Being Unique & Effective in Real Estate: Superpowers

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Education & Training with Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.

"Information is Free. Knowledge, Experience, and Integrity Are Priceless"
-Carol Williams 

The July 2023 Challenge co-hosted by John Meussner and Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 is to share the tale of my exceptional business prowess! I never thought of myself as exceptional but when I stop to think about it maybe I was.

So, here is the tale of my humble journey to success in my real estate career. It was through innovation, knowledge, integrity, and authenticity.

Here is the scoop:

Innovation:
Back in the day, not long after dinosaurs roamed the Earth, I was already on my way to superhero status through cutting edge technology. I had an email address, a cell phone, and even a fancy fax machine at home!  You won't believe it, but I once scored a listing just because I had an email address. Turns out, the out-of-town owner of a local duplex had been struggling to communicate with her previous agent. Who knew a simple email could save the day? Oh, and let's not forget, I was the blogging pioneer of my market area. Blogging turned out to be one of my secret marketing superpower weapons, and it worked wonders! I was blogging when J.K. Rowling was still a child.

Knowledge & Experience:
Knowledge is said to be power, but let me tell you, my friends, knowledge alone won't get you far. You gotta know what to do with that knowledge, and that's where I excelled. I had all the real estate agent basics down, but my real superpowers were my insane knowledge of the Wenatchee Valley, the surrounding area, and the available inventory of homes. I knew more about the local inventory than anyone else on the planet. Seriously, I could have been a human encyclopedia for houses. Every week, without fail, I went to see every single listing that hit the market. I didn't just preview the new listing sheets. I went to see every house. Well, except when I was off galavanting in exotic lands with my husband, of course.

Let me share a tale that perfectly illustrates the power of my inventory knowledge. I once had a relocation client who had a bad case of home-hunting PTSD. Her previous agent had dragged her through a mind-numbing 60 homes. Can you imagine? But fear not, my friend! I assured her I had the magical ability to pinpoint the perfect house without making her lose her sanity. I showed her and her hubby just a handful of homes, and they shared their feedback. I had a gut feeling that I would know when the right house came along. Lo and behold, every few days, she'd call me all excited about some For Sale sign she spotted while driving around town. She wanted to see the house, of course, and I'd humor her. But deep down, I knew she wouldn't like it, and gosh was I right every single time! Eventually, she began to trust my mystical inventory instincts. Then, one fateful day, THE house appeared, as if by magic, on the market. I called her up like any superhero real estate agent would. There was a catch, though—it was in a neighborhood they weren't keen on. But I insisted they give it a chance because it was one of the nicest neighborhoods in the whole area. Reluctantly, they obliged, and BAM! They fell head over heels for the place and couldn't submit an offer fast enough. My fingers were flying across the keyboard. Good thing I could type fast. See, my friends, it pays to listen to your clients and have an encyclopedic knowledge of the inventory. I could've been a psychic, right?

Of course, there's more! My knowledge didn't stop at just houses and neighborhoods. Oh no, my negotiating skills were legendary. I had this uncanny ability to see things from both sides and present them in a way that made everyone happy. I once wowed a judge with my negotiating prowess. He had a rock-solid price in mind, but after witnessing my mind-blowing presentation, he banged his gavel and approved the lower price. I won that case and we closed the deal for my buyers. The judge told me he had never seen or heard anything like it! Who needs a law degree when you have the negotiating skills of a ninja, right? Maybe I missed my calling as a lawyer. Oh well, LOL! 

Integrity & Authenticity:
Who could expect to become a superhero without integrity? It's not complicated. It's a simple matter of treating others as you would like to be treated and do it with total transparency. 

Oh, one more thing:
I was always of the mind that if I can't have fun, I'm not doing it. That attitude served me well over the years too. I remember giving a referral to a previous client who was moving out of town. She wrote a thank you note after she closed on a new home. She said they did a good job and tried hard but they weren't fun like me.  Awww.

