My license says “salesperson” – but I’ll never talk you into things. So what exactly do I sell?
The short answer is “your interests”. I promote your interests with regard to real estate according to real estate law and ethical standards. That is why with an agent – your agent, communication is key. Your agent will have many conversations on your behalf to facilitate the promotion of those interests, thus we agents must be very aware of what those interests are – even as they evolve. Many times these are indeed a work in progress, but lets save that for another blog.
Here is, in short, what I do…
1. Buying.
I research the market – I look for candidates that could be the right fit for your goals, wants, wishes, and needs. In negotiations, I present your proposal to the other side (vigorously selling the merits of your proposal). This is an extremely important part of the process where an agent (on either side) has a huge impact on winning and losing with regards to the interests of their client. I have been on the winning side of multiple bidding wars without having the highest offer.
2. Selling.
When selling, I present your product (your home) to the market. Many times, as a listing agent, I have limited contact with the buyers agent and zero contact with the perspective buyers before an offer comes in. Presentation is extremely important – in the photos, the write-up, the supporting documents – everything that reaches the buyers agent and thus the buyers. It is not always the quantity of materials, its the strategic nature of the presentation of those materials.
3. Vendors and Service Providers.
Whether selling or buying, vendors are involved. As an agent, I have an extensive Rolodex (what’s a Rolodex?) of trusted contacts to get things done at the right time for the right price. Time is typically of the essence, so this becomes much more important that one may anticipate. Relationships matter.
As a bonus, some agents are quite good at selling themselves in an interview and garnering a listing via their presentation. Sometimes, they are also good at the rest of it, but these skills do not always translate. Reviews and personal referrals can help provide an important frame of reference for a listing presentation. To wrap it up, if you have questions on any of these discussion points, Just Ask!
