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December 2003
Index of all
messages from the Association President
What's going on? This year is gone!
by Debbie Green
The National Association of
REALTORS® Convention, held in November, marks the fact that the end of the year is near. Well, the Convention has come and gone, and 2004 is already in sight. I will take with me into the new year some observations from the great event held in San Francisco.
This year's NAR Convention highlighted for me the fact that the real estate profession is truly becoming a global village. The Convention, which a number of Aurora Association members went to, drew attendees not only from all over the United States, but also from around the world.
This global village has hit the Internet, too. Check out a new website called
www.worldproperties.com. Properties from our nation and around the world are listed there. The properties are higher-end, making this an option for you if you have more expensive listings to show (there is a fee to list on the site). Give it a look-see!
A look back at 2003
As the end of another year end approaches, I can't help but wonder where business etiquette has gone. I was frustrated in 2003 by the seeming lack of respect I have seen in our industry. Perhaps we should resolve to put respect back into our business dealings as we ring in 2004.
Respect for peers
I don't know why we can't take 20 to 30 seconds to call a fellow professional and give feedback or simple information. In the present market climate, after all, we can all use a little help. We should call brokers to let them know we are faxing, using a courier, or delivering an offer to them, so they can plan accordingly. In fact, it's a good idea to call before writing an offer in the first place, just to make sure there are no special addenda or instructions associated with the offer you are writing.
Respect for the public
It's important to make prompt responses to inquiries. We should schedule appointments as far in advance as possible, and must always call if we're going to be late or not show at all. It's important to inform sellers that we are leaving after a showing and to ask their permission to enter closed rooms, or to use the phone or the restroom if they are home at the time of the showing. We should never criticize a property in the presence of its owner; be aware of and respect cultural differences; and should promise only what we can deliver...and then keep those promises.
Respect for property
Showing respect for the property we show or sell is also important, and makes a good impression. Use sidewalks, avoid trampling grass and plants, and take boots or shoes off once inside if the weather is bad. If the property is vacant, check to see that no vandalism has occurred, and whether the heating or cooling seems adequate - and call the listing agent if you find anything wrong. And of course, turn off lights, shut windows and always lock doors after a showing when the seller isn't home.
We all have very busy schedules, and are doing more multi-tasking than ever - but good manners and good business practices will never go out of style. Maybe we need a finishing school for real estate brokers.
Look back, then plan ahead
We should all take time at the end of this year for some reflection and then plan our business for the coming year.
As you schedule your success for 2004, block out Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m. for the
REALTOR® Update Meetings at the Association office. You might be astonished at the amount of education and information packed into this valuable hour.
Consider giving one or more committees a commitment for the coming year. Your time involved might be only an hour or two a month, if that much, and the benefits may far outweigh the time commitment.
Incorporate in your 2004 plan time to play and time to spend with family, for education and for networking with your peers. And finally, please spend some time thinking about all those people who have not been as fortunate as we have been, and count your blessings.
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