Real Estate Agents and Clients

I read an article a few days ago online in regards to things your- or any- real estate agent doesn’t want you to know about themselves or the profession. This prompted me to think about what the public doesn’t know about real estate agents and what agents would like the public to know.

First and foremost this is a job/career/profession. And just like any job/career/profession a real estate agent is working in exchange for a paycheck. This may sound callous but it is the truth. There is the impression that real estate agents are money hungry salespeople with no scruples. In fact agents just want to make a paycheck for the work that is done. I don’t know of a single person who goes to work each day but doesn’t really care if they get paid or not.

This does bring up my next point- some agents have more ethics and scruples than others. It is up to the consumer (the buyer, the seller) to determine which agent they want to put their trust in, and who they want working for them. There are many agents to choose from (over 140,000 licensees in AZ)- find one that fits your needs, and with whom you can trust with your personal business. The relationship between client and agent is just that – a relationship. Make sure you like the person and that they like you. It makes the sales process much more enjoyable for all parties.

Work with one agent, and one agent only per transaction. If you are person in the market to buy a home- choose an agent to work with- but don’t work with 5 different agents. All agents have access to the same information. If the agent you have chosen isn’t providing you with all the information you need- tell them. Ask questions, explain what you are looking to receive. If you find that you don’t have the relationship you desire with that agent- tell them that you aren’t satisfied and want to work with a different agent. Believe me- agents will be much more receptive to the truth- than if they find out that all the work they have done is only adding to the work that 5 other agents have done for you.

The real estate agent has to uphold fiduciary duties to the client- and one of those is loyalty. The agent simply wants the loyalty to go both ways.

Communication is key- just like any other relationship.

Finally- as I mentioned earlier- there are over 140,000 people with a real estate license in Arizona. Granted – only about 50,000 are active- meaning they are legally allowed to sell real estate. But- this just goes to show that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to get your real estate license. With that being said- the consumer will need to verify that the agent with whom they wish to work has the experience, knowledge and ability to meet the needs of the consumer. Whether it is selling a short sale, finding a home as a first time buyer, relocating to the area, or buying an investment property- make sure the agent knows how to get the job done. Just because you have a distant cousin with a real estate license- does not mean he/she is equipped to sell your short sale or guide you thru the process. You wouldn’t go to a dentist ,doctor or lawyer  just because they were family- why should that be the only requirement for your real estate agent?

Use a professional and you will get professional results. Bottom line.