Want A Job Reference? Ask Their REALTOR®

Back in March, I had the pleasure of working with a really great couple who had relocated to our area for the husband's company.  His wife, Joan, had found a job working for a local municipality.  I showed a few homes to them, not many, and they quickly decided on a home that needed a LOT of TLC and rehab that had been languishing on the market for several months. 

I'd told Joan that I knew she and her husband were looking for a "fixer upper," but this one was going to be "a real hum dinger."  As she and I walked through the home, I pointed out all of the major issues with the home, like the mold ALL throughout the home, the HVAC that wasn't working, numerous roof and plumbing leaks, the downright scary inground pool with creatures in it that I didn't even realize lived in Southwest Missouri, etc.  There wasn't one inch of the home that they would not need to repair/replace.  Joan didn't talk alot, she always smiled and responded with, "That's not a big deal.  I can fix that."

On Monday, I received a call from the human resources director with a large corporation in Springfield, MO.  She was calling me for a reference on Joan.  I was a little surprised to hear that Joan was leaving her current job.

HR Director:  How do you know Joan?

Me:  I sold her and her husband a home in March when they relocated here.

HR Director:  That's odd.  She's never worked for you?  I've never had someone use their REALTOR® for a reference.

Me:  Hmmm.  I've never been used as a reference for a client before, but now that I think about it, why not?  I'm probably the best person you could have called.  In my business, I tend to see people at their worst.  I could tell you about the true personality of a lot of people, and how they handle themselves under stress.  I can tell you who breaks down, who deals dirty, and who loses their temper, and who handles stress the best.

HR Director:  I guess I hadn't thought of it that way.  So tell me, how was Joan?

Me:  Based on my experience, she is always in a good mood, she is able to look past the ugly and see the good in everything, she isn't afraid of hard work, she tackles challenges with optimism, nothing ever ruffles or stresses her, she never complains, and she believes in being fair to everyone.  She's grateful for help, appreciative of someone's time, and works hard to meet deadlines.  She's an absolute pleasure to work with.

HR Director:  Maybe I should be asking more job applicants for the name of their REALTOR®.  Ha!

After this call, I started thinking.....we really do see the true personality of people.  When we spend days, weeks, months and sometimes years dealing with people, we get to know them very, very well.  Looking back at my past clients, I can tell you instantly what their strengths and weaknesses are, and if they have a pleasant temperament, and how easily they adapt in situations.

I'd never actually put much thought into this perspective of our business before, but after this call I realize we are probably the BEST people in the world to be calling for a job reference.  Well.....only if they're nice.