Knowledge Is Power

"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance"

- Confucius

The small yet mighty Homegrown Real Estate team has a lot going on this month. In a time when real estate headlines are screaming of a down market and a crash, we're scheduled to close six properties. From a sales perspective, it will be the highest volume of closings we've done in a single month. I'm not sharing this with you to brag, but to provide some context around this week's newsletter. This month is reminding me that despite nearly six years of working with buyers and sellers, and almost 156 properties under my belt, I am still learning every. damn. day. Every transaction is different. Each one has its challenges, solutions, and oddities wrapped up in people's hopes, dreams, desires, and plans for the future. Being a real estate agent is truly a one-of-a-kind job. Yes, at the end of the day I am working with people to get into or out of a house, however, I am not simply facilitating the sale or purchase of a house. I am in a unique position to work closely with PEOPLE through what is typically the biggest purchase or sale of their life. And you know what? People are weird and complicated and forgetful and emotional and interesting and come with baggage and hangups and trauma and allergies. And that's what makes each deal unique. That is what keeps us on our toes and makes each transaction an opportunity to learn and grow.

Oh, and on top of all that, there's this little thing called THE MARKET, which comes with its complexities and oddities.

"To know is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of TRUE knowledge." 

 - Socrates

I've been reflecting recently on this idea that not a single transaction goes by where I don't learn something. So I thought I'd put together a list of a few things I've learned over the years about buying and selling houses. This is by no means an exhaustive list. In fact, I could probably write a book about everything I've learned (now there's an idea). Here are a few that I've been ruminating on:

1. It's not over until it's over. I can't tell you how many times I've thought a transaction was wrapped up nice and neat, and then something went wrong at the last minute. It's pretty uncommon for those last-minute surprises to delay closing, however, they always add a kick right there at the end.
2. Trust AND verify. I'm a pretty trusting individual. I LOVE giving people the benefit of the doubt. In real estate, it's great to trust people, AND you need to verify. If a seller or builder says they are going to do something, we need to double check it gets done. Remember, people are forgetful ;)
3. Money is NOT everything. Yes, money is important, and is often the most important factor for folks on both sides of the transaction. But do you know what else is SUPER important to people? Time. Energy. Neighborly relations. Stress. That gaudy chandelier inherited from Grandma. Remember, it's people at the other end of these transactions, and people are complicated. Sometimes these things are more important than a couple of extra bucks.
4. Neighbors know everything and they LOVE to talk. Whether you know it or not, your neighbors are keeping tabs on you. You might not even speak to them, however, I promise they noticed the last time you had a plumber over. You can learn more from a simple chat with a neighbor than you can from asking a seller directly. Don't sleep on the neighbors.
5. If it doesn't look right, it's probably not right. If you see something, say something. Houses can have many, many owners, and who knows which one of those owners fancied themselves a handy person. If something comes up on a home inspection report that's "probably not a big deal", just look into it. Small problems can become big problems faster than you can say "due diligence".

Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Content. Have a wonderful find,

Cory