Connection. Real Estate is all about connection. Connection translates to relationship. I like to think that I CONNECT with my clients. Their problems become my problems and in my humble opinion this is the basis of who I am as a Realtor. It's not about the MONEY and it never has been. I remember when in my early years as a Realtor and I went to a Roger Butcher seminar, he made the statement "it can never be about the money, it can only be about helping people and the relationship you have with your clients". Wise words....I believe. I have to say that one statement has shaped my entire real estate career.
I am so indebted to my clients. They live within me as sweet stories of who they are and the properties that I have helped them with. Buyers whom I have helped to buy and Seller whom I have helped to sell their properties. They provide the basis and the history of my own experience in helping people. Through this history, I can better relate to my clients. I often times share with them these stories in helping them to understand what the current real estate market conditions are and what they may expect.
Whether a Buyer story or a Seller story...they are the memories of my life as a Realtor as are the memories of my life in my marriage, my children and my beautiful friends.
I live my life in a celebration of the "Cosmic Dance". What does this mean? It means that through life's joys and sorrows we evolve. How does that help me be a better Realtor....because I have had joy and I have also known loss.
Life is a blend and only when we can find that balance which allows us to transcend or release, do we find the power to understand and help others.
I know, I know...you are saying what is she talking about. Well, it's simple....how deeply do your relate to others...others in need, others in hardship, others who have simple needs. Can you relate to your clients and their needs?
I am currently representing clients in a short sale of an investment property. She is dying with terminal cancer. She is the most inspiring person I have ever met. She continues to inspire me with her humor, courage and fight to live. Helping a beautiful and fully formed person as this client is, allows one to put in perspective all life and it's joys and hardships. Through every experience comes opportunity.
I want to celebrate my client and who she is. She is beyond all things and brings to me a higher level of admiration, courage and inspiration. She takes me beyond my own limitations and allows me to see the world new.
This may be uncomfortable for some, however it is the bottom line accountability statement for any Realtor. Are we equipped to help those clients that have a need for a new opportunity; those clients who have a hardship and most importantly, can we play the role of the ultimate professional that can also be a friend who cares in a time of need?
I am Jeanean Gendron, your Redding and Shasta County, CA Specialist. You can reach me at 530 276-7417. I answer my phone.
Jeanean,
Your post touched me on so many levels....
I'm glad that your client who has cancer found you...I believe people are put in eachother's life for a reason and you are the perfect real estate agent for her with your sensitivity and kindnesss and caring heart.
Jo
Jeanean
Lots of great reasons to always connect to clients. Those personal bonds form great friendships long after the transaction takes place.
Janean: This is one area I'd like to be stronger in. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I know how important it is!
Hi Jeanean,
Loved your sensitivty in this post, and believe me we speak the same language. My clients not only are the life-blood of my business, they've become my friends for decades.
Fortunately I've been invited (like others) to their weddings (actually performed the marriage ceremony) graduations (next is in May) baby christening (2 months ago) 60th b-day party (last month) baby shower (this coming Sun.) and attended a 40th b-day party (last Sun. evening) to give you an idea.
As a REALTOR we're on the same track when it comes to connecting.
a million proxy errors asside - whether i try to post or try to comment -
But for the fourth time - "that was an absolutely amazing post".....you write with sensitivity and it's so obvious that being a 'realtor' obviously permeates your soul - it's in your essence. I'm in awe.
One of the best things I love about this business is that for me, many, many clients become my friends. Awesome benefit!
Good morning all! Thank you for coming in on this post and leaving beautiful comments. It's funny, I did not get emotional in the writing but coming back this morning....I got all choked up.
Thank you all for coming in on this. I love the RAIN because we can share those everyday things that we find inspiration from. There are so many layers here in the RAIN for us all to explore.
Jo, thank you for the visit. I believe it is me that has benefited from knowing this lovely lady. She has such courage. She makes me laugh and she is in such pain. I truly admire her.
Hello Tom, thank you for the visit and you are right about our relationships. They are the true value for me. My work does provide compensation, however the true wealth comes from the friends we make.
Paul, thanks for commenting.
Hello Lynda, I would know that about you. That is a wonderful list of honors and a testament to your connection with your clients. I envy you having been in the same market for decades. I wish I would have had that opportunity and my schedule was filled with such celebration. That is truly what this post is about! Thanks Lynda for stopping by. I always love hearing from you!
Jeanean, what an amazing post. I am so glad your cancer client found you, because it sounds like your understanding, compassion, and connection are just what she needs.
It *is* about connection in order to have a good balance. Thank you for writing such an inspirational post!
Hello Sweetheart! ....proxy heaven I call it. Time to take a break and get a cup of coffee, tea or milk!
Thank you for the visit and read. I'm just in a place in my life where celebration is at the heart of all I do. We are coming up on the anniversary of the loss of our son and through time things heal and life brings new perspective. At first I could not breath but step by step and day by day, I have accepted and allowed what life has brought and learned through many tears to celebrate even death. It is a natural part of life and an ending of a cycle. I am now able to celebrate that my son no longer is in pain or suffering and that I was so fortunate to have him in my life.
This beautiful lady is so strong in her life. She has bone cancer and has just suffered the collapse of three vertebrae (L5). She knows this means that she may never walk again. I am hopeful that they will be able to help her. She has lived far beyond what they predicted and she just has the most wonderful perspective. She has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh. My heart is so full with admiration for those who face life with such courage and grace.
I am so grateful to have a place to express the beauty of our professional and the opportunity that comes our way to have people like my client in our lives. She is a true gift and I am grateful for her friendship.
Hello Paula, thank you for the visit and read and I agree. The friends we make are the value of our business.
Marney, thank you for coming in on this discussion. I appreciate your kind words. It feel a bit more like it is me that is the fortunate one in this case. She is such a woman of spirit and courage. The connection we have is a gift to us!
Jeanean - excellent post and you are so right about connecting with your clients. Your client sounds very inspiring!
Right on Jeanean...And not only clients, but to ourselves and to others in our life. We all would benefit from being more authentic with one another. To be real we need to get real and stop pretending to be someone or something that we are not.
Sharon, thanks for coming on on this discussion...I am very inspired by this lovely lady!
Hey John, this is an old post and you are so good to comment. I so agree. We are what we do each and everyday in our actions and intentions. Being honest and transparant on all levels is what it takes us to great success. Thanks for coming by to comment! I really appreciate it!