I wonder how many agents would have ventured into real estate had we known all the things they didn't tell us before our pre-license classes?
One area I wish was stressed a lot more than it is, would be, "This is a small business." The lesson would include all the expenses, time management, customer service, continuing education etc. that is necessary to insure success.
It seems that even the basics have been left out. Those would include returning phone calls promptly. The NAR has determined that communication is the number 1 complaint of clients about their agents. This made perfect sense after hearing, once again, the following story.
A fellow agent friend and I were out previewing houses. We came across a listing that was not in the mls and decided to call the listing agent to get information on the property. We noticed one of those cheap, non-mls lock boxes on the front door as we stopped in front of the property. When the phone went to voice mail he just hung up his phone and waived his hand in disgust. Then he related how over the weekend he wanted to see a property that was in the mls and the listing agent requested a call or text in order to receive the (non mls) lock box code. He jumped through those hoops and had yet to receive a call back on Monday afternoon.
As a real estate coach, trainer and mentor, I want my agents to understand this is a business. You and your business appear to be very small when the listing says call or text for lock box code and then you do not get back to those who do until 2 days later with the excuse that you were out with the scouts on a jamboree.
Kudos for community involvement but I wonder how pleased your client is when their property had no showings???
Too cheap for an MLS lockbox that does so many wonderful things in the way of security for your clients property, tracking showings to determine marketing efforts and allow good follow up. This is also a poor reflection on your business.
As a real estate agent looking to compete with a plethora of agents, I would encourage the public that before you list your most expensive investment with any agent, make a call on one of their current listings to see how timely a response they provide to agents that are trying to assist you in cashing out your investment. I would also ask what type of lock box they will be using to insure you, your loved ones and investment are as safe as possible.
Professionalism means service to clients first. Success will be evident when professionalism is in place.
Here's to your success.
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