I hear myself say it a lot: "Who you work with matters". It's not just a catchy phrase, it's the truth. And with each residential real estate transaction - especially during these past few, extra-crazy years - it becomes more and more apparent that it's the absolute truth.
Buying and/or selling a home is typically an individual's BIGGEST financial transaction. The great majority of consumers do utilize a real estate agent to help navigate the process but quite honestly, it baffles me that more people don't actually interview agents before choosing one that best suits their wants & needs.
There are over 82,000 real estate agents in New York State; 3500 of these licensees work within the Capital Region. That means that there are 3500 choices to help make your real estate goal a reality! It's easy to think that the agent who sells the most is "the best". But what really defines "the best"? What makes an agent exceptional? What should a consumer look for in an agent? And, as part of this month's contest here in the Rain, why should that choice be me? Here are my thoughts:
* Dedication... It would be easy to say that to be "the best", an agent should be full-time. However, I have worked with a number of quality, part-time agents and therefore, I'll stand by dedication as the characteristic and not the hours worked that make the difference. That dedication is to the client utilizing professional standards to make it all happen with as little stress, as most efficiency &, with me anyway, some fun along the way too.
* Collaboration.... Real Estate is a people business & the transfer of a property's ownership takes a number of people in a variety of roles. That combination of people can truly make or break the efficiency & "mood" of a transaction (i.e. working together vs being territorial & maintaining sides). It's as simple as kindergarten. Does your agent "play nicely in the sandbox"? While each side of a transaction has a fiduciary responsibility to their client, this should be achieved through healthy & efficient (key words!) collaboration with the other side.
* Knowledge... Real estate is more than opening doors & helping someone figure out where the couch goes. There is a lot that goes into the sales process & a lot to know within any given market condition. There are countless certifications that can be earned. There are always new things to be learned within the communities that we serve & the industry that we are working. Quality agents have a growth mindset. And growth comes as a result of experience along with dedication (there it is again!) & motivation.
* Technology... There is always a new way to help promote properties & connect with consumers. And some of the "basic" ways should have a dedication to quality (for example, professional photography & video vs cell phone shots). A first-rate agent utilizes quality resources for the latest technology to reach consumers with property promotions, community information, & general real estate related snippets.
* Communication... This is key! This people business requires consistent & solid communication. I recently heard a tale about a buyer who chose an attorney who "didn't like agents". How efficiently did they move through the process? I can tell you first hand, not very...! There are agents who don't answer their phones, who never update their clients & more... On the flip side of things, teams (agent-attorney-lender-inspector) who communicate well are typically the ones with the smoothest & most efficient transactions & the least angst at the closing table.
* Results... Does the highest number of homes sold mean that an agent is "the best"? I once heard a story of a top producer arriving at a closing and not knowing which one was their client... yikes! Only a consumer can truly know what they're looking for in an agent, but I think that a solid sales performance (i.e. experience) coupled with some degree of a personal connection is the most desirable combination. Here's where I tell you that my sales volume puts me consistently in the top 10% of agents in our market. More importantly, when clients become friends well... that's a priceless benefit in a career with no official benefit package (that's another topic for another time) that I am incredibly grateful for.
I've struggled throughout this piece to share how I exactly fit into each of these categories. The phrase "if you know, you know" comes to mind but I realize that's not a fair response. In a nutshell, I work hard & am committed to be one that you can always count on to actively communicate, educate & collaborate. And when you're purchasing or selling your biggest asset, it all combines to truly make a difference.
The team that collaborates together is happiest at closing together!
My people first-service-focus has helped me build a business where I am consistently a top producer in our region's real estate market. And I'm proud to share that my business comes as a direct result of client referrals. I invite you to my Google reviews & social media sites to see for yourself & learn more about me & why you might consider me to help make your next real estate goal a reality: See "Agent Brenda's" Google reviews here!& Visit Agent Brenda's Facebook Page Here!
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