Many people depend on my recommendations.
Regularly, when asked, I recommend attorneys, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, lenders, inspectors, roofers, painters, pest companies, pool companies, pressure washers, HVAC repair companies, restaurants, and hair stylists, you name it.
I keep a running list and update it accordingly. I love recommending local businesses and people I know. I always recommend people I trust and those I know first hand will show up and do what they say they’re going to do. And sometimes I have more than one friend who does the exact same thing.
Sometimes I forget someone I know works in that field. (Hmm. maybe the same is true when I don’t remind them of my profession.) Sometimes I have to research, interview, and vet a contractor I don’t personally know. They often end up at the top of my list because they consistently answer the phone, return calls, show up on time, do a good job, and charge a fair price.
And I want to clarify that ‘a fair price’ doesn’t mean discounted or free. It means reasonable for the value provided.
When I recommend anyone, I always get feedback. Good feedback ensures my ‘preferred vendors’ stay on my list. Consistent or verified feedback that isn’t positive will be evaluated, and my list gets updated.
Lately, I’ve needed more than usual to find particular builders and contractors. I think all of this has reminded me that people have choices. Just like I have multiple vendors I trust, people have multiple Realtors they know, like, and respect.
Sometimes they choose me and sometimes they don’t. And I understand there are many possible reasons. Maybe their cousin is a Realtor. Maybe their neighbor just got their license. Maybe they have ten friends in the business and can’t possibly use all ten. Maybe they don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings and decide the best option is to choose someone they don’t know at all. Sometimes it’s to keep the peace at home. Ideally the decision should be based purely on who they believe is the best fit.
I’ve been the one they choose and sometimes I’ve been the one they didn’t. Both sides have taught me something. I won’t pretend it never stings. Sometimes it’s a quick, two-second gut punch. Sometimes it lingers a little longer, especially when I know how hard I would’ve worked for them and how much their outcome would have mattered to me.
But then I remind myself that it’s not always about me. A lot of the times, it has nothing to do with me at all.
Does that mean I never watch the process and outcome from a distance? Or if it’s a listing, do I check the pictures, the price, the strategy? I’d be lying if I said never.
Do I ever criticize or speak badly about the person they chose instead of me? I don’t. I don’t arm chair quarterback or criticize them to anyone.
I am wired to help, guide, strategize, and advocate, but I can only do that when I officially represent someone.
If someone I know chooses another agent, I respect their choice and recognize that they could have many reasons for doing so.
And if things don’t go the way they hoped, and they call me to get advice or try to fix something, I tell them to communicate with their agent, or the agent’s broker if needed. I ethically can not involve myself in any situation where someone is represented by another agent, even though I am wired to help. Even if a friend asks me. Over the years, I’ve had friends in that position get upset that I won’t help.
I don’t hold a grudge if I’m not the one initially chosen, but I’m not going to break SC law or violate my code of ethics to help anybody that is represented by another agent. It’s also not fair to the people who trust me and are committed to me enough to enter an agency relationship with me. I’m their agent. They are my clients. That’s who deserves my time, effort, and strategies. This doesn’t mean that I can’t or won’t answer questions and help anyone who reaches out to me to a certain extent. I love to be a resource to friends, neighbors, and even other agents. I just can’t interfere by advising someone else’s client.
Now, if at some point the person who didn’t initially hire me is no longer represented wants to come back to me? They will be met with open arms, ZERO hard feelings, and my full commitment and effort. (just like I would have given from the beginning.)
