Unfortunately, many people can recall negative experiences they have had with real estate agents. Oftentimes, these kinds of experiences can result in loss of time, money and effort on the part of the client. This makes the job of the majority of agents who wish to provide value to their clients seem rather difficult. However, the choice of what kind of experience you wish to provide for your client is a simple matter of making a commitment to a certain standard of excellence. You can do this by avoiding behaviors that only an agent who can best be described as a charlatan would indulge in.
Shady Real Estate Practices to Avoid (Some are actually illegal)
- Not listening: An agent who doesn’t listen is more likely to have an agenda that is either different from the client or is uninterested in his or her needs.
- “Hooking” the buyer: Quoting a price that the seller has not agreed to is not only unethical as a real estate professional, it is actually illegal. However, charlatan agents cover for this by simply making no documentation of their “quote” to a buyer. Thus, it becomes their word against the buyer.
- Agents who just want to sell – at any price: We all know that the size of the commission is based on the price the property sells for. So, why would any real estate professional desire to sell a property for anything less than the highest price? To produce high turnover and go on to the next property. This can end up hurting the buyer/seller because he or she has not received the full value on the home.
Best Real Estate Practices
On the other hand, you can end up being an invaluable asset to people wanting to buy or sell a home. This is a life changing event that can impact more than your client’s pocketbook. It can affect where he or she will send his or her children for school, the businesses they will patronize in their new neighborhood etc. You can be a Good Samaritan by being transparent with your client at all times and by establishing strong lines of communications with everyone who will be involved in your transactions. Moreover, you should never promise more than you can deliver. You can further aid your clients by automating your probate leads marketing program which can help you find probate property and provide you with the best real estate leads. Our program gives you a solid foundation upon which you can add your desire to serve your client’s best interest. It all starts with you making the choice of which you desire to be for your clients – an asset or liability, a charlatan or a Good Samaritan.