Recently the Wall Street Journal published an article named "The Gofer Agent", see: http://www.realestatejournal.com/buysell/agentsandbrokers/20071008-fletcher.html , about Real Estate agents who baby-sit rats, clean houses, and perform a variety of "menial tasks" on behalf of their clients. The article depicts some agents as "desperate" to get a deal and doing whatever it takes to garner and keep clients, in this precarious market.
While the article portrays this as a desperate situation, and punctuates the housing plummet, it got me thinking: we really should have a new title within our industry: "Domestic Conductor". Just as the conductor of a large symphonic orchestra keeps the music going flawlessly, a good agent keeps the whole home selling process forging forward without a hitch.
Hear me out: I'm not suggesting performing any menial tasks here. I am only advocating "CONDUCTING" everything. It's very easy, and we've always done it within our company. You assemble a good team of what we call "Preferred Providers". Everything from two-three good handymen; cleaning people; painters; electricians; pest control; decorators (for staging); pet sitters; baby sitters, etc. Any time something needs to get done, simply e-mail or call your client and tell them what needs to be effected, and offer to dispatch the right professional to get the job done. The problem gets solved, the client pays the professional, and you keep the show moving...
As a matter of good business, every single one of your listings (especially the vacant ones), should get inspected by you or your assistants, to find and eradicate any problems (anything from dead bugs on the ground, to a funky odor, broken windows or lights, etc). Take care of problems swiftly. Be pro-active! Play offense, not defense...
Gofer Agent? No! Domestic Conductor? Yes!
Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte
www.MyrtleBeachHomes.us
I look forward to hearing from you on this one!