Sometimes I hear Realtors or loan officers comapred to other professionals, but can you really compare a Realtor to a M.D.? I am sure many Realtors and loan officers view themselves as a professional, but I think we do ourselves a disservice when we fail to realize how we are actually viewed by the public. I know we all love the title "consultant", but lets face it... we don't get paid consulting fees, we get paid sales commissions! We are sales people.
This takes me to a fundamental question... why are we so scared of being thought of as sales people? I think it is because sales people get a bad rap from all the garbage being PUSHED on consumers. One of the negative stereotypes about sales people is that they are deceptive in their approach. Now don't get offended at me if you have "consultant" on your business card because I have done that one before too, but if we are calling ourselves consultants and the public see us as sales people... maybe they view that as part of the stereotype? (just something to think about)
I was in a sales meeting recently where the question was asked, "How many of you like being sold?" I was the only person that raised my hand. Everyone looked at me like I was insane! I told them that they were the ones who got it wrong, not me! We all like being educated, informed and provided for... that is what SALES is all about!!!! The pushy used car salesman we all picture is NOT selling, he is pressuring you. THAT IS NOT SALES!! Those idiots drive away people that are actually ready to buy, and only end up pressuring a few shoppers into buying something they probably can't afford!
The true sales professional educates and informs the consumer. When the consumer is ready to buy, the true sales professional provides whatever is needed to make the buying process simple and effective. The true sales professional is an incredible asset to the consumer, and after closing the deal the customer feels gratitude not disgust. The true sales professional is always worth their commission and then some!!
So the answer boils down to this... if a Realtor is a true sales professional then they are worth every penny of their commission! But how can a potential home buyer/seller determine if their Realtor or lender fits into this category???
Olan Carder
Myers Park Mortgage
http://www.mycharlottelender.com/
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