Love and Real Estate

Love is one of those human emotions that are as vital as air and water. It has been behind the biggest feats – and biggest atrocities – of humankind. Love is everywhere and in everything humans are involved in, so, what are the similarities, intersections, and relationships between Love and Real Estate?

That’s what we are going to figure out with this article. Shall we?

First impressions matter

Like with love and dating, while it’s not definitive, first impressions do matter in real estate. A house with no home staging, completely uncared for, will not impress home buyers. A poorly put together real estate agent ad, website or a poorly presented in-person real estate agent will not impress home sellers and home buyers either. On the contrary, it will make them shy away from you or the house.

You’re not physically getting into bed with your clients and buyers, but you are metaphorical. So you need to present yourself and what you have to offer with confidence. One will truly love the other only if they see in their eyes a spark of self-love. That’s what people really fall in love with. Pity is not love, and that’s what home buyers feel when they walk into a home with an uncared-for garden entryway in desperate need of care. And worst: if they do make an offer, chances are it’s the opposite of love; indifference to you and your desires of selling for the highest you can. They are probably trying to buy it on the real low, put some of their love to the home so they can sell it for much more. So, in other words, its all about self-love, really. Love yourself and your house and increase your home value with these home improvement ideas.

Loyalty is important

The majority of our society is strictly monogamist when it comes to love relationships, and the same should apply to real estate. We’re not saying real estate agents should have just one client at a time, but they should treat them as if they were the only one, with the care, attention, and respect they deserve.

And regarding home buyers or home sellers avoid dual listings as much as you can. Yes, we know it’s okay if the real estate agent comes clean with both the lovers—I mean, clients! But you know what? Go back to the first topic. Love yourself! A dual agency will keep your real estate agent from fully focusing on his fiduciary duties to you. But also, don’t go out selling your home with a bunch of real estate agents, like in an Open Listing. It seems like a good idea, like a lot of people are out there selling your house and it will speed up the process, but you’re better served with one dedicated person trying to sell it because they know if they do they’ll get a commission. The reality is that in an open listing, only inexperienced real estate agents really spend their time marketing the home; most will have it at their backburner in case it perfectly matches a client’s taste.

Exes are forever

Just like in romantic relationships, it’s likely that an ex will, down the road, show up again in your life. And, like with love, that can be a good or a bad thing. That’s why, real estate agents, no matter how big their influence (or commission) will be, should always do their best, be the kindest and the most righteous they can. You don’t want the evil Ex returning, complaining about something you forgot to do, smearing your name all around your real estate market. You want the good Ex that will return because they want to sell the house and buy another one, and their experience with you was so good it’s part of the reason why they want to do it again.

No matter if it’s a fling (like someone just wanting to have more information about something real estate-related) or a long-term relationship (like someone who hired you to buy or sell a house with you) show them some love and courtesy.

There's no I in love

And neither in a real estate agent.

When you love someone, you give up a few of your needs in favor of your loved ones’. Which is great when they do the same in return. If they don’t; maybe rethink your relationship, ok? With real estate agents, it should be the same thing. Sure, they are relying on your experience to guide them through the home buying process, but please: this is not about you! Listen to your clients, become interested in understanding them and their needs before you come with your “my way or the highway” attitude. That’s one of the worst Real Estate Agent types there is. Every case is different, don’t try to simplify it for your own sake. Don’t be lazy. Your clients deserve your best efforts and doing exactly the same every time is not doing that.

Surprise x Routine

A balance between this too is very important in a romantic relationship. Humans long for the comfort of routine, but also get bored by it and crave for a little bit (not too much!) of surprise. That usually translates in unexpectedly bringing flowers home, going out to dinner from time to time, traveling to get some one-on-one time away in a different setting. For a real estate agent that means mixing up a little bit. Don’t be just the guy who calls or appears when there’s a showing/offer on the table. Call them even if nothing special is going on; let them know you’re thinking of them. Send an e-mail with something that you saw on the news or the internet that relates to them and their house. There are several websites out there that put out great content related to real estate; just like on our website RealEstateAgent.com. Be their curator!

But like we said, don’t overdo it either. Try to find the balance. You don’t want to bother them too much.

Communication is key

This is the most important aspect of a romantic relationship. If you don’t develop a clear communication with your loved one, it doesn’t matter how much you love them and how much they love you back… it will be a troubled, confusing relationship. Who wants that? Be very clear about your intentions and your way of working, learn to listen to your client; learn to understand even their non-verbal communication! If both of you are completely honest with each other, there will hardly be any disappointments.

May it be eternal while it lasts

Hey, sometimes everything started out great but something happened along the way and communication started getting bad and now you can’t understand or respect each other and it’s just… bad.

That’s ok. It happens. Dealing with unreasonable home buyers and home sellers is something every real estate agent goes through. And straight giving up is normal. No one should be ostracized for that. What is important is to realize it and set yourself and your client/loved one free. Reach out to the client and tell him or her that maybe it’s best to part ways. Don’t just say “hey, it’s not working, I’m out! Good luck!”. If you do, you’ll be the one responsible for them becoming an evil ex. Talk about how it’s not working for the both of them and you feel he/she will be better served with a fresh mind and point of view related to their house. You should even have recommendations of real estate agents you think could be a good fit, but remember they are free to do whatever they want.

Because in the end, the great lesson about love and real estate is a lesson of Freedom! No one is obligated to have you there by their side, as a lover or real estate agent. They are free to have or not have you. You need to prove your worth. Freedom is the only feeling humans long for more than love. For the truth is that only people who understand the concept of freedom can truly love. Only those who respect and adore freedom can understand and love another person’s spirit. So be free, let it be free and let love rule!