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Which Realtor® are you?

Which Realtor® are you?

I'd like to see which Realtor® you would consider yourself to be. Take a look at the list and I would love to hear from all of you. I'm not saying you have to be perfect or follow all of these...well maybe about 90% of them will tell you what type of an agent you claim to be.

This list comes from my past experience of the types of agents I've had the pleasure of working with and the not so pleasurable ones that make us all look bad.

I didn't itemize them so it could be operating as a listing agent or a buyers agent.

I'm all seriousness.....let's see if anyone will admit to mistakes they might have made.

Realtor® -A

Answers their phone.
Returns calls within 24 hrs or less.
Doesn't clog up their voice mail.
Follows up with their clients.
Follows up with other agents.
Has someone cover for you if you're out of town
Works the deal together no matter which side they represent.
Doesn't leave the other agent holding the bag.
Doesn't stall when things go wrong....tries to work it out.
When showing a property...they leave their card and lock the doors and put back the key where it belongs.
Takes 5 minutes to contact the listing agent if they plan on being late or cancels the showing.
When writing a purchase contract...they fill in all the information applicable to the transaction.
Sends their clients an updated analysis on a regular basis
Shows up at the inspection
Shows up at the appraisal if need
Shows up at the closing
Makes sure they have their client stay within the important time-lines of a contract.
Keeps everyone informed of any issues that might arise during the transaction.
Acts cordial and professional.
When meeting with clients...dresses professionally.
Always is on time

Realtor® -B

Never answers their phone.
Doesn't return calls.
Goes out of town with no way to contact them
Their voice mail is always full so you can't leave a message.
Their phone has a rap music ring-tone
Hardly ever follows up with their clients.
Never follows up with other agents.
Is more concerned when they'll get paid before putting their client's interest first no matter which side they represent.
Always leaves the other agent holding the bag.
Stalls and hides when things go wrong.
When showing a property...never leaves their card and leaves lights on and doors unlocked and takes the key with them.
Can't find 5 minutes to contact the listing agent if they plan on being late or cancels the showing and always blames the client.
When writing a purchase contract...they never fill in all the information applicable to the transaction and doesn't include escrow or pre-approval letters if applicable.
Does absolutely no marketing or make minimal effort to sell the property
Doesn't ever send their clients an updated market analysis on a regular basis
Never shows up at the inspection.
Never shows up at the appraisal if need be.
Doesn't even bother to show up at the closing!
Fails on behalf of their client to follow important time-lines of a contract.
Never keeps you informed of any issues that might arise during the transaction until they're approached and it's too late to remedy the issue.
Acts rude...arrogant and unprofessional.
When meeting with client's...dresses like they just came out of the gym.
Spends all their time bragging about how much they know...... but in essence really knows nothing and does nothing.
Always is late

For more information please contact Neal The Real Deal Bloom-Realtor® /Keller Williams Properties

1625 N. Commerce Parkway,Suite 105

Weston FL 33326

(954)608-5556

Posted by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL on 06/19/2009 06:12 PM

Comments (84)

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84 Comments on Which Realtor® are you?

JUN

I'm going to go with "A", but I know for a fact there are lots of "B's" in my area. I think "A" is how the business is suppose to be done and some agents adhere to most of it, but not 100%. If everyone were an "A+" it would make this profession that much more enjoyable.

Can we publish the names of all the B's we know - pull-eeze?

Michelle,

I totally agree.

Susan,

:))

I'm definitely an "A", I hate inconsiderate agents and I do have a "list" of the "B's" that I have no desire to have to "deal" with...there are other "A's" that I enjoy working with in my area...including you! Remember that phone call Neal? LOL :-)

Karen,

I like how you all lable the a's and the B's like you have these lists:)) interesting

The great thing about being in a straight commission business is that many people (B listers) weed themselves out. The no so great news is there are always replacements.

I have to say that we make the "A" list as well. The only area there that I think I fall short is leaving that card behind after showings; I often forget to reload and run out during the course of a day. It's a pleasure when you're working with another "A" on a deal and just plain frustrating when you're working with a "B".

- Scott

Bill,

That's so true.

Scott,

So you're the first A:)

Oh Neal,

I have a "do not bother to do business with unless requested by the buyer" list...

There are a few nightmare's out there.

I know their names like the back of my hand...

Don't get me started, there are two that changed the commission 3 days before closing from 3/3% to 4/2%...unbeknownst to me...Like I print out the MLS sheet on an executed contract every day.

Now, I write in my offers, "as per MLS#0000000 dated 0/0/00 at 0:00 am/pm...don't think it would hold any water, but...these two are definitely on my poopy list (B).

