If the image below wasn’t just a screenshot… if instead it was a magnificent painting… it would have a name. A REAL name. A name that would appear on art appreciation quizzes in high schools around the world!
I’m having a hard time picking a great name, but here’s what I’ve come up with so far — so what if they are a tad similar to already famous works of art:
I’m sure that buying or selling a house in a large city would pose challenges that we simply don’t face in Jackson County, Indiana, or other small cities and towns. Still, there are factors that apply no matter where you are in the world that make up the 3 primary reasons why I’m glad I’m not a realtor.
ONE: Sellers don’t NEED you.
The market has evolved to be software driven — so many websites and apps for buyers and sellers are available — and then, there’s Facebook and other social media outlets. I posted on Facebook that I was *THINKING* about selling my house in Crothersville and had a firm offer (the exact amount I was asking for the property) long before I had it ready to sell.
TWO: Buyers can do more now than ever before without a realtor.
Of course, you need a relator to get inside homes listed with an agent. But, real estate agents don’t inspect houses, they do not have power of attorney, they do not provide deeds, they do not provide financing, and they do not provide insurance, etc. You can research properties (and drive the neighborhood with Google Maps), call your bank, insurance agent, home inspector, and favorite attorney all by yourself.
THREE: When there’s much you can do on your own as a buyer/seller in today’s market, loyalty isn’t always enough to keep customers willing to pay your commissions.
I’ll call my realtor — as opposed to any other real estate professional — to show me properties that are agency listed because I’m loyal to him. I’m giving him (instead of any other agent) the opportunity to receive commission by selling me a house. However, if I find a house on my own that’s ‘for sale by owner,’ why exactly would I pay him commission?
Same for selling — if I choose to take advantage of the professional services offered by a realtor then I should pay commission. Knowing I’m interested in selling, if he brings me a buyer, he deserves commission in that instance, as well. But what if I choose to take advantage of the tools available in today’s market and sell on my own and attract a buyer without assistance?
I’m sure glad I’m not a realtor in today’s market. I figure I’ll stick with booking speeches and use my commissions to buy more toys for my puppies — because they deserve them. 🙂
Last weekend, I spent time with two of my cousins, Celina and Christy. Celina was here for the week and Christy breezed in for just one night. Both girls are animated and wonderful storytellers. Either one could single handedly give my favorite brother a run for his money.
We laughed, drank too much wine, and I listened to incredible tales eloquently told with much arm waving. Christy was on a high even before drinking wine because before her drive to Jackson County, Indiana, she finished her shift as an RN and she saved a baby!! But the story continues…
Because I breathe, eat and sleep my brother’s philosophies — one of which is treating internal customers (employees) to ultimate experiences — it’s incredible when I see them implemented. One of the best examples I’ve ever seen is below. This is the inside of a thank-you card sent to Christy’s KIDS from her BOSS:
So proud of Christy — and Stephanie Lake (whoever you are)!
My favorite brother and colleague sent an email to me that said, “I just subscribed to this to see if it can keep me more organized — so far, I really like it.” He was referring to an app that I’ve been using for about 3 months. I should’ve said something. I’ll share it with you guys since I dropped the ball once already.
The app is called “CLOZE” and it’s all about relationship management. It not only tracks your email (letting you code your contacts as business or whatever relationship you have with them — and adding their business domain into your ‘business’ list) but it also tracks phone calls, meetings, documents and tons more. If paid by the year, it’s about $13/mo… and it’s WELL WORTH the money, you guys. For example…
I got a text message from a friend this morning. In Cloze, I select him in my “people” list and can see when we last exchanged emails and had a phone conversation. We have no ongoing projects. I click on the “social” tab and see that he posted about NASCAR on Twitter on Sunday. A list of all the people we have in common is right there too. If I had him flagged as a customer/client — Cloze would’ve already notified me that it’s been too long since we last connected and reminded me to reach out. I should create a similar rule for friends too. 🙂
But think about it from a business/sales standpoint — if this friend was instead a customer/client and I wanted to nurture that relationship and open a dialog — what better way than to send a quick message referencing his Tweet? Something like, “I think of @RobbyGordon whenever I see the 7 car too!”
Perry and I were hungry. We didn’t want to drive, wait to be seated, or consume fast food so we decided on China Buffet right here in Seymour. Before even opening the door we were talking about their lobster neon sign. Yes. They have a sushi bar, but the whole red neon lobster thing is a little confusing to me when the restaurant is primarily a buffet serving Chinese cuisine. (Hence the name ‘China Buffet’ — right?)
As soon as we walked in, we noticed signs posted on colored, letter-sized paper all around the entrance. I couldn’t read them because I can’t read nor write that language. You’re thinking Chinese… right? If so, you are WRONG. All the notices were written in SPANISH!
So we’re in a Chinese restaurant with neon red lobsters outside and an entryway adorned with Spanish notices and then this…
Maybe I don’t 100% understand what the fortune is supposed to mean — but I’m pretty sure I still know how to spell “happiness.”(At least the food was good.)
