How’s that for a greeting?

Nice to see you as well.

I met with a couple the other day and was greeted outside by the husband. He immediately informed me that his wife had a tremendous dislike for real estate agents. Actually that is not news. Right or wrong, just or unjust, most people have an immediate opinion of people in the real estate profession. We’re in good company though. Right up there with telephone solicitors, used car salesmen and lawyers. I don’t understand how lawyers made it into this elite field.

Maybe I was being placed on notice, or I was in for the good guy bad guy routine. I’m thinking “who called who here”? They approached me. They ask me to come meet with them.

I learned early on in my career not to take anything personally. Many times people will chide you or say things to see what kind of reaction it solicits. There are very few things that anyone can say to me that I take personally or get upset with.

Maybe the deeper issue here is “Why do people have a dislike for real estate salespeople or salespeople in general? I have seen salespeople practice hit and run tactics including here today, gone tomorrow or anything to make a sale. Quite frankly I don’t hold these people in high regard either, but that does not mean one size fits all.

A consultive salesperson, one that can truly advise you and represent your best interest is an amazing ally. Come to think of it that is the relationship you should have if you work with a Realtor. The reason is simple, a Realtor has an obligation to act in a fiduciary capacity.

So the next time you find yourself in a situation, a negotiation, a purchase decision or just plain conversation, ask yourself, “Is the other party looking out for my best interest, or their own”?