DO YOU HAVE A "GO TO" GUIDE FOR YOUR REAL ESTATE ISSUES??
When I have a problem with my business I sometimes have to get outside help. Outside help is NOT easy to find. I don't like to burden my family and friends with these issues--they can get as upset as I am by the problems that come up, and I have learned the hard way that managers are not always the best advisors!
Some agents have a management team in place to help out on these issues, but in many cases, you don't want to discuss certain things with your manager especially if he/she is a direct competitor.
This sales agent/manager combination is happening more and more frequently in today's real estate brokerages. We are all independant contractors so it is imperative to get the best objective advice from the least threatening source.
THE MOST COMMON WAY TO HANDLE ISSUES:
Sometimes just talking out a situation with someone does the trick---other times you need a good solid point of view from a practiced, established real estate professional.
A fellow agent can be helpful however, I find that they don't really have the time you may need to tackle an issue, unless you know an established agent who is willing to advise freely! When you do ask for help from another agent make sure to let the individual know that you are willing to reciprocate on such things as open houses or stepping in to open a listing or do a showing.
SOME EXAMPLES OF MINOR PROBLEMATIC ISSUES:
I am not talking about legal advice here; most problems that arise in real estate are mundane and will never become an issue that needs legal guidance, unless you handle a situation poorly! However, it is very important to get professional input as you sort out a problem that has taken you off focus.
- Issue with other agents who have been trying to approach your buyers/sellers inappropriately.
- Need help with an overpriced listing and a resistant seller.
- Need help on how to procure a listing when an owner is hesitant to list
- A negotiating issue that is taking too much time to bring to closure; another point of view could help speed it up.
If you are a new agent you may need a more established agent who "knows the ropes" better than you on minor issues that could turn into major problems.
Talking to your fellow agents is one way to handle difficult issues, however, I have discovered that the more complex issues need a more educated approach. So, I go looking for the right "Guide" to help me get past the bumps that are hard to tackle on my own.
SOME EXAMPLES OF MORE COMPLEX ISSUES:
- You have a situation with another agent who is a "favorite" in your office and who seems to get all the "big" listings that come in.
- You have a seller who suddenly decides to cancel your listing agreement based upon something your company has done.
- You have a question about the ethical behavior of a fellow agent whom you are tied to in a team.
- You have a manager who has not got your best interest in mind when you have a conflict with other agents in your office.
The longer I am in this business the more I understand the need for a "Guide" or an adviser whom you pay for their help/advice....a business coach for example. I have found that these coaches charge around $100 or less a week if you sign up with them for a regular counseling session. Some of these large "Coaching" companies work for groups of people but they command a very large fee and lots of time that I don't feel I want to commit to...I like more individual attention.
Since real estate business affects a buyer or seller where they "live" and has a greater "psychological impact" than almost any other business, it could help to get the advice of a "counselor" with a PHD who has a business background. Find someone who can coach you when things become problematic with
other agents, your company, your buyers and/or sellers. Set up an appointment, a time where you will not be interrupted.
No matter whom you choose, a professional counselor/coach or an adept fellow agent, you will benefit in many ways---it is all part of doing business the right way, especially in today's market where you have so much to lose if you don't make the right move or decision. Seeking professional advice about your real complex estate issues can be career changing, especially if you find a well established agent or coach!
WHAT SAY YOU?
DO YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT WAY OF GETTING THE RIGHT ADVICE ON REAL ESTATE ISSUES?
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