Admin

"OPEN the DOOR, don't LOCK it"

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 PA License - AB067198

I recently met an interesting man who is a horse psychologist, who uses the expression "Be the BRIDGE not the BLOCK." I have been thinking about this expression for well over a week, pondering as Michael Jacobs might say. If you want to know more about him, his name is Kerry Thomas and he has a website with links to social media and podcasts etc at www.SensorySoundness.com. Hopefully, I will be doing an interview with him later in the month or beginning of next month.

I decided to twist his expression a bit and make it OPEN the DOOR don't LOCK it!

There are some clever elements to this phrase, we acknowledge there is a DOOR, sometimes it is open, often it is closed. There are many people wanting to find and purchase a home as this will give them security, a place in which they can decorate and do as they please. They can create, music, art and write and at the same time build equity and wealth over time. They give security to their family with a place they can be themselves out of sight of the world. Hopefully it is a place of love and acceptance.

I see my job as opening that door, and providing as many people as possible with the opportunity to obtain their dream. Sometimes it happens quickly, other times it takes longer. Many times there are stops along the way, with a first home being a stepping stone to something larger later on. My job is to educate them on the process, the means to buying a home and negotiating on their behalf to obtain the best deal for them regarding price, terms, concessions etc.

It is not my job to LOCK anyone out, whatever their preferences, race, gender or disabilities. My job is to find the key to unlock the opportunity to open the door. Most agents and Realtors are the same, they work hard and tirelessly for clients answering questions and making sure to protect their clients interests at every step.

However, I have found over the years I have been in real estate that there are agents who seem to work to be the LOCK. They are difficult to deal with, hard to reach and when you do reach them very hard to communicate with as they either do not listen or are just plain difficult. You wonder sometimes why they are in the business at all. And this is not a matter of protecting their client, it might just be their temperament or a matter of winning at all costs. As I said it is not common but when it does happen, it is my job to work through the problems to OPEN the DOOR and I do this in multiple ways, working to understand the issues and alleviate them so we can get the DOOR OPEN.

It reminds me of a song by Pete Townshend, Let my love open the door to your heart, but maybe I would sing it as let my love open the door to your home! 

So, if you are ready to OPEN the DOOR give me a call and lets get working to OPEN the DOOR for you. Nick Vandekar, Selling the Main Line and Chester County, with Realty ONE Group Advocates, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, email me at Nick@VandekarTeam.com.

 

Posted by

 

Nick Vandekar
Nick is a Tredyffrin Easttown Residential and Commercial REALTOR selling The Main Line, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Giving you the confidence to make
the right decisions.

225 W Uwchlan Ave
Downingtown , PA 19335
Office 484-237-2055
SellingTheMainLine.com
Mobile: (610) 203-4543 [call or text me]
Email Me

 

My Blog

   

If you are buying or selling on or around
Tredyffrin Easttown or along the Main Line, 
I can help you, contact me.

Comments(18)

Michael Elliott
Fathom Realty - Burlington Township, NJ
Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales

Nick, this is one of the best posts of the month, well done, so spot on !

Sep 11, 2024 02:56 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Well thank you Michael, that is a big compliment and I appreciate it very much.

Sep 11, 2024 07:39 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Nick,
Nice analogy. During my days in the trenches, I sometimes wondered if other agents thought part of their job was to make the transaction difficult for the other side. Most of them were great but there always seemed to be at least one bad apple in the barrel.

Sep 11, 2024 03:46 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

I totally agree Carol, I do not understand that unless they are trying to show their client how great they are to the detriment of all around them, including their client.

Sep 11, 2024 07:39 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Nick - thank you for the mention.  I continue to delve into self-psychology.  If ever successful, I may move onto horses.

As for the subject of doors and opportunities, the connection with real estate and everyday life is undeniable.  🚪🔑🌅

Sep 11, 2024 03:54 AM
Michael Jacobs

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 - thanks, nice of you to say.  I appreciate the kind words.  

Sep 11, 2024 07:46 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Michael Jacobs you are a big encourager for me to think about things and not just take them at face value. Horses can wait, we appreciate your comments here always.

Sep 11, 2024 07:41 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Nick, for sharing such profound insights about real estate and the importance of being a facilitator rather than a barrier. Your perspective on opening doors for clients resonates deeply with me and highlights the true heart of our profession.

Sep 11, 2024 04:13 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Thank you Lew, I am glad it resonates, I think if we met in person we would get along great. 

Sep 11, 2024 07:41 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

There are those who open the door, such as you, and those that can't be bothered. If I were looking for a home, I'd definitely want a real estate professional who showed they wanted to help!

Sep 11, 2024 04:52 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Kat Palmiotti I just do not understand the mentality of wanting to "lock" everything up and make everything harder. It is the same with listing agents who refuse to give the name of the owner of a house when listing, it is client of ...., well I need that name for a contract, and now i have to go through public records to get it rather than you just making it easy and clear. Usually an indication of how they will be throughout the transaction.

Sep 11, 2024 07:43 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Exactly - how they do one thing is how they'll do everything!

