This is just a quick note on semantics and the power of them. Searching the web for stories on real estate and housing I find two different tones in the stories.
If I am looking for a story using the term real estate, the stories typically are very authoritative and businesslike. They focus on the transaction and physical nature of the property, they rarely talk about individuals.
If I am looking for a story using the term housing, the stories usually are focused on something bad that has happened to a group or individual. There is angst and depression and usually a political or social undercurrent in the story.
- You never hear about affordable real estate, you hear about affordable housing.
- You never hear about the real estate bubble, you hear about housing bubble.
- You never hear about a state real estate project for the homeless, but they sure are called housing projects.
- Is it temporary real estate, or temporary housing? Conversely, low income real estate or low income housing?
So my question to you, if housing is such a personal term that evokes a personal relationship, why don’t real estate agents call themselves housing agents? If we are looking for a personal relationship and we know that housing is such a personal term, is that more advantageous to be a housing agent?
Does the term housing agent bring out negative connotations in the buyers or sellers minds? I have some guesses but would love to hear your feedback on the matter. It may be an opportunity for someone out there to change a paradigm.
No related posts.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I never really looked like it that way before, Tom.
Very interesting, indeed.
Good point. Housing agents has a nice ring to it and also does not come with all the negative assumptions that the term real estate agent does. It would be tough to change the paradigm though.
Thanks for the article on affordable housing. I’ve learn a lot and can really see where you are coming from. I will think differently when it comes to housing in the future.