How To Choose an Agent - Make Your Experience a GREAT One!

I recently acquired a new set of buyers who came in through my website. Once we were seated and discussing our possibilities, they asked me how they choose a lender. I said, how do you choose your friends? Fact is that lenders have different variations of different products, but their final goal is to help you. Real Estate Agents are no different! And this is what I am getting at.

If you are a prospective buyer keep just a few questions in mind at all times when it comes to choosing an agent:

Do I feel comfortable talking to this person? This is SO important!!! It doesn't matter if you are using a million, trillion, dollar "star agent" or someone who just began a month ago. You will end up talking about financial issues, future goals, your kids and your life eventually. If you don't feel comfortable asking your agent questions regarding properties, or you feel intimidated by your agent, you probably chose the agent for the wrong reasons!
Does this person practice what they preach? Is the agent really representing your best interests, or theirs? If you are someone who searched on line for homes (which you probably are if you are reading this) you are more than likely providing the homes that you want to tour FOR your agent. This is OK, but make sure you stick to your guns in seeing all of the houses that interest you. Also, what is the level of service they give to you up front? Do they answer their cell phones on the weekends or evenings? Will they attend your inspection and signing?
Would you recommend this person to your best friend in the world? If you would do that, then you have found yourself a winner!

The bottom line is that it is your choice. We as agents are going to pursue you as buyers and sellers. That is our job! But you don't have to choose us, you don't have feel pressured into choosing us. This is your life, your decision and your financial future! In the end you will have found a friend and someone you know you can always call without hesitation with questions or comments.

Posted Sunday Jul 29

( 07/29/07 08:22PM ) — Gary Waters -Real estate agent Viera Suntree Melbourne and Rockledge FL

Interesting post. I was reading a book today about how mos consumers choose the first agent they speak with as they see us as all the same. We need to differentiate ourselves and give them a reason to choose us.

( 07/29/07 08:49PM ) — Judy Cicalese Trumbull CT Real Estate

Interesting and something to think about - what is going to make me stand out amongst my peers? It is definitely a feeling you either get or don't. When I personally am looking to buy something - I know within 10 minutes if the person across from me is someone I want to do business with. Don't you know right away too?

( 07/29/07 09:05PM ) — Larry Bettag Illinois FHA Specialist

Interesting about differentiation....we all need that

( 07/29/07 10:01PM ) — Tom Garrett

I ran into a suggestion at a sales conference years ago, well before I was in real estate. it came from a sales manager from a manufacturer my company was a distributor for.... he pointed out at one of our meetings all about first impressions and how they set the stage.... He asked if the sales person across from you had shined shoes? and if he did how would you feel about his dedication desire and service? His point was " if he can't take care of the little things for himself...why would you think his service to you is going to be any different? I have used this idea to my advantage... i find most agents don't have good shoe maintenance, so when I tell this story to a perspective client i set the stage to win...almost every-time.

ps my shoes do shine every day

( 07/29/07 10:12PM ) — Verity Mora

My toes are always pedicured, nails neat and shiny. I am of the same belief! AND I LOVE SHOES! But so far, I don't think I have gotten any business based on my toes or shoes!