"I am a People Person. Right?" - Some Red Flag Phrases

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be taken too seriously. 

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 inwardly 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. 

This is much like someone saying, "I don't mean this to sound rude, but...", or "I'm not trying to interrupt, but..." or (my favorite) "I have a great sense of humor."  Have you ever heard anyone say, "I am really funny" who actually is?

On another note, one phrase that I find humorous is "You are not going to believe this, but..."

Such as ...

"You're not going to believe this, but I just got a parking ticket."

OR

"You're not going to believe this, but I just met Sandra Bullock's hairstylist."

Are either of these phrases unbelievable?  Not in my opinion. 

Just once, I would love to hear someone say, "You're not going to believe this, but...:

• "I am 186 years old."
• "I just stepped into an alternate dimension for a few minutes."
• "I can travel through time."
• "I am forming an exploratory committee to run for President."

Those seem more interesting and compelling, and simply harder to believe.  Just my two cents.