Real estate old-timers talk a lot about having real estate "experience." As a member of that club, I probably over-use the term myself because experience DOES set me apart from agents who bring little to the table except their license, the enthusiasm of being new, and - oh yes - technology know-how that makes them a better choice than any "old pro." (Implied here: anyone over fifty prefers dial telephones, doesn't know how to turn on computers, and isn't accessible.)
WRONG! There's absolutely no guarantee that an inexperienced agent has more technical skills or is better connected through technology than an experienced one. In fact, the ideal agent is one who brings BOTH to the table.

Obviously we all have to package ourselves to emphasize the qualities that differentiate us from our competition - whether it's experience, technology, local expertise, professional memberships and designations, our sales record or whatever. But that packaging doesn't mean a thing if a prospective client doesn't "know, like, and trust" us.
THAT is how a consumer decides!
The list of our credentials is just one factor - a small part of getting to know you - and most of us invest a lot of time and effort into putting that "marketing package" together. But it's not enough to swing potential consumers our way. Let me ask this...
What makes them like you?
Is it the friend you have in common... perhaps the one who referred you to them? The content of your blog that makes them feel comfortable with you and your business practices? The fact that you share a love of fishing? Your good looks, great smile, or sunny personality? Whatever it is, liking you is a necessary ingredient in a consumer's choice of agent and just as important to them as your marketing package. That's why you should always take the time for building rapport with consumers, finding something nice to say about their home, and looking for evidence in their home of something you have in common. This is a step that's easy to overlook, as you eagerly pull out your marketing package and all the paperwork you spent hours preparing for them.
But even if you do hit it off and you have a dynamite listing or buyer's presentation, do you know how to build trust?
No, it's not your list of credentials and not even your experience. It's 3rd party testimonials and success stories. Some folks simply provide references, others offer a pre-printed list of testimonials or perhaps a CD/DVD with video recordings of former clients, and some folks keep a scrapbook of thank you notes and/or feedback forms from previous clients. Whatever your vehicle for building trust, JUST DO IT! Include testimonials in every presentation and on your website to help build trust.
Experience or technology, personality or record sales production... they're all nice to have and it's important for you to make a good case for yourself, as to your qualifications. But remember that consumers want and need more to help them decide first "Should I hire an agent" and then "Which agent should I choose."
You've heard it many times before today, but let me say it again: They will choose an agent they know, like and trust.
P.S. - "You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression," so be sure to address ALL of these factors in each and every presentation. All the experience in the world means nothing if consumers don't take a liking to you. All the technical know-how you have means nothing if you don't earn consumers' trust.
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Margaret Woda is a licensed Associate Broker in Crofton Maryland. She specializes in serving the real estate needs of home owners and home buyers in Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George's Counties, Maryland, including Fort Meade, Andrews AFB, and the U.S. Naval Academy. If you enjoyed reading this post, check out Focus On Crofton and Your Online Relocation Package for Anne Arundel County.
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I get a chuckle out of comments like,
"Sure the old timers have the experience, but, the younger agents have the tech skills".
That is absolute nonsense.
We old timers have the experience to evaluate those new "tech thingees".