I had another article published today in RealtyTimes.Com It is based on how the consumer views us in real estate and how we are judged.
In real estate we try to dazzle would be potential clients with Million Dollar Credentials that are hardly worth the paper they are written on. Many in our profession drive leased luxury cars trying to give the illusion they are successful and should be sought after for their advice. It really doesn't work. Buyers and sellers are more interested in our performance. Did we look after their needs, or were we in it for a quick buck. Real estate has long been looked on with disdain, and some of this is the reason we are sometimes held in low regard. Empty promises of unsold homes and broken dreams are not what the public are looking for. The public is solutions oriented, and seek the right advice. They are even willing to pay handsomely after the deal is completed. The consumers needs are simple...they want a sale when selling and a deal when buying. We will ultimately be judged on did we deliver the goods or just talk about a goal that was never reached?
If you would like to read the entire article in RealtyTimes.Com:
"Our Performance Says It All!" by Jim Crawford
RE/MAX Paramount Properties 678-595-5286 Direct
Or 888-940-0074 Toll Free Office
Atlanta Real Estate & Atlanta Homes for Sale 
Jim,
"The consumers needs are simple...they want a sale when selling and a deal when buying."...and we, the title people, need to prevent it from becoming a 'death wish'...!!! :) Thanks, Fran
I am with you. It's all about performance and service. I'll go read the rest of your article now.
Sounds like you're getting some good press, Jim - Congratulations.
You may think (or even know) that you are doing everything you can to sell that home but all the seller sees is non-performance. It's maddening at times.
I have to throw "trust" into the equation, as buyers and sellers will work with whom they perceive will provide the best service despite their numbers or years of experience. I have agents with zero experience and have multiple million dollar clients..... Why? Trust.....with the backing of a group with the experience. Great article and post....
Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.) Thanks Fran!! I agree!
David Timm - REALTOR®, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) Thank you David!
Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert (The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group, Coldwell Banker Lancaster PA) Thanks I've wrtten for RealtyTimes.Com for sometime now, and I am trying to get back into it on a regular basis.
Tim Moncrief, Co-Owner-Bartlett RE Group (Keller Williams Realty ) That is why 'Performance' is the real measure of our worth.
Congrats Jim. I am often disappointed at how many of our collegues only care about the buck and not the client! I see why our profession is at the bottom of the heap.
Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services) Yes that may be so, but I know more great agents than I do the ones just persuing the deal.
Jim - I went to your original article and read from there. I agree with your comments and opinion in its entirety. At the same time, I do feel that I am in a dilemma. Though I may not have the number of transactions under my belt, but that doesnt mean that I dont have the experience to get a house sold. I think with having experience and a good resume, I would say that I lack the opportunity to demonstrate my ability. What would you say to that?
Interesting post. Thanks for sharing. I drive a 2003 Ford Pick-up with no bells and whistles. My clients like the way I perform and I appreciate them. Maybe I will get a Lexus when I can actually afford one.
Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco Texas Real Estate (3:16 team REALTY) I find a lot of time that experience, and testimonials...really help close any deal. First of all we have confidence, not a false pride in our abilities. That is a good thing. Also, when you have experience, there is no pause or being at a loss for words. I do not have to have a laptop presentation to make up for my dificiencies. When we pause in this type of market whisl e workign wiht clients because we do not have the answers, we lose credibility. However, I don't think it is all experience either. We must also have the skills to move forward and deliver the goods.
In this market I am at a loss with certain listings on how to get them sold. I will turn the sellers down if I feel I cannot deliver. Other agents will list everything. That is their down fall. We must know our own limitations, and trust our instincts. I would rather have 3 listings I can sell than 25 listings where I only sell 2. Many agents do not understand this.
Nate Rowe, Homes in Richmond VA (Oakstone Properties, Homes in Richmond VA) Just be yourself. Tell people the truth. It works!
Jim, Nice article and great post. Razzle dazzle is a turn off to sellers who have lost their jobs, are facing foreclosure and have come upon hard times. I think more agents should use this down market as an excuse to buy economy cars and do away with the luxury that is sure to irk most people these days.
we get paid to perform
I use my performance numbers and how they compare to other agents in my area in every listing presentation
Carol Culkin (Houlihan Lawrence Realty) Carol I totally agree.
Corry Shadle (Exit Realty Capital Area) Perform and inform! I like the idea of statistics, I beleive it can really set you apart from the competition that tries to "wing it!"
Good point, Jim. I often wondered if prospective clients realized the many times the "Neighborhood Expert" is purchased rather than earned. Just a few... Point 2, CyberHomes, +. I can see how they relate, though. to purchase the Neighborhood Expert recognition sold by many different companies, one has to be successful
Suzi Gravenstuk, REALTOR©/Broker, MGC Realty, LLC., Gulfport, Long Beach, (Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Waveland) I agree. A person once told me "I do not see a lot of your signs around!" My response, is "I sell my listings quickly!"
Jim,
I read your article, and right on point! I have often thought about taking the stats of the local MLS agents, and chart them out. The sign in the yard recognition is so true. People don't think to ask that agent what their avg DOM, expired, or list to sale price stats are or how their numbers compare to those of the rest of the market. Thanks for sharing your article!
Very nice and congrats on the publication!!!
your friend in Charlottesville!
Charles McDonald
Jen Olson (First Weber Group Realtors) In this market is so difficult to do much of that. There are just so many agents, so I concentrate on our own stats first, then look at the biggest competitors. The biggest thing is to know your market stats and trends so well...that you do not even have to look at your notes.
Charles McDonald / Your Trusted Broker for Charlottesville Real Estate (RE/MAX Assured Property) Thank you very much Charles.
Wow Jim you are on a roll! I am sure this year will be very successful for you. Are you attending the RE/MAX Convention in Vegas?
Tina Maraj Shah Fullerton Realtor (RE/MAX North Orange County) Thanks. No not this year. I have decided to pass.
Jim,
Closing a transaction, either on the real estate side or the mortgage side, measures our effectiveness. Especially in today's tough market it really requires for perseverance and skill. Congrats on the getting this article published.
Esko Kiuru - Las Vegas NV Mortgage Consultant (Sinifox Financial) Thanks so much. I really feel it all about knowledge and professionalism.