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The Road to RUIN or Success in Real Estate – YOU CHOOSE

By
Real Estate Agent with Liberty Homes RS-#62825

Honolulu County IS the island of Oahu. We're just one island of the chain of Hawaiian Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  In other words, we aren't a huge state like the vast Continental United States and obviously it's not hard to run into people we know from time to time.

I don't know about some, but many of us in the Real Estate Industry REALIZE that our reputation is all we have on such a small island. Stepping on another's toes, giving phone call slaps or virtual smacks for the sake of being "competitive" is a no-no ....in my book.

Being aware of how I affect others will determine my success in the Real Estate Industry and hopefully the following points will help others identify...and change what is the obvious:

  • Being competitive doesn't mean to call a fellow agent up and insult them.  No matter what, we (especially on a small island as ours) hold ourselves to higher standards and insults to another will NOT get you any referrals, business partners, repeat business and well...you get the picture.  You may have to seek professional  help for those deep issues (i.e. jealousy, self esteem) you have that ‘make ‘ you criticize another.
  • Avoiding the task at hand.  If you have too much on your plate and start avoiding the tasks at hand you may want to consider hiring an assistant or referring some of that work out. Nothing is worse than hoarding more than you can handle and avoiding what needs to be done or worse yet-  passing the buck to everyone else involved in the transaction because you don't have time. You may need to seek professional help for those deep issues (greed, title, status of quantity not quality) you have that ‘make' you take on more than you can handle.
  • A poor sport indeed. So, you didn't get the listing or loan or escrow. Does that mean to badger and hold grudges against the one that did land the account?  Take a look at your own marketing and people skills. Maybe they didn't like your pushiness or inability to give correct information?  If you can't handle that you didn't get the client, you may want to seek professional counseling for vocational rehabilitation or anger management. 

So, the next time you don't answer your phone, you avoid taking care of the task at hand and insult others you can bet your bottom dollar your business will dwindle and your reputation ‘known' amongst all who have crossed your path.

The aftermath of being an overly aggressive ‘professional' with a really bad attititude....

WILL lead to your real estate profession bankruptcy.

 

Posted by

                                                       

 

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman  is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.

 

 © 2007-2015 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's

Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.

All rights reserved.

     

 


 

 

Comments(60)

Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I think half the agents in real estate need counseling for anger management!  Seems like a little over the top for saying 'get along with the other kids in the sand box - it's not that big'.

Apr 22, 2010 07:11 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Lyn: Yup...agreed :)

Bill: Awww ....you get a hug for that one :)  And it's no bother ...this has been happening since time began ....

Woodlands: Well...we get through it ...it's just a little upsetting when I hear about these ego run (instead of professional) individuals :)

Beth: And that's exactly how it's supposed to be....Not only that..over there you're more rural and REALLY know everyone yeah?

Apr 22, 2010 07:21 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Sally - great point - think before you speak my father always used to say and in this business that REALLY applies!

Apr 22, 2010 07:34 AM
Dagny Eason
Dagny's Real Estate - Wilton, CT
Fairfield County CT, CDPE Homes For Sale and Condo

Really great post, sally.  My first deal ever four years ago was with an agent from my own office, who was nasty the whole way through...   Made me think hard about the quality of people, but every one since has been stellar!    Only way for me was UP!

Apr 22, 2010 08:48 AM
Damon Gettier
Damon Gettier & Associates, REALTORS- Roanoke Va Short Sale Expert - Roanoke, VA
Broker/Owner ABRM, GRI, CDPE

After a short talk with Bob a couple of weeks ago and discussing a particular situation with some friends I am now reading, How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Many others might like to read this also.

Apr 22, 2010 09:12 AM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Sally -- I agree with you wholeheartedly, but I think this is more sensitive the smaller market you are in.  Even an area like Cleveland, Ohio with 7,000+ agents can support these types of agents you mention.  It truly makes me wonder how they survive, but I think it all boils down to "momentum." -- At least in a larger market.

Apr 22, 2010 10:12 AM
Patricia Aulson
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH
Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Good read today, thank you for getting it out to us .

Patricia

Apr 22, 2010 10:36 AM
Cameron Wilson
Labrum Real Estate - Murrieta, CA
The Short Guy - Murrieta,Temecula,Menifee Californ

The agents who act and do the things you describe are beyond change in most instances. I just try and avoid them if at all possible.

Apr 22, 2010 10:44 AM
Timo Yannopoulos
Platinum Realty Licensed in Missouri - Kansas City, MO
Buying and Selling Kansas City Homes

Great stuff Sally, I said that before but I shall it again. My grandmother use to tell me this about 50 years ago.

Better loose my eye than loosing my name

Now I am blind on my right eye, see how good grand son I was. LOL

Aloha

 

Apr 22, 2010 11:47 AM
J. Philip Faranda
Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY
Associate Broker / Office Manager

I often hear the phrase that "it is a small town." what you say sticks to you and gets around, so choose your words and conduct carefully. 

Apr 22, 2010 01:57 PM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Sally, our area of Jacksonville is a small community of Realtors® and word spreads about those who mistreat their fellow agents. If you can't deal with your work and people, then you better find another job.

Apr 22, 2010 02:44 PM
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Inc - Gulf Breeze, FL
Buyers Agent 800-309-3414 Pace and Gulf Breeze,Fl.

Good post and very informative, thanks for the enjoyable read. I always give the other person the benefit of the doubt. I say " I am not your adversary so what can we do to resolve this". They lighten up and it always works out.

Apr 22, 2010 03:07 PM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life

Sis - Frankly, I would have loved to live in the world you write of.  With your philosophy, I agree.  With the reality of it all, I suppose that depends on other things.  Bottom line, nothing you wrote here is foreign or disagreeable to me. 

But the practice of such things (the things NOT to do) is all too regular for my taste.  In an often complex world, the simple things when not done ... tend to get you and others in trouble.  Short-cuts are for fools. 

Apr 22, 2010 03:20 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Hey my bro!  I'm just happy to see you...it seems we wander past paths nowadays...that's okay...we'll talk.

Joyce: Good philosophy and a grand way to cut the ice.

 

Apr 22, 2010 04:48 PM
Jirius Isaac
Isaac Real Estate &TriStar Mortgage - Kenmore, WA
Real Estate & loans in Kenmore, WA

You are so right.  We should always try and be nice, but clear and firm.  It will get us a lot further.

Apr 22, 2010 04:57 PM
Gary Pike
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers - Powder Springs, GA

Great points, it's amazing how with all this instant communication we now have things still don't get done.

Apr 22, 2010 11:56 PM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

It gives new meaning to the term local agent.  You really have to be on the ball.

Apr 23, 2010 02:40 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Are you talking stink about me again? haha 

You're right about things on a small island - there's nothing that gets missed on the coconut wireless.  I hope you have a great weekend.

Apr 23, 2010 02:55 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Good advice.  Even in a big area like Orange County, CA, you run into people again and again, and reputation is important.

Apr 23, 2010 04:23 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Georgina...haha. No kidding...but some think it's cool to disregard

 

Apr 24, 2010 06:26 AM