Rich... very good questions.  We all better be able to answer that question.

My tag line pretty much sums it up: "Information is FREE.  Knowledge, Experience & Integrity are Priceless".   Many people choose me because they read my blogs (here or here), which builds credibility and trust.  One gal recently told me she chose me because of the testimonials on my website.  She said I was either very good, or had crafted some very clever testimonials.  Hearing why I am special is far more effective coming from someone else

My momma always told me I was special.... but evidently that was a one sided opinion.

Sean Allen

Now I get to practice the elevator script:

You should hire me because I am pro-active, trustworthy and always look to my clients interests first and have the experience and knowledge to help you have the best real estate experience ever!

Lori,

Please don't take this as negative.  I don't want any negativity here!  If you really look at this answer, don't you think that everyone would say that? 

Please, don't take this the wrong way.  I'm my worst critic and I ask myself the same question "why would I hire us" all the time.  In my opinion (and again, it's just opinion), I think that for all of us to be successful there needs to be a more "cookie cutter" type answer.  That's why I posed the question. Someone out there in the "Rain" has some brilliant ideas to share.  I liked Carol's as the opening answer....it speaks something a bit different from the everyday.

I hope we can all come up with something special and unique!

No, I won't take it the wrong way, I just cannot think of anything unique. I subscribe to this one so I could get better ideas. I knew someone would comment on my generic "why me" answer. Someone out there will help.

Lori,

I'm my own worst critic, not anyone else's, so I can come up with things easier for others.  Why don't you try something along the lines of education in Real Estate?  Sounds corny, but I'm saying to make a play on those words.  You joined the "Rain" to learn....that says something about you!  I say work with it!

Michelle,

Maybe a UVP isn't as important to others as it is to you and I. Not really any feedback here. I am very surprised. Then again, only 10% of agents stay in the business for more than 3 years.

Lori,

I think that I may need to repost this again....not sure if anyone is getting the chance to see it.

Marketing myself is like marketing a house; I have to have curb appeal.  What makes one salable is different for each person, just like each house is different.  Personal marketing is keyfor me.  Having a personal marketing brochure that explains who I am works for me.

 Lori and Rich

I think that in order to come up with a unique selling proposition, you must first develop your own personal mission statement.   If you do not know what it is that you stand and for whom you stand for it with, then how can you communicate effectively with them?   I recently read the book "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace Wattles (nice name, right? It was originally written in 1910, what do you want?) In this book it lays out the specific and predictibly scientific approach to getting rich.   It mentions that in order to build true wealth you must earn your wealth in a certain way that those who pay you are receiving a life improving benefit as well.   To make a short story long :)    If you build your mission statement around creating life improving benefit for those that you service, and then in turn base your Unique Selling Proposition on that , then you will truly have a proposition that is unique.   For example, "Helping American's build a better tomorrow."   That was a unique selling proposition that provides life improving benefit for those it serves.   Another good one (Although the actual mission is failing) is"No Student Left Behind".  

 On a closing note: I hear the USP " I am here 24 hours a day, to help you", all the time.   Being available 24 hours a day IS NOT unique (there are plenty of agents that fit this bill) , in fact it is not even a selling proposition in the commercial real estate world that I deal with.   I may work a lot, but it is viewed as a weakness to some of my top clients if I am available 24 hours a day.   They see me as less successful because I can't golf with them or  I have to answer the phone at 10pm. Not to mention the lack of balance in my life that it creates.  It is only when all areas of your life are in balance that you will truly start receiving wealth.    

Think of something that works for you and gives you passion when you say it.  People will here the passion in your voice and THAT will be your USP.   Hope this helps a little.  Have a great week. 

Tom,

I agree with your assessment. I think a mission statement should be #1 and I also think that being available 24 hours a day is not unique....and very foolish actually.  You're right, some may consider it to be a weakness!  Thanks for the comments.

BTW.....nice "Rain" page you got going on there!

I have summed up my pitch into four simple words, which I happily elaborate on when anyone asks:  Real Estate Made Easy.

Buying or selling real estate is stressful for most people.  My job is to make it as easy as possible.  I apply my knowledge, experience, experience, experience and experience.  Chances are, if a hurdle jumps in the way, it is usually one I alrady have experience jumping over.  My job is to work to overcome that challenge, no matter what it is.  Usually, what stalls a deal is something that is outside of my control (underwriting, etc.), but even if it's "not my responsibility," I still "own" the challenge and do whatever it takes to move forward.  As real estate agents, I think we are facilitators.  There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle and someone has to "own" the puzzle, and I happily take that responsibility.