Most people who know me don’t believe when I tell them I’m not terribly social. Only those who know me the best understand. I’ve learned social skills. And honestly even trained, by necessity, on how to interact more comfortably and naturally with strangers. I mention this only because there are a lot of people who don’t just automatically interact with other people including those whom they need to engage with in their daily lives such as teachers, employers, co-workers, and service providers like me. And now there’s a whole generation characterized by their discomfort with human engagement. We call them Millennials. And to be fair, not all Millennials are like the generalization paints them, of course. But for that majority who are, and for those of other generations who are, for whatever reason, naturally introverted, navigating something as complicated as a real estate purchase or sale presents a unique set of challenges like having to hire full service plumbing company sacramento ca to maintain your house. The intimidation factor is much like buying a car, but times 10!
First off, introverts are not, by nature, trusting of others because deceit is so apparently commonplace. So, their first level of comfort is the computer they can use to play video games using sites like overwatch boost online, and electronic commerce. They would love nothing more than to be able to buy a house online without ever having to meet a real estate agent, a mortgage lender, inspector or otherwise. And it can be done. The bad news is that they will still be dealing with middle-men, the difference being that they will never actually look them in the eyes, or shake their hands, and in many instances, even speak to them. Us old-fashioned types use those kinds of “first impression” contacts to initially, in some degree, assess that person’s trustworthiness and competence.
So, while there are many things we, of my generation, look to the younger generation to hopefully fix in our world (yes, the many things that we didn’t get right), there are valuable lessons that we can yet impart to them. And one of the greatest of these is to take the time to meet, engage with, and know the people in your life who will most effect your well-being in ways big and small. And that very much includes those with whom you do business and those with whom you share your community, whether it be government, schools, or otherwise.
If you are one of these, know that I empathize greatly. Being an introvert, I understand how much more comfortable it is to send off a text, or an email, rather than pick up the phone and talk to someone in person. I see this dynamic especially between agents and other professionals in a transaction, and even between us and our clients. But I know that so much can be misunderstood, and even lost, in electronic communication, that I would be derelict in my duty if I didn’t pick up the phone and call, if not go in person to my clients, to convey my most critical communications. And I get that “phone tag” is annoying and inefficient, but not as annoying and even costly as miscommunication.
Notwithstanding the proven social and psychological benefits of having more personal contact, we also create opportunities to learn about other people who may be trustworthy resources to us in all areas of our lives. Surprising, synchronistic connections come about. Synergy abounds. Community thrives. And even the bad apples are identified and collectively cast out when we take the time to know who we’re dealing with in our daily goings-on.
All that said, carve out a little time in your week or your month to participate in a community organization, be it Elks or Rotary, or Mountain Resource Center, or a Garden Club, your church or PTA. Just as importantly, talk to your family and friends about who they have had good experience with in business and in the community. As I always say, friends don’t let friends pick their Realtor (contractor, mechanic, etc.) off the internet!
Happy Homes.