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What Makes Kathleen Daniels Exceptional?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with KD Realty - 408.972.1822 CA DRE#01366594

Margaret Rome and John Meussner are hosting the Active Rain What Makes You Exceptional July 2023 Challenge. 

Exceptional Definition:  Adjective. You use exceptional to describe someone or something that has a particular quality, usually a good quality, to an unusually high degree. Source: Collins Dictionary 

The Challenge: This month, we want to know how you stand out and provide an experience for your customers that is exceptional amongst your industry peers. 

Do you have scripts or procedures that allow you to scale while providing rock-star-level service?  A concierge experience?  An awesome post-settlement process?  

My Exceptionalism 

No scripts for me. I absolutely turn off when people script me. To me, it is a dead giveaway they have not yet honed skills. This is not someone I want to do business with.

My engagement with people is raw and real. I speak from my head, my heart, and often my soul. I know I am not for everyone just as I know everyone is not for me. It's okay. It is not personal. It is business. 

I live by the Golden Rule. I truly do. I walk my talk. I do what I say I am going to do when I say I am going to do it. No Exceptions!  

Exceptional Service

Do I have procedures?  Absolutely!  Having worked in the private legal sector for many years, and later as a project manager working with Fortone 100 companies, I know efficiency comes with refined processes and procedures.  I adapt and adjust to changing times. 

Among my exceptional characteristics is that I do not take on more business than I know I can manage and provide outstanding service. 

Quality over Quantity. 

Outstanding Service

What Does Outstanding Service Mean? 

For me, it means:

  • Answering my phone. 
  • Returning calls in a timely manner.
    • Timely manner means generally within 2 hours or the next morning with after-hours calls. 
  • Read and respond to emails in a timely manner. 
  • Speak professionally and engage with people respectfully. 
    • No potty-mouthing with clients and respect opinions even when I disagree. 
  • Honesty. Always. No. Matter. What. 
  • Ongoing training designed to develop myself personally and professionally. 
    • Legal Updates, Contract Updates, Professional Standards, Ethics, and so much more! 
  • Correctly enter listing data into the MLS.  
  • Correctly complete listing and purchase contracts. 
  • My clients work with me and only me. The process starts with me and ends with me.  
  • Provide concierge services.  
    • All clients are unique individuals. Concierge services are not one size fits all. Services are designed for specific needs. 
  • My Post Settlement Process is designed for each unique client. 
    • Many of my clients I never get the opportunity to meet in person. They reside out of state or out of the area.  
  • So Much More! 

To Joe Q Public what I have shared here may seem pedestrian. Of course, you would do that. Don't all real estate agents do all those things? 

No. 

Sadly No. 

Just ask the truly exceptional professionals who work with agents that do not. 

The need to raise the bar in the real estate industry is a REAL thing! 

This post is a submission by Kathleen Daniels, Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist to the What Makes You Exceptional July 2023 ActiveRain Challenge. 

Thank you Margaret and John for hosting. 

 

 

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(408) 972-1822

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Blog | About Me

Probate Real Estate Services
San Jose Real Estate Website

    

DRE#01366594

I specialize in probate real estate.
As a Certified Probate
Real Estate Specialist
my focus is on helping Executors and Administrators
avoid headaches
before they start.

“From the moment we met Kathleen, we were impressed with her professionalism, knowledge, patience, respect, humor, attention to detail, and compassion.  She's the Whole Package ~ excellent agent and wonderful human being!  In a potentially stressful experience, we have felt in good hands all along.  We are so grateful and recommend her without hesitation!”

Read More Testimonials

 

Comments(37)

Show All Comments Sort:
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Inactive/Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist - without a shadow of a doubt, you are an exceptional professional! And you treat people right. I am glad I have gotten to know more about you because of ActiveRain. You are golden! I will never forget how you made me feel and I was lucky to have had the privilege to work with you once. 

Congratulations on your FEATURE! Kathleen, you embody exceptional professionalism! 

Jul 02, 2023 02:31 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Hello Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP we talked with each other so much when we co hosted a challenge.  I miss our chats.  I trust all is well with you, my friend. 

Thank you for stopping by and commenting. 

Jul 02, 2023 07:15 PM
Patricia Feager

Hello Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist - I keep waiting for a break to give you a call to catch up. When I do, I hope you'll be ready for another good chat between friends. 

Until then, I am thinking of you and wishing you momentous occasions to really celebrate all the good things in life that you have to be thankful for daily. 

Jul 03, 2023 01:31 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I like that you put, "Answering the phone," at the top of your lists for exceptionalism, Kathy.  

Jul 02, 2023 04:22 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

That is such a novel concept these days Myrl Jeffcoat - while I do not answer when I am with clients or driving, I do return calls as soon as I am freed up or when it is safe to do so. 

Jul 02, 2023 07:16 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Kathleen, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Jul 02, 2023 04:22 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Thank you Myrl Jeffcoat for the Feature in Old Farts.  It is always an honor to be Featured.  

Jul 02, 2023 07:17 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kathleen no scripts for me either.  Scripts sound phony and they are an automatic turnoff for me.

Jul 02, 2023 07:37 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

I have said to people "Stop scripting me!"  They continue to read the script and we know they are reading it.  Turn off indeed George Souto 

Jul 03, 2023 04:10 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Oh how I agree in my state that the standards for agents and brokers need to be better.  In the past few really great years I saw a LOT of agents strike out on their own who the deals that have happened have proved over and over they are NOT ready.

Jul 03, 2023 10:31 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

I questioned if I was ready in 2012 with 10 years of experience Tammy Lankford,  it was a matter of lacking confidence, not knowledge and skills. 

