the economy and the media.  Our clients surely don't need that from us also.  Thanks Carole.

Greg:  You're welcome.  Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

Lisa:  I look at it a different way:  If we educate people (which is giving them what they want) there will be far less unrealistic sellers and buyers who want the moon for very little money.   Of course if we can't help someone we should walk away.  Like you, I believe there are too many professionals who don't walk away.

Elizabeth:   Without our clients we wouldn't be in business - you're thoughts are so right on Elizabeth.  Thanks hon.

Thesa:   Thank you, always good to see you :-)

Tami:   "so I better keep doing good by them"   Oh so true Tami.