Mike-ism's - simply some of my thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints. They come into play when working with client's to help them achieve their goals. If you take pride in what you do, you will normally "overachieve." It doesn't matter what field or profession you are in - people will always be able to tell who truly cares about their best interests and it will shine through - loud and clear. If you want to "push the envelope" in order to get your seller the highest sales price, there is a right way and a wrong way on how to accomplish this goal. (I know the right way well, but can't mention it here, because you never know when another agent might be peeking.) When helping your seller set a sales price for their property - research, research, and research. When I see $5000 and $10,000 mistakes being made (properties sold below market value), it does upset me, and I definitely do not want to see it happen to you. A good Realtor must look at all the varying factors when helping their seller(s) set the sales price. It is never enough to simply look at the property's subdivision. You must look at competing subdivisions nearby, properties that are currently under contract but not yet sold, and more. When working for a buyer, never put them into a property that you wouldn't buy for yourself at the price they have offered if you were presented with similar circumstances. When working with a buyer, you must always look at and consider the potential re-sale value of the property. Whether working with buyers or sellers, always work to save your client's money at every possible juncture throughout the real estate transaction. If you are considering purchasing a new home from a Builder, always have a good Realtor that understands modern construction techniques representing your interests. The Builder represents themselves. (The costs associated of having a Realtor represent your interests is normally already built into the base price of the properties so whether you have a Realtor or not, you are more than likely paying for the cost of Realtor representation.) *Note - I could write a short novel on this subject, but for now, I will simply say I have reduced client's worries and fears on countless occasions while overseeing the new homes construction process for them. Always go the distance and take the extra steps for your clients. Anything you can do to alleviate some pressure from your clients is a good thing. I consider the extra's routine and I do them happily. Some of my colleagues may never understand, but then again, I have been told by client's that I have completely changed their view of what they once thought about Realtors. If you desire to do your best for your clients, you can never afford to miss a beat. If you take pride in what you do and take care of your clients and their needs first, everything else should take care of itself. Never take for granted the fact that clients are entrusting you with the transaction of perhaps their most important asset - their property and their home. When given the opportunity, I will do all in my power to earn my client's trust and respect. Clients will always be considered to be friends and they should be client's and friends for life. If real estate is "location, location, location," as many have said, Northern Virginia is one of the greatest places in the country to invest in and own real estate. Always know the real estate transaction is a unique transaction in the way sellers may always believe they might have been able to get a little more money, while the buyers may always believe they might have been able to pay a little less. I will leave Mike-isms by saying although Real Estate is a serious business; I will always look to have a little fun while helping my client's achieve their goals and objectives. I want to do everything I can to make my client's transaction a pleasurable experience and I would look forward to having you as a client.