Test! How Well Are You Doing Your Job?

Taking care of our clients is the most important aspect of our job.

I fear sometimes agents forget or neglect this.

It is true different clients have different needs but I believe there are four elements which are crucial to all agent/client relationships.

I posted the following blog in November 2007 but it is one that I believe has a message that we all need to hear and read again and again.

Recently I commented on Jackie Peraza's post "A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words - Long Term" with the comment "Trust, what an important relationship that is with our clients but something that must be earned through respect, honesty and diligence".

Jackie responded back "It's a three legged stool; with one-third missing, the remaining two-thirds just aren't sufficient".

Jackie's words gave me a mental picture --the stool is trust and the three legs are respect, honesty and diligence.

Take away any one of the 3 legs and the stool (trust) collapses.

So how do you build your stool of trust?

Leg 1 - Respect - I believe there must be mutual respect between client and agent in order for there to be a successful working relationship. To me that means
I must
  • Listen to my client with my ears and my heart
  • Respond to phone calls and emails promptly
  • Communicate with them often, keeping them abreast of marketing plans, showings, feedback and changes in the market,
  • Try to accommodate their schedules and needs
Leg 2 - Honesty - Our clients deserve the truth and I must
  • Advise them of the true market value of their home
  • Coach them of needed improvements to help make their home more appealing
  • Explain all forms and contacts in a way they can understand

Leg 3 - Diligence - This means I must

  • Have a thorough and proven market plan and follow through with it
  • Check and recheck all forms and contracts to ensure accuracy

  • Do a thorough and accurate market analysis prior to pricing the home/property

  • Stay abreast of the market and know the area

  • Put clients in touch with mortgage lenders and all professionals needed to complete the transaction

  • Cooperate and work with other agents, lenders and attorneys

  • Dress and conduct business in a professional manner

How is your 3 legged stool? Is it straight and sturdy or do one or more of the legs need some work and support?

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

 

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36 Comments on Test! How Well Are You Doing Your Job?

Cynthia--Great analogy! With this type of foundation your clients must really enjoy working with you!

05/01/2008 09:32 AM by Teri Eckholm, Realtor® Anoka County MN (Keller Williams Premier Realty)


Cynthia, Great post. I like the analogy .  If I have  referrals  to  your county, I will refer them to you.

05/01/2008 10:09 AM by GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors)


Good point, Cynthia.... I couldn't agree more.  We have to earn that trust... it doens't come automatically.

05/01/2008 12:34 PM by Fairbanks Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton (Jesse & Kathy Clifton, REALTORS - 907.699.6024 - )


This is a great post, Cynthia.  This is something that we all need to pay attention to.  Thanks.

05/01/2008 12:38 PM by Don Draughn - Mortgage Professional (High Point NC Mortgages)


Great reminder, Cynthia.  It's sometimes so easy to get off track, and the ones that feel left out are our clients.

05/01/2008 01:31 PM by Carol Smith, ReMax Preferred, REALTOR®, Toledo, OH (www.calltoledohome.com)


Cynthia, That is certainly true to have all those things for a wonderful working relationship...on both sides.  I do hope my clients never feel as if I'm not treating them with the highest regard.

05/01/2008 05:01 PM by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City)


Love this.  With your permission, I would like to copy this and keep it in my office.  I was talking to a new agent today and trying to tell him these things, but did not have it as organized and articulated as well.

Thanks!

05/01/2008 05:43 PM by Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD (RE/MAX Realty Group)


Cynthia, very good post!!  I have lost listings because of #2 but I'm always going to tell it like it is.  Sometimes the seller doesn't want to hear it though.  I usually watch those listings and sure enough they usually get down to what I told them and then sale.  I don't feel bad though as I don't want an over priced listing.

05/01/2008 08:03 PM by Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro ABR (Results Realty)


Hello Teri,
I believe we can back what we give in most situations, don't you?  Thank you.

 

Gita,
I always enjoy having you stop by and comment.  Thank you.

 

05/01/2008 08:27 PM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Cynthia - i agree with you this was worth reposting.  This reminder is something we can all use.

05/01/2008 10:06 PM by Jennifer Fivelsdal, Rhinebeck NY (Keller Williams Realty)


Hi Cynthia..I remember this post because it made the point so well! What is the etiquitte on re-posting?I had one on Branding I was thinking of puting in a new Marketing group....but didn't know if I could?

