A New World View in a Shrinking World – part 2

In part 1 I spoke of my valued friendship with Kyung.

Since the time we met, Kyung has introduced me to more than a dozen other Korean families who have come to the United States. Each family has a solid education, good job prospects, strong financial resources, great desire and motivation, but no credit history. This is not the ideal formula for a successful rental or purchase experience.

If that was not enough, a few understood little or no English. Fortunately, Kyung often accompanied me and was my translator when necessary.

When I was introduced as "his first American friend" and someone they could trust; he made my task easy. With Kyung's introduction, I simply needed to be a calm, gentle teacher / realtor, who was observant, respectful and ready to ask responsible questions and then shutting up to listen, as I clarified that we understood each other.

I have been told that one of positive things I do is to speak slowly; but I do know that is not the secret to my success. I know I develop relationships by listening, not making assumptions, clarifying that I understand the questions and making sure I am understood. In this way I provide the respect that my clients want and deserve.

About three weeks after helping one of my new Korean clients purchase their home, I was invited dinner. I was the only American born guest with more than 2 dozen of their family members. I ate some foods that I didn't quite know what I was eating. On occasion they spoke to each other in a language I didn't understand. In all we enjoyed each other's company. I was glad that my relationship with this family as clients has crossed the line to be one of friends. And whatever business might develop is simply a bonus.