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Competition? I Don't Use That Term In Real Estate! Do You?

"Competition is the rivalry of two or more parties over something. Competition occurs naturally between living organisms which coexist in the same environment. For example, animals compete over water supplies, food, and mates. In addition, humans compete for attention, wealth, prestige, and fame". Wikipedia

I laugh when I hear the term competition..I do not view real estate in that way! Maybe that is one of the problems with our industry...considering your peers, the co-operating broker and other real estate companies referring to people who you do transactions with as not a team mate but instead the very strong words my competition.

Some may disagree..the word competition may in fact drive them. It holds true for me. I compete with myself. I want to be at my personal best...and I always strive to be better.

Take a hard look at the definition. Rival...Rivals...very strong words. Geez, can't wait to sit across the closing table with you...my rival...my competition.

I had hoped we as professionals have become more civilized than that thought and with the current state of affairs we are in. Can you really afford to view your peers as competition. We need each other...we are stronger when we work together..and much more successful when we cooperate.

Co-operating Listing Broker + Co-operating Selling Broker = An incredible team with Check in Hand!

While you might compete for a listing or you might compete for awards and recognition..when working a transaction...be a sport and not a competitor..realize it takes total cooperation to get a transaction done. Do you view th co-operating broker as competition or team mate? Midori would sure like to know.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Midori Miller AKA Daytona Beach Real Estate Trainer and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty. Midori Miller and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Posted by Florida Real Estate Trainer | Daytona Beach After School Training | Midori on 04/23/2008 12:27 PM

Comments (81)

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Originally posted at: Daytona Real Estate Training: Competition? I Don't Use That Term In Real Estate! Do You?

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81 Comments on Competition? I Don't Use That Term In Real Estate! Do You?

APR

2008

Midori:

I totally agree with you! Cooperation is a key component to the success of a real estate transaction. I would love to work with you anytime on a sale. Excellent post!

It is cooperation when you are doing a transaction, no doubt. Doing a deal with an agent now, going well. But, their broker is a pill, won't cooperate, I'll post on it later after we close.

Midori - This is an excellent post ! I wish many Agents would use your definations and realize working together is what makes a successful transaction and makes you stand out from the rest !

In this market we all have one common goal, "Get is sold." We should all work together to help change the negative.

Jan-I would love it!

Hi Missy-yes I have been blasted a time or two by broker's as well. It's not fun...some get it and some don't..its the competition thing going on...I want to win...I am smarter than you....I am right! At the end...the customer will make the decision.

When I deal with agents from other companies...my main objective...resolution...cooperation and most of all the closing check! :)

I can't wait to read about your post.

Hi Melissa-Yes words matter...they become thoughts and actions...when we think competition sometimes we are judgemental...defensive...and just plain ugly. Some choose to go over the line and violate the code of ethics...others like myself...I don't focus on my peers I just get better at what I do!

Here I am to be contrary! ;-) While it's true that when we work together on a transaction that cooperation is important, I don't think that you can avoid the fact that we're in a competitive environment over-all. That said, it's like they say in the instructions before a boxing match, "I want a clean fight, break when I say break, but don't forget to protect yourself at all times!

Hanging your shingle out in any business puts you in a competition. One that if you don't win, you'll go home!

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

Hi, I have to chime in with Bob. We're in competition and like the tv show Survivior, it's often in our best interest to form alliances and work in cooperation. Until it's not anymore. Compete with ethics and professionalism, but compete you must if you're going to survive!

Midori, I think the way some look at it is what holds them back. I view it as cooperation because that is what it should be when working a deal with someone. If you act on an advesarial level, then how can their be cooperation, which is what ultimately brings a deal to close more easily. And if you look at someone as a competitor, then how can you change back and forth from those roles? It doesn't work well. As you stated, the only competitor that I have is myself.

Bob Mitchell-I love when you chime in! :) Always makes for interesting thoughts....and idea exchange. You are right we are in a competitive industry but those who might refer to me as competition..better realize what competition is...I am not a rival...I am all about everyone in this industry making money...I am all about fair play...and the truth.

The reality is...there is plenty of business to go around....Activerain proves cooperation works much better than competition...when I ask a seller why they contacted me...its because of fair play...honesty and the fact they know what I am talking about.

Some might refer to me as competition based on the fact...I work for another company...heck I hate to tell you...but if I am a listing agent...and you are a selling agent...I want you on the same side...meaning...you might work for xyz but the fact of the matter is...I need you to help me sell my listing to get the seller on their way....to put some income in my pocket....and for helping me....you get compensated.

