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A Patient Advocate Is Just Like….
In a conversation with a group of friends, Lisa told us she has decided to buy her first house. She feels like the market is right – prices are low, interest rates are low – so why not take the plunge? We responded by providing advice to her based on our own experiences with buying homes. “Be sure to get it inspected.” “Shop around for mortgage rates.” “Sign a contract with a buyer’s agent, otherwise your interests won’t really be represented.” “Beware of shortsales and bank repos because I’ve heard really bad things about those on the news.” … and more … Poor Lisa. She became nervous, confused and a bit overwhelmed. “How am I supposed to know all of this? How does anyone buy a house without doing something stupid?” The answer? They consult an expert to help them. A real estate agent, or a family member or attorney, or someone who has a successful track record of making, or guiding, home purchasers. It occurred to me that there are dozens of things that people need help with everyday that we consult experts to help us to do: Hairstylists cut our hair, style and (oh yes) color it, too. Wedding planners or bridal consultants are growing in numbers because engaged couples (or moms) don’t have the time or expertise to get their wedding day put together the way they want it. We consult professionals to help us do our taxes each year. Attorneys help us understand the law to write a will, handle a divorce or, like Lisa, buy a house. Loved ones pass away and we turn to the funeral director to help us. Burials are affected by emotions, weather, laws, religion, customs – all kinds of aspects we rarely deal with, but which are extremely important to get right when the time comes. When junior just doesn’t understand math, we hire a tutor for that extra assist. We tap financial advisors to help us sort out investments. A rocky marriage leads to some counseling to get past the rough spots – or to help determine that divorce…