If you were to describe what a real estate agent’s typical day would entail, you might imagine us placing ads in the local paper, adding listings to MLS, taking photos and arranging for virtual tours. You might even guess that we work with surveyors, inspectors, attorneys and title companies on your behalf in addition to negotiating sales contacts.
But what about cat herding?
Initiations of newbie agents are always fun. The agents are full of questions, eager to learn and ready to hit the ground running. It’s always great to have fresh energy in the office! We also love seeing the look of surprise on their faces when they learn that cat herding, bed-making and refereeing are all part of the job description they signed up for. No, my friends, they don’t teach that part in school!
Clients are often curious what makes up the cost (commission) of working with agent and many are surprised to learn a sign in the yard is just one step in the total process of selling. The truth is, there is no such thing as a typical day in the life of a real estate agent. The line between the professional job description and the “gotta do it” job description is sometimes blurred.
Beyond the sign…Weeknights spent with aging parents, helping their children find the perfect home and the best deal. Sunday mornings calling in favors from electricians so the seller can save some money. It’s hours on the phone helping to rent trucks and move furniture, meeting trappers when raccoons have made their home in an attic, cleaning kitchens so the photographs will shine on the internet, sweeping floors, hanging up towels, making beds, mulching flower beds and pulling weeds. It’s Febrezing a teenager’s room full of sports cleats, babysitting kids, going to the airport, refereeing feuding spouses, offering a shoulder to cry on and yes corralling those stubborn cats who will pull out any stop to escape during a showing.
By the end of the sale, we’ve become a family. During the short time we work together, we talk almost daily, we get to know all about your lives. We share selling tips, cleaning suggestions, organizational tips and more. Closing the sale is sometimes bittersweet because at the end of the day, it’s so much more than a sign in the yard. It’s a piece of our lives.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
We love you all…even the cats.