…just like everyone else, one leg at a time!
There is definitely a perception and an assumption about realtors® in our society. But then we do that with a lot of professions (lawyers, doctors, et al). There are realtors®, in some eyes, that are elevated to some top levels and there are others that are denigrated to the lowest rungs on the totem pole, so to speak.
There is the perception that what we do is a simple task and that we make way too much money. But, of course, it is not known by most what it costs us to perform the duties that are necessary to be successful. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for a licensed real estate sale agent is under $40K a year. In fact, if you’d like to know about what it takes to be a realtor®, follow this link to their site http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos120.htm. It’s quite informative.
As with every profession, we have all degrees of capacity. Just as with any profession, there are better and then some that are just not up to par. But do those professions acquire the stigma of those with lesser ability as does the real estate profession? I think not, or at least not to the degree that the general public places on my chosen profession.
A realtor®, a true realtor® if there is such a term, is not out there to sell homes. This person is there trying to help people achieve a goal - achieve a dream in many instances. We could be talking about the first-time home buyer; someone who’s looking at upward mobility; even those that have been through life and have decided that it time to make a change and maybe downsize. But they have a goal and it is our job to help them achieve this goal in the best and easiest possible fashion.
The following is my mission statement: In working with a Seller - to sell their property for more money net to them in less time with minimal inconvenience to their lifestyle. In working with a Buyer - to assist them in purchasing a property within their prescribed parameters with the experience being comfortable, exciting and fun for all those involved. In fact my vision statement reads: To make a difference to everyone I work with on a daily basis by adding value and quality to their lives through my knowledge, expertise and service.
Now, this may seem corny and canned to some, but to me it is not. It is the essence of what I bring to the table. It is me! Forgive me, for this is not being written as a self-promotion of myself. I am not that egotistical, but there does need to be a change in attitude towards realtors®. Additionally, this should not be perceived as a rant. Moreso, I would prefer this to be considered somewhat of an education.
Perceptions and assumptions are found throughout our society. It unfortunately is what drives too many people. I can only gather to a point, that it is human nature of sorts because so many do it so often. Yes, we do perceive things – we do have perceptions of things, we do have assumptions of certain people and industries. But when you look at the whole picture, there should be no reason for this.
I saw a therapist once and he posed a question to me asking if I would be concerned about a person (maybe a little disheveled) coming towards me from the opposite direction. My answer to him is what did that person do that should provoke that reaction in me. No, I am surely not a polyanna, but why? Has that person given me any reason to feel that way? If not, then why should I have that perception?
There’s the old saying that you can judge a book by its cover. We’ve all seen in our careers how often this can be untrue. I’ve encountered people looking like schleps; and yet, they could buy and sell me.
What is a perception? It is cognitive recognition utilizing the senses. But it is not fact.
What is an assumption? It means to take for granted without proof.
Can you see how dangerous these two concepts can be?
Someone told me a long time ago that the word ‘assume’ is made out of three words and as you look at it you might see them. Obviously, I’m not going to decipher it right here. But the fact of the matter is. An assumption is a presupposition based on usually very little if any facts whatsoever. And that is the issue right there. If you had all of the facts, then you would have a clear definition.
Over 85% of all real estate transactions were performed with the use of a realtor®. So why does the general public still try to denigrate this profession? Look at the numbers, we must be doing something correct.
Your realtor® is a human being, with feelings and emotions like yourself. They have lived through trials and tribulations – just like you! They are no different than you, except for their chosen career, which requires constant education to the changing laws, contracts, market, economy, interest rates… Do I need to go on? A realtor® stands by a strict Code of Ethics. Much more than most can surmise.
I won’t say that they deserve your respect, but they surely earn it day in and day out. Respect as with anything else is a two-way street. If you give it, it will come back to you.
I have to echo Randy....I have more often than not...changed around someones "perception" or assumptions of the Realtor® who they 'think' is this or that. Well, I can only say this.... as I would also tell myself when proving my own self wrong with assumptions. "That's what I get for ....thinking".
