How Important Is Your Credibility ?

Never distort I would say Karen Anne but put things in their best light. Like looking at things positively.

Hi Karen Anne... I think that once your credibility is gone there is much left to sustain a positive reputation.

Hi Karen-Anne - Sellers don't care - they want you to paint the best picture possible about THEIR home - but the potential blow back is a serious problem and that good reputation that we build is what keeps agents coming to our listings.

Amen, Sista! If sellers want their house to have a glowing write-up in the remarks, they need to be sure the home actually glows. After all, that may be one way to convince them to spruce it up!

MLS is a cooperative. It is not merely a method of advertising. To that end, REALTORS® should be able to count on the honesty of descriptions, instead of having to write off everything as hype. When we get to the point that the hype is all that counts, we have nothing that is useful. It's not just about personal promotion, listing promotion, or even personal credibility and integrity--it's about the continued usefulness of the cooperative effort that MLS represents.

Karen, I totally agree.. our word IS our credibility!! We must strive to never loose that...

Karen Anne - Sorry, this might be echoing somebody else already, it doesn't take long to build credibility, but once it's in question, it will take years to correct if ever.  I don't want to be in that position.

BTW, your help with picture insert is truly appreciated.  It's been fixed and I gave you a shout out on my blog.

Have a wonderful weekend!

KarenAnne, your credibility is extremely important, as is the credibility of every agent. How we represent ourselves in the MLS will impact our sellers either positively or negatively, so it is necessary to protect our credibility. Your point was spot on, it is too bad that some people did not get it.

Good morning Kearn, I would have to agree you. I have a lot of buyers. Some are looking for fixer uper and some are looking for turn key. It is not just that my time is valueble, but the buyer's time is too. When we walk into a house that sound just like what they are looking for and the home is trashed they are disappointed and a lot of mad.                                                                           

I would't take it personally, some agents can be so un-professional.

Sometimes you can't win no matter how hard you try or how right you are.  I wonder if he had just got off the phone with a testy client or difficult bank employee before he spoke with you.  I really like the expression you cited, under promise and over deliver.  It's safe, practical and smart.

Hey Karen, Your heart and head is in the right spot.  Credibility is Crucial.  Eventually, the less desirable agents will weed themselves out.  We just can't take their comments to heart. DJ

Karen - Creditability is key in life, business and friendship and should be taken very seriously. Love Richard's remark - "I was just in a home that would have to be cleaned up in order to be condemned" - perfect illustration to make this so important point!

A great post.

Hi Karen: I try to wax euphoric BUT be honest also... If the house is lovely, then I am not going to write otherwise, and I endeavor to be poetic....  if the house is not so nice.... then you stress the positives.... I cannot stand calling an agent and hearing that agent state how wonderful a house is.. noly to find out it has an overlofwing toilet, and flooding on the first two floors (exaggeration) but you know what I mean... This is where we should all attend those broker's open houses, and so we can write to our clients exactly what we saw...  I wrote last week... 'great photography' on one house... not the same in person!  Best, Gay

I think it is everything. Although we are in different businesses a bit, there is nothing I abhor more than giving out delayed or wrong information. To me, credibility is what separates us from the rest. Thanks for the post!

Karen - I know the agents in my area who embellish in their comments -  'a little TLC' from him usually means "complete redo needed". We are honest and try to find the best our homes have to offe,r but I don't lie or be intentionally dishonest with my MLS remarks. 

Karen,

 Credibility and perseverance is everything in this business. Keep to your original statement.

-John Gall

I agree that comments should give a realistic narrative while making as many positive (if true) points as possible. It's a waste of everyone's time to misrepresent a property and can hurt sellers' chances.

Your reputation is priceless not only with your seller, but the other business partners involved in the transaction.  There is no substitute for doing the job the right way the first time.

Karen

I agree entirely.  Our reputation and credibility are so important.  We certainly get to know who is providing the clearest information on behalf of their clients.  Today with the internet being such an important part of marketing as well, and, so many photos being available buyers are certainly looking for clear representation of properties. What we say and do with one another survives well after the sale.