That is NOT the Listing Agents job - Is it?

An interesting story arose from a recent Listing Appointment. The seller made appointments with 6 different agents. The seller wanted a variety of sized companies and agents. They wanted to know what each agent could offer them. I usually like to be the last agent in. Buy I was the first agent to be interviewed this time. My fear is to be forgotten when #6 comes around. However i try to make myself "unforgettable."

The seller asked some questions, but in my opinion, did not really ask the right questions. I have a listing presentation that i can adjust on the fly. I know when to talk and when to listen.

The bottom line was the Seller seemed to only care about how much I could list their house for and how much i would charge as my commission. They did not ask how I arrived at my value, what i based it on and why i felt that way. They did not ask how I would market the home. They did not ask about me being there to show the home. They did not ask how we handled offer negotiations. They did not ask about me being there for the home inspection. They did not ask if i stood by them for each step of the selling process.  

I went over each step of the selling process. The seller were on the edge of their seat. They said they really did not know how much was involved in selling a property. They thanked me for my time. They called me later that evening and let me know they used my listing presentation to ask the other 5 agents what they did an dwhat they did not. They then asked me why I did so much when I listed a home if others did not? 

They asked me how I could afford to do so much for my sellers. I asked them how they could afford to not have the listing agent do so much for the seller. After a pause, some silence and a moan... the seller answered they could not. That is why they hired me. 

The MOST IMPORTANT message I can share is that all agents are not created equal. The choice of an agent does matter. Hire the agent that will work for you through each step of the buying or selling process. 

I now share with every consumer that my philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other.