For Agents’ Eyes Only…
Each Thursday we will be posting a blog to help real estate professionals understand how they can better assist their buyers and sellers navigate the current real estate market. Today, Steve Harney authors the blog. – The KCM Crew
Frackenstorm Sandy devastated many communities in my region of New York. My family fared relatively well, all things being considered. My son and daughter-in-law went home to discover that over two feet of water covered the first floor of their newly renovated home. But they’ll clean up, restore their dream house and collect new mementos to replace those that were washed away. They’ll be fine.
The thing that amazed me was how differently members of our industry reacted to the tragedy. Some may have whined about losing a deal because the home they sold was destroyed. Some may have complained about having no electric or internet in their offices.
Others saw the tragedy and decided to be heroes instead of victims. I want to mention one such person: John Reinhardt.
John is the broker/owner of Fillmore Real Estate in Brooklyn. Several neighborhoods in Brooklyn were destroyed. John didn’t worry about the company deals that were jeopardized. He worried instead about the families that were traumatized.
He immediately opened his offices to anyone who needed to charge their phones so they could notify loved ones, or needed to use a computer to get information about what they should do next. John personally met many of these people at the front door, offered them a hot cup of coffee or, when necessary, a hug. Next, he set up a hub where families that were just rendered homeless could connect with people who would offer space in their homes.
Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. John is a great real estate broker who is recognized across the country as an industry leader. He will make sure he and his agents work diligently to overcome the challenges each and every one of the buyers and sellers they represent are now facing. He understands his legal and ethical obligation to do that. However, he also understands his moral obligation to work hard to make sure ALL of his neighbors are okay.
That’s the type of person John is. If you want to see what great leaders do in times of crisis, check out his page on facebook.
Some may have lost a deal. But others lost their home. Still others lost loved ones to this disaster. Let’s keep everything in perspective.
