There is a down and dirty side to a career in real estate, and I am not talking about the schemers and less than ethical people we encounter as we go about the daily business of listing and selling real estate. How dirty are you willing to get to close a deal?
Yes, I dress for success, but I'm not afraid to dirty up my look to satisfy a client's questions and concerns. Early in my career a veteran agent taught me a lesson I never forgot. She was the listing agent of a home I wrote an offer on. Long story short, our inspector discovered a crack in the foundation, and we called in a structural/geological expert to assess the situation. Ms. Listing Agent showed up with her coveralls, suited up and crawled under the house to see the problem with her own eyes. Talk about shock and awe!
I do not own a pair of coveralls, but I do show up for all home inspections. I ask the inspector to personally point out any areas of concern. I offer to arrange additional inspections if the situation calls for it. Due diligence does pay off in client satisfaction and trust.
Example: Many of the homes in my area are on septic tanks, and yes, we inspect and certify those too. Years ago a listing agent had the septic tank inspected without telling me when the inspection was to take place. I received a letter from the septic tank company saying on such and such date they were engaged to inspect the septic system--end of letter. No certification--red flag. I called the company to request certification. The owner sheepishly told he could not comply because he could not find the septic cover lid to inspect the tank!
Believe me, we found the septic tank before I allowed escrow to close! I scheduled the re-inspect and I was there with my camera to document for my buyers the location and the condition of the tank. It was a smelly, dirty job, but I did it, and I'm happy to report the septic tank is functioning just fine.
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When I'm working new homes it's always a pair of jeans, nice shirt, and tennis shoes. People really like to crawl around at the strangest stages of construction or walk up to the foundation right after it rains and the mud wants to suck the shoes off you. I'm always right behind them or leading them through it.
It pays big dividends to go the extra mile when looking after a clients interests.
Depending on the location and the home, yes, I will wear jeans and a blouse, and I will wear shoes that I can get muddy in and not slip in, and then I throw them in the trunk and change, if I need to. During the Winter here, as well, one can ruin a lot of clothes (salt damage and dry salt stains, etc.), so I do wear jeans more often than I should, probably, but I know my clients appreciate it when I provide them great service, and get my hands dirty if need be. They appreciate the expertise, not what I'm wearing, to protect their interests. (But I must admit I've never worn coveralls.) :)
We have to do what we have to do sometimes, I did not have any "dirty" experiences like yours before, but I did quite a few other things for my clients before, like babysitting while they checked out a new construction, and they didn't want their 4 yr old daughter around; take care of the medication for another client; helped to register my client's kid in school.....you know, this is a people's business, these small things are the ones help our clients to remember us.
Norma,
We have to get the job done i have heard both pros and con on being at the home inspection
sometime i go and other times i stay away. Not afraid to get dirty have helped to paint a room
and other tasks keep coveralls in my truck at all times along with handy set of tools.
Norma - you are a full service Realtor - good job. I am present for all home inspections whether I represent the buyer or seller and usually take my own photos as well. I also take photos before I write an offer.
But don't own coveralls. :) I do wear casual shoes and am prepared to go anywhere except under or over a house.
Denise -- Me too!
Michael -- Sometimes more than a mile is required.....
Sylvie - It was a great lesson to see an agent suit up and crawl under the house.
Rita - It would impossible to write a job description for a Realtor's job!
John - I don't think I will invest in a pair of coveralls, but I will continue to show up at inspections.
Virginia - I'm with you on the over and under a house!
Norma-Coveralls! Wow what a great idea! I don't know why I haven't thought of that! I have ruined clothes crawling around because I do exactly what you do. Usually I am prepared and dress for it. But there are times when I am showing or whatever and I am dressed nicely but then I have to go into a basement or crawlspace or traipse through pricker bushes and there go my nice clothes. Coveralls...hmmmm where do you get those for women....hmmmm