Real Estate - Competition is Hot and Heavy
On July 25, 2006, testimony was given regarding the real estate industry at a hearing before The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunities. The National Association of Realtors presented a picture of the business all too obvious to those who call this our profession. This is a dog-eat-dog business. Company to company, office to office, and agent to agent - competition is fierce. Even more intensified during a market that we now experience.
This was recently brought to the forefront in my own dealings with a client. Agencies and agents will say almost anything to capture business. Unfortunately, the public too often believes what they are told or buy into an innuendo that is all but hinted at. Casting doubt on other agencies and agents is nothing new, but in this indecisive business environment is ratchet up several notches.
Don't get caught in the crossfire of competing agents. We are all independent contractors for the agencies we work with. No one pays us for our time, our advice, our experience, our phone bill, or puts gas in our car. Our payment comes when a transaction is completed - a property bought or sold. Our thanks for a job well done is in the form of a happy buyer or seller, and an endorsement to their relatives, friends and acquaintances. And, always remember, a referral is only a starting point in deciding who will represent you in this very valuable transaction.
But, bottom line, the most important things to consider are not the lines of gossip delivered by the business-hungry agent or agency. It's the facts and nothing but the facts. My advice is basic and doesn't change. Don't hire an agent or agency for the wrong reasons. (Please read the Three Marketeers post)
If the agent you choose knows the marketplace, presents statistical information regarding listings/sales in your area, communicates well, is easily understood and provides you with necessary services, you have probably made a good decision.
On July 25, 2006, testimony was given regarding the real estate industry at a hearing before The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunities. The National Association of Realtors presented a picture of the business all too obvious to those who call this our profession. This is a dog-eat-dog business. Company to company, office to office, and agent to agent - competition is fierce. Even more intensified during a market that we now experience.
This was recently brought to the forefront in my own dealings with a client. Agencies and agents will say almost anything to capture business. Unfortunately, the public too often believes what they are told or buy into an innuendo that is all but hinted at. Casting doubt on other agencies and agents is nothing new, but in this indecisive business environment is ratchet up several notches.
Don't get caught in the crossfire of competing agents. We are all independent contractors for the agencies we work with. No one pays us for our time, our advice, our experience, our phone bill, or puts gas in our car. Our payment comes when a transaction is completed - a property bought or sold. Our thanks for a job well done is in the form of a happy buyer or seller, and an endorsement to their relatives, friends and acquaintances. And, always remember, a referral is only a starting point in deciding who will represent you in this very valuable transaction.
But, bottom line, the most important things to consider are not the lines of gossip delivered by the business-hungry agent or agency. It's the facts and nothing but the facts. My advice is basic and doesn't change. Don't hire an agent or agency for the wrong reasons. (Please read the Three Marketeers post)
If the agent you choose knows the marketplace, presents statistical information regarding listings/sales in your area, communicates well, is easily understood and provides you with necessary services, you have probably made a good decision.
posted by Helene Ashukian at
11:45 PM
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