Similar to the sudden sense of what now, after all the presents are opened on Christmas morn; slightly akin to an hurried evacuation for a pending storm only to see the sun shine down. Many Realtors are exceedingly rushed to acquire a new listing, the holy grail of commission only to realize maybe they should have thought twice about that price, or consulted about all that clutter!
My days of the great gold rush of realty have passed. There is no longer fluff in place of fact or even a slight presence of puffing in my presentation. My approach has changed, along with the economy. Listings are hard work, expensive and a major responsibility. We carefully consider each listing, seller and approach to market preparedness. It is not just about getting another listing. 
Fortunately my referral system is stronger and more productive than ever, so the need to prove myself has certainly lessened over the years.
I have very strict guidelines and extremely high standards for both my team servicing the listings and the listings themselves.
Many have told me I am too quick to turn down a listing, it could be true; however, I don’t like making promises I can’t keep nor do I enjoy ramming my head against the brick wall of a home that isn’t market ready.
Just as I prefer a small circle of good friends, quality over quantity has been a theme throughout my career. With a market ready, seller educated stable of listings, my team is able to do our job without the morning dose of guilt and lengthy explanations as to why a home that should never have been listed, has never sold.
It isn’t arrogance. It isn’t silly. It is our job and we can’t do our jobs properly if the agreement isn’t laid out clearly and from the beginning. Prior to listing any property, we have a mandatory checklist. We will do everything we can to assist a willing seller. I have moved furniture, loaned out decorative items, spent hours organizing yard sales, and even trimmed hedges if the job deemed it necessary. What I won’t do, is accept a listing “as is”. If the seller is serious, there is nothing we won’t do. If they aren’t realistic, we aren’t staying.
A portion from our checklist:
· Store unnecessary items prior to photography shoot/showings
· Speak with landscaping consultant (we provide this service)
· Be prepared for a lot of work, to make sure your goal is reached
Our checklist is an entire page long that requires signatures at the bottom, with a Release of Agreement also attached. I have never had anyone request a release. Never.
I take my job seriously, and often personally. I do not like losing sleep over a stagnant listing. I prefer NOT to dodge my clients in the local Piggly Wiggly. If I tell them I can sell their home; I must be best equipped to do so.
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