You have to shake your head and smile!

In real estate, as in many fields, in an effort to gain your business all sorts of claims are made in advertising.  Our profession in BC is heavily regulated so ads making claims have to have a "disclaimer" somewhere.  Of course sometimes the disclaimer is so small you'd need a microscope to read it!  And, sometimes its so ridiculous you have to laugh.  "Based on sales of similar homes from 2005 - 2006 on Tuesday afternoons."  Apparently in my area there are three companies that are number 1!

But, that's not really where I was going with this....what I shake my head at is why a consumer, any consumer of any service or product would be impressed with these claims to fame:

1.  We pay our salespeople less than anyone else in the business.  (Wow...there's some motivation)
2.  We are the busiest salespeople in the entire industry.  (Wow...love trying to get help when everyone is too busy to even see me in the crowd.)

Some of these same companies also run banners about how much their clients saved by going with a model offering lower commission.  Of course, any savvy consumer should question if this:  "If this company pays all Realtors the least and are so busy that they're always advertising about how busy they are....did they really save me money?  Or, did I lose money because not enough people wanted to see my home (insert any product) and my home was just one of a crowd that was not in any way special to the super busy Realtor who talked to me??"

Imagine this:  you have a car to sell, a unique car.  You can take your car to any lot in the North Okanagan.  Would you want the salesperson advertising that they are paid the least to work for you?  Would you want the salesperson who has so much inventory on their lot they don't even know where yours is parked?  Do you really want to have your "baby" looked after in a machine advertising volume?

I wouldn't.  I'd take my car to the salesperson who liked my car and knew how it worked.  I'd take my car to the salesperson who understood why I was selling, what I needed for it, what I needed after it.  I'd take my car to the salesperson who looked after all their inventory personally and well.  I'd take my car to the salesperson who shouted from the rooftop that the salespeople associated with their lot were the best paid in the industry.  I'd take my car to the place that didn't use gimmicks and high pressure sales.  I'd take my car somewhere that people go knowing they can trust the service and value.

But, hey, that's just me!

Maybe ignorance IS bliss!

I was sharing stories a few days ago with a colleague who has been a Realtor just a smidge longer than I have.  We were swapping funny tales about different things we did when we were brand new Realtors -- because we didn't know any better.  And, you know what?

Many of those "ignorant things" produced results!

When you're first in the business and new to town, cold calling is a breeze.  You are fearless about getting someone you know on the other end of the line!  You chuckle when you get the mother of another Realtor or a well known businessman who has a nephew in the business.

You can do no wrong; because you don't know better.

The first "expired" listing I called netted me an appointment and I ended up selling the folks an investment property.  Thankfully I was ignorant of the fact when I made the call that based on their mls number they had expired years before I contacted them!

What would you do to generate business if you didn't know better?  Likely quite a lot!  So, my holiday advice....ponder your business with fresh eyes.  Innocent eyes.  Eyes not conditioned by the kind of knowledge that blocks creativity.

Adventure and try out those wild ideas you've had!  Don't you love it when a really outrageous commercial on t.v. catches you laughing (such as the recent Canadian Club one running)?!

In any organized endeavor we have to resist the urge to homogenize our approach.  We have to stay flexible and nimble rather than burdened by procedure and protocol.  No wonder people become bored and bitter....they stop creating!

Hats off to all you adventurers!  Go forth with glee and prosper!

There is no D.I.N.K. in sales!

Well, let's revisit one of my best bugaboo topics!  I don't know who said it (enlighten me if you do) but I love this line:  "the person who is nice to you but not nice to the waiter is NOT a nice person!"

Translated is that if a Realtor is nice to their clients but a dink with other Realtors, they are not only not a nice person -- they are entirely ineffective in serving your needs.  In our multiple listing service in British Columbia the whole idea is that not only do you want me or my office mates selling your home, you want every Realtor in the North Okanagan excited about bringing buyers to your property!

So, imagine, if you've chosen the Realtor that is sarcastic, a bully, condescending toward new Realtors, a know-it-all, or just plain rude to other local Realtors.  How do you think that's going to roll out for enticing cooperation and excitement in helping to sell your home?  How do you think that will translate when they negotiate on your behalf with a fellow professional they've been a dink with?

I could add to this list, imagine if your Realtor takes attractive commission rates from other Realtors but offers the lowest possible amount to the competition.  Again, do you think this serves you in attracting the most buyers and good will to your property?  Or, do you think this serves you as a buyer working toward the most reasonable price and terms on your purchase?  Give it some serious thought.

Think on the big scale when choosing your Realtor.  Good grief, don't go with them because you're scared not to!!  If they intimidate you imagine how well respected they are in the industry!

Pick a Realtor known for their skills, courtesy in communication, diplomacy in their aggressive negotiations and thankful to their cooperating colleagues.

Thankful means delivering the keys, writing a note, perhaps a small gift...ways that leave a great sense of the transaction and the desire to deal again with such a fine professional.  AND, someone who recognizes that great colleagues are worth every cent they make!

Go for the win/win!  Not only will you have a more profitable and enjoyable experience you will be supporting the notion that selling Real Estate is a service industry.  Real Estate is a service industry that deals with the most important sale you are a part of.  You deserve nothing but the finest.

Remember....there is no "DINK" in sales!