Photo: Stefan Mendelsohn
Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unusual places – this time from a meeting with other Realtors. Specifically, we were discussing the Realtor MLS Presidential Advisory Group, and one member in particular was voicing great concerns about one aspect of the proposal that threatens all Realtors’ ability to do business. If this got implemented, it would be devastating and NAR really has no business damaging its constituency in this manner. Problem is, he hadn’t actually read anything about the PAG and was arguing from fearful “what-ifs” and false assumptions.
This isn’t a post about the merits of the PAG – it’s about fear. Witness some of the comments from some Realtors in response to the proposal:
“I don’t like this. It seems to me that this will open a can of worms that we don’t want opened. I think our MLS is adequate for our needs at the present time.”
“So, we would be competing against FSBO’s?” (Hint: we already are).
As Realtors, we navigate fearful “what-ifs” every day. What if the market goes down? What if my house loses value? What if my brokerage stops sending listings to Realtor.com? What if Redfin comes into my market?
How do you counter fear?
Educate, dispel myths and rumors and provide the best fact and analysis possible.
Knowledge is a dangerous thing. A little bit of knowledge mixed with fear can be volatile and damaging – to all parties.
This business is a gamble beset by what-ifs. Knowing what the “what-ifs” are and what the consequences may be is one of the many ways outstanding professionals add value to whatever business they are in. Nobody in this or any business is entitled to exist or succeed. We must offer a tangible and profitable benefit to our customers, clients and often to ourselves.
Succumbing to the fear of “what-if” is not a desirable option. Leveraging and understanding fear, its place in the debate and its consequences can be a valuable tool.
Kristal Kraft
March 11, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Hanging on to the old beliefs of the past while the rest of the world changes is not an answer. As Realtors our value is NOT in the MLS but in the value we bring to the table as consultants, evaluators, guides and a source of local knowledge.
Jim, I’ll vote for you. Are running for something? 🙂
Jim
March 11, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I’d have to be dragged to run for anything … and that’s not really running. 🙂
Jeremy Hart
March 11, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Well, if you’re not running and you’d have to be dragged, what can we drag you into?
Missy Caulk
March 11, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Ignorance brings fear, knowledge brings power.
Jim
March 11, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Accepting that fear is a component of many negotiations and decision processes leads to a better understanding of the situation and puts those who are aware in a powerful position.
Michael Wurzer
March 12, 2008 at 4:08 am
Jim, you bring to mind Winston Churchill’s Russia.