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"You Always Have My Back"

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

"You Always Have My Back"

The life of a real estate agent is an interesting one.  Just this afternoon, I was speaking with a trusted contractor who made mention of the "easy big bucks" I make.  Yep, the perception that real estate agents do very little for a lot of money is quite common.  This was of course, after I had gone to my upcoming rental listing, which I had recently staged, to clean the hardwood floors as the owner had become sick and unable to do anymore.  Of course, picture day is tomorrow.  (Yes, there is a professional photographer coming to photograph the rental because all of my listings are treated equally.)

Though the owner had instructed me to hire a cleaning lady and he would reimburse me, I knew it was too little notice to get the job done.  So I picked up my Orange Glo mop and cleaning solution and was out the door after putting together some marketing reports.   Ah, living the dream of big bucks.  Think Annette Bening in American Beauty.  Sometimes cleaning may not be required, but we know it needs to be done to get the home to sell, or in this case, rent.  You do what you have to do.

While I will tolerate a good natured razzing anytime, sometimes it does get old.  It was especially annoying when the contractor whined after that he hadn't charged enough for the job I just referred to him.  Not sure if he was looking for me to ante up or not, but I did get to the root of the additional cost and advised him how to handle that issue with future clients I would refer.  Certainly not the first time I have told a contrator they are not charging enough.  He took the advice, knowing full well that if I do well in real estate, he as a trusted contractor will do well.  A rising tide lifts all boats.  

After getting off that call, my landlord-client had texted me.  Mind you, this is a repeat client that bought the home is going to be renting out with me about ten years ago and just bought another home with me last year.  I had informed him the floors were clean and we were all set to hit the market with no delays.  What did he do?  He offered me more money for the additional effort.  Of course, I declined because 1) it was the right thing to do and I had the time today and 2) the effort was to make sure this home gets hits the market with no delays and gets a great tenant.  I'll get paid when it rents.  His appreciation was enough for my cleaning diversion today.  

"Thank you so much for all the help.  I really appreciate that you always have my back."

This is a very satisfying career.  Helping people through the most stressful transactions they will ever have in their lives is not a small thing.  You can make a very good living, but be prepared to work your tail off and spend a lot of money.  Professional marketing and representing someone in an agency relationship is not easy peasy, nor to be taken lightly.

 

 

Comments(15)

CANDACE (Candy) STEVENS, EA
Number Cruncher LLC - Overton, NV
Helping Taxpayers Resolve IRS problems

Our Clients can tell if we view them with dollar signs or we generally want to help them.

Thank you for sharing Chris Ann Cleland.

Jan 12, 2021 05:42 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Yes indeed

Jan 12, 2021 05:48 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

It’s good that we all have each other‘s back and that way whenever we can. I like that we support each other here in that way when we can.

Jan 12, 2021 06:14 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

CANDACE (Candy) STEVENS They can always smell BS pretty easily whether we like it or not so we have to keep it super real whenever possible. :)

Jan 12, 2021 06:15 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I always enjoy these posts of yours which really give a great view of what we do as Realtors

Jan 12, 2021 06:44 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Thanks Lise Howe .

Jan 14, 2021 04:33 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Thanks Chris Ann Cleland! A Realtor's work can vary for sure! Some days are great, some are bizarre and others are for the rear view mirror. Point the ship in the forward position and aim for the sun! Jeff 

Jan 12, 2021 11:05 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI --The most bizarre days are the ones that keep us holding court at cocktail parties.

Jan 14, 2021 04:33 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Chris Ann. Yep, they all think you make too much money until they spend a day with you. Then they change their mind. Enjoy your day.

Jan 13, 2021 05:31 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Wayne Martin --We make it look too easy, I guess.

Jan 14, 2021 04:34 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

You know who is most surprised at how much work, how much less commission we get than most people think? People who want to become realtors! They say things like, "REALLY? I thought you got X%!!!"

Jan 13, 2021 06:21 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Exactly Kat Palmiotti .  Do any of them rethink the career after that?

Jan 14, 2021 04:34 PM
Rocky Dickerson
Realty One Group - Las Vegas, NV
Superior Service!

Good morning Chris Ann Cleland when you approach business with an attitude of serving instead of taking, you are rewarded with more than you can imagine.

Jan 13, 2021 06:57 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

So true.

Jan 14, 2021 04:34 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for sharing this experience.

Take care, be safe and have a great day.

Jan 13, 2021 08:04 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Chris Ann,

I don't ever recall anyone client or otherwise saying that to us in commercial real estate. A

Jan 13, 2021 08:22 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Commercial you deal with business people.  They don't think like that.

Jan 14, 2021 04:35 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Chris Ann- people want to work with someone who they know will look out for them and not just because they see dollar signs. 

Jan 13, 2021 11:07 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

It's a people business.  The houses are secondary to that.

Jan 14, 2021 04:35 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Your attitude and level of service is awesome Chris Ann Cleland !  Your clients rely on you for a reason. 

Jan 13, 2021 11:24 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

Anna Banana Kruchten CRS CRB, Phoenix Broker --Sometimes it can be taken for granted.  Don't like it when I have to pull someone in line.

Jan 14, 2021 04:36 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Chris Ann Cleland, You make us all proud to be a REALTOR®

Jan 14, 2021 06:25 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

That's wonderful to hear from you Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 .

Jan 15, 2021 11:00 AM
Ralph Magin
Coldwell Banker Realty - Miami, FL
Miami Homes For Sale

Great work.

Jan 18, 2021 07:12 AM
Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

That's good information to share with all of us. Have a wonderful day!

Jan 20, 2021 05:35 AM