Hal Sheeler

I'm trying to listen more. Every now and then I read a blog by someone who points out that we should do a lot more listening than talking. Makes sense. Too often I yap, yap, yap trying to be the expert I am supposed to be. I need to ask more questions and ponder the answers.

Intuitive thinking plays such a large part in how we work with others. There are those occasional moments of insight when we can suddenly see with others' eyes and say, "I get it. I HEAR you. I think now that I know what you need/want." There is something in what was said, in the body language, in putting two and two together that endenders an intuitive insight. Often what real estate buyers SAY they want is not what the REALLY want.

Can intuitive thinking be developed? I don't know, but I do know that without remembering to really listen to others, it doesn't stand a chance. I miss the boat when I think I am the expert and try to make others fit into what I have planned for them. (This is, of course, true in interpersonal relationships, as well. Working on it. Doing better. It's a life-long process.)

I was reminded of this the other day when I was preparing to show property to someone new to the area. As is often the case, they weren't really sure what they wanted. They just sensed that the Upper Connecticut River Valley area offered a the kind of lifestyle they were seeking. And, as is also often the case, they wanted it all - solitude, beauty, in-town convenience, views, quaintness, contemporary amenities, bang for the buck. It was hard to prepare but, I thought, if I can really listen and gain insight into their thought processes, I can be most helpful. I'm trying to do this more often, which means throwing out my pre-conceived ideas and scripts and starting from the premise that I must listen carefully, trying to place myself in their shoes rather than forcing their feet into the shoes I have set out for them.

Sitting in my Century 21 Energy Shield Realty office in Hanover, New Hampshire on this crisp fall morning, I decided to take a little break from the mundane for a little self-analysis and am sharing it with you.

Cheers to you.

Hal Sheeler

http://www.HalSheeler.com http://www.Homes-In-Hanover-NH.com

After many years as a music educator, I "jumped into" the real estate field eight years ago. My wife, son, and daughter all said "WHAAAAAAAAT? You'll hate it. You're not a salesman." Well, eight years later they say "Who would'a thought."

My family was right that as soon as a "salesman" started a heavy duty sales "pitch" I would head in the other direction. I had loved teaching and had learned a great deal from my students and colleagues. One very basic thing that I had learned was that we respond best when someone is genuinely interested in us as a person, who listens, and works WITH us to reach beneficial goals and who is good humored. That has been my approach to real estate and I do enjoy it (most days - not too keen on septic inspections). I try to make it fun, to use a "light touch."

As a REALTOR in the Dartmouth College, Sunapee, Upper Valley area of New Hampshire and Vermont I have had the opportunity to meet, work with, become friends with fine people from all over the world. I have been fortunate to work with many clients with amazing senses of humor, who like to laugh and have fun during the process of buying or selling real estate. I have tried to avoid the kind of high pressure sales pitches that I dislike and to not take myself too seriously. That doesn't mean that I don't work work hard for my clients or have days when everything "blows up" and think "what am I doing here?" But the good days far outweigh the bad on the balance scales.

Still involved with music, I direct the choral group, Bel Canto Chamber Singers and have worked on productions of the North Country Community Theatre and Opera North.

But I like being a REALTOR. No kidding!

Hal Sheeler
Century 21 Energy Shield Realty
Hanover, New Hampshire

http://www.HalSheeler.com
http://www.Homes-In-Hanover-NH.com
http://www.BelCantoSingers.com

Well, crocuses are poking their colorful heads through the recently snow layered soil. And occasionally the sun shines gloriously reminding us of what is to come. I'm seeing signs that spring is also coming to the real estate market in Hanover, NH and Lebanon, NH and other New Hampshire and Vermont Upper Valley communities. Quite a few properties have gone under contract in the last few weeks (see http://www.HalSheeler.com) and buyers are suddenly deciding, "Hey, maybe not a bad time to get into the real estate market."

We in the Upper Valley have not been immune to the slowdown but are fortunate, because of major employers like Dartmouth College and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, to be somewhat insulated. So, "bring spring on," I say. Rebirth in all sorts of ways. As I look out of my office window and see the sun shining on trees, my mind turns to the vegetable garden in which I will soon be digging. Time to plant those little pots inside and watch in eager anticipation the green shoots struggle feebly up and then "wax strong" into plants that will bear luscious tomatoes and...Mostly tomatoes!

Last evening I directed a rehearsal of Bel Canto Chamber Singers. We are preparing for performances next month that will include Faure's Requiem. These words from the Faure come to mind now: "Lux aeterna" (light eternal). Something about light!

Cheers,

Hal