Some people start their careers in real estate right after high school or college, but most come into real estate after doing something else. Some have retired and others are just looking for a change of pace.
When I write agent bios, I always look at those past careers to see how they can relate to real estate sales. Often times, past experiences can reinforce the skills the agent wants to emphasize.
Some past careers make the transition more difficult than others. For example, school teachers have to learn to listen themselves after years of speaking. On the other hand, a good school teacher has the skills to educate buyers and sellers about the reality of the current market.
That’s a skill that a bartender might not have, but I believe that good bartenders possess most of the skills necessary for a successful career in real estate.
My definition of a good bartender is one who has a following: a person who is an “attraction” to the establishment in which he works. They can make a good drink, but it’s their people skills that turn occasional customers into “regulars.”
So what skills do bartenders possess that would make them good real estate agents?
A good bartender knows how to listen. Think about the time you spend listening to your customers. And while they may not have to wholeheartedly listen to everyone, they do need to pay close attention to their regular customers. In the same way that good real estate agents must pay close attention to their buyers and sellers.
And then they better have A good memory. Not only does he (or she, of course!) Need to remember what each person at the bar wants when they lift a finger for another drink, they also need to remember what to leave in front of a regular when they walk in. And then you need to remember what that person does, their children’s names, etc. Agents must remember personal information along with the wants and needs of their clients.
A good bartender respects what the customer wants – is not trying to suggest that you could do otherwise. As an agent, you probably won’t show someone a house on a busy street if you’ve specified that you want to live in a quiet cul-de-sac.
A good bartender can talk to people from all walks of life. and treat them equally. You must be friendly and non-judgmental, in all but the most extreme cases. And when faced with such extreme cases, you have to think and act quickly without getting nervous. Good practices for dealing with the surprises buyers and sellers sometimes come up with from an agent.
A good bartender knows how to keep information confidential. Good waiters can’t be gossipy. Can you imagine how quickly they would lose their followers if they started mentioning that Mr. Smith came for a drink with Miss Jones, or if they mentioned that a salesperson from Company X was involved in a long conversation with the owner of the company? company Z? ? In the real estate sector, it is essential to maintain the confidentiality of client information.
A good bartender must have people management skills.. You need to be able to say “You’ve had enough” without turning a customer into an enemy. That takes a bit of finesse! This skill could well translate into the finesse required when clients ask an agent to do things that go against regulations.
So if you are a bartender and thinking of a change, consider real estate. You have the skills!