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What is Your Value Proposition?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

The real estate industry is never one for remaining the same. Having been in this business now for two decades, I have seen the ups and downs, the numerous changes, and, the ever-changing forms that we use. While many are frightened with these changes, what I have learned over the years is if we are providing our clients with the "value" they need from their agent, your business will thrive.

Value most likely means different things to different people. Therefore, it is imperative that when visiting with your clients, you need to determine what their expectations for you are clearly defined. When you understand what your client needs from you, it is then you can know how you can add "value" to them.

I was recently introduced to a fabulous, healthy, non-toxic product that took the time to explain to me why purchasing and using this product was a better "value" to me. They discussed the ingredients clearly and therefore, I could determine this product addded "value" to me as I know "what" I was purchasing.

This approach made me think of the "value" that I bring to the table for my clients. This is such an important question as we all navigate the new changes to our industry. My "value" proposition is essential as I continue to work in this industry.

VALUE PROPOSITION #1:

I bring two decades of experience to this business. It is important to know that just having years in the business does not guarantee that I bring "value" to my clients. However, finding an agent who has continued to work their business will add "value" to their clients due to the sheer number of transactions performed.

VALUE PROPOSITION #2:

An agent who invests in their own business via education, designations, certifications, and, a constant sharping of their skill-set is essential. In Texas, you can look up the education for any licensed agent. Those who are investing in their business continuosly do add "value" to their clients.

VALUE PROPOSITION #3:

The art of negotiation is super important. You can sell the ice from the igloo but if you are not skilled in negotiations, you will be lacking in value to your clients. A good negotiator is seeking to find the, "win-win" while keeping their client's needs in the forefront. There are many areas to negotiation in real estate; price, repairs, compensation, contract dates, and, concessions. A top-level negotiator is an great "value" for your clients.

VALUE PROPOSITION #4:

What are the "unique" skills and talents that you bring to the table? Are you a marketing guru? Videographer? Communicator? Social media star? Podcast personality? Neighborhood specialist? And, there are so many others. Knowing your niche can and will add "value" for your clients.

So, what are you bringing to the table? This gig ain't easy and certainly isn't for the faint of heart. Make sure you know your VALUE PROPOSITION and share it with the world! 

 

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Comments(21)

Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Well said, Paula. We have to think about what value we bring to the table...what sets you apart!! Then shout it out in your marketing efforts. 

Sep 02, 2024 03:34 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Kathy! Shouting it from the rooftops for sure!

Sep 02, 2024 05:42 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Paula this is such an important subject to be addressed often. It's been awhile since it's been talked about on AR.  If one doesn't know their value how on earth would a client know either! I've always suggested that agents have their value proposition written down and part of their presentation whether in front of clients and/or networking local groups. Presentation is important as well.  Practice saying your proposition out loud and get some feedback from others!

 

Featured in BananaTude!

 

Sep 02, 2024 04:26 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Anna. With the lawsuits, now more than ever, we all better have a good handle on what we bring to the table. Thank you for the feature.

Sep 02, 2024 05:42 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I like your 4 value points, Paula.  And, you are right about the ever changing landscape of the real estate arena!  When I was first licensed in 1981, our sales contract was a single page, without any disclosures.  Things changed quickly and dramatically after that.  It is important for real estate professionals to keep educated and kept abreast of changes as they develop.  

Sep 02, 2024 05:57 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Paula, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Clubgroup!  

Sep 02, 2024 06:11 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Paula - value can be explored and interpreted in a variety of ways.  In a world where differentiation may not be distinct enough to discern, standing out for the right reasons remains important.   

Sep 03, 2024 03:28 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have never really developed a value proposition or tried to sell people on me, my hope is that my actions will convey me as an honest, trustworthy, and caring agent who people will want to hire!

Sep 03, 2024 06:19 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

You and I are twinning, Paula. The two things I emphasize with people who don't know me is my 32 years of experience in real estate and 18 years of experience in finance coupled with 50 years of negotiating experience.

Sep 03, 2024 07:46 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

 

Simply stated, Dr. Paula McDonald the "value" I bring to the table is "me" all wrapped up with my personality, combined with years of experience, training, development, and education, in a style and manner that people KNOW I know what I am doing and the KNOW I have got their backs - they trust me to fully represent them. 

 

Sep 03, 2024 08:11 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors

4 great VP's and I like that you included  "It is important to know that just having years in the business does not guarantee that I bring "value" to my clients." Because so many agents repeat year 1 10-15-20 times. The reinvestment value you included is a great on to prove you're never the same agent 2 year in a row, you're consistently improving. Great post!

Sep 06, 2024 07:07 AM
Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

While I have been able to showcase my value from the very beginning of my real estate career, the current changes in the business have pushed me to showcase my services from the onset of a new relationship. Not every service is a significant value add proposition- but rather more of an administrative process- but the vast majority of my services are indeed a value add aspect of working with me. My services fall into 7 categories - 28 total points,  25 of which are significant value add services. Not all of my services will apply to all buyers, though that is part of working with a full service agent. I could imagine some agent in my market doing something similar but a la carte.

Sep 06, 2024 09:28 AM
Michael Elliott
Fathom Realty - Burlington Township, NJ
Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales

This was a great post, we all need to know these answers and to know what our differentiators are.

Sep 07, 2024 02:00 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

These days, having a firm grip on your Value Proposition is more important than ever. Your points are well taken.

Sep 07, 2024 10:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Not sure how I missed your post Paula so was glad Carol Williams featured it in her Saturday series. In the world of real estate today you better know what your Value Proposition is and clearly spell it out to clients. Letting clients know what you bring to the table is crucial!

Sep 07, 2024 12:42 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Sep 07, 2024 06:35 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Paula. The value I bring to the table is me. Now let's see if it is the "value" that makes us a good fit. A decision for the customer and the agent alike.  Enjoy your day.

Sep 08, 2024 05:50 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Paula, for sharing your experience and advice. 

Service beyond expectations will create positive relationships and referrals.

Sep 08, 2024 06:23 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Value propositions are good as long as the value proposition connects with the value drivers  which are often emotional of the buyer. What I have learned is when I make this statement "I love selling dirt" the reaction from the other party 99% of the time is a laugh and a smile along with often the request to "tell me more."

Sep 09, 2024 04:45 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Great post, so well laid out and I always think I do not have a niche, but the way you ended up talking about being a marketing guru, a videographer made me realize those are things which are a niche and differentiate me from other listing agents.

Sep 09, 2024 12:09 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

How cool to find a product that made you feel "valued" by what it provided to you! As you write, a value proposition is so important and not just with our years of service.  Being the best "value" to our clients and providing great service is key, now more than ever!  Standing out from the competition is key to gaining, retaining and earning business.  Great post!

Sep 11, 2024 10:01 AM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Experience that will save you money and Market Knowledge ( what’s been selling & current competition)

Sep 11, 2024 03:40 PM