Home > Blogs > Mike Elliott > Mike Elliott's (maxwellmc) Blog

Cultural Differences

By Mike Elliott

Real Estate Agent

June 02, 2007 01:14 AM

I was working with a client today who called on one of my listings. He was from another country with an vastly different culture than the US. It just goes to show you, no matter how long you do this, there is always more to learn about your job and your clients.

This particular client, as we were walking through the home, was very concerned about the direction that the front door was pointing and where the kitchen was in relation to the front door and on what side of the house (NSEW). He finally announced that he would need to bring his priest out to the home to give it his "blessing" to see if was acceptable to his religion.

So, what did I learn from all of this? Always carry a compass or a GPS to be able to answer your clients questions on directions!

Maxwell McDaniel

www.AustinAPlusHomes.com

Comments(4)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Rob Robinson- Lehigh Valley PA

Bertrum Settlements (Title & Abstract) - Allentown, PA

Getting caught off guard by various cultures will happen... and I don't think you can prepare for all.

However.... a compass isn't a bad idea anyway, to estimate at minimum, where the sun comes into the house.

Jun 02, 2007 01:32 AM

Maurice McLaughlin

Nations Princeton-Nassau Inc. d/b/a NATIONS - Naples, FL

Interesting story about the different factors that come into play when working with buyers and sellers.Hope you were able to succeed with a successful sale in meeting your clients needs.

Jun 02, 2007 01:40 AM

Bob Carney

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales - Mc Henry, MD

Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent

Yep had that request before. I look at it another great way to expand your knowledge. I just hope I don't insult them accidently first, because of my lack of knowledge of customs. Good luck with your sale...(most cars have a compass now-a-days)

Jun 02, 2007 02:02 AM

Mike Elliott

Austin, TX

Ultimately that's what we did, back the car in the driveway and get an *idea* of which direction things were facing. It's certainly better than nothing. I believe the buyer is going to want to see the home again and bring a compass to get a more exact idea of directions. I'm not sure which religion this would matter to, Islam pehaps, (of course-not that it matters!), it just shows my lack of direct experience in dealing with the special needs of that culture.

Jun 02, 2007 02:07 AM

Cultural Differences

Comments(4)

Mike Elliott

Recent Posts

Additional Information