Dads have lots of unique ways of showing affection, from telling lame “dad jokes” to checking tire pressure. Trainer Rachel Heidt writes that dads in the real estate industry have mastered a form of affection called “acts of service.”
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If there’s one affectionate expression that fathers use well, it’s acts of service. And with Father’s Day this weekend, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the things our dads say and do for us that we might not realize. These simple expressions of affection show us, in ways big and small, that they care about us.
The real estate business is unique in that you are both a wise and trusted guide for your clients while also working closely with the concerned father or uncle who wants to ensure their loved one has a safe home to live in. When we think of acts of service, it applies to the maintenance of cars, homes, and everything in between.
Here are 6 ways your dad can say “I love you.”
‘Drive carefully’
From checking tire pressure to reminders for inspections and oil changes to making sure there’s fluid to melt ice on the windshield in the winter, dads are always happy to do a quick inspection of the car. Encouraging people to drive safely becomes second nature, from their kids to their clients. Real estate dads are also available to jump start a client’s car or change a client’s flat tire, which is implicit in their services.
“I can fix it.”
One thing I’ve noticed is that real estate dads often have a handy toolkit on hand. They’ll shake out suspiciously loose railings with their client’s dads to agree that regular maintenance has been done. It’s not uncommon to see real estate dads right in the middle of the situation, under the floor or in the attic with the home inspector.
“Shall I give you a ride?”
They’re just a phone call away, and if your dad is available, they’ll happily pick you up and drive you too. If you’re lucky, they might even tell you some funny dad jokes during the ride or while showing you around the car.
“I want to do this with grass.”
Lawn care is serious business for dads: Seeding the gaps, fertilizing, trimming, creating perfect lines, dads will tell you how good grass looks on the road, and they know exactly where to get the cheapest mulch for their flower beds.
Bonus: The dads are armchair experts when it comes to pest control and animal removal, and unfortunately for viewers, they might want a professional to be called.
“Let’s give you a treat!”
There’s nothing better than a dad saying, “Let’s get in the car and grab a milkshake” or whatever treat we’re going to have, especially after a hard day. There’s always that one real estate dad in the office who’s the first to bring the donuts and make coffee for everyone. for your information: Dad also falls into this category, taking you to Costco to stock up on essentials.
“This is what we need to do to stay safe.”
Dads who are experts in home and personal safety have plenty of advice about keeping doors and windows securely locked and carrying personal safety equipment, and some of the most well-run safety committees in the real estate industry are led by real estate dads who want everyone they care about to be safe.
About fathers and the love they show
I grew up in a low-income family in rural Appalachia, so we didn’t have much, but I never felt like I lacked anything. My dad worked six days a week in a commercial welding job from the time he was 18, and he continues to do so as he nears retirement age.
My father is a quiet man, but one thing I have always known is that I am loved because he spoke the words “I love you” through his acts of service.
He was the best to me when I was active in real estate, showing homes and driving across two states and eight counties. He made sure I carried pepper spray, he came over to my house after work to mow my lawn when I was too busy working two jobs as a single mom, he brought over buckets of chicken so I didn’t have to make dinner.
When I think of Father’s Day, I think of single moms like me who are just trying to make ends meet. I think of those who miss the fathers they lost (or never met). Given these realities of life, the dads who are here and present and doing a good job of caring for their families and networks are very special.
Phrases like “Drive Safe,” “What’s your gas money?”, “Did you lock the back door?” and “Did you set the thermostat?” all form the “I love you” that’s so needed in this challenging world. This weekend, I hope you’ll take a moment to celebrate your own dad, husband, boyfriend, grandfather, uncle, friend or any dad you know in a special way.
If Father’s Day is a difficult day for you, that’s understandable. These relationships are often not fairy tales and we shouldn’t romanticize what wasn’t actually a beautiful story. You can turn this difficulty into a positive light by being a “dad” and showing acts of service to those you love and care about.
Let your family and friends know that some good “dad advice” can make a big difference in how valued and loved they feel.
Rachel Heidt is a former agent, business development specialist, fair housing advocate, and copy editor who is now in the long-term business of selling permanent housing in a retirement continuing care community in Northern Virginia. Connect with her about life, marketing, and business at Instagram.
