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Performance is How Buyers and Sellers Really Judge Us!

By
Real Estate Agent with Long & Foster 0225078705

I had another article published today in RealtyTimes.Com It is based on how the consumer views us in real estate and how we are judged.

In real estate we try to dazzle would be potential clients with Million Dollar Credentials that are hardly worth the paper they are written on.  Many in our profession drive leased luxury cars trying to give the illusion they are successful and should be sought after for their advice.  It really doesn't work.  Buyers and sellers are more interested in our performance.  Did we look after their needs, or were we in it for a quick buck.  Real estate has long been looked on with disdain, and some of this is the reason we are sometimes held in low regard. Empty promises of unsold homes and broken dreams are not what the public are looking for.  The public is solutions oriented, and seek the right advice.  They are even willing to pay handsomely after the deal is completed.  The consumers needs are simple...they want a sale when selling and a deal when buying.  We will ultimately be judged on did we deliver the goods or just talk about a goal that was never reached?

If you would like to read the entire article in RealtyTimes.Com:

"Our Performance Says It All!" by Jim Crawford

Posted by

James Crawford Broker Associate

Long & Foster Fredericksburg Virginia

678-595-5286 Direct

 

Fredericksburg VA Real Estate Agents, Spotsylvania County Homes for Sale, Spotsylvania County VA Homes, Stafford County VA Homes, and City of Fredericksburg VA – Luxury Homes, Lots, Land, and New Home Construction. Buying or Selling Call Me!  

 

Long and Foster Fredericksburg VA

Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services) Yes that may be so, but I know more great agents than I do the ones just persuing the deal.

Jan 30, 2009 01:34 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

Jim - I went to your original article and read from there. I agree with your comments and opinion in its entirety. At the same time, I do feel that I am in a dilemma. Though I may not have the number of transactions under my belt, but that doesnt mean that I dont have the experience to get a house sold. I think with having experience and a good resume, I would say that I lack the opportunity to demonstrate my ability. What would you say to that?

Jan 30, 2009 02:03 PM
Nate Rowe
Oakstone Properties, Homes in Richmond VA - Richmond, VA
Realtor, Homes in Richmond VA

Interesting post.  Thanks for sharing.  I drive a 2003 Ford Pick-up with no bells and whistles.  My clients like the way I perform and I appreciate them.  Maybe I will get a Lexus when I can actually afford one.

Jan 30, 2009 02:09 PM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco Texas Real Estate (3:16 team REALTY) I find a lot of time that experience, and testimonials...really help close any deal.  First of all we have confidence, not a false pride in our abilities.  That is a good thing. Also, when you have experience, there is no pause or being at a loss for words.  I do not have to have a laptop presentation to make up for my dificiencies.  When we pause in this type of market whisl e workign wiht clients because we do not have the answers, we lose credibility.  However, I don't think it is all experience either.  We must also have the skills to move forward and deliver the goods. 

In this market I am at a loss with certain listings on how to get them sold.  I will turn the sellers down if I feel I cannot deliver.  Other agents will list everything.  That is their down fall.  We must know our own limitations, and trust our instincts.  I would rather have 3 listings I can sell than 25 listings where I only sell 2.  Many agents do not understand this.

Jan 30, 2009 02:11 PM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Nate Rowe, Homes in Richmond VA (Oakstone Properties, Homes in Richmond VA)  Just be yourself.  Tell people the truth.  It works!

Jan 30, 2009 02:15 PM
Carol Culkin
Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS
Overland Park Residential Real Estate

Jim, Nice article and great post. Razzle dazzle is a turn off to sellers who have lost their jobs, are facing foreclosure and have come upon hard times. I think more agents should use this down market as an excuse to buy economy cars and do away with the luxury that is sure to irk most people these days.  

Jan 30, 2009 02:54 PM
Corry Shadle
Magnolia Realty Services - Elizabethville, PA

we get paid to perform 

Jan 30, 2009 03:08 PM
Corry Shadle
Magnolia Realty Services - Elizabethville, PA

I use my performance numbers and how they compare to other agents in my area in every listing presentation

Jan 30, 2009 03:09 PM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Carol Culkin (Houlihan Lawrence Realty)  Carol I totally agree.

Jan 30, 2009 03:28 PM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Corry Shadle (Exit Realty Capital Area)  Perform and inform!  I like the idea of statistics, I beleive it can really set you apart from the competition that tries to "wing it!"

Jan 30, 2009 03:30 PM
M. Suzi Woods (Gravenstuk)
NOW Sharing the life and spice of the GC one day at a time - Grand Canyon, AZ
Suzi Woods, Prior Independent REBroker in MS

Good point, Jim. I often wondered if prospective clients realized the many times the "Neighborhood Expert" is purchased rather than earned. Just a few... Point 2, CyberHomes, +. I can see how they relate, though. to purchase the Neighborhood Expert recognition sold by many different companies, one has to be successful

Jan 30, 2009 03:32 PM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Suzi Gravenstuk, REALTOR©/Broker, MGC Realty, LLC., Gulfport, Long Beach, (Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Waveland) I agree.   A person once told me "I do not see a lot of your signs around!"  My response, is "I sell my listings quickly!"

Jan 30, 2009 03:36 PM
Jen Olson
First Weber Group Realtors - Marshfield, WI

Jim,

I read your article, and right on point!  I have often thought about taking the stats of the local MLS agents, and chart them out.  The sign in the yard recognition is so true.  People don't think to ask that agent what their avg DOM, expired, or list to sale price stats are or how their numbers compare to those of the rest of the market.  Thanks for sharing your article!

Jan 30, 2009 04:10 PM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

Very nice and congrats on the publication!!!

your friend in Charlottesville!

Charles McDonald

Jan 30, 2009 11:16 PM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

 Jen Olson (First Weber Group Realtors)  In this market is so difficult to do much of that.  There are just so many agents, so I concentrate on our own stats first, then look at the biggest competitors.  The biggest thing is to know your market stats and trends so well...that you do not even have to look at your notes.

Jan 31, 2009 12:32 AM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA
Tina Maraj
RE/MAX One - Fullerton, CA
Celebrating 30 Years of Real Estate Sales

Wow  Jim you are on a roll! I am sure this year will be very successful for you. Are you attending the RE/MAX Convention in Vegas?

Jan 31, 2009 01:17 AM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Tina Maraj Shah Fullerton Realtor (RE/MAX North Orange County)  Thanks. No not this year.  I have decided to pass.

Jan 31, 2009 01:22 AM
Esko Kiuru
Bethesda, MD

Jim,

Closing a transaction, either on the real estate side or the mortgage side, measures our effectiveness. Especially in today's tough market it really requires for perseverance and skill. Congrats on the getting this article published.

Jan 31, 2009 01:22 PM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

 Esko Kiuru - Las Vegas NV Mortgage Consultant (Sinifox Financial)   Thanks so much.  I really feel it all about knowledge and professionalism.

Jan 31, 2009 01:24 PM