Sep 11, 2024 10:30 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That is very interesting.  I look forward to seeing what comes from the interview you will do with him later in the month.

Sep 11, 2024 04:59 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Me too Brian, he and his wife are very interesting people. I am sure they can apply what they know to people as well.

Sep 11, 2024 07:44 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Loved your post and analogy, Nick. For years one of my tag lines has been "I've been opening doors for home buyers and sellers since...." I just haven't been clever enough to write an entire post about it.

Sep 11, 2024 05:19 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

I am sure writing a post would not be hard for you, but thank you for the compliment.

Sep 11, 2024 07:45 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Nick. You nailed it! Your job is to offer the best choices, not make the choice. Making the choice is a buyer's responsibility. Enjoy your day.

Sep 11, 2024 05:45 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Exactly Wayne, and making sure they know and understand the process and the pros and cons of each decision they make, whatever it is. I always love how clients ask what would you do? It is irrelevant as I am not the one owning or potentially going to own the house.

Sep 11, 2024 07:46 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Nick, I have a memory of some AWFUL agents we have had to deal with, and you have to wonder why they are in this business!

Sep 11, 2024 08:12 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

I agree, as there is no reason for their behaviour and the deal often gets done in spite of them rather than because of them.

Sep 11, 2024 08:28 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Nick,

Well where is the feature button? This is a fabulous post and so deserves to be featured! Carol Williams an excellent  choice for your Saturday series. I love the title, the featured photo and your content. Well done! 

Sep 11, 2024 08:42 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Dorie thank you, I am humbled by the comments and appreciate them very much.

Sep 11, 2024 08:51 AM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 - Thanks for the blog post and the link for Kerry. I started with his blogs and loved what I read so far. I didn't read anything about Open the Door Don't Lock It yet, but I do know what you mean.

For me, whether I am the Listing Agent or the Buyer's Agent, I always listen to my clients. My purpose is to guide and serve their needs. When I talk to other Agents, I always begin with communication that is positive and I never jump in with price or anything else that is too personal. I guess watching Western T.V. when I was a kid paid off. You have to establish trust before the other will talk. If one doesn't want to talk, the client will walk. 

Sep 11, 2024 10:20 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Patricia, I was inspired by Kerry's expression Be the Bridge not the Block, and thinking on that led me to my expression and how I see it applying to real estate.

Sep 11, 2024 10:48 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Open those doors every day to attain work satisfaction and continued success.

Sep 11, 2024 11:32 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

That is a great business plan Roy.

Sep 11, 2024 12:16 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Nick - excellent! I love the analogy. Agents and others need to remember their role in  doing what they can to open the door for prospective buyers as well as for seller who are ready to move. You find ways that will make sure it gets done. 

This reminds me of when I staffed offices. Sometimes I came upon consultants who appeared to be looking for reasons not to get an appointment for an applicant rather than finding reasons why they might be right for the spot 

Sep 11, 2024 07:45 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Kathy these people exist across the spectrum of all jobs and work life. They are usually unhappy with their life and so they take it out on everyone around them thinking that will make them feel better. A sad state of affairs.

Sep 14, 2024 11:51 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

An outstanding post and as you noted there are agents who lock the door not only to consumers but to other agents.

Sep 14, 2024 08:43 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Leanne sadly that is the case, it makes them think they are doing a good job, when in fact they are hindering their client's efforts.

Sep 14, 2024 11:51 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Nick I am so glad Carol Williams included your post this week in her weekly lineup.  What a profound way of describing what many of us top agents do, day in and day out for our clients. Lovely way of saying it really.  And then every so often there are those other types of agents that do all they can do shut the door, for God knows for what reason. Makes zero sense to me, always has.  Especially the newbies who think they 'know it all' already!!!   And yes, the top agents knows how to work around this obstacle and do the best they possibly can for their clients.

And interesting about the horse guy.  My chiro is also a 'horse whisper' and spends one day a week with horses.  I love it when it tells me stories as to what's going on in that world.  I'll check out your guy and I look forward to reading about your interview with him.

Sep 14, 2024 02:19 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

He is a fascinating person, I am looking forward to getting together when he is back from the Netherlands.

Sep 15, 2024 09:05 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Nick:

I thoroughly enjoyed your thoughtful post. What a good analogy for real estate and the many opportunities to open doors. It also made me think about situations in real life where there are opportunities but for one reason or another the doors get locked as a result of a poor attitude, or perhaps the things that are said. Or we simply don't take advantage of the opportunity.

Jeff

Sep 14, 2024 04:45 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Thanks Jeff appreciate the comments.

Sep 15, 2024 09:06 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

With time and activity we become the keepers of the knowledge 

like a market, a client walks the aisles we have created and browse for what they seek.

if they can’t find it, they ask and that is when we direct and satisfy

Sep 15, 2024 03:33 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

I like it Ed, well said.

Sep 15, 2024 09:06 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

This is a great post, Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 

As a REALTOR, the concept of opening the door for our clients to enjoy their own home is very appropriate and takes on a much greater meaning.

Sep 15, 2024 08:00 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

John, thank you, I appreciate the comment.

Sep 15, 2024 09:06 AM