Needless to say, one was fired by a builder due to numberous complaints and the other one moved to central Florida after that. Ugh.

Neal - I have admit that I have at times made some mistakes that could fall in the B category. However, I am pleased that I constantly strive to stay in the A category. I don't ask for perfection from my agents - but I do like progress and we look for the A+ agents out there - those that focus on the customer and get the job done by focusing on the customer.

Neal can I be a 'C"? That's means I pay someone to take care of the 'As" for me. I really don't but want to some day:) By the way I think there are far more Bs in my area than there are As.

Oh, uh, A. I just don't even want to get goin on that B list. We all have them. We all deal with them when we have to. And we also keep voluminous notes when we know we're dealing with a B who has survived thus far.

I would never call myself an A, nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, but most good agents do everything they can to "right" the mistakes.I think you should rank A-F instead.

Neal,
I've been late on ocassion but not many--so maybe I'm an A-

Well guys...I don't have enough to write to get through A-F:)) You guys can think of them for me.:)

Working hard to make an A but I do have some AB in me. Thanks for the post I have wondered about those wanna b's...lol.

I always strive for A. Nothing makes me want to scream more than when I listen to a phone ring 15 times, then I suffer through the voice mail message of the agent and then I get the recording that tells me that their damn voice mail is full and I can't leave a message. I mean, who doesn't listen to their voice mail regularly and stays in business?

Neal - I have to say I'm like Realtor A. I get so frustrated when I'm working with a B. I did a deal with a listing agent that didn't even show up for closing. 3 days I had to tell them that we closed and they need to change it to sold in MLS.

Definitely an 'A.' There are other agents who consider it part of their business model not to be at inspections because of the liability. The clientele I work with expect follow through and service all the way through the transaction, not just to contract. It's definitely difficult to deal with type 'B's for sure.

Sharon

JUN

I'm parking to see if anyone admits to being a "B" :-)

I strive to be an A at all times but do not succeed. Occasionally, I mess up, hit myself on the head, and try again!

Kris,

I highly doubt you'll get someone who seriously will admit it...after all those types think they're great anyway:)

Well, I have been having this conversation for a few days now about "B" agents. Unfortunately, in this area they seem to keep on going like the Energizer Bunny. I keep saying I do not know how they survive . I have one agent now that is like a piece of gum on the bottom of my shoe that I just can't rid of. She has been rude, incompetent and unethical to name a few. My clients do not want to deal with her anymore and she still calls.I guess stupidity is one of strongest points!

Liked your post

Kathy

Hey, I'm an A...but I don't show up to closings....nobody does...they all happen up north for my business. :) I think the last closing I actually went to was my own 4 years ago. :)

Neal:

This post should have been a feature. The only thing I am guilty of is of not leaving a card. Some how, I forget half the time. And, after reading a blog on vacant houses, I never leave a card on a vacant houses.

Tere

Neal,

This survey could be applied to other sectors in the real estate business besides agents, like mortgages, title, appraisal, inspections, insurance, staging etc. If everyone strove for at least A-, the consumer would be in seventh heaven.

Like I said before...I don't expect someone to follow it to a T but there are differences tat would be highly regarded as incompetency.

I like the suggestions about how all agents should strive to be an A. And I also agree with Esko....all industries should but because I'm in the RE industry...I used that as an example.

I strive to be an A. But, I only show up the last 30 minutes of an inspection to see any issues and hear the report.

Yes...but you still show up and that's not as bad.

For Bryant- Are you married to the person you pay to do A!???

LOL - IF I WERE A REALTOR and my father WAS for 18 years it would be A! From a LENDERS perspective, I seem to attract A's, and fire B's to work with!!! :)

Thanks! D

I really really try to do all the A things. I have seen the b listers and do not want to affiliate with those people ever... I want to do business, I am open to do business and in order to do that, we have to call clients and agents back (no excuses), work with me here. Great post Neal!! This needs to go on all Broker's doors.

Well I am pretty much a except I do admit that I am having a hard time getting to my phone, returning voicemails and my voicemail has bee filling up. There are only 24 hours in a day and when you are working18-24 of those hours it gets rough!!

I would be an A with the exception of going to the closing. I offer to every client to go to the closing but seem to only go with the first timers. I request the HUD prior to the closing and review it and approve it before the signing.

interesting that you bring this A B list up however. Now that I think of it I have not been experiencing many transactions lately with B agents as i have in the past.

Will all the A's leave the business, no one is that perfect and would not tell the whole truth about other things too.

