This will be the first of many public blogs to come. The story will be 1,000 ways to pick the right Realtor. This is pretty simple. Number 1,000 comes with an added bonus, but you'll have to stick around to find out what it is. Here we go.
1. If a Realtor starts out by showing you a picture of themself in any magazine, walk away. Most Realtors will pay top dollar "to have their names in the lights." They love to impress themselves and most importantly, other Realtors. They assume this type of advertising provides them instant credibility with you, the consumer. Ego advertising is for the ego, nothing more.
2. Don't assume an "OLDER" Realtor is one that is wise about selling homes. Most agents I know get into real estate after finishing a career in something entirely different. It's a popular "second" career and even hobby for many folks. Again, just because she's 60 doesn't mean she's more experienced than me.
3. Many new agents and even experienced agents feel it necessary to buy a car they can't afford. Don't assume A LOT when you work with a Realtor. Instead, ask dozens and dozens of questions. If a Realtor drives a 65k BMW, but wears stretchy polyester pants from Sears than you have to wonder if the agent is just pretending to be successful.
4. Do try to annoy your Realtor with questions when your first meet them. You'll figure out their temperament level quickly. Many agents boast about their ability to "provide excellent customer service." For fun, repeat yourself a few times to see if they start getting pissy. I love when prospects DRILL me. I love it because I know other agents won't be as patient.
5. If your Realtor starts the conversation out with.. "I'll reimburse you part of the commission or I'll list your home for almost nothing" then you need to hide from them. Odds are they sleep in that expensive BMW at night. They probably are starving financially and are reduced to trying to BUY their buyers and sellers. You do get what you pay for in this business.
6. If a Realtor agrees with all that you say, find a new one. Your shadow is more competent than a yes man.
7. Don't assume a Broker has more negotiating skills than a Salesperson. A salesperson is a regular Realtor without a Brokers license. Brokers usually market the office, recruit new agents and are very busy doing "other things" besides selling real estate. This isn't to suggest that all Brokers are out of touch when it comes to working with buyers and sellers on a day to day basis.
8. Don't pick the Realtor your boss suggests, especially if it's his spouse. If "that" Realtor sucks, you're going to really be in a jam. Instead, say thank you, but no thank you. Your boss will respect your candor, not look down on you for choosing elsewhere. If you're working with a relocation department then it may be a different story.
9. Many agents have a website. Ask for it. The website can say an awful lot about that individual.
See you next week.
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