With competition comes rivalry...can our industry afford that? Can seller's afford that? Can you afford that? I can't....

"I want a clean fight, break when I say break, but don't forget to protect yourself at all times!" and to think we really need these words in our business...the sad part is we do! That's why I view competition the way I do....for me there is none.

Joe-I tried to sit and watch survivor...and if our industry works the same way...I should rethink all of dreams...my goals and my ideas....the truth is in survivor there is no ethics...there is no wrong doing...simply surviving...I want more...and more for our industry that is thrive.

For me it's not survival...most often times...in survival and I have been in that position before...you do whatever it takes to survive...regardless of ethics...regardless of right and wrong...survival. I don't want anyone viewing me in that light.

I am still here not because of of survival...its because I cooperate...its because people want to do business with me...and because they know....my goal is to thrive.

Marc-often times it is our own thoughts that holds us back or prevents us from being successful. I have accomplished many things in my life..some handed to me because it's me...meaning...the way I carry myself...the opportunities I created for myself....and my thought process. Not everyone believes in competition...and social networking is proof of that....countries pulling their barriers down are signs of the times....our industry is no different...its all about perception...

Midori~

Here another reason why I subscribe to your BLOG! You have a way of getting to the point and getting that point across...as per: "...be a sport and not a competitor..."..YES!!! and THX!

Midori - I never view the agent on the other side of a deal as competition, but (as you indicated) I do think of others as competitors if I am trying to obtain a listing or convert a prospect into an actual buyer. Once I have a contract in place, we are teammates, and I VERY rarely lose a sale once the contract is executed.

JaneAnne-sometimes I just want to yell we all have the same goal in mind.Sell some real estate..yes we do compete for listings but truly do we? I unveil my services...I don't overplay our company...or downplay our competition...its my value that consumer's buy into...and that is how it should be.

Recently a new recruit said to me..."Well I will go with someone who will pay me a higher commission!"..and guess what my response was..."zero of whatever percent still is zero and if you think you are going to have a fruitful real estate career by all means do so!"...this person has been licensed for 2 months and already wants to make a move. This will be their 2nd attempt to join us...funny thing...I aint buying...

I guess what I am trying to say the new recruit joined another company...I definitely do not think...they are my competition...we are in different leagues..and that is one of the many points I tried to make...

Midori- Your post brings up an interesting topic. We do compete for listings clients etc. Yet when we are working on a transaction we are a team if only for the length of the transaction. At least once the contracts have been signed and the negotiations are completed. Working together in the spirit of teamwork does make the individual transaction go much smoother. Yet, I need to make sure that after the transaction I am working in competition for the next listing/customer.

Best,

Scott

I think as a profession we are very resiliant people. We argue to get our clients their price or home, than shake hands and greet each other at functions.

Jason-I don't think I am a competitor when I go on listing appointments...its value..plain and simple. To me we are putting in bids for services we provide...just like a contractor or a builder. I don't really look at who is my so called competition...I focus on bettering myself...presenting myself well and continue to change with our ever changing market by bringing value to my services and the benefits of untilizing me.

Do you view the agents in your office as competition and you being the broker of your own company? I never did or have...we are all trying to do one thing in common and that is sell some real estate.

Because we choose the words compete for listings...that makes us competitors????? Nahhhhhh, I still don't see it that way.

Scott-When we work...we market...we market because people need our services and we need the business. We all compete in some form in every aspect of our lives but I wonder does that truly make us competitors? To me the answer is still no.

Example: Lisa Hill is the featured agent on Activerain in Daytona Beach..she is number one featured agent...well she writes frequently has an great group going and works hard every single day to maintain her placement....do I look at her as my competition, NOT AT ALL...we are very different and she will get customers that will not like my marketing or won't see my value..Same applies with her she will not get all the customers and won't see the value in her. We are in different leagues...I do not see the competition between her or our companies...

She markets she is a native Daytona Beach and works for a local company...many people like that..I on the other hand wear many hats for a national brand. I can't use her claim to fame and she cannot use mine. Do I see her as real estate competition...nope ...I wouldn't mind her sitting at the other end of the closing table...or me even showing one of her properties....cooperation...not competition in my mind.