I am definitely under the A category. I am the big joke in the office for a couple of the items listed because I am never late (usually early) and I have never missed a closing among other things. The one thing I do forget sometimes is to leave a card at showings because I am usually too busy pointing things out to clients or talking etc...so it does escape me but I am trying to get better at that.

P. S. Hey Charley I take offense to that-I am not saying I am perfect-I am just saying I try to do my absolute best all the time. :-)

I'm an A. Sometimes I have moments where I am not an A but they are gladly few and far between. Mostly it has to do with making sure I return every phone call within 12 hours...a goal I have set for myself. I try not to let the sun set on calls I have to return.

Of course I'm an A I've been in theprofession for 20+ years and have seen people come and go and those that aren't A's but B's get a bad rep!

Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth NH

I would say most of us at least try to be the "A" type.

I also think there are those with many of the "B" traits that actually do quite well in this business. Don't ask me how, but I've seen a fair share of this. Leaves me scratching my head...

I would hope I am an A, although I continually need to delete voice mail messages, where I live, at times some calls will not ring

into my phone with an alert or a ring tone but silently be directed into my voice mail It drives me up a wall. I have to be on constant alert that I haven't missed a call that went into VM and got by me. I check it continually other than that I am a firm believer in A. I also hope all the Realtor I work with are A's ..

sadly some are not . To them I have a suggestion......Walmart needs greeters.

"When showing a property...never leaves their card and leaves lights on and doors unlocked and takes the key with them"

For real?..has someone taken the key with them?? In an effort to strive to be an "A" I guess I'll have to get rid of my rap ring-tone. You are too funny.

Neal tough choice, but then again I don't have to make a choice since you only applied this to Realtors and left us lowly Loan Officers out in the cold :) :) :)

Oh gosh, we can add to this list, and classify them by listing agent and buyer's agent. Then maybe we can also compare REO Agents, too!

Listing agent A

Utilizes the internet to get the maximum exposure to get the widest audience for the property, and doesn't stick with tired but old methods only
Takes multiple pictures, and posts the best. Hires a professional photographer as needee
Posts the maximum number of photos that the MLS allows, including 25 on REALTOR.com if the account is an upgrade
Prepares attractive and professional-looking flyers as handouts to prospective buyers and their agents
Provides good descriptions and clear instructions for showing
Makes sure the key works --- that it locks and unlocks easily (not all of us carry WD-40, and none of us are locksmiths!)
Places lockboxes where we won't have to walk through thorny foliage (roses and briars), or that we with creaky knees and bad backs won't have to bend too far

ETC!

Good post and feedback.

Wow..interesting responses...keep them coming!

Hmmmm....

Well, I self-actualized a decade ago and even arm-wrestled Mother Teresa for the Perfect Person Award and WON! I kicked that old woman's ASS!

I am perfect in every way and am currently working on learning to fly without aid of a plane.

Bow before my greatness, dammit! I WIN!! :)

A of course...I want to see B's W-2

That was a good list. Liked what Pacita added also. I am not good at calling if I am going to be late or cancel. I will try to do better.

You guys got me laughing now...please try better next time:)

Neal, Realtor B is the one that doesn't last in the business even a year. B is the buffoon agent.

Hmmmmm--

Okay, so I am supposed to be honest now, right? I am an overall A with tendencies to B:-) I have been late due to red lights, construction, children who either cry or will not obey, or a 'nav' system that insists on taking me 5 miles out of the way. Answer my phone 85% of the time--when I'm in prospecting mode then it goes to voicemail. I do return calls within 24 hours. My voicemail is not clogged up! (yes, 1 for the team!) Follows up. Covers. People first, so yes. Try to work it out. I always lock the door--and put the key back where it goes---try to remember to leave a card. Call to cancel a showing and if more than 1/2 hour late. Yes, fill in all the info on the contract.

Define regular?

I do go to the inspection, appraisal, and closing, and also offer the buyer 3 courtesy opens during the transaction. Pass the next few. And then go back to the top:-) So, overall A--with B tendencies! But, I must say, that I am striving to remember to give more time and remember to pack more cards:-)

Neil, if we're an "A" that most would admit to here that comment, as I'd say I"m am .... does this mean us "A's" are type "A" personalities?! LOL. Oh my, a whole other post!

Good post. Just imagine if all Realtors could be an "A"...we'd all get along!

I guess my office (under my helm) is a combination of A and B because if we can't get to the phone we try to give as many solutions on our out-going message as possible like - all homes are active (and we update hourly), use the showing instructions, we don't have any keys to our properties, our fax number is etc... Of course this is after the people are routed to the right department.

