Last week the New Partners for New Growth Conference was held in lovely city of Seattle. The conference is an interesting group of people representing many industries; builders, EPA, DOT. HUD, leaders of cities both large and small plus a few, very few REALTORS.
During the conference there was one very memorable remark by the Secretary of HUD, Shaun Donovan made during his presentation. He said
“REALTORS are responsible for urban sprawl, because we keep taking our clients 45 miles away from the city to the suburbs.”
HUH?
Seriously folks, this came out of his mouth, I can’t make this stuff up!
Now Mr. Secretary of HUD, let me tell you like it is. I am a REALTOR, no I don’t live in Denver, but I do live close (in the nasty suburbs you so vilify). My business consists mainly of buyers who are relocating to Denver from another place.
This may come as a surprise to you, my customers are all very different. Occasionally I will have one or two that have similar interests but in general they all have their very individual thoughts.
I know this because I talk to them. In fact I quiz them on their wants and needs. It’s a very strange habit I have, I know. Long ago I was taught by some nasty real estate trainer to communicate with my clients in order to find out what their lifestyle is, what they can afford and then help them determine where they would enjoy living.
It must work. I’ve been doing it with some success for over 25 years. Yup, since the last millennium. Guess that makes me old. Chuckling here I bet I had a huge influence in moving a percentage of those people to the sprawling ‘burbs.
Since we are admitting guilt here, I must confess I’ve taught others to do the same. My team of associates have also found success in this approach.
Funny how delving into people’s wants and needs and delivering a match actually makes them like you. They even come back and purchase more real estate in a few years, sometimes even further away from the city!
Sorry.
Not!