Does it bother me she is number one...sometimes..when someone teases me about it....I have always been in 2nd spot...she earned it...she deserves it. Am I driven enough to bump her out of the first spot...NO I have to use my resources wisely and the bottom line...doesn't really matter...because those that want to work with me will.

p.s. Maybe I am a unique breed, maybe its from being in the business a very long time...or maybe I am confident enough to know my own worth and don't concern myself with every move someone else makes. I do not know why I think the way I do...but to me rivals is such a very strong word especially in very tough markets. We wonder why consumer's think of us the way they do and then want discounts on fees..because we as a profession look at one another as competitors...

I agree 100%. If every agent felt this way regardless of company, broker, ect. Boy oh Boy wouldn't life be great for all of us!!

Shannon-Arguing is not the same as negotiations...when someone is rude...I hang up..when someone shoots the messenger I walk away. Bottom line as a true professional we should be negotiating and not arguing. unbiased is negotiating...but never arguing.... and the consumer deserves it especially if they hire a professional.

Are we resilient of course we are...all humans are...is our job hard? I can't call it hard but very stressful and ever changing.

I have seen closings happen at two separate tables not because of the buyer and seller but the listing agent and selling agent. Now to me ....that is competition...and also plain ridiculous!

Midori... I can't agree with you more. We should be our cllents first and work with each other to get the job done. In a long run we ALL will benefit.

Competition is a great thing. It breeds innovation and progress. Just look at communism - and the lack of competition.....

Midori - I like to think that brokers can work together, rather than compete. yes, there might be some degree of competition. btw, I went to Embry-Riddle, like 20 yrs ago.

Teamwork is always the key to a successful transaction. Good one Midori!

Midori... As you know...Many years ago I coined the phrase... "Realtor Friendly Realtors" ... The problem I see is that other salespeople turn 'us' into their competition. We enter a co-broke relationship with the correct mindset...But there are always people that just can't get their head around the true meaning of 'co-broke'... That almighty dollar sign is just too attractive for those who are weak :) P.S. That remark ought to stir things up in here a bit. LOL. TLW...ROAR!

I loved your post and you definition. You are so right, we should all be working together to get the goals accomplished that are before us. Thanks for a great post.

daniel

Noooooo. Cooperation (not the Co-op in the MLS which is simply an offer of cooperation of the fee) is incompatible with advocacy. If one works as a fiduciary, it is your duty to negotiate for the best price, best terms and conditions. Further, if we merely cooperate, we wouldn't be seeking the best value for our buyer or seller client.

Competition raises the bar of performance. It makes us work harder to suceed and deliver the services we've been hired to provide.

Yes, I know. I'm a competitive animal. But, it works for me and the people I agree to serve.

Midori, I fully agree. I never see the other Realtors as competition. We are all in this as partners the way I figure. You bring the buyer and I will bring the seller, or something like that.

Midori, I see other Realtors as the "sales associates" that they are, rather then people that are out there to take away my chunk of pie. Basically, I don't want more than that or this Realtor, I just want more.................. More for myself.............

without competition we wouldn't strive for success

I think that "iron sharpens iron" and I appreciate the efforts we, as professionals, make to be our best. A good estimator of how successful we are can be measured against the success (or lack thereof) of the other agents in our market. I agree with you to a point - when all is said and done, we need to work together cooperatively with other agents that we do deals with. But I'd be lying if I wasn't "high-fiving" people when I get a listing that other agents interviewed for....and I think that's healthy competition.

I have never viewed the other side as competition. We are all cogs in the same wheel with the same goal - a closed transaction.

Mark-it will never happen and I know it and don't expect it...you just said it we are people from all walks of life...different values and there are different reasons why we are driven. If it were like the way I view it...it would be happy land! The media would definitely hate that! :)

Valerie-oh yeah.....real estate is about our clients isn't it? :) I agree with you!

Midori, Our slogan when we opened Tutas Towne was: "Come on down to Tutas Towne, your REALTOR(R) friendly REALTORS(R)" We marketed to our peers almost exclusively. Why? Because we had listings BUT they had the Buyers. 10 years later we do the same thing. It works like a charm. Our peers want to work with us. That is a great benefit to my Sellers.

Midori. I am competing with other agents. My client's homes are competing with other homes. My buyers may be competing with other buyers... It is just that way.

But, there is a NASCAR concept called "co-opetition". It is the joining of co-operation and competition. I've blogged it here a couple of times. I don't know if you watch racing, but you can be sure that every one of those guys wants to win... but to win, they often have to cooperate with another driver that wants to win just as bad... and you are both better off for the cooperation.

