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This ain't the Bible Belt...it's the Buckle! Buying a home in the South

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Greenville Central

Well some of you saw my previous post on Green homes so you're no stranger to the fact that I'm not PC when it comes to both life and Real Estate. And surprisingly my clients appreciate that. It's like going on a date and people tell you not to talk about religion or politics. Again surprisingly, those things come up during showings, listings and throughout real estate transactions with other agents all the time here in Greenville, Travelers Rest and the Upstate.

People moving from out of state are exposed to a great culture shock. We're NICE here! Neighbors will come say hello. People dont' care what color your skin is, what you do or where you're from. People always wave, smile and ask how you are! We take our time and speak our minds. And one thing jokingly I tell my folks if they open the door about the taboo "religion" aspect is that they're not coming to the Bible Belt..they're coming to the Buckle!  See below!

Now that's not to say that people are throwing religion in everyones faces, but don't be surprised if you sneeze that you get a God Bless You! Or in moving into a neighborhood, if the neighbors invite you to church. Or even if your new co-workers do the same. Southerners pride themselves on living "Right" in their minds and being true to their beliefs even at their own behest. And I"ve seen many past clients join churches, even mine, and experience life changing events and become members. It's amazing to watch!

I have people even ask me if as a Realtor, if I"m a believer!  It may be non-PC and some say that they are though they don't live it, but the vast majority of Realtors I've had transactions with dont' take it as an affront to be asked that question either. I consider it a compliment and a way to build a deeper rapport with my clients. If they bring it up..the door is wide open. Just as much as if someone asks you "how's the real estate business going?". It's a door opener..you don't just say "Great"!  You say "Why do you ask and capture the lead". Of course this goes a bit more personal than lead conversion but it certainly doens't hurt!

It's hard enough for the South to be labeled as redneck and backwards, funny talkin and slow. But when it comes to welcoming folks to the Buckle, I say bring it on....and Hallelujah.

That non-PC enough for ya?

 

John Mulkey
TheHousingGuru.com - Waleska, GA
Housing Guru

Holly - Having grown up in the deep south, I'm well aware of the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of our people and area; and though I love to visit other parts of the country, I love my southern home. 

Mar 11, 2010 05:53 AM
Dennis Kelley
Keller Williams Western Realty - Ferndale, WA

I commend you on staying firm in your beliefs.  People may not like your beliefs but they usually tend to respect you more for living by them.  People hate fakes and it is very easy to spot them.  They are wishy washy in what they stand for and tend to be passive in order to appease others.  When you are firm or BOLD people remember you.  If you are passive, you're forgettable or thought of as weak, two things that can really hurt your business.   As a Realtor, be proud of who you are and what you believe.   If you hold fast to what you believe your actions will follow and others will notice. 

Mar 11, 2010 06:06 AM
Hugh Krone
Weichert Referral Associates - Hamburg, NJ
Realtor, Sussex County NJ

God Bless You

Mar 11, 2010 07:47 AM
Terry Chenier
Homelife Glenayre Realty - Mission, BC

Holly,

In a previous life I was in engineering and did a lot of work in the Southern states. Every second job was a Baptist church.

Mar 11, 2010 08:56 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Holly,

Right on. Stay away from that PC stuff and keep on the path you're on. Fantastic - and enjoyable - post. :)

Steve

Mar 11, 2010 01:31 PM