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Setting Ourselves APART from .... "The OTHERS"

By
Real Estate Agent with Liberty Homes RS-#62825

In order to set ourselves apart from our competition we have to have our own niche and areas of expertise in our profession. As Real Estate Industry Professionals we hold ourselves to higher standards and that is definitely NUMBER ONE  in setting ourselves apart from ...."THE OTHERS".

Instead of focusing on ‘THE OTHERS' and their poor performance let's take a look at how each and every one of us CAN and WILL make a difference in the lives of all those we come in contact with in the Real Estate Industry.

  • BEING A TEAM PLAYER - In this business we have to be able to work with others in different areas for the transaction to be a smooth one. We carry ourselves in higher esteem with a pleasant attitude and follow up with loan officers, escrow and title, home and termite inspectors and our clients. I'm a happy camper when ‘others' give me the same respect and pleasant attitude.
  • BE AVAILABLE and RETURN CORRESPONDENCE - Answering my phone, returning calls and answering emails are definitely a big PLUS on my end. I am confident knowing my clients and other professionals are pleased when they can get a prompt response. I'm a happy camper when others are courteous and give me a prompt response as well.
  • GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING-  This IS the best tool for not only CYA but also referring back to important ‘discussions'.  After telephone conversations send an email reiterating the conversation. There is nothing better than written documentation with time/date stamped to refer back to since our memories are not the most reliable source of reference.  I'm a happy camper when ‘others' are courteous and give me the same correspondence in return.
  • ASK QUESTIONS AND GIVE FACTS- There is nothing worse than hearing someone give bogus information just to have an answer.  Asking questions and giving factual information is a big plus. There's nothing worse than ruining your reputation for the sake of your ego. I'm a happy camper when I'm able to give the correct information and get the same in return.
  • RESEARCH and CONTINUING EDUCATION -  Our Real Estate Industry is constantly changing with implementing new ideas for marketing, law changes, contract changes and all around market changes. Staying on top of our market, all areas of the industry and new, fresh ideas will keep us on top of the game. I'm a happy camper learning new things because that means I'm continuously growing and able to serve my clientele better.
  • LISTENING IS KEY TO ALL COMMUNICATION - There is nothing worse than to just talk  brag about yourself.  If you want to show your expertise in real estate, then talk about what you can do for your client after listening to their need firsts. The client wants to hear what you can do to sell their property or find them their first home.  THEY'RE a happy camper when they're trying to explain their wants and needs and you're LISTENING.
  • CONFIDENT AND REAL- We all know that personalities usually have to click in order to have a professional or personal relationship. Being confident and real means we are true professionals who stand by our ethics and think in the best interests of everyone around us. WE KNOW OUR STUFF and do not puff up or disguise any bad situation. Everyone is a happy camper when they are given straightforward answers so they are able to make uniformed decisions.

These are just a few things that I set myself apart from the "OTHERS".

I am a Real Estate Industry Leader.

How about you?

Posted by

                                                       

 

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman  is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.

 

 © 2007-2015 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's

Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.

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Comments(21)

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Lots of good stuff there. I especilaly think ask questions and give facts covers a lot!

Dec 15, 2009 05:49 AM
Lori Bowers
La Quinta, CA
The Lori Bowers Group

Sally, We have to always remember that we are the experts. People come to us to get professional service and it is up to us to keep the standard high.  Communication is key, but we must have the knowledge to speak the truth, know our market and stay ahead.  Thanks for your post.

Dec 15, 2009 05:51 AM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Sally~

As always..you shine...and then we all can light up! THANKS

Dec 15, 2009 05:54 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Pam: Yeah...an ongoing thing although WE can be the ones in the higher standard group :)

Gary: Thanks buddy. It sure does

Lori: Yes we do...thanks for dropping by

janeAnne: Like a Christmas tree LOL

Dec 15, 2009 06:14 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Sally - it's very obvious how You set yourself apart. You've laid out some important ways others can do so, too. And given how so many folks (not just OUR business) operate, setting yourself apart need not be all that difficult. I especially like #s 2 and 6.

