I was just catching up on some of the Posts and comments made by our lovely ActiveRain members when I came across a post made by Kevin (the inspector from Ohio). He gave us insight on a situation he experienced while inspecting a vacant home where a tree had fallen in the neighbors yard. He went on to tell us how the exchange initially played out between the Realtor and the neighbor whose yard the tree fell in.
As I read Kevin's post, I couldn't help but think, "how often are we as real estate professionals placed in the middle of situations similar to this, where there is a problem or some sort of challenge occurs with our clients and the general public. It is at moments like these when we are given the chance to "SHINE" and we simply "BLOW IT!" I can't think of the amount of times I myself was caught in the middle of situations that could've easily gone awry, but thankfully I had the good sense to either remain quiet, or simply say, "I completely understand why you may feel that way, but I will get back to you by the end of the day with an answer or possible solution". We are so quick to react that we don't think of the consequences or what type of image we portray because we're so caught up in having the last word or showing someone up.
Also, we must remember that we are providing a service to our clients. We are not there to make decisions for them, we are there simply to provide acurate information about everything that involves the sale or purchase of a home. Why answer or make decisions on their behalf without bringing it to their attention first.
The real estate agent in this story had the best oppertunity to introduce herself to the neighbor and come across as the professional she should be. Also, what better way to gain a perspective client and show your expertise and common sense in a situation. The neighbor would've thought her respectful, tactful, and someone that knows how to handle an unexpected situation. He would've thought; "now here is a person I can use to represent me and sell my house when and if necessary." Additionally, I'm sure he has a database of his own that she could've had access to in terms of him referring people to her. DIDN'T RICH JUST IMPLEMENT A CHALLENGE THAT TALKED ABOUT TAKING CARE OF OUR SOI??
In the end, my guess is everytime that neighbor sees her sign he is going to remember that initial meeting, and I'm sure it will leave a "bad taste in his mouth". If she's lucky he won't bad mouth her to the other neighbors. Maybe, just maybe she realized her mistake and went over with a peace offering.
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