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A Twist Upon James Carville’s Word for Real Estate Agents

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

James Carville who was behind the successful election of William Jefferson Clinton shared these four simple words that were not only truthful, but resonated with middle class America:

It’s the economy stupid!

Today with all the emphasis on AI being the future success tool for professional real estate agents, I have put a twist on Carville’s words:

It’s the relationship stupid!

AI will, in my opinion, never be able to develop authentic relationships. Additionally, AI will not know all the nuances within in local real estate market. This is the primary reason professional real estate agents need to stay within their area or areas of competence.

Here in Mohave County, the fifth largest land county in the US, we have:

  • Bullhead City
  • Kingman City
  • Lake Havasu City
  • Chloride Unincorporated
  • Dolan Springs unincorporated
  • Golden Valley unincorporated
  • Kingman unincorporated  
  • Meadview unincorporated
  • White Hills incorporated  
  • Wikieup unincorporated 
  • Yucca unincorporated
  • Various ranches (some on grid, most off grid) within the unincorporated area of Kingman
  • Various Homeowners’ and Property Owners’ Associations
  • Two different utility, power, companies
  • At least 12 different water companies
  • Wells that range from 300 ft to over 1,000 ft deep

Sellers and buyers in each area are also unique from relatives who inherited properties to investors to sellers who wish to downsize or to more closer to family to first time home buyers to those who wish to live off grid to "preppers" who want to live in relative isolation just to name a few.

What I have learned from over five (5) decades in sales, people be they sellers or buyers want someone to listen to them. In the course of those conversations, one learns more than one actually needs to know. This is one of the reasons to employ emotional intelligence.

However, that verbal sharing is important to potential sellers and buyers.  To be successful in real estate, means “active listening” and “retaining what one hears.”

AI is great for graphics. However, my sense is the more one relies on any tool, the less actual thinking one does. Just look to those cashiers who cannot count back change and need the tool to tell them what change to give back. How about the invention of electronic devices which led to the lack of movement and obesity? Then there is the infamous "press one for...."! How does that make you feel?

Let us not forget for ever action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

For all professional real estate agents, YES it’s the relationship stupid! Don’t be fooled by all the hype around AI or any other tool or the fantasy that AI or those latest and greatest technology tools that will make you lots of money!

#LetsGetBackToRealConversations #WeDoThingsDifferently #MohaveCounty

Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith

Comments(6)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Leanne... you are so right about people want someone listening to them. That's how I got into this business. I worked with real estate agents who never listened to me and wasted my time. I knew I could run rings around 95% of the agent out there by listening to people. And I can't tell you how often in the past 30+ years I've had someone say to me "you're the first agent who has listened to me."

May 27, 2025 05:19 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Leanne,

You are so right...real estate is a relationship business and the two key components to being successful is “active listening” and “retaining what one hears.” Well done!

May 27, 2025 05:21 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you for your affirmation bout active listening and retaining what one hears. Good morning to you Dorie

May 27, 2025 06:42 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Leanne - sometimes the most meaningful message is the simplest.  

May 27, 2025 05:35 AM
Leanne Smith

Yes I believe the old acronym KISS - Keep It Simple Sweetie - are often the most meaningful. 

May 27, 2025 06:40 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Leanne. Listen, affirm and appropriately respond. Your response can utilize the benefits of AI, But AI can't listen effectively. No relationship and trust and no business. Enjoy your day. 

May 27, 2025 06:00 AM
Leanne Smith

No argument. I can often tell responses that are written with AI, just a little too much. That to be truthful turns me off as the words are not authentic from that individual. 

May 27, 2025 06:39 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you for sharing this insightful perspective, @Leanne. You're so right that authentic relationships are the true foundation in real estate. I really appreciate your point about active listening and emotional intelligence; those skills can’t be replaced by technology. Grateful for your share on ActiveRain; it’s a timely reminder to stay genuine in a world full of hype! 😊

May 27, 2025 06:53 AM
Leanne Smith

Yes staying genuine in the world of technology hype will continue to separate the truly professional real estate agents from the not so professional ones. 

May 27, 2025 07:07 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Leanne Smith - you lost me at James Carville 🙃

Other than the people who spend their lives in a relationship with devices and dating robots, it is all about the relationships we create with people. 

 

 

May 27, 2025 07:50 AM
Leanne Smith

Well sorry for losing you 😉and agree with your simple comment. 

May 28, 2025 07:57 AM