06.30.08
Does Reputation Matter?
I don’t think it’s difficult to see how working with a recognizable company like RE/MAX Properties can benefit you in a home sale. But what about the reputation of the specific Realtor you hire to represent you? Does it matter?
I would argue that recognition and trust are some of the most important qualities that people look for when selecting a Realtor. In fact, Quality Service Certification (QSC) tracks the way that home buyers find the homes they end up purchasing. According to their latest study:
9.45% “knew the associate personally”
5.4% were a “satisfied past customer” of the Realtor
6.75% looked for “company name and reputation”
These numbers translate to 21.6% of Buyers acting on relationships and recognition.
Besides having someone you feel comfortable with (and an agent who will truly represent you as an advocate) what are some of the other benefits of listing your home with a professional who has a good reputation?
- They know the market (and Buyers see this).
I get calls from Buyers who see/hear my name in the neighborhood. I can tell them about the trends and the activity. Then I am able to give them more details about the homes I have listed for sale that meet their needs. This turns experience into qualified Buyers viewing the homes I represent.
- They get people to act.
Having the right information come from a reliable source means people can let their force field down and really interact with the experience. A home purchase is a big stop for a lot of people. Most approach the activity with their guard up. When they come into contact with a Realtor who is trustworthy (and can prove it) they are more likely to act. - They attract cooperating Brokers.
There are Realtors around Colorado Springs, especially those at limited service brokerages who have the reputation that they don’t facilitate fair negotiations or easy communication. With so much inventory out there, why deal with dishonest people? In fact, I feel it’s my duty when working with Buyers to inform them of my previous dealings with real estate agents (whether good or bad) so they can decide which people they would like to deal with.
When you make the decision to list your home with a Realtor with a good reputation, you get more showing activity. This often results in more offers, a quicker and more profitable sale. Don’t overlook the warning signs when you interview Realtors. Work with someone who is honest, ethical and has your best interests at heart.
