Real Estate Agents, who are we and what do we do. Do we sell property? But we don’t own any stock.. Do we sell expectations? But what is an expectation.
So what is it we actually do. Well in a nutshell from isn’t it putting a willing buyer in front of a willing seller, creating an agreement and facilitating the process through. In a nutshell that’s it, but obviously there is a lot more in that takes place in the middle that can either make it easier and quicker or make the experience a nightmare.
So what makes a good agent that will make the process easier and an enjoyable experience. Obviously there is such a vast amount of different personalities out there and no one personality is ever going to get on and work well everybody. But there must be a general type of person that will be a good Real Estate Agent that as a buyer and a seller would trust.
I work in this industry and am proud to be a Real Estate Agent and am happy to help people with their property needs. Bringing the tools to a client is just awesome so they can sell their house. And likewise with buyers. Bringing knowledge to them to help them make an informed decision about their purchase is fantastic.
But when I tell people in a social setting my profession most people go “oh your one of those thieving bastards”. This actually gets under my skin and I find myself defending my position in life. So why do we have such a bad name? Why are Real Estate Agents considered one of the lowest trusted people in the Professional world. Don’t try and say that it’s not true because it’s just a fact! Could it be because of the fairly substantial amount of money involved in each transaction where emotions naturaly run high with money or is it just that there are simply some agents out there that are lazy, obnoxious, rude and just don’t seem to care less about the person and are just in the job to make a quick buck! Which is easier said than done. So is it the actions of a few that give the whole a bad name. Or is it deeper than that?
Well what makes a good agent then? For me a few things come to mind. Accountability in your words I think is important. Do what you say you will do. Walk your talk. Also I believe honesty is crucial. Don’t tell lies just to be able to tell the client what you think they want to hear. Be transparent. Important as well is keeping up with the times. Know the technology that gets to the people. Know the market. Gosh there is just so much to say.
But what do you think. Post what you think a good agent would consist of so maybe if a bad agent reads this they may learn what not to do and let’s try and turn this industries name around. Be the good guys for once that people can trust instead of being snarled upon when we say we are in real estate. Maybe share an experience that you have had and tell us how it could have been made better. Be honest.
The best now need a skill base in relationships, marketing, computer literacy, applying market data and information, economic understanding, community involvement, symbiotic products, and PR to name just a few I would suggest – many of the talents you possess Dion
Service
Integrity
Honesty
Knowledge
Genuine desire to solve the Vendors & Purchasers needs, before your own.
Open to alternatives (rent to buy, leasing, long term settlement, vendor finance etc)