If you've been reading Active Rain blogs at all in the past month or so, there's been a lot of discussion about the value of a real estate agent and the possible stagnation and extinction of our field.  There's a few places that referenced the sequel to Freakonomics, Superfreakonomics. In the new book, there is a comparison of Realtors to Pimps which is an upgrade over the KKK in my opinion.  

"A Realtor and a pimp perform the same primary service: marketing your product to potential customers.- Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner"

Luckily, we don't JUST MARKET the property.  Of course, the pimp usually comes with some sort of protection, then again, the pimp's clients might need protection from the pimp.  I haven't beat any of my clients for a price reduction, even if they felt that way. 

I've always contended to my clients that I am more like a Sports Agent then a Real Estate agent.  OF COURSE I MARKET THE PROPERTY! but what you are paying me for is to get the best deal in town or if you are selling, then you want me to get the most money.  If you take this to new heights you can even excel at short sale negotiations. 

If you think that Real Estate Agents are extinct because clients are looking online at homes, then I have a suggestion if you are an agent - go ahead and try your Plan "B" if you are a buyer, PLEASE COME VISIT my listings. 

No offense to my readers, but if you are unrepresented or poorly represented, my client will win.  I won't go over the top and say that I will "eat you alive," but get your check writing hand ready.  The simple fact is that I do this every day and I spend time getting better at negotiations.  

NOTE TO THOSE THAT THINK AGENTS ARE FACING EXTINCTION:

While you are busy searching for real estate information while you are supposed to be working, I'll be working on my skills to maximize my client's position.  By the time you figure out that Real Estate negotiations often has more to do with than just the offer price (closing costs, earnest money, closing time, moving out, inspection negotiations, etc) it'll be too late. Not to mention, I'll get paid double compared to what I normally do. 

We aren't going to be extinct, we'll just have to evolve.