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Get Out of Your Own Way!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Retired Broker/Owner AZ Broker BR030809000

A neighbor of ours has been complaining about his kitchen sink drain that keeps smelling up, for a couple of years now. Every time he brings this up I've asked, so what do you do to fix it? He says, clean out the pipes, again.  I keep asking, maybe you should call a plumber and find out if something isn't quite right. I can give you a few names. No I can handle it!  That isn't necessary. Ok, whatever.....

Low and behold guess what conversation came up, again!!  Yup! Same issue, same problem and the same solution.  This time I thought well this is just stupid.  So I said, well, if you keep doing the same thing time after time expecting different results, which never happens, why do you keep doing that? 

No. No. No. this time I can make it work.  OMG let's try this again,  and I repeated the quote.....

So here I go for the very last try and then I'll zip it. Hey......what do you have to lose other than smelly pipes or garbage disposal? Then I left him to do whatever! Sometimes you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink or stop smelling nasty pipes!

An hour or so he comes knocking at our door again. Great now what!!  LOL!  He's smiling so something must have clicked (hopefully).  Turns out he further investigated the disposal and it's got some kind of lip thingy that collects crap and it stay there for ever. No wonder it kept smelling he says!  He finally went to Home Depot and bought a new disposal.  Finally!!  New solution, problem solved.  Thank goodness!

So what does this story have to do with Real Estate?  Many agents keep doing the same things over and over, expecting different results, to no avail. I've mentored many agents over the years and the conversation goes pretty much the same direction as our neighbor with smelly pipes! Some finally 'get it' and they're off to the races. Others not so much.

How about you? Are you ready to change out that smelly pipe? YES!  Good!!

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Comments(25)

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Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Real estate is kind of simple, as people want to buy, and others want to sell. However, over the years, the way it gets done has changed and someone that worked in the business 30-40 years ago would not appreciate all the changes.

Feb 05, 2025 06:14 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Oh I don't know about that Ed Silva, 203-206-0754. I've been in the business 35 years and have always appreciated the newest technology or ideas on how to do things better.  And yet I do see some older agents, that never had much interest and preferred the 'old fashioned' way.  Guess there is room for everyone.

Feb 07, 2025 08:10 AM
Randy Mitchelson,APR
Marketing Advisor & Squeeze Mortgage - Bonita Springs, FL
First Impressions are made at First Click

Looks like the sink hole that opened up this week at the top of our street

Feb 05, 2025 09:25 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Serioulsy Randy Mitchelson,APR .  That happens more often in FL which is kind of scary when I think of little kids running around playing outside and getting hurt. 

Feb 07, 2025 08:11 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Anna... as Einstein said "insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." You certainly were more patient than I would ever have been... but I'm happy the problem was solved and you don't need to hear that complaint any more.

Feb 06, 2025 04:24 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Anna - like Nina Hollander, Broker, those particular Einstein words of wisdom came to mind as your example unfolded.  And timeliness in response once again plays a role in so many issues we sense in real estate as well as everyday life.  

Feb 06, 2025 04:35 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Sure does Michael Jacobs . Timing is important for sure!

Feb 07, 2025 08:13 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Oh my gosh, yes, indeed. If we do the same thing we will get the same results. If something we are doing is not working, it's time to change it/listen to feedback/etc.

Feb 06, 2025 04:39 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hey Kat Palmiotti seems pretty simple to me!  If it ain't working out well , SHIFT!

Feb 07, 2025 08:14 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I laugh all the time. I tell my girlfriend that about 20% of my clients avoid knowing anything about real estate...and the other 80% OBVIOUSLY know much more than I do...lol 

The ones that know more than me generally say (at some point) I guess I should have listened. 

Feb 06, 2025 07:11 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Well that's interesting Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty - I've never had that experience.

Feb 07, 2025 08:15 AM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Great analogy, Anna! Whether it’s fixing a persistent home issue or adjusting strategies in real estate, the key is recognizing when a new approach is needed. Those who are willing to adapt and take action will always find the best results—whether it’s a fresh disposal or a fresh perspective on success!

Feb 06, 2025 07:59 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Right on Dennis Neal !  It's really that simple!  SHIFT!

Feb 07, 2025 08:16 AM
Danny Frank
JLA Realty - Pearland, TX
The Pearland Real Estate Expert

Being a Realtor is easy; it is just hard work... I have a saying I use all the time because I see agents wasting time on stuff that doesn't matter... Most agents are "Ready, Aim, Fire." They usually try to make everything perfect and spend too much time on things that don't produce money.

So I teach this:::  FIRE FIRE, ready aim...

Feb 06, 2025 08:20 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Danny Frank when teaching I use the phrase - Do the Right Stuff - often.  Most get it, but some get stuck in their heads.  It's really so simple.

Feb 07, 2025 08:18 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Anna Banana and great feature blog to share with us in the Rain.  Sometimes, people need to learn from what is not working.  

