Brand New Agents First Check. Good job and now get back to work

Good news on a tough day. Yes I know the sky is falling. Yes I know interest rates may go up to 10% soon. the good news is that James Vanderhof got his first closing check. Good work Jim! Now get back to work and push.

Top 5 Traits Home Buyers Want in Their Real Estate Agent

1. Honesty and Credibility

Be truthful! (Even when it is not so easy)

Buyers have expressed how hard it is to trust anyone in today's real estate market so it's even more important for agents to help them feel comfortable. Don't push them in a direction they don't want to go and be sure to make them feel confident about their offer & purchase. Be up-front with them. If you don't think something is in their best interest or they are making a bad move...tell them! They will respect you much more down the road.

2. Area Familiarity

Are you a neighborhood expert?

Buyers place a high importance on finding an agent who not only sells homes in a specific neighborhood, but also knows that neighborhood very well. Knowing details about the schools, local parks, safety, restaurants and even the secret gems the neighborhood has to offer is a trait home buyers seek in an agent. They want to feel secure with the information you are giving them.

3. Good Follow Through

Stick to your word!

So many times agents will say one thing then never stick to it. Trust me I know it is difficult to remember everything especially when you are so busy with other clients...but NEVER say anything you can't back up 100%. It seems like such a small thing to ask for. Do what you say, combine it with some honesty, and you'll be an agent buyers feel comfortable working.

4. Organization

One of the hardest things as a real estate agent is being able to keep track of your to-do lists and return every message and phone call. Buyers are expecting agents to be organized and put together. Microsoft Outlook is a fantastic way to keep track of your clientele database along with the hundreds of emails and phone calls that are being sent on a daily basis. Recently I have started using Evernote to keep track of my "to-do" lists. Once you get use to typing notes out on your phone or computer, you will love how easy it is top access all of your precious info that is automatically synced to your devices.

5. Good Listener

Shut up & Listen! You'll Learn a Lot.

Buyers want an agent to listen to them with an open mind. Don't assume "X" just because you heard "Y". Listen to what your buyers want and don't be afraid to ask as many questions as required to really understand who they are and what they are looking for.

I hope these tips will help you communicate what matters most to home buyers to further your relationships and connect with more prospects. As many of us know, the majority of our business is rooted in referrals...and you're not going to get those referrals unless you do the best to cater to your buyer's every need.