Thank you for your comment. 

Jul 03, 2023 04:12 PM
John Meussner
Catalyst Mortgage - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Thanks for the great entry, Kathleen.  You touched on something near & dear to me, which is raising the bar and doing the basics (answering the calls, inputting the correct info...) very well consistently.  And you're right - it's sometimes sad to think the basics done well can make us exceptional, but as I progress through my career I'm finding the very best in just about every field do the basics very well and very consistently. : )

Jul 03, 2023 11:37 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Odd that doing what we all "should" be doing can be a measure of how exceptional we are John Meussner

Basis really works!  Going above and beyond creates loyal fans. 

Thank you for your comment and for hosting. 

Jul 03, 2023 04:14 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Kathleen, I have no doubt you are exceptional in your dealings with your clients. The introductory video you provided shows how capable you are in communicating and explaining your services to the public. Well done!

Jul 03, 2023 01:29 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty thank you so much for your kind words.  

Jul 03, 2023 04:15 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I think there is a difference between the scripts we hear from those virtual assistants calling from the other side of the globe and the ones we have that show we are knowledgeable and prepared. I believe scripts have gotten a bad name recently  I believe on scripts that are objection handlers or scripts that are good presentations and dialogue

Jul 04, 2023 04:38 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

I am guessing that if you were talking with me Lise Howe and "scripting" I likely would not know you were "scripting" as you define it. I am guessing it would sound like a natural conversation.   

Thank you for your comment. 

Jul 04, 2023 08:47 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

You are exactly the kind of person I would want to work with. I love your post and the fact you do not take on more business than you can handle is one of the most important things you said. Giving your best to your clients is what is important and You are the best!

Jul 04, 2023 08:16 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Thank you so much Ricki Eichler McCallum 

I agree not taking on more business than one can handle is critical to creating a good experience for our clients.

Thank you for stopping by.  

Jul 04, 2023 08:49 AM
Edward Gilmartin
CRE - Boston, MA

People don’t like scripted salespeople. They want honest solutions

Jul 05, 2023 12:11 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

I agree Edward Gilmartin 

Thank you for stopping by and commenting. 

Jul 05, 2023 02:32 PM
Miriam Odegard
United Real Estate Indianapolis - Indianapolis, IN
Real Estate Broker Serving Greater Indianapolis

Came here to say your talent, expertise and professionalism make you exceptional. :) Great post!

Jul 06, 2023 03:20 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Miriam Odegard 

Jul 06, 2023 02:39 PM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

If I was looking for a Professional to serve my real estate needs, I would choose you!  You are the exceptional Professional and your communication skills are outstanding and clear!  Loved your post, and congratulations on the FEATURE! Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist 

Jul 06, 2023 02:23 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Hello Diana Dahlberg - Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your comment.  💜

Jul 06, 2023 02:40 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Kathleen, for sharing some of your successful practices. 

This is good reading for real estate professionals.

Jul 11, 2023 07:29 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Hello Roy Kelley - thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment. 

Jul 11, 2023 08:24 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Well stated Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist . I've always know you to be a pro and if I were shopping for a home in the area you cover YOU would be my only call.

Jul 20, 2023 02:19 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Thank you, Bob "RealMan" Timm - you probably know that IF you were shopping for a home in my area, we would have a long discussion as to why?  (LOL). 

Jul 20, 2023 04:46 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

If I moved to your neighborhood you know you would be the reason Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist . 😊

Jul 20, 2023 06:37 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Inactive/Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

 What makes Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist exceptional? I could probably think of a thousand positive adjectives. 

For starters, you are always understanding, compassionate, intelligent, an excellent communicator, thoughtful, considerate, and kind. And that is just the appetizer. You're so much more to that, including organic and a great critical thinker!

One of these days when I come up for air, I'll give you a call and hopefully we connect.  

Jul 25, 2023 06:13 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Wow Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP this is such a wonderful comment to see as I start my day and sip on my coffee.  

Thank you so much for all the wonderful things you have to say about me.  

I look forward to catching up with you.  I know you are busy and have had a lot on your plate, so I will leave the ball in your court. 💜

Jul 25, 2023 07:25 AM
Patricia Feager

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist - thank you for having an understanding heart.

Sending you a virtual hug. 

Jul 25, 2023 07:55 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

You most definitely are a most genuine person with a huge heart and a no-nonsense attitude (which is not a bad thing in this industry). Glad to know you virtually, Kathleen!

Jul 26, 2023 06:10 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Miss Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! - I feel the same toward you.  Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment. 

Jul 27, 2023 09:27 AM
Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
ALL Types of Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Hi Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist   Absolutely agree with your comments and your set of parameters.  (May I copy that part of the blog?)

Thank you for sharing and for responding to so many of my blogs over the years!

Aug 01, 2023 09:53 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Hello Mike McCann - Nebraska Farm Land Broker 

I am not sure what part you would like to copy - however given that it is you that is asking, of course you can.  

Aug 02, 2023 08:38 AM
Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty

The "for me it means" section.  I want to share it with my agents. Thank you!

Aug 02, 2023 08:40 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

You are definitely exceptional in the field of real estate.  Your video of how the probate process is different than a normal real estate sale.   Excellent entry for the contest!

Aug 01, 2023 07:10 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

Hello Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ thank you for stopping by and commenting with your kindess.  I appreciate you.

Aug 02, 2023 08:43 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

You're welcome Kathleen.  Just speaking the truth; the whole truth, nothing but the truth!

Aug 02, 2023 08:48 AM