My biggest fears as a real estate agent (it is not fear of rejection)

If you do a Google search for what a real estate agent fears the most, it will probably tell you the fear of rejection or the fear of failing.

As a real estate agent I can say there are a few other fears that I face on a daily basis.

Fear of getting lost

As a real estate agent, I regularly venture into unfamiliar neighbourhoods and rural areas to show homes. Getting lost is a real concern for me - even in this age of technology.

I always want to arrive at a showing before my client. Getting lost and having my client wait for me is not professional.

New development areas are a particular fear of mine. Technology is not always current with construction in an area, therefore not a reliable source of directions.

Showing rural properties can be particularly daunting as roads and addresses can be confusing and unpredictable. While I rely on electronic maps for directions, rural addresses can still present challenges that require me to think on my feet - or behind the wheel if you will.

One beautiful sunny Saturday morning I headed out to show acreages to my client. I entered the location into the map on my phone - the location on the MLS listing. However, I arrived at an abandoned farmyard with a decrepit barn. This was not the property I was expecting. After a quick re-orientation in my head, I found the property a few miles away. I even managed to arrive before my client who had also been directed to the abandoned farmyard and decrepit barn.

Technology is truly wonderful - until it isn't!

Fear of pets escaping

One evening I arrived at my client’s home for an appointment. I knew she had several small dogs, and I could hear her getting the dogs organized on the other side of the door. She thought her daughter had the little escape artist corralled. When my client opened the door, out went Diva faster than you could believe considering her short legs and age. We spent the best part of half an hour trying to round up a senior dog who was having the time of her life evading everyone.

Cats escaping are a particular fear of mine. How would I ever collect an escaped cat that doesn’t know me?

There is a negative perception regarding having dogs and cats in “crates." I do not advocate keeping animals confined for extended periods of time - but a secure crate with a fuzzy blanket and a favorite toy can be a safe place for a pet during a showing. Your pets will only see a strange person in the home, and you are not there to reassure your pet.

A crate provides a level of security and comfort for them and for the potential buyer viewing your home.

And I don't have to worry about them escaping!

Fear of being ghosted

As an agent, my job involves communicating with clients; learning about their situation and what their plans and goals are, setting appointments, showing properties, and negotiating deals.

It can be incredibly disheartening when a client ghosts me. I had a client not come to a showing that had been set up earlier that day. One investor came back from holidays and stopped answering all my calls/texts. Maybe he spent all his money on his vacation?

The first thought that comes to mind is whether I have done something to offend my client. This can be a challenging situation to navigate and is really stressful in my line of work. Thankfully, I am not ghosted very often.

Fear of Falling

I often have viewings at homes that are new to the market and I have not shown before. Uneven surfaces, slippery floors, or wet/icy sidewalks can present a falling hazard.

(A reminder to make sure that sidewalks and driveways are shovelled and free of ice when you are selling your home during the winter months.)

Showing rural properties provide another level of risk; exploring large yards, uneven surfaces, unfamiliar landscapes, and large farm dogs - everyone must be conscious of their surroundings.

I am happy to report that to date, I have not fallen during a showing! But knowing that there is always a first time is definitely a source of fear.

Being a real estate agent is not for the faint of heart. Every day I face situations that challenge me.

Rising above the fear of potentially getting lost, being ghosted, dealing with a beloved pet, or falling is part of a normal day as a real estate agent.

Posted by Janet Scott on May 8th, 2023

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