A few days ago, I was struck by the fact that my parenting skills actually make me better at my profession. Some of these are learned behaviors, to be sure, while others are inherent. Either way, if you choose me to represent your real estate interests, you are in good hands. Here are a handful of reasons why:
I am patient
With four children, ages 10, 8, 3, and 4 months, patience is something that makes my life a LOT easier these days. Do I lose my temper? Sometimes, but generally I am very even keeled. This comes in handy at home, and (believe me) it is a necessity in real estate.
I strongly value the truth
My kids don't lie to me (at least not yet). My wife and I have made this a guiding principle in raising our kids. We don't EVER lie to them, even when they have questions that are uncomfortable, and we expect the same in return.
It's kind of a long story, but my wife was lied to by some medical personnel when she was a kid, and it was traumatic for her. For this reason, we never even misled the kids about the existence of Santa Claus. If you have worked with agents in the past who are free and easy when it comes to facts, you will be happy to know that I will always do my best to give you the (sometimes unvarnished) truth. If you want someone to gloss over stuff, I am not your guy. Although I am always pleasant (read: not blunt), you will hear reality from me during our negotiations.
I listen well
The essence of good parenting comes from really listening to our kids. In the same way, I promise to listen to what you tell me, and to honor your needs to the best of my ability. Although my kids know that they can talk to me ANYTIME, I can't necessarily extend that particular courtesy to my clients. That being said, I am easy to reach and I won't be offended if you call me in the evening after dinner. I may or may not pick up the phone, however (please see note above about the truth). :)
I can handle tantrums
Now that we have just finished potty training our third child, I can unequivocally state that no client or agent could faze me with a tantrum. I have faced three year olds that are far more stubborn. I don't think tantrums accomplish very much, but I can put up with a lot of nonsense in the interest of supporting my family. I learned a long time ago that it is not worthwhile to engage in pettiness, but I can tolerate a lot. I am not a doormat, but venting is needed on occasion.
I am a good communicator
I speak well, and I write well. Also, I am apparently quite modest. Okay - maybe not the last one. I co-host a radio show online, and I am a very prolific blogger. Usually, my friends come to me if they need help crafting a letter. I am easy to get along with, and we will probably laugh a lot if you choose me as your agent. I am good at reading people, and I am great at presenting things in different ways to different people. Over my 13-year real estate career, I have worked with a very broad variety of clients and agents, and I have trained dozens of Realtors.
I have the ability to multitask
I think this one is probably self-explanatory. I can cook, talk on the phone, answer emails, blog, and change diapers all in the span of a few minutes. Don't you deserve someone like me to handle the details of your transaction? The picture at left is not my child, by the way. :)
I know how to mediate
"Dad, this isn't fair. ____ wants to ____ and I want _____." Which parent with multiple kids hasn't heard some variation of this? I mediate disputes on an almost daily basis in my house, so I can certainly handle a silly real estate squabble. I often have to remind my clients that they will only have to deal with the other party in the transaction for a short time. You will not be forced to live with them after we close. As my friend Margaret Rome wrote in her book, "Real Estate the Rome Way", remember WIN ("What's Important Now?"). This is a great mantra for buyers and sellers alike.
I am compassionate
I don't know if you think this one fits the theme of this post, but in my opinion it is critical. Those who can't express sympathy or empathy for their clients shouldn't even be in the real estate industry. It comes easily to me as a parent, and it carries into my business dealings as well.
I am happy
Having been richly blessed with a beautiful, loving family, I am centered and happy. I can't claim to be fully self-actualized yet (who is?), but I am probably one of the more content people that you will come across. Why is this important? Well, think for a minute of the alternative. Would you like to work with someone who is bitter and negative? I thought not.
If you are looking for someone who will treat you well, and truly look out for your needs (and your "wants", too, hopefully), give me a call first. You won't be disappointed, I assure you. I can be reached anytime at 512-796-7653 (cell) or jason@austintexashomes.com.
Images by Tom A. and dharmacat via Flickr.com.
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Very good post, Mr. Crouch. Makes me want to have some kids:)
The analogy here is strong. My guess is that your children's testimonial would sell anybody on why to work with a guy like you.
Jason, I thought being a father of 2 gave me a foot up on the competition. Now I see I'm 3 short :)
What an excellent post, Jason. Being a parent does train us for so much more in our lives and helps us deal better with all types of people and personalities. This was a great way to present your case! I love the photo of post-it baby!
Jason, What a terrific way to share reasons why buyers and sellers would be wise to choose you. You really understand the concept of WIN..thanks for the mention.
