Real Estate Agent Bios – Should price be the prime consideration?

               Your real estate agent bio is an important document.

• It presents the face you want the world to see.
• It showcases your expertise and abilities while letting your personality shine through.
• It gives potential clients reasons to like you, trust you, and even identify with you.

               So should you hire the cheapest writer you can find?

Naturally, you don't want to over-pay, but you don't want to hire the writer with the lowest rates unless you've seen samples of the work and believe that he or she is going to present you in the best possible light.

            You also want to hire a writer whose style you like. In my opinion, you should see a writer's samples before you even think about asking the price.

Each month I get ten or twelve bio inquiries from agents I never hear from again. These are the ones who ask only about the price.

A few write back saying that they've been to my website, read the bios that are linked from my bio page, read my "how I work" page, and would like to have their bio professionally written but can't afford it. They're going to try writing their own. I always wish them well and refer them to this page on Active Rain that links to about 20 different articles about agent bios.

And then, of course, there are those who have been to my site, read all the information, and are ready to go forward. They write to say "What do we do first?"

What questions should agents be asking, and how do I answer those who do ask the right questions?

Question: Can I see samples of your work?

Answer: Of course, visit copybymarte.com/agentbios.html where you'll find links to several bios I've written.

Question: How do you learn enough to write about me?

Answer: Through my agent questionnaire and follow-up emails and/or phone calls.

Question: Can you write a persuasive bio for a brand new agent?

Answer: Yes, we simply combine your personality and enthusiasm with your education and the experience and expertise you've gained from other employment, volunteerism, or the school of life. I do have a separate questionnaire for new agents. 

Question: How long does it take?

Answer: My agreement states a 3 week deadline, but I try to be finished in half that time.

Question: What if I want changes?

Answer: You can have them. Once the bio is finished you have 7 days in which to ask me to add, remove, or change something.

Question: What does it cost and how do I pay you?

Answer: At this time, an agent bio is $325 and I ask for 50% up front and the balance when I submit the copy. You can pay by Pay Pal or a check in the mail. I'm NOT the least expensive, and I am by far not the most expensive.

Of course, all of that, including the price, is on my website...

But I don't blame anyone who writes or calls to ask. Sometimes it's just easier, and sometimes agents want to see how quickly I'll respond to their inquiry. In this day when good service is a surprise, I understand that.

Others like to call and get acquainted before deciding if I'm the right person to write for them - and that's not such a bad idea either.

Meanwhile... I really enjoy it when agents call. Whether it's to talk about their bio or some other writing project, or to ask questions about my prospecting letters, or just to talk.

So if you get a notion to call, do it! I'm not always at my desk, but I'll call you back if I miss you.