Active vs. Passive–Your Choice

"There are three types of people in this world:  those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and those who wondered what happen.”  Unknown author.

Seasoned vs. newly licensed; corporate/franchise representative vs. independent representative; neighbor vs. outsider; friend/family vs. business acquaintance; market share vs. just breaking into the area; discount vs. full-service; the choices are many, however you have a choice.

I would like to briefly delve into the difference of each and then conclude the real choice to make.

Seasoned vs. newly licensed:  There is a lot to be said about experience, but never discount a fresh voice with fresh ideas, and many times, a better finger on the pulse of today’s buyers.

Corporate/Franchise vs. Independent Representative:  There was a time when the corporate real estate company had all the toys; however, now with the strength and magnitude of the internet, everyone has access to the same tools --it is whether or not the tools are being accessed.

Neighbor vs. outsider:  Without a doubt, a neighbor Realtor has a motivation to sell a neighbor’s home for a higher price as the sale of the home will have a direct correlation to the value of their personal property but does it also cloud their perception of the true value of a property whereas, the one living outside the neighborhood may have a more unbiased opinion.

Friend/family vs. business acquaintance:  The major concern is when using a friend/family, can the relationship be kept separate and, if necessary, can you fire them, whereas, will a business acquaintance care as much.  (See  )  Hiring an agent should be strictly a business decision.

Market share vs. just breaking into the area:  When looking at a company that has market share, the success is (or was) there.  Just be aware that a company with market share may become too comfortable being in that position, therefore, possibly becoming complacent in their approach to marketing a home when just breaking into an area may be tantamount to making a name for themselves by working much harder.

Discount vs. Full-service:  You get what you pay for so look at what is best for you; just get all the facts.

The most important choice you need to make to have a successful real estate transaction of which supersedes any of the above choices:  the use of an ACTIVE AGENT or a PASSIVE AGENT. This choice is not always one that is easily recognizable when interviewing Realtors for the job.  (And yes, you should interview agents and real estate companies before you select one.  Even if you have someone in mind, it is always good to compare for two reasons:  it will keep the agent you wanted on their toes and validates your decision – or refutes it)

An active agent will have knowledge of the area, will understand the target market, knows pricing, a written plan to sell your home or to assist you in buying a home, and work it (or make adjustments in a fast/fail motion), communicating with you along the entire process, while incorporating their office environment to get your house sold or to find a house for you to purchase.  An active agent will tell you what you need to hear.  An active agent makes things happen. 

On the other hand, passive agent will take a new home listing, give the listing to their office and stick the proverbial sign in the ground and wait for something to happen.  A passive agent will tell you what you want to hear.  A passive agent waits for things to happen.

So if you are looking to sell or buy in a timely matter, go active; if you have the time and are just testing the market, go passive.

Jeffrey David Halpern, Broker-Salesperson

Vice President-Branch Manager

Coccia Realty, Inc., Madison

jeff@mycoccia.com