1. to work at anything in an irregular or superficial manner: to dabble in real estate. . . . . . .
I was recently having dinner with my wife (Nancy) at a local restaurant. We were discussing my real estate business when our waitress jumped into the conversation to say "I am a real estate agent if you are looking for a home. . .I can help!" I guess she was "participating" in our conversation too. Of course, I had to ask her. . ."If you are a real estate agent, why are you waiting tables here?" Her expression changed as she explained that she wasn't able to make enough money to support herself as an agent so she had to wait tables. . . but she still dabbles in real estate. Wait one minute. . .she couldn't make enough money to support her lifestyle from selling real estate. . . so she waits tables. . . and she thinks that someone should hire her as their agent? This is not a derogatory commentary on people who wait tables, or folks who try different careers, or dual careers, or even those who dabble in real estate . . . if they can do it congratulations to them. My question is simple. . .Why would anyone hire a "dabbler" to assist them with one of the largest financial decisions they will make? If you were facing a complicated legal issue. . .would you hire someone who dabbles in the law? I didn't think so. . .even if the person had seen every episode of Matlock and Boston Legal. No, you would want a full time professional Attorney who has the experience, resources, and knowledge to give you the best advice possible and represent you well. Likewise, if you were notified by the IRS that you owed back taxes of $250,000 and were being audited . . .would you accept a referral to a former bookkeeper who still dabbles in filling out tax forms? Of course not! You would want a full time professional CPA with IRS audit and income tax experience. . . .and if someone referred you or recommend anything different. . .you would think they were crazy? Wouldn't you? Why is it different in the "home buying" world? You have probably heard someone make a referral "similar" to the following upon hearing that a friend was thinking about buying a home. . . "Hey, you should talk to my "Aunt Jane" (fill-in any other relative or friends name) she has a real estate license. She is not full time. . . she just does it "on the side" to give her something to do. Hello. . .is anyone out there? Sorry Aunt Jane. . .I really don't want to hire you to help me with this huge decision to "give you something to do"!!!
Unfortunately. . ."getting a real estate license" is relatively easy. Having a real estate business, with the necessary experience, resources, and knowledge is not. It takes time, it is expensive, it takes hours of work and continuing education, hours of studying contracts, home values, market analysis, top negotiating skills, a full knowledge of the TOTAL process. . . from beginning to the closing table. Sorry for the rambling. . . . but I am a little passionate about this topic. . . .if you couldn't tell. Please help me elevate the expectations for hiring a real estate agent. Simply having a license and a lockbox key to get into the pretty homes is not enough! Take your time and find the professional that you deserve. . . even if you hurt Aunt Jane's feelings it is the right thing to do. . .FOR YOU. Call or email if you have any ideas, thoughts or questions.
OK. . .time to relax. . .think I will go outside and "dabble" in my garden for a while. :)
David Arnold
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
678-784-4354
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