So, my friends, that's the story of how I conquered the business world with my innovative gadgets, my all-knowing real estate senses, my negotiation sorcery, and some humor.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time I commission a bronze statue of myself. Just kidding! But hey, I hope you enjoyed this lighthearted journey through my exceptional business escapades. Remember, it's all in good humor, and it's always fun to share what made us successful.

Cheers to being exceptional and not taking ourselves too seriously!


Thank you John and Margaret for hosting this fun Challenge.





Posted by



"Information is FREE.
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless."

- Carol Williams

Retired: Real Estate Broker/Owner, Property Manager 
Coaching, goal setting, and marketing consultant

Active: Golf & Travel Blogger
"Golf isn't a sport. It's a lifestyle."
SeniorWomenGolfers.com
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com

Comments (30)

Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

You were and are a superhero! Love this post so much. So glad to know you.

Jul 16, 2023 06:04 PM
Carol Williams

Awwww... Thanks, Dr. Paula McDonald 
I'm so glad we got to spend some time together as I passed through Granbury in 2021.

Jul 17, 2023 06:10 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hello Carol - your history, personally as well as in real estate, blend to create a unique power.  This marvelous combination sets you apart.  Thankfully you continue to use it for good rather than using it for evil.  Thankfully.  😇

Jul 16, 2023 07:21 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Michael Jacobs 
You made me realize how I should have ended my post. Now that I am retired from real estate I will continue to use my superpowers for good, not evil. 😂

Jul 17, 2023 06:11 AM
Michael Jacobs

Carol Williams - 'it' (however defined) continues to be a "work in progress".  

Jul 17, 2023 06:51 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

This entire market seems to be opening up pretty well. I also think that you are the stuff that dreams are made of

Jul 16, 2023 09:53 PM
Carol Williams

Thank you for the kind words, Laura Cerrano 
I hope you have a great week!

Jul 17, 2023 06:11 AM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hey, Carol.

You never cease to amaze me with your storytelling skills, whether in person or on paper. Who else could make a trip to the dentist sound hilarious? If anyone else tried to tell me that tooth-pulling mishap, I'd say, "Yeah, right!" But you, my friend, have a knack for spinning a tale. 

Jul 16, 2023 11:41 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Aura Alex 
The dental journey has taken a wrong turn. I'll have to tell you about that sometime too. I'm not sure I can make this one funny. 🤨

Jul 17, 2023 06:13 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I don't like doing things that won't be fun for me either so I think your way of approaching things was sound!

Jul 17, 2023 06:22 AM
Carol Williams

No fun. No deal, right Brian England ?

Jul 21, 2023 09:49 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
Relocation to NW AZ with elbow room & more freedom

Love your take on what makes you unique. I do agree with you about having fun. 

Jul 17, 2023 06:31 AM
Carol Williams

Who can argue with having fun, right Leanne Smith ?

Jul 21, 2023 09:49 AM
Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

I will start a letter writing campaign to my congressmen, and women to get your face carved on the side of Mt Rushmore.

Jul 17, 2023 06:54 AM
Carol Williams

Hey Ed Silva 
Now, that would be something!  🤣

Jul 21, 2023 09:50 AM
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

I agree with Endre, go for the gold...only if you have a place to display it.  

Jul 17, 2023 09:23 AM
Carol Williams

I'll see who will pay me the most to display my statue, Peter Mohylsky 850-517-7098 . 🤣

Jul 21, 2023 09:50 AM
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Thanks for the fun read and the entry into this month's contest, Carol : )  There are some exceptional takeaways!

Jul 17, 2023 10:52 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks, John Meussner 
It was fun to write

Jul 21, 2023 09:51 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Carol- I loved this and yes, I had fun reading this.  I was an agent for one year and was taken under the wing of a beautiful lady who'd been an agent for 30+ years. She did view every new listing in our area and knew more about the homes in our "farm" area than others agents!!!

