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Are You A Single or Double Bagger?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX River & Sea

I pride myself on providing superior customer service to my real estate clients or rather "concierge" level customer service. I figured out early in the game that if I provided superior customer service the rest would follow. I'd earn clients for life & have the referral business that would be the envy of others. A rather simple solution wouldn't you say. That being said, I feel that I'm paid handsomely for what I do & in return my clients are in my opinion, entitled to a higher level of customer service. By definition, that would include things such as professional photographs, professional signage, full color property flyers, extensive property representation on the web & so much more!

Suffice it to say, I'm deeply troubled by a handful of agents that qualify for the title of "Single Bagger" The analogy is one that refers to the grocery clerk that takes a single bag, then places the eggs on the bottom of a single bag & the milk on the top. As you can visualize, the bag splits open before you reach the car, spilling the already broken eggs all over you & the parking lot. Conversely, I strive to be a Double or even Triple Bagger, (the clerk that uses two bags & places your eggs on top of the other groceries). This type of service will in time be recognized as a point of differentiation & will prevail in the long run. Single Bagger real estate agents are the ones that give us a bad rap & place us in the respect level of a used car salesman.

You can imagine my distress when I identified that the following bank owned property was actually listed by an out of area agent. One would simply have to pose the question, what's wrong with this picture? As you can see, there's no indication that the property is even on the market! No sign, no flyer box, no nothing! It isn't even in our local inventory of properties as the out of area broker doesn't subscribe to our multiple listing service. Therefore, local agents aren't even aware that it's a viable option for their buyer clients. Imagine what the bank would say if they were to receive this photo!??!! Does the seller deserve more? You bet the seller deserves more!!! Perhaps the listing agent needs to subscribe to the following, (a quote that I have hanging prominently in my office)

Quality

"Quality is never by chance; it is always the result of good intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and careful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives."

(source unknown)

Bob Davis
Brush Real Estate - Escondido, CA

I see this every day...we need to take the time to report this to the sellers...once they learn they are being ripped off things may change!

Oct 09, 2009 05:46 AM
Abby Rusinovich
Refined Design Home Staging - Long Beach, WA

I have to say you do a great job. I am from Astoria and have seen your ads. Very professional and classy.  Keep up the great work!  Great quote it's going on my wall, something I hope my kids strive for as they grow.

Oct 09, 2009 06:15 AM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Double bagging in the way to go -- all the best.

Oct 09, 2009 06:40 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I see alot of homes like this in our market too or signs that are leaning or dirty...

Oct 09, 2009 02:30 PM
Steve, Joel & Steve A. Chain
Chain Real Estate Investments & Mortgage, Steve & Joel Chain - Cottonwood, CA

Marianne, Thanks for sharing.  In many areas of business today the expectations of clients are quite high and continuing to increase.  Yesterday's "value added" service is today's minimum. 

Oct 09, 2009 05:32 PM
Marianne Pittard
RE/MAX River & Sea - Gearhart, OR

Bob,

I see this more & more every day.  Out of area agents aren't aware that we have our own, separate MLS service.  They cannot post on our MLS unless all of the agents in their office are members.  Without representation in our MLS & signage, these homes are sitting idle, which as we know isn't for the greater good!

Wishing you much abunance & continued support to keep up the good fight!

Oct 30, 2009 05:01 AM
Marianne Pittard
RE/MAX River & Sea - Gearhart, OR

Abby,

Belated thanks for your very kind words!  I greatly appreciate your support & the fact that you've recognized that I strive to raise the bar on real estate marketing in greater Clatsop County.  Wishing you the very best with your staging business, which is a key component to a successful sale. 

Oct 30, 2009 05:03 AM
Marianne Pittard
RE/MAX River & Sea - Gearhart, OR

Bob & Carolin-

Let us all strive to achieve "triple bagger" status & show others the way!  Wishing you both much success & abundance in 2010!

Oct 30, 2009 05:04 AM
Marianne Pittard
RE/MAX River & Sea - Gearhart, OR

Evelyn,

Your comment is so true!  I think it's high time that we raise the bar in an attempt to break the mystique that real estate agents are trusted about as much as used car salesmen!  Keep on providing the "gold standard" care to your clients & you'll be reaping much abundance.  Aim high!

Oct 30, 2009 05:06 AM