There are simply times when being a Realtor, our any other form of sales person for that matter, will require you to use the "N" word. As dreaded as it may be and I have seen many people who just can't say it to save their lives, you need to learn the proper use of the word NO.
It can be one of the most difficult aspects of this business to learn,but knowing the right time and place to use that little two letter word can save a lot of hassle and heartache. No one likes to take a pass on a new listing, that means you have no chance of selling it and no chance of receiving sign calls as a result of said listing. But if the seller is completely unreasonable and you just know that things will not turn out well, then with all due respect why put yourself through the headache of fighting a battle you were going to lose from the very start.
If a buyer is not willing to take the proper steps to make a purchase, then all you're really doing is offering a free tour. I request that all buyers speak with a lender prior to showing them homes for sale in the area. They need to know where they stand, what their price range is, and if they can even buy a home. This is good for them and myself as well. There is no more need to waste their time than it is to waste mine, and a lender can sum things up for us pretty quick.
Frankly, some of the best decisions I have made since entering this business is saying no in certain situations. Buyers and sellers that I have passed on to another agent or passed up altogether. Like it or not, this is a business and you have to treat it like one. How many businesses do you know that want to fail at turning a profit because they took on too many bad investments?
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JL Boney, III - Columbia, SC Realtor - Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors
I specialize in Columbia, SC real estate and the surrounding areas, including Blythewood, SC, Kershaw County, Fairfield County, and Lexington, SC. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in Columbia, SC or any of the surrounding areas, I would love the opportunity to speak with to see how I can help. Thanks for reading and feel free to contact me if I can be of service to you.
Office- 803-788-1450 Cell- 803-730-9601 Email- jlboney@russellandjeffcoat.com
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Today I went on a listing appointment and used the No word becuase we could not agree on price. It was hard but we have to do this inorder to maintain our credibility
JL,
So true. This took me many years to learn as I would always try to say YES!. Then I realized not all business is good business. I find that the buyers that give you a hard time getting prequalified are typically not able to buy. It makes no sense that any buyer or seller would want to waste time.
The "N" word will save you not only stress, but believe it or not, will save you money.
Very good point. I had a buyer I told no to on a purchase the other day.
I suppose it's difficult, as realtors tend to be of a "helping nature", but you're absolutely right. This is a business, and learning to say "no" is what both qualifies and differentiates our service.
Great post. I find myself using the "N" word much more frequently these days, and it feels good! Wish I would have started earlier.
Until the government starts bailing out REALTORS for bad investments, this is excellent advice!
JL: Sounds like we might be able to borrow the catch phrase, "Just Say No." All we need to add is, "...When Dealing With Unreasonable People."
JL- No is an excellent response in any given situation. I will continue to use this letter (consonant) and it is fodder for a subsequent post. Yes I will, and no I won't. Thanks for the food for fodder.
JL...NO is one of the hardest things to say. Especially when you are trying to extract money from that person in some way. lol
Saying No at times is hard but it's part of the business necessary to turn a profit. No possibility of ROI then the answer is NO.
JL - I had kids, I learned quickly how to say no. It takes a little longer to be able to say it to potential clients/customers. It is really tough to do during harder times, like those we have been having.
Dude...
You title scared me a lot, but the content is vintage JL!
JL
Great words of advise.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
It can be difficult to determine if your buyer is serious or not. If not, they need a definite NO! As I said, it's just sometimes hard to determine if your buyer is serious or not. =/
Just say . . . NO! So much for being wishy-washy! :-)
JL - I like to say "next" instead of no! I said "next" on the 30th to an overpriced listing. It felt really good. The market is still dropping here, if you don't get ahead of it you just sit on another property.... too much hand holding for me.
JL, While not being a REA I can understand the wise words you wrote in your blog. Many sellers do not understand the time and dime a REA spends advertising the listing.
Hi JL-
No is one of my favorite words. In real estate, many others know how to use it and speaking the language can save hours in your day - and give you more time for YES!
--Sara in San Antonio
Have had to use the N words several times during the last few months. I don't like using it but usually am glad that I did after doing it. I think about it before using it and make sure that it's the right word.