Countless times I have wondered, pondered, assumed and presumed. The THINKING can drive us nuts if we allow our own thinking to interfere with good, sound advice.
I've watched the changes and the upgrades to ActiveRain and the red flag whatsamajigger doodad (ugly in my opinion) next to my points go up, go down and all around. I speak my mind I email my thoughts to ActiveRain and most of the time get a quick response.
Other times I just need to pick up the phone and talk to someone so I can get a clearer picture of what's going on. I tried to call Bob Stewart (he's the very busy man lately) and get no answer. I next called Rich Jacobson and get a hearty 'hello'. I identify myself even though he already knows who it is. (ever the professional :)
Going through some concerns and issues with Rich that I have regarding the Localism site and the 'new and improved' outside blogs I received straighforward answers and advice and at the end of the conversation I am very pleased with myself for picking up the phone. It sure beats writing a whole long post about my 'concerns' just to rant about what I don't like or writing down assumptions and getting the same from the comments.
When in doubt ASK!
What a concept!
This tip applies to all walks of life, all careers and industries and basically just a part of life. Why?
- We can NOT live on assumptions. Assumptions are NOT facts and everyone has different thinking, different opinions. It's called being human but when emotions get in the way those assumptions become very distorted.
- Unsure about a problem in my transaction. I call at least two other experts to give me second and third opinions. The first one (me) doesn't count if I'm unsure right?
- Blogging is for the birds.Uh, yeah right. I'll just keep blogging and getting leads, contact and closed transactions by writing rich content, gearing toward my niche market and gaining plenty of connections with my peers all because of it!
- Online conversations are real? Uh, I think I take my chances by reading and only until someone proves otherwise (mean bantering, closed minded opinions) is when I form an opinion about the person. Usually, when someone is being a little transparent in their writing is when I tend to believe more about the persons info. It ain't real unless I can see it.
- Presume that ActiveRain is just out to get me. Get real. Come March it will be two years I have been a member on ActiveRain. Have they EVER done anything to me besides give me google juice and business? How about making connections with peers and meeting people face to face?
- Seller assumes it's still a Seller's Market and they make the rules. No matter what, we cannot force someone to buy your home.Putting up barriers to MAKE someone go through the entire transaction is unappealing and the buyer will go elsewhere. You are putting up barriers to not get your home in contract is what is going to happen. If you are not going to listen to the information and advice of your Realtor® then you should go get your Real Estate license.
- Buyer assumes that all markets are to be looked at as NATIONWIDE. Wrong!!! Honolulu County has a decline in sales prices of about 3% when compared NATIONWIDE. Do not expect to come from severely declining markets and expect our market to compare. You may lose the home you really love because you did not listen to your Realtor®.
All these assumptions, presumptions and unrealistic thinking can cost you friendships, readers, connections, the sale of your home, the purchase of your dream home, a relationship and being a reliable and trustworthy person. Having unrealistic expectations from your stinking thinking will be the cause.
When in doubt....ASK!
And then....really LISTEN!
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
