Asleep At The Switch...

Some REALTORS® who have been in business for a significant length of time may still have the eagerness and enthusiasm to proceed with a spring in their step and sparkle in their eye! A longstanding reputation of excellence and expertise is an asset that every salesperson should aspire to if they’re in for the long haul.

Continuing education requirements are mandatory to keep everyone in step with changes in industry practices and legislation. Some REALTORS® attend courses out of necessity, often sitting as close to the back of the room as possible, fidgeting with hand-held devices or playing online games! It is only out of obligation that they are there while others regularly appear with a zest for learning and to amass both know-how and awareness. They willingly participate in discussion and share experiences for the benefit of their colleagues.

The “old way” is not always the best way – consumers are entitled to professional service that leaves them more than satisfied. Bringing a buyer and seller together and facilitating the completion of a transaction requires both ability and agility – including Buyer or Seller representation to the Client and diligent attention to detail.

When you search for a REALTOR® to act on your behalf, employ your observation skills as well as recognizing that gut feeling. A well-organized, cheerful and proactive professional who’s tuned in to you will probably outperform someone asleep at the switch.

Earning a Trophy...

In-house advocates, peer recognition and public recognition each seem to have significant influence on the results which are presented publicly to recipients. Winners brandish their awards with fervor - Oscars, Emmy’s, Grammies, Golden Globe and Others…..

And so it goes that a variety of opinions is integral to weigh performances, accomplishments and recognizing merit of other service provider representatives.

Sometimes an actor or actress will eventually bemoan the fact that the roles they play may be too similar, and that they become known for that character rather than being able to branch out with other skill sets.

In the profession of real estate, many skills, an abundance of knowledge and are required to earn accolades. Practitioners usually toil quietly yet relentlessly to qualify for that yearned-for audition. When the big break comes they are bristling with excitement and try their hardest to perform well. Like an actor or actress, a REALTOR® may also find they regularly attract the same kind of listing again and again, without moving up or out of that “box”.

If you are a high-end Seller or a high-end Buyer and have heard of someone in the area who is regarded with merit, but may be a smaller fish in the big pond of salespeople, might it be an assumption to presume that the biggest fish is better qualified or will “do better”? Smaller fry, as on the stage, can often times play a bigger role with skill and alacrity. An aspiring performer may be close at hand without having yet attained an opportunity to walk down the red carpet.

Oscars, Emmys, Grammies, Golden Globe and Recommendations are all meritorious trophies!

Diss isn’t It!

In preparation for a skills test many years ago, I attended an evening-studies course for several weeks to hone my familiarity with terminology specific to work as a medical transcriptionist.

Many words used in today’s everyday life are Latin derivatives, sometimes as a prefix or a suffix. A newly-coined expression that is bandied about is the word “diss”… The online “Wiktionary” clarifies the interpretation as being disrespectful – which is clearly the latin prefix dis….(meaning “away from”).

The correlation to me as a REALTOR® is exciting – and enlightening! From a consumer’s point of view, they may have formed a generalized opinion of organized real estate and licensed salespeople based on a previous unhappy experience. The transition from liking their REALTOR® may have become dis-like; trust/distrust; enchanted/disenchanted – and the possibilities continue.

At present there are 5 recognized generations of Canadian consumers, each characterized by the life events that help shaped adult behaviours. These are the Veterans age – born between 1922 and 1945; the Baby Boomers (1946-1965); Generation X (1966-1978); Millenials/Generation Y (1979-1995);  and Newcomers to Canada.

I personally feel that the REALTOR® you contract with to work on your behalf with should be selected based on similarities of thought and action.  Cross-generational relationships can be difficult if there’s not much in common. Being on the same wavelength infuses enthusiasm and eagerness – and everyone should like the person they are doing business with.

A REALTOR’S® reputation depends on your recommendations and referrals –  to diss isn’t It!