I’m not the kind of girl to disparage others. I know how hard those of us practicing Real Estate work! But I can hardly shush my ‘tsk-tsk’s’ when I encounter Real Estate agents who just don’t ‘get’ it. Some are merely 'old school', refusing to adapt. Others are just plain burnt out, and it’s all they can do to make an effort on your behalf. Many are simply clueless, and others absent altogether. I don’t need to tell you there are infinite varieties of agent suckyness out there. Chances are, you’ve been on the short end at some point yourself!
So how can you quickly spot these leisure suit flunkies?
#1. They’re impossible to reach. Ok, really? This business is driven by constant communication - with our clients and with other real estate pros. Real Estate agents spend untold thousands on marketing campaigns directed toward making our phones ring. Not answering, or not quickly returning calls just smacks of professional apathy, and can mean losing a great offer, or worse! With endless smart phone options, even a quick reply to let you know when they canrespond is the least they should do. Availability is paramount… or you, the client ultimately come out the loser.
#2. They carry a clipboard. Or file folders. And/or they don’t text! And they generally load you up with real paperwork. Hello Twenty-First Century! If your agent isn’t employing the latest high tech solutions, you’re just not being well served. Listings should be syndicated on every possible online venue, then tweeted throughout the free world! Offers should be completed, signed and sent electronically if you’re going to win in a multiple-bid situation. The reasons why high tech agentry is essential are endless. Anything less is just dinosaur real estate at it’s worst.
#3. They don’t attend property inspections, closings etc… You’re kidding me, right? These events are mission critical! Reading an inspection report pales to seeing an issue live and in person when repair negotiations might be required. Don’t fall for excuses here! No one should be too busy to keep their hands on the pulse of your transaction. If they’ve gotten too lazy, or too big for their britches and can’t be there for you, can you spell ‘Red Flag’??
#4. They don’t say “No” to you every now and then. This is a sure sign they don’t have control over the buying/selling process. These birds are afraid to ruffle feathers, and typically follow the path of least resistance [read: EFFORT]. Smart strategists don’t let things slide for the sake of ease. A great agent has a clear plan of action and they provide you with a road map. They’re determined to see the plan through to success. Informed agents know exactly what does and doesn’t work in their market. So when you demand an open house for your listing in an area that doesn’t get traffic, they nix the idea in favor of a strategy that WILL give you results. NOTE: If you’re a dictator and insist on having your way, you’ll never get the best representation. Just saying…
#5. They disappear after Closing. Once the keys have been handed off, if you’re not hearing from your agent, you should be asking why. A commission check is nice, but it hardly means the job is complete. To a fabulous agent, Job One is taking care of our clients' needs, and that job never ends!
Don’t be afraid to hold your Real Estate agent to a higher standard! Truly fabulous agents will thank you for it. And your home buying/selling experience will be far more successful as a result! So if you kept nodding ‘yes’ to the above list, I’ll give you a moment. Then, I'll give you my phone number! 704.307.3369!
Jennifer Monroe, Realtor®/Broker | SavvyGirlHomes.com
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© Jennifer Monroe, Realtor®/Broker 2014
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