I was asked a straightforward question: Why do I love what I do? Helping people find the home of their dreams gives me joy. I have been in the business for over forty years and have helped many people and made many friends.
This business is forever changing, as are the market conditions. I have seen Seller's Markets and Buyers' Markets. I remember when, one day, the market just crashed along with the banks. I met a young social media guy at our office, and we were all going to a Real Estate Bar Camp (no, it wasn't a Bar ) to meet socially. We met bloggers. I met and Margaret Woda also Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 who are members of Active Rain. Some are no longer active, so I decided to join ActiveRain. Smartest thing I ever did as I learned so much. You see, many of us were going broke. Active Rain was free advertising then, and we learned so much. Thanks, team. Many sellers were underwater and doing loan Modifications. It was a very tough market for a while, but it passed, and we survived. I am eternally grateful for all I learned.
You see, I love people. I have, however, learned that respect needs to be given. I always have an initial meeting with my buyers in the office with a mortgage banker so they know what documents to bring. This way, they know exactly what it costs them and are pre-qualified. They know what to do if there is a problem, and we are ready to look at homes. They also understand that it is my belief they will get a feeling inside when it is the right house for them, and I will never pressure them unless they do get that feeling, and the agent on the other end says they need to make a decision or they will lose it. My philosophy is that if you lose a house, another house says wait for me.
As long as I have been in the business, I have made many friends with other agents. You also built a good reputation; I have been lucky to have done this. I love it when an agent says I know I will not have any problems if I close your deal. As a listing agent, when I receive an agreement many times, I hear I know you are fair. My brother is a mortgage broker or an agent and says you have a good reputation, which is essential in this business. The same applies when an appraiser goes out on one of my listings. They often call me for information, and I return their calls. They tell me many agents do not return their calls, and they are thankful.
As a listing agent, I love competing with other agents and getting the listing. There is no better feeling when we get a big hug from the seller when we get the signed agreement with the price and terms they are happy with.
Most of my sellers and buyers return to me, which makes me so happy. Whether it is to buy, sell, or ask me questions, it is my pleasure.
Here is a post I would like to share. It has two parts, and I hope you take the time to read it, as it will show you how important you can be to someone. It was a TV show #1 post is how we found the house - the second is the many pictures, and one of my first posts
How can I not love what I do when I can help people and make a difference in their lives and mine?
This post is my entry to the Active Rain Challenge Debe Maxwell, CRS & Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
#ActiveRainChallenge #WhatILove #RealEstateCommunity #ActiveRainLove
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