Are You a Selfish Agent?

Most good agents have a 'friend' that they have cover for them when they go out of town or are unavailable. Or maybe it is someone else on your team or even your broker from time to time.

Before leaving, you make sure that all the details have been covered and they have a number to reach you at in case of an emergency. Sometimes you can't be reached - maybe you are in the wilderness hunting, or up in Alaska or something... Fine. You then work to get your Replacement all the info they will need to temporarily continue on in your absence.

You call or email all of your sellers and buyers to let them know of your departure and arrival dates. You tell them that "George" is going to take care of any needs that they might have and assist in any negotiations.

Like I said, MOST GOOD AGENTS... But are you selfish?

Is there that one listing that you favor? The one buyer that is super qualified? Do you hide them from your Replacement? Do you sneak their folder out of the file cabinent, make a note in the MLS "no showings until...", even take down the lock box and stash everything into your locked desk in your locked office that only you have the key for?

Maybe you know that another Agent has an interested Buyer. Someone who went through the house over a month ago, but has been doing their due diligence (and alot of it if it takes that long!) and could put in an offer any day, or month, or maybe even next spring!

Or maybe you have an anxious Buyer who you just started with, but alas you had your non-refundable plane tickets ordered 3 months ago. Do you refer them over to your Replacement? To someone who should be able to successfully find a house for them quickly?

Do you ever stop to think that it would be in your client's best interests if you actually serviced their needs completely and you didn't worry so much about "numero uno"?

Don't waste everybody's time by hoarding that special client! It does a Seller NO GOOD to finally have the glorious opportunity to have a Buyer's Agent get his client to draft up an offer, only to realize that he can't submit it because YOU ARE SELFISH! (And of course the Buyer says "Well I guess it just wasn't meant to be then... What else is there?") It does your Buyer NO GOOD to make them lose out on a perfect home because you couldn't play nice in the sandbox and were never taught how to share!

Were you an 'only child'? (no offense to the other 'only child(s)' out there that did learn to share) Didn't you learn yet that the more you cooperate with others the more business you will get? The more you put your client's needs first is the more closings you will get to?

You can't thrive when you are Selfish. The phrase "It is better to Give than to Receive" is very appropriate in the sales and service industry. Times are tough enough in this market... Why would you make them even harder for your clients? Why are you a Selfish Agent?

If you are a Seller, Buyer or Agent looking for a Non-Selfish Agent to work with in SE Wisconsin, feel free to email or call 262.224.5439. Matt Yogerst is accepting new clients and referrals! He also gives referrals to other competent Non-Selfish Agents. Please note that this blog was not directed at any one particular agent or occurance.

Matt Yogerst - RE/MAX Realty 100 - Menomonee Falls, WI - Are You a Selfish Agent? - September 2008