The Legion of Old Timers

I love it when the older and younger generations work together. They both can learn so much from each other.

"But I DO need someone who returns phone calls, follows up, and prides themself on being reliable."

J Phil - Well that pretty much sums up a good Agent.  In the next life, I want to work for you;)

Isn't that hi-ho Silver? Okay, you figured it out. I'm a boomer. If I can learn this stuff, anyone can. I plan on working until I'm at least 70.

I think it's fair to say, there are many ways to walk and chew gum! As long as the walking and chewing is "ethical", they should be able to walk and talk to the best of their ability!

THANK YOU for getting it!

Hi Phil, 

I've heard of the Lone Ranger, but never "the Legion of Old Timers"  Anyway, I think one of the problems is that we are supposed to be all things to all people all the time.  So what happens - and its ineveitiable - is that we are all stronger in either one aspect or another.  

Having said all that, I've seen plenty of old-timers who are TERRIBLE as well as newcomers who haven't a clue.  I don't think that the time in the field makes that much difference in the quality of service...with the caveat that someone brand new will have more blips   because each transaction is som complicated these days.  But I've seen some perfectly awful old-timers who are ridingon the coat tails of a name that they made for themselves "back in the day."  Not talking about present company, but I can name a few "winners". 

I remember listening to the Lone Ranger on the radio, so guess this makes me a member of the Legion!

I am working with a buyers agent on a transaction who has been doing this for over 30 years.  She knows her stuff, trust me!  Never, ever disregard experience just because tech saavy isn't on their resume.  Terrific post Phil!

A very sweet and reminiscent post J. Phillip!  It made me think of my 82 yr old dad, who never carried a credit card, never owned a computer and doesn't have a clue what YouTube is.  Yet, he's kind, generous, witty and great at fixing things without having to read a manual.  Where have all the Lone Rangers gone?

I do remember the Lone Ranger (though I personally had a huge childhood crush on Gene Autry...).  But your point about the value of long time experience is very valid - one of my most helpful mentors continued in the business  until he was well past 80 - but wow could he cut to the chase and solve real estate problems!!

The very first real estate office I worked in 30 years ago, had a bevy of older agents in it.  I was the kid in the office and I remained there 10 years, until the down housing cycle in the early 1990s, closed the doors.  I hadn't realized how close the dozen and a half agents there had become.  We were family. 

A few days ago, two of them passed away within 24 hours of each other.  Both had been really instrumental in taking me under their wing and mentoring me in the early years of my career.  I hadn't asked them to, they just did it.  I likely would have failed as a Realtor, without them.  Afterall, the year was 1981, and interest rates were 18%. 

J. P., I'm working with a couple who is downsizing their lives as they enter into full retirement and a more simple life.  It's interesting hearing them talk about wanting to get back to simpler times.  I can say I blame them.  I wouldn't mind that myself some days.  

I would much rather hire someone with people skills and teach them the tech skills.  People skills are the most important but technology can only take you so far.  Loved your blog and I too watch old re-runs.  They are a relaxing way to wind down at the end of the day.

J. Philip:

In our office we have a few Realtors who have been here since the 60's.  They are great and are pretty tech savvy.  They don't do as much as they used to, but they still have a lot of clients and make a nice income.  They are my inspiration.  I plan on working in Real Estate until I fade away.

Saturday morning long time ago....Pink Panther, The Lone Ranger and Zorro....what a line- up!

Hi Phil--great post, and thanks for the brief trip down memory lane.  There certainly are personality traits that can never be replaced by a computer and it is great to honor those over the ability to post to FB. 

Phil,

I am right there.  I am on the tail end of the baby boomers and through determination to succeed and other attributes I have always worked to stay on the cutting edge of technology.  So I already bring that skill set to the table.  What I am more concerned about in an agent is their work ethic, people skills, and just the desire and ability to learn.  There are plenty of great agents out there that just need a little extra time to assimilate all this new tech.  I can teach that.  I cannot teach a work ethic.

And let us not forget that we will all one day be older. Your point about what are important qualities is dead on. Well said. 

Thanks for the trip down memory lane...my Dad was an Aqua Velva man! I can still smell it...