I was thinking about the particular skill set I bring to the marketplace and abruptly ran into resistance in describing my virtues. I don't think it has much to do with modesty so I find myself curious as to what it might be.
My resume includes manual labor as a child (when I grew up it was considered character-building to work as a child - I cut "'cots" summers starting at age 11 - 12 hour days in the hot sun . . . as a teen I volunteered as a "candy-striper" in the local hospital and worked in fast-food joints) - I have done time as a hair stylist, dental assistant, then went corporate as an accountant, an editor, an analyst, a marketing rep, and an underwriter. My hobbies are of a reflective nature. I have always enjoyed writing and like to make collages, read, and partake in armchair philosophical discussions.
I have degrees in Information Systems Management and psychology. I have certifications in Reiki, Feng Shui, and dreamwork.
In reflecting on my background for a moment, I had an "aha" about my resistance in attempting to deconstruct my skill set . . . to describe what I bring to the marketplace is to describe ME - and that is so personal and has to do not only with the jobs I have held, the education I have received, and the skills I possess, but also my upbringing, and the values I ascribe to, as well as my temperament. Very personal "stuff" . . .
I also notice that, surprisingly, there is an element of modesty in describing some of my personal value and a resistance to reducing that value to a simple monetary unit for business purposes.
A former broker once advised his agents that "liking to look at houses" is not a virtue for a real estate agent to have. I disagree. That is part of what makes my job fun for me. I love variety. I love the fact that every work day is different, and I love looking at houses! I am a student of architecture and design, and along with my background in Feng Shui, getting the opportunity to see a house is completely exhilarating to me! I love seeing different layouts and materials, living conditions and living styles. Showing property is a blast to me for this reason and it is even more fun to share the experience with someone and compare notes.
Add a buyer or a seller with a goal and I am fully engaged. For the buyer, I can play detective - interview them to find out what their heart's desire is and then comb the marketplace to try to find it. For a seller, scope out their property and get the creative juices flowing regarding how they can showcase the assets of the property along with creative ways I can market it, and brainstorm ideas to situate the property in the marketplace for the best result.
If I am representing a buyer, writing the offer and presenting it are strengths I bring to the bargaining table. If representing a seller, assisting my client in analyzing the offer is another skill I possess.
Once escrow is opened, my underwriting background and natural attention to detail come into play. Documentation becomes an obsession.
In a nutshell, my strengths lie in the combination of the creative with the analytical. The client who will appreciate me will be someone who values ethics, creativity, fun, and doing things "right."
I like to look at houses
- I like to have fun
- I like to brainstorm
- I like to negotiate
- I like to document
- Ethics and fair-dealing are important to me
- I don't cut corners on the important stuff
- I like people who are "real"
- I am direct - I don't beat around the bush
- I like to help people I like
