What is the secret to finding the real estate agent that is best for you? OK, I'll admit there really is no secret or even one answer. But here are some clues to follow that will not lead you astray. Find a friend. No, not a friend that is in the real estate business. An agent that has the friend qualities that you want to represent you in a business transaction. Think of a long time friend or even a friend you have met for a fairly short period of time. How do they treat you? You know they care about you don't you? That's the first clue. Look at a few of these clues for that "friend" REALTOR you will work with.
Caring - above all they have your best interest at heart. They listen to you and don't do all the talking. They fight strongly for your side in negotiations.
Liking - you very much like them, and they like you. Why this is I don't know? Sometimes it is just a chemistry thing. But if you don't like someone you are bound to not have a good relationship of any kind with them.
Openness- they are honest with you. They self-disclose bits and pieces of even their personal background to gain your trust. Did you know their dog was named Clarence? Sure you do, they told you. Trust begins and continues with constant sharing. They also are NEVER afraid to tell you what you don't want to hear or what you need to hear. They are available and you can always find them.
Learning - a friend is "constantly" teaching you what you don't know and bouncing "what if" ideas off you. What if we can't find the three car garage but still can get that pool for you? Do you want the mineral rights with this house? I can show you how to do that.
Extra Mile effort - Very good friends will do things out of the blue for you. Send you an informational or funny email. Make sure your utilities get transferred out of your name when you move, recommend movers, etc. They never wait to be asked. If you are sick one weekend they pick up the phone and see how you are doing.
The Intangibles - a friend and you will just "click." Hard to define what that means. In professional real estate circles it may be specializations like relocation, first time home buyer, vacation homes, farm and ranch, foreclosures, tech savvy, or general residential. You know you are on the same page with them when you both discover you like gardening or running or that favorite ice cream store in town. Do not underestimate the intangibles. It is a big clue!
Finally, HERE'S A SHOCK! Real estate agents are people too. Find one for YOU that has the qualities of a friend you want in your life. Afterall, you are entrusting them to be joined at the hip with you in a journey that involves a serious financial and personal part of your life - your home and where you live.
If you keep this in mind not only will everything go much more smoothly, you may have a real friend for life pop up in your midst and you are assured a happy ending and house parties for years to come.
Great pictures and great advice for everybody out there. Whether it is real estate or other business transactions go with somebody you trust.
Great Advice Gary, Friends don't try to sell you something you don't want they- try to see your wants and desires and help lead you to the conclusion you would have gotten to on your own (but sooner). I just advised a friend who may be a client sometime soon that there house wasn't ready to market, do I run the risk they will give the listing to someone else sure, but friends tell the truth no matter what's in it for them. Have a great weekend. Steve
I LOVE IT!!! Finally, HERE'S A SHOCK! Real estate agents are people too. Find one for YOU that has the qualities of a friend you want in your life.
I could not agree with that more! I am "friends" with all of past clients whether buyers or sellers. It is just what works for me. By getting to know them on a more personal level I have been able to better help them in knowing what they want. This is really a great post Gary and you have really hit all of the finer points.
Gary,
Good post! You very much need to have trust in your agent, if you don't, find another agent!
Hi Gary. Good stuff. I often wonder how/why people choose the agents they do.
Thanks for writing.
Ken
Gary: I love this post. It is so true. People should pick someone they feel cares about them, but is also honest with them. And, as you put it, an actual friend that does real estate may not be the answer. They may not know how to be honest when it comes to the bad news. I had this problem when my Mom wanted to sell her house. I had blinders on and, thankfully, I knew it. I referred her to someone I trusted and he did a great job for my Mom.
Gary: Trust is a key to a good agent/client relationship. And trust is always earned, never given! Thanks for another great post! Steve
Russ: Trust is the key word.
Alpine Lakes: Steve, that is so important being upfront with people, even if it isn't what they want to hear.
Leesa: I figured you had tight connections with all your clients. It allows you to give them the best service cause you know them so well.
Mary: If it is someone new to you as an agent, you'll know pretty soon in the relationship if you can trust them or not.
Ken: There's probably many reasons for choosing an agent. I do hope most people heavily weight trust though.
Chris Ann: Excellent point about those too close to a situation not necessarily the best ones to handle the job.
Steve: I like the distinction you make about trust being earned. It does take time to build up like compound interest in the bank.
gary
You really put out a super high quality post here. I enjoyed it very much.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Tom: You're welcome. I try to write something of meaning, and keep working to keep it brief. I know there is a lot to read and learn and share about on Active Rain.
Hi Gary,
Thank You for your excellent post!
Real people who are kind and generous attract real people like themselves!
Dan: It is amazing about that like attracting like, isn't it?
That is amazing Gary - first of all you have absolutely the best photos - and obviously know how to match up a photo with a message perfectly! I totally agree with you - when things click and you relate - you speak the same 'language'......trust grows and from there friendship - those are my favorite transactions......and when I love this business the most. Some would say that they don't want to cross the lines of business/friendship because you lose your 'neutrality' and 'professionalism' that way - but frankly I don't agree........although there has been the odd time I have gotten to [emotionally' involved in someone's situation...:-)
Liz: I think there can be common ground between you and probably 90% of the people you work with, even with different personality types. You will have the 10% that are the stinkers that you just have to say, this isn't working out. And yes, as you build strong trust bonds with many Liz, it is an emotional bond and they become like "family." You know you get to this point when you hurt when they hurt.
The beauty of friends is that they communicate with each other. That's what you need in a real estate transaction, communication.
Rosario: Right on target. Without that good communication you are working with the wrong person.
Great post Gary! It just hit home today. I thought I had a loyal client only to find out she is looking with another realtor in our office. She actually lied to me and she is a minister, I am friends with all my clients past and present. Good communication is a must.
Gary - you hit the nail on the head when you say "Find one for YOU that has the qualities of a friend". When my clients hire me I know it's because we make a special connection!
Becky: Lying and a minister. Nice. You just be good you and keep plugging away.
Carol: All people ARE NOT your ideal client. It is just the way it works.