Jul 17, 2023 12:50 PM
Carol Williams

Maybe I am a reincarnation of your mentor, Kathy Streib. 😊

Jul 21, 2023 09:51 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Excellent contest entry and beautifully written Carol Williams 

I laughed at how long you've been a blogger. \My line :" I've been blogging since Moby Dick was a minnow."

Jul 17, 2023 02:21 PM
Carol Williams

And, we're embracing our age aren't we, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400?

Jul 21, 2023 09:52 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Wonderfully, written, Carol.  And, I love the photo accompanying it.  I am convinced most of us have a superpower.  All, we need is believing in ourselves, and putting forth effort to allow it to manifest.

Jul 17, 2023 06:50 PM
Carol Williams

I think you're right, Myrl Jeffcoat 
We just need to develop our superpowers and use them for good, not evil. 😊

Jul 21, 2023 09:53 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Carol, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Jul 17, 2023 06:50 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks, Myrl Jeffcoat 
I always appreciate a Feature in the OFC.

Jul 21, 2023 09:53 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Carol. When you have strengths you have to use them. The you have the knowledge you had of your service area, you can't be beat. And feel have the knowledge. Kudos to you. Enjoy your day.

Jul 18, 2023 04:19 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks, Wayne Martin 
Developing those superpowers isn't always easy, but oh so rewarding.

Jul 21, 2023 09:53 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Carol, for sharing your personal experience.

Have an outstanding summer. 

Jul 19, 2023 06:00 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks, Roy Kelley 
And thanks for the reblog a few days ago.

Jul 21, 2023 09:54 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh my gosh, Carol! From the first photo to the last word, this post is SO you and SO true! I love your sense of humor and have to say that I surprise people with my negotiating sorcery as well - they simply don't see it coming and I LOVE that! 

Loved every point and truthfully, YOU ARE SUPERWOMAN - always have been!

Jul 19, 2023 06:19 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, I could not agree more, Carol Williams! I had a real estate coach once who asked me what set me apart from other agents. I sort of flippantly said, "What you see is what you get - I'm 100% genuine. I don't pull punches but, when punching, I put 'southern sweet' on it!" He didn't even laugh! He said, "It 100% SHOULD be your negotiating strength. If it's not, we need to work on that until it is!" 

Oh, how right he was too - it wins bidding wars, wins listings and wins in life, as you said. 

Jul 21, 2023 04:18 PM
Carol Williams

Awwww, thanks Debe Maxwell, CRS 
Negotiating superpowers is one of the best ever. It's useful in so many ways in life.

Jul 21, 2023 09:55 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

You are, of course, a SUPERHERO. But more importantly, where did you get that photo?! It's fantastical! Hugs to you, my friend.

Jul 20, 2023 09:51 AM
Mimi Foster

DepositPhotos is my "preferred provider." Thanks!

Jul 22, 2023 07:38 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Mimi Foster 
Thanks for the kind words. I use a few different stock image sights. That one may have come from DepositPhotos

Jul 21, 2023 09:56 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I had to look twice to see who wrote this, but I knew immediately it was you when I saw "Wenatchee!"  GREAT post and I love that you did all of this prior to technology.  Technology is great, but it doesn't walk into homes for you so you can experience neighborhoods, let alone homes.  LOVE it.  Great entry for the challenge!

Jul 21, 2023 09:01 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks, Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ 
Inventory knowledge gave me a great sense of confidence working with sellers and buyers.

Jul 21, 2023 09:57 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Good for you Carol!  Your hard work paid off in dividends.  My previous owner of the franchise where I hung my license used to say, if you aren't vusy, find something to sell someone!

Jul 21, 2023 12:12 PM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Carol Williams WOW!  I loved your story and you had me at you "looked at every single new listing!"  Amazing!  I could do that now because inventory is so low, but back in the day?  Wow!  You are EXCEPTIONAL 😄

Jul 25, 2023 03:31 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

I love it! It mixes the perfect blend of humor and knowledge and skill, all in one.

Jul 31, 2023 11:46 AM