Awesome is as awesome does

Remember that great line from Forrest Gump? "Stupid is as stupid does." I add to that "awesome is as awesome does." A few days ago a colleague added me to a facebook group entitled "Awesome Realtors." This is an eclectic group representing less that 10% of the Realtors in the North Okanagan. As I was added to this group by a realtor I've always respected and enjoy doing business with I was honoured of course. Then it got me thinking about the qualities in any profession, but since I'm writing this let's pick real estate, that earns the label awesome. So, here are a few things that would be prerequisites for making my awesome realtor list:

1. Caring, cooperative and communicative not only when a deal is coming together, but when a deal has problems.
2. Respectful and reasonable with a view of what's manageable for all involved.
3. A strong advocate for their client without resorting to snotty tones or lectures.
4. Knows the market and knows the area.
5. Writes a clear contract.
6. Is happy to answer questions and address any issues post sale.
7. Has a great sense of humour.
8. Creates interesting marketing.
9. Is competitive in a way that encourages all to "strive together" for excellence
10. Is generous about helping to be part of the solution (i.e. helps pay for carpet cleaning if place left with stains, etc.)
11. Works creatively and uniquely to facilitate a deal coming together.
12. Portrays a property honestly (nothing like driving 45 minutes to a "lakefront" property that fails to mention there's a major road between the house and the lake!)
13. Creates excellent working relationships with colleagues!
14. Is above board with any shifts in client loyalty.
15. Sees the big picture.

I'll think of more, but that's enough for now!

Over the long run it is the awesome that will prevail! Not only prevail, but flourish and not only flourish, but have fun! In my mind, if you are not a great person, you cannot have a great business. The world demands the genuine goods.

Before I became involved in real estate, I remembered a gentleman who was a realtor in the Cariboo. He had been so kind to me in a goofy golf tournament that when the time came, 5 years later, to hire a realtor, there was no doubt who to call.

Wow your world with excellence at every turn. Each of us, in our chosen fields, have the chance to model the very finest possible example of what that looks and feels like.