I disagree with your premise. Just because someone is your competition doesn't mean you can't treat them with respect and dignity and cooperate with them. You can call it what ever you want if that makes you feel batter. I have no problem calling them my competition (of course I'm a home inspector and not a REALTOR). I'm even friends witrh my competition. Competition is good and makes people perform at their best (or maybe they fall apart). Good thought-provoking post though.

Adam-I agree to a certain degree! Nothing is perfect and its all about perception. We can compare ourselves to communism..even our way isn't perfect..take a look at our economy! I love hearing other's perspectives on these types of topics..As far as competition...I love it too! At the right time, for the right venue..in front of the right audience..... Rivals...would I be your rival if I lived in your area?

I think that passion creates innovation and progress. I appreciate your words very much! I forgot to say, I am also very open minded! :) Meaning...you gave me some thoughts to ponder!

Midori ~ Roger that! I wish that some of my "competition" would go sell some of my listings.

Peter-Very nice to meet you! Have you been back recently? To me the school is amazing..always a form of competition in every part of our lives...for me it does not drive me.

We talked about this today in the office...it comes down to this. I want more..and I am so self absorbed so focused..I sometimes feel like a machine when I am in work mode. So for me I work towards being more efficient, knowledgeable and always just a little bit better. I compete with the Midori from the day before! :)

Hi Sally-I knew we have similiar points of view. :)

Billie-I know what you are saying..it reminds me of high school! Hope you are doing well.. Girl you stay in trouble! :)

The Daniel Hayes Team-To me I miss a lot of things because I get so focused! :) My dad always said to keep my eye on the prize...and for me and the way my mind works...its the best way!

Lenn :) I knew you would head this way! I know that about you...if ever I got anything out of you in our phone conversation and your blog posts...you are competitive and I love it! It suits you and it's all you. Again for me its about being better and the best of Midori.

Negoiating...hmmmm...it doesn't and shouldn't have such a negative tone. It's part of a transaction..because we negotiate and try to reach the same goal a bilateral contract? To me it takes cooperation..the way the other agents presents your offer to the rival may in fact influence negotiations thats why its important to leave emotion out of it...that is what competition creates for ME! When I look at someone as a rival...I get defensive!

You have talked to me Lenn, I am gushy and can be ridiculous when I am excited or pumped up! This is something I have had to work on...my emotions or my expressiveness! I have no poker face.

Another thing, I bet your customer's are thrilled with your service..If I was relocating you'd definitely be the kind of pro I would want to work for me. :) I love it..

Frank-Exactly...Let's get it done!

Anna-on the same wave length. I don't have enough hours in the day that is it to worry about beating someone out of something. I am just worried about me! If I do what I am supposed to do...I've done my best for the moment..its all about getting better!

Alan-for me it's passion!

Greg-I get excited too..sometimes even on smaller things...it doesn't make me competitive it makes me excited..it makes me want more...and it makes me get a little bit better! For me..when I read somewhere I did something..and I didn't know..I get excited..really excited. I am very much into self promotion..maybe that is why I think the way I do...Remember the song, You're So Vain! you probably think this song is about you..well I did think the song was about it and I still do! :)

I like a little healthy competition. Just as long as it is not taken to an extreme!

Hi Midori, The two subject terms need not be mutually exclusive. They may, and hopefully are, supportive of each other when a common goal is identified.

Midori, I don't think I've ever had more respect for anyone in the real estate profession than during these trying times. I've really made some fantastic friends negotiating deals this year, simply due to the new challenges we face.

Midori. I'll let you in on a secret. Don't tell anyone.

When managing a contract, from beginning to end, I say as little as possible. I rarely use the telephone to communicate with a listing agent. I want everything in writing. I don't negotiate by phone.

So, when you deal with the contract and only in writing, it's easy to keep the emotion to a minimum.

Agents get too involved in how they "feel" about matters and, IMO, there's just no place in real estate brokerage for "feelings". The contract rules. No one can ever deny anything that is in writing and initialed by the parties.

We're really lucky today. In earlier years, we had buyers and sellers that didn't have fax machines, computers, e-mail, etc. and we had to get signatures and initials by face to face meetings. Telephone negotiations were more reasonable in those days, but there's no reason for it today.

I often have agents ask me what they should say about such-and-such. May answer is almost always - - "As little as possible".

I have to admit, when I'm up against another agent for a listing, I consider that agent to be my competition. But I thrive on competition. I will pull out ALL the stops when I know I have competition.

