Listen - listen- listen Listen, pay attention, Listen pay attention.
A common theme of blogs that I comment on are the ones that address other people listening and not 
paying attention to what they are being told. When I am with clients, I make it a point to listen to everything they say. Some times they are not even aware of what they feel. For example they want a bargain, and they are willing to do some work, if we find a property that meets their needs. Within minutes they tell me stories of nightmare minor construction work that they have done. I try to make them aware that a fixer upper is probably not some thing they want. But, on a more personal note,
I want to share two stories.
One. When I was very young in my early 20's I considered selling my home. I put it on the market with a real estate agent, but I informed him of my hours which included my night job. I slept until late because I was up until late. I told the agent to make sure and make appointments. Well, one day I was awaken by strangers in my bedroom. Disoriented, I realized that these were buyers, I asked the agent if he had made an appointment, and he said that since he had tried to 
make one, but unable to reach my agent, he thought it was ok to come in to my home. Those were the days of books and not computers, but I had seen the bolded "must make appointment before showing." I was very angry opened the door and asked them to leave. I felt sorry for the young couple, but I couldn't believe the attitude of that young "Mercedes driving" agent. My home was very humble, and I could see his face of entitlement. Well, maybe I was also sleep and disoriented. I took the home of the market and kept that home for another decade.
Two. I was talking to my sister yesterday and she told me of the sad news of a close relative who is in her deathbed. Thanks to Facebook, I am now in contact with most of my relatives, so I proceeded to send a FB note letting her children know of how sorry I was for these sad news. Some how the name of another cousin was in my mind, so I decided to send him a quick email saying hi and how are your brothers and sisters and mother. It sort of had a recurring joke between us.
Here is the punch line. Those cousin's mothers share the same name. And the dying mother is the one of the second cousin. I have to admit that I have laughed at my stupidity, and inability to listen because I assumed that the first aunt that came to mind was the sick one. How sad it is to see my relatives passing away. Reminds me to keep in contact more often, and yes I feel very guilty for laughing.
Very heart felt apologies are on their way.
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To SELL or BUY Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com
Call me at: 757-502-5324
Listen, pay attention, Listen pay attention. was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* Listen, pay attention, Listen pay attention.