05/01/2008 10:15 PM by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors)


Cynthia, Thank you for the nudge.  Another great post.

Don R.

05/02/2008 05:44 AM by Don Rogers CRS, GRI, Broker/Sales Associate (RE/MAX Discover)


Jesse,
So true and earning the trust of clients takes time, more with some than others but I have found once you have their trust, they are yours.  Thank you.

 

Hi Don,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.  I believe these elements are essential in establishing a good relationship.  

05/02/2008 07:46 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Carol,
True and that's just who we do not want to neglect or leave out!  Thank you.

 

Carole,
I know you take very good care of your clients, you are a very dedicated professional.  

05/02/2008 09:14 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


I think we do well to communicate what people can expect from us as professionals. Well done.

I think it also works the other way...to set the bar high for the other people on our team, and even for our clients.

It takes a village to close a real estate deal! Good stuff, Cynthia.

05/02/2008 10:05 AM by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)


Audrey,
I am honored that you would like to print this out and use it, do so with my blessing.  Thank you.

 

Marchel,
It is true, clients do not always want to hear and accept the truth but like it or not, that's what I give them. 

05/02/2008 12:37 PM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


For sure...it is the essence of why we do what we do. To give straighforward information...plain and simple.

05/02/2008 12:49 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Cynthia Great post, I find clients are like children sometimes you have to tell them the truth for their own good.

05/02/2008 01:12 PM by Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.


Cynthia, respect, honesty, and diligence in almost any area of life will take us a long way. Thanks for presenting this lesson to us with the stool.

05/02/2008 05:18 PM by Gary Woltal - REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty)


Hi Jennifer,
It really upsets me when I see or hear about agents that do not treat their clients honestly and with respect.  Thanks.

 

Joan,
There is a group specifically for this purpose "Bloggers Choice Selections".  When I repost a blog, I do add to it.   Thanks.

05/02/2008 07:51 PM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Hello Don,
Happy to give you a nudge anytime, just let me know when you need it. LOL!

 

Joey,
It's true, closing a real estate transaction is a group effort and everyone must work together  to get it done.  Thank you.

05/02/2008 08:05 PM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Hi Cynthia, very nice post. We all need to treat others how we want to be treated. Great job!

05/02/2008 08:26 PM by Keith Perry - REALTOR® -West Metro Atlanta (Coldwell Banker)


Sally,
I think you are one of AR's shining examples of "what to do and how to do it".  Thank you.

 

Hello Steve,
I agree that the truth is in the best of interest of our clients and perhaps we could compare them to children in others way too.  :0)

05/03/2008 07:30 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Gary,
You are absolutely correct, what works in business relationships also works in personal relationships.  Thank you.

05/03/2008 12:21 PM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Cynthia, your post is clear and easy to follow. Serious, ethical guidelines for anyone in the business.

Great Warning though never sit on a stool with two leg.

05/03/2008 08:55 PM by Dionne Morgan REALTOR®,GRI, e-PRO (Realty World Solano Realty)


Hi Cynthia, you have identified the key points in making real estate transaction smooth and enjoyable for clients.  Nice post.

05/04/2008 11:07 AM by Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FLexIt Realty, a call or click away! (Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan)


Good Monday Gary!
It is a glorious day here  with the sun shining and temperatures expected to be in the mid to upper 70s.  My kind of weather!

Thanks for stopping by my post and commenting and yes, that is our job.   

05/05/2008 10:57 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Cynthia,

 

As always, outstanding post. You are an awesome blogger and an even better agent I bet!

 

Jim

05/05/2008 03:40 PM by Jim Fischetti (The Fischetti Group/Keller Williams)


Jim,
Thanks, I always enjoy having you stop by and comment.  Take care.

 

Hi Chuck,
My pleasure and thank you for coming by and leaving your comments.

05/08/2008 05:44 PM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Feeling pretty good about my stool right now.  This ia great post!

05/08/2008 05:49 PM by Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster)


Hi Chris,
That tells me you're doing a good job, keep it up and thanks for stopping by.

05/10/2008 07:48 PM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


Cynthia, great post.

Great guidlines for anyone who is in the business.

05/11/2008 02:32 AM by Eric Egeland (Chicagoland Realtor / Broker) (Re/Max United)


Hello Eric,
Thanks for stopping by and comment, we all need to check our stools on a regular basis. 

05/12/2008 07:36 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


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Real Estate Agent: Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)
Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist
Hubert, NC
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