So I’ve spent the last hour trying to navigate Word Press — I’m going to bet it’s much easier than I’m making it — have written a terribly serious post on the allegorical link between Nordstrom and real estate, and decided that’s a really inelegant way to introduce myself.
Yes, thirteen years with Nordstrom in the late sixties and seventies, the perfect business education. Twenty five years as a manufacturer’s rep, until getting on planes and traveling salesman jokes simply got to be overwhelmingly dull. I got my real estate license nearly three years ago, and immediately wished that I’d done it years before.
Which means most here probably know more about real estate than I do. The reason I came to Bloodhound Blog in the first place was to learn.
What I do know is people. Why they buy, their motivations and reactions. I know that the Arizona Board of Appraisal is thoroughly nuts for thinking it can shut down Zillow, or even trying. I have a pretty good notion Redfin will be out of business in two years. Sixty Minutes is an anachronism.
And I’m certain the real estate business is changing. Much of the status quo is antithetical to anything I learned at Nordstrom: the industry gets much of its incentive from what’s best for the industry, not what’s best for the people we serve. I’ll never understand the first seminar I went to after I was licensed, where the instructor said good agents spend 90% of their time prospecting for new clients. 90%. If I spend that much time selling myself, what, exactly, am I selling?
Phil Knight said: “Nike is a marketing company, but our product is our number one marketing tool.” What I do for buyers and sellers is my product, and my interest is in being as good at that as I can be.
That’s why I’m here; I really, really look forward to it.
Thanks, Greg; I’m honored!
Austin Realtor's Wife says:
I’m so glad I’m not jumping into the deep end alone today, Jeff! I write a lot about Nordstrom (as you may know)- I’m a big fan! Your background is very impressive and it sounds like an incredible foundation for a successful RE career.
May 21, 2007 — 5:23 pm
B.R. says:
I am an instant fan- not only did you mention the word virgin in your title- but you have honestly hit on something that has always bothered me about the used car selling philosophy that is traded around in seminars and books on the subject of selling re. In your opening piece I can already tell you know more about real estate than most 30 yr vets. Bravo
May 21, 2007 — 5:44 pm
Brian Brady says:
I’m looking forward to seeing your contribution, Jeff. Any Nordie’s guy is going to tell us a lot about service.
May 21, 2007 — 6:24 pm
Ron Ares says:
Woof! Welcome to the DawgPound. I look forward to reading your thoughts as exposed on a more national stage. PDX is proud, way to represent!
May 21, 2007 — 6:33 pm
Teri Lussier says:
Consider me a fan. Not for your use of the word “virgin” -sheesh, but because you write beautifully. Educate us on service, I’m all ears (eyes).
May 22, 2007 — 7:21 am
Kaye Thomas says:
Jeff- I’ve always been a firm believer in the idea that we don’t “sell” real estate but rather help people make informed decisions about what “they” want to buy..
May 22, 2007 — 10:06 am
Jeff Kempe says:
Thanks to all for the warm welcome! Especially to Ron, who’s all the way here from Portland. Has a great blog.
Kaye: could not agree with you more. Before we ever get in the car I tell my buyer clients, It’s not my job to sell you anything; it’s my job to find you what you want.
And, by golly, we usually do!
May 22, 2007 — 10:14 am