I have been contemplating the importance of service in life, but especially in the real estate business. I spent 22 years of my life serving others through pastoral ministry. It was a great experience and I was usually blessed more than I felt I blessed others.
I began serving others through the real estate industry over 2 years ago. It has been an adventure and I have been learning. Let me share 2 experiences. The first experience took place during my first year in real estate. I was working with a seasoned realtor. He asked me to go see a property he was trying to list. He asked me because I have had extensive experience as a real estate investor. This property had two kitchens and was zoned a multi-unit. The owner was considering removing the kitchen to create another bedroom and make it into a 1 unit. I went to look at the property and advised against converting it back to a single unit. Later I called the home owner to talk with her and she mentioned that she was unhappy with my more experienced partner. She asked him to come back to her home to further discuss the listing. My partner would not do this, but preferred to meet at our office. After hanging up with this potential client, I immediately called my partner and told him about the conversation. I assumed he would call the potential client back and try to set an appointment at her house. I would later discover that he did not do this, but again tried to persuade the client to come into the office. Needless to say, we did not get the listing.
My second experience has been more recent. I had a client which I represented and helped them buy a house. We settled on the house with the original owner getting to rent back for several weeks in order to facilitate a smoother transition. During this rent back period, my client asked if I would accompany him to do some measurements and discuss some ideas he had for the property. I said that I would. I did not give it a second thought, even though I no longer officially represented him because is was post closing. The original owner happened to be at the property when we arrived and let us into the house. He asked about my presence and seemed impressed that I was there. Later, my client told me how impressed this owner had been with my level of service.
I have not been in the business long enough to know if I will be rewarded with more business because of this level of service. However, judging from my past experience, I believe it will reap me some benefits. What do you think or what stories do you have to share with me?
Comments(3)