Perspective
We can all look at the same thing but all see something slightly different. We can all be in similar situations but all respond to them in significantly different ways.
How we view things depends not only on what we’re looking for, but also on how we’re looking at achieving any particular goal whether large or small.
As a simple example – we see a solid stationary snake of traffic stretching far ahead into the distance. We’re tight on time, so we probably respond by activating GPS/Sat-Nav for an alternative route. Like many of the other drivers we find that whilst the traffic is heavy on the parallel road, at least it’s moving a little. We’re still going to be late but not as late as we could have been for the viewing on a property with a new client. Our minds then, whilst idling along in second gear, move into the initial dialogue with the client who’ll be waiting for us – the damage limitation sequence to keep their confidence and ensure the viewing still goes ahead as successfully as it now can, given that we’re going to be a minimum of 20 minutes late. Should we decide however that it’s time to call and warn them rather than wing it, which will give them the choice to wait or re-arrange? Aside from being considerate and the correct manners, as importantly, it gives them the chance to make the decision based on their needs rather than ours. They could, after all, be stuck in the very same slow traffic wondering what to do as they can’t find your number.
If your business and service provision is truly client centric, it is your clients’ perspective that you need to understand and uphold from start to finish basing your decisions on their best interests rather than your own convenience. Long standing relationships and repeat business will usually be the outcome – if that’s what you’re looking for.
In the course of what we do, we meet many people who are overwhelmed by the task ahead of them whether they are downsizing to move their lives to the next chapter, or have to dispose of a house/home and all of its memories to release capital or following the loss of a family member. In this latter instance it can be emotional vulnerability that numbs their ability to make decisions. On the back of that is also the desire for closure in order to move away (literally) from the pain, both of which accelerate anxiety in addressing what is seemingly a gargantuan project.
In others it is simply the practicalities of sorting, choosing, planning, moving and disposing of 30 years (and more) of accumulated family possessions and detritus including inherited sentimental items that whilst have huge familial historical significance, have little place in the new life on the Algarve. On this occasion, something my father used to say comes to mind –
“ How do you keep a pet elephant?
You need a telescope, some tweezers and a match box. Turn the telescope the wrong way round; pick up the elephant using the tweezers and put it in the matchbox.”
"It's just a matter of perspective."
When people think of selling their homes, if they’ve read enough magazines; seen enough “Love it or List it” and “Location, Location, Location”, they will know that how a house is presented goes a long way in suggesting a lifestyle a new owner might be buying into, aside from the bricks and mortar. Pleasing odours of brewing coffee, vanilla candles or freshly baked cakes all apparently contribute positively. A friend – and client – having not had the benefit of Kirsty and Phil however, decided to wipe down all her radiators with fabric conditioner prior to any viewing so that (assuming it was cold enough) when she put on her heating, it would disguise the smell of her 9 cats.
Her house sold on a rainy November afternoon.
Thank you for reading and most importantly, stay safe and well.
Best Wishes –
Claire