Feb 06, 2025 10:03 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

I think many folks are open to doing things differently or being open to different ideas Will Hamm.  Those are the ones that come out on top.

Feb 07, 2025 08:19 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Love this story Anna!  Good for you for providing honest answers to the same question. I was about to say clean the filter in the dishwasher that empties into your sink, but his solution makes more sense!  

Feb 06, 2025 10:56 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ I've come across this same issue so often over the years and my handyman always knew the 'fix'.  So of course I learned it all from him.  Great guy!

Feb 07, 2025 08:21 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

 

The only thing worse than smelly pipes is when the issue gets so bad the pipes back up and now all that smelly 💩 is backing up into sinks and lordy only knows how bad it can get and how much it costs to clean and restore.  

 

Feb 06, 2025 11:57 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist isn't that the truth!  Some folks wait and wait and wait and somehow think it will fix itself!

Feb 07, 2025 08:22 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

This is a classic example of "staying on the Same Old Street or joining the crowd to the Changing Blvd."

Feb 06, 2025 12:04 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Sure is the same ole thing Aura Alex !  I took really cool photo of 2 funny street names that I'll look for and share them here in AR. 

Feb 07, 2025 08:23 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Anna, i’ve always found that most of the time when we complain and complain about whatever is going on it’s because we’re in our own way.

Feb 06, 2025 04:49 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

That's it exactly Laura Cerrano get out of your own way!  It really is that simple - or not depending on ones mind set.

Feb 07, 2025 08:24 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

The hole is there but no septic tank inside. I had a real esate transaction once where the fiberglass septic tank "Imploded" due to heat, gas and lack of use. Oh my! Jeff

Feb 06, 2025 09:33 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Yup Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI I've run across a few odd situations like that over the years.  Far and few between, thankfully.  It's a pricey fix if the seller isn't aware of the problem, until the certification time comes along...... but it's got to be done.

Feb 07, 2025 08:26 AM
Kris Collis, Associate Broker
Smart Way America Realty - East Stroudsburg, PA
Professional Results you Expect 570-801-5525

Anna, the fact that the neighbor felt they  could freely walk over snd interrupt your day imposing his stories on you is the saddest part.

Feb 07, 2025 07:21 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Kris Collis, Associate Broker he's a great guy and him walking over and chatting never bothered me.  Both he and my husband have tricked out workshops so those two are always collaborating.

Feb 07, 2025 08:27 AM
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Well . . . he solved it! LOL

 

Feb 07, 2025 01:33 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

He finally did solve it Candice A. Donofrio !  Just took a little prodding from a woman who knows a thing or two about home inspection stuff!!  Nice guy!

Feb 08, 2025 10:05 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

After reading the Q&A today, my solution for your neighbor would have been for him to drop a bunch of Baking Soda into the disposal and turn it on. Ha!Ha!

Feb 08, 2025 03:08 PM
John Henry, Florida Architect
John Henry Masterworks Design International, Inc. - Orlando, FL
Residential Architect, Luxury Custom Home Design

Anna "Banana" Kruchten   I think we have all waited too late to change course while doing the same thing over and over hoping for improved results.  This can cover a whole slew of things from marketing methods, website design, posts here and there, a YouTube account, etc.

There is an adage about keeping your shoulder to the plow though...

hmmm, where is the Great Ponderer? Michael Jacobs 

Feb 09, 2025 12:45 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hey John Henry, Florida Architect good to see you today in the rain! I miss your thoughtful posts!  But I'm sure you've been busy!  And I so agree, who hasn't gotten 'stuck' once in awhile over their lifetime. I sure have but learned early on how to SHIFT and look for a solution.  Our resident ponderer Michael Jacobs is around.......I love his delightful, interesting comments and ponderings!

Feb 09, 2025 01:04 PM
John Henry, Florida Architect
John Henry Masterworks Design International, Inc. - Orlando, FL
Residential Architect, Luxury Custom Home Design

Hi Anna "Banana" Kruchten   I have been doing the same thing and nothing's changed.  This last year was bizarre.  Very few inquiries but I had two large projects.  But it is a marketing thing that I was busy with and worried.  Last year was a big negative for a lot of things in real estate and I hope that you and other AR greats are weathering and getting through.  I am never going to retire, so I better keep up with my meds and the mediterranean diet.  😃

Feb 09, 2025 01:16 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi John Henry, Florida Architect ! Well sorry to hear it's been a bizarre year for you.  For me as well but not for real estate reasons.  Let's plan on a great rest of 2025!  You are never going to retire?  Seriously?  I just did and I can tell you it feels great to just let that all go. Take care!!

Feb 10, 2025 10:35 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Anna:

I bet your neighbor is wishing he had done the new disposal thing much sooner.  Why do the same old, same old when it doesn't work?

Jeff

Feb 11, 2025 05:29 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jeff Dowler, CRS I imagine he's glad the problem is solved!  He' one of those 'handyman' types so you'd think he'd have figured it out sooner.  Oh well.

Feb 12, 2025 10:50 AM