Real Estate Blog - Why Can't "Professionals"Do What They Say They're Going to Do?

Home : Blogs : Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate : Darleen McCullen - Raleigh NC Real Estate Blog

Why Can't "Professionals"Do What They Say They're Going to Do?

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

Shocked Boy WARNING: This is a RANT- because I'm frustrated with the total lack of professionalism amongst some in this industry! (Not all - but some!)

I'm not sure why I continue to be surprised when speaking with clients and potential clients - and they say things to me like:

"Thank you so much for calling me back when you said you would."

"You have a high level of professionalism."

"My last real estate agent stopped returning my calls after we closed the sale."

"If you don't know the answer to my question, you actually say 'I don't know' and go find out for us - instead of pretending to know and giving false information."

What's going on here?

I, a conscientious real estate professional, find that I am constantly apologizing for the lack of professionalism in the ranks.

For instance, last summer, when my niece was visiting, I met a gentleman while we were waiting for the children to be dismissed from day camp.

We had a nice conversation - up to the point when he asked what I do for a living. Then, the conversation went South - quickly!

At a minimum, as professionals in this business, we should do what we say we'll do - when we say we'll do it.

Under promise - over deliver!

I don't rant very often, but it felt good to get it out!

Thanks for reading!

And let's all strive to do exactly what we say we're going to - so that we can help raise the Public's perception of us as professionals.

REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!^TM

Phone: 919.454.8864
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRain community, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.

Posted by Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate on 06/01/2008 07:39 PM

Comments (19)

customer service, real estate, professionalism

Post is included in group: North Carolina Real Estate
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: You've GOT to be kidding
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: Tips tools and technologies for today's REALTOR

19 Comments on Why Can't "Professionals"Do What They Say They're Going to Do?

JUN

2008

Hi Darleen, I was going to do a rant the other day for the same reason. I don't know how some of these people stay in business. Some of the listings I have currently are from expireds and their biggest complaint was no call or feedback from their agent. It is like they threw a sign in their yard and disappeared.

Dave

That is OK..Rant on Sunday...work on Monday!

Rant away, I feel the same way...It makes you wonder if they are even still agents...or if they just went POOF, and forgot to tell their customer's the "Scottie" beamed them up...and away!

Hey GF, why don't you attach a link to your website on here? If you need help, call me. 954-464-4194

Dave ~ It's a shame that agents get Missing in Action after they have the listing, isn't it? I just don't understand it!

Gary ~ Your response made me laugh. Yes, I'm ranting on Sunday - and hopefully won't have anything to rant about on Monday. :-D

Karen ~ LOL. Maybe "Scottie" did beam them away. (That would be wonderful for all involved, no?) :-)

We all know that honesty and following up are the best ways to get and retain business. Thanks for calling out those who may have forgotten these simple rules.

Darleen,

I know what you mean and how you feel. I am new to the Mortgage Industry and I have had many of clients and Realtor partners always compliment me on staying on top of things and following through on what i say. It's all about Under promising and Over delivering! If you do the opposite, you will not be working towards earning your clients Trust in you as a professional.

Jose,

Just when you really think nothing will surprise you again in this business, something always will; and we just shake our heads in disbelief. Rant away.....

I had a prospective buyer tell me recently that they were disappointed in most agents they talked to. I wish I had been surprised but perhaps for some agents apathy has set in?

Here's what a professional should possess in a nutshell, Darleen:

Competency
Honesty
Punctuality
Integrity
Morality
Kindness
Humility
Perseverence

Shout out to Raleigh.... : 0 ))

-David-

Darleen, This is what separates the "maybe okay agents" and the "top producers". I was taught a long time ago, the difference is you have to do what you say your are going to do, or do everyone a favor and just don't say it. You set the expectation and when you let people down, all credibility goes right out the window. I am with you on this subject.

Darleen,

I've had to do some apologising myself.....I'm sorry to see I'm not alone....

Vanessa.

because they aren't real professionals!

Ricardo Cobos - Mortgage Banker

JUN

2008

Darleen,
It is frustrating that we all are judged by the actions of a few in this profession. People, unfortuately remember the negaitve better than they remember the positive. The actions or nonactions of a few just make our job more difficult but we can and do show clients what professionalism is all about.

Makes you wonder how these "professionals" stay in business!

Danial ~ You're welcome. And you're right, follow-up and honesty are the best tools we have in this business.

Jose ~ Exactly. It's best if we always keep our word - and under promise and over deliver to wow our clients.

Kim ~ Thanks the permission to rant. :-)

Cindy ~ Unfortunately, many of the good agents will continue to hear about those who don't hold up their end of the bargain.

David ~ Thanks for the list. And thanks for the shout out to Raleigh. :-)

Audrey ~ Well said. Say less, do more!

Vanessa ~ No, you're not alone.

Ricardo ~ Exactly.

Cynthia ~ It is frustrating - but what are we going to do - except being our usual professional selves.

Ed ~ I have a sneaky feeling that these "professionals" will probably quit soon.

Darleen, You are right and this happens more than people think. I know we are all busy, but it is my professional policy to return all calls and follow up with clients. I hear all the time that people cannot get the Stager to call them back. I think that even if you cannont help each and every client that calls you, to be a professional you should always return their phone calls.

JUN

2008

These are the exact people that I'm hoping end up leaving the business in the next year because of lack of business. You are right, I hear that a lot from my client on why they hired me instead of the other guy, never return calls.

Michelle ~ Hi there. You are very good about following up - which is why you're so successful. Thank you so much for your professionalism!

Todd ~ Isn't it amazing that so many people won't return phone calls?

This blog does not allow anonymous comments