- Rhonda

I consider myself an A, I do forget to stock up on the business cards though and so while I am showing I'll save the ones I have for the owner/occupied properties so they know I've been through. Also I don't always get someone to cover for me when I am out of town, with technology these days it isn't always necessary. I had a client who fired his previous agent and he was shocked that I was alway's on time. I think it is very RUDE to ever make your clients wait and I've only been late once and you better believe I bought them breakfast for it.

It does not surprise me that everyone commenting feels that they are an "A" List realtor. The "B" list realtor would never ever see this post as they do not do anything to improve themself or use social networking sites to help others. I have found that almost all ActiveRain poster does the things that an "A" list realtor would do.

I'm 85-90% an A....

I've worn jeans and hiking boots to hike several acres of land with my clients...if you all want to show up in heels and walk acreage go for it.

I have misplaced a phone number.

I have had to bring my child with me to a home inspection to let them in because my day care provider was sick. I left and then returned at the end.

I have been late.

I have run out of business cards halfway through showings and so couldn't leave my card.

I have left a screen door unlocked (locked the door but not the screen) and was called about that.

I am not perfect, nor would I ever claim to be. Life happens, sometimes I didn't sleep well and so am not functioning at my best. I cut other agents slack for being less than perfect and hope they do the same for me.

Put me down for A.

Just have to change my ring-tone and then I can be a full fledged A.

I see a great training opportunity with that list! I think I'm going to make it part of ALL New Agent orientations....

Is there a such thing as a A- in this ? Even the A's can slip some times.

Neal, as with everything in life...I would love to be perfect. I am not. I fall into both catagories and I do see what I need to do to improve. I will try. Thank you for the black and white list. It all makes sense and allows me to see where I'm failing.

Deb

I AM "A" 99% of the time. REALLY

I would give myself an 'A', not necessarily an A+ because of the fact that I don't go to closings unless my clients want me to be there(then I am more than happy to go); because while I am cordial I do act like a goofball sometimes; and because I usually dress professionally but don't have that totally polished 'agent' look. I am my own boss and I'd like to at least be a little comfortable.

BTW, I play well with most B's, because many times they can and do become A's with time and experience. The B's that have been in the biz a long time? Kinda scary - and how does that even happen, anyway?

A. You think I would say otherwise? LOL

JUN

As a full time agent and dedicated blogger, I am very communication oriented. Most would agree that I am 99.9% Agent "A". You look at the most successful agents out there, and they will all have these qualities. Your outline for Agent "A" is basically a recipe for success. Thanks for the great post!

Neal,

I'd like to add to the B list - email is full so folks get a return notice that the original message can't even be delivered!!!

Ok...I didn't seem to notice but I don't remember anyone mentioning the part about missing important time lines such as inspection or loan commitments....these are very important to me and if an agent can't make sure their client conforms to the ...it could come back and bite you in your butt...sometimes we need to enforce them when an agent fails to keep within them.....I'd like to hear about that...the other things can vary...someone mentioned about hiking through land and I have to agree...I once had to walk through about 25 acres of land that was swampy and you can bet I wasn't wearing nice clothing or nice shoes...definitely wasn't wearing heels.

You asked us to be honest.. so I would say I am neither A nor B... I do make it a point to try my very best at being all of those things on the A list.. but sometimes (as humans all do) Something gets forgotten or missed in the shuffle. However, my clients needs are always at the top of the list as is being considerate to my collegues and their clients.

Great post.. I am going to keep it so I can look back once in a while just to double check that I am not missing anything :)

And for the "B" having a rap song on the voice mail message... this is pretty bad.. but something I come across quite often is a voice mail message with no name or contact information.. I often have to question if I called the right number... and I quote (this WAS an agents professional voice mail message) : " Hey.. it's Me.. I'm not around.. Leave a Message and I'll try and call you back!"..... ooooookidooooke!!

I'm almost always A but sometimes fail as we all do. I think any REALTOR who can answer yes to many of B should turn in his/her REALTOR pin.

PS: I forgot to say...I really liked this blog. It made me do some self-evaluation which is always good.

As far as the ring tones go...maybe I wasn't clear...have you ever called someone and when you hear the ringer it's not a ring but some kind of song? That's what I mean...I had this agent who ended up in the end killing a deal and acting really unprofessional...I knew it was a problem when I heard rap music for their ringer....that's what I meant so I just wanted to be clear.

Oh...also I forgot to thank you all for the comments regarding using this blog as a training tool or a reminder for brokers agents...that's not what I was expecting...but that's a nice compliment to me...I never imagined writing training tools but I hope it helps so if you want to share it then please do.