And if you think about it, attorneys are their own ultimate competition, yet they're friends outside the courtroom. So I guess I don't think competition is a bad thing.

Midori-Great post! I agree, 100%!

Midori, There's irrefutable wisdom in the approach of receiving 30% of something instead of 100% of nothing. I absolutely engage my rival with the highest degree of flexibility and professionalism, because what is good for my client is good for me. There are other agents who are difficult to deal with. Just do what I have to do to close the transaction on behalf of my client. I'm not entering into a long-term relationship.

Further, for a Broker/Owner there is no better way to guage an industry professional by interacting with them on a personal level to get to closing. More of a person's character is revealed through adversity than success. Simple things, returning phone calls, the professional presentation of an offer, the organization of documentation.

Midori - Maybe it is the words. Competition? I have no time to compete. Cooperation? To me, that is professional courtesy.

I believe in making the deal happen. I believe in eating crow if I have to do so. I also believe that from the moment someone signs on the dotted line, they are in competition with the other side for the most favorable terms. It sounds wonderful, but rarely is there a win-win negotiation.

My job is to make sure that equality is the minimum achieved and advantage to my client is my ultimate goal. One certainly can be pleasant while cutting the heart out of the other side. You hope that you do it cleanly and they thank you for your efforts.

I can only represent one side and everyone else is the "enemy".

In a rather pleasant fashion, bless your heart.

Midori

I couldn't have said it better myself! Cooperation is the key to success in this business and the best way to provide superior service to our clients.

I would have to agree with you Midori. I view a cooperating broker as part of the team, not someone I'm competing with. If the end result is a successful closed deal, then both parties win.

Good points. There are many agents in the business. We're all just trying to get along with one another for the better of our clients. Well, our wallets count, too, but if we put people first, the rest will follow.

TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More, I know that's a bit cliche and an old term but it's still true! Now Midori, since you have that disclaimer on your post, does that mean I can say and type anything I want? LOL!~ You're the best!! :-)

APR

2008

agreed. i don't like that term, competition.

We all have to work toether to get a deal to close. There are cases where it seems not every party understands this however, and those are a bit pesky. But be positive and it will happen.

Great response and lots of nuggets for me here this morning. Thank you Midori!

Midori...

If it were not for competition, Activerain would not exist. We compete for points every day. We also compete for buyers and sellers every day.

When you go on a listing appointment, you better believe that you are competing with other agents for the job. But being competitive doesn't mean you can't work together.

There are trade associations in nearly every field that enable competitors to work together for common cause, but NO ONE gives away market share. If it's a win-win, like a co-op, then all is well.

Oh, one more thing, you can be competitive and ethical at the same time. As long as the rules are followed!

Midori You are right! Competition conflicts with cooperation. W need to work hand in hand. Unfortunately many REALTORS® do niot grasp this concept.

Midori...

I don't have time to read all these individual comments but I do have a question...

Am I the only one who noticed that the image on this post speaks a thousand or so words? :)

TLW...ROAR!

Midori Real Estate is all about competition except during the transaction. Our peers are due respect and we should always share the common goal of making the transaction go smoothly for everyone involved.

Hey Midori~That is an interesting concept. I believe there are different groups even in Real Estate.Some are competitors and others are team mates.

I agree. I think it was something that was taught a long time ago and it stuck. I know when I first got my license, I interviewed at one place and it was cut throat there. I didn't want to end up there!

Here here...good for you...the point in any transaction, is there is always a middle ground....agent who understand that...and work for that have the smoothest transitions..

Don't forget to add stagers, loan officers, inspectors and any one else actively invovled in the transaction to your equation. Each listing is definitely a group effort!

Hi Everyone....I loved hearing all the different perspectives and I appreciate each and everyone of them.

I will say thank you Lenn...you gave me a very good reminder! I think as a trainer I've been so animated..when it comes to the consumer..I need to not be so animated. I was thinking I might stress them out! :) I had to be reminded...less is more. I know it is a secret but it is my next blog reading at our meeting...just your response not the entire blog post. I needed that little reminder and so do they!

Yes I agree and I apologize I forgot the rest of the crew...you stagers...loan officers and inspectors.

Lisa Hill-I believe it is under badges on my blog log.

Susie-Just wanted to say hi! See you on twitter! :)

APR

2008

Great post Midori. I believe in the TEAM approach. TEAM= Together Everyone Achieves More!

