Realtors® Don't Know Everything....But The Good Ones Find The Answers

No one can possibly have every answer.  You are doing the client a bigger service by finding out the correct answer than just guessing one to give them a quick response.  Im sure that you have encountered more than one loan officer who incorrectly guessed on a guideline.  That probably didn't work out so well.

It is amazing that we can still learn from every client.  Every buyer is unique and they have different ways of looking at things.  It is important to not be afraid that you do not know, but even more power in the knowledge that you know where to look!  Great post, and sorry that someone copied your work.  Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery?  lol

My signature line in my blog is that I can help and if I can't I know who can.  Very important.

I agree with you, Karen. It's okay to admit you don't know the answer, but will find out. Especially if the seller/buyer has asked a great question. (And I let them know that they asked a great question and that I'll get the answer. They typically seem very pleased... proud that they asked a great question, and that I'll research the right answer.)  

I have spent my life as an ignoramus!

It is a fairly simple fact that we can't, or won't, make an attempt to learn something we already (think) we know.

"I don't know" is step one in any learning process, so we must admit ignorance to gain knowledge. I think it was one of the Red Neck humorists who said, "Ignorance you can fix, stupid is here to stay."

Hi Karen

I've actually had many of my clients appreciate the fact that I didn't know the answer to something.  I think it made them feel more confident that I took the steps to find the answer with others with experience.

Thank you for sharing.  It's very easy to try and sound like we know the answer in a pinch, but it's worse getting out of it when we really don't!

Great post!  Expectation Management is such a big part of what we do and your points are right on!

Karen, it has gotten to be a matter of expecting to happen where once we might have been so happy that nothing was going to happen. With all of the rules changing and so many people out there still trying to take advantage of the system keeping our A game face ready is a must. It also doesn't hurt to have the support of a86,000 plus associates that can help us with a problem we need some assistance with.

Yikes!  Dunes to the rescue!

Karen: Great thoughts and blog.

Concise well delivered information and slant on the issues.

You are exactl;y right.  I think it is pompus to try and act like we know it all.  Sometimes we know the right questions, which is even more important.

No one has all the answers, and the smart ones will admit that. The right answer is what you stated. I don't have the answer but I know where to get it.

Saw this as a reblog and had to come here and comment.  This is right on the mark, especially in the market that we are in.

Karen ... Thanks for this post, and I always enjoy a great question about something that's hard to find. 

We specialize in helping to find the right information for our clients about important questions, whether title, property tax, estate planning, foreclosure, what properties are for sale, what properties can be purchased even though not for sale, what neighborhoods and schools are like, what are the selling trends in the area, some legal information, lienholders on certain properties, income tax liens, short listing situations, best strategy for listing, sale and finding the right buyers.

Good post Karen and spot on. Your title says it all.

Karen, what a great tagline!  I've lived by that mantra for some time now, and it's a great way to look at our business.  Thanks for the post!