Choosing a REALTOR®? It's a "gut" thing.

GOod post. It is important to sellers and buyers to become informed before the process so that they hire someone that fits their bill.

Tish, It's a personalized, custom fit.  There's no one size fits all, perfect REALTOR for everyone.  Like you pointed out, different clients have different needs, and statistics don't always mean what they should.

Is the agent the top performer because they underprice everything?  Because they have a 10 person team and everything goes in their name?  All things to consider before signing that listing contract.

Many consumers think that if they walk into a real estate office they will be assigned a salesperson, like walking into a shoe store. Home buyers need to talk to several agents and look for a good fit and every way possible.

Love this post. In many instances consumers do stop right there.  I encourage people to explore and shop around.  It's important they know why you stand out in your field and why you will give them the very best service.  However, I also know from experience, no matter how good you are, it's important to click.  Sounds crazy, I know.  I recently referraled out a seller because although I stood to make a great deal of money, I didn't feel comfortable, i didn't click.  A referral fee, in this instance, will work just fine for me.  :) I do enjoy reading your posts. They get me to thinking. :)

I have to learn that if talking to the client is a chore... perhaps I need to refer them to another agent in our office. This goes two ways, huh?! 

Just realized after I typed all of that, Gail said it all above. Sorry!!)

You are right - there is a realtor that works well with you and some you won't want to work with. We are all different and have various personalities and skill sets.

People expect to put some time and thought into choosing an attorney or an accountant who's a good fit -- we need to educate them to do the same when they need a real estate agent.  And it absolutely goes both ways!  The client has to be a good fit from the agent's perspective, too.

Well said Tish.  For the duration of the time that you're working together it's like a marriage and you've got to enjoy being together.

Tish, I love the way you wrote this  post.  It is so true, clients need to chose a Realtor they can work with and communicate effectively with.  Hopefully the relationship grows and gets stronger rather than the other way around. 

This is a great blog.  And I, too, believe that you need to create the "Client for Life" expectation with our buyers and sellers.  Clients must be educated so they know how to choose a realtor who will communicate with them.