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Raleigh, NC Real Estate: In Public, Are We Always on Your Best Behavior?

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

I had something really cool happen to me on Friday morning. I was sitting in Camille's Sidewalk Cafe in Brier Creek having breakfast, and my phone rung. (I try to make it a point to not have extended phone conversations in public, as I find it quite annoying when others do it. However, I was sitting at the back of the restaurant on the couches - away from most patrons so I picked up.)

The person who phoned was the Listing Agent responding to my phone call regarding my questions about the Sellers' counter offer Buyer client. We talked through the offer - and I clearly outlined my client's position on certain items. (The Listing Agent and I had a very pleasant conversation - and each of us walked away feeling good about the possibility of sealing the deal.) I then called my client to provide an update to her.

Fast forward a few minutes...a gentleman who was sitting nearby working on his laptop walked over and requested my business card. He indicated that he'd overheard me negotiating on the phone and was impressed with my skill. What a compliment! (I apologized if I disturbed him - because I know that my voice sometimes "carries".) :-) He informed me that my voice wasn't loud at all. (Thank goodness!)

My interaction with the gentleman really made my day - and started me to thinking about the fact that we, as real estate professionals, never know who is watching or listening.

If this gentleman has a real estate need - chances are, he's going to call.

We should always be on our best behavior in public (and in private, too, for that matter!) because it could make the difference between a impressing a potentially new client - or further perpetuating the negative stereotype that some in the Public have about real estate agents.

Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to your comments!

REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!^TM

Phone: 919.454.8864
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.

Posted by Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate on 09/07/2008 11:33 AM

Comments (10)

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10 Comments on Raleigh, NC Real Estate: In Public, Are We Always on Your Best Behavior?

Darleen,
You are so right, we never know who is watching and listening---it pays to be on our best behavior.

09/07/2008 07:50 PM

by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)

Darleen - That IS a great compliment. I, like you, despise talking on the phone in public - I could never be one of those walking through the grocery store just chatting away. So, as for professionalism - does that mean I should flip a driver off when he cuts me off? :) Just kidding

09/09/2008 06:00 AM

by Leesa L. Finley, REALTOR® Wake Forest NC Homes (Circa Properties)

Darleen,

That is the definition of character....."doing what you do, when no one is watching" Many times we get caught (happily)

Dick Beals

09/09/2008 08:40 AM

by Wilmington Real Estate 4U

Cynthia ~ It's true - we never know who is listening or watching. I guess I was in my own little world and not even being conscious that he might have been paying attention to me.

Lesa ~ You are so funny.

Dick ~ It was quite a compliment. I was just doing my job...

09/10/2008 07:34 PM

by Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty - www.darleenmc.com)

Darleen,

Great story, you're right, you never know who's watching/ listening/ etc.

Did you know that your name is mentioned on a featured post- people I miss? I checked you out from that, great work.

Hope to meet you sometime. I'll know you negotiate fairly.

Linda

10/11/2008 06:37 PM

by Linda Jandura North Carolina Realtor (Home Buyer & Seller Specialist)

Darlene,

What a great story. Keep up the good work!

10/12/2008 08:34 PM

by Jake Forbes (RE/MAX Land & Home Specialists)

This is a good reason why we should be on our best behaviors always. You never know who is watching you. I hope that the guy you met help bring you many closings,repeated business and referrals. Great story Darleen.

10/13/2008 06:18 AM

by Lanre Folayan "Buy Washington DC Real Estate" (Exit Premier Realty")

Linda ~ Thanks for the heads up! I didn't realize that my name was featured there. I've been away from The Rain for awhile - but am hopefully back in the saddle, as they say!

Jake ~Thanks!

Lanre ~ Thanks! I hope he brings me LOTS of business, too. :-)

10/14/2008 03:35 PM

by Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty - www.darleenmc.com)

Hi Darleen, I enjoyed your post but must admit I do talk EVERYWHERE for the most part. I try to be mindful of the area but ....sometimes I want them to hear me talking RE (oops but real). During the other times, I am trying to get off the phone but the talking on the other side won't stop. I wish you well and glad to see you back.

10/15/2008 09:36 PM

by Latonia Parks (Keller Williams Realty)

Latonia ~ Thanks for stopping by. I find that I, too, talk real estate everywhere!

10/16/2008 08:45 AM

by Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty - www.darleenmc.com)