A good person has many of the qualities it takes to be a good parent. Quality humans are at a premium. You rank in the top.
Great post, I am not a mother or a parent, but I am pretty sure I am a good agent myself!!!
When people ask where did you get your patience...it came straight from parenting. Great post!
Being a parent is the "hardest job in the world" for sure. Kids don't come with instructions as they say. Each of them different personalities with different needs. It's 24 / 7 weather you feel sick or tired or not. When you are a parent it's all about "them......not you".. This kind of life and training makes or breaks you. Puting others first is a way of life for me. I't made me much stronger as a person, more self-less, more caring. I think all of these qualities come out in my helping people with their most important sale, a house.
Nice post today. I'll bet you and your wife sleep well at night.... assuming the kids don't wake up.
Thanks,
Patricia aulson/portsmouth nh real estate
This is too cool. I've never thought about it this way, but I guess you're right. I love the being truthful part. I might even take that on my parenting role.
Jason. this is an excellent post, and i love the analogy of comparing your parenting with with buyers or sellers would want to use you...I would!
Jason,
I have 5 children and I totally agree with you.
With a 10 year old and an 8 year old, you have to be coaching them in something?
You are a very good writer and when you get a chance, if you can add the "coaching" dimension to this, I would be quite interested in your insight.
With coaching (my wife of course was the superior parent) I found that I saw a whole other side, that I had not seen before. Also, I was able to witness my own kids interacting with others.
These "skills" I was able to use selling and investing in businesses. Not so much property, but businesses, where teamwork was involved.
Brian
I totally agree with you that good parenting skills go a long way to making a good Realtor Jason. I have two sons and know exactly what you're talking about. Picking up on your empathy comment though I'd like to say that caring is the most important aspect of selling real estate. If you know what you're doing and you care about the people you are working with, then you're a good Realtor, children or not.
Jason...
Wow, those are some pretty compelling reasons! But it's true ... handling a client is NOTHING like taking care of a large family.
I guess it's been a long day for me! :)
I saw "I know how to mediate"
and before I focused my eyes, I thought it said
"I know how to meditate"
and I thought for a second: "That is probably a pretty useful skill with 4 kids!" (HAHAHA!)
But seriously . . . some of the best agents I know . . . it is no coincidence that they are patient and loving parents. So much of our success comes from our ability to give care.
Will you follow up this post when your eldest turns 16? (giggle)
You will have NEW skills then to add to your arsenal! :)
Kids will make or break your patience level. They also teach you to be on your toes at all times!
Jason nice post, I had an agent have a tantrum with me today...I put him in time out!
Jason - this kind of post is something that definitely helps to diferentiate yourself from the others. I think when someone can get a glimpse of the "real" you, not just a happy, smiling Realtor, then you allow clients to connect with you on another level. Very cool post!
What a great idea for a post... ! You are the type of person I would want to represent me. I hope you are having a great summer.
Jason... a great way to relate family life to our business.. Being truthful is always the best way to go
We are all a product of life's lessons which serve us well in the field of real estate. Since we come in contact with all kinds of people, all our past experiences and situations with personality types come into play and can help us immensely!
What about adaptable seems as a father of 4 your are required to be at least 4 people at once
Jason
I disagree....you are modestly modest! lol
You are right about how the parents can learn so much from their kids. I am now learning from my grandson too.
Hi Jason~ Gosh, I never thought about it like you put it, but I have four kids too. But, they are all grown. Now I have two grand kids and they are so much easier! Enjoyed your blog and the insight into the real Jason Crouch :)
Great post. I always tell my clients that the fact I am a single parent of 2 little girls is a good reason to hire me- the reason being is that I am the only provider- if I don't work we don't eat and that they are the most important things in my life so I can't afford to be lazy and neglet the job I am hired to do.
Jason, being a father of four you are definitely in the people business. That will take you far in real estate with that background.
I think this is a great analogy that ties two very important pieces of your life together and shows why your so good at both.
However, I do have a questions. Is it child abuse to bury your child in post-it notes? LOL
Christine - That is a valid question. Thankfully, the photo is not my own. :)
You know... I believe you! I like the comparisons between being a Realtor and being a Dad. Well written... then again, you probably already think that LOL
Jason, I had never thought of things in that particular light, but you are right...being a parent can help us be better in anything that we do, provided thatw e actually learn from our parenting mistakes and pay attention to what actually works.
Having kids five of them, we learn all kinds of life lessons. Listening and not speaking quickly will help you when they are teens and want to open up to you...I learned to shut up and listen. If I offered my opinion too quickly they would shut up and not come to me anymore.
