Special offer

Real Estate Agent Etiquette: Professionalism at All Times

By
Real Estate Agent with Opes Real Estate Group 3370985

With over 42,000 real estate agents licensed in Florida alone, it's obvious that competition is tough. However, one thing I have noticed rather quickly is many agents see you as competition and while I certainly understand, and appreciate, professional competition, it doesn't have to be brutal. 

In Miami specifically, there's a lot of folks out there that actually represent themselves as agents and are not licensed at all, which results in the industry professionals getting a bad reputation unfairly. This alone is hard enough to gain the trust of your leads you're talking to, much less the general public looking for someone to represent them. 

The one reason I like ActiveRain.com so much is the mere fact that other pros are actually here to help, encourage and support each other with respect. It's refreshing, and a valuable source of information and tips from other real estate professionals, and I greatly appreciate that. 

With that being said, if you're one who tends to view other agents as your competition, let me relay some advice my instructor in my orientation/ethics class at the Miami Association of Realtors gave us. It's best to always be courteous, polite and professional in all realms of business, especially in this industry. Imagine you're at the closing table and the agent on the other side is someone you've had a negative experience with.... awkard! Not only awkward, but if there's any negotiations that need to take place, it certainly is going to be a smoother process if it's someone you have experienced professionalism and good ethics with. Not to mention, referrals can be a nice added bonus (no pun intended) between agents. One of my very good friends, who is a fellow agent, lives in a town further north and if I have a client looking up north, I refer biz to her and vice versa. We are delighted to refer a client to each other knowing they will get amazing service. 

There are blogs all over about "rude" agents - from consumer-perspective to agent-to-agent perspective. I understand there are rude professionals in every industry, but I have found many more in this business than others I have been in. And, I am rather new....As I like to say "You can never regret being kind". It's worked in my professional and personal life. No matter how rude the other person is I remind myself to act in kindness. It has actually turned arguments into agreements, potentional clients into repeat clients and so on...this doesn't mean I agree to something I don't feel or bend to someone's opinion. I simply respond with kind professionalism no matter what the circumstance and it has proven to be very powerful in many ways. It also helps me personally by not getting aggravated and propelling the situation into an inferno that is totally unnecessary. If the other person continues I simply walk away and refuse to feed into it the negative spiral. 

Thanks for reading! 

 

Posted by

Comments (23)

Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Lisa

Great read! Sadly there are some in our business who are rude, and not very professional. It just makes any transaction so much more difficult and unpleasant, and it really doesn't accomplish a thing. I have worked with some wonderful agents in the last few years and thankfully the rude and difficult ones have been few and far between!

Jeff

Dec 26, 2016 04:53 PM
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

We can all learn a lot about our business associates and chose what path we want to follow, great blog and comments. 

Dec 26, 2016 05:33 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Lisa Hernandez, Sometimes a few people make others look bad, but I hope some learn to get better.  So glad you are in the Rain!

Dec 26, 2016 05:55 PM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Lisa

Unlicensed real estate agents who lie about being licensed are blight on the real estate industry.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Dec 26, 2016 07:40 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Lisa -- while "bad apples" exist everywhere in life, the chance to succeed in life and in real estate are much improved with a positive approach.   

Dec 27, 2016 06:43 AM
Lisa Hernandez

Absolutey correct...thanks!

Dec 29, 2016 06:56 AM
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

Hi Lisa,

What a great post and excellent points.  While it can be frustrating working with rude people in any industry, I try to always handle those instances as an opportunity to let my light shine before them!

Diana

Dec 28, 2016 06:11 PM
Lisa Hernandez
Opes Real Estate Group - Kendall, FL
Realtor serving Kendall, South Miami & Pinecrest

Great point! Thanks, Diana.

Dec 29, 2016 06:56 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Perhaps I have been lucky in my years in real estate, but I have found other agents to be quite nice and professional. However, your post brings up a number of good points, Lisa Hernandez and if I ever have a referral for your area, I will know who to call. I have never found a valid reason to be in competition with other professional real estate agents; most of them are working as hard as I am.

Dec 29, 2016 08:38 PM
Lisa Hernandez

Hi Jane and likewise! I will definitely have you in mind for Orlando... thanks for your kind words. 

Dec 31, 2016 12:35 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Lisa Hernandez - what a wonderful post and yes, we, as in every profession, are plagued with rude peers but, as you said, just keep on keepin' on!  Feeding into the negativity only makes matters worse - taking the high-road is the best thing to do!

I hope you have a fabulous New Year!

Dec 30, 2016 09:22 PM
Lisa Hernandez

Happy new year to you as well! 

Dec 31, 2016 12:36 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Lisa- I love what you said..."You can never regret being kind."  In all professions there are those who just don't play well in the sandbox.  You just learned as you have, to move on.  Good for you!

Dec 31, 2016 01:05 PM
Lisa Hernandez

Thanks!!!

Jan 01, 2017 04:11 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

                                

Dec 31, 2016 04:37 PM
Lisa Hernandez

Wow - thanks - where can I see it?

Jan 01, 2017 04:11 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Lisa. "you can never refret being kind" That is so very true. Happy New Year.

Jan 01, 2017 04:57 AM
Lisa Hernandez

Thank you so much! Happy New Year as well!

Jan 01, 2017 04:11 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I agree! You can never be too kind, and it is always a good idea to err on the side of goodness.

Jan 01, 2017 04:58 AM
Lisa Hernandez

Thank you and yes, usually works... :) 

Jan 01, 2017 04:12 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Always a good idea to be professional. Sometimes they don't know better and walking away,not allowing them to berate you by hanging up is the best way to get their attention. Hope you come across more professional agents this coming year. Missed this article of yours this week but saw it mentioned by Kathy. Looking forward to reading more of your posts in the weeks to come.

Jan 01, 2017 05:13 AM
Lisa Hernandez

Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year!

Jan 01, 2017 04:12 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Lisa. Sometimes it is hard to take the high road, but best way to travel nevertheless! Enjoy your day!

Jan 01, 2017 05:58 AM
Lisa Hernandez

Thank you and same to you!

Jan 01, 2017 04:12 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Good words and I am glad Kathy Streib let me to your post. I, too, think you are wise beyond your age. 

Jan 01, 2017 01:35 PM
Lisa Hernandez

Thank you so much. I appreciate you! 

Jan 01, 2017 04:13 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is a very important topic. Thanks for sharing your experience.

We have a national surplus of several hundred thousand agents.

Jan 01, 2017 04:08 PM
Lisa Hernandez

Yes we do and thanks for stopping by! 

Jan 01, 2017 04:13 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Lisa Hernandez ,

I'm back from the holidays and headed right over to Kathy Streib 's post to catch up on her "ah-ha" moments for the week! I completely agree.always take the high road..no need for rudeness ....life is too short to spend in anger and confrontation..always pays to be kind..it always comes back to you because you create good karma! Looking forward to reading more of your posts!

Jan 02, 2017 08:57 AM
Lisa Hernandez

Welcome back and thanks for stopping by!

Jan 02, 2017 09:06 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

As Michele Obama recently said, "when they go low, you go high." It's our philosophy and it tends to work, and often derails the attitude of rudeness. Not always...

 

Jan 02, 2017 10:29 AM
Sarah Cole
Strategic Digital Marketing Consultant - http://www.coleconnectmarketing.com - Tully, NY
Strategic Social Media Consultant

Well said!! So glad this was featured by Kathy. 

Jan 02, 2017 11:21 AM