Jeff

Dec 15, 2009 07:03 AM
Matthew Naumann
Exit Realty Charleston Group - Goose Creek, SC
Goose Creek, SC Real Estate Agent

Sally,

Great Post.  I definitely agree with everything you are saying.

Thanks for sharing,

Matt Naumann

Dec 15, 2009 07:41 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Jeff: I think if we all help each other understand the importance of just being a great human being then it would be no problem carrying into our profession the same thinking/attitude/behavior that we have in every day life :)

thanks Matt :)

Dec 15, 2009 07:43 AM
Fred Carver Real Estate Consulant
Retired BC Realtor - Victoria, BC
Accredited Real Estate Consultant

Hi Sally..I think we call it Standng out in the Crowd, you make some great points here.

Dec 15, 2009 08:48 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Sally a lot more can be learned from looking at ourselves and how we can improve what we do, then from criticizing others on how bad they do things.  I would rather take the positive road than the negative one.

Dec 15, 2009 10:31 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Oooh, those "Others".  They are a scary bunch.  Just being a professional will set us apart.

Dec 15, 2009 12:24 PM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

Isn't it amazing how some of these things are simple life skills for few and then there are "the others".  You are one of the amazing few Sally :)

Dec 15, 2009 12:44 PM
Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528
Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY
Real Estate Salesperson

Sally - isn't it sad when the "rule" becomes the exception.  All those things on your list of setting yourself apart should be things we do as second nature - not things we do to make us exceptional.

Dec 15, 2009 01:11 PM
Lynda Eisenmann
Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA
Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Aloha Sally,

You always put so much into your posts, this one is no exception. Since you mentioned ego, I love working with those who have a real absense of ego...let's just get down to the basics and get the job done.

Dec 15, 2009 03:16 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Hey Lynda: You got that RIGHT. Leave all of that out of the equation of a good real estate transaction....and get er done!!  Love it...love it.

Lora: It 'should' be...but unfortunately ...not all think like me...us.

Renee.....my pole dancing queen lol... no kidding. And when those "OTHERS" read it they're ....confused lol

Jane: Scary indeed. Now....what were we talking about :)

George: Yes indeedy...too much time wasted focusing on others...

Fred: Don't need to stand out....in the crowd.....  I just need to be....the exception to the OTHERS side..... lol

Dec 15, 2009 03:26 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate

All the basics, and more! It must be time to get people properly motivated again because I'm seeing similar posts around here. But that's a good thing! Now nobody will have any excuse for poor business behaviors ;-)

Dec 15, 2009 03:57 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

What? I can't remember.  Who are you?

Dec 15, 2009 04:47 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Sally,

Great post..these simple tasks common to a good agent get lost on "others." Jane you are right..just being a professional will do the trick! 

Dec 15, 2009 10:35 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Sally, These are such great tips I'm printing them out.....I don't usually get things in writing and it's SO important to do that!  Some simple things you've added here that I need to not forget in the future.  Thank you!

Dec 16, 2009 01:17 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Hi Sal ! Being a team player and listening well are keys ! Great summary Sal !

Dec 16, 2009 02:03 AM
Gail Robinson
William Raveis Real Estate - Southport, CT
CRS, GRI, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT

Sally - I had to learn this one the hard way...

  • GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING-  This IS the best tool for not only CYA but also referring back to important ‘discussions'.  After telephone conversations send an email reiterating the conversation. There is nothing better than written documentation with time/date stamped to refer back to since our memories are not the most reliable source of reference.  I'm a happy camper when ‘others' are courteous and give me the same correspondence in return.
  • Clients don't always remember what they said and this is critical as we are their "agents" and have no direct authority to do anything without their permission.  Get price reductions in writing, items that included or excluded in the sale, etc.  Even if I talk to my clients on the phone, I try to send an e-mail summarizing our conversation.  It's so much CYA as client satisfaction.  I want those referrals!

    Dec 16, 2009 10:10 AM