It is a catch 22, you want to hear. But, you don't want to know.
Fortunately, I am very close to my kids because I learned to discuss the issue later not when they brought up something I didn't agree with .
This is why September 2nd can't come fast enough!
Kids make you patient? Guess I need to have more than 2 then, because I'm not patient enough.
Jason:
I'm a sucker for babies even if he isn't yours. The picture was priceless. It looks like you have been in the past and will continue to be in the future a very busy guy both on the homefront and at work.
Children and parenting does apply in other areas of our life's.I love the analogies and think they are spot on. I also have 4 and have raised 5 counting my nephew.
Jason, I love this post as I have three kids of my own. They're out of high school now, but you took me down memory lane today. Thanks!
As a Tealtor without children I have always admired those who could balance their business with family. I can't speak to that out of experience, but I can understand it out of observation.
My daughter is now almost 7 months old and I have already learned lessons from raising her that help in our industry.
Jason, I can't agree with you more. I think any realtor with more than 2 children is a great realtor because of their children and how they raise them and being able to multitask and keep everyone on an even keal and happy. I am the mother of 5, I think that makes me a good realtor too. Congratulations on being a great parent!!
I absolutely love this blog!!! Thanks for sharing. Many lessons to learn from parenting. My only experience comes as a nanny and a dog owner. LOL. Best wishes for much success!
I love this post, it is everything I have thought about my career and motherhood. I too have 4 children...12,9,3 and almost 1 month. I have worked through 2 pregnancies and births as well. I have learned so much. I am so much better @ anything I will ever choose to do RE related or not than I would be if I were not a parent. Thanks for sharing.
Isn't it amazing how raising those little ones helps to prepare us for dealing with all kinds of situations? Great post :)
Jason - Great post! I love the analogy and I think you're right. Being a parent gives us a great skill set. I just had a client who was being impatient over the weekend (and really sort of freaking out) admit to me (finally) that he was being a baby. I never said that and didn't validate the comment, nor would I have used that adjective to describe him...but there are other words - impatient, anxious, needy - that at the end of day, boiled down to 'baby' for him.
Everyone needs to be coddled I suppose :-) Or should I say 'communicated' and then 'overcommunicated'? :-)
I have no children yet and I am good with all of those with the exception of the Tantrums.....I didn't handle one of those very well today.
Hey Jason, I think you're right-- a lot of qualities you learn from being a parent help you to be a better Realtor! I'm not a mom yet, but I can see how being one would enhance my career.
Have a great day,
Anne Rains
Jason,
My kids don't lie to me (at least not yet).
Just you wait! LOL
Mike in Tucson
I brought those same skills to real estate after teaching for 30 yrs. Most of that time was spent with 3 yr old. Many good skills that transfer to this profession.
And that you are extremely humble! ;)
Parents/ Realtors rock :) I think having a slew of children in the background while I am working is a plus as well. If nothing else it guarantees I will have lollypops and toys in my purse when a little client gets cranky at a showing.
Some of my past clients acted like unruly kids. Being a parent I knew how to handle them -- "time outs". I should have made them kneel on rice in the corner :-)
Kids make you a better person. You have to do a good job, and be consistent, loving, patient because they are watching.They will raise your grandchildren the same way. I am a single parent full time of four kids and the last one is heading to Colorado College in a week and after dropping him off...it will be hard but part of life. Kids are what live is all about...I knew as a kid I wanted to have kids and find raising them the single most rewarding privledge life offers. Coaching little league or hockey or basketball is a hoot too..whether your kids or not. The village raises those kids. Someone did you growing up beyond your parents. Grandparents are a major teacher too from life's experiences. Looking forward to being one some day.
Jason,
What a great post! I just had my first child a month ago (a baby girl), and already I find that being a parent has influenced the way I think about and practice real estate.
I think this delightful spin on being a parent and a professional would be a great insert in a listing packet!
After reading all those reasons, will you list my home? ;0)
Dear Jason,
Great post. I think patience is one of the most important traits a Realtor can have. People hate being rushed and they deserve better than that. I always treat my clients as I would want to be treated: with honesty and in a timely fashion. Kudos to you for doing the same. Cute photos by the way!!
;)
This is awesome. Personally I've always felt that raising 2 teenage boys trained me for real estate. Negotiation and being a referree comes in handy :-)
Jason, flip that list over and you have the genesis of the whole thing! When you know you are happy, then you know why folks are attracted to you and it's much easier to be "all of the above"! I'd hire you!
wow what a post - thats one thing i admire about you Jason - you CAN acknowledge all the things you're good at - how many people can do that?