Written Posted by Carmen Isais
Recently I received a call from a close friend who was having what he called a “dysfunctional relationship” with his therapist. After listening to the details I was amazed at how unprofessional some of the therapist’s conduct was… not just as a practitioner in the mental health field, but as a business owner, which is essentially what any independent contractor is.
It occurred to me then, that the fatal mistakes my friend’s therapist was making were the same blunders I’ve seen made by those in my own field. And following that logic, the makings of a good therapist were probably the same qualities a great agent should possess. So, both when head shrinking and house hunting, here’s a short list of things to look for, or more specifically, what good therapists and great realtors have in common.
They’re good listeners.
Seems like a given, perhaps, but not listening ears are created equal. Certainly, just about anyone can develop a knack for seeming interested in a conversation, but are they really engaged enough to pick up on small details? It is in the small details that you most learn about your client’s the needs and wants. Oftentimes, clients aren’t exactly sure what they are looking for, but a good listener can hone in on key pieces of information and, like a jigsaw, piece together a picture for them that makes sense and is recognizable.
They are empathetic.
Not all moves are easy to make. Death, illness, job-loss and divorce are realities of life. Sometimes individuals in these situations are highly motivated to move forward. But, more often than not people are depleted of energy, stuck in the ugliness of that moment’s reality, or overcome with grief. Working with families under these circumstances can be a lot to take on and requires not just patience but understanding.
They are looking out for your best interest. No, I mean really looking out for your best interest.
Simply put, good professionals in any field are honest and must always put their client’s best interest before their own. Example: Just as a therapist is unlikely to treat one member of a couple in conjunction to the couple as a whole, in marriage counseling, so too should Realtors be careful not to “double end” both sides of a transaction. What is good for the couple, might not be good for the individual. What is good for the buyer is not always good seller and vice versa. There might be expections to the rule… but I’m not convinced.
They know how to set boundaries.
Easier said than done. But really, the job of both therapists and Realtors is to give information and empower, but ultimately allow and encourage their clients to make the best choices possible for themselves. I think in both professions one must resist the instinct to rush in as a caretaker. I know in my line of work at least, I have had to say, “that is outside the job description.” Knowing when to say “no” is not always a natural talent. But, developing this gift is necessary for longevity. A burned out caretaker is useless. And besides, if a professional can’t negotiate his or her own time and interest, how will they possibly be able to handle yours?
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Stonegate Open House
Think About It
I know everyone suggests it… now is the time to do it. Set aside a fixed amount every month from your paycheck. If you know you’re the type to be easily tempted, have your employment automatically deduct a certain percentage from your paycheck and have it deposited in a separate account. Use a special interest-bearing savings account to buy a home. Choose an account where withdrawals are minimally allowed. But take note of the interest rate! 
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