Each week we have been sharing some of the random thoughts that go through our heads. If we wrote everything, it would be a large book, so below are just a few from this week:
1. Scheduling appointments to show houses - We have had difficulty this weekend getting several appointments 
confirmed as to make an appointment for a couple of houses, you must call the agent. Well if the agent does not call you back, what good does that do ? I wonder if the sellers realize that they are losing potential buyers for their properties. With us, we use E-Showings . If we had to schedule showing appointments, it would be a full time job. With a professional appointment center, agents can make the appointments at anytime and online as well. It amazes me that some agents and/or offices do not use an appointment center.
2. Economy - The data continues to show we are in the midst of a global economic recovery. And the stock market is loving it. I do not think the market has gotten ahead of itself. However, I think many of the pundits are behind the curve and are not happy they missed one of the great bull market runs in our history. This shows the importance of staying in the market and being diversified.
3. Local Philly Market - We have seen a decline in the showings for our listings in the last couple of weeks. We attribute it to:
(1) seasonal slowdown and
(2) pretty much everyone who wanted to take advantage of the tax credit did already.
However, with the extension and expansion of the tax credit, we predict February - April will be a VERY busy time period.
4. Do the Right Thing - When given the opportunity to do the right thing, it makes sense to reach out and exert effort in terms of working together, instead of doing nothing and risking burning bridges.
This past week we faced a professional situation where we reached out to a peer and asked them to do the right thing in a situation. Their response included rigidity and many reasons why no to. When faced with a dilemma, sometimes doing the right thing cannot be found in the rulebooks. You just have to use your heart and sense of rightness to try to do what is best and not default to rigidity and rhetoric.
Karma in the business world goes a long way. In life, there will always be a loophole to opt out, but for those that seek growth in their professional and personal lives, doing the right thing may not be an easy decision and may feel uncomfortable, but the longer term rewards are well worth it. Actions are louder than words. Even the smallest consideration can go miles and leave a lasting impression on people's minds. The opposite leads to longer term detrimental impressions. These situations can ultimately determine the long-term growth and success (and failure) of both a business and an individual.
Please share your thoughts on the above or post your own random thoughts in the comments below.
Feel free to subscribe to our blog or our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market. You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.
Taking the high road is the best thing to do because it has less traffic!
Ty
Ty - I agree 110 percent !
Hi Stephanie & Chris! I love this format you're using and the thoughts that you share are wonderful lessons for us all to learn from and live by. ESPECIALLY doing the right thing--always, always--no need to risk our integrity or our business relationships by not doing so.
Have a wonderful Sunday..
We have also seen a little slow down in the amount of activity. No surprise though as we are almost at Christmas!
Very true, Chris. Karma is HUGE. And more often than not, stuff isnt in the rule books. My cousin Jill once said, "Integrity is who you are in the dark." So true.
We use eSHowings for the same reasons as you do. Those agents and offices that don't will soon find themselved victims of obsolesence, and lose business to the resrt of us as a result. Their loss and our clients' gains as far as I'm concerned.
If a property is unoccupoed and vacant, it goes on a lockbox and eSHowings. Period.
If my listings are occuopied and the sellers' security concerns prohibit a lockbox, I still have appointments confirmed via eShowings and add my cell as a contact so I can facilitate the showing. It's not really rocket science.
Any agent not willing to cooperate with the rest of us shouldn't be in the business....and soon, they won't be.
Debe - Thank you for the compliment regarding the format. Also, love your holiday signature and spirit ! I agree with you regarding integrity. These situations will bring out the true colors of people in terms of their integrity and whether they do the right thing or not. Karma goes a long way !
Bill - I think both you and I could use a little bit of slowdown ! It has been a crazy busy year !
Thank you for being you! Great blog! Especially the part about doing the right thing. It's not that hard when it's your way of life. When you live that way day to day, it just comes naturally! I had a situation that I won't go into with you here on the internet. But long story made short, another agent did something to me. When I had to call up that agent for a different transaction, I could just hear it in their voice. I could hear their trepidation and fear about what I was going to say. But I was as nice as can be. I was pleasant and kind. I never said a word about that particular thing. We merely discussed the current transaction. I always take the high road. I know that agent was very surprised (and I'm sure relieved). I figure what goes around comes around. So one day, things will show itself. There's no need for me to be mean or nasty. Karma will come around for that person. Good karma or bad karma, it'll come around. There's no need for me to do it. =) Don't get me wrong. I'm not a door mat. I will most certainly stand up for myself and stand up for what is right when necessary. But I live in a small town. And we have to deal with other agents often. So taking the high road (I feel) is always best.
Sarah - Love that quote from your cousin ! That is pretty intense. The bottom line is KARMA is huge. I have learned over and over again by doing the right thing, even it is hard, is the best business practice as things come back to you in terms of benefits. And on top of that, reputation is everything thing. After all, you only have one ! Conducting business with integrity shapes ones character. Thanks so much for your comment ! In regard to using e-showings or another appointment center, it is such a no-brainer ! I will never understand the mindset of certain offices not to use it ??
I really hope that the Eagles fail to make the playoffs, because then you'll be busier down there in January also. Just to show you how giving and selfless I am, I'll have the Giants make the playoffs instead of the Eagles, so my January will be slower because of the preoccupation with the games.
See? I'm a giver.
Christopher and Stephanie:
In our market we don't get so many showings. As far as the economy goes, yes it is better but, this is a balancing ball act. everything is up in the air. You know how that goes.
We are seeing the seasonal slow down also.
Doing the right thing is a way of life. If someone does not care, they just don't. If you need words to change someone mind, it usually doesn't happen.
Richard
Christopher & Stephanie, Your "Random Thoughts for the Week" format is great. You always have some great items to present. My favorite this week is the one about doing the right thing and Karma. I have always felt that Karma is really important. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Nyssa - That is a great testament. I learned awhile back "Kill em with Kindness". I like what you said about doing the right thing is not hard when it is way of life. So true. That is what I have been practicing and it is not that difficult. Not always easy, but the rewards are so worth it !