It hit me the other day…. my “look” may not necessarily be the first thing people envision when considering hiring a real estate agent. And…to be honest with you… I think I’m quite OK with that. Let me give you a couple of stats from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) that might give some insight as to why someone like myself may not be the first flash in some people’s minds:
- The typical REALTOR® is a 53 year old white female homeowner with some college education.
- 62% of all REALTORS® are female, and the median age of all REALTORS® is 58.
[https://www.nar.realtor/field-guides/field-guide-to-quick-real-estate-statistics]
Perhaps the first few sentences may make a bit more sense as to why a Realtor® such as myself is not always the expectation that people may envision. A few days ago, I emerged from my closet wearing a casual “popular sport brand” polo shirt and khaki cargo shorts. I was meeting new clients for the first time at a pretty affluent home. As I approached my wife, I remember asking…. “Does this look like a decent outfit for today?” (for some unknown reason, this actually crossed my mind). She paused and kind of gave me a puzzled look. I went on to mention that it may not be dressy enough and that since I was meeting new people – it may not be a professional *enough* look. Her response to me was….”Babe, you look great! Besides, you are WHO you ARE…own it”. Her saying that brought an instant smile to my face. She was right. I gave her my thanks for the reminder and told her that I really needed to hear that feedback.
Through my 60+ sales transactions, hundreds of showings and other real estate interactions, I have met so many amazing people. The comments on my approach, my look, my style… all have been so enlightening to me. I was once told by a client displaying a sweet coy smile that I was “very recognizable”….God only knows if she meant this in a positive or negative connotation! 🙂 Some have mentioned that they love my down to earth no pressure style, others say that I’m the type of person that they’d love to have a beer with and several have said that my somewhat casual and laid back style has made them feel more comfortable through a process that can seem so scary. This is all perception and feedback of others – perhaps you should find out for yourself! 🙂
I will personally say that I feel my biggest role is to serve as as a trusted advisor and someone who will always put your interest above my ability to earn a dime. My whole career has been spent serving others. From the time I started working at Edward Hospital in Naperville at age 16 to the years I spent in law enforcement – I have always had such a strong desire to help others. While buying or selling a house is not a life threatening illness or an instance when you need the help of law enforcement – it is indeed a stressful situation. My goal is to always guide you through to the end result – a successful closing.
If the house doesn’t feel right or if I’m noticing hesitation in my buyers – I’ll always be the first to ask just the right questions to help you articulate your thoughts. Sometimes, I’ve been known to ask bigger picture questions just to play devils advocate so that no stone is left unturned. Hell, this has even meant that buyers who were ready to write an offer have either passed on the house or took additional time to contemplate. Guess what?! I only get paid IF I sell houses… so in those scenarios…no money for Adam but sometimes they are a good pause or skip point for the buyers in what is undoubtedly the biggest investment one can make. I’ve always lived by the mantra – it is the right thing to do. Not just in business but in life. Doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest but is always the best.
While so many comments, jabs, laughs have been had – at the expensive of my non-traditional real estate agent “look” [AKA 6’2″ thirty something male with a beard that loves his sports, beer and having fun] …. I can honestly say that I would not have it any other way. I say this because at the end of the day – my honesty, integrity and customer focused approach is always peaking throughout the experience for my client. Starting with a hmmmm…. this isn’t the type of agent I expected to damn…. this is *the exact* transition from a “typical” agent that I have always wanted.
My wife and I are constantly teaching our children about perceptions as well as treating people the right way. With that, I remind you…. always evaluate the type of service you are receiving when pursuing buying, selling or leasing real estate – not if the agent fits the mold of what your idea of an agent should look like.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a new age of real estate and this guy will be here to disrupt the stigma of who is available to help you buy or sell your next house. Let’s get going on finding your new house or selling your current one ….who’s ready to see how much fun a real estate transaction can be?!?!?!
I’m more ready than ever to be the go to “I gotta guy” when anyone you know brings up the topic of real estate. BRING IT!!!!
Adam Baxa, Broker, The Baxa Group
Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell
Cell: (630) 234-4472
http://www.AdamBaxa.com
http://www.Facebook.com/JustAskAdamBaxa
Do you have any comments or questions to share with Adam? Are you interested in talking to Adam about buying, selling, leasing or any other real estate topic? Please fill out the information below for a quick response. Thanks!
Adam K. Baxa, Realtor® 