What exactly do real estate agents do?
I run into many different real estate agents on a daily basis. Some Pasadena real estate agents have tons of experience and others are just starting out. The prevalant change in the Pasadena real estate community is the change from being egocentric to customer focused.
To this day, many real estate agents flaunt their “multi-million” dollar status, being a top producer, being in the top % of their real estate company, etc. Not too many real estate agents talk about how they can help the consumer and what a real estate agent does for his or her client to ensure that they’re delighted with their service, etc.
Receiving and reviewing real estate purchase offer contracts, it is clear that the training for the majority of real estate professionals is not stellar. If you are or were a home seller, all you have to do is look at the real estate purchase counter offer to see how many items a your real estate agent would need to address or “clean up” prior to acceptance of the contract – and I’m not talking strictly about the price.
So… forgive me for going on about this, but it’s a sensitive subject that is near and dear to my heart. One real estate agent can create an impression on countless potential real estate consumers. As they say, perception is reality!
Here’s a list that Jennifer Allen put together when she was asked about “what makes a good real estate agent”.
A Real Estate Agent should:
- “You know your market, your systems and your contracts.
- You are a good negotiator.
- You put your clients’ needs above your need for a paycheck.
- You know how to properly price a home.
- You know what your seller needs to do to get his home ready for market.
- You know how to build rapport with your seller so that he trusts you.
- You know how to take decent photos.
- You know how to write an appealing MLS description.
- You return phone calls promptly.
- You preview listings so you don’t waste your buyer’s time.
- You know how much it costs to replace a 50 year old furnace.
- You have a handyman, a cleaning service and a good HVAC contractor.
- You’re pleasant to other agents so they’re happy to show your listings or accept your offers.
- You keep your brochure boxes full.
- Your lockboxes work…”
My additions to her list:
- A great real estate agent writes clean contracts.
- A great real estate agent strategizes with their client on how to make their offer stand out – price AND terms.
- A great real estate agent takes educational classes and strives to continually learn as the industry is changing.
- A great real estate agent networks with other real estate agents locally and throughout the country to share best practices.
- A great real estate agent should respond to emails immediately.
- A great real estate agent should know how to market a home they’re selling on the web
- A great real estate agent should be in touch with the changing real estate marketing techniques… Old school is good, but not enough… need to incorporate new and exciting techniques in helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs.
- A great real estate agent creates dynamic on-line presentations to market homes.
- A great real estate agent is not afraid to say “I don’t know”, but I will research and get back to you.
- A great real estate agent is honest and ethical!
- There’s a lot more that I can add to this, but you get my point, right?
- Old school where it’s all about me is OUT! New school – all about the real estate consumer is in.
Is your agent, a great real estate agent?
Comments
Hi Irina -
I love the video - I think I've met that guy somewhere!
Speaking of networking with other agents - will you be at the upcoming REBARCampOC? Hope to see you there!
Vicki
Professionalism + knowledge + honesty = a great real estate agent.
Hi Irinia- Great post- I strive to be all of the above and more! And I totally agree about the out-school agents out there that haven't adjusted to the new real estate market....still amazed at how many seasoned agents don't even put photos in their MLS listings, let alone advertise on the web!
This is a constantly evolving industry and part of our job as a quality agent, is keeping up with the times.
Thanks!
Paul Kalan
www.PaulKaplanRealtor.com
Palm Springs
Vicki, how great to see you here at the examiner! I wish I could be in Newport this Thursday, but have clients flying in from Australia. Have fun though!
Greg, couldn't agree more!
Paul, yes... I'm surprised how many agents are NOT keeping up with the times.
All - Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Hi Irina,
This is very useful and well put together. I do not think people really understand what goes into being a great realtor. Thank you for a great article.
:)
Zeina Zeitouni
LA Womens Business Examiner
Broker, Realty Nation
Zeina, thanks!
Hello Irena,
Integrity and honesty are absolute vital qualities combined with a clear understanding of the market and the buying and selling process.
Paul Parks
www.estateagentchiswick.com
Irina, Now that was a pleasant surprise. Jennifer is a very good friend of mine. I was honored to be one of the contributers to some of her recent books focused on "Selling with Soul". It is important for agents to stay current with the ever changing markets. It is also important that we are consistent in our approach to every aspect of our career. The public, our prospects and our clients deserve our care and absolute honesty in every way. I support the "Selling with Soul" style and hope that more agents understand the focus of our profession is to help those buying and selling...we facilitate and advise, the final decision is in our clients court.
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