Buyer Beware...A Whole Different Meaning.

Have you ever heard the saying "Buyer Beware"? I am sure it's a commonly used phrase as it relates to the sales industry. "Buyer Beware" of the shady car salesman. "Buyer Beware" of the mechanic who insists your car needs all the repairs, now. "Buyer Beware" of the Realtor who wants to list your home or sell you one, with no regard for your best interest. Well, "Buyer Beware" took on a whole new meaning for me, lately.

The Perfect Realtor

Recently, while meeting with some new clients, that I agreed to work with after they had fired their previous Realtor; it dawned on me that "Buyer Beware" has numerous meanings. Apparently, these folks had been through a string of agents, because many of them "didn't do their job", according to the clients. Quite frankly, I know some of these real estate agents and they are experienced, respectable salespeople! This started the wheels turning in my mind regarding the pitfalls for clients purchasing or selling property. More, specifically, is it critical for property consumers to be as mindful of the sinking hole home, as they are the "perfect Realtor"? In reality, there is no perfect Realtor. However, in an effort to find that individual, they may be passing up many very good Realtors. When we think of that phrase, "Buyer Beware" we often associate it with tangible situations; but, how often do we fasten it to emotional alerts? Simply stated, does our vehicle have to stop, or our pocket book become drained in order to be consumer cognizant?

So, I posed this question to myself..."if I were a client, in search of a Realtor, what would I be looking for"?

Answer...experience, integrity, passion and empathy. Hmm, empathy. That seems like a strange word to use as it relates to my self-imposed question; yet, after seriously pondering it...not really.

Empathy and Bonding

Take this into consideration; when we meet someone new, business or personal, what is it that connects us to that person? Similarities. Those similarities might be children, work, spouses, friends, hobbies, etc. These strangers tell us a story, and then we share one much the same, and so on and so forth. At some point, one of these stories will involve a situation that may have been frightening or trying; and, because we have related to one another's stories, we now can empathize. And? Well, once someone empathizes with us, we begin to build trust; regardless of the amount of time we have been associated with them.

But, how does the correlate to real estate? And, more importantly, how does this translate to "Buyer Beware"?

Think of it like this...whether you are purchasing a home for the first time, with little education or you are a seasoned seller; you want to be assured that the Realtor you will choose, can relate to your situation. If he/she can closely feel your history, in essence have empathy regarding your fears, lack of knowledge, past negative experiences; then you can feel confident that they too, having been through these experiences, will make every effort to prevent these same hardships from effecting you. Basically, the Realtor's empathy becomes your guarantee of protection.

So, again...how does this translate to me, personally having a better and different understanding of the old phrase "Buyer Beware"; and, how does it have real significance for you, the property consumer? Because, as important as it is for clients to avoid the money pit homes, shady loan sharks, or turn and burn agents...it is just as critical that consumers diligently seeks the right agent. Not the perfect agent. Experienced. yes. integrity. yes. passion. yes. Empathy...absolutely yes.

"Buyer Beware" of the piranha pool...instead, fish for the Empaths.

http://www.empathtest.com/ Like to know if you're an Empath?