Hiring a Realtor is much like hiring any other professional, you don’t know what you’ll get til you’ve got it. There seems to be 2 common professions that someone can jump right into: photography and real estate. Usually you can tell right away who is decent and who is not, however that doesn’t guarantee desired results. You’re entrusting a real estate agent with by far the most valuable item you own, so it should make you think about putting a little effort into interviewing candidates. Not long after, you’ll start seeing red flags or results. The 11 Realtors represent the most common mistakes made time and time again in listing your home with an agent.
Hint: The initial call tells a lot about what your future relationship will be like. If they answer right away, if they return call the next day, etc.
1. The Friend (or family)
This Agent’s secretly expecting you to use them regardless of their experience or value. The best way to handle them and their sensitive feelings is to approach the issue directly rather than sell or buy behind their back. You may not feel there was any need for loyalty, however there is oddly a broad sense of entitlement in the Realtor community when it comes to known contacts. Sure, give them a chance to interview but by no means feel the guilt of going in a different direction. If they meet your expectations of selling such a valuable piece of your life, then go ahead. It’s every agent’s job to PROVE their value.
2. The Sometimes Realtor
This Agent is part-time and has a separate primary job. Their availability is after 5 pm and the weekends. They don’t have enough time to properly market for maximum exposure. Good luck getting a hold of them or your call returned.
3. The First Realtor / Presentation
This Agent deserves a pat on the back for getting in your door first, however to be able to make an educated decision, you’ll need to gain a better view of what else is out there. Most people buy or sell every 5 years. This leaves the process familiar but blurry so be careful even if you’ve done it a few times before. Not all agents are created equal, not to mention the companies they work for.
4. The “Who Knows” Realtor (No References)
No one really knows…
5. The “Yes-Man” Realtor
This agent tells you anything you want to hear, not what you NEED to hear. From purchase price to time tables. Whatever your hot button is, they’ll push it. They’ll also avoid the topic of staging and de-personalizing your home, agreeing that your house is ready for the market right away.
6. The Discount Realtor / The Listing Agent vs. Marketing Agent
You definitely get what you pay for with this Agent. In some cases this would make sense if your home is a diamond in the ruff, unfortunately chances are it’s not. Do you think they’ll put their best effort into negotiating the very best deal? Do you think they’ll spend any money advertising your home? I think you can imagine the possibilities. They list your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and call it a good day 😉
7. The Open House Realtor
This Agent convinces you that holding an open house every weekend will be a huge benefit. “The Open House Dilemma” is that they are the greatest benefit to the agents, not the sellers. Rarely do they match a buyer with your home.
8. The Neighborhood Realtor
This Agent has a sign in their yard, wrap on their car, or something telling you they’re a Realtor. You assume they’re a neighborhood expert and they may well be, however this shouldn’t be the main reason you select them. Study their material and their marketing plan, then make your educated decision.
9. The Celebrity Realtor
This Agent specializes in quantity over quality…as well as putting their face on billboards. Even though they pump out larger #’s than most agents they may still provide enough value to satisfy some people. Don’t expect direct contact as they’ll have a team to take calls and process transactions. An ego is usually part of the package.
10. The Spam Realtor
This Agent throws everything they can to see what sticks. They rely on third party sites like Zillow and Trulia to get their leads and are usually lumped in with the ‘The First Realtors’. You’ll get multiple emails about homes that don’t meet your budget or criteria. Sometimes you’ll have to find the home and walk through it yourself before you get their attention to write an offer.
11. The Value Realtor
The Value Agent focuses on their brand rather than their coming paycheck. They seek to provide an experience, not just a transaction. They’re not in it for the ‘one-n-done’. They want to develop a relationship, provide REAL value in the many additional services they provide that go above and beyond what other agents include. They feature their references and past clients because they know how great their service consistently is. They’re extremely transparent and help set your expectations.
It’s not difficult to guess which one is the best kind of Realtor. Contact me to let me show you what I have to offer….or keep browsing my blog and you’ll quickly find out.
Other Resources
- First-Time Home Sellers : The Ultimate How To Sell Guide
- How to Vet the Agent
- Understanding Agent Commissions
- What to Ask When Signing an Agreement
- The REAL Value of a Strategic Agent and his Marketing Plan
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The above article “11 Kinds of Realtors: Choosing the Best One” was provided by Tanner Johnson. If you’re thinking of selling or buying, I’d love to share more information with you.