Are you seeing reality or just looking past the obvious?

I do this once a month whether I like to or not...I get my oil changed.

The dealership has a nice waiting room with various coffee blends free and a cappuccino machine for those that want a little more.

It is always entertaining to sit in the waiting room. A couple months back an agent was passing his card out and playing the real estate guru...much to everyone's chagrin. Last month some lady brought her kids, sick kids I might add, with runny noises and screaming voices.

Well this morning I decided to play a little experiment....I mentioned the economy and that everything seemed normal! This was not my belief but it was a good conversation starter for the group.

The response was a bit surprising. One of the elderly men sitting said his stock has taken a real hit and was worried that the company managing his funds may be in trouble with sub-prime investments. I casually mentioned...have you asked your investment councillor if they are in trouble? Have you done any research to see how they are doing? He looked at me like I just turned on the light....stepped outside and I watched him dial a number on his cell phone.

He came back and said that was a good idea...I called my son to Google these guys to see what is going on...thanks, he said. Then some lady says...your son will only find what is published....

I used the opportunity to ask the lady how she felt the local economy was doing... She said, "don't ask me, my husband says I look at everything half empty"! She added that the economy is fine...it is the cost of everything that isn't fine...our gas prices have shot through the roof...groceries are up every week and for basic things that we need. The little things we used to enjoy like ice cream are off the list now and a half gallon is over 5 bucks for the basic stuff, what a rip she says!

They may have thought I was a reporter...I say OK, how do you feel about things....(my little impromptu question session may not be scientific but it gives us another perspective into a cross section of individuals and issues.)

I shared that I write posts and would send them a link to the article if they would like and made some notes. They laughed and asked me what I do...pass out my card time! This heated the topic up a bit more. I collected a few email addresses to link the article to them as well. I think they will like it....they gave me some great information to help them understand.

How come Realtors charge so much? The elderly guy asked. I could almost feel everyone lean forward after that question was asked.

Do Realtors really think they are worth all that money the lady chimed in. Nothing is selling so why sell now...peeped a young house wife who had remained quiet until that statement.

Here is a sample of the answers:

1. Realtors do not charge so much...a smile from them all....like here we go! Here is the issue....it takes longer in this market for your home to sell can we agree on that? They nod yes....should it take longer? They looked puzzled...if you have marketing and buyer exposure how long do you think it should take to sell your home? The young house wife....speaks again...it depends on price. :-) I could have kissed her on the lips....she put it out there without me saying it...price and exposure along with condition and location will determine how long your property stays on the market. One of the things you should remember you are not paying for what a realtor does...you are paying for what they already know! Make sure you use one that is a professional with experience to meet your goals.
2. Do Realtors really think they are worth all that money? It isn't what they think....it is what you think...if your home is sold for top dollar faster than you thought and the transaction is smooth...do you think they have done the job...they all nodded again but this time the lady said....we would pay more if it happened like you said. It can happen just like this if you take the time to select your Realtor with the same patience and throughness you used to select your car or employment.
3. Nothing is selling why sell now? Actually homes are selling everyday...or there would not be any Realtors or real estate companies. The competition for buyers is more than in years past. The condition and price of homes is more important to attract buyers...but homes are selling we had over 800 homes sell last month in the area...we have new pendings everyday. This is where agents and real estate companies help clients understand the finance and purchase process. Would you like a Realtor that helps you every step of the transaction and even works with the other Realtor to make sure all the questions and issues are covered?

Just then my name is called and my vehicle is finished. I thanked them for being so open and honest...they laughed and said thanks for sharing the information...this was the first time they really learned something about the real estate process...well in so many words they said that. I think the little house wife....said it was interesting have a nice day..I smiled and said, "you too". The old guy said, hey can I have a card for my son...he is thinking of selling...I want him to talk to you...I again smiled...and handed him two cards...I said, here take two they are free! He laughed and so did I.

We never know where or when we can make a possitive influence for our profession and help people understand the process. I was just doing what I do....and enjoyed doing it.

Are you seeing the reality or just looking past the obvious?

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