The Blame Game: Door Mat Vs. Punching Bag - Isn't it Time for Civility?

There has been a lot of talk lately about the lack of civility in politics, business and everyday interpersonal interaction. Based on my own observations and what I've heard from colleagues and friends it is clear that a new, abysmal level of manners and courtesy, actually a lack there of, is taking hold in today's society. When all one has to do to "cancel" an appointment (I use quotations because I really mean "blow off") is a quick, cold text 5 minutes before, things do not bode well. I try, however, to be an optimist and lead by example while at the same time hoping that someone is paying attention. Although we cannot always speak with others face to face and the constraints of modern business / life do not allow for the extra time to write flowery regrets to be delivered by snail mail, the basics of manners such as returning calls promptly, rescheduling appointments well in advance when possible and the oft-forgotten pleases and thanks are hungered for by most everyone. I believe this is especially true in real estate between agents and their potential home buyers and sellers.

Here, in Los Angeles, the real estate game is extremely competitive. I've witnessed burnt-out agents quadruple booking showings in order to make a single trip to a far-off property that week instead of giving one on one face time to each prospective buyer. We all have heard complaints from consumers about agents who never return calls or of those who go missing in action once they nab a listing. Picture what must go on in a buyer's mind when he/she thinks they are setting up a private showing and, instead, there is a virtual stampede into the home. Imagine the angst a seller certainly experiences when the agent they hired is nowhere to be found. Not good.

On the flip side are the lookie-loo faux buyers who cancel and re-cancel property viewings or have some poor, eager agent chauffeur them around yet have absolutely no intention of purchasing. Ever. Yes, there are people who do this on weekends for fun, or so I've been told. Recently, after many months of hand-holding, guidance and a slam-dunk listing appointment, a colleague of mine was verbally hired by a seller but the contract signing kept being pushed off. Little did they know there was a friend of the family waiting in the wings who was given their pricing information, market research and the listing. Ouch!

Nobody, regardless of who they THINK they are, has the right to to use, be rude or abusive, disrespect another's time, etc., etc. We are ALL busy with work, family and trying to get by. The next time you find yourself in a situation similar to any of the above, for just a moment, step into the other person's shoes. If more folks would do this, the World would be a much nicer place.

Real estate agents are not door mats; prospective home buyers and sellers are not punching bags. We all have to do better and respect each other. I began a career in real estate to be of service and believe there is no time like the present to begin to change the public's perception. I am confident there are many agents out there who, like me, possess scruples and provide actual customer service. I say to the consumer: Even if you've had a bad experience in the past, please realize that in any industry there may be a few bad apples. Shop around, be selective and interview as many agents as you need to until you find someone like me - someone who cares about your future and family, has integrity and who is ready to commit to you. Aah, but there's a catch, though it's a good one. You the customer will be asked to commit to me. We will behave will mutual courtesy and respect and, together, we will make your dreams come true. How civilized, indeed!