Why I'm a Realtor and not a Ballerina

By
Real Estate Agent with Luxury Partners Realty

Yesterday was one of my most memorable days in years. I've been selling real estate for over 14 years, but yesterday really reminded me of exactly why I am a Realtor.  Taking the watch "On Floor" early Saturday morning, I received a call from a man who explained that he and his family were here in Boca living in a long term hotel.  Working for the foreign service, he was just transferred from Thailand and virtually just stepped off the plane only a few days ago and needed to find a home for himself and his young family.  He was very honest and stated that he wasn't exactly sure where he wanted to live, but was considering Boca Raton. Obviously that's not the perfect situation a realtor wants to hear, but I listened intently and took meticulous notes as we all do.  I quickly performed an intense search utilizing his criteria, recognizing that his needs were very specific. I scrambled trying to set up at least 8 appointments, in order for my clients to get the flavor of several different areas within Boca.  As it was 1:30 in the afternoon, I soon discovered that I simply couldn't reach anyone to arrange an appointment so late in the day.  Either everyone was out showing homes or playing hookey in the gorgeous Florida sun.  Either way, I didn't want to disappoint my new clients. 

I arranged to meet them at their hotel which was on the other side of town in a commercial area thinking that it would be much easier for them since they didn't know the area. With two young children in tow, a lovely young mother and an anxious husband, we all piled into their car.  I explained that although I couldn't confirm any appointments due to the lateness of the day, I was about to perform something that I had never had done in my entire career.  I was about to become a tour guide.  

Prior to our meeting I had arranged to gain access to the finest communities within Boca so that I could explain the benefits of each different area.  We talked and drove for over 2 1/2 hours.  By the time we finished, my new friends were so grateful and surprisingly I was so proud of myself.  Together we had explored numerous communities, drove past several properties I had wanted to gain access to and shared everything I knew about the benefits of living in Boca Raton. 

What an amazing day.  Sharing my knowledge and expertise just reinforced why I became a Realtor. Selling real estate is about your heart and your genuine interest in other people.  That's a great feeling, one in which I hope to hold onto for a very long time.  As it turned out, my new friends will be spending Monday with me and I can't wait to find them the perfect new home.  Perhaps I'm being selfish, but it will be wonderful having new friends in my community.    

Comments (9)

Charlie Ragonesi
AllMountainRealty.com - Big Canoe, GA
Homes - Big Canoe, Jasper, North Georgia Pros

MY only regret about being a realtor is that I did not start sooner. Great post thanks for sharing

Jul 27, 2008 05:39 AM
Eric Egeland
RE/MAX SUBURBAN - Libertyville, IL
SFR, e-PRO, CDPE

Great post Jill...thanks for sharing.

Like you Charlie, I only wished I began sooner as well.

Jul 27, 2008 05:42 AM
Veronica DeCarolis
Weidel Realtors - Flemington, NJ

Congratulations. Your hard work will be rewarded.  Veronica

Jul 27, 2008 05:43 AM
Diane Lombardino
Keller Williams Realty of Jupiter - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Sometimes I take clients on a tour before I ever show a property.  They need to know the area. Many agents object to being a "tour guide" and think the clients should know what they want!  You did a great job.  Good luck!

Jul 27, 2008 05:49 AM
Evelyn Panning
Property Connections Realty Inc. - Alturas, CA

Some areas are very difficult to view and understand -- a knowledgable real estate agent must on occassion perform a tour of an area rather than a property -- it helps those unfamiliar with the territory understand where they will ultimately live.  I've found in my market, that many realtors just hand customers a map and wish them luck.  I've found that is a difficult way to tour and understand a rural community.  I will pack them into my car and take them around -- it helps to better qualify and even if they end up in another office, the service level difference is apparent and back they come !

Jul 27, 2008 05:55 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Jill

The post is a great story about your commitment to assist your customers. Real estate is an unlimited business opportunity.

Good luck and success

Lou Ludwig

Jul 27, 2008 06:08 AM
Retha Arrabal
Doug Ashley Realtors, LLC - Chestertown, MD
GRI, Associate Broker

Absolutely, it's a great idea to give a tour of the neighborhoods.  Much easier to judge someone's likes and dislikes while showing them your town.  

Jul 27, 2008 06:14 AM
Sandy Shores FL Realtor®, Melbourne Real Estate
M & M Realty of Brevard Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Brevard County Real Estate, Florida's Space Coast

Jill,  It just goes to show you that's one of the many hats we wear as REALTORS...tour guide.  Building a foundation to a wonderful new relationship in this business is sooooo important.  Keep up the great job!  Best wishes to you with your new client!

Jul 27, 2008 06:16 AM
John Petrone
ERA Nalbandian - Saddle Brook, NJ
SFR

i very much agree with Sandy. We do where many hats.

I also agree with you Jill about how rewarding it can feel to help people, becoame new friends with them and feel the absolute positive gratefulness they have. That's a "rush" to feel you've truly help and changed a person or a family's life by being helpful and being yourself!

Good for you. Btw you wrote that blog ending in July. How did it all turn out? Although I bet there was a happy ending to this story.

 

Sep 22, 2008 09:55 AM