REAL ESTATE, FAMILY AND RESPECT

I had a meeting with a potential seller who instructed me, "Julie, give me the advice that you would give you brother-in-law about marketing his residence." His suggestion was a very interesting approach and it effectively enabled us to communicate very honestly and directly with one another (even though I do not have a brother-in-law)!

This gentleman made me aware that I do become involved in my buyers' and sellers' requirements as if they were family, despite the fact that, really, I am just one of the highest paid guests in their residence-or soon to be residence.

Sellers are entitled to feel that their real estate representative will use every ounce of expertise at their fingertips to secure them the best sale in today's market. As well, buyers are entitled to feel that their real estate professional will help them identify the residence of their dreams and then negotiate the very best terms possible.

It's all about respect. Respecting the persons with whom you are working guarantees success. I can achieve this best by viewing each transaction through the eyes of the buyer or seller-even more so, as if they were family. Happily, many of my clients have become friends, so my investment in their real estate purchase has paid me back twofold.

I have also found that working with an efficient and skilled co-operating broker is enormously satisfying when you both remember the common goal and act responsibly and respectfully. Participating as a member of the Realtor Association of Fort Lauderdale's Professional Standards Committee also strongly reminds me of the underlying responsibilities in representing clients. The support and friendship of many talented agents in Fort Lauderdale has aided me in achieving my clients' goals.

Maintaining respect is not always easy, especially on demanding days or with difficult clients, but it is part of my objective, as a "go to" broker to work with everyone as if they were family and maintain the respect so necessary to a healthy and profitable working relationship for all parties.

How do you keep the respect going?