Had lunch with a friend from Burbank today. He got really lucky I took him with me to preview a couple of bank owned properties. First thing he was shocked by the condition of these three homes and what the price that was being asked. We were just talking and he made a statement that he felt all real estate agents were crooks and were only out to make tons of money and not do much work. Did I say he was a friend? I asked him if he felt that way about me being that I AM AN AGENT! He said "he didn't think so" Wow did I need to do some explaining to him. After we were done I am pretty sure he has a different feeling about agents. But this has made me think..this is a friend that I talk to frequently and I am pretty sure we have talked real estate. But if my friends have this idea what do our clients think. And what am I not doing or not doing that they have this preconceived idea about Real Estate Agents.
So for all the people reading this post, post back to this question What do you think of real Estate Agents? What do you feel we could do different to change this perception
Well. Its a double edge sword. The consumer things agents are money hungry rich jerks that have the easiest job in the world. Yet when they are looking for someone to represent them, they expect you to drive the nice car, have the nice wardrobe and answer all their questions with knowledge and authority. Realtors are right there next to Attorneys just without the jokes..lol To be a good agent you must have the willingness to seek knowledge and be self motivated. Not every individual can do that. Agents have a huge responsibility to their clients. To protect them and educate them to make a wise and profitable decision. Anyone who thinks they can buy a house without consulting an agent will most likely get what they deserve. Agents work 24/7. Its never a real vacation becuase your phone doesnt stop and your lap top actually spends more time on your lap when on vacation then any other time. Relationships suffer and you never have me time. As an agent you are at the mercy of everyone elses schedule. It's not as easy as people think. An agent has to do a good job, there is just to much litigation in the state of California to halfass it. Just like anyone you hire, its about personalities. If yours doesnt match with your agent, get another one. There are plenty of them to go around....lol
ReplyDeleteNanners you are right on. I think we need to get you a blog started. Thanks for posting
ReplyDeleteThank you Chuck. Don't get me started. Everyone knows I don't have time for that. Once I get started there is no shutting me up.
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ReplyDeleteMost of what agents do is behind the scenes. You are not going to drag these clients around all over town while viewing the inventory. To be able to serve your clients wants, needs and desires, you are going to have to visit the inventory. You must stay on top of the computer inventory as well. Has this gone into escrow? Has this dropped out of escrow? Are there back up offers? Who is the lender and how can I get to the loss mitigator (if this is REO or short sale) I know one agent that gets up at 3 am so she can get a idea of in the inventory and be ready for her day.
ReplyDeleteNo, the clients do not know what happens when you are not in front of them. Like teachers, much work is done out of view! Now actors, well.....
Nice Post Chuck! And great response Nanners..
ReplyDeleteOf course the question, like everything else in life, is not black and white. I believe that there are real estate agents out there that are agressive (just like a car salesman)and will try and sell you a house even though they can see you wont be able to afford it, as long as they can sell it on paper. But then I know there are agents that will work with you on what you can afford, because they dont want you to go bankrupt!
I think it is great Chuck that you are using this forum to both better yourself as agent (feedback from friends is the best!) and maybe help dispell some myths. If I were to change the question (sorry, is that against the rules?).. I would think you would want to know, what can I do to be a better agent? And the answer is, I don't think you need to. The fact that you posted this question and scenario shows that you are not the kind of agent to take advantage of someone. And, I know from personal experience you would be my first choice as agent. Just after having coffee for 15 minutes a few weeks ago, I knew I would totally trust any ideas or thoughts you brought to me as an agent. You have a way to connect with people, gain their trust, and be sincere with them. I wouldnt change any aspect of yourself as an agent.I think your itegrity speaks for itself...
My name is Russ Simon, and I support this advertisement... I mean comment. ;)
Russ I love ya like a son
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the kind words.
you not THAT old Chuck! lol
ReplyDeleteDepends on the agent!!
ReplyDeletehey chuck
ReplyDeleteThis blog is great.