Neal I am glad to see that you are not wearing heels.

Melina,

Sorry I didn't address you by name...I try hard to address everyone individually but it's hard to think of a good acknowledgment...but I did think it was a good reason. Just like selling property on the beach...I've seen agents who wear straw hats...sandals and flowered shirts which I guess it's ok...I still think it's a little bit loud but hey....I'd still probably wear shoes even if I had to get sand in my shoes:)) I used to sell RE in NY and I can tell you that at times..I had to wear black work boots in the snow and ice because my shoes got ruined and my feet were so dam cold. This was also true when I worked in the garment center in Manhattan....my black shoes would have road salt all over them and they destroyed my very expensive shoes back then.

I would add to Realtor A, doesn't have a clogged inbox on Outlook. If you don't creat folders and rules you may miss something important, like a potential client.

Karen If I am correct if you have one print out from the MLS from the time you showed the property arent you suppose to get what the commission states? That is your proof on what you are suppose to get paid. And is not to change unless otherwise spoken between you and the listing agent? I hope you fought that!!

Neal I would like to say I fall under A, but I am sure that some of us had had B problems. Hope we can work a deal together some day!! Hope to see you at REBarCamp Miami!

I with publishing Real estate agents b's names if it wasn't for the code of Conduct

Hi Neal. A ringer shouldn't denote professionalism. I am hearing impaired and I can't hear the conventional ring tones of most phones. I have to use a song that has a pitch I can hear, which is not many. The one song I could hear happens to be the theme song for Sex and the City, which I didn't know, until someone at a paryt brought my purse out of a bedroom and said "this purse is playing the theme song for Sex and the City"! lol!

Hey,I was waiting for Realtor C....there must be more than two types.....

I will claim being an "A" agent who is striving to become an "A+" agent! I work with some "B" agents and it is my hope that the experience they have in working with me helps them to take their performance to another level! Good post! Thanks!

I do not think you would have a "B" on Active Rain. We are all A's!

JUN

Hi Neal - I am about 95% REALTOR A and none on REALTOR B. Unfortunately, like others, I know a few REALTOR B types and what a mess they can make of things..... ugh.

Happy Father's Day to you!
Ann

Ok...now I'm seeing the true A..B's and maybe even a C or too out there.

Thanks Ann!

Hi Neal, how about adding some C's and adding to your list how agents do not bother to take images of the property. I am a Hollywood, FL Realtor and it just amazes me how many properties in this area alone do not have any images in the MLS nor a full description of the property. It is like telling other agents out there, "Show and Sell" for me. Just awful!!

I certainly classify myself as an A Realtor. I carry the cell phone with me wherever I go and almost always answer the phone as humanly possible as I can, if not, at least I answer everybody's message on a timely manner.

One thing that Realtor's have lost is their finesse, some have become bitter, and some have lost their touch with the term communication, listening skills, and probably best of all the attribute of being a damn good real estate agent where they are in touch in the business from A to Z and are ready to answer questions to their best capability. If not, ask another professional and get back with your answer on a timely manner. That way, the real estate agent does not lose credibility or their reputation. I would love to see a website where buyers and seller can leave reviews for real estate agents, just a thought..

Happy Father's Day to all!!

JUN

Diana,

I've done business in your area...most of the condos on Ocean were like that..most are either REO's..foreclosed or short sales...I'm not sure there are even live agents actually attending to those properties..if you don't add at least one photo they will fine you. I've probably been in 90% of those over the last year and it's true that a lot of them have little in description...I didn't seem to have a problem getting an agent to let me show them but I'm sure it's happening there too. I just closed on a listing I had in that area off of Sheridan and I had lots of people see it before it sold. I also had one in Hallandale with the same results...we worked those two hard to get them sold...one had no sales in the community for over a year so I was the first in a long time and I wonder why.

I think the lack of motivated agents is definitely a true thing right now and I also believe that there are many bitter agents that can't close a deal so they lose interest and then become a B instead of an A.....but I know of some agents that think they are top producers but for some reason it's hard to believe when you call them and they can't even identify the property in question. Thanks for the fathers day greeting.

Neal, most of the REO properties that I have been trying to contact in the MLS are either from agents who are proactive with their listings or, some of them have bulk listings from banks. The latter are the ones that are most difficult to get in touch with. There is no answer from an agent, just a recorded message. BTW, the other day, I had written in my Facebook page status in regards of the lack of finesse that Realtor's do not possess which inspired me to write a mini series blog and ultimately, your blog has inititated that purpose. Thanks! I love Real Estate!!

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