As the song goes “All I want for Christmas is you“. Many of you are thinking about Mariah Carey right now. She certainly made that song famous. She wrote it with Walter Afanasieff in 1994. Since that time many people have covered this song. Michael Bublé, Justin Bieber, the Glee Cast, even a version sung by cats, some of these are really good and some are not so good.
This reminds me, in a lot of ways, about different types of Realtors. Real estate is an old game and for many agent and brokers, the game has not really changed in decades. Sure the internet has added a new ways to market your product, but when it comes down to it many agents are still playing the same old tune. Some agents have added or taken away elements like horns or drums, but we are all still singing the same lyrics.
Back to Basics
Before researching this, I assumed that Mariah version of “All I Want for Christmas” had hit #1 on Billboard. But it was not until 2008 that it ever hit #1 in the US. It only took 14 years for that song to hit #1 and that was just the holiday list. Enter Michael Bublé’s version. It went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts. What did Bublé do? He went back to basics, he took the pop out of the song. Less bubblegum, more heart. When you listen to to both versions you get a sense that Micheal Bublé is singing to you and not a crowd of people at a Christmas tree lighting.
Sincerity is not something I have ever associated with realtors or sales people in general. From my own experiences buying and selling homes before I was a Realtor, I can tell you, Realtors are just interested in making a buck. Now that I am in the business I still think that holds true. If you disagree, just ask a few Realtors if it is a good time to sell a home? I bet 9 out of 10 say yes. Why? Because they all want to get your listing, regardless if it makes any sense for the client.
Anyone who has a vested interest in your decision making will have a hard time helping you do what is best for you. They really only want what is best for them. Often this means telling people to sell properties who don’t need to, or convincing people to buy properties they can’t afford. We don’t have to look very far back to see thousands of home owners who bought homes they could not afford. Sometimes two, three, or four. Realtors played a hand in the housing bust weather we want to admit it or not.
Not always popular
I have had a lot of conversations this year with customers who are thinking about selling their home. Some of our clients need to sell, and selling is really the only option. Others have already moved on and have a house sitting empty. Most of our customer come to us wanting to sell, and after talking, we discover that selling may not be the only option. Sometimes leasing just make more sense.
Leasing the properties is certainly not going to make me rich. Selling is by far an easier and quicker process and the return on the investment is much higher. But, it may not be in the clients best interest. Over time we have seen that investing in real estate can yield amazing returns. This is why I suggest to some of my clients that they become landlords. I make less but my clients will be in a better position.
I don’t want a lot for Christmas
In the end Mariah only wants “you” for Christmas. All I really want for Christmas is my client to be in a better place. Either because I helped them buy or sell, or because we together figured out they would be in a better place if they did something different. Doing what is best for the client is not always about getting them the best price. Sometimes it is about not doing anything at all.
I spent the last few days driving around Austin delivering Christmas presents to my past clients. Just a little way to say thanks for trusting me to help them with their transaction. Each time I stopped at a house, memories came back about the transaction. Little things that in the moment were big deals, and how we worked though each one. If I can have anything for Christmas it would be for those who have trusted me, to share their experiences with others.
As another year draws to a close, I am reminded that all that matters in life is doing the next right thing. What ever that is, just make sure you do it right. As long as you keep doing the next right thing, you can never lose.
About Ed Neuhaus
Broker and founder of Neuhaus Realty Group. I started working in real estate as soon as I could push a lawnmower and help clean up investment properties for my parents. Investing in real estate has always been a passion and now I have turned that passion into a way to help others. Buying and selling homes for others is just one way I think I can make the world better. No sales pressure, no gimmicks, just an honest work ethic gets the job done. Let me know how I can help you. Give me a call today at 512.366.3720
