Real Estate Blog

What comes to mind when you think of the real estate industry? Is it reality shows like Selling Sunset? Shows like House Hunters where all they do is see three houses and magically always get their first pick? The annoying person you’re friends with on Facebook who won’t stop posting about the “grind” and “building an empire”? 

Before I knew much about the real estate industry, all these things came to mind. All these misconceptions made me certain I would never want to be a real estate agent. I never considered myself someone who would be good at a sales job. I’ve never had a clear idea of what I wanted to do for a career, but I have always known I wanted to help people and be in service of others. Being a real estate agent didn’t seem like something that would align with the values that have always been important to me. 

I’ve spent many years working service industry jobs, and the past two years working as a server in a restaurant. As I was dipping my toes in the water of the real estate industry through an internship during my final semester of college, I soon began to realize that there are many parallels between the real industry and the service industry and that my time working in restaurants would allow me to excel in the world of real estate. In service jobs and as a realtor, you must be highly skilled at building relationships, providing guidance and support, meeting diverse needs, having top-notch communication skills, and having meticulous attention to detail.  

Building Relationships:

Just like in at my serving job, being a realtor means I must focus on building strong relationships with my clients. I understand the importance of trust and strive to establish a genuine connection. By actively listening to clients' needs, preferences, and concerns, I can provide personalized service tailored to each client’s unique requirements. Building relationships based on empathy and understanding makes it so clients always feel deeply cared for. 

Providing Guidance and Support:

Similar to how at my serving job I often guide customers through the menu and offer recommendations, as a realtor, I aim to provide guidance and support throughout the buying or selling process. From explaining market trends, what to expect after submitting an offer, and assisting with paperwork and negotiations, my goal is always to empower clients to make informed decisions they feel good about. 

Meeting Diverse Needs:

Just as a serving job requires you to adapt to customers' diverse preferences and dietary requirements, working as a realtor means I must cater to a wide range of client needs. Every client has unique expectations, budgets, and timelines. Whether it's finding properties that match specific criteria, arranging showings, or coordinating inspections, while working as a realtor, I  tailor my services to meet individual needs. I pride myself on going above and beyond to ensure a satisfactory experience for each client.

Effective Communication:

Communication skills are essential in serving jobs and real estate. While serving, it is extremely important to communicate with customers to ensure a positive dining experience. As a realtor, it is vital for me to engage in effective communication with my clients and other stakeholders involved in a real estate transaction, such as lenders, home inspectors, title professionals, transaction coordinators, and other realtors. Clear and transparent communication fosters trust and ensures a smooth real estate process for all parties involved. 

Attention to Detail:

While working as a server,  paying attention to details such as customer preferences, allergies, and presentation is crucial for customer satisfaction. Similarly, as a realtor, I must be meticulous when it comes to details. From reviewing contracts and legal documents to finding the serial number on a water heater to determine its age, I work to ensure that every aspect of a transaction is carefully considered. Safeguarding my client’s interests and providing a high level of service is of high importance. 

Real estate is not merely about sales; it is a service industry that revolves around going above and beyond to ensure that your clients have the best possible experience. I am so thankful for my time spent in the service industry, because the skills I have developed waiting tables have allowed me to feel confident in my ability to serve as a guide for folks as they navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of real estate.