It seems every time I talk to Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, I get off the phone with an idea for a blog. Last night she asked me, So do you have an idea for a blog? I told her no, and I really didn't. But lo and behold, an hour later, I did. So here goes. 
This month Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 and John Meussner want to know what makes you exceptional as an agent.
I think there are two things that make me stand out from my peers in real estate.
The first goes my back to my parents. They were truly people of integrity who taught me to do the right thing.
The second goes back to my years as a Court Reporter.
In Court Reporting, things have to be done a certain way - the right way. Transcripts have to go out as near perfect as possible so they don't read (phonetic.) Listening to years of testimony and doing research in the days before Google taught me a great many things.
I was trained as a Court Reporter, not as a Realtor. And that training has stuck with me and helped me throughout my years in real estate and continues to help me today.
I think my years as a Court Reporter give me a distinct advantage over many agents who don't know how to write a contract, or what it means to write a contract, or where that contract can end up. I do because I've marked them as exhibits.
Through my years in reporting, I dealt with people from all walks of life. After almost 20 years in real estate, I can honestly say the same thing.
It taught me how to find what buyers are looking for, no matter how much research it may entail or how many hours it may take me. It taught me to be resourceful and how to figure it out. And if I can't figure it out, it taught me to send them to the proper person so they get what they need.
I think it gives me a distinct advantage ahead of many agents who don't know we have a Code of Ethics. It's hard to believe, but it's true. We see it every day.
My customers and clients come first. They always have, and they know it. I work hard for my reviews, and I think they speak volumes.
I've volunteered on the Grievance Committee for years, and now on Professional Standards, where I continue to learn.
Now I listen to hearings and arbitrations instead of taking them down on a machine. It's come full circle.
Lou Ludwig once told me, If people like you and trust you, they'll do business with you. That's the key - like and trust.
When I'm working with buyers and sellers, they get the good, the bad and the ugly from me. Why? Because I'm honest to a fault and tell them the truth. They have a right to know the truth. They need someone who is going to be honest with them.
Honesty and integrity are not something you can buy or pretend to be. Either you have those qualities or you don't. I'm very grateful I have them.
Buying or selling real estate is a big expense, as well as an emotional expense, for people. Your clients are putting their trust in you. Honesty and integrity is paramount.
I often approach a house and see the end result. Why? Because working in court, we only saw the worst cases. So when I'm looking through a house, or on an inspection, my mind is racing. Buyers are looking at cabinets. I'm looking at safety - roofs, windows, and the like.
I try to avoid potential pitfalls for the buyers and sellers I work with. Their well being is always top in my mind.
Sometimes the hairs on my neck will stand up or I'll get a funny feeling, and I know something's up. I can't help it. It's that training again. I'm forever grateful for it has served me and, in turn, my clients, well.
For more information you can reach me at 561-716-7824 or on my blog here.
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