SOBOR's Story - Everyone Breath

As a Broker of Record I hear my fair share of complaints.  From our team, from others, from my family, from clients, from friends.  Covid- 19 seems to be taking its' toll on a great percentage of our population.

Realtors® are not any different that the public at large.  They are feeling the pressure to cope and survive.  Facing the stress of what has turned out to be one of the most competitive and challenging markets in recent history, Realtors are struggling to find answers for their clients.  Situations are arising where there are 40 offers on properties and out of that property there are 39 people who are not going to be happy.  39 people who will be back out looking again at the next rare listing that comes up in their price range, wondering what it will take to win in a blind bidding competition.  It is difficult, it is frustrating and it can be very overwhelming.  

One of the most difficult things I am seeing through my observations and conversations with my team and colleagues across the board, is how we are getting frustrated with one other.  As professionals in Real Estate we need to work together and communicate with one another.  We need to be on the same page of professionalism.  

Communication will thwart most problems before they start.  Pick up the phone, talk to one another, and get in front of issues before they become issues.  This environment is difficult and in my opinion it isn't likely going to end any time soon.  We need to not be adversaries, and try to understand that we are all in the same position.  We all want to find that property for our clients, we want to make sure that they get an accepted offer.

With that I have some advice to everyone who is frustrated.... just breath.  Take some time to collect your thoughts before you reach out to your colleague out of frustration.  Take a moment to breath.  Not only is this good for you (see Yoga, Meditation, Calm App), but it should instantly de-stress a situation that may be making you ready to lash out.

A good friend of mine who won't be named, Jason Fleming, once said to our membership when he was our leader, "please remember we are each others clients. We need to work work with another."  I know this seems cheesy and may be not be the right answer your situation.  You may have to find your own coping method, but please try to understand that this is hard on all of us and there are no right answers to almost anything we are going through.