Since I've been hanging around with a bunch of Realtors lately I've noticed an interesting corollary with respect to each of my colleague's choice of transportation. If you're looking for a Realtor, and can't quite decide on who to use, you might want to check out their ride. I'll tell you why in just a minute.
In La Pine, usually about twice a month we all get together for what we call an "Agent's Tour." It's an interesting little exercise where we first meet in a central location, (way too early in the morning,) gobble up some coffee and other goodies that one of the Title Companies usually bring (which we love) then the agents who have a house on tour say a few words about what we're about to see, then we all go and actually see them... together, in a Caravan of our respective vehicles.
Even though we usually perform this exercise carpool style, there's always a nice little train of vehicles that arrives, seemingly in force, suddenly at the doorstep of every poor owner faced with this impending assault on their properties. The whole thing can be really quite amusing, especially in the winter when you factor in potential snow and ice, shoes-on or off in this, but not that house, the actual reaction of the homeowners when we arrive, chit-chat here and there about various features that are popular or not, how things got priced, or should have been, etc., etc., its all great fun just to watch, let alone, be a part of. Plus, it's a chance to see what everyone's driving.
Cars and Real Estate seem to go hand in hand (and I know this is a stretch, but bear with me...) The common thread that ties all Real Estate transactions together is apparently the vehicle that got the agent to the office everyday, and then subsequently carried that day's client to the property of their dreams. What choice that agent has made with respect to that which is seemingly one of, if not the most important tool in the Real Estate Agent's tool box, is what I find interesting.
Some agents drive big American or European sedans that seem to be chosen in order to portray an image of success and a corresponding level of competence and/or expertise that enabled them to achieve that success to begin with. On the other hand, some agents choose a more subtle approach by driving an understated but capable vehicle that does the job without shouting out any intended messages or demanding any particular recognition. The thinking here, I'm guessing, is that some sellers may not want to list with an agent that's not particularly hungry, and some buyers might feel uncomfortable working with someone seeming to be a little snooty.
Others still, like myself, go for utility; image be damned. To me, the ultimate Real Estate vehicle, especially in an area like ours that demands showings in snow, mud, mountains or manicured subdivision, is a four-door, late model, four wheel drive pickup truck that will get me and my clients anywhere-anytime, with all my signs, tools and any other various gear to wherever we're trying to get. After all, if I can't get myself and my clients there, I can't sell it. There have been plenty of times when I've had clients in the truck when I was seriously thankful to have been able to engage the four wheel drive in order to get us out of a jam.
The point is that when the time comes to for you to make a decision as to which Realtor to use, just for fun you might want to check out their choice of vehicle. I think what you'll discover is both interesting and revealing. By the way, if my vehicle could say something about myself, I hope it describes an agent that is highly competent while still extremely hungry, polished but not arrogant (well, maybe a little) and someone who will do anything within reason to get there and back without getting stuck in the driveway of yours or any other transaction.
Comments(1)