Real Estate as Theater

Q:  Marsha, I am seriously considering getting a real estate license. Can you give me an idea of what I’m getting into?

A:  Congratulations! You have chosen an interesting, fun, and vital career. Real estate moves our economy on many levels. A good metaphor for real estate is a theater performance. We all enjoy a good play, and real estate agents have a special seat in the balcony. A real estate transaction is a drama, a comedy, a melodrama, and even has a strong touch of the absurd. Agents perform as directors, stagehands, and sometimes unwilling participants. 

Let’s consider a home purchase. The opening act begins with the agent showing the buyer current homes on the market. The worst that can happen is when the buyer falls in love with the first home shown to her. “I love it, love it, love it,” she exclaims. “I don’t want to view any more houses.” “But we have six more homes scheduled.” “Cancel the appointments,” she states. “This is the one.” Then she says those words you never want to hear: “This is going to be the easiest sale you ever had!”