Special offer

c.1982, John Czos asks me "How do you like your new job?" I respond, " John, it's not a job, it's an opportunity, and I love it!"

By
Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Newport Realty Corp.

I still feel the same way, 25 years later. I was in the business for 10 years before my mother realized I did not get a check every Friday. A year later, as I was turning 40, my father asked me if I was ever going to get a "real job." (He had no idea I was making twice as much income than he ever made.) What an opportunity!

I remember the 'I love that answer' look on John Czos's face in 1982 more than any other reaction to conversations with anybody, regarding my chosen field. John C. felt my enthusiasm.

That enthusiasm, still lives today. I felt it again last week, when I was not selected to list a property that I was in competition in, with 2 other agents. I emailed the seller and asked her, what influenced her decision to select one of the other agents. Her response was the selected agent seemed more impressed with the improvements she made to her home and that agent also worked with a national franchise they had already spoke to in their destination city. (A Relo)

I thanked her for her honesty and I thought to myself, I am guilty of not being overly responsive, visibly, as I walk through a property during pre-listing appointments. This had been brought to my attention a couple weeks earlier, when I was listing a home, and Mr. Seller said his wife felt I was not excited about all the work they had done to their home. He told her that I am a professional and while doing my walk through, I was noting all the improvements, as I was. It was a wake-up call. I need to be more expressive, and sensitive to the homeowners pride.

The enthusiasm came yesterday when the property I was not selected to list came on the market, at $149,900. My Market Analysis, and recommended list price to the seller was $134,900, with an anticipated sale price of $130,000-$134,000. We'll see.

 

Comments (4)

Barb Merrill
Cactus Mountain Properties, LLC - Tempe, AZ
GRI, Associate Broker
It is an opportunity to hone our skills everyday and be reminded of what we need to improve on.  Thank you for calling my attention to the details that Sellers are so proud of. By acknowledging their efforts, they will put their confidence in us.  They will see that we have their best interest in mind. This is the best opportunity in the world!
Nov 01, 2007 02:17 PM
Danielle V. Lewis
DDR Realty - Newburgh, NY
DDR Realty
I'm glad you still feel so positive after handling the market for so long. I'm sure you've weathered and seen a lot.
Nov 01, 2007 02:20 PM
Dan Gobis
Re/Max Newport Realty Corp. - Racine, WI
Danielle, I have weathered, and seen a lot, it all contributes to 'the experience' which in turn gives one experience. This is a business that a positive attitude and outlook is an asset. Enthusiasm is the icing on the cake.
Nov 01, 2007 02:31 PM
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!
Dan, I guess we all need to learn to "visibly" show an interest in peoples' property. This is their home and they are excited about it. On the other side of that, if they consider pricing the property too high, a sign of enthusiam, well.....?   Glad to hear you are still excited about your profession! I've often wondered if the excitement will last.
Nov 02, 2007 03:57 AM