First Team Real Estate Quite often I am asked, “What is the secret to your success in real estate?” The easy answer is to tell them, “I attribute my success to hard work and the excellent training that I have received, but when I take time to truly analyze my path to success, I realize that it really goes back to my roots and the Confucius philosophy that I grew up with and still strive to live by today.
My core principles stem from my upbringing and the Confucian philosophy of kindness. The most important lesson Confucius taught was to treat others the way you would want to be treated and to always act and speak from your heart. Confucius believed that we should use our own feelings as a guide to how to treat others. This translates into treating clients with genuine respect, understanding their unique needs, and prioritizing their best interests at all times. Reflecting back on my personal experience, I recall when my husband, Dave, and I were purchasing our first home. Despite having a pleasant Realtor, the lack of transparency regarding costs and timelines left me feeling overwhelmed and anxious. In that moment, I made a silent vow to myself: If I pursued a career in real estate, I would use my heart to protect my clients from ever feeling this way by communicating everything clearly and compassionately so they will feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
When I first started selling homes, and still to this day, I always take a moment to reflect back to this experience and then put myself in my client's shoes. Listening, having empathy, and understanding form the cornerstone of my approach to real estate.
Listening is the most important thing I can do as a Realtor. Before I show properties, I delve into what the buyers truly desire in a home and neighborhood and what their finances can support. I offer expert guidance, without personal bias, by highlighting potential changes that can be made to a home as well as pointing out immovable features. This assists them in making a decision about a potential purchase, not just with what they like in a home but also how unchangeable things can affect the home's future value.
The same applies to representing sellers. I go beyond just listing a property. I ask them why they want to sell and delve into understanding their motivations and circumstances. I help with the financial calculations and provide honest advice on pricing and timelines. I then explore all options, including the possibility of retaining the property as a rental or even to consider if it's best for them not to sell at this time. I meticulously analyze the pros and cons, always prioritizing the client's optimal outcome, even when it might cost me a sale; it's the right thing to do for the client, and that is what matters most.
Compassion and empathy are two more key Confucian virtues.
Compassion plays a significant role, especially in sensitive situations such as divorce. I extend empathy while offering thoughtful guidance. Sometimes it's about more than just selling a house; it's about supporting people through life's transitions. I have even suggested reconciliation before selling. This genuine concern has even helped reunite couples!
Integrity is paramount. Despite tempting offers from sellers asking me to buy their home before market, my principles forbid it. I encourage sellers to go on the market to maximize their profits and to ensure transparency and to avoid any ethical concerns. It's not about making a quick buck for me; it's about doing what's best for the clients.
As a Realtor, from day one, I serviced clients with my heart, treating them with kindness and respect. I always put myself in their shoes so I can guide them with compassion and with confidence to ensure they never feel alone, as I once did. Sometimes this means walking away from deals that aren't in the client's best interest. But it's not about just selling a home, it's about building long-term relationships based on trust and care. Each time I say good bye to a happy client, I feel good and my life has meaning. The true key to my success has been practicing the Confucian philosophy.
“Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you”
-Confucius-