Marc:
Well, here's the Marc we've all come to know and love in The Rain. Excellent post, and your Mission and Vision statements are excellent, unique, and high-minded. Thanks for sharing them in this post, and for writing with purpose and passion. :)
Hi, Marc:
BTW, that C21 Ryan Realty comment is mine. I forgot which blog I was logged into at the time! I'm helping the agents in our office get into AR! Anyway, as I said above excellent post! :)
Lisa - I totally agree with you and have become friends of many of my past clients. And the reason that it also has to be fun is that this is probably the largest purchase that most will make. With that and all of the financial decisions, there is a lot of stress inherently placed on the buyers and even the sellers to a certain degree. It is our job to diminish that for them. This is where we also sometimes become psychologists amongst all of the hats that we wear.
Randy - I agree with you and have done the same myself. And hopefully the general public will read this and some of the comments here to have a better understanding of what a realtor® truly is.
Sally - I have to agree also, but thinking is fine as long as it is based on facts.
Jan - I knew that was you and thank you so very much. Yes, it has been a while, but I also have to do my market reports, etc. because I utilize those also on other sites of that I have.
Missy - Thank you, I'm glad we got the chance to customize the feel of out blogs. In regard to your question - absolutely! I think there is an old story that goes something like tell yourself something enough times and it will become a reality to you or at least in your mind. Now, granted, this can work both ways. The good way, is that maybe a person who doesn't have a high enough self-esteem consistently tells themself that they are outgoing and successful. In some instances, this will be very productive for them and might be the push that they needed in that direction.
Well said, Marc. You've expressed your mission so well. There are massive misconceptions out there, but each new client is a chance to change those into a true picture of the value and service we provide. The financials of what people think we make and what actually goes into our pockets are so far apart.
Each transaction has its own personality and its own result. It's so wonderful when the result is people realizing their dreams, and I know that my work helped them to do it.
Marc,
I'm thinking I would have greater success if I did indeed put my pants on one leg at a time. Or put them on at all for that matter. As it stands, though, I have cornered a highly unusual market niche. The authorities don't find it amusing.
Yes, I know this is a public post. Anyone searching google for "pantless realtors" need look no further.
Bill - Thank you and, yes, we have to try to correct some of these perceptions of us. It's our duty as Realtors to do so, or at least I think that's the way it is.
Elaine - I totally agree with you. There has been many a time that I've felt a let down after the closing. I was surely pleased that I'd helped the client achieve a goal. But it was the end in a way. Anyway, what we accomplished was more important and in many cases have actually acquired new friends in the process. You just can't beat that.
Paul - LOL! Thanks for stopping by and some levity. You never cease to put a smile on my face.
Hi Marc...
What a heartfelt post. To bad I'm going to mouth off on it :)
When it comes to assuming I like this statement: "Assumptions make an arse out of you but not out of me" :)
Now...Are you absolutely sure we have feelings and emotions? I avoid these two things as if they had cooties :)
Marc It...Hmmm...Perceived :)
TLW...ROAR!
Andrew - Believe me I understand where you are coming from. Can't tell you how many times I've vacuumed a listing or painted a door, etc. I do like physical work, but would rather be doing on my own home. Goodness knows I could use it. Oh, wait that may not sound too great! Oh Well!
Chris - I can tell that you do just by how you wrote your comment and you are correct about me and how I feel about real estate. Thanks for commenting and adding me as an associate.
TLW - I was in the middle of the monotonous task of uploading a couple of new listings to the internet. So, therefore, thank you for putting a smile on my face. You're always welcome to do whatever you wish on a post of mine. In answer to your question, there are many devoid of those two things. Unfortunately for you, I know better, but good try!! :)
Marc, well said! I haven't run into too many that look down upon Realtors, but I've seen their comments on the web. It's sad to see people who judge so harshly, but I believe those are the ones who've had an unfortunate experience with an unethical or agent or who they themselves had unrealistic expectations. Your post is a great educational piece and I hope it's seen by many would be buyers and sellers out there.
Midori - Thank you so very much. We have to fight for who we are and what we stand for and that really just the decency of it all.
