It's All About Finding
Two types of clients: the ones that have and the ones that want.
The Jeep Wrangler is one of, if not the greatest, car in history. Take the tops off in the summer. Take the tops/sides/doors off on the beach and off-roading. Winter? No problem. The greatest 4 wheel drive of all time. Just you and/or partner, they have a 2 door model still with backseat (perfect for the doggos). And have a family, boom, 4 door model. Need to help someone move? It has just enough room to help with the boxes and larger items but not first call like the person with the pickup truck or larger. They have an EV model (that I want because, for me, being in nature should be as clean and quiet as possible). Really want to live it up? Tire swap and even making some adjustments to the suspension will get you there! Oh, and they look great! It's why getting a used one with over 100k miles and probably about a decade of age will still cost you about as much as buying a brand new one.
What does this all have to do with real estate? Because it's about finding what you need and living the life you want. I love other cars, but they are not what I need or want for the long haul. I currently have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and am holding out for a Wrangler. There is one thing that's holding me back currently on getting this 4 door Wrangler and that's the cost. Similar to someone buying a home, it should make sense financially.
I become frustrated when I hear stories of people buying with an agent they don't know. As an agent (and that's referring to me as my side of being an agent) I need to "Know. Like. Trust." my client. I've had a client or two that went rogue and I steered them back. That happens, and how they respond teaches me about them. Some may say, "Well, the client is always right." There's truth in that, but that's when there's no relationship — you just adhere to what the client wants instead of having a dialogue about what they actually need.
Anyone can sell you a car. Anyone can sell you real estate. Anyone can sell you anything. But can anyone sell you what you need? And when I say sell, I mean guide you, help you, support you, be there for you, and actually listen to what you want — not what they think you want. That dad who comes into the dealership with a family can't walk out with the Lamborghini, as much as he wants to. Just as you want that home in the trendy area but know you're meant to live somewhere a little more low-key, spread out, and dare I say "family" friendly.
When it comes time to buy, you may have a vision. When you work with an agent, they listen to what you want and provide options and direction. But when you see a cool looking home on Zillow and just want it, you know you'll pay a price for that. Or when someone tells you what you need before you even tell them what you want? You're being sold. And your partner will kill you!
