Do we lack empathy in the real estate industry?

Empathy isn’t a word used a lot in the real estate world. It often gets lumped together with touchy-feely words like “energy” and “balance.”

Now, if you’re familiar with my work, you know how I feel about this. It’s total crap.

These words are not only valid, they’re necessary to a healthy and sustainable business. Yet it seems the real estate industry as a whole lacks empathy.

The other day, I saw a post in one of the real estate Facebook groups. It really disturbed me. I’ll paraphrase: “my friend has been in the business a few years and just quit. Why do so many people fail in this industry?”

A slew of explanations, ranging from “they didn’t commit to their lead gen” to “some people think this is an easy way to make money, and it’s not for everyone" quickly showed up in the comments. Cue my eye roll.

I jumped in with my explanations. Maybe being in real estate no longer aligned with their goals, maybe their goals changed, maybe they hated it, maybe it was negatively affecting their health (mental or physical), maybe it’s something else we’re not privy to because it’s none of our business. Then I proceeded to gently scold the poster, asking why we have to label moving out of production “failing” or “quitting.”

Holy lack of empathy, Batman.

I see this SO often. I’m sure you do, too. And it’s not ok.

How about, instead of asking why someone failed or quit, we acknowledge all the nuances of being a human being, all the possible reasons someone would make a change. Sure, maybe they simply weren’t cut out to be in such a high-stress field. So what? Does that make them a failure?

Absolutely not. Maybe it makes them a highly self aware person who’s taking the brave step to do something they’ll enjoy more, even if it means they’ll be blasted in a Facebook group.

Let’s go back to coming from curiosity. Asking questions. Supporting people and meeting them where they’re at. Realizing everyone is different. And that’s ok.

So, how can you show more empathy today? If we all showed a little bit more, the world would be a much better place. <3