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Which Agent Would You Believe?

By
Mortgage and Lending

I recently interviewed a few agents in an attempt to build a buyers' agent team to work with our REO listing agents to hold bank-owned open house on their many listings. During the interview, I asked one agent, "What do you like most about being an agent?". She told me what she liked most was handing over the keys to someone else for their dream home. I thought it was a great answer from a caring "buyers" agent. Another agent I had interviewed responded to the same question by sating that she enjoyed the income potential and the time flexibility to spend with family.

I think they are both great answers, but under the circumstance, which agent would you believe if you had to choose between both agents?

 

Lenny Schwartz
TexasRealty.us - Austin, TX

i'd pick the third agent.... the one who is too busy selling to apply!

Nov 30, 2008 01:56 AM
Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

Hmmm...I think I would most likely believe them both. I can't say I have just ONE thing I love about being an agent.

Nov 30, 2008 02:04 AM
Tracy Williams Pender
Carolina MaxRealty, Inc. - Raleigh, NC
MBA, Knightdale & Raleigh, NC Real Estate

Although they're both good answers if I had to pick the best out of the two I'd go with the first one.  Income and flexibility can be created as a listing agent too.  But handing over the keys is a feeling only achieved by working with buyers.  To me that demonstrates putting the joy of others above your own.

Nov 30, 2008 02:10 AM
Patty Carroll
Vancouver, WA

We would pick the agent that is more focused on the results for their client not their own.

Nov 30, 2008 02:23 AM
Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio
Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro - Manalapan, NJ
Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate

What I enjoy most about being an agent is the opportunity to have a career with no limitations to my success, both from a financial perspective, as well as a sense of personal satisfaction.

Am I hired?

Nov 30, 2008 02:33 AM
Kenneth Bargers
Prudential Woodmont Realty - Nashville, TN

Hans - Both of these individuals presented honest answers.  There is no preference as long as the answer was honest and that is what drives them to be aggressive and successful.

Nov 30, 2008 02:34 AM
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I would have to ask further questions of the 2nd agent who enjoyed the flexibility to spend time with family.   How much time would he/she like to spend on the job?   It would depend on what they did prior to coming into real estate.  Do they work smart?  Do they work in slow motion because of a previous job that just required that they be at their desk during certain hours?  Do they have other income to rely on or are they going to make Real Estate their money maker?   Too little info for me to make a call.

Nov 30, 2008 02:50 AM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

#1.  She gets it. 

Nov 30, 2008 02:51 AM
Caren Wallace
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate

I love to give buyers their keys to their new home, it is the reason we do this, isn't it!! She does get it!!!!

Nov 30, 2008 02:54 AM
Jean Powers
Kane & Associates call 510.908.9002 - Alameda, CA
CRS,e-PRO,HAFA,SFR Broker, Northern California

I would be asking more questions.  Experience, how do you work, education and knowledge etc 

Nov 30, 2008 02:56 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I'd probably go with the first candidate, but the real answers I'd like to know is how they prospect.  What do they do when they get a call on a property?  A little role playing.  Too many agents let leads fall through the cracks.

Nov 30, 2008 03:04 AM
Hans Iduma
Gaithersburg, MD
Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist

Hi Lenny, I hope you realize that most of the third agents you'd pick are actually looking for other jobs and probably not renewing their licenses.

Nov 30, 2008 03:54 AM