I have noticed an odd and somewhat disturbing trend in my real estate career, both when dealing with clients and with fellow agents.  If you do not agree, that is certainly your prerogative.  This is not a hard and fast rule, but rather a personal observation. 

Here it is:

If someone proclaims that they are a certain type of person, they probably aren't like that at all. 

What?!?  What are you talking about, Crouch?

Perhaps a few examples will help to flesh out this idea a bit more. 

Sometimes, buyer clients say something like, "I am really loyal.  You don't have anything to worry about."  Be afraid.  Be very afraid.  Almost every time that I have heard this coming from a client, they later betrayed me.  Not always, of course, but often enough that it gives me pause. 

If I am interviewing an agent, I cringe inswardly if I hear them say, "I am a people person."  You may be asking why this is the case.  Well, when people are really good working with others, it shines through and there is no need to say anything about their skills in that area.  Instead, I have found that those who actually say this are some of the worst "people people" around. 

Lastly, RUN away from ANY client who states, "I'm not trying to be a jerk (or insert any other similar word here)".  In 11 years of selling homes in Austin, this phrase is the quickest single identifier of jerks.  The statement itself is true - they aren't TRYING to be jerks, they just ARE. 

If you would like to search Austin real estate, please visit my website at www.austintexashomes.com.  Feel free to call me anytime on my cell phone at 512-796-7653 or email me at jason@austintexashomes.com.

Jason Crouch, Broker/Owner - Austin Texas Homes, LLC