I frequently see Realtors claim to "EXCEED EXPECTATIONS" for their clients. What I think that they are saying is that their goal is to above and beyond normal service and hope to the best agent that their clients have ever worked with. This is a worthy aspiration.

If a restaurant claimed that their filet mignon steaks would EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS, then they should probably try and figure out what you expect first. A professionally prepared filet would probably be great for most of us, but what about the FOOD CRITIC who specializes in beef?

"Expectation" is defined as "what is considered the most likely to happen." If we say that we "exceed expectatiions" then it is assumed that I know what you expect. (and you know what they say about ASSUME). How can I exceed something I don't know what it is?

If I asked you if you could jump over the brick wall in my back yard, you're first question would be "how high is it?" If I did not tell you, could you assure me that you could jump over it?

So here's my suggestion. Tell your clients that your goal is exceed their expectations. Tell them that you want to be the BEST agent that they have ever worked with. Also add that in order to accomplish this, you NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY INDEED EXPECT. This discussion will not only show that you are an good agent from the beginning, but that you want to continue to do so. Ask if you can take notes and write down some specific things that they do "expect."

Then you've got a road map to not only know what they expect, but also how to go above and beyond!