Father’s Day is around the corner, and it’s got us reflecting on those classic “dad-isms” – the eye-rolling one-liners and nuggets of wisdom our fathers or mentors shared.
Funny thing is, a lot of that dad advice sticks with us, especially in the real estate world. In honor of all the father figures out there, here’s a lighthearted look at a few dad-inspired lessons that prove dad might really know best, even in real estate.
👆 “Measure twice, cut once.” (Preparation Pays Off)
If you had a DIY dad, you’ve heard this one. The idea: double-check before you make a move – it saves you from costly mistakes. In real estate, this translates to doing your homework.
Before you price that listing or submit that offer, measure twice: run the comps, verify the data, and read the fine print. A little extra prep can prevent a deal from “cutting” into your commission later. Dad was right – whether it’s cutting wood or drafting contracts, a careful second look is always worth it.
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🏦 “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” (Budget Realistically)
Ah yes, the classic budget lecture. As kids we learned there’s no magic money tree, and as agents we know the same goes for housing budgets. A buyer might wish for a five-bedroom smart home with a pool and sauna, but if the pre-approval says otherwise, well… time for a reality check.
Managing expectations is part of our job. We channel that dad-like frankness to guide clients: you can’t buy the dream home with monopoly money. The good news? Wise investments and sensible budgets do bear fruit – maybe not on trees, but in equity over time.
✍️ “Always get it in writing.” (Have a Paper Trail)
Ever try making a verbal deal with your dad? He might've insisted on writing it down (even if it was just the chore list). The principles of integrity, honesty, and clarity carry over to real estate.
Handshakes and verbal promises are nice and all, but smart agents (and smart dads) know that if it matters, it should be in writing.
From signed listing agreements to detailed inspection reports, having a paper trail protects everyone. It’s less about trust issues and more about clear communication. As Dad might say, “I trust you, but let’s put it on paper just in case.”
Or more personally, my dad always said, "keep honest people honest."
🌉 “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?” (Think for Yourself)
We swore we’d never use this line… yet here we are understanding its brilliance. In a competitive market, it’s easy to get caught up in trends or copy-cat tactics (“Everyone is door-knocking this week, I should too!”).
But some agents channel a bit of fatherly skepticism. Just because “everyone’s doing it” doesn’t mean it’s right for you or your clients. Maybe all the agents in town are overpricing listings to make sellers happy – you know better.
Stand on your own two feet, do what’s right, and don’t "leap off" that proverbial bridge just because others did. Clients will respect the authenticity, and Dad would approve.
👍 “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” (Give It Your All)
Dads have a way of instilling pride in workmanship – whether it was washing the car or finishing a school project, there was likely no half-hearted effort allowed. In real estate, doing it right means putting in the effort for quality service.
That could mean triple-checking the MLS listing for typos, staying up an extra hour to fine-tune a marketing plan, or going the extra mile to find answers for a nervous first-time buyer.
The little details matter. A father figure’s voice in the back of your mind saying “do it properly!” might be the difference between a deal that falls apart and one that earns you rave reviews.
To get more personal again, my dad gave us an acronym when we were growing up: DRIFT (which he said stood for Do It Right The First Time). This really worked when we were younger, but one day I realized the acronym was more like DIRTFT. I confronted him about it, and I think he knew all along, but he said DIRTFT wasn't as memorable, to which I agreed. Either way, it stuck and I remember it to this day.
👏 Dads & Mentors: Thank You
Our dads and mentors taught us more than how to change a tire or grill the perfect steak. They taught us about hard work, fairness, patience, and yes, even a bit about real estate (whether they knew it or not!).
So this week, as we juggle showings and paperwork, let’s give a nod to the “father knows best” wisdom guiding us along. And don’t forget to call your dad or the mentor who’s been like a dad – maybe not to talk about cap rates or clients, but to simply say thank you.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures who helped build us into the people (and the professionals) we are today!