Chris - It's not that I've run into so many, but the obvious perception is out there and you can feel it. In fact, and this may sound somewhat crazy, but you can almost touch it. It is just too pervasive and it needs to stop. the only way that will happen will be with us.
Jason - Thank you so very much. I'm almost speechless and you know how difficult that would be for me. This actually was going to be about both of our industries, but then as I was writing....
Christine - Thank you!
Robert - It's good that you have a handle on that.
Sharon - As far as I'm concerned there are no set rules. One reason the news is there is because I like knowing what's going on. You're correct this is surely not a Florida scene, but I was more interested in the ocean and the calming affect of it all. I love the sandy beaches or shores depending on where you are from.
But see, this is what I'm talking about. This is what is wrong with perceptions and assumptions. Why should it be assumed that the pic is of Florida? Because I live here? That's ridiculous. Firstly, I live inland in Apopka and my office is in Longwood, but I work pretty much most of Central Florida. Why should my sidebars have to have something to do with Longwood? It is explained at the top what this blog is about. That should suffice it enough.
Some days and depending on the person one gets treated with more respect. There will always be some individuals who will be difficult.
All this warn and fuzzy intellectual self love does not substantiate to me, the common man, why any of you are worth 6% of anything.
I don't respect those who pimp of off other people, and all realtors are is "property pimps" (patent pending). You do not add value to the transaction in any way shape or form. If you did, house prices would still be rising like magic and sales would be picking up......but alas, they are not because you are worthless as an occupational category.
Real estate is the only occupation where you have to deliberately lie in order to make an income. I'd bet my last 2 cents that not one of you here has never said "houses only go up in price you know !!"
It's good to be a bitter, and wealthy, wait for it..........renter.
Marc obviously the comment above missed your point. To generalize and say ALL REALTORS are the same is like saying all men are the same and all women are the same and all used car sales persons are the same and all attorneys are the same and all doctors are the same and all insurance agents are the same. That certainly is not true.
I enjoyed reading your post Marc. Thanks for taking the time to write it. It is very well written. I may stop back and read more of what you have.
Happy Selling!
Bob & Carol - There are no two ways about that. It's just time that we be given the proper amount of recognition.
Wayne - I totaly agree with that statement.
Anonymous - Several things. First, it's easy (albeit cowardly) to hide behind anonymity. Property prices are like any economic transaction a matter of supply and demand. One thing I've never done and I'm sure the majority of Realtors haven't - is lie. You appear to be very bitter and with the times that we are going through have to wonder if you lost your home. Many people played a game of Russian Roulette with their homes with interest-only loans, etc. Many more used their homes as ATM's. Whose fault is that? Seriously! Real Estate was never, ever meant to be a short term investment - it is a long term investment. I would love to know what your occupation is.
Nannette - Thank you so very much for stopping by and I look forward to seeing you again.
Andrew - Thank you very much!
Great post Mar(c)...
You have captured many of my own frustrations in this post and has sparked something in me to post something similar that will touch on one improtant aspect that you brought up...assuming and the presupposition.
This should be published in the Real Estate Section of every newspaper. Good job!
Mar(k)
Marc-
LOVE the Mission Statement, et. al. :) Funny, just today I posted in a reply on my blog to someone's concern that I shouldn't give away anything for free: "...I always am trying to improve my business model/practices and this year decided to really work on my purpose of my business, which is "I/We exist to serve by helping people buy and sell real estate." (There's MORE, much more but that's the gist of it.) So, while money is important to me, I think that doing whatever is in the best interest of the customer should be first and foremost. (* NOTE: I do NOT think that the customer is always right. In real estate, sometimes the customer is DEAD WRONG. But, with my business, I choose who I work with and sometimes I have to fire them, too.) When someone is my customer, I will do whatever is necessary to ensure that they are taken care of, even if it means that I either don't get paid or get paid less."
And, yep--both we as agents and They (the public and others) all have mental/personal baggage that will color how agents are perceived, whether rosy-colored or otherwise-colored. :) Good post.
Marc:
Just wanted to say you responded quite professionally to "bitter anonymous" ... much better than I could have done. Also, congrats on the gold star! This post certainly deserves to be featured on AR.
