From bad dad jokes to checking your tire pressure, dads have many unique ways to show love. Trainer Rachael Hite writes that real estate dads have mastered the love language of “acts of service.”
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If there is one right love language for fathers, it is acts of service. As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I wanted to take a moment to think about all the things dads say and do for us that might go unnoticed by you. These simple acts of love show us they care in big and small ways.
The unique thing about working in real estate is that you are a wise and trusted guide to your clients, but you also often work closely with concerned fathers and uncles who want to make sure their loved ones get into a safe home. When we think of acts of service, it involves the maintenance of cars, homes, and things in between.
Here are six ways dads can say “I love you.”
‘Safe Driving’
From checking tire pressure to reminding us of inspections and oil changes to checking for ice melt on the windshield in the winter, dads are always down for a quick car inspection. Tell people that driving safely becomes second nature, whether it’s a child or a client. Real Estate Dads are also prepared to jump on a client’s car or replace a client’s flat tire; this is an implicit part of their service.
“I can fix this”
One thing I’ve noticed is that real estate dads tend to have a pretty good tool kit on hand. They would work with the client’s father to shake out the suspiciously loose handrail and agree to do some regular maintenance. In the most critical situations, it’s not uncommon to find a real estate dad in the crawlspace or attic of a home inspector.
‘Do you want a lift?
They are just a phone call away and if dads are able, they will be happy to pick you up and drive you. If you’re lucky, they’ll also share a good dad joke during the ride or screening.
“That’s what I’m going to do with grass.”
When it comes to lawn care, it’s serious business for dads. From filling bare spots with seed, to feeding and treating, to shaping perfect lines, dads love to talk about the curb appeal of their lawns—and they know where to buy the cheapest flower bed mulch.
bonus: Dads are armchair experts at pest control and animal removal, much to the chagrin of viewers who probably wish they’d called a professional.
“Let’s treat you to a treat!”
There’s nothing better than dad saying “let’s get in the car and get a milkshake” or something to eat, especially after a rough day. There’s always a real estate dad in the office who’s the first one with donuts and making coffee for everyone. for reference: Dads who take you to Costco to buy essential items also fall into this category.
“You need to do this to stay safe”
As experts on home and personal security, dads have plenty of advice on making sure doors and windows are locked and personal safety devices are carried. Some of the best-run safety committees in real estate are led by real estate dads who want to see everyone they care about stay safe.
Some notes about fathers and the love they showed
Growing up in a low-income family in rural Appalachia, we didn’t have much, but I never felt like I didn’t have anything. My father has been commercially welding six days a week since he was 18 years old and continues to do so even though he is nearing retirement.
My father was a quiet man, but one thing I always knew was that I was loved because he spoke the words “I love you” through his acts of service.
He was my 3A guy when I was actively working in real estate, showing homes, and driving back and forth between two states and 8 counties. He made sure I brought pepper spray, and when I was too busy as a single mom working two jobs, he would come over after get off work and mow my lawn — with a bucket of chicken so I didn’t have to cook.
When I think of Father’s Day, I think of single moms like me who are just trying to keep things together. I think of those who miss losing (or never having) their fathers. These realities of life make it very special for the dads out there who work hard to take care of their families and their networks.
All the “drive safes” and “do you have gas money?” and “did you lock the back door?” and “did you set the thermostat?” to make up for the “I love yous” needed in this challenging world. I hope this weekend you take a moment to celebrate your own father, husband, boyfriend, grandfather, uncle, friend or another father you know in a special way.
If Father’s Day is a challenging day for you, I understand. These relationships are often not fairy tales, and we shouldn’t romanticize stories that aren’t beautiful. You can turn challenges into positives if you become a “dad” and show some acts of service to those you love and care about.
Let your family and friends know that good “dad advice” can make a huge difference in how they feel cared for and loved.
Rachael Hite is a former broker, business development professional, fair housing advocate, copy editor, and currently perfecting her long-term game of selling forever homes at a retirement continuing care community in Northern Virginia. You can chat with her about life, marketing, and business on Instagram.