Is Your Real Estate Agent in Leicester Ma. representing you properly?
It’s unfortunate when a buyer or seller gets involved with an agent that is more interested in their self-interests than their clients. This situation came to light recently in a Leicester Ma real estate sale I was involved in so I thought I would write about it.
A Realtor must take classes, and pass an extensive test to get a license; experience and mentorship takes time before the skills necessary to succeed are learned. Sales careers can create conditions that cause an agent to coerce you into purchasing a home that might not be right for you. If your agent seems disorganized and you are not connecting, it might be best to find another person to represent you. A good agent should always advise you to walk away from a home if it is a poor choice.
A creative professional needs to follow through and be attentive to your inquiries through instant messaging, email and phone. They also need to be a problem solver. I have seen many issues arise with financing, inspections, and many other complications that needed to be resolved to meet the goals of the customer. Experience is very important.
A Broker’s knowledge should be evident when you meet, and it should feel like a counseling session. Your ideas and concerns should be shared and when you leave you need to be sure that your agent has your best interests at heart. If you are a buyer, thoughtful questions about your timeframe, the kind of house you like, and what your expectations are need to be discussed. Sellers need careful guidance on marketing strategies, pricing, and listing agreements.
What makes one real estate professional better than another?
My experience has taught me that the best marketing sometimes is great organization, and responding to prospective buyer inquiries. There are lots of “marketing programs” that are really just smoke and mirrors, and typically cost quite a bit of money. Old fashion networking often works best.
Selling real estate is much more than a sales career. It is relationship building, contact management, advisor and customer service all rolled up into one. You are looking for somebody that is much more than a sales clerk. Look at reviews and make sure that they have a website. A lack of technical proficiency, however, does not necessarily mean that your agent lacks skill. Solid personal skills along with great emotional IQ carry much more weight than a barrage of technology. I have seen many real estate professionals with hundreds of listings most of which were well overpriced. Don’t be fooled by the savvy professional that tells you they have all those listings. It does not mean much if they cannot sell.
Does your realtor have a blog? It is a great way to see how often they post, and what they have to say. Does their website have broken links? Is it professional? This gives you an indication of their organizational abilities.