I happen to be in Orlando this weekend. Candi (my 25 yr old) had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted today, so I drove down to take care of her this weekend. We decided to treat ourselves to a little retreat so she could rest... we're at the Marriott Grande Vista on I Drive. She's sleeping away the pain and I'm reading AR blogs tonight. Maybe she will feel like getting out for a little while tomorrow. I'm driving home Sunday afternoon, if she is doing okay. Thought you might want to know I'm visiting in your territory! :)
Oooh. I missed Anonymous' post earlier. I wish Anonymous would stop back by or post a comment on one of my posts. I think I would not react as calmly as you had, especially when it was written that REALTORS(r) are "worthless as an occupational category." Ouch. As to the 6% thing, I am worth OH, SOOO MUCH MORE than a mere 6%. :) But Anonymous will never know that b/c it's clear he/she will not be using an agent to buy/sell anytime soon. Pity.
I think that renters are great. I think they are great for a variety of reasons. The best reason of all is that they pay the mortgage for the landlord and build the landlord's dreams! Not all people are meant to be home owners. It's also good that Anonymous is a self-termed "wealthy" person. I wonder what he/she defines as "wealthy."
Man--"property pimps." So, if the logic is correct and a REALTOR(r) is a property pimp, then a doctor is a "health pimp" and a musician is a "music pimp'?! and so on... Cool.
It's clear that agents are Anonymous' reason that the market has turned from a robust Seller's market to a normal-ish Buyer's market. But that's a very one-sided, narrow reason as to why the market changed and there are WAY too many variables to just pin it on agents. It would be better to say that the market IS what the market IS, I think. But that's another blog...
Plus, I DON'T lie and those who I spent time with don't lie, either. Yep, I have met a handful of agents (not necessarily REALTORS(r)) whom I have met that I am sure DO lie. That will happen with ANY career/profession. But I choose not to do business with those people, if I can help it. AND, I have NEVER said property values will always go up. That'd be like saying stocks will always go up--which is obviously not true--there is always an up market, followed by a down market.
"It's good to be a bitter, and wealthy, wait for it..........renter." Hmm. Sad that Anonymous is bitter. Great that he/she is wealthy! Renter--ah, I'm saddened that Anonymous has chosen not to purchase at this time when the deals are great. He/she really could use a value-adding REALTOR(r) to purchase a deal or steal right now--then maybe he wouldn't be so bitter. Ah, well. Let's focus on the 5-star customers right now who are able, willing, and WANT an experienced agent to assist them in transacting real estate business.
Jan - Thank you! Wish I knew that you'd be in town so that we could meet up. I was invited to this thing downtown and it starts at 3, but have to meet with a client at noon. Let me know next time you come to town so that we can plan to meet. Hope your daughter is feeling much better today.
Christy - I know what they say and I agree with you. But you got to love TLW's take on it..."Assumptions make an arse out of you but not out of me"
Lisa - Calm down dear. I understand, but take a deep breath. There is no reason to waste so much time and effort on this person.
I like your mission statements. I made some of my own years ago, but yours are better put.
Nice handling of the anonymous poster. Obviously he just doesn't get it. If we didn't add value, the profession wouldn't even exist.
Marc.... excellent... I am so with you on the assumption part and sometimes talk about this in my blogs. It's soooo easy to assume. If people would ask questions... or, if the realtor or even the loan officer would give more information upfront, before the buyer had a chance to ask, then they are doing their job and there won't be any assumptions. I had a client just tell me recently, when I spoke to them for 15 minutes, that they had no questions, because I answered them before they asked them. It keeps assumption out of the picture. Just as the public perceives us...
O n another note... you hit the nail on the head with these two... "Your realtor® is a human being, with feelingsemotions like yourself." and "Respect as with anything else is a two-way street. If you give it, it will come back to you."
Overall, great job here....
Rob - Thanks and I have to agree with what you've said.
Jeff - Thank you very much. Assumptions are the lack of the complete facts and have no room whether it be in real estate or our society. Assumptions are what cause misconceptions.