Many moons ago the Air Force stationed me at Barksdale right here in Bossier City. I did not have any experience in buying a home (hey, we were all once first-time home buyers, right?) but I nonetheless stepped out of my comfort zone and trusted a local agent to help me through the process.
Honestly, I don’t recall much about that experience except to say there were no hiccups and everything went smoothly. But I don’t recall my real estate agent teaching me anything, helping me through the process much, anticipating my needs nor educating me so I could make decisions that were in my best interest and not theirs.
It was more like a hand’s-off approach … but it all, miraculously, worked out. Even though it wasn’t a terrible experience I knew it could have been much better. It was then that I decided, no, I knew that I could do things so much better … if I were ever provided the opportunity.
The Air Force ended up sending my family and I back to Barksdale AFB two more times which allowed me to experience the buying process and working with different agents again. But this time there was a difference. And the difference was the agents. These are people I still know to this day and call friends.
They took the time to listen, they cared enough to course correct me and make sure I made good decisions, they walked me through the steps, the process and all the paperwork, explaining everything to me. They did it all with such grace and ease. I was immediately impressed by their professionalism and high standards of integrity and patience.
When I decided to throw my hat in the ring and became an agent myself I knew exactly what service, integrity and professionalism looked like because I had witnessed those qualities firsthand myself. I knew what it took to not just be a good agent but an expert who cared, who wasn’t afraid to be honest and tell the truth (even if the truth is hard to say and hear) and who valued integrity and honor in an industry where most people forget their previous agents’ name.
I didn’t want to be forgotten. That’s not a good place to be and that’s not where I belong. I choose to be different because, well, because I was once where you are. I was once needing more help than I knew. I needed a professional on my side to help me buy and also sell, who knew what I needed before I even did and helped me to get results.
I know I still have a lot of work to do but I have had great role models and mentors. I believe in always growing and doing better. The past several years as an agent has refined and honed me. Humbled me and grown me. I am now in the daily process of becoming that which I wanted to be and taking the road less traveled has made all the difference.
**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Connect With Me Here
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