Maybe I should clarify. When a client is asking you for advice and there is an option that does not include as big a payday for you as the other option which road do you take? I would consider this the old High Road vs Low Road issue. Too many Realtor's have one thing in mind and that is their bottom line (otherwise taking the Low Road to a paycheck). We have all met them. Let's face it many of this type of Realtor is the reason we fight everyday to prove our worth and our character. We fight and work for a long time to establish our reputation and the value of our business. When representing your seller do you have THEIR best interest in mind or, are you just looking for a sale. I am reminded of this much too often when I take over a listing from another agent that has not (what I would say) properly done their job. That is to educate, and counsel your clients as to the best way to achieve THEIR goal. One of the first steps to that is ASK THEM! I went to a listing appointment a few days ago. Now this is possibly going to be a short sale but, I asked them what was it they wanted to achieve? They said that they wanted the most economical solution to their problem. OK now I have a direction. Luckily for them they have a FHA loan. I will meet with them tomorrow night to discuss their options. Only one of those includes selling. Now with the H4H program and other HUD programs we may have other options. I see myself as more then just a person that helps people sell and buy homes. If I can help someone to have a better life themselves I jump at the chance. I do volunteer work in the community which does make a small difference but, if I can help someone to stay in their home and not be affected in a negative manner that makes me feel good.
In this time of financial crisis there are many families out there that need our help. They rely on their Realtor's for advice and honesty. Granted sometimes that answer is not a pleasant one but, how good would you feel if someone told you that you were not going to lose your home. Not that it is the reason but, you will also find that you reap what you sow. Every time I have helped out a person or family I find that the referral business I receive far outweighs the little bit I would have made off of one little sale.
So as a farmer what type of seeds are you out there planting? Do you find yourself surrounded by thorns or a bountiful harvest?
Comments(12)