Who you ARE matters more than what you DO

Some clients want an agent who has that "Top Realtor" attitude, but many others want a relationship with a competent "friend" who will guide them through the process. The ones who are looking for the former will probably not choose me, but that's o.k. 

Hi Cindy,

Couldn't agree with you more.  The challenge is just getting the word out.  Thank goodness for AR. 

It's true isn't?  If people don't like you they will never buy or sell real estate with you.  Not the same when you are a doctor or a lawyer.  Me personally, I won't go to a doctor I don't like no matter how good he is (well maybe a skilled surgeon -- LOL).  I would use a lawyer I didn't like -- but only if I was litigating.  Real estate is a funny thing though because many times people select me solely because they like me.

I agree with Tni, you have to like your realtor you are doing business with. That blast of questions on what you want from a buyers agent can really put off shy buyers or people that don't like that in your face attitude.

Amen to that Cindy!  I completely agree...Too many people trying to "sell sell sell" instead of taking some time to understand what's going on and providing insight whether it gains you a new client or not.  I say this all the time, but that's a big part of why I became licensed...During the transactions for my first home purchase and my current home, I felt like I was given absolutely no guidance and the only thing those agents really cared about was getting their commission...When I bought my current home...at the closing I was chatting with my "agent" after I signed papers and she stopped me in mid sentence saying..."Sorry but I gotta go get my money. It was nice working with you." and walked away....It wasn't too long after that, that I decided to get my license so I could do everything those agents didn't...

We serve our clients better when we are focused on the journey, and not the end result.  There are  alot of amazing people to meet through the process.    When clients and customers refer their friends and family, call me when they set their wedding date, and when the baby is born, I'm thrilled they keep me in their thoughts!   A client relationship is best nurtured long term, it shouldn't be a one-shot deal and move on.

Agents that cut to the chase and only look out for the paycheck, are missing out... or should we all thank them for their past clients business when they come our way??  ;) 

Great post, Cindy!

Cindy, I will never think you are one of those agents who shout "Work with me or else".  Caring about people is what this business about, I would not like to work with someone who is just all business and be done with me, and say NEXT.

It's all a balancing act.  Of course it's important to connect with the client, but you need to be adept at protecting your interests as well.  I only think of that because I personally spent too much time trying to be my client's friends when I first started in this business before I realized that's not what they wanted or what I needed.  Like I said, it's all about balance.  Thank you for sharing your post!

That is too wild!  I went from your featured blog here on AR to searching for an address in west central MN and who's banner flashed across  to Zillow screen, Cindy in Indy. Now if I were paranoid...............

Buyers and sellers want to work with someone they can trust. If they have a connection with you, they are more willing to trust you.

Hello Cindy -- love your line, 'who you ARE matters more than what you DO.' So true. Glad this is featured.

Cindy I applaud your attitude - it's a very commendable one that goes a long way in our industry.  Keep it up and thank you for sharing.

Who said it? It's a famous old quote, and never more true than it is today:  "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Marte stole my quote.  It is important how we work with the client.

Cindy - A home is one of the biggest financial investments an average person will make.  It only makes sense that people do business with people they know and trust.  They aren't impressed by our credentials, firm, etc.  They are trusting their biggest financial investment to a person, not a firm.  It all starts with making that personal connection.  In competing for business, the one with the strongest connection to the client usually wins.  Love the quote in Marte's reply (#75).

Creating a relationship with those you are dealing with makes life easier. It may also help you avoid looking like a couple getting divorced because you didn't get along just so you could speed into the process. 

Great point Cindy.  People do business with people who they like and trust! : )