APR

2008

Midori,

Great topic for discussion and one that can fill volumes of textbooks one of which I'm writing at the moment (not a textbook though).

I believe that Realtors are bound by the duty of competition when they are representing their buyers/sellers with the legal signed document of buyer/seller agency. I can tell you that in my state (PA) we are bound to compete on behalf of our clients during the negotiating process. I sign my name on the document attesting to my willingness to compete on behalf of my clients to get the most favorable price and terms for my client. The most favorable terms come at the expense of the opposing brokers ability to get the most favorable price/terms for her clients. This competition doesn't need to be viewed as a bad thing and in fact serves a great purpose in the marketplace.

Why can't we compete on behalf of our clients while still considering the larger overall function which is to execute a transaction where all parties walk away feeling good about the end result and viewing the transaction as a "win-win" proposition? This occurs with competition.

I believe that it is a matter of degree's and compartmentalization. There are pieces of the transaction where we engage in serious competition and there are parts of the transaction where we dust ourselves off and cooperate. When we have an executed contract we move from the competition phase of the process to the cooperation phase of the deal. At this point we have all competed to gain an advantage and it is now time to cooperate as we deal with inspections, escrow issues, and the closing.

At the closing table, we shake hands, tip our hats to the competition and move on to the next transaction where will compete on behalf of our buyers/sellers again. We will also cooperate with our peers at the same time.

Where did we go wrong when we believe that competition is viewed as an evil to be avoided at all costs? Competition makes us all better no matter what we do in life.

I have the grand opportunity to coach a varsity high school sports team for a number of years and I can't begin to tell you the benefits of competition that transcend sports and change the young men into serious productive citizens. Give me a product of high school competition every time and I'm not talking only about sports. Today I was with a client when he received a call from his son (high school sophomore). He was calling his dad from Virginia to report that his high school band had swept the competition in numerous categories during a large musical competition. This same sophomore is ranked number two in his class academically as he competes to get into the best colleges in America. His parents come from India where true competition is a recent wonder and is tranforming their country.

Several years ago I had the opportunity to coach a youth soccer team comprised of seven and eight year old boys and girls. The league had a policy that prohibited the adults from keeping score. I know that you know the rest of the story (sorry Paul Harvey) but I will tell you that the kids knew the score every minute of every game. They knew if they won or lost and the margin of victory or defeat. They knew the won/loss record for the entire season and every kid could tell you how many goals they scored during the season. They knew all of this despite the coaches and parents downplaying the importance of winning and losing. I believe that competition is a genetic trait inherent in the human species and it does not have to be viewed as a bad thing.

As competition applies to the real estate transcation, I believe there is a place for ethical, honest competition coupled with a spirit of cooperation as dictated by the transaction.

I'm sorry to be so long-winded but this is "hot-button" issue for me. If nothing else it was therapeutic.

Tim

Hi Midori...Tim Rogers said it all for me. I understand what you said also.

Recently I wrote a post that dealt with competition. While writing it I was thinking also of sports teams.

Members of the team cooperate but they also compete with one another. Most teams have more than one member that would like to play a particular position and they compete for it, they also root the other one on when they are competing against another team.

As long as we compete ethically and decently (yes, we can do things by the book but we may not be very gracious about it) we will continue to respect and appreciate one another.

You brought up a very important aspect of the real estate business.

Thank you,

Kathleen

APR

2008

Hi Midori, I agree with Lenn,Tim and Kathleen and a few others. I understand what you mean, but competition is GOOD. We can't all be on the same team now, can we?? Yes, cooperation is what it takes to make it all work but we can't all be on the SAME team. Differentiation is what makes us better! It is what makes one stand out from another.

I agree with you about working together. I save the word "competition" to use when talking about the other homes in the neighborhood they are "competing" against. Not other agents. We all have to work together.

APR

2008

Absolutely a teammate! It always amazes me when new agents try to outsmart each other in an effort to make the clients experience miserable by looking smart....great post, we are all stronger as a team, than alone.

Good clean competition is not only good but healthy. It keeps us on the top of our game! Where I think the process breaks down is when real estate agents look at offers and requests and take them personally! It is all part of the negotiation process! No matter how low or ridiculous an offer is, I never take it personally. I always call the other agent and thank them for their offer! Many times their reaction is priceless! They were ready for a fight when they heard it it was you and when they did not get it they did not know what to do! Always stay competetive and professional when it comes to business!

Imagine how boring life would be without competition!

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