A recent article on AOL caught my attention - the confession of a real estate agent. I found there was some agreement BUT clearly other areas of disagreement. Enough that it was worth discussing. In this acticle, the realtor being interviewed discussed some views on other realtors and sellers thar I could not agree with.
Sara tells me that what people don’t realize is your relationship with your realtor is a crucial matter, because settling for the wrong agent can cost you a great deal of money and heartache.
This is a true statement - as trust and credibility are important. I am not sure it will cost you a lot of money, but it will be more helpful in marketing your home effectively or finding the home of your dreams. In business, relationship is crucial. However, she goes on to discuss a decietful practice.
A deceitful real estate agent will try to "pocket" his seller’s home listing. He will stick a sign in the yard and avoid entering the home's listing into the MLS.
I do not know where this realtor (name was withheld in the article) lives. Her premise is that the realtor would nearly guanrantee getting both sides of the deal. In New Jersey, we have very strict ethics and rules and frankly this strategy is simply dumb. I believe that doing this without the sellers express permission could lead to the loss of your license. Yes, a realtor can obtain an exclusive, but this is usually a very short term event. My first home was sold prior to MLS, with an explicit agreement giving our realtor the right to market our home to her close agents. In this case, it was effective - but NOT deceitful. And there was good reason, we were not completely ready to show the home. We saved money by not having to finish some painting...
Sara reveals that the majority of sellers are nearly impossible to please. “When I’m working for a seller, I want to sell that home for the most money possible in a respectable time frame, but they are rarely overjoyed no matter what you do.
This is a sad commentary. Communication is the best means of alleviating what "Sara" believes is a built in disappointment. In fact, I work for a realtor that made her business on referrals. How is this possible if sellers are never happy? Communicate up front. On my listing presentations, I have been clear about pricing strategy. I price to sell or at the least work out an agreement on price reductions. The seller, my client, is never suprised!
Maybe you are getting the impression that I am not in complete agreement with "Sara", however she makes good points.
The opportunity is there for anyone who is willing to work hard. It’s a great industry if you’re self motivated and disciplined.
This is a true statement, that fits so many different careers. You get what you put into it. If you strive to learn and grow, to try new things and become a student of the profession - there is NO reason that you cannot succeed. There is no reason you can be a leader in this trade.
