It's all about the experience...

Being part of a real estate transaction can be one of two
things:
  
     -Enjoyable
     -A Nightmare

My responsibility as a professional Realtor is to
make your experience on both the buy and sell side as enjoyable as
possible. If care, detail, and
organization are not implemented, your home buying/selling
experience can be just flat out stressful.

Here are some key items found
in a professional Realtor
that will make your experience enjoyable, so enjoyable that you'll want to work
with them again:

1. Knowledge- It is key in a
transaction that your agent knows what they are doing, and be able to answer
questions as they arise. If unable to answer a question or concern, the Realtor must have the desire to
seek out the answers, and report back. Not every agent is going to know every
detail of every transaction, no matter how long they've been in the business. It
is paramount that they be able to admit when they do not know the
answer to a question, versus leading the client through dishonesty. I always
say, "If I do not know the answer to a question, I will find it."

2. Ethics- Know your agent. An easy way to see if an agent is
right for you is to examine how they interact with other agents. Permit no room
for "little white lies", or unethical behavior. Remember that any
member of the National
Association of Realtors is bound to live by a strict code
of ethics.

3. Punctuality- The biggest pitfall in the
all too common disease "excusitis" is poor punctuality. If an agent can not make it
early or on time to your appointment, consider a second
opinion.

4. Presentation- Have you ever sold a home
where you interviewed more than one agent to take the listing? Did one agent
have a much better presentation with factual data to solidify price and terms?
Did you make the mistake of working with an agent that didn't prepare a
personalized marketing plan to fit your needs? In the "hay-day" of the
market, some agents could get away with poor marketing. Now, they
are no longer my competition. On the same token, have you ever
been in a dirty vehicle with an agent, driving from home to home? A dirty
vehicle means a disorganized agent, which means more headaches for you.

5. Professionalism- First impressions are everything. You will
make a judgment on your agent within the first 30 seconds of meeting. After that
judgment is passed, you will subconsciously do everything possible to prove why
this person is or isn't a great Realtor. What is the best way to promise
professionalism? Dress. A proper pressed suit with a necktie, clean shoes, and
well groomed hair speaks more about the agent than they can speak about
themselves. How can you trust a Realtor that shows up in a T-Shirt and jeans,
promising you top level service? No level of experience will outweigh first
impressions.

6. Listening- Does your agent listen to you? I
mean really listen? We all have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason. If
your agent doesn't take the time and energy to listen to what you have to say,
they aren't working to your best interests, therefore not fulfilling their
fiduciary duties. They are literally telling you that your thoughts and concerns
are not worth their energy. Listening means that your agent has the confidence
to deal with any objections or problems that come with every real estate
transaction.

A strong Realtor should be confident, virtuous,
knowledgable, professional, punctual, and prepared. For an
enjoyable home buying/selling experience, make sure to call a
professional.

Cheers!