Central Ohio Real Estate Market News

I have several quality real estate bloggers that I follow. (see the blog roll in the sidebar). One of these bloggers posed a simple comment about something he’s been observing in recent real estate transactions. He asked if other agents have found people to be more testy, making the transaction more stressful for all and he wondered if other agents have noticed this.

The blogger is a very nice, very caring person and has always exhibited the utmost concern for his clients and those he works with. I just know that in person, he is probably excellent in moderating a smooth transaction for all involved. I would link to his blog post, but a bully non-licensed person immediately started attacking this nice blogger with off-topic criticism. In effect, this bully exemplified by his actions the very subject of the post. It got real nasty from that point on.

On a daily basis, we’re subjected to numerous negative news … the economy, gas prices, the war, the election, foreclosure stats, climate disasters, unemployment stats, ad infinitum. After a while, this negativism may have an effect on people’s daily moods. I’ve noticed that people seem more stressed - and for some it is justified if they’re about to lose their homes or their jobs.

As Realtors® we’re really involved in our clients’ lives and may see the best … or the worst … of those people’s personalities. Often we’re a sounding board or a buffer between the seller or buyer. We have to take their rants to let them get it off their chest, then we go forward to the other side in a calm, cool, rational manner to best facillitate successful negotiations. 

Have I noticed the change to attitudes that the nice blogger referred to? Yes.

Have you noticed a difference in your co-workers’ moods regardless of the industry you work in?

When you’re confronted with these testy people, do you join in the fray or do you try to be the voice of reason, trying to console them or calm them down? Maybe we’re going to have to become even more sensitive than in the past, to people’s emotional needs. We don’t always have knowledge of what else might be going on in their lives, so a start is to first give them the benefit of doubt and not take their attack personally.

As anyone who reads my blog on a regular basis knows, I’m into dogs. One thing I’ve always noticed is that when I smile at my loyal friend, it causes a tail to wag. If dogs know what a smile means and react so positive to one, think what that will do with people you meet. We all need more smiles.

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