What Makes a “Better” Real Estate Agent?

Things that make me go hmmmm

Or is it, perhaps, a bit more subtle? Maybe some agents are simply better than others; they provide a better service, a better product, if you will. None of us appear to be able to define what better means (and believe me, I’ve asked a whole bunch of times), but could it be that in some inchoate way, the consumers know when they’re getting a superior service?

At first blush, this is easy. A “Better” real estate agent is one who is better at what he or she does than others. But what does being a “better” real estate agent mean? (how a consumer can evaluate this is the subject of a future post)

“Better” means:

– Being able to assemble an A-Team.
– Knowing more than your competition.
– Knowing your competition.

– Having an excellent reputation.

– Having experience – time and time again, consistently.
– Making mistakes and learning from them.
– Not being able to share your experiences to make those around you better.
– Knowing what questions your clients should ask, need to ask and being able to guide them appropriately.
– Knowing the damn market.
– Knowing how to write a contract.
– Knowing which tools to use, which to not use, and which ones you may need to use soon.
– Knowing what you know, what your clients need to know and being able to convey and guide and advise.
– Acknowledging that you don’t know everything, having the humility and confidence to be aware of this and taking steps to remedy.
– Surrounding yourself with access to the answers.

And many, many more ways that don’t present themselves until I’m in the thick of it – it being the transaction, the relationship, the process …

What does “better” mean to you?

Expertise is a posture as much as it is a volume of knowledge.

Very well said.

Also: Merlin Mann’s “Better” essay, the subject of the above photo is very worth reading.

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5 Comments

  1. Liz Benitez July 19, 2011 at 13:26

    You missed being available. For me that is a big thing. If I call another agent with a question or even an offer from a buyer and they don’t respond for two day my automatic assumption is this is not a “good” agent and I dread having to work with them.

    Reply
    1. Jim Duncan March 12, 2012 at 09:49

      Agreed. Being available when my clients need me is crucial. I tell my clients that I work when they don’t … 

      Also, I’ve called two agents in the past two weeks multiple times; no call back as of yet. Naturally, their houses won’t be shown by us.

      Reply
  2. malcom hister July 19, 2011 at 18:29

    Agent can help you find great variety of products in the target area. Provide detailed information in the purchase process, may make such inspections and even easier to provide the best removal company.

    Reply
  3. Anonymous July 25, 2011 at 01:57

    I completely agree with Liz. Some agents just don’t make themselves available. I’ve noticed this with listing agents who will not answer their cell phone and their voice mailbox is always full. It’s not like they are too busy because they don’t have a lot of listings. That’s why I think agents should at least need an associates degree before practicing. Too many people do it as a hobby,  part time, or when a family member or friend wants to sell.

    Reply
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